JPH1091777A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of smoothly performing a print output process and a bookbinding process even when the print output mode set for each image data is different. I do. An operation unit (115) stores a plurality of image data (D1, D2, D4) in which different print output modes are set as a group (G1) in an image memory unit (9). When the above registration data key is selected (step S2), the display screen is displayed in the registration data mode in which the processing regarding the image data stored in the image memory unit 9 can be performed. In this state, when it is determined that the group output mode key 305 has been selected (step S3), the display screen 302 displays the group output mode. When the user specifies the group to be printed and set the print output mode (Mg1) (steps S4 to S6), the image data D1, D2, and D4 included in the image group G1 are all printed in the print output mode Mg1. It is output (step S7).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method for temporarily storing input image data in a memory and performing a print output after necessary image data is prepared.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, print output processing of a document created from a plurality of image data, such as image data obtained by software of various computers or image data read by an image reading device such as a scanner, and print output are performed. When performing the binding process (binding process) using staples of paper, from the beginning of the creation of the image data, create the image data in consideration of the print output mode such as the number of copies, one-sided / two-sided printing, and the paper size to be used. Had been done.

In the case where a document created from a plurality of pieces of image data is printed out in a lump, conditions such as that a sheet of a size required by the image data to be printed out is mounted on the image forming apparatus. When it is satisfied, the print output operation has been started.

[0004]

However, according to the conventional image forming apparatus, in order to perform print output processing or bookbinding processing of a document created from a plurality of image data, the number of copies, single side / Image data must be created while being aware of the print output mode such as double-sided printing and the paper size to be used, and the processing is complicated.

If the print output mode is different for each created image data, the bookbinding process cannot be performed correctly. In particular, when the required paper size differs for each image data, the printing output is interrupted unless the required size paper is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

When a plurality of bookbinding originals are to be created, it is necessary to complete a print output process and a bookbinding process for one copy, and then copy the completed copy as an original original for the required number of copies. Therefore, the image deteriorates.

As described above, according to the conventional image forming apparatus, when a document including a plurality of image data is printed out, if the print output mode set for each image data is different, the print output is smoothly performed. There was a problem that processing and bookbinding could not be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and it is preferable that, when a document including a plurality of image data is printed out, a print output mode set for each image data is different. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of smoothly performing print output processing and bookbinding processing.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention stores input means for inputting image data and at least one image data input by the input means. Storage means, management means for managing at least one image data stored in the storage means in at least one group, and selection means for selecting a desired group from the groups managed by the management means A batch output instructing unit for instructing batch output of the at least one image data grouped as a group selected by the selection unit; and selecting the batch output when the batch output instructing unit instructs the batch output. Outputting the at least one image data grouped in the group selected by the means in one output mode And an outputting means for.

[0010] The image forming apparatus according to the second aspect is the first aspect.
In the above image forming apparatus, the input unit includes at least one of a reading unit that reads the image data and a receiving unit that receives image data from outside.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
Wherein the input unit has a group designating unit that designates a group that manages the image data at the time of inputting the image data by using a group ID added to the group. I do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode setting unit configured to set the one output mode when the selected groups are collectively output.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect.
Wherein the mode setting means sets an output mode set for image data selected by a user from the plurality of image data as the one output mode. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect.
Wherein the mode setting means sets, as the one output mode, an output mode of image data which is output first by the output means among the plurality of image data. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect.
7. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 6, when there is only one image data grouped as a group selected by the selecting unit, the output mode setting unit is controlled so as not to operate. It is characterized by.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a paper size of a group selected by said selection means is larger than a paper size of one output mode set by said output mode setting means as an output mode. When the image data includes image data, the output unit performs a reduction process on the image data and outputs the image data.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect.
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output mode is at least one of a one-sided / two-sided output mode of image data, the number of output copies, a sorting mode, and a sheet size.
It is characterized by including one.

An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, further comprising a binding unit that performs a binding process on a plurality of sheets on which the image data is output by the output unit. A sorting mode related to the binding means is included.

An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the first to third aspects, wherein a plurality of image data are grouped in a group selected by the selecting means. When a different output mode is set for each of the image data, whether the plurality of image data can be output collectively by referring to the output mode set for each of the plurality of image data Determining means for determining whether or not the plurality of image data can be output collectively by the determination means, wherein the output means outputs the plurality of image data collectively.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, the determining means refers to an output mode set for each of the plurality of image data, and It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not it is possible to output the plurality of image data collectively by checking whether or not a sheet of a size required for output is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein a warning message is displayed when the determination means determines that the batch output is impossible. It is characterized by comprising means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the image forming apparatus further comprises a stop means for stopping a batch output by the output means when a warning message is displayed by the display means. And

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the warning message displayed by the display means is a content for instructing a user to replenish sheets. .

The image forming method according to claim 16, wherein at least one input image data is stored, and the stored at least one image data is collectively managed in at least one group. A desired group is selected from the group, and when the batch output of the at least one image data grouped as the selected group is instructed, the at least one image data grouped into the selected group Are output collectively in one output mode.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the one output mode is set when the batch output is instructed.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus reads a document image and outputs image data corresponding to the read image, various processing of image data and input / output control of image data by a method described later. , And a printer unit 2 that prints out an image corresponding to the image data input from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3 on recording paper.

The image input / output control unit 3 includes a facsimile unit 4
, A file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7, a formatter unit 8, an image memory unit 9, and a core unit 10. Reader unit 1 and printer unit 2
Are connected to each other via a cable 1a, and the reader unit 1 and the core unit 10 in the image input / output control unit 3 are connected to each other via a cable 1b. Further, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 6, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, and the image memory unit 9 are connected to the core unit 10, respectively.

The facsimile unit 4 expands the compressed image data received via the telephone line 4a to create processable image data, and transfers the image data to the core unit 10. Further, the facsimile unit 4 creates compressed image data by compressing the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and transmits the compressed image data via the telephone line 4a. A hard disk 12 is connected to the facsimile unit 4.
The hard disk 12 temporarily stores the compressed image data received via the telephone line 4a.

The magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file section 5. The file unit 5 creates compressed image data by compressing the image data transferred from the core unit 10 and sets the compressed image data together with a keyword for searching for the compressed image data in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6. On a magneto-optical disk (not shown). The file unit 5 includes a core unit 10
Based on the keyword transferred via the, the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk is searched, the searched compressed image data is read, and the read compressed image data is decompressed to create image data. The created image data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The computer interface unit 7 is provided with a personal computer or a workstation (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer or a workstation).
An interface is provided between the PC / WS 11 and the core unit 10.

The formatter unit 8 converts code data representing an image input from the PC / WS 11 into the printer unit 2.
Expands to image data that can be processed by.

The image memory section 9 temporarily stores image data and the like transferred from the PC / WS 11.

The core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 described above.

The document feeder 101 of the reader section 1 conveys the document one by one from the last page onto the platen glass 102 one by one, and discharges the document on the platen glass 102 after the reading operation of the document is completed. . Original is platen glass 1
When the document is conveyed onto the document 02, the lamp 103 is turned on, the movement of the scanner unit 104 is started, and the document is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original is reflected on mirrors 105, 10
The light is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) 109 by 6, 107 and a lens 108. Thus, the image of the document is read by the CCD 109.

The image read by the CCD 109 is
After a predetermined process is performed, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 2 and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 as image data.
The laser driver 221 of the printer unit 2
01 for driving the CCD 109 of the reader unit 1.
Laser emission unit 201 according to the image data output from
Is driven to cause the laser emission unit 201 to emit laser light. The laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 202, and a latent image corresponding to the laser light is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. A developing device 203 is provided on the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202.
Causes the developer to adhere.

On the other hand, at timings synchronized with the start of laser irradiation on the photosensitive drum 202, the cassettes 204 and 205 are synchronized.
The recording paper is fed from either one of them, and is conveyed to the transfer unit 206. In the transfer unit 206, the developer adhered to the photosensitive drum 202 is transferred to the conveyed recording paper. The recording paper to which the developer has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, and the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207 fix the developer on the recording paper to the recording paper. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208.

The sorter 220 stores the discharged recording paper in a predetermined bin and sorts the recording paper. The sorter 220 is configured to store recording paper in the uppermost bin when a mode for performing sorting is not set as the print output mode of the image forming apparatus. Further, when the duplex printing mode is set as the print output mode of the image forming apparatus, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, so that the flapper is rotated. 209 guides the sheet to the re-feeding conveyance path. Further, when the multiple recording mode is set as the print output mode of the image forming apparatus, the recording paper is guided by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208 and is guided to the re-feed conveyance path 210. The recording sheet guided to the re-feeding conveyance path 210 is conveyed to the transfer unit 206 at the timing described above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reader unit 1. As shown in FIG.

The CCD 109 converts the analog / digital data of the image data.
A / D for digital conversion and shading correction
A / D-SH unit 11 connected to the SH unit 110
0 is connected to the image processing unit 111 that performs various image processing. The image processing unit 111 is connected to the printer unit 2. An interface unit (I / F) 113 that interfaces the reader unit 1 and the image input / output unit 3 is connected between the A / D-SH unit 110 and the image processing unit 111. The interface unit 113 is connected to the core unit 10 in the image input / output unit 3.

CPU 114 for controlling the entire reader unit 1
Are connected to the image processing unit 111, the interface unit 113, the operation unit 115 for the user to perform various mode settings and the like, and the memory 116 for storing a control program of the CPU 114 and the like.

The image data output from the CCD 109 is subjected to analog / digital conversion processing in the A / D-SH section 110 and then to shading correction processing. The image data processed by the A / D-SH unit 110 is transferred from the image processing unit 111 to the printer unit 2 and transferred to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 113. Is done.

The CPU 114 operates the image processing unit 1 in accordance with the settings set by the user on the operation unit 115.
11 and the interface unit 113 are controlled. For example, when the copy mode in which the trimming process is performed and the copying is performed is set in the operation unit 115, the CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 to perform the trimming process on the image data, and then performs the trimming process on the image data. The data is transferred to the printer unit 2. The operation unit 115
If the facsimile transmission mode is set in step (1), the interface unit 113 is controlled to transfer image data and a control command corresponding to the set mode to the core unit 10.

The control program of the CPU 114 is stored in the memory 1
The CPU 114 performs control while referring to the memory 116. The memory 116 is a CPU
114 is also used as a work area.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 10. As shown in FIG.

The core section 10 includes the above-described constituent elements 4,
An interface unit (I / F) 120 for interfacing the core unit 10, 5, 7, 8 and 9; a CPU 123 for controlling the operation of the core unit 10; a data processing unit 121; An interface unit (I / F) 122 for interfacing with the unit 1 and a memory 124 are provided.

The CPU 123 includes the interface unit 12
0, the data processing unit 121, the interface unit 122, and the memory 124, and control each unit. The interface 120 and the interface 122 are connected to the data processing unit 121.

The image data sent from the reader unit 1 is sent to the data processing unit 1 via the interface unit 122.
21 and transmitted from the reader unit 1 to the CPU 123 via the interface unit 122.
Transferred to The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as rotation processing and scaling processing of image data. The image data transferred to the data processing unit 121 is controlled by the CPU 123 that receives the transferred control command. The data is transferred from the processing unit 121 to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7 via the interface unit 120.

The code data representing the image input through the computer interface unit 7 is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the interface unit 120 and the data processing unit 121, and the image data has a format that can be processed by the formatter unit 8. Expands to data. The image data developed by the formatter unit 8 is
After that, the data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4 or the printer unit 2.

The image data received by the facsimile unit 4 by facsimile is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, or the computer interface unit 7.

The image data extracted from the magneto-optical disk by the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and then transferred to the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, or computer interface unit 7.

The CPU 123 controls the image data in accordance with the control program stored in the memory 124 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. In addition,
The memory 124 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123. Further, the memory unit 124 stores setting contents set by the user on the operation unit 115, such as the print output mode of the image forming processing apparatus.

As described above, the core unit 10 reads an original image, prints out image data, transmits and receives image data,
It is possible to control processing combining functions such as storage of image data and input / output of data from a computer.

In the above configuration, the image data Dx sent from the PC / WS 11 connected to the image forming apparatus to the computer interface unit 7 is grouped into a plurality of image groups under the control of the core unit 10, and the paper size used, It is stored in the image memory unit 9 together with the print output mode Mx including the setting contents such as the number of copies and the single-sided / double-sided mode.

Here, a plurality of image data (D1 to D5)
The management state of the image memory unit 9 will be described.

For example, when "G1" is specified as an image group and image data D1 in which M1 is set as a print output mode is sent from the PC / WS 11, the image group G1 to which D1 belongs should be set. If it does not exist in the image memory unit 9, an image group G1 is created, and the image data D1 is registered therein.

[0060]

[Table 1] Next, from the PC / WS11, “G1” is selected as an image group.
Is specified, and image data D2 in which M2 is set as the print output mode is sent, the image group G
Since 1 already exists, the image data D2 is registered in the image group G1.

[0061]

[Table 2] Similarly, image data D3 and D5 in which “G2” is designated as the image group and “G1” as the image group
Are sequentially transmitted, the core unit 10 causes the image group I in the image memory unit 9 to be transmitted.
The presence / absence of the designated image group is determined with reference to D, and an image group is appropriately created according to the determination result, and the image data is registered. As a result, the management state of the image data in the image memory unit 9 is as follows.

[0062]

[Table 3] Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the image data (D) stored in the image memory unit 9 as the above-described image group G1 is described.
1, D2, D4) will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print output procedure of image data stored in the image memory 9.
FIG. 6 shows the operation unit 115 when executing this print output procedure.
3 is a diagram showing display contents of a display screen 302 of FIG.

A program for executing this flowchart is stored in the memory 124 in the core unit 10 and is executed by the CPU 123.

The image group G is stored in the image memory section 9.
1, a plurality of image data (D1, D2, D4) for which different print output modes are set are stored (step S1).

In this state, it is determined whether or not the registration data key 304 on the operation unit 115 shown in FIG. 6 has been selected (step S2), and if the answer is negative (NO), the process proceeds to steps S1 and S2. The process is repeated.

If the answer to step S2 is affirmative (YES), the display screen 302 is displayed in a registered data mode in which processing such as registration of image data stored in the image memory unit 9 can be performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a group output mode key 305 for selecting a mode for batch output of image data in a desired image group is displayed on the display screen 302, and the image data is individually displayed. Individual output mode key 30 for selecting a print output mode
7, and a registration mode key 308 for reading the image data of the document placed on the platen and selecting a mode for registering the group ID and the output mode in the image memory 9 are displayed. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 302 denotes a display screen, and reference numeral 303 denotes a direction key pressed when a desired key is selected in the display screen 302.

In this state, the display screen 302 is displayed by the user.
When the enter key 306 is selected after selecting one of the mode keys displayed in the step (1), it is determined which mode key is selected (step S3).

In step S3, the registration mode key 3
If it is determined that 08 has been selected, no printout is performed, and the process returns to step S1.

If it is determined in step S3 that the group output mode key 305 has been selected,
The display screen 302 is a group output mode display shown in FIG. Here, the image group (Gx) to be printed and output is specified by the user (step S4), and the user sets the number of output copies, single-sided / double-sided printing, the sorting mode, and the print output mode (Mg1) such as the paper size. Is performed (step S5). Then, the enter key 306
Is selected, it is determined whether or not the setting in step S5 has been determined (step S6). If the answer is negative (NO), the processing in steps S5 and S6 is repeated. If the answer to step S6 is affirmative (YES), the image data D1, D
2 and D4 are all printed out in the print output mode Mg1 (step S7).

When the paper size specified in the set print output mode Mg1 is different from the size of the recording paper of the image data, particularly, the set size of the recording paper is set to a certain image data Dx. If the size of the recording paper is smaller than the size of the recording paper and the image may be missing, the image data is reduced and the image processing is executed so as to fit within the size of the recording paper set in step S5. .

If it is determined in step S3 that the individual output key 307 has been selected, the image data to be printed out is specified by the user (step S3).
8). Then, it is determined whether or not the image data specified in step S8 is determined by selecting the determination key 306 (step S9), and the answer is negative (NO).
In the case of, the processing of step S8 and step S9 is repeated.

If the answer to step S9 is affirmative (YES), the image data specified by the user in step S8 is stored in the image memory unit 9 in the print output mode stored together with the image data. The specified image data is printed out (step S1).
0).

When the print output in step S7 or S10 is completed, the present print output procedure ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of image data are managed as the same image group in the image memory 9 of the image forming apparatus, and the image data included in the same image group is output collectively. In this case, the print output mode can be set for each image group. Therefore, when performing print output processing of a document created from a plurality of image data, a different print output mode is set for each image data. Even in this case, the printout can be smoothly performed without interruption on the way.

In the above-described image forming apparatus, when a staple for performing a binding process on a printed sheet is mounted, a mode relating to sorting using staples can be set as a print output mode. It is also possible to configure. Also in this case, for example, even when a mode using staples is not set for all image data, a sorting mode using staples can be set as an image group, and bookbinding processing can be performed smoothly.

When only one image data is registered in the image group Gx specified in the step S4, it is possible to configure so that the processes in the steps S5 and S6 are not performed. In this case, the image data is printed out according to the print output mode set for the one image data.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the image data D1, D2, and D4 stored in the image group G1 are printed out.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a print output procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the display contents of display screen 302 of operation unit 115 when the present print output procedure is executed. FIG. 7, the processing procedure of steps S1 to S3 and steps S8 to S10 is the same as the processing procedure of steps S1 to S3 and steps S8 to S10 shown in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment described above.

If it is determined in step S3 that the group output mode key 305 has been selected on the display screen 302 shown in FIG. 8A, the display screen 302 displays the group output mode key shown in FIG. Display.

Here, the image group (Gx) to be printed out is specified by the user (step S21), and among the image data in the image group, the printing set for the image data to be printed first is set. The output mode is set as the print output mode Mg1 of the image group (step S22). Then, it is determined whether or not the setting of step S22 is confirmed by selecting the confirmation key 306 (step S23). If the answer is negative (NO), the processing procedure of step S22 and step S23 is repeated. .

If the answer to step S23 is affirmative (YE
In the case of S), all the image data included in the specified image group is printed out in the print output mode Mg1 (step S24). For example, the image data D1, D2, and D4 included in the image group G1 are represented by D1, D2,
When printing out in the order of D4, all image data is printed out in the printout mode M1 set for the image data D1. When the print output in step S24 or step S10 ends, the print output procedure ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, all the image data is printed out in the print output mode of the image data to be printed first in the specified image group. Therefore, the first
As compared with the embodiment, the work of setting the print output mode of the image group can be omitted, and the work can be simplified as a whole.

Also in the present embodiment, if the set recording paper size is smaller than the recording paper size set for a certain image data Dx and there is a possibility that an image may be missing. It goes without saying that the image data may be reduced so that the image data is reduced and the image processing is executed so as to fit in the size of the recording paper to be used.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the image data D1, D2, and D4 stored in the image memory 9 as the image group G1 are printed out.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view showing display screen 302 of operation unit 115 when this print output procedure is executed. It is a figure which shows the display content of. In FIG. 9, steps S1 to S3 and step S
The processing procedure of Steps S8 to S10 is the same as that of Steps S1 to S3 and Step S1 shown in FIG.
This is the same as the processing procedure of 8 to S10.

In step S3, the group output mode key 305 is displayed on the display screen 302 shown in FIG.
When it is determined that is selected, the display screen 302
The group output mode display shown in FIG.

Here, the image group (Gx) to be printed out is specified by the user (step S31), and reference image data is selected from the specified image group Gx (step S32). . Then, the print output mode set for the selected image data is set to the print output mode Mg1 of all the image data included in the image group (step S3).
3).

Then, when the enter key 306 is selected, it is determined whether or not the image data specified in step S32 has been established (step S34). If the answer is negative (NO), the process proceeds from step S32 to step S32. The process of S34 is repeated. If the answer to step S34 is affirmative (YES), the image data included in the specified image group is printed out in the print output mode Mg1 (step S35). For example, the image data D1, D2, and D4 included in the image group G1 are printed out in the print output mode Md1 (step S35). When the print output in step S35 or step S10 ends, the print output procedure ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print output mode when collectively printing out a plurality of image data included in the specified image group is selected by selecting the reference image data. It can be set by a simple operation of doing. In addition, since the user can confirm and select the reference print output mode, the print paper mode necessary for print output is smaller than the print paper size required for subsequent print output of image data. It is possible to reduce the possibility of causing a problem such as a missing image to be printed out.

Also in the present embodiment, if the size of the set recording paper is smaller than the size of the recording paper set for a certain image data Dx, there is a possibility that an image may be missing. It goes without saying that the image data may be reduced so that the image data is reduced and the image processing is executed so as to fit in the size of the recording paper to be used.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a print output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 12 and 13 show the operation of operation unit 115 when executing the print output procedure. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display contents of a display screen. In FIG. 11, steps S1 to S
Step 3 is the same as steps S1 to S3 shown in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment described above.

In step S3, the group output mode key 305 is displayed on the display screen 302 shown in FIG.
When it is determined that is selected, the display screen 302
The group output mode display shown in FIG.

Here, the image group (Gx) to be printed out is specified by the user (step S41), and when the confirmation key 306 is selected, it is determined whether or not the image data specified in step S41 has been confirmed. It is determined (step S43), and if the answer is negative (NO), the processing of step S41 and step S43 is repeated.

If the answer to step 43 is affirmative (YES), the size of the recording paper that can be fed by the recording paper cassette currently mounted on the image forming apparatus and the image data D1 and D2 included in the image data G1. , And D4, the print output modes M1, M2, and M4 are referred to, and the sizes of all recording papers required when collectively printing and outputting the image data D1, D2, and D4 are compared. (Step S44), it is determined whether or not recording paper of a size required for printing and outputting image data is mounted on the image forming apparatus, that is, whether or not all recording paper of a required size is present. (Step S45).

If the answer to step S45 is affirmative (YES), that is, if it is determined that there are all recording papers of a size necessary to print out each image data, the image data D1, D2 and D4 are output. Print output is performed (step S46). When the printout ends, this procedure ends.

If the answer to step S45 is negative (NO)
In the case of, an alarm message shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display screen 302 (step S47). After displaying the alarm message, this procedure ends without performing printout.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the individual output mode has been selected, the display screen 302
Then, the image data stored in the image memory unit 9 is displayed, and the user specifies the image data to be printed out (step S42). Then, confirm key 30
It is determined whether or not the image data specified in step S42 is determined by selecting No. 6 (step S42).
48) If the answer is negative (NO), step S42
And the process of step S48 is repeated. If the answer to step S48 is affirmative (YES), the procedure from step S44 described above is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of image data Dx included in the specified image group Gx are collectively printed and output, the setting is made for each image data Dx. By referring to the print output mode Mx, it is determined whether or not all the recording paper of a size necessary to print out each image data is present. If the recording paper of the required size is not available, an alarm is issued. Since the message is displayed and the printout is not performed, it is possible to prevent a problem that the printout is interrupted halfway.

In the present embodiment, an alarm message is displayed when recording paper of a required size is not loaded. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
If it is not possible to print out all the image data in the image group due to some kind of trouble, it may be configured to indicate so. Thus, the user can accurately determine the reason why the print data of the selected image group is not printed out, and can take appropriate measures.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a print output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display contents of a display screen of the operation unit. In FIG. 14, the difference from the printout procedure shown in FIG. 11 in the above-described fourth embodiment is that the step S47 of displaying the alarm message is deleted.
The difference is that a step of displaying a confirmation message on the display screen 302 is provided.

More specifically, if the answer to step S45 is negative (NO), that is, if it is determined that there is no recording paper of a size necessary to print out the image data in the image forming apparatus, it is shown in FIG. Message is displayed, and the user is requested to supply recording paper of a required size (step S50). Then, after the process according to the confirmation message is performed by the user, the process proceeds to step S46 described above, and the printout is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is confirmed that recording paper of a required size has been supplied, print output is executed. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of re-performing the print output procedure after the message is displayed, and it is possible to perform the print output more smoothly as compared with the above-described fourth embodiment.

It should be noted that, instead of requesting the replenishment of the required size of paper as in the present embodiment, a configuration is demanded in which the print output mode is requested to be changed to the size of the already fed recording paper. Is also good.

[0107]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, input means for inputting image data, storage means for storing at least one image data input by the input means, Management means for collectively managing the at least one image data stored in the storage means into at least one group; selection means for selecting a desired group from the groups managed by the management means; Batch output instructing means for instructing batch output of the at least one image data grouped as a group selected by the selection means, and when the batch output is instructed by the batch output instructing means,
Output means for collectively outputting the at least one image data grouped in the group selected by the selection means in one output mode, so that each of the plurality of image data is set. Even when the output modes are different, it is possible to output in a unified output mode, and thus it is possible to obtain an effect that a print output can be smoothly performed without interruption on the way.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the mode setting means changes the output mode set for the image data selected by the user from the plurality of image data to the one output mode. Therefore, the operation of setting the contents of the print output mode of the image group one by one can be omitted, and the effect that the operation can be simplified as a whole can be obtained.

According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the mode setting means sets the output mode of the image data first output by the output means among the plurality of image data to the one output mode. Since the setting is made as, the operation of setting the print output mode of the image group is omitted, and an effect is obtained that the operation can be simplified as a whole.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the paper size of the group selected by the selection means is larger than the paper size of one output mode set by the output mode setting means as the output mode in advance. When the image data includes the image data, the output unit reduces the image data and outputs the image data. The effect that it can be obtained is obtained.

According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, when a plurality of image data are grouped in a group selected by the selection means, a different output mode is applied to each of the plurality of image data. When is set, comprising a determination means for determining whether or not batch output of the plurality of image data is possible by referring to the output mode set for each of the plurality of image data, The output means outputs the plurality of image data collectively when it is determined that the plurality of image data can be output collectively by the determination means. Can be prevented.

According to the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, since the display means is provided for displaying a warning message when the determination means determines that the batch output is not possible, the user does not perform the batch output. The effect is obtained that the reason can be accurately grasped and appropriate measures can be taken.

According to the image forming method of the present invention, at least one input image data is stored, and the stored at least one image data is collectively managed in at least one group. A desired group is selected from the groups that are present, and when a batch output of the at least one image data grouped as the selected group is instructed, the at least one grouped data in the selected group is selected. Since image data is output in one output mode at a time, even when the output mode set for each of a plurality of image data is different, it is possible to output in a unified output mode. Therefore, an effect is obtained that printout can be performed smoothly without interruption on the way.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reader unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an image data output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation unit and display contents displayed on the operation unit 3.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image data output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an operation unit and display contents displayed on the operation unit 3 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an image data output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an operation unit and display contents displayed on the operation unit 3 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image data output procedure executed in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an operation unit and display contents displayed on the operation unit 3 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an alarm message display.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an image data output procedure executed in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an alarm message display in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 4 Facsimile part 7 Computer interface part 9 Image memory part 10 Core part 115 Operation part

Claims (17)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting image data; a storage unit for storing at least one image data input by the input unit; and at least one image data stored in the storage unit. Management means for collectively managing the groups; selection means for selecting a desired group from the groups managed by the management means; and the at least one image data grouped as a group selected by the selection means Batch output instructing means for instructing batch output of the at least one image data, and when the batch output instructing means instructs the batch output, the at least one image data grouped into the group selected by the selecting means is output as one output An image forming apparatus comprising: an output unit that performs batch output in a mode. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes at least one of a reading unit that reads the image data and a receiving unit that receives image data from outside. . 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input unit includes a group designating unit that designates a group that manages the image data using the group ID added to the group when the image data is input. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode setting unit configured to set the one output mode when the selected groups are output collectively. . 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting means sets an output mode set for image data selected by a user from the plurality of image data as the one output mode. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mode setting means sets an output mode of image data which is first output by said output means among said plurality of image data as said one output mode. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4. 7. The output mode setting means is controlled so as not to operate when there is only one image data grouped as a group selected by the selection means. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. 8. When the group selected by the selection unit includes image data in which a paper size larger than the paper size of one output mode set by the output mode setting unit includes an output mode, the image data is set in advance. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit performs reduction processing on the image data and outputs the reduced image data. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the output mode is one side of image data /
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes at least one of a double-sided output mode, the number of output copies, a sorting mode, and a sheet size. 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a binding unit that performs binding processing on a plurality of sheets on which the image data has been output by the output unit, wherein the output mode includes a sorting mode related to the binding unit. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 11. When a plurality of image data are grouped in a group selected by said selecting means, and a different output mode is set for each of said plurality of image data, A determination unit configured to determine whether the plurality of image data can be output collectively by referring to an output mode set for each of the plurality of image data; and the output unit determines the plurality of image data by the determination unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the batch output of the image data is possible, the plurality of image data are batch output. 5. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit refers to an output mode set for each of the plurality of image data, and determines whether a sheet of a size necessary for outputting each image data is mounted on the image forming apparatus. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein it is determined whether or not the plurality of image data can be output collectively by confirming whether or not the image data is output. 13. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit that displays a warning message when the batch output is determined to be impossible by the determination unit.
3. The image forming apparatus according to 2. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a stop unit that stops batch output by the output unit when a warning message is displayed by the display unit. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the warning message displayed by the display unit is a content for instructing a user to replenish sheets. 16. At least one input image data is stored, the stored at least one image data is collectively managed in at least one group, and a desired group is selected from the managed groups. When a batch output of the at least one image data grouped as the selected group is instructed, the at least one image data grouped in the selected group is batched in one output mode. An image forming method characterized by outputting. 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one output mode is set when the batch output is instructed.
7. The image forming method according to item 6.