Image forming apparatus, image forming processing method, program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device described in the specification, which suppresses a possibility that post-processing may be performed at a position different from a position intended by a user, when performing both of intensive printing and a setting of post-processing.SOLUTION: An image forming device described in the specification comprises: receiving means that receives, from an information processing device, information concerning a size of an image, a setting value concerning intensive printing and a position for post-processing; determining means that determines whether the received setting vale concerning the intensive printing is a predetermined setting value; changing means that when the determining means determines that the setting value concerning the intensive printing is the predetermined setting value, changes the received position for the post-processing on the basis of the received information concerning the size of the image; and image forming means that forms the image received from the information processing device on a recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In an information processing apparatus, it is known to generate print data without going through a printer driver (or print application) designed by a printer vendor. When not using a vendor-made printer driver, the printing function provided by the operating system of the information processing apparatus is utilized. For this purpose, general-purpose software provided by a vendor that provides general-purpose software or a cloud printing service for generating print data is used. Print data generated by general-purpose software can be printed regardless of the model or vendor of the image forming apparatus that supports the software.

[0003] The print data generated using the above-described predetermined software is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via a predetermined protocol such as IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). The image forming apparatus interprets the received print data and performs image formation.

[0004] Also, when generating print data using predetermined software, post-processing such as binding printed matter or punching holes in the printed matter can be set (Citation 1). The image forming apparatus executes post-processing according to the type and position of the post-processing set in the received print data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] <s

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The general-purpose software mentioned above also allows you to configure image collation printing. Collation printing is a function that lays out and prints multiple pages on one side of a sheet of paper. Furthermore, after configuring collation printing, you may be able to instruct the software to perform post-processing on the output.

[0007] For example, suppose you want to print a vertically oriented image with two pages on one side and then staple and bind them together. In this case, the user wants the staple to be placed at the top left of the image on the first page, and specifies the top left as the stapling position. This is the state shown on the left side of (a1) in Figure 4.

[0008] However, when printing a vertically oriented image across two pages, the first page is rotated 90 degrees and placed at the bottom of the page, as shown on the right side of Figure 4(a1). Therefore, even if the top left corner of the page is stapled, it will be stapled in a position different from the top left corner of the first page that the user intended.

[0009] When performing consolidated printing and post-processing settings in this manner, there may be discrepancies between the position specified by the user and the actual position where the pages are bound.

[0010] In light of the above-mentioned issues, this invention aims to suppress the possibility that post-processing may be performed at a location different from the one intended by the user when both consolidated printing and post-processing settings are performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The image forming apparatus described herein is characterized by comprising: receiving means for receiving information relating to the size of an image, a set value relating to aggregate printing, and a post-processing position from an information processing apparatus; determination means for determining whether the received set value relating to aggregate printing is a predetermined set value; changing means for changing the received post-processing position based on the received information relating to the size of the image when the determination means determines that the received set value relating to aggregate printing is the predetermined set value; and image forming means for forming the image received from the information processing apparatus on a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when both aggregate printing and post-processing settings are performed, the possibility of post-processing being performed at a location different from the location intended by the user can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a system configuration according to this specification. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of this embodiment according to this specification. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the post-processing location in this specification. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the output when both aggregate printing and post-processing are performed according to this specification. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of processing between an information processing device and an image forming apparatus according to this specification. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed for setting the print settings of this embodiment according to this specification. [Figure 7] This figure shows examples of capability information, PDF information, and print ticket information related to this specification. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the processes performed by the image forming apparatus in this specification. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the post-processing position change process performed by the image forming apparatus in this specification. [Figure 10] This specification provides an example of a table used for changing the post-processing position. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a layout when setting up collated printing in this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Example 1) The system configuration of this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. In this system, an information processing apparatus 100, which is a host computer, and an image forming apparatus 200 are connected via a LAN 108.

[0016] The information processing apparatus 100 is a portable device such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone, or a PC (Personal Computer). Predetermined software that provides a predetermined printing function compliant with IPP is installed or pre-installed in the information processing apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job generated by the predetermined software installed in the information processing apparatus 100, forms an image, and performs printing processing.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the post-processing apparatus 300 in this embodiment.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 100 has a CPU 110 that controls the entire information processing apparatus 100. The CPU 110 reads control programs stored in the memory 111 and the HDD 114 and performs various controls such as print control. An operation unit (not shown) for operating the information processing apparatus 100 is connected via an operation unit I / F 112. For example, it is connected to an operation unit having a liquid crystal display unit with a touch panel function and various hard keys, and functions as a reception unit that receives user instructions. It is connected to the LAN 108 via a network I / F 113 and transmits information necessary for printing to the image forming apparatus 200. It also has an output I / F 115 for outputting information within the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to a display unit such as a display.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 100 generates a PDL (Page Description Language) indicating page information to be printed and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 performs printing processing based on the received PDL.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 200 has a printer 251. The printer 251 is connected to the image bus 231 via a device I / F 232. The printer 251 outputs image data generated by the image forming apparatus 200 to a recording medium such as paper. The CPU 220 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. The RAM 221 is the system work memory for the operation of the CPU 220. The RAM 221 is also a memory for temporarily storing transmitted PDLs, intermediate data generated within the image forming apparatus for printing, a work area for rendering, and input image data. The ROM 222 is a boot ROM and stores the system's boot program. The storage device 223 is a hard disk drive and stores system software for various processes and transmitted PDLs.

[0021] The GPU227 is a graphics processing unit that performs all image forming and image correction processing in the image forming apparatus 200. In Figure 2 of this embodiment, the CPU220 and GPU227 are shown as separate components, but the GPU227 may also be configured as part of the CPU220.

[0022] The operation unit I / F 226 is an interface unit to the operation unit 229, which has a display screen capable of displaying various menus and print data information, and outputs operation screen data to the operation unit 229. It also plays a role in transmitting information entered by the operator from the operation unit 229 to the CPU 220. The network I / F 224 is connected to the LAN 108 and performs information input and output with external devices such as the information processing device 100. The communication I / F 228 is connected to the post-processing device 300 and performs post-processing control on paper printed by the image forming apparatus 200.

[0023] The above units are arranged on the system bus 230. The image bus I / F 225 is an interface for connecting the system bus 230 to the image bus 231, which transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts data structures. The device I / F 232 is connected to the image bus 231.

[0024] The post-processing unit 300 has a CPU 310 that controls the entire system, transports the printed paper from the image forming apparatus 200 via a transport unit 311, and performs post-processing in a finishing unit 312. For example, it performs post-processing such as aligning multiple sheets of paper, punching holes in the paper, and stapling multiple sheets of paper. The post-processing unit 300 is connected to the image forming apparatus 200 via a communication interface 313 and exchanges post-processing data, etc. All of these units are arranged on a system bus 314.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the reference relationship of the finishing position.

[0026] When specifying the finishing position on the user-operated print settings screen, an image reference, which is based on the image orientation, is sometimes used. The image reference is a reference based on the image orientation, regardless of the paper orientation, as shown in Figures 3(a1) and 3(b1).

[0027] On the other hand, in print jobs, the finishing position is sometimes specified based on the paper orientation, where the finishing position is determined relative to the paper itself.

[0028] The paper reference uses the orientation where the shorter side of the paper is at the top and bottom, and the longer side is at the left and right. Therefore, when the image is in portrait orientation, as shown in Figure 3(a2), the position specified by the image reference and the position specified by the paper reference will be the same. On the other hand, when the image is in landscape orientation, as shown in Figure 3(b2), the image is rotated 90 degrees to the left and placed in portrait orientation, so the finishing position specified by the image reference needs to be converted.

[0029] For example, suppose the top left is specified as the finishing position based on the image. The specified software that provides the printing function of the information processing device 100 generates a print job specifying the bottom left as the finishing position. The image forming apparatus needs to interpret the finishing position specification specified in the print data created using the specified software based on the paper. This issue arises because the criteria for specifying the finishing position when setting up the print output differ from the criteria for specifying the finishing position when the specified software writes it to the print ticket information.

[0030] Next, we will explain the problems that may arise in this embodiment using Figure 4.

[0031] For example, Figure 4(a1) shows an example of collating four portrait-oriented images into a single sheet of paper using 2-in-1 printing, and then stapling the printed sheets together. Let's assume the user made the above settings with the intention of producing an output like Figure 4(b1).

[0032] At this time, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job that contains instructions for four vertical images, a 2-in-1 layout, and a top-left staple. However, when the image forming apparatus 200 lays out the four vertical images in a 2-in-1 layout and staples the top left, it results in the output shown on the right side of Figure 4(a1), which is different from the original intended form.

[0033] Next, we will explain the case where the image to be printed is in landscape orientation using Figures 4(a2) and 4(b2). The example shown in Figures 4(a2) and 4(b2) illustrates the process of performing 2-in-1 printing to arrange four landscape images two images per sheet of paper, and then stapling the top left corner to bind the printed paper. Assume that the user has made the above settings with the intention of producing an output like that shown in Figure 4(b2).

[0034] At this time, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job containing four horizontal images, a 2-in-1 instruction, and an instruction for bottom-left stapling. The reason the stapling position has changed from the top left to the bottom left is because the image orientation is horizontal. As a result, the output becomes as shown in Figure 4(a2), and the output is different from what was originally intended.

[0035] As described above, this embodiment addresses the problem that when both finishing settings and collation printing are configured, the finishing may sometimes be applied to a different location than the one the user intended during configuration.

[0036] Next, using Figure 5, the processing of the information processing device 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a printing process sequence including image forming in the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 in this embodiment.

[0038] The information processing device 100 performs a search to find the image forming apparatus 200 (S501). This search is an image forming apparatus search function provided by the OS of the information processing device 100, and is a search that conforms to a predetermined protocol such as mDNS or Bonjour.

[0039] When the image forming apparatus 200 receives a search packet transmitted by the information processing apparatus 100, it returns a response to the information processing apparatus 100 (S502). The information processing apparatus 100 displays a list of information from the responding image forming apparatus and accepts the user's selection of the printer they wish to use.

[0040] When the user selects which printer to print on, the information processing device 100 queries the image forming apparatus 200 for its capabilities (S503). Upon receiving the query, the image forming apparatus 200 returns its own capabilities information to the information processing device 100 (S504). Figure 7, section 701, shows an example of the capabilities information notified from the image forming apparatus 200 to the information processing device 100. The notified capabilities information includes the types of collated printing supported and the types of finishing processes in the post-processing device 300 (whether or not punching and stapling are performed), as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, the capabilities information 701 includes information indicating whether the image forming apparatus 200 supports color printing, the number of paper cassettes, and the size of the paper fed into each cassette. Furthermore, as shown in information 702, the capabilities information 701 also includes information indicating whether the image forming apparatus 200 supports collated printing and the maximum number of pages of images that can be collated onto a single sheet of paper during collated printing. For example, information 702 indicates that the image forming apparatus 200 supports collation printing, and that the maximum number of pages that can be collated is 9 pages. The ability to collate up to 9 pages means that, as shown in Figure 11, the number of pages to be collated N can be set to 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 9, and it is possible to print images for N pages on one side of the paper. Hereafter, in this embodiment, the number of pages to be collated will be referred to as the number of pages to be collated.

[0041] Furthermore, capability information 701 describes whether the image forming apparatus 200 can perform post-processing and what kind of post-processing it can perform. Information 703 indicates whether the image forming apparatus 200 can perform post-processing. Here, it is stated that the image forming apparatus 200 can perform post-processing. Information 704 describes the types of post-processing that the image forming apparatus 200 can perform. Here, it is stated that the image forming apparatus 200 can perform stapling and punching. Furthermore, information 705 describes the locations where stapling and punching can be performed.

[0042] Upon receiving capability information, the information processing device 100 stores the capability information in memory 111 and generates a print queue (S505). When generating the print queue, the information processing device 100 associates and stores information of the image forming apparatus 200 with predetermined software provided by the information processing device's OS, and generates the print queue. By using the print queue generated here, print jobs generated with predetermined software compliant with IPP can be sent to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0043] The user issues a print command for a document or image they wish to print on the information processing device 100. At this time, the application running to display the document or image, or the OS of the information processing device 100, displays a print settings screen. The information processing device 100 accesses the image forming apparatus, which is set as the printer to be used for printing by default, and retrieves its capacity information. Based on the retrieved information, it displays a print settings screen. Figure 6 shows an example of the print settings screen displayed at this time. The user operates the object 601 included in the print settings screen to select the printer to be used for printing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 200 is selected.

[0044] The information processing device 100 accesses the image forming apparatus 200 and acquires capability information (S506). The acquisition of capability information performed in S506 is basically the same as the acquisition of capability information performed in S503. By acquiring capability information when a printer is selected, the print settings screen can be displayed using the latest capability information.

[0045] The image forming apparatus 200 transmits a response to the request for acquisition of capability information (S507). The information processing device updates the print settings screen shown in Figure 6 based on the latest capability information received (S508).

[0046] In the print settings screen shown in Figure 6, there are objects 602 for selecting the document size, 606 for specifying the number of copies, and 608 for setting the print orientation. Additionally, the print settings screen includes objects 604 for specifying the print surface and 609 for specifying color printing.

[0047] Furthermore, the print settings screen displays object 603 for selecting the page layout for a single sheet of paper, object 605 for selecting the finishing process, and object 606 for selecting the finishing position.

[0048] By selecting object 603, the user can choose how many pages to consolidate onto a single surface. The options available when the user selects object 605 are determined based on the description in capability information 701.

[0049] Furthermore, the user can select the type of finishing process to be performed by selecting object 605. When the user manipulates object 605 and selects the type of finishing, object 606 selects the default setting for the finishing position corresponding to the selected finishing. When the user selects object 606, a list of positions where the type of finishing selected in object 605 is possible is displayed. This list is displayed based on information 705 of capability information 701. When the user selects a finishing position, the selected position is displayed on object 606.

[0050] Object 610 is an object for additionally configuring settings that cannot be set on the print settings screen shown in Figure 6. When the user selects 610, a designated application or the OS of the information processing device 100 displays an additional print settings screen. The user can configure additional print settings by operating the displayed print settings screen. It is also possible to configure collated printing and finishing settings on this additional print settings screen.

[0051] Object 611 is an object used by the user to initiate printing, and object 612 is an object used to close the print settings screen. When object 611 is selected, the CPU 110 of the information processing device 100 operates and calls predetermined software provided by the operating system of the information processing device 100 to generate print data. The information processing device 100 then transmits the print data generated by the predetermined software to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0052] Here, we will explain two cases from S509 onwards in Figure 5.

[0053] S509-S512 represent the case where a horizontal image is printed using 2-in-1 combined printing and stapling instructions, as shown in Figure 4(b2) (Case 1). S513-S516 represent the case where a vertical image is printed using 2-in-1 combined printing and stapling instructions, as shown in Figure 4(b1).

[0054] Assume that on the print settings screen displayed on the information processing device 100, the document size is set to A4, collated printing to 2-in-1, and the finishing process is set to staple, and object 611 is selected. The information processing device 100 calls predetermined software associated with the print queue corresponding to the printer name set in object 601 and generates print data. The print data includes image data used for the printing process and print ticket information describing the print settings. Here, it is assumed that print data is generated using predetermined software provided by the OS of the information processing device 100.

[0055] The specified software provided by the OS generates print ticket information containing print settings in accordance with the IPP specifications (S509). The PDF information 710 in Figure 7 is PDF information added to the image data generated in S509. The PDF information 710 describes the image size, the width and height of the image, whether to use color or monochrome printing, and the number of pages. The PDF information 710 is data written inside the PDF file, which is image data generated by the specified software provided by the OS.

[0056] The operating system of the information processing device 100 provides specific software that further generates print ticket information 720, as shown in Figure 7. The print ticket information 720 contains information such as the paper size, the printing orientation (indicating the orientation of the paper for portrait orientation), whether it is color or monochrome printing, the number of pages, and whether it is double-sided or single-sided printing. Furthermore, the print ticket information 720 contains the number of pages to be printed (721) and the staple position (722) for collated printing. The PDF information 710 and print ticket information 720 shown in Figure 7 are the print ticket information generated by the information processing device 100 when printing with settings corresponding to Case 1 in Figure 5. In other words, it is the PDF information and print ticket information when the user sets a landscape image, 2-in-1 printing, and top-left staple.

[0057] The OS of the information processing device 100 provides specific software that, if the image is in landscape orientation, rotates the post-processing position 90 degrees to the left and writes it to the print ticket information 720. Therefore, even if the user specifies the top left on the print settings screen, the print ticket will say "bottom_left". The information processing device 100 sends the image data with PDF information 710 and the print ticket information 720 to the image forming apparatus 200 (S510).

[0058] The image forming apparatus 200 analyzes the PDF information 710 and print ticket information 720 of the received image data. Based on the image width and height information written in the PDF information 710 and the number of aggregated prints and finishing positions written in the print ticket information 720, the image forming apparatus 200 changes the finishing position and performs the printing process (S511). Here, the image forming apparatus 200 rewrites the staple position written in the print ticket information 720 from "bottom_left" to "top_left" and performs the printing and post-processing to obtain the output shown in Figure 4(b2).

[0059] The image forming apparatus 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 100 that printing is complete after output (S512). The above describes the process in Case 1.

[0060] Next, we will explain Case 2, where the source image to be printed is in portrait orientation, the number of collated prints is 2, and the stapling process is set to the top left.

[0061] When the information processing device 100 selects A4 as the document size, 2-in-1 for collated printing, and stapling as the finishing process, print ticket information is created via IPP (S513). Here, the PDF information 710 and print ticket information 720 generated in S513 will be explained with reference to the PDF information 710 and print ticket information 720 in Figure 7. First, because the image data is a portrait-oriented image, the width and height of the PDF information 710 are different. For example, "PDFinfo_Width" is "210" and "PDFinfo_Height" is "297". Thus, in the case of a portrait-oriented image, the height is greater than the width. Next, because the original image is portrait-oriented, the staple position is not rotated. Therefore, "PT_StapleLocation" in the print ticket information 720 becomes "top_left".

[0062] The information processing device 100 generates image data with PDF information and print ticket information and transmits them to the image forming apparatus (S514). The image forming apparatus 200 determines whether a change in the finishing position is necessary based on the PDF information and print ticket information. Since the received PDF information and print ticket are output as shown in Figure 4(a1), the finishing position is changed to "bottom_left" and output processing is performed (S516).

[0063] The image forming apparatus 200 notifies the information processing apparatus 100 of the completion of the printing process after the printing process is complete (S516).

[0064] As described above, the image forming apparatus changes the finishing position based on information about the size of the image contained in the image data and the number of aggregated prints, thereby preventing the finishing process from being performed in a location unintended by the user.

[0065] Using Figure 8, we will explain in detail the finishing position change process performed by the image forming apparatus in S511 and S515 of Figure 5.

[0066] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the staple position conversion process in the image forming apparatus 200 of this embodiment. The program for executing each process described in Figure 8 is stored in the ROM 222 or storage device 223 of the image forming apparatus 200. The processing is realized when the CPU 220 of the image forming apparatus 200 calls and executes the program.

[0067] The CPU 220 receives print data from the information processing device 100 (S801). This print data includes image data containing PDF information and print ticket information.

[0068] The CPU 220 analyzes the received print ticket information (S802). It obtains the print size and other information from the print ticket information shown in Figure 7. The CPU 220 analyzes the print ticket information and determines whether the image forming apparatus 200 can execute the settings described in the print ticket information. If the image forming apparatus 200 cannot execute the processing according to the settings described in the print ticket information, the CPU 220 notifies an error and displays to the operation unit 229 that printing based on the received print data cannot be performed. Alternatively, if the image forming apparatus 200 cannot execute the processing according to the settings described in the print ticket information, the CPU 220 may change the settings described in the print ticket information to a value that the image forming apparatus 200 can execute.

[0069] Next, the CPU 220 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 200 is performing image forming processing (S803). The CPU 220 refers to a flag indicating whether or not the image forming apparatus 200 is performing image forming processing and executes the process described in S803.

[0070] If the CPU 220 determines in S803 that image forming processing is being performed, it saves the print data received in S801 to a temporary storage area (S804). The print data saved in the temporary storage area is read out after the image forming apparatus 200 has completed the image forming processing it is currently performing, and image forming processing based on that print data is started.

[0071] If the CPU 220 determines in S803 that the image forming process is not currently running, it changes the status of the image forming apparatus 200 to "image forming process in progress" (S805). In S805, the CPU 220 changes the aforementioned flag from "image forming process not in progress" to "image forming process in progress".

[0072] The CPU 220 analyzes the print ticket information and stores it in the RAM 221 as a setting value that can be referenced in each process (S806).

[0073] The CPU 220 performs PDL analysis and print ticket information analysis (S807). First, the CPU 220 refers to the PDL information of the PDL, which is image data. The CPU 220 reads the information indicating the width and height of the image written in the PDL information. The CPU 220 compares the width and height of the read image and determines that the received image data is a portrait image if the height is greater than or equal to the width. On the other hand, if the height is less than the width, the CPU 220 determines that the received image data is a landscape image. The CPU 220 stores the determination result, whether it is portrait or landscape, in the RAM 221. Furthermore, the CPU 220 refers to the print ticket information and determines whether aggregate printing is performed. If the aggregate printing setting value is 1, no layout change is required, so no additional processing is performed. On the other hand, if the aggregate printing setting value is 2 or more, the image forming apparatus 200 needs to change the image layout. Figure 11 shows an example of the number of aggregates and layout when aggregate printing is set. For example, if the image data transmitted by the information processing device 100 is in portrait orientation and the number of pages to be printed is 2, the CPU 220 rotates the image to generate landscape image data. Then, the CPU 220 performs layout processing on the generated landscape image to produce image data like layout 1001. If the number of pages to be printed is 4, image rotation processing is not necessary, as in layout 1002, but processing is required to arrange the images for 4 pages on one side of the paper. In S807, the CPU 220 refers to the paper width and height written in the PDF information and the number of pages to be printed written in the print ticket information to perform layout processing.

[0074] The CPU 220 refers to the print ticket information stored in RAM 221 and determines whether post-processing is set (S808). If it determines that post-processing is not set, the CPU 220 performs RIP processing (S816). The received image data is converted into a raster image by this RIP processing. The CPU 220 controls the printer 251 to form the generated raster image on a recording medium such as paper. The CPU 220 determines whether the image output of all pages has been completed (S818). If the image output of all pages has been completed, the CPU 220 proceeds to S819. On the other hand, if there are pages that have not been output, the CPU 220 returns to S816.

[0075] If the CPU 220 determines in S808 that post-processing settings have been configured, the CPU 220 determines whether the number of pages to be aggregated is a predetermined value (S809). The predetermined number of pages to be aggregated is the number of pages to which images need to be rotated and arranged when aggregated and printed on one side of a recording medium. For example, when aggregating with the layout shown in Figure 11, the predetermined number of pages to be aggregated is 2, 6, and 8. Note that the above predetermined number of pages to be aggregated is just an example, and in S809, it is sufficient to determine whether or not the number of pages to be aggregated is predetermined.

[0076] In S809, if the number of aggregated images is not a predetermined number, the CPU220 proceeds to S812, which will be described later. A case where the number of aggregated images is not a predetermined number means, for example, in Figure 11, that the number of aggregated images is such that the received images can be arranged without rotation, such as N=1,3,4,5,9.

[0077] In S809, if the number of aggregated data is a predetermined number, the CPU 220 determines whether the received print data is data generated by predetermined software (S810). The details of the processing performed by the CPU 220 in S810 are described below. First, the CPU 220 determines the protocol used to receive the print data. If the protocol used to receive the print data is not a predetermined protocol, the CPU 220 determines that the received print data is not print data generated by predetermined software. The predetermined protocol in S810 is, for example, IPP. Next, the CPU 220 determines whether the UserAgent obtained from the information processing device that sent the received print data is a predetermined User Agent. The UserAgent is information about the software used to send the print data. If a predetermined User Agent is specified, the CPU 220 determines that the received print data was generated by predetermined software. If it is not a predetermined User Agent, the CPU 220 determines whether the value of the document format attribute received from the information processing device 100 is a predetermined value. This is a process to determine whether the received print data is data generated by a printer driver created by the vendor of the image forming apparatus 200. If the document format attribute is not a predetermined value, the CPU 220 determines that the received print data was generated by predetermined software. In this embodiment, the determination of whether the print data was generated by predetermined software was made based on the protocol used to receive the print data, User Agent information, and the document format attribute. Alternatively, the determination of whether the print data was generated by predetermined software could be made based on the protocol used to receive the print data and the format of the image data. For example, if the protocol used to receive the print data is IPP and the image data file format is PDF or PWG-Raster, it could be determined that the print data was generated by predetermined software.

[0078] In S810, if the CPU 220 determines that the received print data is not print data generated by the specified software, it proceeds to S812. In S810, if the CPU 220 determines that the received print data is print data generated by the specified software, it executes the process described in S811. In this embodiment, after determining in S809 whether the number of aggregated items is a predetermined number, it is determined in S810 whether the print data is print data generated by the specified software. Alternatively, the determination in S810 may be performed first, and if it is determined that the print data is print data generated by the specified software, the process described in S809 may be performed.

[0079] CPU220 performs a process to change the finishing position described in the print ticket information (S811). Details of the process performed by CPU220 in S811 will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0080] The CPU 220 notifies the post-processing unit 300 of the type of post-processing described in the print ticket information and the post-processing position after the change in S811 (S812).

[0081] CPU220 performs RIP processing on the image data after the layout change by S807 (S813). Although it is stated above that CPU220 performs RIP processing, it would also be acceptable to say that GPU227 performs RIP processing.

[0082] The CPU 220 controls the printer 251 to form an image on a recording medium such as paper (S814). The paper with the formed image is ejected to the post-processing device 300. The CPU 220 determines whether or not image output has been completed for all pages (S815). If there are pages for which image output has not been completed, the CPU 220 returns to S813.

[0083] The paper on which the image has been formed in S814 is discharged to the post-processing device 300. The post-processing device 300 performs processing on the paper discharged by the image forming apparatus 200 at the appropriate timing, based on the type of post-processing and the post-processing position notified in S812.

[0084] When output is complete, the CPU 220 sets the flag indicating that image formation is in progress to off (S819). Then, the CPU 220 notifies the information processing device 100 that image formation based on the received print data is complete (S820).

[0085] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the post-processing position change process described in S811 of Figure 8. The programs for executing the processes described in each block of Figure 9 are stored in ROM 222 or storage device 223. The CPU 220 reads and executes these programs to realize the processes described in Figure 9.

[0086] The CPU 220 determines whether the image data included in the received print data is in portrait orientation (S901). In S807, based on the information determined by the CPU 220, it is determined whether the image data included in the print data is in portrait orientation.

[0087] If the image data is in Portrait format, the CPU 220 refers to the "Portrait" column in Figure 10 and changes the post-processing position (S902). Figure 10 stores the correspondence between the post-processing position set in the received print ticket information and the position changed during the post-processing position change process. For example, if the finishing position set before conversion is "top left" and in the vertical direction (Portrait), the finishing position is changed to "bottom left". As shown in Figure 10, if the received image data is in Portrait format, the post-processing position is changed to a position rotated 90 degrees to the left.

[0088] On the other hand, if S901 determines that the received image data is not in portrait orientation, the CPU 220 executes the process described in S903. The CPU 220 refers to the Landscape column in the table in Figure 10 and changes the post-processing position included in the print ticket information. For example, if "top left" is specified as the post-processing position in the print ticket information, the CPU 220 changes the post-processing position to "top right". In this way, if the image data included in the received print data is in landscape orientation, the post-processing position is changed to a position rotated 90 degrees to the right.

[0089] Once the post-processing position change is complete, the process shown in Figure 9 is finished, and the process proceeds to S812 in Figure 8.

[0090] By performing the post-processing position modification process shown in Figure 9, it is possible to prevent post-processing from being applied to a position different from the user's intended location when aggregate printing is being performed.

[0091] As demonstrated in this embodiment, by determining the orientation and number of data items to be aggregated before aggregation and performing finishing position correction processing, even when aggregate printing and post-processing are specified in combination, post-processing can be performed as intended by the user.

[0092] In this embodiment, PDF format image data was used as an example of image data. However, the image data format may be other formats, such as raster data.

[0093] Furthermore, stapling and punching were explained as examples of post-processing methods. Similar processing may be applied to other post-processing methods such as folding.

[0094] In the above embodiments, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus were described as separate devices. However, the image forming apparatus may also have the functions of a post-processing apparatus, and the image forming apparatus may perform the post-processing as well.

[0095] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by performing the following process: supplying software (programs) that realize the functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and having the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of that system or device read and execute the program code. In this case, the computer program and the storage medium storing the computer program constitute the present invention.

Claims

1. A receiving means that receives information regarding the width and height of the image, setting values ​​for aggregated printing, and post-processing positions from an information processing device. A determination means for determining whether the received setting value for the aggregated printing is a predetermined setting value, If the determination means determines that the received setting value for aggregate printing is the predetermined setting value, the change means changes the received post-processing position based on the received information regarding the width and height of the image. Image forming means for forming an image received from the information processing device on a recording medium, It has, The post-processing location is specified in the information processing device by predetermined software compliant with the Internet Printing Protocol. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, if the received image is a vertically oriented image, the post-processing position of the received image is rotated 90 degrees to the left.

2. The image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus connected to a post-processing device, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the post-processing device processes the recording medium on which the image is formed according to the post-processing position changed by the changing means.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the setting value for the aggregated printing is the number of aggregated prints.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the changing means does not change the received post-processing position when the determination means determines that the received setting value for aggregate printing is not the predetermined setting value.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the modification means changes the received post-processing position to a position rotated 90 degrees to the right when the received information regarding the width and height of the image indicates a horizontal image.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the predetermined setting value is a setting value for rotating and arranging the received image.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the aggregate printing function arranges multiple pages of the received image on one side of the recording medium and prints them.

8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that information relating to the width and height of the image, the setting values ​​relating to the aggregated printing, and the post-processing position are received in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the predetermined protocol is an Internet Printing Protocol.

10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the aforementioned image is in a predetermined file format.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the predetermined file format is PDF.

12. A receiving process that receives information regarding the width and height of the image, setting values ​​for aggregated printing, and post-processing positions from an information processing device. A determination step of determining whether the received setting value for the aggregated printing is a predetermined setting value, In the determination step, if it is determined that the received setting value for aggregate printing is the predetermined setting value, a modification step is performed to change the received post-processing position based on the received information regarding the width and height of the image. An image forming step of forming an image received from the information processing device on a recording medium, A post-processing step in which the recording medium on which the image is formed is processed based on the post-processing position changed in the modification step, It has, The post-processing location is specified in the information processing device by predetermined software compliant with the Internet Printing Protocol. The aforementioned modification step is characterized by changing the post-processing position of the received image to a position rotated 90 degrees to the left if the received image is a vertically oriented image.

13. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the control steps of the image forming apparatus described in claim 12.

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