JP2010039074A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of checking a printed matter so as to suppress useless recording paper and at the same time reducing a user's work load.
An image forming apparatus includes an image storage function for storing image data for forming a document image, a print setting function for storing print settings, and an image storage function according to a user's test print instruction. Preview image display functions S706 and S708 for generating a preview image based on the stored image data and the setting stored by the print setting function and displaying the preview image on a predetermined display device, and after displaying the preview image, according to the operation of the user, A reset function S718 for resetting the settings stored in the print setting function, and an original image based on the image data stored in the image storage function and the settings stored in the print setting function in response to a print instruction from the user. And an image forming function S716 formed on the recording paper.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that reads an image and performs predetermined processing, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that includes a post-processing device for performing stapling processing and the like.

  There are various peripheral devices related to the image forming apparatus. As for document reading, there is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that performs a reading operation while setting a plurality of documents on a mounting table and automatically conveying the documents. As processing after printing, there is a post-processing device (finisher) provided with a stapling function for binding originals part by part and a punching function for opening a filing hole.

  Image forming apparatuses also have various functions including a color printing function, and it is possible to create printed matter on recording paper other than plain paper as a printing target.

  However, the problem here is the occurrence of miscopy due to incorrect print settings. Misprinting causes wasteful printed matter, and wastes paper and toner. In particular, if a mistake occurs when printing a large number of copies, a large amount of printing material is wasted. Especially for color printing, the cost per sheet is high, resulting in a large loss.

  Therefore, the check of the print result before printing plays an important role.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 discloses a technique that can display a preview before printing in accordance with a user's operation instruction and check the state of a printed material after printing and post-processing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 discloses a technique that allows printing in black and white in test printing and color printing in main printing without retransmitting print data from a terminal.
JP 2003-296090 A JP 2003-335037 A

  As a method of preventing mistakes when printing a plurality of printed materials, a method of displaying a preview of the result after printing before printing and issuing a print instruction after confirming the printing result is widely used.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that when a setting error is found by confirming the preview display, the user has to discard the read data once and read the document again.

  As a method for preventing mistakes at the time of printing, a trial printing function for printing image data to be printed on an actual recording paper and confirming a printing state is also widespread. In this trial printing, even if multiple copies are set, only one copy is printed, and after confirming the print status based on the output result, it is decided to continue or stop printing. is there.

  In current image forming apparatuses, special paper such as cardboard and formatted paper on which a predetermined format is printed can be used as recording paper. These special papers can be set on the paper tray and the manual feed tray and used as front and back covers, or can be sandwiched between documents as slip sheets to create a desired printed matter. However, special paper has a high unit price per sheet, and it may take a long time to obtain a new paper. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress wasteful use of special paper.

  The technique of Patent Document 2 can prevent the cost of color printing at the time of test printing, but is inappropriate in terms of suppressing wasteful use of recording paper.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of checking a printed matter so as to suppress wasteful use of recording paper and at the same time reducing the work burden on the user.

  An image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention stores image data storage means for storing image data for forming a document image, and settings for printing conditions input by a user. Based on the print setting means and the image data stored in the image data storage means and the settings stored in the print setting means in response to the user's operation instructing trial printing, A preview image display means for generating a preview image of a document image and displaying it on a predetermined display device, and after the preview image is displayed by the preview image display means, a user operation instructing a change in setting by the print setting means In response to the resetting means for resetting the settings stored in the print setting means, and in response to the user's operation instructing printing of the original image, A and an image forming means for forming an original image in accordance with the set and stored in the image data and the print setting means stored in the paper a predetermined recording.

  In response to an operation from a user instructing trial printing, the image forming apparatus prints a document image at the time of printing created based on stored image data and stored settings relating to printing. The preview image can be displayed on a predetermined display device. In addition, it is possible to reset the settings related to the set printing by viewing the preview-displayed image.

  By checking the print result by looking at the preview display, it is possible to check the print result before executing the printing, and it is possible to suppress wasteful use of the recording paper due to a setting error. Since the print settings can be reset after viewing the preview display, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the burden on the user, such as rereading a document.

  Preferably, the document reading apparatus further includes post-processing means for performing post-processing on the recording paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means. The print setting unit further stores settings related to post-processing by the post-processing unit. The preview image display means responds to the user's operation for instructing trial printing based on the image data stored in the image data storage means and the settings stored in the print setting means. Image synthesizing means for generating a preview display of the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the image formed by the means and the image indicating the result of the post-processing performed by the post-processing means on the image of the recording paper, and displaying the composite image .

  More preferably, the post-processing apparatus can execute a stapling process or a punching process on the recording paper. In response to the user's operation for instructing trial printing, the image composition unit is configured to perform image formation on the basis of the image data stored in the image data storage unit and the setting stored in the print setting unit. The composite image obtained by combining the original image formed on the recording paper by the above and one or both of the staple image or punch hole image formed at a predetermined position of the image according to the print setting stored in the print setting means. Means for generating and displaying an image preview display on the display device;

  This image forming apparatus can perform post-processing on recording paper on which an image has been formed. When the user instructs trial printing, a preview of how post-processing is performed on the recording paper can be displayed, and the result of post-processing performed on the recording paper can be confirmed in advance.

  In this image forming apparatus, either a stapling process or a punching process for the recording paper can be executed as post-processing. The position where the stapling process and punching process are performed can be confirmed by the preview display, and setting errors such as post-processing on the image of the recording paper can be prevented before the printing is executed. As a result, useless recording paper can be prevented.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus tests the original image in accordance with the image data stored in the image data storage unit and the setting stored in the print setting unit in response to an operation instructing the user to perform trial printing. In addition, it further includes test printing means for operating the image forming means to form on the recording paper. The print setting unit further stores a setting for selection regarding which of the test print unit and the preview image display unit is to be activated. The image forming apparatus further includes means for operating one of the test printing unit and the preview image display unit based on the setting for selection in response to an operation instructing the user to perform trial printing.

  In this image forming apparatus, in a test print instruction for confirming a print result, it is possible to select whether to confirm by preview image display or to form only one copy on an actual recording sheet. The selection result can be stored. By printing only one copy on the recording paper, it is possible to check the printing status using the actual recording paper, and it is possible to actually check the finish for the hand. In addition, the setting can be reset after confirming the finish, and if there is a change, the setting can be changed.

  More preferably, the print settings stored by the print setting unit include settings related to the type of recording paper to be printed. The preview image display means responds to the user's operation for instructing trial printing based on the image data stored in the image data storage means and the settings stored in the print setting means. Means for combining the image of the recording paper designated by the type of the image and the preview image of the original image at the time of printing, and displaying the synthesized image on the display device.

  This image forming apparatus can set the size and type of recording paper to be printed. It is also possible to select several types of recording paper to form a printed matter, and by creating a preview image using an image of the recording paper that matches the type of recording paper, Confirmation is also possible.

  Preferably, the preview image display means sequentially generates and scrolls the preview image of each page until it reaches the first page or the last page in accordance with a user's image scroll instruction. including.

  By providing the scroll display means, it is possible to check the status of all pages of the printed matter in the preview image display. As a result, the print result can be confirmed only by the preview display, and wasteful use of the recording paper can be suppressed.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus includes means for selectively performing formation of a document image by the image forming means and suspension of processing in accordance with a user instruction after the preview image is displayed by the preview image display means. In addition.

  After confirming with the preview image, it is possible to select the formation of the document image and the cancellation of the processing. Since it is possible to select whether to continue or cancel the image forming process after confirming the finish, it is possible to stop the process in the middle when image formation is unnecessary, and to prevent wasted recording paper consumption. it can.

  An information input method according to a second aspect of the present invention is based on print setting means for storing settings relating to printing conditions input from a user, print data, and settings stored in the print setting means. A preview image display means for generating a preview image at the time of printing and displaying the preview image on a predetermined display device, and a user operation for instructing a change in setting by the print setting means after the preview image is displayed by the preview image display means In response to the resetting means for resetting the settings stored in the print setting means, and in response to the user's operation instructing printing to the external image forming apparatus, the print data and print An information input method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: means for generating print image data according to settings stored in a setting means and transmitting the print image data to a designated image forming apparatusIn this method, the preview image display means generates a preview image at the time of printing based on the print data and the settings stored in the print setting means in response to a user operation instructing trial printing. After the preview image is displayed by the steps of displaying a preview image to be displayed on a predetermined display device and the step of displaying the preview image, the resetting unit performs an operation of the user instructing to change the setting by the print setting unit. In response, the step of resetting the settings stored in the print setting means and the means for sending the print data in response to the user's operation instructing printing to the external image forming apparatus And generating print image data according to the settings stored in the print setting means and transmitting the print image data to the designated image forming apparatus.

  As described above, according to the present image forming apparatus, in response to an operation by a user instructing trial printing, printing created based on stored image data and stored printing settings It is possible to confirm the preview display of the document image at the time and during post-processing. By confirming this preview display before printing, it is possible to confirm settings related to printing and the setting results. In addition, even if there is a change in the setting, it is possible to change the setting on the spot and it is easy for the user to reset it.

  As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can check the printed matter so as to suppress wasteful use of the recording paper and at the same time reduce the work burden on the user.

  In the following description and drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and names. Their functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

-Constitution-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing system 210 constructed using a digital multi-function peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the image processing system 210 includes a digital multifunction peripheral 220, and the digital multifunction peripheral 220 is connected to a local network 230 and a public telephone line network 234. The image processing system 210 includes an external computer 222 connected to the local network 230 and an external facsimile machine 228 connected to the public telephone line network 234. The image processing system 210 further includes an external computer 224 connected to the local network 230 via a gateway (not shown) and the Internet 232, and an Internet facsimile machine 226 (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine 226).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 220.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a digital multifunction peripheral 220 includes a main control unit 250 that controls the entire digital multifunction peripheral including a CPU, a bus 282 connected to the main control unit 250, a control program, and a communication partner. A control memory 252 for storing information, a control buffer 254 including a RAM (Random Access Memory), a reading unit 262 including a scanner device for reading image data, and image data and LAN read by the reading unit 262 , An image storage unit 256 for storing data received by FAX, a format conversion unit 260 for converting the read image data into a predetermined file format, and a recording unit for printing out on recording paper H.264, setting input from the user, input destination of image data, etc. An operation panel 280 for receiving various inputs and a post-processing device 284 for performing stapling and punching processing on a document printed out on recording paper are included.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 further encodes the read original and decodes the received signal, and a USB interface 278 for outputting the image data stored in the image storage unit 256 to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage medium. For connecting to a LAN / Local Area Network (LAN), a LAN control unit 270 for performing communication of e-mail data and Internet FAX via the Internet, and a telephone line network A modem 272 for facsimile communication, a network control unit 274 for controlling a line connected to an analog public telephone line network, and a separator sheet sandwiched between documents and indicating a document separator is identified. Including an identification symbol processing unit 276 . Control memory 252, control buffer 254, reading unit 262, image storage unit 256, format conversion unit 260, recording unit 264, operation panel 280, USB interface 278, encoding / decoding control unit 268, a LAN control unit 270, a modem 272, a network control unit 274, an identification symbol processing unit 276, and a post-processing device 284 are connected via a bus 282, and the overall control is performed by the main control unit 250. Done.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the image forming apparatus 50 including the recording unit 264 and the post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 50, the post-processing device 284 uses a built-in type post-processing device (inner finisher). The reading unit 262 of the digital multi-function peripheral 220 is disposed on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 50 (not shown).

  Referring to FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 50 includes a recording unit 264, a post-processing device 284, and two paper feeding devices 56 and 58 installed externally.

  The recording unit 264 includes an image forming unit 60 for forming an image to be recorded on recording paper, a paper storage unit 62 for storing recording paper, and a paper transport unit 64 for transporting paper from the paper storage unit 62. Including.

  The image forming unit 60 is based on an exposure unit 70 for irradiating image light based on image information, and image information of each hue obtained by color-separating a color image into four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The image forming stations 74A to 74D for image formation, the intermediate transfer belt 72 to which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred from the image forming stations 74A to 74D, and a predetermined nip pressure for image formation on the paper The secondary transfer roller 78 is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 72, and the cleaning unit 76 is for collecting toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  The image forming stations 74A to 74D will be described by taking the black image forming station 74A as an example. The image forming station 74A is irradiated with image light based on black image information from the exposure unit 70, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface. A photosensitive drum 80A for developing and developing a toner image by being supplied with toner; a developing unit 82A for supplying black toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; A charging roller 84 for uniformly charging the surface of the body drum 80A with a predetermined potential, and a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 The primary transfer roller 86 to which a voltage of 5 is applied and a crush for collecting the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A. And an over training unit 88.

  The photosensitive drum 80A is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 84. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 80A by irradiating the exposure unit 70 with image light based on black image information. Black toner is supplied to the photosensitive drum from the developing unit 82A, and a black toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 80A. The formed toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 by the primary transfer roller 86, and the transfer of the toner image to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72 corresponds to preparation for image formation.

  The cyan, magenta, and yellow hue image forming stations 74B, 74C, and 74D are configured in the same manner as the image forming station 74A, and include photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D, and developing units 82B, 82C, and 82D, respectively. .

  The image forming stations 74B, 74C, and 74D are irradiated from the exposure unit 70 with image light modulated by image information of hues of cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D in each image forming station form electrostatic latent images for each hue by the light emitted from the exposure unit. The developing units 82B, 82C, and 82D supply cyan, magenta, and yellow toners to the photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D, respectively, and cyan, magenta, and yellow hues are respectively supplied to the photosensitive drums 80B, 80C, and 80D. A toner image is formed.

  At the time of full-color image formation, electrostatic latent image formation and toner image transfer are performed in all of the image forming stations 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  When image information of only a part of the hues of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is input, only the part corresponding to the hue of the input image information of the image forming stations 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D An electrostatic latent image and a toner image are formed, and only the formed toner image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 72.

  The sheet storage unit 62 includes sheet feed cassettes 90 </ b> A and 90 </ b> B that store a plurality of sheets of a single type, and a manual feed tray 92. The recording unit 264 includes sheet feeding devices 56 and 58 outside, and the sheet feeding device 56 disposed below the recording unit 264 includes sheet feeding cassettes 90C and 90D. The paper feeding device 58 disposed on the side surface of the recording unit 264 includes a paper tray 91 that can store a large amount of a single type of a plurality of sheets.

  The paper transport unit 64 reaches the post-processing device 284 installed on the upper surface of the recording unit 264 via the image forming position 98 that receives the transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 72 from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B. 1st sheet conveyance path 100 is formed.

  The paper transport unit 64 includes pickup rollers 94A and 94B for pulling up paper from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B, and a paper feed roller 96A for guiding paper from the paper feed cassettes 90A and 90B to the first paper transport path. 96B, a registration roller 102 for adjusting the timing when the sheet is conveyed to the image forming unit 60, a fixing unit 104 for fixing the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording sheet, and the post-processing device 284. And a first paper discharge roller 110 for introduction.

  The fixing unit 104 includes a heating roller 106 that has been heated to the toner melting temperature, and a pressure roller 108 that presses the heating roller 106 with a predetermined nip pressure. The recording paper on which the toner image is transferred is heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing unit 104, and is discharged to the post-processing device 284 with the toner image fixed on the surface.

  The sheet conveying unit 64 forms a second sheet conveying path 112 for communicating from the manual feed tray 92 to the upstream side of the registration roller 102 in the sheet conveying direction in the first sheet conveying path 100. The paper transport unit 64 further communicates between the fixing unit 104 of the first paper transport path 100 and the first paper discharge roller 110 to the upstream side of the registration roller 102 in the transport direction of the first paper transport path 100. A third sheet conveyance path 114 is formed.

  The paper transport unit 64 is formed with a fourth paper transport path 116 for communicating from the paper feeder 58 to the first paper transport path 100. The paper feed cassettes 90 </ b> C and 90 </ b> D in the paper feed device 56 are communicated to the first paper transport path 100 via a fifth paper transport path 118 provided inside the paper feed device 56.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to this embodiment.

  The post-processing device 284 can cope with a staple process for stapling a sheet and a punch process for punching a sheet as post-processing.

  Referring to FIG. 4, post-processing device 284 performs entrance roller 130 for introducing paper into post-processing device 284, alignment processing unit 134 for adjusting the position of the conveyed paper, and stapling processing. A stapler 132 for carrying out, a paper discharge roller 136 for discharging the post-processed printed material, a paper discharge tray 138 on which the discharged printed material is placed, and a post-paper for determining the paper position during punching It includes an edge detection sensor 140 and punch pins 142 for punching holes in the printed material positioned on the paper.

  In the stapling process, the stapling process is performed on the bundle of sheets aligned by the alignment processing unit 134 using the stapler 132 at a location designated by the user. The stapled sheet bundle is discharged onto a discharge tray 138 by a discharge roller 136.

  In the punching process, the paper trailing edge detection sensor 140 determines the punching position of the paper, and then punches a hole at the trailing edge of the paper. After the punching process, the sheet is conveyed to the alignment processing unit 134 and aligned, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 138 by the discharge roller 136.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation panel 280. The operation panel 280 includes an operation unit 300 composed of various hardware keys and a display unit 302 composed of a liquid crystal display and a touch panel. The operation unit 300 includes a numeric keypad 304 for inputting a numerical value, a clear key 306 for clearing an input set value, an all cancel key 308 for canceling all input settings, a copy start, and a transmission start. A start key 310 for inputting an instruction, a printer key 312 for switching to a printer mode, an image mode key 314 for switching to an image transmission mode, a copy mode key 316 for switching to a copy mode, and a user setting for switching to a setting mode by a user Key 318.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the main control unit 250 until the original is read and printed in the digital multi-function peripheral 220. This program is executed when the start key 310 is pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 6, this program determines whether or not the trial copy mode is set, and branches the control flow in accordance with the determination result, and the trial copy mode is set in step S702. Step S704 is executed when it is determined that the document is determined (YES), and Step S706 is performed for reading the document by the reading unit 262. Step S706 is followed by Step S706 for forming an image for preview based on the set print setting. Subsequent to step S706, following step S708 for displaying the preview screen on the display unit 302, following step S708, it is determined whether or not the reset button 622 has been pressed, and the flow of control branches according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S710 that the reset button 622 has not been pressed in step S710 (NO) Step S712 for determining whether or not the all release key 308 has been pressed and branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and determining in step S712 that the all release key 308 has not been pressed. Is executed (if NO), it is determined whether or not the copy start button 636 has been pressed, and the control flow is branched in accordance with the determination result, step S714, and the copy start button 636 is pressed in step S714. Step S716 is executed when it is determined that the image has been determined (in the case of YES), and image formation for printing is performed based on the set print settings, and printing and post-processing are performed. If it is determined in step S712 that all the release keys 308 have been pressed (YES), this program ends.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S710 that the reset button 622 has been pressed (in the case of YES), and after step S718 for resetting print settings and step S718, a re-preview button 642 is set. Step S720 which judges whether it was pushed and branches the flow of control according to a judgment result is included. If it is determined in step S720 that the re-preview button 642 has been pressed (YES), the control proceeds to step S706. If it is determined in step S720 that the re-preview button 642 has not been pressed (NO), the control proceeds to step S718.

  This program is further executed when it is determined in step S702 that the trial copy has not been set (in the case of NO), and the reading unit 262 reads the original and step S722 is followed by step S722. Step S724 which performs image formation for printing based on the print setting and performs printing and post-processing. After executing step S714 and step S724, the program ends.

  7 to 18 and FIGS. 20 to 36 are diagrams showing screen displays displayed on the display unit 302 of the operation panel 280. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described while describing various settings of the copy mode of the digital multi-function peripheral 220.

  FIG. 7 shows an initial screen 330 when the copy mode key 316 is pressed and the copy mode is selected. Referring to FIG. 7, an initial screen 330 includes a duplex copy button 334 for transitioning to a duplex copy setting mode, a finishing button 336 for transitioning to a finishing setting mode such as punching and stapling, and detailed settings for copying. A special function button 332 for transitioning to a special function setting mode for performing image processing, a paper setting button 340 for transitioning to a paper setting mode for setting the paper size and paper type of the paper tray, and an image read by the scanner A preview confirmation button 338 for confirming the finished state of an image input from an external device and an image stored in a storage device such as a hard disk drive. In addition, on the initial screen 330, the copy density, the original reading magnification, the setting state of the color mode, and the like can be confirmed.

  FIG. 8 shows a double-sided copy setting screen 350 displayed when the double-sided copy button 334 is pressed on the initial screen 330 and the mode is changed to the double-sided copy setting mode. Referring to FIG. 8, double-sided copy setting screen 350 includes a double-sided copy setting button 352. The double-sided copy setting screen 350 is in a state where single-sided → single-sided copying is selected. In the duplex copy setting mode, in addition to single side → single side copy, single side → double side copy, double side → double side copy, and double side → single side copy can be selected.

  FIG. 9 is a display and finishing setting screen 360 when the finishing button 336 is pressed on the initial screen 330 and the mode is changed to the finishing setting mode. Referring to FIG. 9, finishing setting screen 360 includes a punch processing button 362 for setting punch processing and a staple sort button 364 for setting staple processing.

  FIG. 10 shows a display screen 370 when the staple sort button 364 is pressed on the finishing setting screen 360. Display screen 370 includes a staple sort button 364 and a staple processing button 372 for setting the direction of the original set for staple processing.

  FIG. 11 shows a display screen when the special function button 332 is pressed on the initial screen 330, and a special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 11, special function setting screen 380 includes a cover / interleaf setting button 382, a next page display button 384 for displaying a menu item of the next page of the special function setting, and an OK button 386. Including. When the OK button 386 is pressed, the screen returns to the initial screen 330.

  FIG. 12 shows a display screen 390 when the next page display button 384 is pressed on the special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 12, display screen 390 has a trial copy button 392 for setting the trial copy mode, a print menu button 394 for transitioning to the print menu setting mode, and menu items on the previous page for the special function setting. A previous page display button 396 and an OK button 398 are displayed. When the previous page display button 396 is pressed, the screen is switched to a special function setting screen 380. When the trial copy button 392 is pressed, the output destination of the trial print can be set, and either the preview display on the display unit 302 or the printing of only one copy on the recording paper can be set (not shown). ) When the setting is confirmed and the OK button 398 is pressed, the screen returns to the initial screen 330.

  FIG. 13 is a print menu setting screen 400 displayed when the print menu button 394 is pressed on the display screen 390. On the print menu setting screen, it is possible to set the date, the number of pages, a stamp, and an arbitrary character string to be printed. Referring to FIG. 13, the print menu setting screen 400 displays a date button 402 for setting date printing, a stamp button 404 for setting printing of a standard stamp such as “important”, and printing of page numbers of recording sheets. A page number button 406 to be set, a character button 408 to set printing of an arbitrary character string, a print position button 410 to set which position on the recording paper is to be printed, and a menu item on the next page of the print menu are displayed. And a next page display button 412. The print menu setting screen 400 shows a state in which no information is printed at any position.

  FIG. 14 shows a display screen 420 when the next page display button 412 is pressed on the print menu setting screen 400. Referring to FIG. 14, display screen 420 displays a document setting direction button 422 for setting a document setting direction, a binding direction button 424 for setting a binding direction of a double-sided document, and whether or not stamp printing is performed on slip sheets. A stamp setting button 426 for setting the menu item, and a previous page display button 428 for displaying a menu item of the previous page of the print menu. When the previous page display button 428 is pressed, the screen is switched to the print menu setting screen 400.

  FIG. 15 shows a paper setting screen 440 when the paper setting button 340 is pressed on the initial screen 330. Referring to FIG. 15, paper setting screen 440 includes a first tray setting button 442 for setting paper for tray 1 and a second tray setting button 444 for setting paper for tray 2. A third tray setting button 446 for setting paper for the paper feed tray 3, a fourth tray setting button 448 for setting paper for the paper feed tray 4, and a paper setting for the large capacity paper feed tray. A fifth tray setting button 454, a manual paper size setting button 450 for setting the size of paper used in the manual tray, and a manual paper type setting button 452 for setting the paper type of paper used in the manual tray. . In FIG. 15, A4 size plain paper is set in the paper feed trays 1 and 2 and the large capacity feed tray, B4 size plain paper is set in the paper feed tray 3, and A3 size plain paper is set in the paper feed tray 4, respectively. Has been. A4 size plain paper is set in the manual feed tray.

  FIG. 16 shows a paper setting screen 460 for setting the paper type of each paper feed tray and manual feed tray. Referring to FIG. 16, on the paper setting screen 460, in addition to plain paper, recycled paper, thick paper, glossy paper, label paper, tab paper, and the like can be set. For example, when thick paper is set, the heat of the fixing roller is easily taken away by the paper compared to plain paper, so the fixing temperature is increased in advance, and the fixing property is stabilized by increasing the paper conveyance interval. .

  FIG. 17 shows an irregular sheet setting screen 462 for setting an irregular sheet size for the manual feed tray. Referring to FIG. 17, the paper size can be freely set in the vertical and horizontal directions on the irregular paper setting screen 462. As a result, the size can be set by using the manual feed tray even for a special size paper, and printing suitable for the paper size can be performed.

  FIG. 18 shows an envelope size setting screen 464 for setting a size when envelope printing is performed using the manual feed tray. By preparing the size of the standard envelope in advance, the size of the manual feed tray can be set easily.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the slip sheet and the front / back cover. The digital multifunction peripheral 220 used in this embodiment has a slip sheet insertion function and a function of inserting a front cover and a back cover. A slip sheet is another sheet sandwiched between sheets for normal printing. The interleaf insert function designates the page into which the interleaf is inserted in advance, and when it comes before the page specified at the time of printing the original, the paper in which the interleaf is loaded is printed from the paper tray that has been printed so far. This is a function for switching to a paper tray and feeding and sandwiching. When the paper is pinched, switch back to the original paper feed tray and continue printing. The front cover function is a function for feeding paper from a paper feed tray designated at the beginning of copying. The back cover function is a function for switching to a paper feed tray designated at the end of copying and feeding paper.

  The interleaf and front / back cover functions can be set as to whether or not to copy on paper, and the image of the corresponding page can be printed on the designated paper from the original. Special paper is often used for the interleaf and cover paper, and the paper and paper type are set for each paper feed tray and are often printed separately.

  FIG. 20 shows an initial screen for setting a cover sheet and a slip sheet, and a cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. This screen is displayed by pressing the cover / interleaf setting button 382 on the special function setting screen 380. Referring to FIG. 20, a front cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480 includes a front cover, a back cover, and a paper feed tray setting button 482 for shifting to a paper feed tray setting mode for slip sheets A and B, A front cover setting button 484 for shifting to the setting mode, a back cover setting button 486 for shifting to the back cover setting mode, and a slip sheet A setting button for shifting to the setting mode of the slip sheets A and B, respectively. 488, slip sheet B setting button 490, insert setting button 492 for shifting to the slip sheet insertion setting mode, page layout button 494 for displaying the page layout, and OK for confirming the cover slip sheet setting. A button 496 and a cancel button 498 for exiting without saving the setting from the cover slip sheet setting mode. When a cancel button 498 is pressed, the screen returns to the special function setting screen 380. The operation of the insertion setting button 492 is disabled when the slip sheet setting is not performed. The operation of the page layout button 494 and the OK button 496 is invalid when the cover setting or the slip sheet setting is not performed. In the state of FIG. 20, the front cover, the back cover, the slip sheet A, and the slip sheet B are not set, and the insertion setting button 492, the page layout button 494, and the OK button 496 are disabled. Yes.

  FIG. 21 shows a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 displayed when the sheet feed tray setting button 482 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. In the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500, it is possible to confirm the sheet cassette, sheet size, and sheet type currently set for the cover cover, back cover, slip sheets A and B. Referring to FIG. 21, a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 has a tray setting button 502 for shifting to the cover sheet feed tray setting mode, and a cover sheet feed tray setting mode for shifting to the back cover sheet feed tray setting mode. A tray setting button 504, a tray setting button 506 for shifting to the slip sheet A paper feed tray setting mode, a tray setting button 508 for shifting to the slip sheet B paper feed tray setting mode, a cover sheet and a slip sheet And an OK button 510 for confirming the paper feed tray setting. In the state of FIG. 21, the front cover, the back cover, and the slip sheets A and B all indicate a state in which A4 size plain paper is set in the manual feed tray.

  FIG. 22 shows a cover sheet feed tray setting screen 520 when the tray setting button 502 is pressed on the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500. Referring to FIG. 22, the front cover paper feed tray setting screen 520 selects tray selection buttons 524, 526, 528, 530, and 532 for selecting paper feed trays 1 to 5, and a manual feed tray. A tray selection button 534 for confirming the paper feed tray selection. The setting is confirmed by selecting the cover sheet feed tray and then pressing the OK button 522, and the setting is reflected in the display of the cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500.

  FIG. 23 shows a front cover setting screen 540 displayed when the front cover setting button 484 is pressed on the cover slip initial setting screen 480. Referring to FIG. 23, a front cover setting screen 540 has a tray selection button 542 for shifting to a cover paper feed tray setting mode, and a copy setting for setting whether or not to copy to the front cover. A button 544, a copy surface selection button 546 for selecting one-sided copy or two-sided copy when copying on the front cover, an OK button 548 for confirming various settings, and the previous screen without confirming the settings. And a cancel button 550 for returning to the screen. When the tray selection button 542 is pressed on the front cover setting screen 540, a front cover paper feed tray setting screen 520 is displayed, and a paper feed tray can be selected. A copy setting button 544 selects whether or not to copy on the front cover on the touch panel. When “No” is selected, the operation of the copy plane selection button 546 becomes invalid. FIG. 23 shows that the front cover sheet feed tray is a manual feed tray and is not copied to the front cover sheet.

  FIG. 24 shows a front cover setting screen 540. FIG. 24 shows that the front cover sheet feed tray is a manual feed tray and single-sided copying is performed on the front cover sheet.

  FIG. 25 shows a cover slip initial setting screen 480. Since the display of the cover cover setting button 484 and the back cover setting button 486 is reversed in black and white, it is confirmed that the cover cover setting and the back cover setting have been performed. Represents. Further, since the front cover and the back cover are set, the page layout button 494 and the OK button 496 are displayed to indicate that the operation is enabled.

  FIG. 26 shows a slip sheet A setting screen 560 displayed when the slip sheet A setting button 488 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. Referring to FIG. 26, slip sheet A setting screen 560 is used to set tray selection button 562 for shifting to slip sheet A paper feed tray setting mode and whether to copy to slip sheet A or not. A copy selection button 564, a copy surface selection button 566 for selecting either single-sided copy or double-sided copy when copying on the slip sheet A, an OK button 568 for confirming various settings, and the settings are not confirmed. And a cancel button 570 for returning to the previous screen. A copy selection button 564 selects whether or not to copy on the slip sheet A on the touch panel. When “No” is selected, the operation of the copy plane selection button 566 is disabled. FIG. 26 shows that the paper feed tray for the slip sheet A is a manual feed tray, and copying to the slip sheet A is not performed.

  FIG. 27 shows a slip sheet A setting screen 560. In FIG. 27, the sheet feeding tray for the slip sheet A is a manual feed tray, and single-sided copying is performed on the slip sheet A.

  FIG. 28 shows a cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. The display of the cover cover setting button 484, the back cover setting button 486, the slip sheet A setting button 488, and the slip sheet B setting button 490 is reversed in black and white. , Front cover, back cover, slip sheet A, and slip sheet B are set. At this time, an insertion setting button 492, a page layout button 494, and an OK button 496 are displayed, indicating that the operation is enabled.

  FIG. 29 is a slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 showing a slip sheet insertion setting mode that is shifted to when the insertion setting button 492 is pressed in the state of FIG. Referring to FIG. 29, slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 includes slip sheet A button 582 for selecting slip sheet A and setting insertion, slip sheet B button 584 for selecting slip sheet B and setting insertion. , An insertion page input box 586 for inputting a page into which a slip sheet is inserted, a confirmation button 588 for confirming the input insertion page, and an OK button 590 for confirming the insertion setting and finishing. An input to the insertion page input box 586 is input using the numeric keypad 304 of the operation panel 280. If an input is made by mistake, the input is cleared by the clear key 306.

  FIG. 30 is a screen showing that the slip sheet A is selected on the slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 and is inserted into the tenth page. When the insertion page is input, the confirmation button 588 is validated, and when the confirmation button 588 is pressed, the insertion setting of the slip sheet A is confirmed. The slip sheet insertion setting can be performed continuously, and after all the insertion settings are completed, the OK button 590 is pressed, and the slip sheet insertion setting is finalized.

  31 and 32 are page layout display screens 600 and 610 displayed when the page layout button 494 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. Referring to FIG. 31, page layout display screen 600 includes a scroll button 602 for displaying a page layout following the next page, and an OK button 604 for ending the page layout screen. Referring to FIG. 32, page layout display screen 610 includes a scroll button 612 for displaying the page layout of the previous page, and an OK button 614 for ending the page layout screen. When the scroll button 602 is pressed on the page layout display screen 600, the page layout display screen 610 is displayed. When the scroll button 612 is pressed on the page layout display screen 610, the page layout display screen 600 is displayed. When the OK buttons 604 and 614 are pressed, a cover slip initial setting screen 480 is displayed.

  FIG. 33 shows a preview display screen 620 displayed on the special function setting screen 380 after the user presses the trial copy button 392 and then presses the start key 310 to start reading the document, and after the reading is completed. Referring to FIG. 33, a preview display screen 620 displays a read original preview display 628 for displaying a read original, a reset button 622 for resetting print settings, and finishes set such as stapling and punching. A finish display button 624 for displaying the processing result, a setting confirmation button 626 for confirming settings such as a print margin, a page scroll button 630 for feeding a page when there are a plurality of scanned documents, and a reading An enlargement / reduction button 632 for enlarging / reducing the original preview display 628, a rotation display button 634 for rotating the read original preview display 628, and a print start when it is confirmed that there is no problem on the preview display screen. A copy start button 636. The preview display screen 620 can display a preview of the read original read after the trial copy button is pressed, and can check all the read pages by performing enlargement / reduction and page turning. After confirming the read original, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing the input number of copies.

  FIG. 34 shows a reset screen 640 displayed when the reset button 622 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 34, re-setting screen 640 opens special function button 646 for opening special function setting screen 380, double-sided copy button 648 for opening double-sided copy setting screen 350, and opening finishing setting screen 360. Button 650, special function button 646, double-sided copy button 648, and finishing button 650 are pressed from re-setting screen 640 to change various settings, and re-preview for displaying these changes on preview display screen 620 is reflected. A button 642 and a cancel button 644 for discarding the contents of the various settings changed from the reset screen 640 and displaying the preview display screen 620. Various settings are changed from the reset screen 640, the re-preview button 642 is pressed, and after confirming the change contents in the preview displayed on the preview display screen 620, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing reflecting the change. The

  FIG. 35 shows a setting confirmation screen 660 that is displayed when the setting confirmation button 626 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 35, setting confirmation screen 660 includes an OK button 662 for confirming the contents and displaying preview display screen 620, and a reset button 664 for opening reset screen 640 for setting change. . On the setting confirmation screen 660, various print settings can be confirmed in addition to the binding direction, margin width, single-sided / double-sided printing setting. If a desired setting is missing on the setting confirmation screen 660, the user can move to the resetting screen 640 by pressing a reset button 664 and perform various settings.

  FIG. 36 shows a finish display screen 680 displayed when the finish display button 624 is pressed on the preview display screen 620. Referring to FIG. 36, finish display screen 680 is the same as preview display screen 620, and after finishing processing such as preset staples is performed instead of read document preview display 628 for displaying a read document. A finished document preview 682 is displayed. In the case of FIG. 36, a staple process and a punching process are performed as finished processes, and black marks are superimposed and displayed on the read image at places where these processes are performed. The displayed finished document preview 682 is confirmed. If there is no problem, the copy start button 636 is pressed to start printing, and a finished printed matter is completed.

  FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of another form of post-processing device 170 that can be connected to the digital multi-function peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment.

  The post-processing device 170 can cope with staple processing, non-staple processing, and interrupt printing in which a job being printed is temporarily stopped and another print data is output.

  Referring to FIG. 37, post-processing device 170 discharges paper discharged from the image forming apparatus to inlet roller 172 for guiding the paper into post-processing device 170, paper discharge tray 192, and paper discharge tray 192. A paper discharge roller 174 for branching, and branching claws 182 and 184 for branching the paper transport path formed in the post-processing device 170. The post-processing device 170 further includes a non-staple conveyance path 186 for discharging the sheet as it is without performing the staple process, a staple conveyance path 190 for conveying the sheet when performing the staple process, and a sheet when performing the interrupt printing. And an interruption tray carry-out path 188 for carrying the paper. The post-processing device 170 further includes an interrupt tray 194 that serves as a document discharge destination when interrupt printing is performed, and a paper discharge roller 176 that discharges printed matter to be interrupt printed on the interrupt tray 194. The post-processing device 170 further operates when performing stapling processing, a staple tray discharge roller 178 for discharging paper from the staple transport path 190, and a staple tray 198 on which paper discharged from the staple transport path 190 is stacked. , A paper rear end reference fence 200 for aligning the paper end faces, a tapping roller 180 for feeding the paper discharged to the staple tray 198 to the paper rear end reference fence 200, and end face binding for stapling the aligned end faces. A stapler 202. The post-processing device 170 further includes a paper discharge guide 196 for pressing the stapled document with the paper discharge roller 174 and discharging it to the paper discharge tray.

  When the non-staple mode is set by the digital multi-function peripheral 220, the sheet enters the apparatus from the entrance roller 172, passes through the branching claws 182 and 184, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 192 by the sheet discharge roller 174. Loaded. At this time, the paper discharge guide 196 is in a closed state.

  When interrupt printing is set by the digital multi-function peripheral 220, the branching claw 182 rotates by a predetermined angle, the paper is conveyed to the interrupt tray carry-out path 188, and is discharged to the interrupt tray 194 by the paper discharge roller 176.

  When the staple mode is selected by the digital multi-function peripheral 220, the branching claw 184 is actuated so that the paper is carried into the staple conveyance path 190 and is ejected and stacked on the staple tray 198 by the staple tray ejection roller 178. The paper discharged to the staple tray 198 is dropped downward on the staple tray 198 for each sheet by the tapping roller 180 and pressed against the paper trailing edge reference fence 200 to align the paper trailing edge. The aligned sheets are subjected to binding processing at one or two places at a predetermined position at the rear end of the sheet bundle by the end face binding stapler 202. The bound sheet bundle is lifted up to the discharge roller 174 by a discharge claw (not shown) integrated with a discharge belt (not shown), and is pressed against the discharge roller 174 by a discharge guide 196. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 192 by the paper discharge roller 174.

―Operation―
The digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment operates as follows in the copy mode.

  When the user turns on the digital multifunction peripheral 220, an initial screen 330 is displayed on the display unit 302. The user presses the paper setting button 340 to set in advance the size and paper type of the paper in each paper feed tray. Similarly, when using special paper, a paper size is set for each paper feed tray, and a paper type suitable for each paper is set in advance.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 can perform duplex copying. A duplex copy button 334 is pressed from the initial screen 330 to perform desired duplex / single-sided copy settings.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 220 can perform stapling and punching using the post-processing device 284. In these finishing processes, a finishing button 336 is pressed from the initial screen 330, and processing to be performed on the finishing setting screen is set. For stapling, the stapling direction is also set.

  To set the front cover, back cover, and slip sheet, the special function button 332 is pressed on the initial screen 330, and the cover / slip sheet setting button 382 is pressed on the special function setting screen 380. Since a cover slip initial setting screen 480 is displayed, in the case of a front cover and a back cover, a paper feed tray to be used is selected, and whether or not to print on the cover is set. For the slip sheet setting, a sheet feed tray for the slip sheet is selected and whether or not to print on the slip sheet is set. In the case of setting a slip sheet, a page to be inserted is input with the numeric keypad 304, and a confirmation button 588 is pressed to set. When the cover and slip sheet layout settings are complete, you can check them on the page layout display screen. At this time, if there is an error in the setting, it can be corrected.

  In addition, the digital MFP 220 can perform color mode setting (color / monochrome printing), copy density setting, enlargement / reduction printing setting, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the trial print mode operates as follows.

  When the user presses the special function button 332 on the initial screen 330, a special function setting screen 380 is displayed. When the next page display button 384 is pressed, a display screen 390 is displayed, the trial copy button 392 is pressed, and the OK button 398 is pressed. The trial print mode is now set, and the screen returns to the initial screen 330.

  When the start key 310 is pressed, the main control unit 250 starts the program.

  The program determines whether the trial print mode is set.

  If the trial print mode is not set, the original is read by the reading unit 262, an image is formed based on the set print settings, and printing and finishing processes are executed (steps S722 and 724).

  If the trial print mode is set, the reading unit 262 reads the original (step S704), and forms an image for confirming the display unit preview based on the set print settings (step S706). A preview is displayed on the display unit 302 (step S708). The preview display screen 620 can be enlarged / reduced, and a plurality of originals can be confirmed by operating a page scroll button 630. When finishing processing is set, by pressing a finishing display button 624, the place where the finishing processing is performed is displayed superimposed on the document image as shown in FIG. 36, and the finishing processing does not affect the document portion. Can be confirmed. In addition, confirmation of insertion settings for front / back covers and slip sheets can also be made from this preview screen.

  If the user confirms the original on the preview screen and notices a setting error, the user can press the reset button 622 to reset the print settings. After the setting is changed, a preview image is formed based on the changed setting by pressing the re-preview button 642, and a preview display after the setting is changed is displayed. (Steps S718 and 720)

  If the preview display of all pages is confirmed and it is determined that there is no problem, an image is formed based on the set print settings by pressing the copy start button 636, and printing and finishing processes are executed. (Steps S714 and 716)

  Further, when it is determined that the printed matter is different from the desired printed matter by looking at the preview display, the printing itself can be stopped by pressing the all cancel key 308. (Step S712)

  When the trial print mode is set as described above, a preview screen is displayed and displayed on the preview display screen. The result of finishing processing such as insertion of the front / back cover and interleaf and the stapling described above is displayed. The reflected preview is displayed. As a result, fine print settings such as performing double-sided printing on special paper inserted as slip sheets can be confirmed and printed in advance in a preview display without consuming special paper. Further, even when a mistake in setting is noticed in the preview display, the setting can be changed by using the resetting mode. Even after the setting is changed, it is possible to confirm whether the setting change is reflected by displaying the preview again. This resetting saves the user from having to read the document again.

  In addition, as a setting for trial printing, it is set in advance whether to select an operation mode in which printing is actually performed on recording paper and the printing state is checked, or the above-described preview image display mode, and according to the setting. It is also possible to select whether to actually perform a trial printing or to perform a preview display. As a process for that, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the setting of the operation mode is determined in step S706, and if preview display is selected, a preview image is displayed in steps S706 and S708 as shown in FIG. If trial printing is selected, the program may be changed to perform trial printing in steps S706 and S708.

  As described above, in the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment, by performing trial print settings, even in complicated print settings, the read result can be confirmed in a preview before printing. Can be corrected. Since the read original can be re-corrected, it is possible to prevent printing mistakes and to prevent wasteful use of special paper. At the same time, since the read original can be reset, the user's trouble of rereading the original can be saved. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of checking a printed matter so as to suppress useless recording paper and at the same time reducing the burden on the user.

  In addition, the test driver can be similarly realized in the printer driver stored in the information processing terminal. For example, when the digital multifunction peripheral 220 is selected as the print output destination of the information processing terminal, the selection of the trial print can be checked in the displayed dialog. Here, the printer driver executes the same processing as in the flowchart of FIG.

  That is, when trial printing is selected, the printer driver creates a preview display of the document image according to the print settings based on the print data of the information processing terminal and displays it on the display unit of the terminal. In the preview display, buttons for “change print settings”, “print”, and “cancel” (cancel all) are displayed. The user looks at the preview display, and if there is a setting change portion, presses a print setting change button. Then, a print setting change screen is displayed, and the print settings can be changed. A button for instructing re-preview display is displayed on the print setting change screen. When the user presses this button, the printer driver displays a re-preview of the document image according to the changed setting.

  If there is no problem after confirming the preview, the user presses the “print” button. If the “print” button is pressed, the printer driver transmits print data and print settings to the digital multi-function peripheral 220. The digital multi-function peripheral 220 prints the print data according to the print settings, and performs post-processing if necessary.

  If the “Cancel” button is pressed while the preview is displayed, printing is not executed.

  If trial printing is not selected, the printer driver sends print data and print settings to the digital multi-function peripheral 220 to execute printing.

  In printing using a printer driver, a preview can be displayed on the information processing terminal used by the user, and the finished state after printing can be confirmed without going to the digital multifunction peripheral 220. As a result, the printed matter can be checked at the information processing terminal, and useless use of the recording paper can be suppressed. The user himself / herself can check at the location of the information processing terminal, thereby reducing the burden.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing system 210 constructed using a digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral 220. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus 50 including a recording unit 264 and a post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220 according to the present embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a post-processing device 284 of the digital multifunction peripheral 220. FIG. It is a figure showing the operation panel. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control structure of a program executed by a main control unit 250 until reading and printing a document in the digital multifunction peripheral 220 in a flowchart format. It is a figure which shows the initial screen 330 when copy mode is selected. It is a figure which shows the display when it changes to double-sided copy setting mode, and the double-sided copy setting screen 350. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display when it changes to post-processing setting mode, and a finishing setting screen 360. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen 370 when the staple sort button 364 is pushed on the finishing setting screen 360. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen when the special function button 332 is pushed on the initial screen 330, and the special function setting screen 380. It is a figure which shows the display screen 390 when the next page display button 384 is pushed on the special function setting screen 380. FIG. It is a figure which shows the print menu setting screen 400 displayed when the print menu button 394 is pushed on the display screen 390. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen 420 when a next page display button 412 is pressed on the print menu setting screen 400. FIG. It is a figure which shows the paper setting screen 440 when the paper setting button 340 is pushed on the initial screen 330. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a paper setting screen 460 for setting the paper type of each paper feed tray and manual feed tray. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an irregular sheet setting screen 462 for setting an irregular sheet size of a manual feed tray. It is a figure which shows the envelope size setting screen 464 which sets the size at the time of envelope printing using a manual feed tray. It is a figure for demonstrating a slip sheet and front / back cover. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an initial screen for setting a cover sheet and a slip sheet, and a cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cover slip sheet feed tray setting screen 500 that is displayed when a sheet feed tray setting button 482 is pressed on the cover slip sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a front cover paper feed tray setting screen 520 when a tray setting button 502 is pressed on the cover slip paper feed tray setting screen 500. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a front cover setting screen 540 displayed when a front cover setting button 484 is pressed on the cover slip initial setting screen 480. It is a figure which shows the front cover setting screen 540 set when copying to a front cover. It is a figure which shows the front cover sheet initial setting screen 480 showing that front cover setting and back cover setting were made. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an interleaf sheet A setting screen 560 displayed when an interleaf sheet A setting button 488 is pressed on the cover sheet interleaf sheet initial setting screen 480. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an interleaf A setting screen 560 that indicates that a single-sided copy is performed on the interleaf paper A. It is a figure which shows the front cover sheet initial setting screen 480 showing that the front cover, back cover, slip sheet A, and slip sheet B have been set. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a slip sheet insertion setting screen 580. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen indicating that slip sheet A is selected on the slip sheet insertion setting screen 580 and is inserted into the tenth page. FIG. 6 shows a page layout display screen 600. It is a figure which shows the page layout display screen 610. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a preview display screen 620 that is displayed after a trial copy button 392 is pressed and then a start key 310 is pressed to start reading a document and after the reading is completed. It is a figure which shows the reset screen 640 displayed when the reset button 622 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. It is a figure which shows the setting confirmation screen 660 displayed when the setting confirmation button 626 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. It is a figure which shows the finishing display screen 680 displayed when the finishing display button 624 is pushed on the preview display screen 620. FIG. It is sectional drawing showing the structure of the post-processing apparatus 170 of the other form which can be connected to the digital multifunctional device 220 which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

50 Image forming apparatuses 56 and 58 Paper feeding apparatus 170 and 284 Post-processing apparatus 220 Digital multifunction machine 250 Main control unit 264 Recording unit 284 Post-processing apparatus 300 Operation unit 302 Display unit 304 Numeric keypad 306 Clear key 310 Start key 360 Finish setting screen 392 Trial copy button 480 Cover slip initial setting screen 600, 610 Page layout display screen 620 Preview display screen 622 Reset button 642 Re-preview button 680 Finished display screen

Claims (8)

Image data storage means for storing image data for forming a document image;
Print setting means for storing settings relating to printing conditions input by a user;
In response to the first operation of the user instructing trial printing, printing is performed based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit and the setting stored in the print setting unit. Preview image display means for generating a preview image of the original image and displaying the preview image on a predetermined display device;
For resetting the setting stored in the print setting unit in response to a user operation instructing the change of the setting by the print setting unit after the preview image is displayed by the preview image display unit. A resetting means;
In response to a user operation for instructing printing of the original image, a predetermined recording is performed on the original image according to the image data stored in the image data storage unit and the setting stored in the print setting unit. An image forming apparatus including image forming means for forming on paper. A post-processing unit for performing post-processing on the recording paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
The print setting means further stores settings related to post-processing by the post-processing means;
In response to the first operation of the user, the preview image display means is based on the image data stored in the image data storage means and the settings stored in the print setting means. A preview display of a composite image obtained by combining the image formed by the image forming unit and the image indicating the result of the post-processing performed by the post-processing unit on the image of the recording paper is generated and displayed on the display device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image synthesizing unit. The post-processing device can execute a staple process or a punching process on the recording paper,
In response to the first operation of the user, the image compositing means is based on the image data stored in the image data storage means and the setting stored in the print setting means. The print setting stored in the print setting unit is a document image formed on the recording paper by the image forming unit and one or both of a staple image and a punch hole image formed at a predetermined position of the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for generating a preview display of the synthesized image synthesized according to the above and displaying the preview image on the display device. In response to the first operation of the user, a document image is formed on the recording paper on a trial basis according to the image data stored in the image data storage unit and the setting stored in the print setting unit. A test printing unit for operating the image forming unit;
The print setting means further stores a setting for selection regarding which of the test print means and the preview image display means to activate,
The image forming apparatus further includes means for operating one of the test printing means and the preview image display means based on the setting for the selection in response to the first operation by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The print settings stored by the print setting means include settings related to the type of recording paper to be printed,
In response to the first operation of the user, the preview image display means is based on the image data stored in the image data storage means and the settings stored in the print setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to synthesize a recording sheet image specified by the type of the recording sheet and a preview image of the document image at the time of printing and display the combined image on the display device. .   The preview image display means is a scroll display means for sequentially generating and scroll-displaying the preview image of each page until reaching the first page or the last page according to a user's image scroll instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The apparatus further comprises means for selectively performing the formation of the original image by the image forming means and the stop of the processing in accordance with a user instruction after the preview image is displayed by the preview image display means. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Print setting means for storing settings relating to printing conditions input by a user;
A preview image display means for generating a preview image at the time of printing based on the print data and the setting stored in the print setting means and displaying the preview image on a predetermined display device;
After the preview image is displayed by the preview image display means, the setting stored in the print setting means is reset in response to a user operation instructing the change of the settings by the print setting means. A resetting means;
In response to a user's operation for instructing printing to an external image forming apparatus, print image data according to the print data and the settings stored in the print setting unit is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. An information input method in an information processing apparatus, including means for
The preview image display means generates a preview image at the time of printing based on the print data and the settings stored in the print setting means in response to a user operation instructing trial printing. Displaying a preview image for display on the display device;
After the preview image is displayed in the step of displaying the preview image, the resetting unit is stored in the print setting unit in response to a user operation instructing the change of the setting by the print setting unit. Re-setting the current settings,
In response to the operation of the user instructing printing to an external image forming apparatus, the means for transmitting transmits the print image data according to the print data and the settings stored in the print setting means. Generating and transmitting to the image forming apparatus.

Images