Image forming device

Abstract

To shorten time for print processing by arranging a plurality of pieces of image data in a main scanning direction in an image forming apparatus forming a plurality of images on a sheet according to a reading result.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus executes a procedure of S5 acquiring a paper size of a surface of document paper P, processing of acquiring a paper size of recording paper S in a main scanning direction, procedures of S110 and S115 of determining whether the paper size of the document paper P is a size in which a plurality of pieces of document paper can be arranged in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S on the basis of the acquired paper size of the document paper P and the acquired paper size of the recording paper S, and layout processing of, when determining that the arrangement is possible, controlling an image forming unit 5 to form an image in which a plurality of pieces of scan image data of the document paper P is arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, and when determining that the arrangement is not possible, controlling the image forming unit 5 to form an image in which two pieces of scan image data are arranged side by side in a sub-scanning direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet in accordance with the result of reading an original. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, there is known a technique for obtaining the long and short side lengths of two images to be printed, and arranging the images to be printed so that the long sides match the short sides of the paper to be printed, or arranging the images to be printed so that the long sides match the long sides of the paper to be printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-104324 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, the layout direction of multiple image data is determined so that they can be collectively arranged without waste on the printing target paper. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the printing process time, it is effective to arrange multiple image data in the main scanning direction as little as possible in the sub-scanning direction in the image forming operation of the image forming unit. In the above conventional technology, no particular consideration was given to such a point.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration in an image forming device that forms multiple images on a sheet based on the reading results, which can shorten the printing process by arranging multiple image data in the main scanning direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an image forming device comprising a reading unit that reads the first and second sides of a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a data size acquisition process that acquires the size of image data of the first side of the document read by the reading unit, a sheet size acquisition process that acquires the size of the sheet in the main scanning direction of the image forming unit, a first determination process that determines whether the image data can be arranged multiple times in the main scanning direction on the sheet based on the size of the image data acquired in the data size acquisition process and the size of the sheet acquired in the sheet size acquisition process, and an image data arrangement process that controls the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction when it is determined that the image data can be arranged multiple times in the main scanning direction, and controls the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction when it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged multiple times in the main scanning direction.

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a reading unit, an image forming unit, and a control unit, and the control unit performs a data size acquisition process, a sheet size acquisition process, a first determination process, and an arrangement data arrangement process. In the data size acquisition process, the reading unit reads a first side of a document, and the size of the image data of the first side is acquired. In the sheet size acquisition process, the size of the sheet in the main scanning direction of the reading unit is acquired.

[0008] In the first determination process, it is determined whether the size of the image data of the first side is large enough to allow multiple arrangements in the main scanning direction on the sheet based on the acquired results. If multiple arrangements in the main scanning direction are possible, the image forming unit forms an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction based on control in the arrangement data arrangement process. If multiple arrangements in the main scanning direction are not possible, the image forming unit forms an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction based on control in the arrangement data arrangement process.

[0009] As a result, when the size of the image data for the first side is large enough to allow multiple images to be arranged in the main scanning direction, the image forming unit forms two images corresponding to the image data for the first side and the second side, respectively, side by side in the main scanning direction, which reduces the time required for printing compared to forming at least those two images side by side in the sub-scanning direction. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that forms a plurality of images on a sheet in accordance with the results of reading, the printing process can be shortened by arranging a plurality of image data in the main scanning direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between scanned image data, print image data, and a formed image. [Figure 4] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating layout processing for arranging the scanned image data of the front and back sides on the print image data. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a case where scanned image data is rotated and then subjected to layout processing. [Figure 6]5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating dimensions of each part in a formed image. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing landscape and portrait type ID cards. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in layout pattern 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in layout pattern 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in layout pattern 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in layout pattern 4. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in layout pattern 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in a layout pattern 6. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of scanned image data in a layout pattern 7. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic representation of a landscape type layout pattern table. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a layout pattern table for a portrait type. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a scanned image data attitude table. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a batch printing process and a sequential printing process. [Figure 19] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure executed by a CPU. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure for a layout process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure for batch printing processing. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure for a sequential printing process. [Figure 23]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case where layout pattern 1 is applied to a recording sheet with a small paper size. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure for a paper feed tray determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2, which includes a supply unit 3, a transport unit 4, an image forming unit 5, a discharge unit 8, and an original scanning unit 10. The side where the discharge unit 8 is located is the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the side where the transport unit 4 is located is the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. The side where the supply unit 3 is located is the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the side where the original scanning unit 10 is located is the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0013] <Supply unit> The supply unit 3 includes a paper feed tray 30 detachably attached to the lower part of the device body 2, and a paper feed roller 32. The paper feed tray 30 can accommodate recording paper S to be used for image formation. The paper feed roller 32 is provided at the rear of the paper feed tray 30 so as to contact the upper surface of the recording paper S. At the rear of the image forming device 1, a transport path L is formed from the paper feed roller 32 to the discharge unit 8 via the transport unit 4 and the image forming unit 5. When recording paper S is held in the paper feed tray 30, the paper feed roller 32 takes out the recording paper S from the paper feed tray 30 one by one and transports it along the transport path L toward the transport unit 4 and the image forming unit 5. Although not shown in particular, the device body 2 is provided with a plurality of supply units 3 corresponding to different paper sizes, and recording paper S of the corresponding paper size is placed in each paper feed tray 30. The recording paper S is an example of a sheet, and the paper feed tray 30 is an example of a storage section.

[0014] <Transport unit> The transport unit 4 holds the recording paper S supplied from the supply unit 3 and transports it to the image forming unit 5. The transport unit 4 includes a transport roller 33a driven by a motor (not shown) and a registration roller 34. The transport roller 33a is a roller that applies a transport force to the recording paper S. The recording paper S transported from the paper feed roller 32 toward the transport roller 33a is sandwiched between the transport roller 33a and the paper dust removing roller 33b, and transported along the transport path L toward the registration roller 34. The registration roller 34 corrects the posture of the recording paper S, and then transports it to the image forming unit 5.

[0015] <Image forming unit> The image forming unit 5 forms an image on the recording paper S transported from the transport unit 4 by a known electrophotographic method, inkjet method, thermal transfer method, or the like, and performs printing. The recording paper S transported from the image forming unit 5 toward the transport rollers 37 is sandwiched by the transport rollers 37 and transported along the transport path L toward the discharge rollers 81. The image forming unit 5 is an example of an image forming section.

[0016] <Discharge unit> The discharge unit 8 discharges the recording paper S, on which an image has been formed and discharged from the image forming unit 5, to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. The discharge unit 8 includes a discharge roller 81, a discharge roller 82, a discharge port 83, and a discharge tray 84. The discharge roller 81 is driven to rotate by the power from the motor described above, and transports the recording paper S, discharged from the image forming unit 5, toward the discharge tray 84.

[0017] <Document Scan Unit> The document scanning unit 10 includes a flatbed 11 provided above the device body 2, and a rotating top plate 12 provided above the flatbed 11 so as to be rotatable. The flatbed 11 includes a glass plate 11a provided so as to be horizontally stretched across the upper surface thereof, and an image sensor 210 that can move in the front-rear direction along a guide rail 11b just below the glass plate 11a. The image sensor 210 is a line image reading sensor that extends across the entire glass plate 11a in the left-right direction in the figure, and moves across the entire glass plate 11a in the front-rear direction in the figure by being driven by a motor and a feed screw, not shown. This allows the image sensor 210 to optically read (hereinafter referred to as scanning) a written image on the entire lower surface of a document paper P, not shown, placed on the upper surface of the glass plate 11a.

[0018] The rotating top panel 12 can be opened and closed relative to the flatbed 11 by rotating around a hinge 13 located at the front side in the figure. With the rotating top panel 12 open, the user places the original paper P on the glass plate 11a of the flatbed 11, and with the rotating top panel 12 closed, the user causes the image sensor 210 to scan the bottom surface of the original paper P. The original scanning unit 10 is an example of a reading section.

[0019] <Control system> The operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1, including the rotation and stopping of the motor described above, is controlled by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 20, which is an integrated circuit for a specific application. A block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 1 including the ASIC 20 is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the ASIC 20 includes a CPU 100. The ASIC 20 is connected to a ROM 110, a RAM 120, a touch panel 130 that displays a desired image and is operable by a user, an image forming unit 5, a rotation drive circuit 150, a network control unit 170, and an image sensor 210. The CPU 100 is an example of a control unit.

[0020] The ROM 110 stores various control programs necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, including control programs for executing the respective flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 and FIG. 24 described later. The CPU 100 controls each part according to the program read from the ROM 110 and executes the respective flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 and FIG. 24 described later. Also, in a part of the storage area of the RAM 120, an image data storage area 120a is set to store scan image data of the result of scanning the original paper P by the image sensor 210 and print image data generated by the layout processing described later.

[0021] Further, the CPU 100 outputs a print instruction signal to the image forming unit 5 via the ASIC 20, thereby instructing the image forming unit 5 to form an image on the recording paper S. Also, the CPU 100 controls the rotation of the motor by outputting a drive control signal to the rotation drive circuit 150 that controls the rotation of the aforementioned motor via the ASIC 20. Furthermore, the CPU 100 controls the network control unit 170 via the ASIC 20 to perform transmission and reception of information with the external terminal 300 via wireless or wired network communication.

[0022] The image sensor 210 is a reflection type sensor having a light emitting unit 211a that emits outgoing light La and a light receiving unit 211b that can receive the reflected light Lb of the outgoing light La emitted from the light emitting unit 211a.

[0023] <Regarding the ID card copy printing function> One of the functions available in the image forming apparatus 1 configured as above is a copy function. In this copy function, an image of a manuscript paper P scanned by the manuscript scanning unit 10 is printed directly onto a recording paper S to perform a copy as a duplicate print. In the copy function executed in this embodiment, an ID card is assumed as the manuscript paper P to be copied, and ID card copy printing is performed in which two images obtained by scanning the front and back sides of the manuscript paper P are arranged in a predetermined layout and printed on one side of a single recording paper S. Note that the ID card copy printing function of this embodiment is based on the premise that the enlargement / reduction function is not used. Also, the manuscript paper P is an example of a manuscript, the front side of the manuscript paper P is an example of the first side, and the back side of the manuscript paper P is an example of the second side.

[0024] Here, various definitions and conditions required for designing the processing configuration of the above-mentioned ID card copy and print function will be explained below. First, to realize the copy function as described above, two processing configurations are required: scanning of original paper P by the original scanning unit 10, and printing on recording paper S by the image forming unit 5. The relationship between these two configurations is defined as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) shows the scanned image data obtained by scanning original paper P by the original scanning unit 10, Fig. 3(b) shows the print image data generated by performing a predetermined layout process on the scanned image data, and Fig. 3(c) shows the formed image obtained by printing the print image data directly on recording paper S.

[0025] In FIG. 3(a), as described above, the image sensor 210 is a line image reading sensor extending across the left-right direction of the glass plate 11a. By moving the image sensor 210 across the entire glass plate 11a from one side to the other in the front-rear direction, the written image on the entire lower surface of the manuscript paper P can be optically scanned. At this time, the direction of one line that can be scanned at once by the image sensor 210, that is, the above-mentioned extension direction, and particularly the direction from the left side to the right side in the illustrated example in this embodiment, is called the main scanning direction. Also, the direction in which the image sensor 210 moves is called the sub-scanning direction. Note that when a user places a rectangular ID card Pid on the rectangular glass plate 11a, one of the corners of the ID card Pid is aligned with a specific corner point on the upstream edge of the glass plate 11a in the sub-scanning direction, and each side of the ID card Pid is arranged so as to be parallel or perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The ID card Pid may be placed either vertically or horizontally at the user's discretion.

[0026] Then, the image sensor 210 extracts and acquires only the image of the area where the ID card Pid exists from the entire area of ​​the glass plate 11a as scanned image data. Next, the CPU 100 performs layout processing, which will be described later, on the acquired scanned image data to generate print image data in which the scanned image data of the ID card Pid is rearranged in a predetermined position and orientation on an area of ​​a recording paper S of a predetermined size as shown in Fig. 3(b). Then, the supply unit 3, transport unit 4, and image forming unit 5 work together to print a formed image with the same content as the print image data on a recording paper S of the same predetermined size as the print image data, as shown in Fig. 3(c).

[0027] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 5 is an inkjet type, and the direction in which the ink head 51 of the serial head type moves to print one line as shown in FIG. 3(c) is also called the main scanning direction as in the image sensor 210, and the direction in which the line printing proceeds is also called the sub-scanning direction. In this manner, in this embodiment, the corresponding directions are defined by the same main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction in the scan area, data area, and print area shown in each of FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c). Although not shown, if the ink head is a line head type, the length direction of the head corresponds to the main scanning direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, in this ID card copy printing function, the front and back sides of one ID card Pid, ​​which is a manuscript paper P, are scanned separately, and the two acquired scan image data are combined in a predetermined arrangement to generate one print image data. In this layout processing, the orientation, that is, the posture, of the front scan image data and the back scan image data in the print image data with respect to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is also specified based on a specific layout pattern described later. Therefore, if the posture of the scanned scan image data differs from the posture specified in the layout processing, it is necessary to rotate and correct the posture of the scan image data to the specified posture when generating the print image data, as shown in FIG. 5. In this image data rotation processing, it is necessary to rotate the image data taking into consideration the up-down direction of characters and figures written in the image, but a specific method for this may be a known method, and the details thereof will be omitted here.

[0029] The dimensions of each part in the formed image are defined as shown in FIG. 6. The ID card Pid of the manuscript paper P is assumed to be rectangular, and the dimensions of the long side Lg and short side Wg are the same on both the front and back sides. As described above, this embodiment is premised on not using the enlargement / reduction function, so the dimensions of the long side Lg and short side Wg of this ID card Pid are applied in the same manner in the scanned image data, the printed image data, and the formed image. As for the size of the manuscript paper P, both the length dimension Mp in the main scanning direction and the length dimension Sp in the sub-scanning direction are applied in the same manner in the scanned image data, the printed image data, and the formed image.

[0030] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of supply units 3 each storing recording paper S of different paper sizes, and the user can select and use the recording paper S of the desired paper size. However, in the following, for ease of understanding, a rectangular paper size that is long in the vertical direction in the figure, with the width dimension Mp in the main scanning direction as the short side and the length dimension Sp in the sub-scanning direction as the long side, is illustrated and described as a common example. Also, as shown in the figure, the scanned image data of the front and back sides of the ID card Pid may be arranged so that predetermined margins D1 and D2 are provided on each edge of the recording paper S, or a predetermined interval D3 is provided between the front and back sides, or the margins D1, D2 and interval D3 may not be provided. When the margins D1, D2 and interval D3 are provided, the paper size may be appropriately corrected taking into account the dimensions of the margins D1, D2 and interval D3. The dimensions Si shown in the figure will be described in detail later.

[0031] In this embodiment, the ID card Pid to be applied to the manuscript paper P is of two types: a landscape type shown in Fig. 7(a) and a portrait type shown in Fig. 7(b). In both types, the character string of the written text is written horizontally, and the landscape type differs in that the long side Lg of the ID card Pid is parallel to the horizontal writing direction, i.e., the left-right direction of the characters, while the portrait type differs in that the long side Lg is perpendicular to the horizontal writing direction. In this way, the size of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the manuscript paper P, is a rectangle with long side Lg and short side Wg of different dimensions, and the long side Lg and short side Wg are defined based only on the difference in the length between them and are not dependent on the facing direction of the written content of the ID card Pid.

[0032] <Layout processing conditions> Next, in this embodiment, the layout conditions in the layout process that determines the position and orientation in which the two scanned image data of the front and back of the ID card Pid are arranged in one print image data area will be described in detail. Here, while there are various possible arrangements for arranging multiple scanned image data in one print image data area, in this embodiment, the following layout conditions are set to achieve the purpose of shortening the printing process in ID card copy printing.

[0033] (1) Place the two scanned image data so that they are aligned in the main scanning direction as much as possible. As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the image forming unit 5 is of an inkjet type, and its ink head 51 prints one line in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S repeatedly in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 3(c) above). For this reason, from the viewpoint of shortening the printing process time, it is effective to arrange the two scanned image data so that they are aligned in the main scanning direction, rather than aligned in the sub-scanning direction, as much as possible.

[0034] (2) Make the length of the entire printing area in the sub-scanning direction as short as possible. The rectangular area that envelops the two scan image data arranged on the print image data area becomes the actual print area of ​​the ink head 51, and printing operations outside this print area can be omitted at least in the sub-scanning direction to shorten the time. For this reason, it is effective to arrange the two scan image data so as to shorten the sub-scanning direction length Si (see FIG. 6 above) of the entire print area as much as possible.

[0035] (3) The entire printing area is shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction. In areas other than the printing area, the ink head 51 can be moved in the sub-scanning direction or the recording paper S can be transported relatively quickly. For this reason, from the perspective of shortening the printing process time, it is effective to position the entire printing area toward the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction.

[0036] (4) The orientation of the scanned image data is not limited. When considering the readability of the contents of the ID card Pid, ​​it is ideal to unify the orientation of each of the two scanned image data in the main scanning direction. However, if it is necessary to set different orientations for each of them in order to align them in the main scanning direction to satisfy the above layout condition (1), the orientation is appropriately corrected to prioritize shortening the printing process time.

[0037] <About layout patterns> In the layout process, it is necessary to arrange the two scanned image data so that they fit within the print image data area while satisfying the type of manuscript paper P, the dimensional conditions of the paper sizes of the manuscript paper P and the recording paper S, and the above-mentioned layout conditions. For this reason, in this embodiment, one of the seven layout patterns shown in Figures 8 to 14 is applied as a standard pattern, and the layout process of the two scanned image data is performed based on that.

[0038] The layout pattern 1 shown in FIG. 8 is an ideal arrangement for landscape-type originals that can minimize the printing process time. That is, by arranging two scanned image data in the main scanning direction and placing them at positions shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction with their short sides Wg parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the length Si in the sub-scanning direction over the entire printing area can be minimized. Therefore, as conditions for applying the layout pattern 1, it is necessary to satisfy the dimensional conditions that the long side Lg of the original paper P is smaller than 1 / 2 of the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S (Lg < Mp / 2), and the short side Wg of the original paper P is smaller than the sub-scanning direction length Sp of the recording paper S (Wg < Sp).

[0039] Next, the layout pattern 2 shown in FIG. 9 is an arrangement to be applied when two scanned image data cannot be arranged in the main scanning direction for landscape-type originals, that is, when the long side Lg of the original paper P is larger than 1 / 2 of the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S. At this time, by arranging two scanned image data in the sub-scanning direction and placing them at positions shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction with their short sides Wg parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the length Si in the sub-scanning direction over the entire printing area can be minimized. Therefore, as conditions for applying the layout pattern 2, it is necessary to satisfy the dimensional conditions that the long side Lg of the original paper P is equal to or greater than 1 / 2 and smaller than the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S (Mp / 2 ≦ Lg < Mp), and the short side Wg of the original paper P is smaller than 1 / 2 of the sub-scanning direction length Sp of the recording paper S (Wg < Sp / 2).

[0040] Next, the layout pattern 3 shown in FIG. 10 is an arrangement applicable when two scanned image data can be arranged in the main scanning direction only by setting them in different postures for a landscape-type document. At this time, while arranging the two scanned image data in the main scanning direction, one short side Wg is set in a posture parallel to the sub-scanning direction, and the other short side Wg is set in a posture parallel to the main scanning direction, and both are arranged at positions shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction, so that the length Si in the sub-scanning direction over the entire printing area can be minimized. For this reason, as conditions for applying the layout pattern 3, the long side Lg of the document sheet P should be equal to or more than 1 / 2 of the length Mp in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet S and less than the length Mp in the main scanning direction (Mp / 2 ≦ Lg < Mp), and the short side Wg of the document sheet P should be less than the difference between the length Mp in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet S and the long side Lg of the document sheet P (Wg < Mp - Lg). Note that depending on the dimensional relationship of each sheet size, there may be cases where both the above layout pattern 2 and this layout pattern 3 satisfy the application conditions, but in this embodiment, this layout pattern 3 is preferentially applied.

[0041] Next, the layout pattern 4 shown in FIG. 11 is an ideal arrangement for a portrait-type document that can minimize the printing process time. That is, while arranging the two scanned image data in the main scanning direction, each short side Wg is arranged at a position shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction in the same posture parallel to the sub-scanning direction, so that the length Si in the sub-scanning direction over the entire printing area can be minimized. For this reason, as conditions for applying the layout pattern 4, the long side Lg of the document sheet P should be less than 1 / 2 of the length Mp in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet S (Lg < Mp / 2), and the short side Wg of the document sheet P should be less than the length Sp in the sub-scanning direction of the recording sheet S (Wg < Sp).

[0042] Next, the layout pattern 5 shown in FIG. 12 is an arrangement applicable when, for a portrait-type document, two scanned image data cannot be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, that is, when the long side Lg of the document paper P is greater than 1 / 2 of the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S. At this time, while arranging the two scanned image data side by side in the sub-scanning direction, by arranging them at positions shifted to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction with their respective short sides Wg parallel to the sub-scanning direction in the same posture, the sub-scanning direction length Si in the entire printing area can be minimized. Therefore, as a condition for applying the layout pattern 5, the long side Lg of the document paper P should be 1 / 2 or more and less than the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S (Mp / 2 ≤ Lg < Mp), and the short side Wg of the document paper P should be less than 1 / 2 of the sub-scanning direction length Sp of the recording paper S (Wg < Sp / 2).

[0043] Next, the layout pattern 6 shown in FIG. 13 is an arrangement applicable when, for a portrait-type document, two scanned image data can be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction only by setting them in different postures. At this time, while arranging the two scanned image data side by side in the main scanning direction, one short side Wg is set in a posture parallel to the sub-scanning direction, and the other short side Wg is set in a posture parallel to the main scanning direction, and by arranging them at positions shifted to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction length Si in the entire printing area can be minimized. Therefore, as a condition for applying the layout pattern 6, the long side Lg of the document paper P should be 1 / 2 or more and less than the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S (Mp / 2 ≤ Lg < Mp), and the short side Wg of the document paper P should be less than the difference between the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording paper S and the long side Lg of the document paper P (Wg < Mp - Lg). Although there may be cases where the dimensional relationships of each paper size satisfy the application conditions of both the above layout pattern 5 and this layout pattern 6, in this embodiment, this layout pattern 6 is preferentially applied.

[0044] Next, the layout pattern 7 shown in FIG. 14 is applicable when, for a portrait-type document, although it does not satisfy the applicable dimension conditions of either of the above layout patterns 4 and 6, it has dimension conditions that allow two scanned image data to be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. That is, while arranging two scanned image data side by side in the main scanning direction, each short side Wg is arranged at a position shifted upstream in the sub-scanning direction in the same posture parallel to the main scanning direction. For this reason, as conditions for applying the layout pattern 7, the long side Lg of the document sheet P needs to satisfy the dimension conditions that the long side Lg of the document sheet P is equal to or greater than the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording sheet S and less than the sub-scanning direction length Sp (Mp ≦ Lg < Sp), and the short side Wg of the document sheet P is less than half of the main scanning direction length Mp of the recording sheet S (Wg < Mp / 2).

[0045] In the present embodiment, when selecting which of the seven layout patterns 1 to 7 shown above to apply in the layout process, the selection is made with reference to one of the layout pattern tables shown in FIG. 15 or FIG. 16. When the type of the document sheet P is landscape, the landscape-type layout pattern table shown in FIG. 15 is referred to, and when the type of the document sheet P is portrait, the portrait-type layout pattern table shown in FIG. 16 is referred to, and the layout pattern to be applied is selected based on the dimensional relationship of each paper size. In any of the layout pattern tables, the layout pattern to be applied can be determined by the combination of which dimension condition category each of the long side Lg and the short side Wg of the document sheet P to be used belongs to. In this case, an example of the first determination process is to determine whether the layout patterns 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 can be applied, that is, whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to be arranged in a plurality in the main scanning direction on the recording sheet S.

[0046] Furthermore, the short side Wg may fall into multiple dimensional condition categories depending on its dimension itself and its relationship to the size of the recording paper S, but these multiple dimensional condition categories are applied in the order of priority, second place, and last, based on the viewpoint of shortening the printing process time. If the dimensional relationship does not fall into any of the layout patterns in these layout pattern tables, error processing is executed as it is determined that the size of the two scanned image data cannot be arranged on the recording paper S. Furthermore, the scanned image data orientation table shown in Figure 17 is referenced to determine in what orientation the front side scanned image data and back side scanned image data should be arranged when applying the determined layout pattern.

[0047] <About the printing process> In the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, in order to further shorten the printing process, the printing process is performed by coordinating the document scanning unit 10 and the image forming unit 5, and two types of printing process are used selectively: a batch printing process shown in FIG. 18(a) and a sequential printing process shown in FIG. 18(b).

[0048] In any printing process, the ID card Pid must be scanned by sequentially and individually on the front and back sides. In detail, the user first places the ID card Pid on the glass plate 11a of the flatbed 11 with the front side touching the glass plate 11a and presses a start button (not shown), whereby the document scanning unit 10 executes a document pre-scan to simply read only the type and paper size of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document paper P. In the example of this embodiment, the paper size of the recording paper S is set arbitrarily by the user via the touch panel 130 in advance, and at this point, a layout pattern to be applied is determined based on the type and paper size of the ID card Pid and the recording paper S. The document scanning unit 10 then scans the image of the front side of the ID card Pid, ​​and after completion of the scan, the user manually turns the ID card Pid over and presses the start button again to scan the image of the back side. In this way, in the ID card copy printing function of this embodiment, since the two images to be scanned are the front and back sides of one ID card Pid, ​​it is necessary to perform two scanning operations sequentially and individually as described above.

[0049] In contrast, in the printing operation of the image forming unit 5, when any of the above layout patterns 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 is applied, that is, when two scan image data are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction of the recording paper S, simultaneous double-sided printing is possible in a batch printing process. In other words, the ink head 51 in this example simultaneously prints two scan image data corresponding to the front and back sides of the ID card Pid in one line of printing in the main scanning direction of the recording paper S, and repeats this in the sub-scanning direction for the sub-scanning direction length Si in the entire printing area, thereby enabling simultaneous double-sided printing. However, this simultaneous double-sided printing cannot be started unless both the scan image data for the front and back sides have been acquired, as shown in FIG. 18(a).

[0050] On the other hand, when two scan image data are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction of the recording paper S as in the above layout patterns 2 and 5, sequential printing is performed. That is, the ink head 51 in this example prints only one scan image data corresponding to either the front or back side of the ID card Pid in printing one line in the main scanning direction of the recording paper S, and repeats this in the sub-scanning direction to sequentially print the two scan image data of the front and back sides separately. In this sequential printing process, scanning and printing operations for the same side can be performed in parallel only when the conditions described below are satisfied. That is, as shown in FIG. 18(b), front printing can be started while one line scan in the main scanning direction is being repeated in the sub-scanning direction in the front side scan, and the scan image data for one line scan acquired sequentially can be printed sequentially. Back side scanning and back side printing can also be performed in parallel in the same way.

[0051] However, in this way, the scanning operation and the printing operation can be performed in parallel and overlapping in the sequential printing process only when the condition that the scanning posture and the printing posture match is satisfied, that is, when the portrait and landscape orientations of the manuscript paper P in the main scanning direction match in the scanning operation and the printing operation. The situation of whether the scanning posture and the printing posture match is different for each of the front and back sides, and for the sides that do not match, the scanned image data must be rotated after the scanning operation is completed before starting the printing operation. For this reason, in the printing operation, the printing operation may be temporarily interrupted after the front side printing is completed, and the back side printing may be resumed after the back side scanning is completed (not shown). It is possible to start the back side scanning in the middle of the front side printing, regardless of whether the postures match or do not match.

[0052] As described above, in the case of batch printing processing, double-sided simultaneous printing allows printing operations to be performed simultaneously on two scanned image data, thereby shortening the printing process, and in the case of sequential printing processing, scanning operations and printing operations can be performed in parallel and overlapping on sides that satisfy the posture matching conditions, thereby shortening the printing process.

[0053] <Control procedure> As an example of a method for implementing the above method, the control procedure executed by the CPU 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Fig. 19 to Fig. 22. This control procedure is started when the user specifies the paper size of the recording paper S in advance via the touch panel 130, and then presses a start button (not shown) while placing the ID card Pid with its front surface against the glass plate 11a of the flatbed 11. Note that the process performed when the paper size of the recording paper S is specified via the touch panel 130 in this case is an example of a sheet size acquisition process.

[0054] First, in S5, the document scanning unit 10 executes a document prescan to simply read only the paper size of the long side Lg and the short side Wg and determine whether the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document paper P, is a landscape type or a portrait type. Note that this document prescan requires various processes including image recognition, but detailed methods for these processes may be known and will not be described here. Also, this S5 is an example of a data size acquisition process.

[0055] Then, in S10, the paper size of the recording paper S designated in advance by the user is obtained. Then, in the next layout process of S100 (see FIG. 20 described later), the position and attitude at which the two scanned image data are to be arranged on the recording paper S are determined based on the type and paper size of the manuscript paper P obtained in S5 above and the paper size of the recording paper S obtained in S10 above. Note that this layout process of S100 is an example of image data arrangement processing.

[0056] Next, in S15, based on the combination of each paper size obtained above, it is determined whether or not it was determined in the layout process of S100 (see S120 described below) that the two scanned image data of the manuscript paper P can be laid out on the recording paper S. If it was determined that layout was not possible, the result is NO and the process proceeds to S20. In S20, an error process is executed to display on the touch panel 130 a message that ID card copy printing cannot be performed due to the dimensional relationship between the paper size of the ID card Pid and the paper size of the recording paper S. Then, this flow ends.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in S15 that the layout is possible, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S25.

[0058] In S25, it is determined whether or not a batch printing process should be applied as a printing process step. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of layout patterns 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, which arrange two scanned image data side by side in the main scanning direction of the recording paper S, was applied in the layout process in S100. If any of layout patterns 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 was applied in the layout process in S100, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S200. In S200, the batch printing process shown in FIG. 18(a) is executed, and this flow ends.

[0059] On the other hand, in the above S25, if the layout pattern 2, 5 in which the two scanned image data are arranged side by side in the secondary scanning direction of the recording paper S is applied in the layout process of S100, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S300. In S300, the sequential printing process shown in Fig. 8(b) is executed, and this flow ends.

[0060] Next, a detailed control procedure in the layout process of S100 shown in FIG. 20 will be described.

[0061] First, in S105, it is determined whether the type of manuscript paper P acquired in S5 above is landscape type or portrait type. If the type of manuscript paper P is landscape type, the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the landscape type layout pattern table shown in FIG. 15 above is referenced, and it is determined which of layout patterns 1 to 3 is to be applied based on each paper size. Then, the process proceeds to S120 described below.

[0062] On the other hand, if the type of manuscript paper P is portrait type in S105, the process proceeds to S115. In S115, the portrait type layout pattern table shown in Fig. 16 is referenced, and it is determined which of layout patterns 4 to 7 is to be applied based on each paper size. Then, the process proceeds to S120.

[0063] In S120, it is determined whether or not the two scanned image data of the manuscript paper P can be laid out on the recording paper S based on the combination of each paper size. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the combination of each paper size has a dimensional relationship that corresponds to the applicable dimensional conditions of any of the layout patterns in each layout pattern table. If the combination of each paper size does not correspond to the applicable dimensional conditions of any of the layout patterns and cannot be laid out, the result is NO, and this flow ends.

[0064] On the other hand, in the above S120, if the combination of each paper size corresponds to the applicable dimension condition of any of the layout patterns, Layout possible If so, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S125. In S125, the scan image data orientation table shown in Fig. 17 is referenced to determine in what orientation the front side scan image data and the back side scan image data should be arranged in the print image data based on the applied layout pattern.

[0065] Then, in S130, the positions at which the front side scan image data and the back side scan image data should be placed in the print image data are determined based on the applied layout pattern, and this flow ends.

[0066] Next, a detailed control procedure in the batch printing process of S200 shown in FIG. 21 will be described.

[0067] First, in S205, the document scanning unit 10 is operated to start scanning the front side of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document paper P. Then, when the scanning of this front side is completed, the operation of the document scanning unit 10 is stopped in S210.

[0068] Thereafter, in S215, the process loops to wait until the user manually turns over the ID card Pid and presses the start button, and when the start button is pressed, the process proceeds to S220.

[0069] In S220, the document scanning unit 10 is operated again to start scanning the back side of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document paper P. Then, when the scanning of the back side is completed, the operation of the document scanning unit 10 is stopped in S225.

[0070] Next, in S230, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to rotate the front side scan image data in the print image data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the scan attitude when the front side of the ID card Pid is scanned in S205 above differs from the print attitude of the front side scan image data in the applied layout pattern. If it is necessary to rotate the front side scan image data, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S235. In S235, the front side scan image data is rotated 90° using an appropriate image processing method, and the process proceeds to S240.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is not necessary to rotate the front surface scan image data in S230, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to S240.

[0072] In S240, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to rotate the back scan image data in the print image data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the scan posture when the back side of the ID card Pid is scanned in S220 is different from the print posture of the back scan image data in the applied layout pattern. If it is necessary to rotate the back scan image data, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to S245. In S245, the back scan image data is rotated 90° using an appropriate image processing method, and the process proceeds to S250.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is not necessary to rotate the back side scan image data in S240, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to S250.

[0074] In S250, the front side scan image data and the back side scan image data are arranged in predetermined positions and orientations based on the applied layout pattern, and the entirety of these is generated as print image data.

[0075] Thereafter, in S255, the supply unit 3 and the transport unit 4 corresponding to the recording paper S of the specified paper size are operated to start transporting the recording paper S.

[0076] Next, in S260, the image forming unit 5 prints on the recording paper S based on the print image data generated in S250. At this time, in the print image data, the two scan image data are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction based on the applied layout pattern 1, 3, 4, 6, or 7, so that simultaneous double-sided printing is performed. Then, when printing of the print areas of the two scan image data is completed, the operation of the image forming unit 5 is stopped in S265.

[0077] Then, in S270, the transport unit 4 and the discharge unit 8 are operated to discharge the printed recording paper S to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Then, this flow ends.

[0078] Next, a detailed control procedure in the sequential printing process of S300 shown in FIG. 22 will be described.

[0079] First, in S305, the document scanning unit 10 is operated to start scanning the front side of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document P.

[0080] Thereafter, in S310, the supply unit 3 and the transport unit 4 corresponding to the recording paper S of the specified paper size are operated to start transporting the recording paper S.

[0081] Next, in S315, the image forming unit 5 sequentially prints the surface scan image data for the line scans that have been sequentially acquired onto the recording paper S.

[0082] When the front side scanning that follows from S305 above is completed, the operation of the document scanning unit 10 is stopped in S320.

[0083] Then, in S325, the process loops to wait until the user manually turns over the ID card Pid and presses the start button, and when the start button is pressed, the process proceeds to S330. Note that if unprinted line scan data remains in the front side scan image data even after this waiting loop, the printing process by the image forming unit 5 continues in parallel.

[0084] In S330, the document scanning unit 10 is operated again to start scanning the back side of the ID card Pid, ​​which is the document paper P.

[0085] When the printing on the front side, which continues from S315, is completed, the operation of the image forming unit 5 is stopped in S335.

[0086] Then, in S340, during the scanning of the back side continuing from S330, it is determined whether the scan attitude of the back side scan image data of the line scans acquired up to that point matches the print attitude of the back side scan data determined in S125 above. If the scan attitude and print attitude for the back side are different, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to S345.

[0087] In S345, the operation of the transport unit 4 is temporarily interrupted to stop the transport of the recording paper S.

[0088] When the scanning of the back side, which continues from S330, is completed, the operation of the document scanning unit 10 is stopped in S350.

[0089] Thereafter, in S355, the entire back side scan image data obtained is rotated 90 degrees using an appropriate image processing method.

[0090] Next, in S360, the transport unit 4 is operated again to restart transport of the recording paper S.

[0091] Then, in S365, the entire back-side scanned image data rotated in S355 above is printed by the image forming unit 5 onto the recording paper S. Then, the process proceeds to S380, which will be described later.

[0092] On the other hand, in the above S340, if the scanning attitude and the printing attitude for the back side match, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S370.

[0093] In S370, the image forming unit 5 sequentially prints on the recording paper S the sequentially acquired line-scanned back-side scan image data.

[0094] When the scanning of the back side, which continues from S330, is completed, the operation of the document scanning unit 10 is stopped in S375. Then, the process proceeds to S380.

[0095] When the printing on the back side, which continues from S365 or S370, is completed, the operation of the image forming unit 5 is stopped in S380.

[0096] Thereafter, in S385, the transport unit 4 and the discharge unit 8 are operated to discharge the printed recording paper S to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Then, this flow ends.

[0097] <Effects of the embodiment> As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes the document scanning unit 10, the image forming unit 5, and the CPU 100, and the CPU 100 performs the control procedure of S5, the process of accepting the designation of the paper size of the recording paper S from the user on the touch panel 130, the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to allow multiple arrangements in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S by referring to each layout pattern table, and the layout process. In the procedure of S5, the document scanning unit 10 scans the front side of the document paper P, and the size of the scanned image data of the front side is obtained. In the process of accepting the designation of the paper size of the recording paper S from the user on the touch panel 130, the paper size of the recording paper S in the main scanning direction of the document scanning unit 10 is obtained.

[0098] In the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to allow multiple placement in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S, it is determined based on these acquired results whether the size of the scanned image data for the front side is large enough to allow multiple placement in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S. If multiple placement in the main scanning direction is possible, the image forming unit 5 forms an image in which the scanned image data for the front side and the scanned image data for the back side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction based on control in the layout process. If multiple placement in the main scanning direction is not possible, the image forming unit 5 forms an image in which the scanned image data for the front side and the scanned image data for the back side are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction based on control in the layout process.

[0099] As a result, when the size of the front side scan image data is large enough to allow multiple images to be arranged in the main scanning direction, the image forming unit 5 forms two images corresponding to the front side and back side scan image data, respectively, side by side in the main scanning direction. As a result, the printing process can be shortened in time compared to forming at least those two images side by side in the sub-scanning direction.

[0100] In particular, in this embodiment, in the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to allow multiple pieces of scanned image data to be arranged in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S, it is determined whether the long sides Lg of the multiple pieces of scanned image data can be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, and if the long sides Lg can be arranged side by side, an image is formed in which the scanned image data of the front side and the scanned image data of the back side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. In this way, two images corresponding to the scanned image data of the front side and the back side are formed with their long sides Lg arranged side by side in the main scanning direction and their short sides Wg in the sub-scanning direction, so that the printing process can be further shortened.

[0101] Furthermore, particularly in this embodiment, when the original paper P is placed on the original scanning unit 10 so that the long side Lg of the scanned image data of the front side is approximately parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the image data of the front and back sides are rotated by 90 degrees and aligned in the main scanning direction in the layout process to form an image. As a result, even if the original paper P is placed on the original scanning unit 10 so that the long side Lg is oriented in the sub-scanning direction, the short side Wg is processed in the sub-scanning direction during image formation, thereby shortening the printing process time.

[0102] In particular, in this embodiment, when it is determined in the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to be arranged in multiple positions in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S that the long sides Lg of the multiple scanned image data cannot be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, it is determined whether it is possible to arrange the long sides Lg of one of the scanned image data for the front and back sides and the short sides Wg of the other side in the main scanning direction. If it is possible to arrange the long sides Lg and the short sides Wg side by side in the main scanning direction, in the layout process, one scanned image data is not rotated, but the other scanned image data is rotated 90 degrees, and they are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction to form an image. This makes it possible to shorten the printing process compared to forming an image with the one scanned image data and the other scanned image data arranged in the sub-scanning direction.

[0103] In particular, in this embodiment, in the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to allow multiple arrangements in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S, it is determined whether the multiple scanned image data can be arranged side by side with the character left-right direction as the main scanning direction, and if they can be arranged side by side with the character left-right direction as the main scanning direction, an image is formed in which the scanned image data for the front side and the scanned image data for the back side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. In this way, two images corresponding to the scanned image data for the front side and the back side are formed with their long sides Lg aligned in the main scanning direction, so that the printing process can be shortened, and in particular, the image can be formed so that the characters included in the scanned image data are forward-oriented.

[0104] Furthermore, particularly in this embodiment, when the original paper P is placed on the original scanning unit 10 so that the left-right direction of the characters in the scan image data on the front side is approximately parallel to the sub-scanning direction, an image is formed in which the scan image data on the front and back sides are rotated by 90 degrees and aligned in the main scanning direction in the layout process. As a result, even if the original paper P is placed on the original scanning unit 10 so that the left-right direction of the characters is the sub-scanning direction, the image is processed so that the left-right direction is the main scanning direction during image formation, so that the image can be formed so that the characters included in the image data are in the forward direction.

[0105] In particular, in this embodiment, when the scan image data cannot be arranged in the main scanning direction, the image forming unit 5 starts forming an image based on the scan image data of the front side while scanning the back side after the document scanning unit 10 starts scanning the front side, under the control of the CPU 100, and after the document scanning unit 10 completes scanning the back side, the image forming unit 5 forms an image based on the scan image data of the back side. That is, in this embodiment, an image based on the scan image data of the front side is formed while scanning the back side, in other words, the scan operation of the back side and the image forming operation corresponding to the front side are performed at least partially in parallel. As a result, even when the scan image data cannot be arranged in the main scanning direction on the sheet, the printing process can be shortened compared to the case where the scan image data is simply performed in the order of front side scan → image formation corresponding to the front side → back side scan → image formation corresponding to the back side. Note that the fact that the front side printing and back side printing can be performed intermittently on one sheet of recording paper S, that is, the fact that printing can be temporarily interrupted in the middle of printing, is possible because the image forming unit 5 is an inkjet type as in the example of this embodiment, and cannot be performed with other laser types, etc. However, even in the case of a sequential printing process, if the front and back scans are performed consecutively after both are completed, a laser type image forming unit 5 can be used. In the case of this laser type, the length direction of the photoconductor corresponds to the main scanning direction.

[0106] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modifications are also included within the technical scope.

[0107] (1) Automatic selection of recording paper size In the above embodiment, the recording paper S of a paper size arbitrarily selected by the user in advance is used. In contrast, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 corresponding to FIG. 6, it is assumed that a layout pattern 1 can be applied in which two scanned image data are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction on a recording paper S designated by the user with a paper size of short side dimension Mp in the main scanning direction and long side dimension Sp in the sub-scanning direction. In contrast, the same layout pattern 1 may be applicable to a recording paper S' of a smaller paper size with an even shorter short side dimension Mp' and long side dimension Sp'. In this case, it is advantageous to use a recording paper S' of a smaller paper size from the viewpoint of shortening the printing process time. For this reason, in this modified example, a function will be described that automatically selects a recording paper S of the smallest possible paper size while being able to apply an appropriate layout pattern when there is no particular designation from the user.

[0108] In this automatic paper size selection function, the paper size and orientation (portrait or landscape) of recording paper S stored in each paper feed tray 30 of the multiple supply units 3 included in the image forming apparatus 1 are registered in advance. Then, it is determined whether layout pattern 1 is applicable to the registered paper sizes, starting from the smallest, and the smallest applicable paper size is determined.

[0109] As an example of a method for implementing the above method, a control procedure of a paper feed tray determination process S400 executed by the CPU 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 24. This control procedure is executed instead of S10 in the flow of Fig. 19.

[0110] First, in S405, it is determined whether or not the paper size of the recording paper S has been specified by the user. If the paper size of the recording paper S has been specified in advance by the user, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the paper feed tray 30 that contains the recording paper S of the paper size specified by the user is determined to be the paper feed tray 30 to be used. Then, this flow ends.

[0111] On the other hand, if the user has not specified the paper size in S405, the determination is NO, and the process proceeds to S415. In S415, the paper feed tray 30 that contains the smallest size of recording paper S' is selected from among the multiple paper feed trays 30 provided in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0112] Then, in S420, it is determined whether the long side Lg of the original paper P obtained in the original prescan in S5 is smaller than half the main scanning direction dimension Mp' of the recording paper S' in the currently selected paper feed tray 30. Note that the main scanning direction dimension Mp' of the recording paper S' is an example of the sheet width dimension. If the long side Lg is smaller than half the main scanning direction dimension Mp', the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S425.

[0113] In S425, it is determined whether or not the short side Wg of the original paper P obtained by the original prescan in S5 is smaller than the sub-scanning direction dimension Sp' of the recording paper S' in the paper feed tray 30 selected at that time. In other words, this determination in S425, in conjunction with the determination in S420, determines whether or not the paper size of the recording paper S' selected at that time can be applied to the layout pattern 1 in which two scanned image data are arranged in the main scanning direction. Note that these steps of S420 and S425 are an example of a second determination process, and the sub-scanning direction dimension Sp' of the recording paper S' is an example of the length dimension of the sheet. If the short side Wg is smaller than the sub-scanning direction dimension Sp', the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S430.

[0114] In S430, the paper feed tray 30 selected at that time is determined as the paper feed tray 30 to be used for the ID card copy function, and this flow ends.

[0115] On the other hand, in the above S420, if the long side Lg is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the main scanning direction dimension Mp', the result is NO and the process proceeds to S435. Also, in the above S425, if the short side Wg is greater than or equal to the sub-scanning direction dimension Sp', the result is NO and the process also proceeds to S435.

[0116] In S435, it is determined whether there is a paper feed tray 30 with a paper size larger than the one that has not yet been determined in either S420 or S425. If there is no more paper feed tray 30 with an undetermined paper size, the determination is NO and the process proceeds to S430. In this case, the paper feed tray 30 with the largest paper size contained in the image forming apparatus 1 is selected, and a layout pattern applicable to recording paper S' of this largest paper size is determined by the subsequent layout process.

[0117] On the other hand, if there are other paper feed trays 30 with undetermined paper sizes in S435, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to S440. In S440, the paper feed tray 30 with the next smallest paper size after the currently selected paper size is selected, and the process returns to S420 and the same procedure is repeated.

[0118] The paper feed tray determination process of S400 is an example of a storage section specification process, and the above steps of S255 and S310 when feeding recording paper S' to the paper feed tray 30 determined in S400 is an example of a paper feed process.

[0119] As described above, in this modified example, a plurality of types of recording paper S' having different sizes are stored in a plurality of paper feed trays 30, respectively, according to the type. The CPU 100 executes the paper feed tray determination process of S400 to specify a paper feed tray 30 that stores recording paper S' of a paper size that allows multiple pieces of scanned image data to be arranged in the main scanning direction among the plurality of paper feed trays 30, and executes the procedures of S255 and S310 to feed recording paper S' from the specified paper feed tray 30. As a result, when it is determined that multiple pieces of scanned image data can be arranged in the main scanning direction in the process of determining whether the size of the scanned image data is large enough to allow multiple pieces of scanned image data to be arranged in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S', the image forming unit 5 can form an image on the recording paper S fed from the specified paper feed tray 30, in which the scanned image data of the front side and the scanned image data of the back side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

[0120] In particular, in this modified example, when the paper feed tray 30 is specified in the paper feed tray determination process of S400 as described above, the procedures of S420 and S425 are executed to determine whether each paper feed tray 30, starting from the paper feed tray 30 containing the smallest paper size of recording paper S, has a paper size that allows multiple placement of scanned image data on recording paper S' in the main scanning direction. This allows the paper feed tray 30 to be specified smoothly and quickly in the paper feed tray determination process of S400.

[0121] In particular, in this embodiment, when the paper feed tray 30 is specified in the paper feed tray determination process of S400 as described above, the condition is that the size of the long side Lg of the scanned image data is less than 1 / 2 the dimension Mp' of the recording paper S' in the main scanning direction, and the size of the short side Wg of the scanned image data is less than 1 / 2 the dimension Sp' of the recording paper S' in the sub-scanning direction. That is, the paper feed tray 30 that satisfies such a condition is specified as the paper feed tray 30 that accommodates recording paper S' of a paper size that allows multiple arrangements of the scanned image data in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S'. As a result, it is possible to accurately specify, among the multiple paper feed trays 30, the paper feed tray 30 that accommodates recording paper S' that allows multiple arrangements of the scanned image data in the main scanning direction on the recording paper S', and to feed the recording paper S' from the specified paper feed tray 30, thereby shortening the printing process.

[0122] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 19 to 22 and 24 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above flows, and steps may be added or deleted, or the order of steps may be changed, etc., within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit and technical concept of the invention.

[0123] In addition to the above, the methods according to the above embodiments and their modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

[0124] Although not specifically illustrated, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Image forming device 5 Image forming unit (an example of an image forming section) 10 Original scanning unit (example of reading section) 30 Paper feed tray (example of paper feed section) 100 CPU (an example of a control unit) S Recording paper (example of sheet) P,Pid manuscript paper (example of manuscript)

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads a first side and a second side of a document; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; A control unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is a data size acquisition process for acquiring a size of image data of the first surface of the document read by the reading unit; a sheet size acquisition process for acquiring a size of the sheet in a main scanning direction of the image forming unit; a first determination process for determining whether or not the image data can be arranged multiple times on the sheet in the main scanning direction based on a size of the image data obtained in the data size acquisition process and a size of the sheet obtained in the sheet size acquisition process; an image data arrangement process for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction when it is determined that the image data can be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction, and for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction when it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction and the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface can be arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction; Run In the first determination process, it is determined whether or not it is possible to arrange the long sides of the plurality of image data pieces in the main scanning direction based on a size of a long side of the image data and a size of the sheet in the main scanning direction; When it is determined that the long sides of the plurality of image data can be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, the image forming unit is controlled in the image data arrangement process so as to form an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged in the main scanning direction.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The control unit is When the long side of the image data of the first side of the document read by the reading unit is parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the image forming unit is controlled so as to form an image in which the image data of the first side rotated by 90 degrees and the image data of the second side rotated by 90 degrees are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction in the image data arrangement process.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The control unit is when it is determined in the first determination process that the long sides of the plurality of image data cannot be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, it is determined whether or not the long side of one of the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side and the short side of the other image data can be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction; When it is determined that the long side of the one image data and the short side of the other image data can be arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, the image forming unit is controlled in the image data arrangement process so as to form an image in which the one image data and the other image data rotated by 90 degrees are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

4. A reading unit that reads the first and second sides of a document; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; A control unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is a data size acquisition process for acquiring a size of image data of the first surface of the document read by the reading unit; a sheet size acquisition process for acquiring a size of the sheet in a main scanning direction of the image forming unit; a first determination process for determining whether or not the image data can be arranged multiple times on the sheet in the main scanning direction based on a size of the image data obtained in the data size acquisition process and a size of the sheet obtained in the sheet size acquisition process; an image data arrangement process for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction when it is determined that the image data can be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction, and for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction when it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction and the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface can be arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction; Run In the first determination process, based on a size in a left-right direction of a character included in the image data of the first side and a size of the sheet in the main scanning direction, it is determined whether or not the plurality of image data can be arranged side by side so that the left-right direction is the main scanning direction; When it is determined that the plurality of image data can be arranged so that the left-right direction is the main scanning direction, the image forming unit is controlled in the image data arrangement process so as to form an image in which the image data of the first side and the image data of the second side are arranged in the main scanning direction.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

5. The control unit is When the left-right direction of the characters in the image data of the first side of the document read by the reading unit is parallel to the sub-scanning direction, the image forming unit is controlled in the image data arrangement process so as to form an image in which the image data of the first side rotated by 90 degrees and the image data of the second side rotated by 90 degrees are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A reading unit that reads a first side and a second side of a document; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; A control unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is a data size acquisition process for acquiring a size of image data of the first surface of the document read by the reading unit; a sheet size acquisition process for acquiring a size of the sheet in a main scanning direction of the image forming unit; a first determination process for determining whether or not the image data can be arranged multiple times on the sheet in the main scanning direction based on a size of the image data obtained in the data size acquisition process and a size of the sheet obtained in the sheet size acquisition process; an image data arrangement process for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction when it is determined that the image data can be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction, and for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction when it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction and the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface can be arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction; Run If it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged in a plurality of positions in the main scanning direction, The reading unit and the image forming unit are controlled so that, after starting the reading of the first side, the formation of an image based on the image data of the first side is started during the reading of the second side, and an image based on the image data of the second side is formed after the reading of the second side is completed.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

7. A reading unit that reads a first side and a second side of a document; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; A control unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: The control unit is a data size acquisition process for acquiring a size of image data of the first surface of the document read by the reading unit; a sheet size acquisition process for acquiring a size of the sheet in a main scanning direction of the image forming unit; a first determination process for determining whether or not the image data can be arranged multiple times on the sheet in the main scanning direction based on a size of the image data obtained in the data size acquisition process and a size of the sheet obtained in the sheet size acquisition process; an image data arrangement process for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction when it is determined that the image data can be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction, and for controlling the image forming unit to form an image in which the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface are arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction when it is determined that the image data cannot be arranged in a plurality of times in the main scanning direction and the image data of the first surface and the image data of the second surface can be arranged side by side in the sub-scanning direction; Run The storage unit further includes a plurality of storage sections capable of storing a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes, each of which is classified by type. The control unit further a storage unit identification process for identifying, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit that stores a sheet having a size that allows a plurality of pieces of the image data to be arranged in the main scanning direction on the sheet, based on the size of the image data acquired in the data size acquisition process and the size of the sheet acquired in the sheet size acquisition process; a sheet feeding process for feeding the sheet from the storage unit identified by the storage unit identification process; An image forming apparatus comprising:

8. The storage unit identification process includes: and a second determination process for sequentially determining whether or not the image data is a size that allows a plurality of sheets to be arranged on the sheet in the main scanning direction, in order from the storage unit that stores the sheet with the smallest size among the plurality of storage units to the storage unit with the largest size of the sheet stored therein.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit is In the storage unit identification process, if the size of the long side of the image data acquired in the data size acquisition process is less than 1 / 2 the width dimension of the sheet stored in the storage unit to be determined in the second judgment process, and the size of the short side of the image data acquired in the data size acquisition process is less than 1 / 2 the length dimension of the sheet stored in the storage unit to be determined in the second judgment process, the storage unit to be determined is identified as a storage unit that stores sheets of a size that allows multiple pieces of the image data to be arranged in the main scanning direction on the sheet.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

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