JP2006145954A - Control device for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device capable of easily determining applicability to setting regardless of an increase in the number of items for setting. <P>SOLUTION: In the operation step S108 of the control device 1B of an image forming apparatus 1A, the extents of the lengths of the main scanning line and sub-scanning line for recording paper applicable to setting are derived. In step S109, it is evaluated whether the lengths of the main scanning line and sub-scanning line are within the extents derived in step S108. Then, the applicability or non-applicability to setting in image formation is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an image forming apparatus that controls an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet according to settings.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technology has been used in which an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction machine including a printer function is connected to a control device such as a personal computer, and the control device controls the image forming apparatus. In this technique, a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus is installed in the control apparatus. The control device uses the installed printer driver to convert settings applied to image formation in the image forming device into data described in a page description language, and outputs the data to the image forming device. The image forming apparatus is controlled.

  On the other hand, in order to prevent improper settings from being given to the image forming apparatus in the control device, by referring to a table describing whether or not settings can be applied to image formation in the image forming device, A technique for determining whether to apply a setting has also been used. For example, when the image forming apparatus to be controlled by the control apparatus includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes, and the size of paper that can be set for each paper feed cassette is different, the printer driver can be set with the paper feed cassette. By referring to the table describing the correspondence with the paper size, it is possible to prevent the paper size that cannot be set in the paper cassette set as the recording paper supply source from being set as the recording paper size. It has been broken.

  Patent Document 1 relates to a technique for recognizing and displaying a print margin that is an unprintable area based on device information acquired from a printer driver.

JP 2002-55974 A

  However, the determination of applicability of setting using a conventional table can be easily realized when the number of setting items is small, but as the number of setting items increases, the table becomes complicated and difficult to realize. .

  Here, an example of an image forming apparatus capable of performing double-sided printing and stapling on recording paper will be described as an example, and the reason why it becomes difficult to determine whether a setting can be applied using a table will be described.

  First, in the image forming apparatus, the size of the recording paper that can be printed on both sides is (1) SEF (Short Edge Feed; the short side of the rectangular recording paper is the main scanning side) and LEF (Long Edge Feed; (2) size that allows double-sided printing only in the case of SEF; (3) double-sided printing It is assumed that the size is classified into three types (see FIG. 22).

  In the image forming apparatus, the size of the recording paper that can be stapled is (1) the size that can be stapled in either case of SEF or LEF; (2) the staple only in the case of SEF. Size that can be processed; (3) Size that can be stapled only in LEF; (4) Size that cannot be stapled; .

  In FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the above-described ranges for each classification are illustrated as regions for the short side length X and the long side length Y (X ≦ Y) of the rectangular recording paper. 22 and 23, the effective minimum length Xmin and the effective maximum length Xmax in the main scanning direction indicate the minimum value and the maximum value of the length of the main scanning side that can be scanned in the image forming apparatus, respectively. The effective minimum length Ymin and the effective maximum length Ymax respectively indicate the minimum value and the maximum value of the length of the sub-scanning side that can be scanned in the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the double-sided printing minimum length Xd in the main scanning direction and the double-sided printing minimum length Yd in the sub-scanning direction in FIG. 22 respectively indicate the minimum values of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side when performing double-sided printing. However, Xd <Yd. Further, the staple minimum length Xd in the main scanning direction and the staple minimum length Yd in the sub-scanning direction in FIG. 23 respectively indicate the minimum values of the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side when stapling is performed. However, Xs <Ys. Therefore, in FIG. 22, the range in which the length of the main scanning side is not less than Xd and not more than Xmax and the length of the sub-scanning side is not less than Yd and not more than Ymax is a range where double-sided printing is possible. A range in which the length is Xs or more and Xmax or less and the length of the sub-scanning side is Ys or more and Ymax or less is a range where stapling is possible.

  In such a case, considering both double-sided printing and stapling, it is necessary to classify the paper size into a number larger than 3 or 4, and the above-described table becomes complicated. Further, when the image forming apparatus can punch or shift the recording paper, the above-described table becomes more complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a control device that can easily determine whether a setting can be applied even if the number of setting items increases.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is a control device for controlling an image forming apparatus for forming an image on recording paper according to the setting, and the main scanning side and the sub-scanning of the recording paper to which the setting can be applied. Deriving means for deriving the range of the length of the side, and the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the target recording paper as the recording paper selected as the use target are in the ranges derived by the deriving means, respectively. Determining means for determining whether or not the setting can be applied according to whether or not it is included.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the control device according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus can perform stapling on the recording paper on which the image is formed, and can also apply the setting processing to the recording paper. Based on the stapling position, the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper are determined.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control device according to the first aspect, the image forming apparatus can perform punching on the recording paper on which the image is formed, and apply the setting processing to the recording paper. Based on the punching position, the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper are determined.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the control device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the control device further includes setting input means for causing an operator to input a setting, wherein the determination means includes: Input that specifies settings that are determined to be inapplicable is prohibited.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the determination unit assigns the main scanning side to the short side and the long side of the target recording paper. When the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the target recording paper are included in the ranges derived by the deriving unit, it is determined that the setting is applicable.

  According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, it is not necessary to prepare a table describing whether settings can be applied. Therefore, whether settings can be applied can be easily determined even if the number of setting items increases.

  According to the second to third aspects of the invention, since the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper are appropriately determined, it is appropriately determined whether the setting can be applied.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since an unapplicable setting is not input by the operator, an image is appropriately formed on the recording paper in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the setting can be appropriately applied by changing the main scanning side of the recording paper, it is determined that the setting can be applied. It will be something.

<1 configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1A that forms (prints) an image on a recording sheet according to settings, and a control device 1B that controls the image forming apparatus 1A. The image forming apparatus 1A is, for example, a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a copy function. The control device 1B is, for example, a personal computer that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus 1A. Connection between the image forming apparatus 1A and the control apparatus 1B is realized by a LAN, a parallel interface, a USB interface, or the like.

  Hereinafter, the configurations of the image forming apparatus 1A and the control apparatus 1B will be described individually. However, it is not impeded that the control apparatus 1B is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 1A and the image forming system 1 is configured as an integral unit. .

<1.1 Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
As shown in the schematic external view of FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1A includes a scanner 11 provided on the upper surface of the housing HS, a printer 12 built in the housing HS, and a display projecting forward in the housing HS. Unit 13 and operation unit 14, and a sheet feeding unit 15 provided at the bottom of the housing HS. Further, the image forming apparatus 1A includes a finisher 16 that performs a finishing process and a book cover 17 that includes a double-sided print unit 18 that enables double-sided printing on the side surface of the housing HS and includes an ADF that feeds an original to the scanner 11. It is attached to the upper surface of the housing HS.

  The scanner 11 reads an image on a document by an FBS (Flat Bed Scanner) method and an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) method.

  The printer 12 forms an image on the recording paper and outputs the recording paper on which the image is formed. The printer 12 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer unit having an LED printer head, and forms an image related to given image data on a recording sheet.

  The image forming apparatus 1A is provided with a display unit 13 and an operation unit 14 as user interfaces.

  The paper feed unit 15 includes four paper feed cassettes 151 to 154 that can be pulled out forward. In each of the paper feed cassettes 151 to 154, recording paper of a predetermined size (for example, A4, B5, etc.) is stored in a predetermined direction (vertical, horizontal).

  The finisher 16 performs finishing processing such as stapling and punching on the recording paper on which the image is formed, and outputs the recording paper to the paper discharge tray 161. In the image forming apparatus 1A, as shown in FIG. 3, punching, that is, formation of punch holes PH (see FIG. 3 (1)) or stapling, that is, stapling, is performed only on the rear side in the discharge direction of the recording paper P. ST can be driven (see FIG. 3B). Here, the arrow AR1 in FIGS. 2 and 3 indicates the discharge direction of the recording paper on which the image is formed.

  The duplex printing unit 18 feeds the recording paper for realizing image formation (double-sided printing) on both sides of the recording paper.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A, the finisher 16 and the duplex printing unit 18 are options that can be arbitrarily attached.

  When the data described in the page description language is given from the control device 1B, the image forming apparatus 1A pulls out the paper set in the paper feed cassettes 151 to 154 as recording paper and feeds it to the printer 12, and the data An image based on the print data included in the image is formed on the recording paper pulled out using the printer 12. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A performs processing (processing by the finisher 16 and the duplex printing unit 18) specified in the data on the recording paper before discharging the recording paper to the paper discharge tray 161. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1A can form an image on the recording paper according to the setting input by the control apparatus 1B.

<1.2 Configuration of control device>
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the control device 1 </ b> B is a personal computer including a CPU 21, a memory 22, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 23. The personal computer functions as a control device that controls the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A by reading and executing the printer driver PD that is a control program installed in the hard disk drive 23. In addition, it is not prevented that part or all of the functions of the control device 1B are implemented by hardware.

  Furthermore, the control device 1B includes a display 24, a keyboard 25, and a mouse 26, which are user interfaces. Since the control device 1B employs a GUI (Graphical User Interface) interface, the operator performs a GUI operation using the keyboard 25 and the mouse 26 on the GUI screen displayed on the display 24. An instruction can be given to the control device 1B.

  The control device 1B uses the printer driver PD to register the print data generated by the various installed programs and the settings input via the GUI screen for inputting the settings of the image forming apparatus 1A using the printer driver PD. ) And PostScript (registered trademark) and the like, and the data is output to the image forming apparatus 1A by controlling the image forming apparatus 1A.

<1.3 GUI screen>
Next, a GUI screen displayed on the display 24 for allowing the operator to input settings of the image forming apparatus 1A will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the GUI screen includes an OK button B1, a cancel button B2, an apply button B3, and a help button B4. The GUI screen displayed by the operation on the tab TAB is changed to the paper setting screen. 30 (FIG. 4), a page layout setting screen 40 (FIG. 5), and an output setting screen 50 (FIG. 6).

  As will be described later, on these GUI screens, settings that are not applicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A are prohibited from being input. However, here, the settings are not prohibited from being input (initialized). First, the prohibition of setting input will be described later.

○ Paper setting screen;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper setting screen 30 for allowing an operator to input settings related to paper used as recording paper.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the paper setting screen 30 includes a preview unit PV, a paper size setting unit 31, and a paper feed setting unit 32.

  The preview unit PV schematically displays a printed matter that is output when the current setting is applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A. When the operator changes the setting on the GUI screen, the preview unit PV responds to the change. Thus, the display in the preview portion PV is also updated. The page layout setting screen 40 and the output setting screen 50 are also provided with a similar preview portion PV.

  Next, GUI operation members that are targets of the GUI operation of the operator on the paper setting screen 30 will be described.

  The paper size setting unit 31 records a paper size combo box 311 for setting the size of paper used as recording paper, a printing direction combo box 312 for setting the printing direction, and paper of an irregular size. And a non-standard paper setting button 313 for calling a screen (not shown) for setting to use as paper. In the paper size combo box 311, a plurality of options relating to a standard paper size used as a recording paper (for example, “A3” “A4” “A5” “A6” “B4” “B5” “Letter” “Half Letter” “Ledger” “DL”, “COM10”, and “postcard”) can be selected and set. The print orientation combo box 312 can be set by selecting one from two options (“portrait (portrait)” and “landscape (landscape)”) regarding the orientation of the rectangular sheet.

  The paper feed setting unit 32 includes a paper feed combo box 321 for setting a paper feed source of paper used as recording paper. In the paper feed combo box 321, from a plurality of options (for example, “cassette 1”, “cassette 2”, “cassette 3”, “cassette 4”, “paper feed tray”, “LCC”) relating to the paper source used as recording paper One can be selected and set.

○ Page layout setting screen;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page layout setting screen 40 for allowing an operator to input settings relating to a page layout which is an image layout on a recording sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the page layout setting screen 40 includes a preview unit PV, a double-sided print setting unit 41, and an aggregation setting unit 42.

  The duplex printing setting section 41 includes a duplex printing check box 411 and a duplex printing binding position combo box 412.

  The double-sided printing check box 411 is set to perform double-sided printing when the check is made, and the setting to perform double-sided printing is canceled when the check is removed. In the double-sided printing binding position combo box 412, one of three options (“upper binding”, “left binding”, and “right binding”) related to the binding position (side position) of double-sided printing can be selected and set.

  The aggregation setting unit 42 includes an aggregation page number combo box 421. In the combined page number combo box 421, one of four options (“off”, “2”, “4”, “8”) regarding the number of pages to be collectively printed on one recording sheet can be selected and set. It is. Here, the option “off” indicates that the aggregation function is canceled and the number of pages printed on one recording sheet is only one page.

○ Output setting screen;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output setting screen 50 for allowing an operator to input settings relating to output of recording paper after image formation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the output setting screen 50 includes a preview part PV, a sort setting part 51, a shift setting part 52, a staple setting part 53, and a punch setting part 54.

  The sort setting unit 51 includes radio buttons 511 and 512. The radio buttons 511 and 512 can be exclusively selected. When the radio button 512 is selected, the finisher 16 performs sorting. When the radio button 511 is selected, the finisher 16 performs sorting. The setting is canceled.

  The shift setting unit 52 includes radio buttons 521 and 522. The radio buttons 521 and 522 can be selected exclusively. When the radio button 522 is selected, the setting is made to shift in the finisher 16, and when the radio button 521 is selected, the shifting is executed in the finisher 16. The setting to cancel is canceled.

  The staple setting unit 53 includes a staple check box 531 and a staple position combo box 532. In the staple check box 531, when the check is made, the setting for performing the staple processing is performed, and when the check is removed, the setting for performing the staple processing is canceled. In the staple position combo box 532, five options (“1 point [upper left]”, “1 point [upper right]”, “2 points [upper]”, “a staple position” (hereinafter also referred to as “staple position”) “ 2 points [left] ”and“ 2 points [right] ”) can be selected and set. Here, “1 point” and “2 points” are the number of staples to be driven onto the recording paper. “Upper left”, “Upper right”, “Up”, “Left”, and “Right” are staple positions with respect to the image formed on the recording paper. The case corresponds to the position of an edge.

  The punch setting unit 54 includes a punch check box 541 and a punch position combo box 542. The punch check box 541 is set to perform punching when the check is made, and the setting for punching is canceled when the check is removed. In the punch position combo box 542, one of three options (“2 holes [top]”, “2 holes [left]”, “2 holes [right]”) regarding the punching position (side position) is selected. It can be set. In the punch position combo box 542, “3 holes [left]”, “3 holes [right]” and “3 holes [top]” may be added as options. Here, “2 holes” and “3 holes” are the number of punch holes formed in the recording paper. “Top”, “Left”, and “Right” are punch hole positions for an image formed on a recording sheet, and correspond to the positions of edges.

<2. Operation>
Hereinafter, an operation related to display of a GUI screen realized by the printer driver PD will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following, a subroutine for determining whether or not settings can be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A will be described first, and then operations related to the display of the GUI screen will be described.

<2.1 Determining Applicability of Settings for Image Formation in Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation for determining whether to apply the setting to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the first step S101 of the operation flow relating to the determination of applicability of setting, branch processing is performed according to staple and punch settings, and two-point staple processing or punch processing is performed. If the setting is made, the process proceeds to step S103, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the short side of the recording paper (target recording paper) selected and designated by the paper size setting unit 31 as the target of use is temporarily assigned to the main scanning side and the long side is temporarily assigned to the sub-scanning side. Here, the main scanning side is a side perpendicular to the discharge direction of the recording paper, and is a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum of the printer 12. The sub-scanning side is a side parallel to the recording paper discharge direction and is a side perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum of the printer 12.

  Steps S103 to S105 are a group of steps for determining the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper based on the two-point stapling or punching position (hereinafter also referred to as “processing position”) on the recording paper. is there.

  In step S103, branch processing is performed according to the processing position. If the processing position is the long side of the recording paper, the long side of the recording paper is assigned to the main scanning side and the short side is assigned to the sub-scanning side (step S104). When the processing position is the short side of the recording paper, the short side of the recording paper is assigned to the main scanning side and the long side is assigned to the sub-scanning side (step S105). Such determination of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side is limited as shown in FIG. 3 in the image forming apparatus 1A. Therefore, it is necessary to assign the side as the processing position to the main scanning side. Has been done due to being. Since the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper are appropriately determined by such determination of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side, it is appropriately determined whether or not the setting can be applied in the steps described later.

As for the case where the processing position is the short side of the recording paper,
(1) “Off” or “4 sheets” is selected in the combined page number combo box 421, and “vertical” is selected in the print direction combo box 312 and the binding position for two-point staple processing or punch processing is set to the top binding (staple position). When “2 points [above]” is selected in the combo box 532, or “2 holes [above]” or “3 holes [above]” is selected in the punch position combo box 542); and (2) Aggregation When “2” or “8” is selected in the page number combo box 421, “horizontal” is selected in the print direction combo box 312, and the binding position for two-point stapling or punching is set to the top binding;
There is.

On the other hand, when the processing position is the long side of the recording paper,
(3) “Off” or “4” is selected in the combined page number combo box 421, and “vertical” is selected in the print direction combo box 312 and the binding position for two-point staple processing or punch processing is set to horizontal binding (staple position). “2 points [left]” or “2 points [right]” is selected in the combo box 532, or “2 holes [left]”, “2 holes [right]”, “3 holes [left]” are selected in the punch position combo box 542. Or “3 holes [right] is selected); and (4)“ 2 ”or“ 8 ”is selected in the combined page number combo box 421, and“ horizontal ”is selected in the print orientation combo box 312. When the binding position for 2-point stapling or punching is set to horizontal binding;
There is.

  Subsequent to step S102, S104, or S105, the consistency of the binding position for double-sided printing, the stapling position, and the punching position is evaluated (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that there is a contradiction, this subroutine returns NG (determined that the setting cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A) and ends, and if it is determined that there is no contradiction. The operation flow moves to step S107.

  In step S107, if an irregular size is set as the size of the recording paper, and if punching is set at the same time, this subroutine returns NG and ends. Otherwise, the operation flow is step S107. The process proceeds to S108.

  In step S108, the minimum values of the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper to which the setting to be applied can be determined are derived.

  FIG. 9 is a table showing examples of minimum values of the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper for each setting.

  As shown in FIG. 9 (1), the minimum value of the length of the main scanning side is 100 mm when all the settings for performing the finishing process are cancelled, 140 mm when only the settings for performing duplex printing are set, Otherwise, it is 182 mm. These minimum values are the length due to the hardware restrictions of the image forming apparatus 1A, the length of the short side of the “Half Letter” size paper, and the length of the short side of the “B5” size paper, respectively. It corresponds.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, for a standard size sheet, the minimum value of the length of the sub-scanning side is 140 mm when all the settings for finishing processing are canceled, If punching is set, it is 182 mm, otherwise 140 mm.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (3), for a non-standard size sheet, the minimum value of the length of the sub-scanning side is 140 mm when all the settings for performing the finishing process are canceled, and the finishing process is performed. If the setting to perform is made, it is 182 mm.

  In the image forming apparatus 1A, the maximum value of the length of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side is a fixed value (297 mm and 432 mm, respectively). The range of the length of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper to which the setting can be applied is derived.

  Subsequently, it is evaluated whether or not the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side assigned in any of steps S102, S104, or S105 are included in the range derived in step S108 (step S109). In this case, the subroutine returns OK (determined that the setting can be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A) and ends. If not included, the operation flow proceeds to step S110.

  Note that it is not necessary to prepare a table describing whether settings can be applied in steps S108 and S109. Therefore, whether settings can be applied can be easily determined even if the number of setting items increases.

  In step S110, if the setting for performing double-sided printing is canceled and the setting for shifting or single-point stapling (corner stapling) has been performed, the main scanning side and sub-scanning side temporarily allocated in step S102 are set. After the replacement, the long side of the recording paper is assigned to the main scanning side and the short side is assigned to the sub-scanning side (step S111). Otherwise, this subroutine returns NG and ends.

  Subsequently, it is evaluated most whether or not the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side assigned in step S111 are included in the range derived in step S108 (step S112). If it is not included, the subroutine returns NG and ends.

  As described above, in the case where the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper are replaced and the main scanning side of the recording paper is assigned to the short side and the long side of the recording paper, If the length of the sub-scanning side is included in the range derived in step S108, the setting can be appropriately applied by changing the main scanning side of the recording paper by determining that the setting can be applied. In some cases, it is determined that the setting can be applied, so that it is more appropriate to determine whether the setting can be applied.

<2.2 Display of duplex printing setting section>
In the double-sided printing setting unit 41, setting input that cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is prohibited. Hereinafter, an operation related to the display of the duplex printing setting unit 41 for realizing the prohibition of such setting input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the following description, “initialization” means that the options of the combo box are set to the initial state, and the GUI member such as the combo box or the check box is grayed out so that the GUI operation by the operator is prohibited. That is, the state of not accepting the operator's GUI operation is also referred to as “invalidation”.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, in the operation flow related to the display of the duplex printing setting unit 41, first, the current setting of the duplex printing binding position is acquired (step S <b> 201), and the duplex printing binding position combo box 412. Is initialized (step S202). Subsequently, the paper size, printing direction, shift, stapling, stapling position, punch and punching position settings are set to the current settings, and the duplex printing setting is set to duplex printing settings (step S203). . In step S203, settings are set for necessary setting items other than the double-sided printing binding position.

  Subsequently, a loop process is performed in which the setting of the double-sided printing binding position is sequentially set to “upper binding”, “left binding”, and “right binding” to determine whether the image forming apparatus 1A can be applied to image formation. In the loop processing, first, the setting of the double-sided printing binding position is temporarily set (step S204), and whether or not the setting set in steps S203 and S204 is applicable is determined by calling the aforementioned subroutine (step S205). If the settings set in steps S203 and S204 are applicable (OK is returned from the subroutine), the process proceeds to step S207 and is not applicable (NG is returned from the subroutine). In this case, the option corresponding to the double-sided printing binding position set in step S204 is deleted from the double-sided printing binding position combo box 412 (step S206), and then the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, loop end processing is performed, and when the determination is completed for all of “upper binding”, “left binding”, and “right binding”, the loop processing ends, and if not completed, the process returns to step S204. Loop processing continues. By this loop processing, the option corresponding to the setting determined to be inapplicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is deleted from the double-sided printing binding position combo box 412, and the setting of the double-sided printing binding position corresponding to the deleted option is set. Input to specify contents is prohibited.

  After the loop processing is completed, branch processing according to the punch setting is performed (step S208), and when the punch processing is set, the duplex printing binding position combo box 412 is invalidated (step S209), and duplex printing is performed. The setting of the binding position is overwritten so that the double-sided printing binding position and the punch position are the same position (step S210), and then the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the setting for punching is canceled in step S208, the process proceeds to step S211. Through steps S208 to S210, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1A from being given an inappropriate setting in which the double-sided printing binding position and the punching position are different.

  Subsequently, branch processing according to the staple setting is performed (step S211), and if the setting for performing two-point stapling is made, the duplex printing binding position combo box 412 is invalidated (step S212), and duplex printing is performed. The setting of the binding position is overwritten so that the double-sided printing binding position and the stapling position are the same position (step S213), and then the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the setting for performing the two-point stapling is not made in step S11, the process proceeds to step S214. By steps S211 to S213, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1A from being given inappropriate settings such that the double-sided printing binding position and the stapling position are different.

  In step S214, it is determined whether or not all the options of the duplex printing binding position combo box 412 have been deleted. If they have been deleted, the duplex printing binding position combo box 412 is initialized again and the duplex printing setting unit is set. 41 is invalidated (step S215). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S216, and if not deleted, the process proceeds to step S216 as it is. If there is no double-sided printing binding position applicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A in step S215, not only the setting of double-sided printing binding position but also the setting itself for performing double-sided printing is prohibited and inappropriate setting. Can be prevented from being given to the image forming apparatus 1A.

  In step S216, it is determined whether or not the option corresponding to the current setting of the double-sided printing binding position is included in the double-sided printing binding position combo box 412, and if included, the process proceeds to step S218 and is not included. In this case, the setting of the double-sided printing binding position is changed to the setting corresponding to the option that has not been deleted in the double-sided printing binding position combo box 412, and then the process proceeds to step S218. Subsequently, options that have not been deleted are displayed in the double-sided binding position combo box 412 (step S218), and the setting of the double-sided binding position is set as a setting applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A ( Step S219) After that, the operation flow relating to the display of the double-sided print setting unit 41 is finished.

  According to the above operation flow, if the setting input by the operator is appropriate, the setting is applied as it is to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A, but if it is inappropriate, it is automatically appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent improper settings from being applied to the image forming apparatus 1A, and to prevent misprinting in the image forming apparatus 1A.

<2.3 Staple setting section display>
Also in the staple setting unit 53, setting input that cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is prohibited. Hereinafter, an operation related to the display of the staple setting unit 53 for realizing the prohibition of such setting input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the operation flow relating to the display of the staple setting unit 53, first, the current setting of the staple position is acquired (step S301), and the staple position combo box 532 is initialized. (Step S302). Subsequently, the paper size, orientation, double-sided printing, punch, and punch position settings are set to the same settings as the current settings, and the staple settings are set to settings for stapling (step S303). In step S303, settings are set for necessary setting items other than the stapling position and the double-sided printing binding position.

  Next, set the stapling position to “1 point [upper left]”, “1 point [upper right]”, “2 points [upper]”, “2 points [left]”, and “2 points [right]”. A loop process for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 1A can be applied to image formation is performed. In the loop processing, first, the staple position setting is set (step S304), and the duplex printing binding position setting is set in accordance with the staple position set in step S304 (step S305). The double-sided printing binding position set in step S305 is the case where the staple position set in step S304 is any one of “2 points [top]”, “2 points [left]”, and “2 points [right]”. (In the case of two-point staple processing) “Stitch Up”, “Left Binding”, and “Right Binding”, respectively, and the staple positions set in step S304 are “1 point [upper left]” and “1 point [upper right]”. If it is either (single-point staple processing), “Left binding” and “Right binding” are used. If the stapling position (side) is different from the double-sided printing binding position (side) or the stapling position (corner) is different from the double-sided printing binding position (side) by step S305, Therefore, it is excluded from the determination of applicability.

  In step S306, the applicability of the setting set in steps S303 to S305 is determined by calling the aforementioned subroutine. If the settings set in steps S303 to S305 can be applied (OK is returned from the subroutine), the process proceeds to step S308 and cannot be applied (NG is returned from the subroutine). In this case, the option corresponding to the staple position set as the setting in step S304 is deleted from the staple position combo box 532 (step S307), and then the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, loop termination processing is performed, and determination is made for all of "1 point [upper left]", "1 point [upper right]", "2 points [upper]", "2 points [left]", and "2 points [right]". When the process is finished, the loop process is finished. If the process is not finished, the process returns to step S304 and the loop process is continued. By this loop processing, the option corresponding to the setting determined to be inapplicable to the image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is deleted from the staple position combo box 532, and the input of the staple position setting corresponding to the deleted option is prohibited. Is done.

  After completion of the loop processing, it is determined whether or not all the options in the staple position combo box 532 have been deleted (step S309). If they have been deleted, the staple position combo box 532 is initialized again and the staple setting unit. 53 is invalidated (step S310), and then the process proceeds to step S311. If not deleted, the process proceeds to step S311 as it is. If there is no staple position applicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A in step S310, not only the staple position setting input but also the setting for performing stapling itself is prohibited, and inappropriate settings are set in the image forming apparatus. It can be prevented from being given to 1A.

  In step S311, it is determined whether the option corresponding to the staple position setting is included in the staple position combo box 532. If included, the process proceeds to step S313. If not included, the staple position setting is set. Is changed to one corresponding to an option that has not been deleted in the staple position combo box 532 (step S312), and then the process proceeds to step S313. Subsequently, options that have not been deleted are displayed in the staple position combo box 532 (step S313), and the staple position setting is set as a setting applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A (step S314). Thereafter, the operation flow relating to the display of the staple setting unit 53 ends.

  According to the above operation flow, if the setting input by the operator is appropriate, the setting is applied as it is to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A as in the double-sided printing setting unit 41 described above. Since an appropriate one can be automatically switched to an appropriate one, it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1A from being given an inappropriate setting and to prevent misprinting in the image forming apparatus 1A.

<2.4 Punch setting area display>
Also in the punch setting unit 54, setting input that cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is prohibited. Hereinafter, an operation related to the display of the punch setting unit 54 for realizing the prohibition of such setting input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 17.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in the operation flow relating to the display of the punch setting unit 54, first, the current setting of the punch position is acquired (step S 401), and the punch position combo box 542 is initialized. (Step S402).

  Subsequently, branch processing according to the paper size setting is performed (step S403). If the paper is “Letter” or “Ledger”, the process proceeds to step S404, and the paper is “Letter” or “Ledger”. If not, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S404, it is determined whether or not the paper is “Letter” and the printing direction is vertical, or the paper is “Ledger” and the printing direction is horizontal. Among these, “3 holes [left]” and “3 holes [right]” are added to the options of the punch position combo box 542 (step S405). It is added to the options of the punch position combo box 542 (step S406). And after the process of step S405 or S406 is complete | finished, an operation | movement flow transfers to step S407.

  In step S407, the paper size, printing direction, shift, duplex printing, staple and staple position settings are set to the current settings, and the punch settings are set to perform punching. In step S407, settings are set for necessary setting items other than the punching position and the double-sided printing binding position.

  Subsequently, the punch position setting is sequentially set to “2 holes [top]”, “2 holes [left]”, and “2 holes [right]”, and a loop for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 1A can be applied to image formation Processing is performed. In the loop processing, first, the punch position setting is set (step S408), and the duplex printing binding position setting is set in accordance with the punch position set in step S408 (step S409). Note that the double-sided printing binding position set in step S409 is when the punch position set in step S408 is any one of “2 holes [top]”, “2 holes [left]”, and “2 holes [right]”. Are “top binding”, “left binding”, and “right binding”, respectively. Due to step S409, an inappropriate setting in which the punch position (side) is different from the double-sided printing binding position (side) is excluded from the determination of applicability from the beginning.

  In step S410, the applicability of the setting set in steps S407 to S409 is determined by calling the aforementioned subroutine. If the settings set in steps S407 to S409 are applicable (OK is returned from the subroutine), the process proceeds to step S412 and is not applicable (NG is returned from the subroutine). In this case, the option corresponding to the punch position set in step S408 is deleted from the punch position combo box 542 (step S411), and then the process proceeds to step S412.

  In step S412, loop termination processing is performed, and when the determination for all “2 holes [top]”, “2 holes [left]”, and “2 holes [right]” has been completed, the loop processing ends and ends. If not, the process returns to step S408 to continue the loop processing. By this loop processing, the option corresponding to the setting determined to be inapplicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is deleted from the punch position combo box 542, and the input of the punch position setting corresponding to the deleted option is prohibited. Is done.

  After completion of the loop processing, it is determined whether or not all options in the punch position combo box 542 have been deleted (step S413). If they have been deleted, the punch position combo box 542 is initialized again and the punch setting section 54 is invalidated (step S414). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S415, and if not deleted, the process proceeds to step S415 as it is. If there is no punch position applicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A in step S414, not only the setting of the punch position setting but also the setting itself for punching is prohibited, and an inappropriate setting is set in the image forming apparatus. It can be prevented from being given to 1A.

  In step S415, it is determined whether the option corresponding to the punch position setting is included in the punch position combo box 542. If included, the process proceeds to step S417. If not included, the punch position setting is performed. Is changed to one corresponding to an option that has not been deleted in the punch position combo box 542 (step S416), and then the process proceeds to step S417.

  Subsequently, options that have not been deleted are displayed in the punch position combo box 542 (step S417), and the punch position setting is set as a setting applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A (step S418). Thereafter, the operation flow relating to the display of the punch setting unit 54 is completed.

  If the settings input by the operator are appropriate according to the above operation flow, the settings are applied as they are to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A, as in the double-sided print setting unit 41 and the staple setting unit 53 described above. However, if it is inappropriate, it can be automatically switched to an appropriate one, so that it is possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 1A from being given inappropriate settings and to prevent misprinting in the image forming apparatus 1A. Become.

<2.5 Paper size setting section>
<2.5.1 Paper size combo box>
Also in the paper size combo box 311 of the paper size setting unit 31, input of settings that cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is prohibited. Hereinafter, an operation related to the display of the paper size combo box 311 for realizing the prohibition of such setting input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 and 19.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the operation flow relating to the display of the paper size combo box 311, first, the current setting of the paper size is acquired (step S 501). Further, branch processing according to the paper feed setting is performed (step S502). If the paper feed is not set to “LCC”, the process proceeds to step S503, and the paper feed is set to “LCC”. If it is, the options other than the options corresponding to the setting other than the current setting of the paper size are deleted from the paper size combo box 311 (step S504), and the operation flow ends. Also, in step S503, branch processing is performed according to punch processing and punch position setting, and if the setting for performing three-hole punch processing has been made, the options other than the current setting of the paper size are other than the corresponding options. The size combo box 311 is deleted (step S504). Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S505, and the paper size combo box 311 is initialized.

  Subsequently, branch processing corresponding to the paper feed setting is performed again (step S506). When paper feed is set to “cassette 1” to “cassette 4”, the paper feed combo boxes 321 to “A6” “ The options of “DL”, “COM”, “postcard”, and “irregular” are deleted (step S507), and the process proceeds to step S508. Transition to S508 is performed. As a result, the option corresponding to the paper size that cannot be set in the paper feed cassette is deleted from the paper size combo box 311, so that it is possible to prevent an inappropriate paper size setting from being input.

  In step S508, the settings of the printing direction, shift, duplex printing, duplex printing position, staple, staple position, punch, and punch position are set to the current time. In step S508, settings are set for necessary setting items other than the paper size.

  Subsequently, the paper size setting is sequentially set to a settable paper size, and a loop process is performed to determine whether the image forming apparatus 1A can be applied to image formation. In the loop processing, first, a paper size setting is set (step S509), and whether or not the setting set in steps S508 and S509 is applicable is determined by calling the aforementioned subroutine (step S510). If the settings set in steps S508 and S509 can be applied (OK is returned from the subroutine), the process proceeds to step S512 and cannot be applied (NG is returned from the subroutine). In this case, the option corresponding to the paper size set in step S509 is deleted from the paper size combo box 311 (step S511), and then the process proceeds to step S512.

  In step S512, a loop end process is performed, and if the determination is completed for all the paper sizes that can be set, the loop process ends. If not, the process returns to step S509 to continue the loop process. . By this loop processing, the option corresponding to the setting determined to be inapplicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is deleted from the paper size combo box 311 and the input of the paper size setting corresponding to the deleted option is prohibited. Is done.

  After the loop process is completed, the options that have not been deleted are displayed in the paper size combo box 311 (step S513), and the paper size setting is set as a setting applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A (step S514). Thereafter, the operation flow relating to the display of the paper size combo box 311 is ended.

  According to the above operation flow, if the setting input by the operator is appropriate, the setting is applied as it is to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A, but if it is inappropriate, it is automatically appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent improper settings from being applied to the image forming apparatus 1A, and to prevent misprinting in the image forming apparatus 1A.

  Note that in this operation flow, not all options in the paper size combo box 311 are deleted, and therefore it is not necessary to perform the processes in steps S214 and S215 in FIG.

<2.5.2. Combo box for printing>
Also in the print direction combo box 312 of the paper size setting unit 31, input of settings that cannot be applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A is prohibited. Hereinafter, an operation related to the display of the print orientation combo box 312 for realizing the prohibition of such setting input will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the operation flow relating to the display of the print direction combo box 312, first, the current setting of the print direction is acquired (step S601). Further, branch processing is performed according to the punching setting (step S602), and if the setting for performing the three-hole punching is made, options other than the corresponding options other than the current setting for the printing direction are the printing direction combo box. 312 is deleted (step S603). Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604, and the print direction combo box 312 is initialized.

  In step S605, the paper size, shift, duplex printing, duplex printing position, staple, staple position, punch, and punch position settings are set to the same settings as the current settings. In step S605, settings are set for necessary setting items other than the print orientation.

  Subsequently, the print orientation setting is set in the opposite direction to the current setting (step S606), and processing for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 1A is applicable to image formation is performed (step S607). In this process, whether or not the setting set in steps S605 and S606 is applicable is determined by calling the aforementioned subroutine. If the settings set in steps S605 and S606 are applicable (OK is returned from the subroutine), the process proceeds to step S609 and is not applicable (NG is returned from the subroutine). In this case, the option corresponding to the print direction set as the setting in step S608 is deleted from the print direction combo box 312 (step S608), and then the process proceeds to step S609.

  Subsequently, options that have not been deleted are displayed in the print orientation combo box 312 (step S609), and the print orientation setting is set as a setting applied to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A (step S610). Thereafter, the operation flow relating to the display of the print direction combo box 312 is completed.

  According to the above operation flow, if the setting input by the operator is appropriate, the setting is applied as it is to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A, but if it is inappropriate, it is automatically appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent improper settings from being applied to the image forming apparatus 1A, and to prevent misprinting in the image forming apparatus 1A.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic appearance of an image forming apparatus 1A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which staples ST are driven into the recording paper P and a state in which punch holes PH are formed. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper setting screen 30. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a page layout setting screen 40. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output setting screen 50. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for determining whether or not to apply a setting to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for determining whether or not to apply a setting to image formation in the image forming apparatus 1A. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of examples of minimum values of lengths of a main scanning side and a sub-scanning side of a recording sheet for each setting. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a duplex printing setting unit 41. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a duplex printing setting unit 41. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a duplex printing setting unit 41. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a staple setting unit 53. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a staple setting unit 53. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to a display of a punch setting unit 54. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to a display of a punch setting unit 54. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to a display of a punch setting unit 54. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a paper size setting unit 31. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to display of a paper size setting unit 31. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to display of a print orientation combo box 312. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation related to display of a print orientation combo box 312. It is a figure which shows the classification | category of the size of the recording paper which can perform double-sided printing. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating classification of recording paper sizes that can be stapled.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 1A Image forming apparatus 1B Control apparatus PD Printer driver 30 Paper setting screen 40 Page layout setting screen 50 Output setting screen

Claims (5)

A control device that controls an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper according to settings,
Derivation means for deriving the range of the length of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the recording paper to which the setting can be applied;
Applicability of setting depending on whether the length of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the target recording paper as the recording paper selected as the usage target is included in the range derived by the deriving unit Determining means for determining
A control device comprising: The control device according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus can staple the recording paper on which the image is formed,
A control apparatus for determining a main scanning side and a sub-scanning side of a recording sheet based on a stapling position on the recording sheet as the setting content. The control device according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus can punch a recording sheet on which an image is formed,
A control apparatus for determining a main scanning side and a sub-scanning side of a recording sheet based on a punching position on the recording sheet as the setting content. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A setting input means for allowing the operator to input settings;
The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting input means prohibits an input for specifying a setting content that the determination means determines to be inapplicable. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the case where the determination unit assigns the main scanning side to the short side and the long side of the target recording paper, the lengths of the main scanning side and the sub-scanning side of the target recording paper are the derivation unit, respectively. When it is included in the range derived | led-out by (1), it determines with the said setting being applicable, The control apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

Images