Image forming apparatus with creaser control, control method thereof, printing system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

An image forming apparatus determines whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two, front and back surfaces of the sheet; determines, if it is determined that crease processing includes crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, whether a connected post-processing apparatus that performs crease processing on a sheet can perform crease processing on the two, front and back surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and controls, if it is determined that the connected post-processing apparatus cannot perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, a printing system, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium and, more particularly, to control when a post-processing apparatus configured to perform crease processing is connected to an image forming apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

On the printing market, various output materials are created using post-processing apparatuses for sheets having undergone image formation by an image forming apparatus. For example, there is a saddle stitching machine aiming to create (saddle-stitch) a simple booklet by folding an output sheet bundle into two at the center and stapling the fold. There is also a sheet folding apparatus aiming to divide an output sheet into three panels, fold one panel inside, and fold (C-fold) one panel on the opposite side to overlap that panel so as to be able to easily insert the sheet into an envelope or the like.

When the above-mentioned folding is executed, a force that stretches an outer sheet against the folding direction acts to crack the crease (to be referred to as a crack of the spine hereinafter), and the spine is visible as a white color. If this portion has a pattern (for example, an image) or a character, the appearance is greatly degraded. To prevent this, a crease processing for making a crease at a fold in advance is known so as to easily fold an outer sheet and not to generate a crack in the spine. A post-processing apparatus that performs crease processing is an apparatus called a creaser.

Types of folding methods can be classified into “mountain fold” and “valley fold” in accordance with a direction in which a sheet is folded after crease processing. The mountain fold is a method of folding, into a mountain shape, a surface against which the creasing blade of a creasing mechanism is pressed. The valley fold is a method of folding, into a valley shape, a surface against which the creasing blade is pressed. Although both the mountain fold and valley fold are effective for preventing a crack of the spine, and either fold method is usable, the mountain fold is generally used. The valley fold is used when it is superior to the mountain fold in terms of the type of sheet to be used, the folding position, the appearance, and the like. There has already been known an image forming system that automatically switches between the mountain fold and the valley fold by using sheet information and bookbinding information.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-41187, the settings (for example, monochrome, bookbinding designation, bookbinding cover, and medium information) of an output material are obtained from sheet information and bookbinding information, either of the mountain fold and valley fold is decided, and crease processing is executed on a necessary surface. When an image is printed at the crease portion and a crack of the spine is readily generated, crease processing is performed to make a mountain fold. When a crack of the spine is hardly generated, crease processing is performed to make a valley fold.

However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-41187, when crease processing is performed a plurality of times (at a plurality of portions) on one sheet in order to execute crease processing on a necessary surface in accordance with settings (for example, Z-folding, C-folding, or bookbinding cover), execution of crease processing on two, front and back surfaces is not considered. In the case of such designation, a post-processing apparatus capable of simultaneously executing crease processing on the front and back surfaces can execute crease processing at once by one feeding operation. However, a post-processing apparatus capable of executing crease processing on only either the front or back surface by one feeding operation needs to perform feeding twice to the creasing apparatus for one sheet for which crease processing is set for the two, front and back surfaces. If feeding is performed twice, the procedures and time until a desired printed material is obtained are increased. Since the feeding work is performed a plurality of times, the load on a sheet is also increased, putting an excessive load on the output material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which is able to connect with a post-processing apparatus configured to perform crease processing on a sheet, comprising: a crease processing determination unit configured to determine whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet; a function determination unit configured to, if the crease processing determination unit determines that crease processing includes crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, determine whether the connected post-processing apparatus can perform crease processing on the two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and a control unit configured to, if the function determination unit determines that the connected post-processing apparatus cannot perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, control to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system comprising an image forming apparatus, and a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus and configured to perform crease processing on a sheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: a crease processing determination unit configured to determine whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet; a function determination unit configured to, if the crease processing determination unit determines that crease processing includes crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, determine whether the connected post-processing apparatus can perform crease processing on the two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and a control unit configured to, if the function determination unit determines that the connected post-processing apparatus cannot perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, control to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image forming apparatus which is able to connect with a post-processing apparatus configured to perform crease processing on a sheet, comprising: determining whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet; determining, if crease processing is determined to include crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, whether the connected post-processing apparatus can perform crease processing on the two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and controlling, if the connected post-processing apparatus is determined to be unable to perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer of an image forming apparatus which is able to connect with a post-processing apparatus configured to perform crease processing on a sheet, to function as: a crease processing determination unit configured to determine whether crease processing at a plurality of portions set on the sheet includes crease processing on two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet; a function determination unit configured to, if the crease processing determination unit determines that crease processing includes crease processing on the two surfaces of the sheet, determine whether the connected post-processing apparatus can perform crease processing on the two (front and back) surfaces of the sheet by one feeding; and a control unit configured to, if the function determination unit determines that the connected post-processing apparatus cannot perform crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding, control to change, to one of the front and back surfaces of the sheet based on attribute information of the sheet, a surface to be processed in crease processing at the plurality of portions.

The present invention can reduce the procedures and time until a printed material, for which crease processing is set as post-processing, is obtained, and reduce the work load on the user for the printed material.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An overall system including a post-processing apparatus that practices the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3.

InFIG. 2A, a main controller201that mainly performs job scheduling control, a scanner unit202that scans a paper document, and a printer unit203that prints an image are connected. The main controller201, the scanner unit202, and the printer unit203constitute a printing system. The detailed connection form of the main controller201, scanner unit202, and printer unit203will be explained with reference toFIG. 4. The printer unit203will be explained in detail with reference toFIG. 3.

The main controller201is further connected to a PC205via a network206. The PC205inputs a job to the main controller201by using a printer driver or the like.

As another example of the system arrangement, the system may be constituted as shown inFIG. 2B. The system inFIG. 2Bis different from that inFIG. 2Ain that a print server204is connected between the main controller201and the network206. The print server204temporarily receives a print job input from the PC205connected to the network206, and performs image processing and the like. After the end of these processes, the print server204inputs the job to the main controller201via a local network207.

As for input of a job from the print server204, a job may be input to the main controller201after the end of image processing and the like without a user instruction. Alternatively, the system may be configured to temporarily save a job in the print server204after the end of image processing and the like, and allow the user to instruct the main controller201to input the job at a timing when the user wants to print. In this case, the main controller201, the scanner unit202, the printer unit203, and the print server204are recognized altogether as one printing system when viewed from an apparatus on the external network side.

FIG. 3shows an overall printing system including an image forming apparatus, a feeding apparatus, and a post-processing apparatus. A part that performs a main image forming operation is constituted by an image forming apparatus301and an image fixing apparatus302. The image forming apparatus301and the image fixing apparatus302form an image on a sheet. InFIG. 3, a large-volume feeding deck320is connected as a feeding apparatus on the right side of the image forming apparatus301. A plurality of feeding decks are connectable, and a large-volume feeding deck321is further connected on the right side of the large-volume feeding deck320. Furthermore, inFIG. 3, a creaser351is connected as a post-processing apparatus on the left side of the image fixing apparatus302. The creaser351is a post-processing machine that makes a crease in advance at a portion where a sheet is folded. Control of a most characteristic post-processing apparatus in the present invention will be explained by exemplifying control of the creaser351. InFIG. 3, a finisher334is connected as a post-processing apparatus on the left side of the creaser351.

Feeding decks305and306are arranged in the image forming apparatus301and operate as standard feeding units. To form a color image, developing units307to310are arranged as four Y, M, C, and K stations. A formed image is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt311. The intermediate transfer belt311rotates clockwise inFIG. 3, and the image is transferred to a sheet conveyed from a sheet conveyance path304at a secondary transfer position312. After the sheet is delivered from the image forming apparatus301to the image fixing apparatus302, the image transferred to the sheet is heated and pressed by a fixing unit313in the image fixing apparatus302, thereby fixing the image to the sheet. The sheet having passed through the fixing unit313passes through a conveyance path315and is conveyed to a connection portion317with a creaser351. When additional heating/pressing is necessary for fixing depending on the type of sheet or the like, the sheet passes through the fixing unit313, is conveyed to a second fixing unit314by using an upper conveyance path, and additionally heated/pressed. After that, the sheet passes through a conveyance path316and is conveyed to the connection portion317. When the image forming mode is a double-sided mode, the sheet is conveyed to a sheet reversing path318, reversed on the sheet reversing path318, conveyed to a sheet conveyance path319, and fed again to the image forming apparatus301. The image forming apparatus301then performs image formation on the second one of the two surfaces.

Sheets can also be fed from three feeding decks322,323, and324of the large-volume feeding deck320, in addition to the standard feeding units (in this case, the feeding decks305and306) of the image forming apparatus301. A fed sheet is conveyed through sheet conveyance paths325and326, supplied to the image forming apparatus301, and undergoes image formation. When the further large-volume feeding deck321is connected, sheets can also be fed from three feeding decks329,330, and331. A sheet conveyed through a sheet conveyance path332is delivered to the large-volume feeding deck320at a connection portion333. These large-volume feeding decks have a function of detecting double feed in which a plurality of sheets are conveyed while overlapping each other. When double feeding is detected, the sheet conveyance path is switched from the normal conveyance path326to a conveyance path327, and the overlapping sheets are discharged to an escape tray328.

The creaser351of the post-processing apparatus will be explained next. The creaser351is a post-processing apparatus that makes a crease at a predetermined position of a sheet. A sheet having undergone image formation is conveyed from the image fixing apparatus302to the sheet conveyance portion of the creaser351through the connection portion317. When the conveyed sheet has a crease designation, the sheet passes through a sheet conveyance path354from a sheet conveyance path352, is sandwiched between a male creasing die355and a female creasing die356, and is creased. That is, the creasing dies355and356constitute a creasing mechanism. At this time, the creasing dies355and356can be changed depending on the grammage and type of sheet, and the user sets appropriate dies every time a sheet is creased. After the end of crease processing, the sheet passes through a connection portion357with the finisher334serving as another post-processing apparatus, and is unloaded to the finisher334. When a sheet does not have crease designation, it is unloaded to the connection portion357from the sheet conveyance path352through a sheet conveyance path353.

The finisher334will be described next. The finisher334adds post-processing to a printed sheet in accordance with a function designated by the user. More specifically, the finisher334has functions such as stapling (single/double stitching), punching (two holes/three holes), and saddle stitching. The finisher334includes two discharge trays335and336, and a sheet is output to the discharge tray335through a sheet conveyance path341. The sheet conveyance path341cannot perform processing such as stapling. When performing processing such as stapling, a sheet undergoes finishing of a function designated by the user by a processing unit343through a sheet conveyance path342, and is output to the discharge tray336. The discharge trays335and336can be moved up and down. The discharge tray335can also be operated to be moved down and stack, from a lower discharge port, a sheet having undergone finishing processing by the processing unit343.

When an insertion sheet is designated by user designation, the finisher334can also be operated to insert, into a predetermined page through a sheet conveyance path340, an insertion sheet set on an inserter338. When saddle stitching is designated, a saddle stitching unit344staples sheets at the center, folds them into two, and outputs them to a saddle stitching tray337through a sheet conveyance path345. The saddle stitching tray337is constituted by a belt conveyor. A saddle-stitched bundle stacked on the saddle stitching tray337is conveyed to a further left position in the printing system.

The scanner and the document feeder will be explained. The scanner is used mainly for the copy function. When setting a document on the document table and reading it, the user sets the document on the document table and closes a document feeder. After an opening/closing sensor (not shown) detects that the document table has been closed, a reflection document size detection sensor (not shown) in the housing of the scanner detects the size of the set document. The scanner irradiates the document with a light source in response to the size detection, and a CCD (not shown) reads an image and converts it into a digital signal. The digital signal undergoes desired image processing and is converted into a laser recording signal. The converted recording signal is stored in the internal memory of a controller to be described with reference toFIG. 4.

When setting a document on the document feeder and reading it, the user sets the document on the document setting portion (not shown) of the document feeder with the document facing up. Then, a document presence/absence sensor (not shown) detects that the document has been set. In response to this, a document feed roller (not shown) and a conveyor belt (not shown) rotate to convey the document and set it at a predetermined position on the document table. After that, an image is read similarly to reading on the document table, and the read image is stored in the internal memory of the controller.

An example of the hardware arrangements of the controller that controls the image forming apparatus, and the peripheral units of the controller will be explained with reference toFIG. 4. A main controller401mainly includes a CPU402, a bus controller403, and various I/F controller circuits.

The CPU402and the bus controller403control the operation of the overall apparatus. The CPU402operates based on a program loaded from a ROM404via a ROM I/F405. The CPU402interprets PDL (Page Description Language) code data received from the PC205. This program also describes an operation of rasterizing data into raster image data, and is processed by software. The bus controller403controls transfer of data input/output from/to each I/F, and performs bus arbitration and DMA data transfer control.

A DRAM406is connected to the main controller401by a DRAM I/F407, and is used as a work area by the CPU402to operate and an area for accumulating image data. A Codec408compresses raster image data accumulated in the DRAM406according to a method such as MH/MR/MMR/JBIG/JPEG, and decompresses compressed/accumulated code data into raster image data. An SRAM409is used as a temporary work area for the Codec408. The Codec408is connected to the main controller401via an I/F410, and the bus controller403controls data transfer between the Codec408and the DRAM406by DMA.

A graphic processor424performs processes such as image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization for raster image data accumulated in the DRAM406. An SRAM425is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor424. The graphic processor424is connected to the main controller401via an I/F, and the bus controller403controls data transfer between the graphic processor424and the DRAM406by DMA.

A network controller411is connected to the main controller401via an I/F413and to an external network via a connector412. A general example of the network is Ethernet®. An expansion connector414for connecting an expansion board (not shown), and an I/O control unit416are connected to a general-purpose high-speed bus415. A general example of the general-purpose high-speed bus is a PCI bus. The I/O control unit416includes serial communication controllers417of two channels for sending/receiving control commands to/from the respective CPUs of the scanner unit202and printer unit203. The serial communication controllers417are connected to a scanner I/F426and a printer I/F430via an I/O bus418.

A panel I/F421is connected to an LCD controller420, and includes an I/F for presenting a display on a liquid crystal screen on an operation unit, and a key input I/F for accepting inputs from hard keys and touch panel keys.

FIG. 5shows an example of the operation unit connected to the panel I/F421. An operation unit501includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device adhered onto the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard key is transferred to the CPU402via the panel I/F421. The liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I/F421. The liquid crystal display unit displays functions, image data, and the like in the operation of the printing system, details of which will be described later.

A real-time clock module422updates/saves the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery423. An E-IDE interface439is an I/F that connects an external storage device. In this embodiment, a hard disk drive438is connected via the I/F to store image data in a hard disk440and read out image data from the hard disk440. Connectors427and432are connected the scanner unit202and the printer unit203, respectively, and include asynchronous serial I/Fs428and433and video I/Fs429and434, respectively.

The scanner I/F426is connected to the scanner unit202via the connector427and to the main controller401via a scanner bus441. The scanner I/F426has a function of performing predetermined processing on an image received from the scanner unit202, and also has a function of outputting, to the video I/F429, a control signal generated based on a video control signal sent from the scanner unit202. The bus controller403controls data transfer from the video I/F429to the DRAM406.

The printer I/F430is connected to the printer unit203via the connector432and to the main controller401via a printer bus431. The printer I/F430has a function of performing predetermined processing on image data output from the main controller401and outputting the processed image data to the printer unit203. Further, the printer I/F430has a function of outputting, to the printer bus431, a control signal generated based on a video control signal sent from the printer unit203. The bus controller403controls a transfer of raster image data rasterized on the DRAM406to the printer unit203, and transfers the raster image data to the printer unit203via the printer bus431and the video I/F434by DMA.

An SRAM436is a memory capable of holding storage contents by power supplied from the backup battery even when the whole apparatus is turned off. The SRAM436is connected to the I/O control unit416via a bus435. An EEPROM437is similarly connected to the I/O control unit416via the bus435.

The operation unit for making various settings will be explained next. An operation unit501shown inFIG. 5is connected to the panel I/F421inFIG. 4. A reset key502is a key for canceling values and the like set by the user. A stop key503is a key for stopping a running job. A ten-key pad504includes keys for inputting a numerical value such as an entry. An operation screen505is a touch panel operation screen. A start key506is a key for starting a job such as reading of a document. A clear key507is a key for clearing settings and the like. The operation unit501includes an initial setting/registration button, a button for saving power, a button for displaying a main menu, a quick menu button which constitutes a customized window for each user, and a status monitor button for displaying a device status.

A folding method after crease processing will be explained with reference toFIGS. 6A to 6D. There are two, mountain and valley folding methods in accordance with the folding direction after executing crease processing. The mountain fold is a method of folding, into a mountain shape, a side (surface) against which the creasing die355is pressed. InFIG. 6A, 601represents the state of a sheet after crease processing, and602represents a state in which crease processing has been performed using the creasing dies355and356. InFIG. 6B, 603represents a state in which the sheet has been mountain-folded. The valley fold is a method of folding, into a valley shape, a side against which the creasing die355is pressed. InFIG. 6C, 604represents the state of a sheet after crease processing, and605represents a state in which crease processing has been performed using the creasing dies355and356. InFIG. 6D, 606represents a state in which the sheet has been valley-folded.

[Processing of Restricting Crease Surface on Job Receiving Side]

A sequence when executing crease processing in the printing system will be explained with reference toFIG. 7. Note that the flowchart shown inFIG. 7is implemented by reading out a program stored in the ROM404or the like and executing it by the CPU402.

Upon receiving a print job, the CPU402starts processing shown inFIG. 7. This embodiment assumes a case in which a print job including a bookbinding cover as shown inFIG. 1Ais processed. First, crease processing on a sheet surface will be explained with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B. A sheet101inFIG. 1Ais a bookbinding cover, and portions103to106are portions to undergo crease processing. These portions are set on the assumption that crease processing is executed at four portions. A sheet111inFIG. 1Bis also a bookbinding cover. The sheet111represents that, when crease processing at the portions103to106cannot be executed on the bookbinding cover by, for example, the function of the creaser serving as a post-processing apparatus, the job designation is changed to execute crease processing at portions113to116.

At the portions103to106and113to116inFIGS. 1A and 1B, solid lines and broken lines indicate that surfaces to undergo crease processing are different. The broken lines of the portions103and106indicate that crease processing is performed from the back surface of the sheet. The solid lines of the portions104and105indicate that crease processing is performed from the front surface of the sheet. Reference numeral102denotes a section of the sheet101upon executing crease processing.107to110indicate that crease processing was performed on the sheet101. The creasing die355was pressed from directions indicated by arrows.

In step S701, the CPU402checks whether a plurality of times of crease processing (at a plurality of portions) is set in a received print job. If a plurality of times of crease processing is not set (NO in step S701), the CPU402processes the received job in step S702. The CPU then ends this processing sequence.

If a plurality of times of crease processing is set (YES in step S701), the CPU402checks the setting of crease processing in the received job in step S703. In the setting check, it is checked whether the set crease processing includes a setting of performing crease processing from the two, front and back surfaces of a sheet. Therefore, crease processing determination according to this embodiment is performed. If the set crease processing is designated for only one surface of a sheet (NO in step S703), the process shifts to step S702. If crease processing is designated for the two surfaces of a sheet (YES in step S703), the process shifts to step S704.

In step S704, the CPU402checks whether post-processing apparatuses currently connected to the printing system include an apparatus capable of performing crease processing on the two surfaces of one sheet by one feeding. Here, one feeding represents that crease processing can be executed on the two (front and back) surfaces without the mediacy of manual work of a user until a sheet fed from the feeding deck306or307or the like is discharged to the discharge tray. The function determination regarding a post-processing apparatus is performed by obtaining information about a connected post-processing apparatus from the post-processing apparatus or the like and using the obtained information. If crease processing can be executed on the two surfaces by one feeding (NO in step S704), the process shifts to step S702.

If crease processing cannot be executed on the two surfaces by one feeding (YES in step S704), the CPU402checks in step S705whether a sheet is designated in the job. If a sheet is designated (YES in step S705), the CPU402obtains, in step S706, information about the sheet designated in the job from a database that stores sheet information. Although this embodiment will give an explanation based on the grammage as an example of sheet information, attribute information such as the paper type (for example, thick paper or thin paper) or the direction of the orientation may be used. As another attribute, sheet information about crease processing may be obtained. After that, the process shifts to step S708.

If no sheet is designated in the job (NO in step S705), the CPU402specifies, in step S707from information about sheets stored in current feeding trays, a feeding tray matching output information designated in the job. For example, when information designated in the job is only “A4” size information, the CPU402specifies a feeding tray storing “A4” sheets out of sheets designated in current feeding trays. The specified feeding tray serves as a feeding tray that is used when executing the job later. The CPU402obtains grammage information of the sheet from sheet information set for the feeding tray. The process then shifts to step S708.

In step S708, the CPU402compares the grammage information of the sheet obtained in step S706or S707with information serving as a determination criterion designated in advance.FIG. 8shows criterion information used in this step.FIG. 8shows a threshold for sheet information that is used to, when the fold setting of a sheet is the mountain fold (FIG. 6B), determine whether the setting can be changed to the valley fold (FIG. 6D). The determination is made based on whether the attribute information of the sheet is equal to or larger than the threshold. In this embodiment, when the grammage of a sheet is smaller than 150 gsm, the valley fold is “OK”, and when it is equal to or larger than 150 gsm, the valley fold is “NG”. These values are items that depend on the impression of the user who has confirmed a product having undergone crease processing. Thus, the operation screen505may display a setting change window capable of changing the threshold of the grammage, and allow the user to change the threshold. When another attribute is used as the determination criterion for permitting a change to the valley fold, a correspondence table as shown inFIG. 8is prepared for each attribute. Further, the CPU402may be able to change (correct) a set value in consideration of the influence between respective attributes. For example, when grammage information and orientation information are used as determination criteria, the determination may be changed to permit the valley fold up to a grammage of smaller than 180 gsm as long as crease processing is executed in a direction complying with the orientation.

If the sheet allows a change to the valley fold (YES in step S708), the CPU402displays a window901for changing the setting of crease processing, as shown inFIG. 9, in order to determine in step S709whether to perform crease processing by one time of processing. If the user presses a crease surface change button902(YES in step S709), the process shifts to step S710.

In step S710, the CPU402displays a window1001for changing a crease position, as shown inFIG. 10, in order to prompt the user to designate a portion to undergo the valley fold. Portions1002to1005shown inFIG. 10are portions to undergo crease processing. This corresponds to the state of the sheet101inFIG. 1A. Portions indicated by broken lines with “1” at the portions1002and1005are portions that are creased from the back surface of a sheet. Portions indicated by solid lines with “2” at the portions1003and1004are portions that are creased from the front surface of a sheet. From a list box1006, the user can select a change of a crease surface into either surface. For example, when the user selects “change surface of 1 to surface of 2”, the portions with 1 are valley-folded. When the user selects “change surface of 2 to surface of 1”, the portions with 2 are valley-folded. By this setting change, the output surface is changed. It is controlled to implement crease processing on a surface designated by the user by using a change of the printing surface and the sheet reversing mechanism so that crease processing can be executed on a surface designated at the time of crease processing. That is, crease processing is uniformed to one direction (front or back surface) of a sheet.

FIG. 1Bis a view showing the sheet111when “change surface of 1 to surface of 2” is selected. All crease designation portions represented by the portions113to116are indicated by solid lines. This indicates that crease processing is performed on the front surface. Reference numeral112denotes a section of the sheet111upon actually performing crease processing. This indicates that crease processing was performed from the same direction at all portions117to120. The user selects, from the list box1006, either the front or back surface of a sheet on which crease processing is uniformly performed. Then, the user presses a setting change button1007, reflecting the setting. If the user presses a close button1008, a change of the setting is not reflected. Note that a printing result upon a change of the setting may be displayed as an image when the user changes the surface from the list box1006. Also, a folding method may be explicitly displayed. When the user changes the setting and presses the setting change button1007, the CPU402accepts the setting change of crease processing, and the process shifts to step S711.

In step S711, the CPU402executes crease processing on one surface set by the user for the print job. The CPU402then ends this processing sequence.

If the sheet inhibits a change to the valley fold (NO in step S708), the CPU402prompts the user to cancel crease processing on either surface of the sheet in step S712.FIG. 11shows an example of a window1101for setting crease processing. Portions1102to1105are portions to undergo crease processing. This corresponds to the state of the sheet101inFIG. 1A. The arrangement of the window1101is the same as that of the window1001shown inFIG. 10. From a list box1106, the user designates to cancel crease processing on either surface. At this time, the user can select to cancel crease processing on surface of 1 or cancel crease processing on surface of 2. When the user presses a setting change button1107, the CPU402shifts the process to step S713. Note that the user manually feeds a sheet for crease processing that cannot be executed by one feeding, thereby performing crease processing on the two surfaces.

In step S713, the CPU402executes crease processing on the surface designated by the user for the print job. Thereafter, the CPU402ends the processing sequence. If the user presses a close button1108in step S712, the job may be canceled.

If the user presses a crease processing change button903on the window901ofFIG. 9(NO in step S709), the process shifts to step S712. If the user presses a close button904, the job may be executed without changing crease processing, or the job may be ended.

A method of performing crease designation from the PC205, the print server204, or the printing system will be explained with reference toFIG. 12. Note that a crease designation window1201inFIG. 12is generated and implemented by executing, by a CPU (not shown), a program loaded into the memory (not shown) of the PC205or print server204. In the printing system, the crease designation window1201is implemented by executing, by the CPU402, a program stored in the ROM404or the like. This embodiment will explain that the printing system executes this processing.

When the user designates the setting of crease processing in job setting, the CPU402displays the crease designation window1201shown inFIG. 12on the operation screen505. A region1202displays an image1203of a product. An arrow in the region indicates a sheet conveyance direction. Each of a solid line1204and a broken line1205indicates the front or back surface of a sheet as a crease surface. In this case, the solid line1204designates execution of crease processing on the front surface of a sheet. The broken line1205designates execution of crease processing on the back surface of a sheet. In this embodiment, it is designated to execute crease processing at four portions1206to1209in the image1203. The portions1206and1209have the setting of crease processing from the back surface, and the portions1207and1208have the setting of crease processing from the front surface.

When newly designating crease processing, the user selects either the front or back surface from a crease surface setting list box1210, and designates a crease position from a crease position designation list box1211. After the settings in the list boxes1210and1211, the user presses a crease processing addition button1212. Then, the CPU402accepts new crease processing, and draws the added crease processing by a solid or broken line in the region1202. Note that the crease position designation can be confirmed using a ruler1213. Details of the already set crease processing are displayed in a list box1214. If the user wants to cancel the designated crease processing, he selects crease processing displayed in the list box1214and presses a crease processing cancel button1215. The CPU402cancels the selected crease processing in response to the pressing of the crease processing cancel button1215, and cancels the drawing of the target crease processing drawn in the image1203. Further, the CPU402deletes a corresponding display in the crease setting list box1214.

When the user presses a cancel button1216, settings made in the crease designation window1201are canceled. When the user presses a setting button1217, settings made in the crease designation window1201are registered. When the printing system executes a job, crease designation set in the crease designation window1201is sent.

Note that crease processing in only one direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction is shown. However, crease processing may be possible in a plurality of directions (for example, a direction parallel to the conveyance direction). When bookbinding cover designation is executed, this crease designation processing may be executed automatically.

A method of performing crease designation from the PC205, the print server204, or the printing system will be explained with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 13. Note that the flowchart inFIG. 13is implemented by executing, by a CPU (not shown), a program loaded into the memory (not shown) of the PC205or print server204. In the printing system, the flowchart inFIG. 13is implemented by executing, by the CPU402, a program stored in the ROM404or the like. This embodiment will explain that the printing system executes this processing.

Upon receiving an instruction from the user to display a crease processing setting window on the operation screen505, the CPU402starts the processing. In step S1301, the CPU402obtains information about a connected post-processing apparatus. In step S1302, the CPU402determines, from the obtained post-processing apparatus information, whether a crease processing apparatus (creaser) is connected. If no crease processing apparatus is connected (NO in step S1302), the CPU402controls not to display the crease processing setting window (FIG. 12) in step S1303. The CPU402then ends this processing sequence.

If a crease processing apparatus is connected (YES in step S1302), the CPU402determines, in step S1304based on function information represented by the crease processing apparatus information, whether crease processing can be executed on the two surfaces of one sheet by one feeding. If crease processing can be executed on the two surfaces by one feeding (NO in step S1304), the CPU402displays a crease designation window1401shown inFIG. 14in step S1305, and controls the display so that crease processing on the two surfaces can be designated. The basic arrangement of the crease designation window1401is the same as that inFIG. 12. The CPU402then ends this processing sequence.

If the connected crease processing apparatus cannot execute crease processing on the two surfaces by one feeding (YES in step S1304), the CPU402displays the crease designation window1401shown inFIG. 14in step S1306. At this time, the CPU402controls the display so that crease processing on only one surface can be designated, unlike step S1305.

In a state in which even one setting of crease processing is not made in a crease surface designation list box1406, the setting of crease processing can be added to the front and back surfaces. After a crease setting is added, it is subsequently controlled that a crease setting can be additionally selected for only the same surface as that of the already set crease processing.

A state in which a plurality of crease designations are set will be explained using a crease setting window1501inFIG. 15. The arrangement of the window is the same as those inFIGS. 12 and 14already described above, and a description of repetitive portions will not be given. InFIG. 15, crease processing is designated at four portions1506to1509. The portions1506and1509are indicated by solid lines, and this represents crease processing from the front surface. However, when actually performing folding, the portions1506and1509are valley-folded, so “valley fold” is displayed beside the solid lines indicating crease positions. The portions1507and1508are indicated by solid lines, and this represents crease processing from the front surface. When actually performing folding, the portions1507and1508are mountain-folded, so “mountain fold” is displayed beside the solid lines indicating crease positions.

When newly designating crease processing, the user selects either the front or back surface from a crease surface setting list box1510, and designates a crease portion from a crease position designation list box1511. In this case, an example is assumed, in which a folding surface designated first is “front surface”. It is therefore controlled to display “front surface (mountain fold)” and “front surface (valley fold)” in a list box1513. When a folding surface designated first is “back surface”, “back surface (mountain fold)” and “back surface (valley fold)” are displayed in the list box1513. After the crease surface setting and the settings of the list boxes1510and1511in the crease position designation, the user presses a crease processing addition button1512. Then, the CPU402accepts new crease processing. The CPU402draws the added crease processing in the region1502.

According to the present invention, the setting of crease processing is controlled in accordance with a function capable of crease processing on a sheet by one feeding in the post-processing apparatus of the printing system. As a result, the procedures and time until a printed material is obtained can be reduced, and the work load on the user for printing can be reduced.

Note that a folding direction instruction statement may be printed so that the user can easily recognize the instruction of a folding direction when a job is executed. It may also be controlled to automatically apply crease designation processing according to the present invention to a folding position when a setting implementable on one surface (front surface) is made automatically in advance and a folding position is designated upon executing designation of a bookbinding cover at the time of generating a print job.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-034708, filed Feb. 25, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.