Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

A print apparatus is provided that executes a print using print data that is stored in the apparatus, and in addition to executing post-processing on output materials after the printing, deletes the corresponding print data when processing of the print job ends. Here, the print apparatus according to the embodiment deletes the corresponding print data only in a case when the post-processing to all the sheets or the like set in one print job successfully ends.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and a storage medium comprising a function for post-processing such as stapling.

Description of the Related Art

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-17692, control for, in a case where a limit is exceeded when there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be bound by stapling, outputting without performing stapling or cancelling part way through is proposed. Also, there are print apparatuses that comprise a storage area capable of saving print data according to a print job, and that are able to print saved print data. Furthermore, there are print apparatuses in which, as an improvement from the perspective of security or to delete usage capacity, it is possible to select whether or not to delete print data that is saved in a storage area from the storage area after a print completion, and that delete the print data saved in the storage area after a print completion if deletion is selected.

However, there is a problem as is recited below in the foregoing conventional techniques. For example, cases are envisioned in which printing is performed with a setting to delete the print data after the print completion including a post-processing setting such as for stapling in a printing of saved print data. In such a case, in the conventional technique, even in a case when printing completes without post-processing being executed, the corresponding print data is deleted. Here, although a user may consider printing again by performing different settings for the same print job since the post-processing that the user set was not performed on the printed output article, reprinting by using the previously used print data cannot be performed because the print data was deleted. In such a case, it is necessary that the user perform once again a saving of the print data of the same print job, and effort is required to acquire a desired print material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables realization of an arrangement for maintaining security while effectively using memory resources by suitably deleting corresponding print data after printing in accordance with an execution result of post-processing to the print material and enables reprinting the print data used.

One aspect of the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that uses a storage unit configured to store print data, an image forming unit configured to execute print processing that performs an image formation on a sheet based on print data, and a stapler unit configured to perform stapling processing to a plurality of print processed sheets, comprising: a control unit, having a processor that executes instructions stored in a memory or having circuitry, configured to: accept a print instruction for performing printing of print data comprising a plurality of pages stored in the storage unit, and then perform stapling processing, and in which it is possible to designate automatic deletion of print data after printing; cause the image forming unit to start print processing based on the print data in accordance with the print instruction; and cause, based on print processing not completing even though image formation is performed on sheets that exceed a predetermined number of sheets, the stapler unit not to staple, and cause the storage unit not to delete the print data independently of whether or not an automatic deletion is designated in the print instruction.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of controlling an image processing apparatus that uses a storage unit configured to store print data, an image forming unit configured to execute print processing that performs an image formation on a sheet based on print data, and a stapler unit configured to perform stapling processing to a plurality of print processed sheets, wherein the method of controlling includes the following processes which are executed by a control unit arranged in the image processing apparatus having a processor that executes instructions stored in a memory or having circuitry, configured to: accept a print instruction for performing printing of print data comprising a plurality of pages stored in the storage unit, and then perform stapling processing, and in which it is possible to designate automatic deletion of print data after printing; cause the image forming unit to start print processing based on the print data in accordance with the print instruction; and cause, based on print processing not completing even though image formation is performed on sheets that exceed a predetermined number of sheets, the stapler unit not to staple, and cause the storage unit not to delete the print data independently of whether or not an automatic deletion is designated in the print instruction.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of a method of controlling an image processing apparatus that uses a storage unit configured to store print data, an image forming unit configured to execute print processing that performs an image formation on a sheet based on print data, and a stapler unit configured to perform stapling processing to a plurality of print processed sheets, wherein the method of controlling includes the following processes which are executed by a control unit arranged in the image processing apparatus having a processor that executes instructions stored in a memory or having circuitry, configured to: accept a print instruction for performing printing of print data comprising a plurality of pages stored in the storage unit, and then perform stapling processing, and in which it is possible to designate automatic deletion of print data after printing; cause the image forming unit to start print processing based on the print data in accordance with the print instruction; and cause, based on print processing not completing even though image formation is performed on sheets that exceed a predetermined number of sheets, the stapler unit not to staple, and cause the storage unit not to delete the print data independently of whether or not an automatic deletion is designated in the print instruction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

<Configuration of a Print Apparatus>

Firstly, a configuration of a print apparatus (an image processing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIG. 1. Here, a description is given using an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)101as an example of a print apparatus.

The MFP101comprises a controller100, a touch panel118, a display119, a storage apparatus120, a scanner121, a printer122, and a post-processing apparatus123. Note, the post-processing apparatus123may be configured to be connectable to the MFP101as an option.

In the controller100, a CPU111, a RAM112, a ROM113, an input control I/F114, a display control I/F115, a storage apparatus I/F116, and a communication I/F controller117are connected to a system bus110. Also, the scanner121and the printer122are connected to the system bus110. Each unit connected to the system bus110is configured to be able to perform a mutual exchange of data via the system bus110.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit)111is an apparatus for controlling each apparatus and performing calculation/processing of data. The RAM (Random Access Memory)112is a volatile memory and is used as a main memory of the CPU111, a temporary storage area such as a work area, and the like. The ROM (Read Only Memory)113is a non-volatile memory, and image data and other data, and various programs by which the CPU111operates are stored in respective predetermined regions. The CPU111controls each unit of the MFP101using the RAM112as a work memory in accordance with a program stored in the ROM113, for example. Note, the programs by which the CPU111operates are not limited to being stored in the ROM113, and may be stored in the storage apparatus120.

The input control I/F114accepts a user operation, generates a control signal in accordance with the operation, and supplies it to the CPU111. For example, the input control I/F114is connected to a character information input device such as a keyboard (not shown), hard keys for directly inputting a numeric value, and the like, or a pointing device such as the touch panel118as an input device which accepts a user operation. Note, the touch panel118is an input device that outputs coordinate information in accordance with the position of contact to the input unit configured in a plane, for example. Below, in the present embodiment, although a description is given by an operation on a touch panel, it goes without saying limitation is not made to this. The CPU111comprehensively controls each unit of the MFP101in accordance with a program based on a control signal generated by and supplied from the input control I/F114in response to a user operation that is performed to the input device. By this, it is possible to cause the MFP101to perform an operation in response to the user operation.

The display control I/F115outputs a display signal for causing an image to display on the display119. For example, the CPU111supplies a display control signal generated in accordance with a program to the display control I/F115. The display control I/F115generates a display signal based on the display control signal and outputs to the display119. For example, the display control I/F115causes the display119to display a GUI screen to configure a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on the display control signal which the CPU111generates. Also, the touch panel118may be configured in the display119integrally. For example, the touch panel118is configured such that the transmittance of light does not block the display of the display119and it is attached to the upper layer of display screen of the display119. Then, input coordinates in the touch panel118and display coordinates on the display119are associated. By this, it is possible to configure a GUI such that a user can operate the screen directly displayed on the display119.

The storage apparatus120such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory for example are connected to the storage apparatus I/F116. A read of the data from the storage apparatus120or a write of the data to the storage apparatus120is performed based on a control of the CPU111. The storage apparatus120may be used in place of the RAM112or the ROM113.

The communication I/F controller117performs communication with each type network such as LAN, Internet, wired, or wireless for example based on control by the CPU111. Various apparatuses, such as a PC, another MFP, a printer, a server, or the like, are connected to a network102and able to communicate with the MFP101.

The scanner121reads an original and generates image data based on the control of the CPU111. For example, the CPU111causes the scanner121to execute scan processing by a user instruction inputted via the input control I/F114. The scanner121reads an original placed in an original platen or an ADF (not shown), and digitizes it to generate image data. Then, the scanner121stores the generated image data to the storage apparatus120via the storage apparatus I/F116.

The printer122performs processing for printing the image data (print data) saved in the storage apparatus120based on the control of the CPU111. For example, the CPU111causes the printer122to execute the print processing upon a user instruction input via the input control I/F114and a command instruction input from an external apparatus via the communication I/F controller117, or the like. The printer122supplies paper from one or more paper supply unit (not shown) and prints on the paper. For the paper supply unit, there exists a cassette supply which can supply paper of a specific size such as A4 and A5 collectively in large amounts, and a manual feed supply in which paper is mounted by a person manually. The printer122reads the image data from the storage apparatus120, converts it to a printable data format, and text prints it on a paper original which is a printing medium.

The post-processing apparatus123performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, binding processing, folding, and trimming based on the control of the CPU111. For example, the CPU111causes the post-processing apparatus123to execute post-processing upon a user instruction input via the input control I/F114and a command instruction input from an external apparatus via the communication I/F controller117, or the like. In the post-processing apparatus123, a stapling device, a hole punching device, a folding device, a cutting device, and the like (not shown) are included and these are used so that post-processing is performed on the paper original that the printer122output.

In the MFP101, there exists one or more functions such as copy, transmission, and fax (hereinafter referred to as a function), and a sequence of processing that is performed for a respective function of the printing apparatus such as scan, print, transmission, and copy is made to be a job. For example, a transmission job performs a sequence of processing until an original is read and transmitted from the scanner121, and a print job is a sequence of processing for printing an original in the printer122. In the present embodiment, the transmission job is assumed to be of a sequence of processing that reads an original from the scanner121and transmits a FAX or an email, for example, but it may be of a form separated from processing for scanning.

Next, description will be given regarding a data structure of print data saved in the storage apparatus120with reference toFIG. 2. In the present embodiment, 4 sheets of originals201,202,203, and204of A4 size are scanned by the scanner121and data when they are saved in the storage apparatus120will be described in an example.

The saved print data is referred to as document210, and the document210comprises management data205and image data206,207,208, and209. The image data is saved as one piece of data in every original read, and in the present embodiment, the original201becomes the image data206, the original202becomes the image data207, the original203becomes the image data208, and the original204becomes the image data209. Also, for each piece of image data, a management number is added for uniquely specifying the image data within the MFP101when saved. In an example of the present embodiment, the number of the image data206is 1, the image data207is 2, the image data208is 3, and the image data209is 4.

Information necessary in order to use the image data saved in the management data205by a print function, a function for transmitting to an external apparatus or the like is included. In the present embodiment, the image data numbers of the management targets are held in order to group the read originals all at once, and the management numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are saved. Also, information of the size of the originals and file format information of each piece of image data is held, and in the present embodiment the size of the originals are A4 and the file format is a bitmap format.

Next, description will be given regarding a setting screen displayed on the display119in a case when a stapling sheet number exceeds the upper limit sheet number with reference toFIG. 3. A setting screen300is a screen displayed on the display119when a user operates the touch panel118and performs an operation which changes a setting for processing (restriction information) in a case when the stapling sheet number exceeds the upper limit sheet number. In the setting screen300, a selection of processing at a time when the restriction of the number of sheets is exceeded is possible regarding a function, for which there is a restriction on the number of sheets, displayed in a function display portion301. It is possible to set control in a case when the upper limit sheet number is exceeded for each function as illustrated inFIG. 3. In the setting screen300, whether or not a print is continued in a case when the upper limit sheet number is exceeded is set and post-processing itself is not executed in a case when the upper limit sheet number is exceeded.

When the setting screen300is displayed, the CPU111reads the saved information regarding each function and either button302or303is displayed in a previously selected state. Here, the user selects a button of reference numeral302or303of each function as necessary, and it is saved as restriction information in the storage apparatus120according to the CPU111upon pressing of an OK button305. The data saved as the restriction information is saved as a table of settings for processing at a time when the stapling sheet number is exceeded as indicated in Table 1 below. Note that in the present embodiment, the upper limit sheet number of each function cannot be input but is set as the default value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an operator may control to change the upper limit sheet number. Also, the information selected so far is discarded by pressing a cancel button304and a separate function screen is transitioned to from the setting screen300if the setting is not desired to be saved.

TABLE 1—table for setting of processing for when stapling number of sheets is exceeded

Here, a job completes without stapling although output is continued when the number of output sheets of the print job for which the corresponding function is set exceeds the upper limit sheet number in a case when a setting of print without stapling of reference numeral302is performed. Also, a print output is cancelled when the number of output sheets of the print job for which the corresponding function is set exceeds the upper limit sheet number and the print job ends without stapling if the setting of print cancellation of reference numeral303is performed. Note that in the present embodiment, although a stapling function is described in one example as post-processing, the present invention is not limited to this and at the least application to post-processing such as punching, binding processing, folding processing, sheet cutting processing, and the like is possible. It is desirable to store in advance in the ROM113or the like a table which defines an upper limit sheet number for each type, similar to the case of the stapling, in the case of application to these post-processes.

Next, with reference toFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4C, description will be given regarding an example of a print screen of a time when saved print data is printed. Reference numeral421is an example of a main screen for printing which is displayed when a user selects via the touch panel118a specific saved job from a saved job selection screen (not shown) displayed on the display119, and presses a button for performing print settings. At least a finishing setting button401, a delete file after printing button402, a cancel button403, and a print initiation button404are included on a main screen for printing421. Information set by the main screen for printing421is used in the print processing and the post-processing mainly as print information. A stapling setting can be performed on the screens of reference numerals422and423described later when the finishing setting button401is pressed. The delete file after printing button402functions as a reception unit, and a saved job (print data) which was printed is deleted after the end of the print processing corresponding to the saved job by pressing this button. The main screen for printing421can be closed by pressing the cancel button403in a case when a print of a saved job is not performed. A print of a saved job is started by pressing the print initiation button404after a print setting is performed.

The reference numeral422is an example of a finish setting screen displayed when a user presses the finishing setting button401on the main screen for printing421. Information set by the finishing setting screen422is used in print processing and post-processing mainly as post-processing information. Reference numeral405is a finishing function selection button and a selection of functions of sort, group, staple and sort, and staple and group is possible. Reference numeral406is a setting cancellation button, and a finishing setting is cancelled, and the main screen for printing is returned to by a user pressing this button in a case when it is desired to disenable the finishing setting. Reference numeral407is a return button, and by a user pressing it in a case when the originally set finishing setting is not changed, the main screen for printing421is returned to leaving the already set finishing setting as enabled. Reference numeral408is a next button, and detailed setting of the stapling becomes possible by it being pressed after a stapling function is selected by the finish function selection button405.

Reference numeral423is an example of a staple type setting screen displayed when a user presses the next button408after selecting a stapling setting by the finish function selection button405on the finishing setting screen422. Reference numeral409are staple type selection buttons, and selection of corner stapling, double stapling, saddle stitching, and needle-less stapling is possible. Reference numeral410is a position selection button, and the selectable position differs according to the type of staple designated by the staple type selection buttons409. For example, if it is corner, either the top-left, the bottom-left, the top-right, and the bottom-right is selectable. Reference numeral411, similarly to reference numeral406, is a setting cancellation button, and a finishing setting is cancelled, and the main screen for printing421is returned to by a user pressing this in a case when it is desired to disenable the finishing setting. Reference numeral412is a return button, and the finishing setting screen422is displayed by a user pressing it. Reference numeral413is an OK button, and a designated staple type and staple position setting is enabled and the main screen for printing421is returned to by a user pressing it.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B, description will be given regarding a processing procedure of a print job for printing print data saved in the storage apparatus120having considered each print setting. The processing described hereinafter is realized by the CPU111reading a control program stored in the storage apparatus120such as the ROM113or a hard disk to the RAM112as necessary and executing it. Also, the processing procedure hereinafter is started by a user selecting specific data from data displayed on the touch panel118and performing a print instruction via the screens illustrated inFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4C.

In step S501, the CPU111analyzes management data of the saved print data and specifies image data of a printing target. In step S502, the CPU111analyzes a print setting set at a time of a print operation and initializes temporary data according to a user. The temporary data is saved on the RAM112, there exists a number of output sheets, a stapling already disenabled flag, and the like, the number of output sheets is made to be 0 as an initialization process, and the stapling already disenabled flag is made to be disenabled.

In step S503, the CPU111determines whether or not the stapling setting is enabled in the print setting. In a case when the stapling setting is enabled the processing proceeds to step S504and in a case when it is disenabled the processing proceeds to step S505. In step S504, the CPU111obtains information in accordance with the staple type according to the processing setting table in a case when the stapling sheet number has exceeded the upper limit sheet number, stores this to the RAM112, and proceeds to step S505.

In step S505, the CPU111reads one page of the image data saved in the storage apparatus120and stores this to the RAM112. Next in step S506, the CPU111determines whether or not the image data will be printed on paper. A function such that a plurality of image data is laid out on one page of paper is set, it is determined to not print on the paper in a case when the laying out has not been finished yet, and the processing proceeds to step S507. In step S507, the CPU111determines whether or not unread printing target image data remains, and returns the processing to step S505in a case when data remains, and again reads image data.

Meanwhile, in a case when it is determined to print on paper in step S506or in a case when it is determined that an image to read does not remain in step S507, in step S508, the CPU111prints the images read up until that point onto paper in accordance with the print setting and increments the number of output sheets. Next in step S509, the CPU111determines whether the stapling setting is enabled or disenabled. In a case when it is enabled, the processing proceeds to step S510, and the CPU111determines whether or not the number of output sheets exceeds the staple-able upper limit sheet number. In a case when the staple-able upper limit sheet number is exceeded the processing proceeds to step S511, and if that is not the case the processing proceeds to step S513.

In step S511, the CPU111determines whether or not the setting is for print cancellation in a case when the upper limit sheet number is exceeded, and ends the print job processing in the case of print cancellation. If that is not the case the processing proceeds to step S512, and the CPU111sets the stapling setting to disenabled, changes the stapling already disenabled flag to enabled, and proceeds to step S513.

After the execution of step S512, in step S513, the CPU111determines whether or not image data of the printing target which is not read remains in a case when the stapling setting is disenabled in step S509or in a case when the number of output sheets does not exceed the upper limit sheet number in step S510. In a case when it is determined that data remains, the processing returns to step S505and an image is read again. Meanwhile, in a case when it is determined that data does not remain the processing proceeds to step S514, and the CPU111determines whether or not the stapling setting is enabled. In a case when the stapling setting is determined to be enabled the processing proceeds to step S515and in a case when it is determined to be disenabled the processing proceeds to step S516.

In step S515, the CPU111executes the stapling processing (stapling) to the output paper. Meanwhile, in a case when the stapling setting is disenabled in step S514, in step S516, the CPU111determines whether or not the stapling already disenabled flag is enabled. If disenabled, the processing proceeds to step S517and if enabled the processing ends.

In step S517, the CPU111determines whether or not a delete file after printing setting which is included in the print setting is enabled after the execution of stapling in step S515or in a case when the stapling already disenabled flag is disenabled in step S516. In a case when the deletion setting is enabled the processing proceeds to step S518, and in a case when it is disenabled the processing ends. In step S518, the CPU111deletes the print data and ends the processing. After the execution of step S518, processing of the print job ends in a case when the stapling already disenabled flag is enabled in step S516or in a case when the deletion setting is disenabled in step S517. Here, in a case when the stapling already disenabled flag is enabled in step S516, it is a case where the stapling setting is cancelled although printing of all of the image data has completed, and in such a case, the printing is treated as incomplete and step S517and step S518are not executed. Specifically, according to the present embodiment by controlling in this way, configuration may be taken such that deletion of the saved print data is restricted, and an operator is enabled to change the setting and use the saved print data to execute a print again.

Next, with reference toFIG. 6AtoFIG. 6E, description will be given regarding an output result after several print jobs are executed according to the processing procedure described inFIGS. 5A and 5B. In reference numeral621, for a document601which is used in the print job, the number of pieces of image data is 60, in a print setting602configuration is made for single sided printing, an all image data printing target, a stapling (corner) designation, and delete file after printing setting enabled, and corner/double of a setting603for when the number of sheets is exceeded is print cancellation. For a print result604according to the embodiment, when a print is executed by those settings the number of output sheets is 50, and the printing ends without all of the image data being printed where stapling (corner) is not executed and also deletion of the file after printing is not executed.

In reference numeral622, although the document601which is used in the print job and the print setting602are the same as in reference numeral621, a setting605for when the number of sheets is exceeded is different and corner/double is set to print without stapling. For a print result606according to the embodiment, when a print is executed by those settings the number of output sheets is 60, and the printing ends having printed all of the image data where stapling (corner) is not executed and also deletion of the file after printing is not executed.

In reference numeral623, although the document601which is used in the print job and the setting605for when the number of sheets is exceeded are the same as in reference numeral622, a print setting607is different and there is no finishing. For a print result608according to the embodiment, when a print is executed by those settings the number of output sheets is 60, and the printing ends having printed all of the image data where stapling (corner) is not executed since it is not included in the print setting, but deletion of the file after printing is executed.

In reference numeral624, for a document609which is used in the print job, the number of image data is 10, and in a print setting610the finishing is a needle-less stapling (first processing). Also, the needle-less stapling of a setting611when the sheet number is exceeded is a print cancellation. For a print result612according to the embodiment, when a print is executed by those settings the number of output sheets is 5, and the printing ends without all of the image data being printed where needle-less stapling is not executed and also deletion of the file after printing is not executed.

In reference numeral625, for the document609which is used in the print job, similarly to in reference numeral624, regarding the print setting613, the finishing is stapling (corner) (second processing). Also, stapling (corner) of a setting614for when the sheet number is exceeded is print cancellation. For a print result615according to the embodiment, when a print is executed by those settings the number of output sheets is 10, and the printing ends having printed all of the image data where stapling (corner) is executed and also deletion of the file of the document609is executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a print apparatus is provided that executes a print using print data that is stored in the apparatus, and in addition to executing post-processing on output materials after the printing, deletes the corresponding print data when processing of the print job ends. Here, the print apparatus according to the embodiment deletes the corresponding print data only in a case when the post-processing to all the sheets or the like set in one print job successfully ends. Thus, security can be ensured while effectively using memory resources in a case when processing up until post-processing has not finished successfully, after that, the operator can change a setting and execute print processing again by using the stored print data. In other words, it is not necessary for the operator to perform storage of the print data again and this enables the processing for a print job to be more efficient, and a desired print material can be easily acquired.

Note, for the present invention various modifications are possible and it is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, although mainly a stapling function is described in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and at the least application to post-processing such as punching, binding processing, folding processing, sheet cutting processing, and the like is possible. In a case in which these are applied to the post-processing, the same control as the case of the stapling can be performed.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-242648 filed on Dec. 11, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.