Imposition apparatus for arranging pages and imposition program storage medium

An imposition for at least one page frame is applied onto a paper, and a page is disposed in the page frame on a layout in which an imaginary page frame including the page frame is set up. At that time, in the event that the page disposed on the layout juts out the imaginary page frame, a processing interruption section interrupts a series of processing of creating the paper image and outputting the created paper image to the paper, or a paper image creating section creates a paper image after the size adjustment of coinciding the page with the imaginary page frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imposition apparatus in which an imposition for arranging pages for a book and the like is applied to a paper and a paper image representative of the whole of the paper is outputted, and an imposition program storage medium storing an imposition program which causes a computer to operate as the imposition apparatus when the imposition program is incorporated into the computer and is executed in the computer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hitherto, in the field of a printing technology, there is widely applied a DTP (Desk Top Publishing) in which a computer is used to perform a work for editing. The DTP implements an idea of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). An operator performs editing for characters and images while looking a display screen, and can perform printing and plate making for images and the like by a printer and an imagesetter upon confirmation of an image of the printed matter.

In the DTP, software, which is used when an operator edits characters and images, is generally called DTP software. The DTP software generates data of a format referred to as page description data representative of an image every page in accordance with characters and images edited by the operator. An output device such as a printer cannot output the page description data per se. For this reason, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) is used to convert the page description data into bit map data (dot image of data) capable of being outputted by the output device, so that the output device creates a printed matter in accordance with the bit map data.

For example, when a printed matter, such as a book and the like consisting of a plurality of pages, is created, a plurality of arranging pages is printed on a sheet of large paper through an imposition, and the paper is folded and cut harmonizing with the trim size into bookbinding. In the imposition processing, hitherto, an operator arranges pages after editing one by one on a paper. However, recently, there is widely known an imposition application that previous designation of a size of a paper and a page size of a book may create an imposition layout, and a plurality of pages edited by an operator is fed to the imposition layout so that an arrangement is automatically carried out (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette TokuKai Hei. 11-216924). Hereinafter, there will be explained a series of work in which the imposition application is used to carry out an imposition for arranging pages, so that a book constituted of the arranging pages is bound.

FIG. 1is an explanatory view useful for understanding a series of processing that arranging pages edited by an operator are disposed in an imposition layout, printed, and bound.

First, an operator edits arranging pages and designates a paper size of a paper on which the pages are disposed and a page size in a bookbinding. The imposition application creates an imposition layout in accordance with the paper size and the page size.

A step (A) ofFIG. 1shows a page1edited by an operator. A step (B) ofFIG. 1shows a part (a page corresponding) of the imposition layout created by the imposition application. A layout2is provided with a page frame4indicative of a page size at the time of bookbinding and a bleed frame3including a bleed5formed around the page frame4. A size of the page1shown in the step (A) ofFIG. 1is larger than the page frame4of the layout2.

After the imposition application creates the imposition layout, the imposition application arranges the page1on the layout2coinciding the center of the page1with the center of the layout2.

A step (C) ofFIG. 1shows an image where the page1is arranged on the layout2coinciding the center of the page1with the center of the layout2. An image portion6included in the page1does not go into the page frame4and projects into the bleed5. In this state, an image wherein the page1and other pages are arranged on the imposition layout, is printed on a paper and the paper is folded and cut harmonizing with the page frame4into bookbinding.

When papers are cut, it happens that the papers get out of position because a large amount of papers is cut at once, and thus it is not sure that the whole printed matters are cut with the complete harmonization with the page frame. For this reason, in the event that images involved in spread pages are barely arranged on the page frame, there is a possibility that a streak occurs on the boundary between pages when papers are cut into bookbinding. In order to prevent this, the imposition layout prepares beforehand the bleed5formed around the page frame4as in the layout2, and a size of pages after editing is selected to be larger somewhat than the page frame4as in the page1so that papers are folded and cut to meet the page frame4after printing.

A step (D) shows the page1after bookbinding, and page7bound as a spread page of the page1at the time of bookbinding. An image portion6is cut with a portion involved in the bleed5so that the page1is of a size to meet the page frame4. Between the image portion6of the page1and the image portion8of the page7, there is no break, and the image portion6of the page1and the image portion8of the page7are completely coupled with one another.

In the manner as mentioned above, the arranging pages edited by an operator are subjected to the imposition and printed into bookbinding.

As mentioned above, in the event that the imposition application is used to automatically perform the imposition processing, when a page larger than the trim size is entered, the page is treated as a page taking the bleed into consideration.

However, according to the prior art, even in a case where an apparently mistaken size of page is entered, for example, a size A3 of page is entered for a trim size A4 of imposition layout, there is a possibility that the page is dealt with as a page taking the bleed into consideration and a printing is carried out. Usually, a plurality of pages is printed in bulk. And thus an occurrence of the printing error as mentioned above may use a large amount of unnecessary papers and takes a lot of time and labor for confirming images on the printed paper one by one. This causes the printing cost to be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an imposition apparatus capable of suppressing a printing error, and an imposition program storage medium storing an imposition program, which causes a computer to operate as the imposition apparatus when the imposition program is incorporated into the computer and executed.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a first imposition apparatus comprising:

a paper image creating section that creates a paper image in such a manner that an imposition for at least one page frame is applied onto a paper, and a page including an image and/or a character is disposed in the page frame on a layout in which an imaginary page frame including the page frame is set up, so that a whole of the paper, in which the page is disposed, is provided in form of an image;

an output processing section that causes an image output machine for outputting an image on the paper to output the paper image on the paper by applying the paper image created in the paper image creating section to the image output machine; and

a processing interruption section that interrupts a series of processing of creating the paper image and outputting the created paper image to the paper, which are executed by the paper image creating section and the output processing section, respectively, in the event that the page disposed on the layout juts out the imaginary page frame.

According to the first imposition apparatus of the present invention, there is used a layout in which an imaginary page frame including the page frame is set up, and a processing interruption section interrupts a series of processing of creating the paper image and outputting the created paper image to the paper, in the event that the page disposed on the layout juts out the imaginary page frame. For example, setting up of a frame of a size having somewhat margin on a predetermined page size as the imaginary page frame makes it possible to suppress the printing error, since the printing processing is interrupted in the event that an apparently erroneous larger size of page is entered.

In the first imposition apparatus according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is preferable that the imaginary page frame includes a predetermined width of margin surrounding a periphery of the page frame.

In order to absorb an error caused by a discrepancy of paper when the paper is cut, usually, there is provided a margin out of the page frame. Such a set up that the imaginary page frame includes a predetermined width of margin makes it possible to perform the processing without erroneous recognition such that a page having the margin is an erroneous size of page.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a second imposition apparatus in which a page including an image and/or a character is disposed in a page frame on a layout wherein an imposition for at least one page frame is applied onto a paper, the imposition apparatus comprising:

a page size adjusting section that performs a size adjustment to coincide the page disposed on the layout with an imaginary page frame which is larger than the page frame on the layout; and

a paper image creating section that creates a paper image in such a manner that the page adjusted in size in the page size adjusting section is disposed in the page frame on the layout, so that a whole of the paper, in which the page is disposed, is provided in form of an image.

Here, it is acceptable that the “size adjustment” is an adjustment in which both the length and breadth of the page coincide with the imaginary page frame, or alternatively the page coincides with the length or the breadth of the imaginary page frame maintaining a ratio of the length and the breadth of the original page.

According to the second imposition apparatus of the present invention, the page size adjusting section performs a size adjustment to coincide the page disposed on the layout with an imaginary page frame which is larger than the page frame on the layout, and the page adjusted in size in the page size adjusting section is disposed in the page frame on the layout. For example, setting up of a frame of a size having somewhat margin on a predetermined page size as the imaginary page frame makes it possible to suppress the printing error, since the paper image, in which the page after the size adjustment is disposed, is created even if an apparently erroneous size of page is entered.

In the second imposition apparatus according to the present invention as mentioned above, it is preferable that the imaginary page frame includes a predetermined width of margin surrounding a periphery of the page frame.

In order to absorb an error caused by a discrepancy of paper when the paper is cut, usually, there is provided a margin out of the page frame. Such a set up that the imaginary page frame includes a predetermined width of margin makes it possible to create a preferable paper image having the margin, in which the page is adjusted to the size including the margin even if the page smaller that the page frame is entered.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a first imposition program storage medium storing an imposition program, the imposition program comprising:

a paper image creating section that creates a paper image in such a manner that an imposition for at least one page frame is applied onto a paper, and a page including an image and/or a character is disposed in the page frame on a layout in which an imaginary page frame including the page frame is set up, so that a whole of the paper, in which the page is disposed, is provided in form of an image;

an output processing section that causes an image output machine for outputting an image on the paper to output the paper image on the paper by applying the paper image created in the paper image creating section to the image output machine; and

a processing interruption section for interrupting a series of processing of creating the paper image and outputting the created paper image to the paper, which are executed by the paper image creating section and the output processing section, respectively, in the event that the page disposed on the layout juts out the imaginary page frame.

When the imposition program stored in the first imposition program storage medium is executed in the computer, it is possible to cause the computer to operate as the first imposition apparatus.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a second imposition program storage medium storing an imposition program which causes a computer to operate as an imposition apparatus, when the imposition program is incorporated into the computer, said imposition apparatus comprising:

a page size adjusting section that performs a size adjustment to coincide the page disposed on the layout with an imaginary page frame which is larger than the page frame on the layout; and

a paper image creating section that creates a paper image in such a manner that the page adjusted in size in the page size adjusting section is disposed in the page frame on the layout, so that a whole of the paper, in which the page is disposed, is provided in form of an image.

When the imposition program stored in the second imposition program storage medium is executed in the computer, it is possible to cause the computer to operate as the second imposition apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2is a conceptual structural view of an image processing system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The image processing system comprises a color scanner10, a personal computer20, and a color printer30.

The color scanner10reads an original image11to create image data representative of the original image11. The image data is fed to the personal computer20.

The personal computer20creates a paper image representative of the whole of a paper wherein pages, which are edited in accordance with the original image11read by the color scanner10, are arranged on the paper, and image data representative of the paper image is developed into image data for an image output suitable to the color printer30. The personal computer20is provided with functions as a page creating apparatus60, an imposition apparatus70as an embodiment of the present invention, an image developing apparatus80, and a storage apparatus90. When an operator edits the original image11and characters using the keyboard and mouse, the image and the characters after editing are transmitted to the page creating apparatus60. The page creating apparatus60creates pages including the image and the characters edited by an operator. The imposition apparatus70receives the pages from the page creating apparatus60, and creates a paper image representative of the whole of the paper wherein an imposition for at least one page is applied on a paper. The paper image thus created is transmitted to the storage apparatus90and is stored therein. According to the present embodiment, paper image data representative of the paper image created by the imposition apparatus70is described in page description data and is not capable of being outputted by the color printer30. The imposition apparatus70transmits the paper image data to the image developing apparatus80. The image developing apparatus80develops the paper image data described in the page description data into a bit map type of image data capable of being outputted by the color printer30and then transmits the same to the color printer30.

The color printer30outputs onto the paper the paper image data transmitted from the image developing apparatus80and creates a paper image31. Hitherto, when there is created a paper image for bookbinding in which a plurality of pages is arranged on a sheet of large paper, a printing machine is used generally. However, a series of works for printing wherein a machine plate is created, ink is applied to the machine plate, and a printing is carried out on a paper, is a large-scale work. Accordingly, when a small number of printed matters such as an on-demand publishing is created, a color printer, which is simpler than the printing machine, is used to create a paper image. The color printer30corresponds to an example of the image output machine referred to in the present invention.

Here, there will be explained a hardware of the personal computer20.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the personal computer20.

The personal computer20comprises, on an external appearance, a main frame unit21, an image display unit22for displaying an image on a display screen22ain accordance with an instruction from the main frame unit21, a keyboard23for inputting various sorts of information to the main frame unit21in accordance with a key operation, and a mouse24for inputting an instruction according to, for example, an icon and the like, through designation of an optional position on the display screen22a, the icon and the like being displayed on the position on the display screen22a. The main frame unit301has a flexible disk (FD) mounting slot21afor mounting a flexible disk (FD), and a CD-ROM mounting slot21bfor mounting a CD-ROM.

FIG. 4is a hardware structural view of the personal computer20.

The main frame unit21comprises, as shown inFIG. 4, a CPU211for executing a various types of program, a main memory212in which a program stored in a hard disk unit213is read out and developed for execution by the CPU211, the hard disk unit213for saving various types of programs and data, an FD drive214for accessing a flexible disk100mounted thereon, a CD-ROM drive215for accessing a CD-ROM110mounted thereon, an input interface216for receiving image data from the color scanner10inFIG. 2, and an output interface217for outputting image data to an external device such as the color printer30inFIG. 2. These various types of elements are connected via a bus25to the image display unit22, the keyboard23and the mouse24.

The CD-ROM110stores therein an imposition program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The CD-ROM110is mounted on the CD-ROM drive215so that the imposition program, which is stored in the CD-ROM110, is up-loaded on the personal computer20and is stored in the hard disk unit213. Thus, the personal computer20serves as the imposition apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Next, there will be described an imposition program for creating the imposition apparatus70shown inFIG. 2, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5is a conceptual view showing the CD-ROM110storing an imposition program stored in an imposition program storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An imposition program200stored in the CD-ROM110comprises a paper image creating section201, an output processing section202, and a processing interruption section203. The paper image creating section201corresponds to the example of the paper image creating section in the imposition program stored in the imposition program storage medium of the present invention. The output processing section202corresponds to the example of the output processing section in the imposition program stored in the imposition program storage medium of the present invention. The processing interruption section203corresponds to the example of the processing interruption section in the imposition program stored in the imposition program storage medium of the present invention. The details of the respective sections of the imposition program200will be explained in conjunction with the functions of the respective sections of the imposition apparatus70shown inFIG. 6, which is an embodiment of the imposition apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6is a functional block diagram of the imposition apparatus70, in which the imposition program200is installed in the personal computer20shown inFIG. 2so that the personal computer20serves as an imposition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The imposition apparatus70, which is shown also in theFIG. 2, comprises a paper image creating section71, an output processing section72, a processing interruption section73, and a layout creating section74. When the imposition program200shown inFIG. 5is installed in the personal computer20shown inFIG. 2toFIG. 4, the paper image creating section201of the imposition program200constitutes the paper image creating section71inFIG. 6. Likely, the output processing section202constitutes the output processing section72, and the processing interruption section203constitutes the processing interruption section73.

When an operator uses the keyboard23and the mouse24inFIG. 3to designate a paper size indicative of a size of a paper, a page size indicative of a size of a page, a bleed width indicative of a width of a margin, an imaginary page width indicative of a width of an imaginary page tab larger than the margin, and an arrangement template indicative of the number of pages to be arranged on a paper and positions in which pages are arranged, those values are transmitted to the layout creating section74. The layout creating section74creates a layout in which there are set up a bleed frame wherein an imposition is applied in accordance with an arrangement template where a page frame of a page size designated on a paper of the designated paper size is designated, and the page frame is encircled by the designated bleed width, and an imaginary page frame encircling the page frame by an imaginary page width. The layout thus created is transmitted to the paper image creating section71.

The paper image creating section71receives the layout from the layout creating section74. The paper image creating section71receives further the pages from the page creating apparatus60shown inFIG. 2to create a paper image representative of the whole of the paper where the received pages are arranged on the page frame of the layout. The paper image creating section71corresponds to an example of the paper image creating section in the imposition apparatus of the present invention. The paper image thus created is transmitted from the paper image creating section71to the output processing section72, while the obtained layout is transmitted from the paper image creating section71to the processing interruption section73.

The output processing section72transmits the paper image, which is transmitted from the paper image creating section71, to the image developing apparatus80shown inFIG. 2, so that the image developing apparatus80converts a format of paper image data representative of the paper image from the page description data to the bit map data, and causes the color printer30to output on a paper a halftone dot of paper image represented by the bit map data. The paper image thus obtained is also transmitted from the output processing section72to the storage apparatus90shown inFIG. 2so as to be stored therein. The output processing section72corresponds to an example of the output processing section in the imposition apparatus of the present invention.

The processing interruption section73receives the layout from the paper image creating section71and receives pages from the page creating apparatus60shown inFIG. 2. When the size of the received page is larger than the size of the imaginary page frame set up on the layout, the processing interruption section73transmits to the paper image creating section71an interruption instruction to interrupt the processing for creating the paper image. The processing interruption section73corresponds to an example of the processing interruption section in the imposition apparatus of the present invention.

The basic structure of the imposition apparatus70is as mentioned above.

FIG. 7is a flowchart useful for understanding a series of processing in which arranging pages are disposed on a layout to create a paper image, and the paper image is outputted on a paper. Hereinafter, there will be explained such a series of processing that pages transmitted from the page creating apparatus60shown inFIG. 2are arranged on a paper using the imposition apparatus70, and the paper image is outputted from the color printer30shown inFIG. 2.

First, when an operator clicks an icon (not illustrated) prepared beforehand using the mouse24shown inFIG. 3, a set up screen prepared beforehand is displayed on the display screen22ashown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 8is a view showing a set up screen300displayed on the display screen22a. The set up screen300is provided with a paper size set up section310for setting up a paper size, a page set up section320for setting up set up values related to pages, and an arrangement template set up section330for setting up an arrangement template for determining the number of pages to be arranged on a paper and arrangement positions for pages. The page set up section320comprises: a page size set up section321for setting up a page size; a bleed width set up section322for setting up a width of a margin; and an imaginary page width set up section323for setting up a width of an imaginary page tab which is larger than the margin. An operator designates the paper size, the page size, the bleed width, the imaginary page width, and the arrangement template, using the set up screen300.

The respective values designated by an operator are transmitted to the layout creating section74shown inFIG. 6. The layout creating section74creates a layout according to those values and transmits the created layout to the paper image creating section71(step (a) inFIG. 7).

FIG. 9is an explanatory view useful for understanding the layout received by the paper image creating section71. In a layout400shown in a part (A) ofFIG. 9, there is set up a paper frame410of the paper size designated by an operator. The paper frame410is divided into four page areas411. A part (B) ofFIG. 9shows one page area411of four page areas411shown in the part (A) ofFIG. 9. In the page area411, there are set up a page frame420of the page size designated by an operator, a bleed frame430including the page frame420with a designated bleed width431, and an imaginary page frame440including the page frame420with a designated imaginary width441. The page frame420corresponds to an example of the page frame referred to in the present invention. Likely, the margin located between the bleed frame430and the page frame420corresponds to an example of the margin referred to in the present invention. The imaginary page frame440corresponds to an example of the imaginary page frame referred to in the present invention. The layout400corresponds to an example of the layout referred to in the present invention.

The paper image creating section71transmits the received layout to the processing interruption section73. The paper image creating section71and the processing interruption section73receive pages from the page creating apparatus60(a step (b) inFIG. 7).

FIG. 10is a view showing a page received by a paper image creating section and a processing interruption section, and a page area in which the page is disposed on the layout shown inFIG. 9. A part (A) ofFIG. 10shows a page500, which the paper image creating section71and the processing interruption section73receive. A part (B) ofFIG. 10shows the page area411wherein the page500is disposed on the page area411on the layout400shown inFIG. 9. According to the present embodiment, the page500juts out from the page frame420and the bleed frame430of the page area411, but does not jut out from the imaginary page frame440. Thus, the process in the flowchart ofFIG. 7advances from the step (c) to the step (d).

The paper image creating section71arranges the page500transmitted from the page creating apparatus60ofFIG. 2on the page areas411on the layout400ofFIG. 9with the arrangement as shown in the part (B) ofFIG. 10(a step (d) ofFIG. 7).

Processing of the step (c) and the step (d) ofFIG. 7is carried out in connection with all the pages transmitted from the page creating apparatus60inFIG. 2to the paper image creating section71. When an arrangement for all the pages is completed in a step (e) ofFIG. 7, the process goes to a step (f) ofFIG. 7.

In the step (f) ofFIG. 7, the paper image creating section71sets up a register mark, which is a mark when the paper is cut, on the layout in which pages are arranged.

In the step (g) ofFIG. 7, the paper image creating section71creates a paper image representative of the whole of the paper frame on the layout in which pages are arranged.

FIG. 11is a view showing a paper image created in the paper image creating section71. In a paper image450, there are arranged four pages as a page500. The paper image450has register marks451. Upper left and lower right of pages are larger than the area encircled by the register marks451. But an image portion, which juts out from the area, is cut. The paper image creating section71transmits the paper image450to the output processing section72.

The output processing section72transmits the paper image, which is transmitted from the paper image creating section71, to the image developing apparatus80and the storage apparatus90inFIG. 2.

The storage apparatus90inFIG. 2stores therein the paper image transmitted from the output processing section72. The image developing apparatus80receives the paper image from the output processing section72and develops the format of image data representative of the paper image from the page description data to the bit map data. A halftone dot of paper image represented by the developed image data is transmitted to the color printer30inFIG. 2so as to be outputted on the paper (a step (h) ofFIG. 7).

In the manner as mentioned above, the paper image is outputted on the paper. Here, there will be explained a case where in the step (b) ofFIG. 7, a page of the page size, which is larger than the imaginary page frame on the layout, is transmitted to the paper image creating section71.

FIG. 12is a view showing a page received by a paper image creating section and a processing interruption section, and a page area in which the page is disposed on the layout shown inFIG. 9. A part (A) ofFIG. 12shows a page600, which the paper image creating section71and the processing interruption section73receive. A part (B) ofFIG. 12shows the page area411wherein the page600is disposed on the page area411on the layout400shown inFIG. 9. According to the present embodiment, the page600juts out from the page frame420, the bleed frame430, the imaginary page frame440of the page area411. And it is apparent that the page600is too large. Thus, the processing interruption section73decides that page600is larger than the imaginary page frame440on the layout400(the step (c) ofFIG. 7), and transmits to the paper image creating section71an interruption instruction to interrupt the processing for creating the paper image.

When the paper image creating section71receives the interruption instruction from the processing interruption section73, the paper image creating section71interrupts the processing and stops the creation of the paper image. In the flowchart ofFIG. 7, the processing from the step (d) to the step (h) is omitted and a series of processing for creating the paper image is interrupted.

In this manner, when an apparently erroneous larger size of page is obtained, the processing for creating the paper image is interrupted, and thus it is possible to reduce the printing error.

While the above-mentioned embodiment applies a color printer as an example of the image output machine, the color printer is not restricted to a printing system. It is acceptable to adopt an electrophotographic system of color printer, an ink jet system of color printer, or a printer of a system in which a printing paper is exposed with a modulated laser light to develop the printing paper. As to the image output machine, it is not restricted to the color printer, and it is acceptable to adopt a printing machine.

Further, according to the present embodiment, while the imposition apparatus is provided with the processing interruption section for interrupting the processing of creating the paper image in the paper image creating section, it is acceptable that the processing interruption section referred to in the present invention is one for interrupting the processing of outputting the paper image created in the paper image creating section to the output processing section, or alternatively it is acceptable that the processing interruption section referred to in the present invention is one for interrupting the processing of outputting the paper image to the image output machine by the output processing section.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, while there is used the layout in which four page frames are arranged in the imposition on the paper, the layout used in the imposition apparatus of the present invention is not restricted to the four page frames as far as at least one page frame is concerned on the paper.

Still further, according to the present embodiment, while there is explained an imposition apparatus in which an operator designates a paper size and a page size so that a layout according to the associated values is applied, it is acceptable that the imposition apparatus of the present invention applies a predetermined layout.

Next, there will be described an imposition program for creating another imposition apparatus, which is another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13is a conceptual view showing the CD-ROM110storing an imposition program stored in an imposition program storage medium according to another embodiment of the present invention.

An imposition program220stored in the CD-ROM110comprises a page size adjusting section221, and a paper image creating section222. The page size adjusting section221corresponds to the example of the page size adjusting section in the imposition program stored in the imposition program storage medium of the present invention. The paper image creating section222corresponds to the example of the paper image creating section in the imposition program stored in the imposition program storage medium of the present invention. The details of the respective sections of the imposition program220will be explained in conjunction with the functions of the respective sections of the imposition apparatus170shown inFIG. 14, which is another embodiment of the imposition apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 14is a functional block diagram of the imposition apparatus170, in which the imposition program220is installed in the personal computer20shown inFIG. 2so that the personal computer20serves as an imposition apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The imposition apparatus170, which takes the place for the imposition apparatus70shown in theFIG. 2, comprises a page size adjusting section171, a paper image creating section172, and a layout creating section173. When the imposition program220shown inFIG. 13is installed in the personal computer20shown inFIG. 2toFIG. 4, the page size adjusting section221of the imposition program200constitutes the page size adjusting section171inFIG. 14. Likely, the paper image creating section222of the imposition program200constitutes the paper image creating section172.

When an operator uses the keyboard23and the mouse24inFIG. 3to designate various set up values such as page sizes necessary for creating the layout in which the page frame and the like are set up, and a reference size that is a criterion when a size of pages is adjusted, those set up values are transmitted to the layout creating section173. The layout creating section173creates a layout in accordance with the designated set up values, and transmits the layout thus created to the paper image creating section172, while transmitting the designated reference size to the page size adjusting section171.

The page size adjusting section171receives the reference size from the layout creating section74, and receives the pages from the page creating apparatus60shown inFIG. 2. The page size adjusting section171adjusts a size of the obtained pages to a size to meet the reference size. The page size adjusting section171corresponds to an example of the page size adjusting section in the imposition apparatus of the present invention.

The paper image creating section172receives the layout from the layout creating section173. The paper image creating section172receives further the pages from the page size adjusting section171. The paper image creating section172creates a paper image representative of the whole of the paper where the received pages are arranged on the page frame of the layout. The paper image creating section172corresponds to an example of the paper image creating section in the imposition apparatus of the present invention. The paper image thus created is transmitted from the paper image creating section172to the image developing apparatus80.

The basic structure of the imposition apparatus70is as mentioned above.

FIG. 15is a flowchart useful for understanding a series of processing in which arranging pages are disposed on a layout to create a paper image, and the paper image is outputted on a paper. Hereinafter, there will be explained such a series of processing that pages transmitted from the page creating apparatus60shown inFIG. 2are arranged on a paper using the imposition apparatus170, and the paper image is outputted from the color printer30shown inFIG. 2.

First, when an operator clicks an icon (not illustrated) prepared beforehand using the mouse24shown inFIG. 3, a set up screen prepared beforehand is displayed on the display screen22ashown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 16is a view showing a set up screen700displayed on the display screen22a. The set up screen700is provided with a paper size set up section710for setting up a paper size, a page set up section720for setting up set up values related to pages, an arrangement template set up section730for setting up an arrangement template for determining the number of pages to be arranged on a paper and arrangement positions for pages, and a fitting set up section740for setting up set up a reference size which is a criterion when the size adjusting for pages is carried out. The page set up section720comprises: a page size set up section721for setting up a page size; a bleed width set up section722for setting up a width of a margin; and an imaginary page width set up section723for setting up a width of an imaginary page tab which is larger than the margin. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to designate, as the reference size, a size of the page frame surrounding the designated page size, or a size of the imaginary page frame in which the page frame is surrounded with the designated imaginary page width. For the sake of the convenience of the explanation, hereinafter, there will be explained the embodiment assuming that a size of the imaginary page frame is set up as the reference size. An operator designates the paper size, the page size, the bleed width, the imaginary page width, the arrangement template, and the reference size, using the set up screen700.

The respective values designated by an operator are transmitted to the layout creating section173shown inFIG. 14. The layout creating section173creates a layout according to those values (step (a′) inFIG. 15).

FIG. 17is an explanatory view useful for understanding the layout created by the layout creating section173. In a layout800shown in a part (A) ofFIG. 17, there is set up a paper frame810of the paper size designated by an operator. The paper frame810is divided into four page areas811. A part (B) ofFIG. 17shows one page area811of four page areas811shown in the part (A) ofFIG. 17. In the page area811, there are set up a page frame820of the page size designated by an operator, a bleed frame830including the page frame820with a designated bleed width831, and an imaginary page frame840including the page frame820with a designated imaginary width841. The page frame820corresponds to an example of the page frame referred to in the present invention. Likely, the margin located between the bleed frame830and the page frame820corresponds to an example of the margin referred to in the present invention. The imaginary page frame840corresponds to an example of the imaginary page frame referred to in the present invention. The layout800corresponds to an example of the layout referred to in the present invention. The layout creating section173transmits the created layout to the paper image creating section172and transmits the imaginary page frame as the reference size to the page size adjusting section171.

The page size adjusting section171receives the imaginary page frame as the reference size from the layout creating section173and receives pages from the page creating apparatus60(a step (b′) inFIG. 15).

FIG. 18is a view showing a page received by the page size adjusting section171, and a page area811in which the page is disposed on the layout800shown inFIG. 17.

A part (A) ofFIG. 18shows a page900, which the page size adjusting section171receives. A part (B) ofFIG. 18shows the page area811wherein the received page900is disposed on the page area811on the layout800shown inFIG. 17. According to the present embodiment, the page800juts out from the page frame820and the bleed frame830of the page area811, and is a page of an apparently too large size.

The page size adjusting section171reduces the page500transmitted from the page creating apparatus60ofFIG. 2to meet the size of the imaginary page frame840set up as the reference size (a step (c′) ofFIG. 15), and transmits the page after the size adjustment to the paper image creating section172.

In the step (d′) ofFIG. 15, the paper image creating section172receives the page after the size adjustment, and arranges the page on the page area811of the layout800ofFIG. 17.

A part (C) ofFIG. 18shows the page area811where the page900after the size adjustment is disposed on the page area811of the layout800ofFIG. 17. The page900after the size adjustment is adjusted to the same size as the imaginary page frame840.

Next, the process goes to a step (e′) ofFIG. 15. Assuming that the page size adjusting section171receives pages other than page900shown inFIG. 18, the explanation will be continued returning to the step (c′).

FIG. 19is a view showing a page received by the page size adjusting section171, and a page area in which the page is disposed on the layout800shown inFIG. 17.

A part (A) ofFIG. 19shows a page1000, which the page size adjusting section171receives. A part (B) ofFIG. 19shows a page area wherein the received page1000is disposed on the page area on the layout800shown inFIG. 17. According to the present embodiment, the page1000is smaller than the page frame820of the page area. The page size adjusting section171enlarges the page1000to meet the size of the imaginary page frame840set up as the reference size (a step (c′) ofFIG. 15), and transmits the page after the size adjustment to the paper image creating section172in a similar fashion to that of the page900shown inFIG. 18.

A part (C) ofFIG. 19shows a page area where the page1000after the size adjustment is disposed on the page area of the layout800ofFIG. 17. The page1000after the size adjustment is adjusted to the same size as the imaginary page frame840in a similar fashion to that of the page900shown in the part (C) ofFIG. 18.

Processing of the step (c′) and the step (d′) ofFIG. 15is carried out in connection with all the pages transmitted from the page creating apparatus60inFIG. 2to the page size adjusting section171. When an arrangement for all the pages is completed in a step (e′) ofFIG. 15, the process goes to a step (f′) ofFIG. 15.

In the step (f′) ofFIG. 15, the paper image creating section172sets up a register mark, which is a mark when the paper is cut, on the layout in which pages are arranged.

In the step (g′) ofFIG. 15, the paper image creating section172creates a paper image representative of the whole of the paper frame on the layout in which pages are arranged.

FIG. 12is a view showing a paper image created in the paper image creating section172. In a paper image850, there are arranged four pages as a page900and a page1000. The paper image850has register marks851. All the pages are larger than the area encircled by the register marks851. But an image portion, which juts out from the area, is cut. The paper image creating section172transmits the paper image850to the image developing apparatus80and the storage apparatus90inFIG. 2.

The storage apparatus90inFIG. 2stores therein the paper image transmitted from the paper image creating section172. The image developing apparatus80receives the paper image from the paper image creating section172and develops the format of image data representative of the paper image from the page description data to the bit map data. A halftone dot of paper image represented by the developed image data is transmitted to the color printer30inFIG. 2so as to be outputted on the paper (a step (i′) ofFIG. 15).

In this manner, when an erroneous larger size of page is obtained, the paper image is created after the page is adjusted, and thus it is possible to reduce the printing error. Oppositely, when an erroneous smaller size of page is obtained, an adjustment of the page to a size to meet the imaginary page frame makes it possible to apply the bleed.

According to the present embodiment, while the imposition apparatus is provided with the page size adjusting section in which a page is adjusted to the same size as the imaginary page frame, it is acceptable that the page size adjusting section referred to in the present invention performs the size adjustment coinciding a page with a part of an imaginary page frame, for example, performs the size adjustment with the same ratio in length and breadth so that the breadth of the page coincides with the breadth of the imaginary page frame.

Further, according to the present embodiment, while there is used the layout in which four page frames are arranged in the imposition on the paper, the layout used in the imposition apparatus of the present invention is not restricted to the four page frames as far as at least one page frame is concerned on the paper.

Still further, according to the present embodiment, while there is explained an imposition apparatus in which an operator designates a paper size and a page size so that a layout according to the associated values is applied, it is acceptable that the imposition apparatus of the present invention applies a predetermined layout.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a printing error.