JP2008003113A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a folding function, a page number is printed at a position where a printing sheet can be seen in a folded state without being consciously designated by a user.
A user inputs document data, sets a folding type, and instructs to start printing. The image forming apparatus determines a region located on the outermost side when the printing paper is folded based on the printing paper size and folding type. In the determined area, the position for printing the page number and the like is adjusted based on the user's instruction. When the original data is printed on the printing paper, the page number is printed at the outermost position, and the printing paper is folded according to the set folding type. Even if the user does not specify the print position such as page number in detail, it is printed at the position where it can be seen folded.
[Selection] Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a folding function.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus called a multi-function apparatus in which functions of various apparatuses such as a facsimile, a printer, a copy, and a scanner are housed in a single casing has come to be used. In this multi-function apparatus, a display unit, a printing unit, an image scanning unit, and the like are provided in one casing, and four types of applications corresponding to a facsimile, a printer, a copy, and a scanner are provided, and by switching those applications, It operates as a facsimile, printer, copy, or scanner.

  One of the functions of such a fusion machine is a folding function. This folding function is a function of bending a paper sheet on which an image is printed a plurality of times in the vertical / horizontal direction. Folding large print paper into the same size facilitates storage and filing. For example, printing papers having different sizes of A1 size and A2 size can be unified and aligned to A4 size. Below are some examples of prior art related to this.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an apparatus that prints and folds an original image on a recording sheet of an appropriate size so as to achieve a finish desired by a user. When the document size is equal to or smaller than the finished size set by the operation panel, the recording paper size is set as the finished size. When the document size is larger than the finished size, the recording paper size is doubled to the finished size, and copying is performed at a copy magnification at which the document image fits on the recording paper. When the recording paper size is larger than the finished size, the recording paper is folded to the finished size by the paper folding device.

  The “image forming apparatus” disclosed in Patent Document 2 is an easy-to-use copying machine in which a user can set a function of folding a sheet and a function of stapling or punching holes. A function of corner staple, two-point staple, or punch punching is set in the apparatus in response to an input from the user. Next, it is determined whether or not a function for folding the sheet after copying is set. Positions for corner staples, two-point staples, and punch holes are set at positions suitable for the respective folding methods.

  The “image output processing device” disclosed in Patent Document 3 determines an image to be a reference based on features other than the size of input image information, and unifies the output size of the determined image information. The image output processing device can record and reproduce on a recording material as much as possible without damaging the characteristics of the image for each image, and output a unified and easy-to-see image. A laser printer unit is provided for outputting an image read by the scanner unit or an image sent from an external device and received by a facsimile board. A feature excluding the image size is extracted from the image read by the scanner unit or the image received by the facsimile board by the multi-value image processing unit. The output size of the output image is unified by dividing and folding the paper according to the characteristics excluding the image size of the extracted image.

The “paper folding control device” disclosed in Patent Document 4 is an image forming system that can automatically perform paper folding in consideration of various conditions for an arbitrary paper size. The copying machine cuts roll paper according to the length of the original, selects a roll paper feed stage having a corresponding width according to the original width, and prints an image on the roll paper. Connect the paper folding device that folds the roll paper from the copier with a serial cable. The roll paper from the copying machine is folded by a paper folding device. The copying machine stores and registers paper folding control conditions such as image paper size, paper folding method, binding margin, folding width, stamp presence, and stamp position. The paper folding device operates in the paper folding mode in accordance with a paper folding mode condition signal set by the copying machine and folds the paper.
Japanese Patent No. 3414108 JP-A-10-245151 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-239266 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-292238

  However, the conventional paper folding printing method has the following problems. Page printing, date printing, and stamp printing need to be printed at a position that can be read even when the printing paper is folded. However, when a large printing paper such as A1 or A2 is folded into a small size such as A4 size, most of the printing paper is folded inward. For this reason, when printing and folding page numbers, etc., if the user does not adjust the print position considering the fact that it has been folded in advance, the page print will be folded inside the print paper and will not be visible. May end up.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and to make it possible to easily perform page printing or the like in a position where the printing paper can be read without being conscious of the user in the image forming apparatus. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, an operation unit for operation input, an image input unit for inputting a document image, an image processing unit for converting the input document image into a print image, and a printing An image printing section that prints the image on the printing paper, a folding type setting means for setting the folding type of the printing paper input from the operation section, and one of the printing sheets when folded according to the set folding type. The printing control unit that controls to print a specific character in the region located on the outermost side and the folding unit that folds the printed paper after printing according to the set folding type are provided.

  In addition, the print control means is a print position area for determining which part of the print paper the area located on the outermost side of the folded print paper is based on the print paper size and the set folding type. And a print position adjusting means for adjusting the print position in the area determined by the print position area determining means based on a user instruction.

  With the above configuration, printing can be easily performed at a position that can be confirmed even when the printing paper is folded without making the user aware of it, thereby improving usability.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a fold type is set, and when folded, control is performed so that a specific character such as a page number is printed on an area located on the outermost side of the print paper, and the original image is printed on the print paper An image forming apparatus that prints and folds a printed printing sheet according to a folding type setting.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a software configuration of an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a multi-function apparatus 1 is an image forming apparatus in which functions such as a facsimile, a printer, a copy, and a scanner are housed in one casing. The software group 2 includes an application layer and a platform layer on the OS. The multi-function apparatus starting unit 3 is means for starting the application layer and the platform layer. The hardware resource 4 is a scanner or a plotter. The application layer 5 is a program group that performs processing such as printer, copy, fax, and scanner. The platform layer 6 is a program group that processes requests from the application layer. The control service layer 7 is a program group that interprets a processing request from the application layer and generates a hardware resource acquisition request. The handler layer 8 is a program group that manages hardware resources. The printer application 9 is a printer application. The copy application 10 is a copy application. The fax application 11 is a fax application. The scanner application 12 is a scanner application.

  The network control service (NCS) 13 provides a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. The delivery control service (DCS) 14 is a means for controlling distribution of stored documents. An operation panel control service (OCS) 15 is a means for controlling an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control. The fax control service (FCS) 16 is a means for mediating processing of fax data. The engine control service (ECS) 17 is a means for controlling the engine unit. The memory control service (MCS) 18 is a means for performing memory control such as acquisition and release of memory. The user information control service (UCS) 19 is a means for managing user information.

  The system control service (SCS) 20 is a means for performing processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt application control. The system resource manager (SRM) 21 is means for managing hardware resources and arbitrating acquisition requests from the control service layer. A fax control unit handler (FCUH) 22 is a means for making a processing request for hardware resources for fax processing. The image memory handler (IMH) 23 is a means for allocating memory to a process and managing the memory allocated to the process. Other hardware resources 24 are a folding function unit, a stapler, a punch, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and the like. The scanner 25 is an image reading unit. The plotter 26 is an image printing unit. The engine I / F 27 is a means for mediating software and hardware resources.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the multi-function apparatus. In FIG. 2, a controller board 30 is a board on which a circuit for controlling the compound machine is mounted. The CPU 31 performs overall control of the compound machine 1. The system memory (MEM-P) 32 is a memory used as a drawing memory of the multifunction machine 1. The north bridge (NB) 33 is a bridge circuit that connects the CPU 31, the system memory 32, the SB 34, and the ASIC 36. The south bridge (SB) 34 is a bridge circuit that connects the NB 33, the PCI bus, and peripheral devices. An AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 35 is a means for connecting the ASIC 36 and the NB 33. The ASIC 36 is an image processing IC. The local memory (MEM-C) 37 is a memory used as a copy image buffer or a code buffer. The HDD 38 is a storage that stores images, programs, font data, forms, and the like.

  The operation panel 39 is an operation unit that accepts an input operation from the user and performs display for the user. The FCU 40 is a means for controlling the fax circuit. The USB device 41 is an interface for connecting a USB compatible device. The IEEE1394 device 42 is an interface for connecting IEEE1394 compatible devices. The engine 43 is hardware that performs printing. A NIC (Network Interface Card) 50 is an interface for communicating via a network. The Centronics device 51 is an interface for connecting Centronics compatible devices. The G3 standard compatible unit 52 is an interface for connecting a G3 standard fax machine. The G4 standard compatible unit 53 is an interface for connecting a G4 standard fax machine.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a folding procedure of A2 horizontal size basic folding. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a folding procedure for cross-folding of A2 horizontal size. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a folding procedure of A2 vertical size cross folding. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a finished image when page printing is set to the lower right and basic folding is performed with A2 landscape printing paper. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a finished image when page printing is set to the lower left and basic folding is performed with A2 landscape printing paper. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an area where printing is visible and an area where printing is not visible after folding. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the basic operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a print position area in each of the basic fold of A2 horizontal size print paper, the cross fold of A2 horizontal size print paper, and the A2 vertical size print paper cross fold. FIG. 11 is a table summarizing the relationship among the printing paper size, folding type, and printing position area. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the printing position area determination processing operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for correcting the designated print position into the area.

  The function and operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an overview of the functions of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The multi-function apparatus 1 is configured to include a software group 2, a multi-function apparatus activation unit 3, and hardware resources 4. The compound machine starting unit 3 is executed first when the power of the compound machine 1 is turned on, and activates the application layer 5 and the platform layer 6. For example, the multi-function apparatus activation unit 3 reads the programs of the application layer 5 and the platform layer 6 from a hard disk device (HDD) or the like, transfers the read programs to the memory area, and activates them. The hardware resource 4 includes a scanner 25, a plotter 26, and other hardware resources 24. Other hardware resources 24 include a folding function unit, a stapler for stapling, a punch, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and the like.

  The software group 2 includes an application layer 5 and a platform layer 6 activated on an operating system (OS) such as UNIX (registered trademark). The application layer 5 includes programs that perform processing unique to user services related to image formation such as printers, copies, faxes, and scanners. The application layer 5 includes a printer application 9 that is a printer application, a copy application 10 that is a copy application, a fax application 11 that is a fax application, and a scanner application 12 that is a scanner application.

  The platform layer 6 interprets a processing request from the application layer 5 and generates a hardware resource 4 acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources 4 to control the control service layer. 7 includes a system resource manager (SRM) 21 that arbitrates an acquisition request from 7 and a handler layer 8 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to the acquisition request from SRM 21. Control service layer 7 consists of network control service (NCS) 13, delivery control service (DCS) 14, operation panel control service (OCS) 15, fax control service (FCS) 16, engine control service (ECS) 17, and memory control service It consists of service modules such as (MCS) 18, user information control service (UCS) 19, and system control service (SCS) 20.

  The platform layer 6 is configured to have an API 28 that can receive a processing request from the application layer 5 using a predefined function. The OS executes the software of the application layer 5 and the platform layer 6 in parallel as processes. The NCS13 process provides a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received by each protocol from the network side is distributed to each application, and mediation is performed when data from each application is transmitted to the network side. For example, the NCS 13 controls data communication with a network device connected via a network by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) using httpd (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon).

  The DCS 14 process controls the distribution of stored documents. The OCS 15 process controls an operation panel that is an information transmission means between the operator and the main body control. The FCS16 process provides APIs for sending and receiving faxes using the PSTN or ISDN network from the application layer 5, registering / quoting various fax data managed in the backup memory, reading faxes, receiving fax printing, etc. To do. The ECS 17 process corresponding to the Z-folding means having the rotation means, the size determination means, and the scan width comparison means controls the engine unit such as the scanner 25, the plotter 26, and other hardware resources 24.

  The process of MCS18 performs memory control such as acquisition and release of memory and use of HDD. The UCS 19 manages user information. The SCS20 process performs processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt application control. The SRM21 process controls the system and manages the hardware resources 4 together with the SCS20. For example, the process of the SRM 21 performs arbitration in accordance with an acquisition request from an upper layer that uses the hardware resources 4 such as the scanner 25 and the plotter 26, and performs execution control. Specifically, the SRM 21 process determines whether the requested hardware resource 4 can be used (whether it is not used by another acquisition request). The higher layer is notified that the resource 4 is available. In addition, the SRM21 process performs scheduling to use the hardware resource 4 in response to an acquisition request from an upper layer, and requests (for example, paper transport and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation) Etc.) directly.

  The handler layer 8 includes a fax control unit handler (FCUH) 22 that manages the fax control unit (FCU), and an image memory handler (IMH) 23 that allocates memory for the process and manages the memory allocated to the process. Including. The SRM 21 and the FCUH 22 make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by using the engine I / F 27 that can transmit the processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function. The multi-function apparatus 1 can process the processing commonly required for each application by the platform layer 6 in an integrated manner.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the compound machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The multi-function machine 1 includes a controller board 30, an operation panel 39, an FCU 40, and an engine 43. The FCU 40 includes a G3 standard compatible unit 52 and a G4 standard compatible unit 53. The controller board 30 includes a CPU 31, an ASIC 36, an HDD 38, a system memory (MEM-P) 32, a local memory (MEM-C) 37, a north bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 33, and a south bridge. (Hereinafter referred to as SB) 34, NIC 50 (Network Interface Card), USB device 41, IEEE1394 device 42, and Centronics device 51. The operation panel 39 is connected to the ASIC 36 of the controller board 30. The SB 34, the NIC 50, the USB device 41, the IEEE 1394 device 42, and the Centronics device 51 are connected to the NB 33 by a PCI bus.

  The FCU 40 and the engine 43 are connected to the ASIC 36 of the controller board 30 via a PCI bus. In the controller board 30, the local memory 37, the HDD 38, and the like are connected to the ASIC 36, and the CPU 31 and the ASIC 36 are connected via the NB 33 of the CPU chip set. In this way, if the CPU 31 and the ASIC 36 are connected via the NB 33, it is possible to cope with a case where the interface of the CPU 31 is not disclosed. Further, the ASIC 36 and the NB 33 are not connected via a PCI bus, but are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 35. In this way, in order to control the execution of the process of forming the application layer 5 and the platform layer 6 in FIG. 2, the ASIC 36 and the NB 33 are connected via the AGP 35 instead of the low-speed PCI bus to prevent performance degradation.

  The CPU 31 performs overall control of the compound machine 1. The CPU 31 starts and executes NCS13, DCS14, OCS15, FCS16, ECS17, MCS18, UCS19, SCS20, SRM21, FCUH22, and IMH23 as processes on the OS, as well as the printer application 9 and the copy application that form the application layer 5 10. Start and execute the fax application 11 and the scanner application 12. The NB 33 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 31, the system memory 32, the SB 34, and the ASIC 36. The system memory 32 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multifunction machine 1. The SB 34 is a bridge for connecting the NB 33 to the PCI bus and peripheral devices. The local memory 37 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The ASIC 36 is an IC for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing. The HDD 38 is a storage for storing images, programs, font data, forms, and the like. The operation panel 39 corresponding to the orientation setting unit and the folding direction setting unit is an operation unit that accepts an input operation from the user and performs display for the user.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the image forming apparatus will be described. The user inputs an operation instruction or the like from the operation unit (operation panel 39). The folding type of the printing paper input from the operation unit is set in the folding type setting means. The folding type setting means is provided in the local memory 37 or the like under the control of the CPU 31. An original image is input from the image input unit (scanner 25). The input document image is converted into an image for printing by an image processing unit (such as ASIC 36). The print control means controls to print a specific character such as a page number in an area located on the outermost side of the printing paper when folded according to the set folding type. The print control means is a part of the function of the printer application 9. The print position area determination means of the print control means determines which part of the print paper is the outermost area of the folded print paper based on the print paper size and the set folding type. . The print position adjusting means of the print control means adjusts the print position in the area determined by the print position area determining means based on the user's instruction. An image for printing is printed on printing paper by the image printing unit (plotter 26). In accordance with the set folding type, the printed printing paper is folded by the folding means. The folding means is a folding function unit of the other hardware resources 24.

  Next, the folding function will be described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. Commonly known folding types include basic folding, file folding, and cross folding. Each of these is a method of folding A0 to A3 size printing paper into A4 size by combining vertical and horizontal folding. As an example, FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 show folding procedures for A2 horizontal size basic folding, A2 horizontal size cross folding, and A2 vertical size cross folding. The results of the three foldings shown here are all A4 size (210 mm x 297 mm).

  Next, the printing of specific characters such as page numbers will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. FIG. First, the relationship between the printing position and folding when folding and printing are performed together will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the finished images when the page fold (P1) is set to the lower right and lower left, respectively, and the basic fold is performed with A2 landscape printing paper. As shown in FIG. 6, when printing is set at the lower right, the printing is located on the outermost surface, so that the printing can be seen even after folding. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when printing is set in the lower left, the printing is positioned on the surface folded inward, and the printing becomes invisible after folding. Accordingly, FIG. 8 shows an area where printing can be seen (printing position area) and an area where printing is not possible after folding.

  Next, the basic operation procedure will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 1 and step 2, it is confirmed that both the print setting and the folding function are set. If printing is set but the folding function is not set, normal printing processing is performed in step 3. If both the print setting and the folding function are set, a print position area determination process is executed in step 4. After determining the print position area, in step 5, the designated print position is corrected into the area.

  Next, a procedure for determining the print position area will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. FIG. For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating print position areas in the basic fold of A2 landscape printing paper, the cross fold of A2 landscape printing paper, and the A2 portrait printing paper cross fold. The print position area is A2 horizontal size printing paper basic fold (lower right: 297 mm × 210 mm), A2 horizontal size printing paper cross fold (lower right: 210 mm × 297 mm), A2 vertical size printing paper In the case of cross-folding (lower left: 297mm x 210mm). The relationship between the print paper size, the folding type, and the print position area is summarized as a table in FIG. The print position area determination process can be realized by creating in advance the relationship between the print paper size, the folding type, and the print position area as shown in the table of FIG. FIG. 12 shows a print position area determination processing operation flow using this relationship. First, in step 11, the type of folding is determined. Thereafter, in steps 12 and 13, the paper size is determined for each folding type. In steps 14 to 17, a print position area (position and size) for the print paper is obtained.

  Next, a method for correcting the designated print position within the area after the print position area determination will be described with reference to FIG. It is an example of basic folding of A2 landscape printing paper. When the user instructs the print position such as the page number to be upper left, control is performed so that the page number is printed at the upper left in the print position area.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus sets the folding type, and prints a specific character such as a page number in an area located on the outermost side of the printing paper when folded. Since the original image is printed on the printing paper and the printed printing paper is folded according to the folding type setting, the page can be positioned at a position where the printing paper can be checked without being conscious of the user. Numbers can be printed easily, improving usability.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is optimal as an image forming apparatus having a printing function and a folding function.

1 is a configuration diagram of a compound machine that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a multi-function machine that is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a folding procedure of A2 horizontal size basic folding in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a folding procedure of A2 horizontal size cross folding in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a folding procedure of A2 vertical size cross folding in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which page printing is performed at the lower right in the A2 horizontal size basic fold in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of page printing at the lower left in the A2 horizontal size basic fold in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a region where printing can be seen and a region where printing cannot be seen after folding by A2 horizontal size basic folding in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of basic operation in the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating print position areas in basic folding of A2 horizontal size printing paper, cross folding of A2 horizontal size printing paper, and cross folding of A2 vertical size printing paper in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. . 6 is a table summarizing the relationship among print paper size, folding type, and print position area in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of print position area determination processing in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for correcting a designated print position within an area in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fusion machine, 2 ... Software group, 3 ... Fusion machine starting part, 4 ... Hardware resource, 5 ... Application layer, 6 ... Platform layer, 7 ... Control Service layer, 8 ... Handler layer, 9 ... Printer application, 10 ... Copy application, 11 ... Fax application, 12 ... Scanner application, 13 ... Network control service (NCS), 14 ... Delivery control service (DCS), 15 ... Operation panel control service (OCS), 16 ... Fax control service (FCS), 17 ... Engine control service (ECS), 18 ... Memory control Service (MCS), 19 ... User Information Control Service (UCS), 20 ... System Control Service (SCS) , 21 ... System resource manager (SRM), 22 ... Fax control unit handler (FCUH), 23 ... Image memory handler (IMH), 24 ... Other hardware resources, 25 ... Scanner , 26 ... Plotter, 27 ... Engine I / F, 28 ... API, 30 ... Controller board, 31 ... CPU, 32 ... System memory (MEM-P), 33 ...・ North Bridge (NB), 34 ... South Bridge (SB), 35 ... AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port), 36 ... ASIC, 37 ... Local Memory (MEM-C), 38 ... HDD, 39 ... operation panel, 40 ... fax control unit (FCU), 41 ... USB device, 42 ... IEEE1394 device, 43 ... engine, 50 ... NIC (Network Interface Card)・ ・ ・ 51 ・ ・ ・ Centronics device, 52 ・ ・ ・ G3 compliant uni Doo, 53 ··· G4 standard corresponding unit.

Claims (6)

  An operation unit for operation input, an image input unit for inputting an original image, an image processing unit for converting the input original image into an image for printing, an image printing unit for printing an image for printing on printing paper, Folding type setting means for setting the folding type of the printing paper input from the operation unit, and printing a specific character on the outermost area of the printing paper when folded according to the set folding type An image forming apparatus, comprising: a print control unit that controls the folds; and a fold unit that folds the printed printing paper according to the set fold type.   The print control means determines a print position area for determining which part of the print paper is the outermost area of the folded print paper based on the print paper size and the set folding type. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit.   The print control means includes a print position adjustment means for adjusting a print position based on a user instruction in an area determined by the print position area determination means. Image forming apparatus.   Stores the input fold type, processes the input original image into a print image, and prints specific characters on the outermost area of the print paper when folded according to the set fold type. A printing control method characterized by printing an image for printing on a printing paper and folding the printed printing paper according to the set folding type.   5. The printing according to claim 4, wherein the area located on the outermost side of the folded printing paper is determined as to which part of the printing paper based on the printing paper size and the set folding type. Control method.   The print control method according to claim 4, wherein the print position in the determined area is adjusted based on a user instruction.

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