Patent Publication Number: US-8120814-B2

Title: Image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/580,164, filed Oct. 13, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,826,091, which is based on and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-303290, filed Oct. 18, 2005, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to image processing techniques and, more particularly, to an information processing apparatus such as an image processing apparatus, an image processing method and image processing system, which handle a preview screen image. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In an image processing system in which a host personal computer (host PC) as an example of an information processing apparatus and a multi-function peripheral machine (MFP) as an example of an image processing apparatus are communicably connected with each other, there is a system having a preview function to check an output result according to a preview image displayed on a screen of the host PC before sending a print request from the host PC to the MFP. 
     Usually, such a preview function is provided in software of the host PC. Thus, according to the conventional preview function, an actual output result may differ slightly from the preview image. Specifically, there is a case in which an actual output result differs slightly from a preview image due to differences in resolution and color between the MFP and the host PC. 
     Patent Document 1 discloses prevention of an actual output result from differing slightly from a preview image by causing a host PC to display a preview image which is created on a printer side in consideration of a printing function. 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2003-76512. 
     Among recent MFPs, there is one provided with a stapling function for stapling a printed matter or a punching function for punching a printed matter besides a printing function. Such an MFP can check an output result according to a preview image but it is difficult to check a relationship between the output result and a stapling position or punching position. 
     Accordingly, in a conventional MFP, there is a problem that a relationship between an output result and a stapling position or a punching position is different from what an operator intends to even if printing is performed after the operator checked the output result according to a preview image, or there is a problem in that a staple or a punched hole is not prevented from overlapping an image such as characters on a printed matter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a general object of the present invention to provide an image processing technique in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated. A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an image processing method and an image processing system, which is capable of displaying a preview image accurately expressing a finished image of a printed matter. 
     In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is provided according to one aspect of the present invention an image processing apparatus having a printing function, comprising: a preview original-image creation part that creates an original image for preview based on print data; a preview parts image creation part that creates a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment; a preview image synthesis part that synthesizes a preview image from the original image for preview and the parts image for preview; and a preview image retaining part that retains the preview image. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the preview parts-image creation part may create an image of a part formed by a function other than the printing function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. The preview parts-image creation part may create an image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. 
     The image processing apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a format conversion part that converts a format of the print data supplied from different supply sources into a unified format. 
     The preview parts-image creation part may render an image of a part where stapling or punching is applied to be a part formed by a function other than the printing function. The preview parts-image creation part may creates an image of a format or a stamp for synthesis so as to be the image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function. 
     In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the preview image retained by the preview image retaining part may be displayed on a display part of the image processing apparatus or an information processing apparatus communicable with the image processing apparatus. 
     There is provided according to another aspect of the present invention an image processing method of an image processing apparatus having a printing function, comprising: a step of creating an original image for preview based on print data; a step of creating a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment; a step of synthesizing a preview image from the original image for preview and the parts image for preview; and a step of retaining the preview image. 
     In the image processing method according to the present invention, the step of creating a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment may create an image of a part formed by a function other than the printing function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. The step of creating a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment may create an image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. 
     The image processing method according to the present invention may further comprise a step of converting a format of the print data supplied from different supply sources into a unified format. The step of creating a parts-image for preview peculiar to each equipment may render an image of a part where stapling or punching is applied to be an image of a part formed by a function other than the printing function. 
     In the image processing method according to the present invention, the step of creating a parts image for preview may create an image of a format or a stamp for synthesis so as to be the image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function. 
     The image processing method according to the present invention may further comprise a step of causing a display part of the image processing apparatus or an information processing apparatus communicable with the image processing apparatus to display the preview image retained by the step of retaining the preview image. 
     There is provided according to the present invention an image processing system comprising an image processing apparatus having a printing function and an information processing apparatus communicably connected with the image forming apparatus and making various requests to the image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus includes: a preview original-image creation part that creates an original image for preview based on print data; a preview parts-image creation part that creates a parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment; a preview image synthesis part that synthesizes a preview image from the original image for preview and the parts image for preview; and a preview image retaining part that retains the preview image, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a control part that requests the preview image of print data to the image processing apparatus and receives the preview image from the image processing apparatus so as to display the received preview image on a display part. 
     In the image processing system according to the present invention, the preview parts-image creation part may create an image of a part formed by a function other than the printing function so as to be the parts image for preview peculiar to each equipment. The preview parts-image creation part may create an image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function so as to be the parts image peculiar for preview to each equipment. The image processing system according to the present invention may further comprise a format converting part that converts a format of the print data supplied from different supply sources into a unified format. The preview parts-image creation part may render an image of a part where stapling or punching is applied to be a part formed by a function other than the printing function. The preview parts-image creation part may create an image of a format or a stamp for synthesis so as to be the image peculiar to each equipment formed by the printing function. 
     According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an image processing method and an image processing system, which is capable of displaying a preview image accurately expressing a finish of a printed matter, can be provided. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sequence chart of a process procedure of an image processing system different from the image process system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sequence chart of a process procedure of the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a sequence chart of another process procedure of the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a sequence chart of a process by an image processing system different from the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a sequence chart of a process by an image processing system different from the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a sequence chart of a process by the image processing system according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration for explaining an example expressing a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which unifies creation of preview images; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration for explaining another example expressing a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which unifies creation of preview images; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration for explaining an example expressing a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which unifies creation of preview images on an individual MFP basis; 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration for explaining an example expressing a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which creates a finished image as a preview image considering not only an output result by a printing function but also a finish according to a function other than a printing function; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a process based on a preview image display request from a host PC; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart of a process based on a print request from an operation panel; 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration of a preview image according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration of another preview image according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration showing a relationship between a staple position and a direction of an output result of a preview image; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are illustrations showing orientations of an original document set in an ADF; and 
         FIG. 20  is an illustration of a screen for designating an orientation of an original document set in an ADF. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A description will now be given, with reference to the drawings, of embodiments according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an image processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the image processing system shown in  FIG. 1 , a host personal computer (host PC) as an example of an information processing apparatus and a multi-function peripheral machine (MFP)  200  as an example of an image processing apparatus are communicably connected with each other. 
     The host PC  100  has a structure comprising a display part  101 , a driver  102 , a user interface (UI)  103  and a communication part  104 . The MFP  200  has a structure comprising a control part  210 , a control panel  250 , a read part  260  and a print part  270 . 
     The control part  210  has a structure comprising a host PC communication part  211 , an image retain part  212 , a format conversion part  213 , a read part I/F  214 , a print part I/F  215 , an engine information retain part  216 , a preview image creation part  217 , and a panel I/F  218 . 
     The preview image creation part  217  has a structure comprising a preview original-image creation part  221 , a preview parts-image creation part  222 , a preview image synthesis part  223  and a preview image retain part  224 . 
     The control panel  250  comprises a display part  251  and a UI  252 . Moreover, the print part  270  comprises staple information  271 . It should be noted that processes of each part shown in  FIG. 1  will be mentioned later. 
     For the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, a description will be given below, with reference to  FIG. 2 , of a process of printing according to a request by an operator after displaying a preview image in a conventional image processing system.  FIG. 2  is a sequence chart showing a process procedure of an image processing system. 
     For example, when a preview image display request is made by an operator, the UI  103  of the host PC  100  sends, in step Si, a preview creation request to the preview image creation part  105 . The preview image creation part  105  creates a preview image from print data. Then, the process proceeds to step S 2  where the preview image creation part  105  sends a preview image to a display part  101  as a preview result. 
     Then, the process proceeds to step S 3  where the display part  101  displays the preview image. The operator checks the preview image displayed on the display part  101 , and, if there is no problem, makes a print request through the UI  103 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 4  where the UI  103  sends the print request to the driver  102 . Thus, the driver  102  can send, in steps S 5  and S 6 , the print request to the host PC communication part  211  of the MFP  200  through the communication part  104 . 
     Thus, in the sequence chart shown in  FIG. 2 , there may be a case where the output result of the MFP  200  slightly differs from the preview image since the preview image is created on the side of the host PC  100 . 
     A description will be now be given, with reference to  FIG. 3 , of a process of displaying a preview image in the image processing system according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a sequence chart showing a process procedure of the image processing system according to the present invention. In the sequence chart shown in  FIG. 3 , a preview image of print data is displayed on the display part  101 . 
     When the a preview image display request is made by an operator, the UI  103  of the host PC  100  sends, in step S 11 , a preview creation request to the driver  102 . Then, the process proceeds to steps S 12 , S 13  and S 14  where the driver  102  sends the preview creation request to the preview image creation part  217  through the host PC communication part  211  of the MFP  200 . 
     The preview image creation part  217  creates a preview image from the print data. Then, in steps S 15 , S 16 , S 17  and S 18 , the preview picture creation part  217  sends the preview image as a preview result to the display part through the host PC communication part  211 , the communication part  104  and the driver  102  of the host PC  100 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 19  where the display part  101  displays the preview image. The operator can check the preview image displayed on the display part  101 . 
     Thus, according to the sequence chart shown in  FIG. 3 , the preview image accurately expressing the output result of the MFP  200  can be created since the preview image is created on the side of the MFP  200 . 
     A description will now be given, with reference to  FIG. 4 , of another process of displaying a preview image in the image processing system according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a sequence chart of another example of process procedure of the image processing system according to the present invention. According to the sequence chart of  FIG. 4 , a preview image of read data acquired by reading by the read part  260  is displayed on the operation panel  250 . 
     For example, when a preview image display request is made by an operator, the operation panel  250  of the MFP  200  sends, in step steps S 21  and S 22 , a preview creation request to the preview image creation part  217  through the panel I/F  218 . 
     The preview image creation part  217  sends, in steps S 23  and S 24 , a read request to the reading part  260  through the read part I/F  214 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 25  where the preview image creation part  217  creates a preview image from the read data. Then, the process proceeds to step S 25  and S 26  where the preview image creation part  217  sends the preview image as a preview result to the operation panel  250  through the panel I/F  218 . The display part  251  of the operation panel  250  displays the preview image. The operator can check the preview image displayed on the display part  251  of the operation panel  250 . 
     Thus, according to the sequence chart shown in  FIG. 4 , the preview image accurately expressing the output result of the MFP  200  can be created even if the preview image corresponds to the read data acquired by the read part  260  since the preview image is created on the side of the MFP  200 . 
     As indicated in the sequence chart shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , since the image processing system according to the present invention creates a preview image by the preview image creation part  217  of the MFP  200 , creation of the preview picture can be unified. 
     Furthermore, for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, a description will be given below, with reference to  FIG. 5 , of a process of printing after a preview image is displayed in a different image processing system. 
       FIG. 5  is a sequence chart of a process performed in an image processing system different from the image processing system according to the present invention. The host PC  100  receives, in step S 31 , a preview image display request from an operator. Then, the host PC  100  creates, in step S 32 , a preview image  500  from, for example, print data. Then, the host PC  100  displays the preview image  500 . 
     The operator checks the displayed preview image  500 . If there is no problem in the preview image  500 , the operator sends, in step S 33 , a print request. Then, the host PC  100  sends, in step S 34 , the print request to the MFP  200 . 
     The MFP  200  carries out printing based on the print request from the host PC  100 , and outputs printed matters  510  as an output result. The printed matters  510  are bound by two a staple  511  at two positions. 
     Thus, in the image processing system performing the process shown in  FIG. 5 , the staples  511  of the printed matter  510  at two positions are not expressed in the preview image  500 , and it cannot be determined from the preview image  500  whether or not the staples  511  overlap the characters printed on the printed matters. Additionally, a relationship between the orientation of the printed matter  510  and the staples  511  in the image processing system shown in FIG.  5 . It should be noted that the above-mentioned problem due to difference between the preview image  500  and the printed matter  510  may occur when punching is applied to the printed matter  510 . 
     A description will be given below, with reference to  FIG. 6 , of a process of printing after a preview image is displayed in the image processing system according to the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a sequence chart of a process performed by the image processing system according to the present invention. 
     In step S 41 , the host PC  100  receives a preview image display request from an operator. Then, in step S 42 , the host PC  100  sends a preview creation request to the MFP  200 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 43  where the MFP  200  creates a preview image  600  from print data. The preview image  600  expresses that the printed matters are bound by staples  601  at two positions. 
     Then, in step S 44 , the MFP  200  sends the preview image as a preview result to the host PC  100 . 
     The host PC  100  displays the preview image  610 . The preview image  610  is identical to the preview image  600 , and expresses that the printed matte is bound byte staples  611  at two positions. 
     The operator checks the displayed preview image  610 . If there is no problem in the preview image  610 , the operator makes, in step S 45 , a print request. Then, the process proceeds to step S 46  where the host PC  100  sends the print request to the MFP  200 . 
     The MFP  200  carries out printing based on the print request from the host PC  100 , and outputs the printed matter  620  as an output result. The printed matter  620  is bound by the staples  621  at two positions. 
     Thus, since two staples  621  of the printed matter  620  are expressed as the staples  601  in the preview image  600  in the image processing system according to the present invention, it can be determined from the preview image  600  whether or not the staples  601  overlap characters. Additionally, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a relationship between the orientation of the printed matter  620  and the staples  621  can be checked. 
     That is, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a relationship between an orientation of the output result and the staple positions or punch positions or whether or not the staples or punch holes overlap characters can be checked before printing since the finished image considering not only the output result according to the printing function but also the finish according to functions other than the printing function (for example, a stapling function or a punching function). 
     Furthermore, for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, a description will be given below, with reference to  FIG. 7 , of a process of intensive printing after a preview image is displayed in an image processing system different from the image processing system according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a sequence chart of a process performed by an image processing system different from the image processing system according to the present invention. In step S 51 , the host PC  100  receives the preview image display request from an operator. In step S 52 , the host PC  100  creates a preview image  700  from print data. Then, the host PC  100  displays the preview image  700 . 
     The operator checks the displayed preview image  700 . However, although the output result based on the print data can be checked by the preview image  700 , an intensive output result cannot be checked. Here, an example will be described in which the operator desires an output of printed matter  720 . 
     If there is no problem in the range which can be checked by the preview image  700 , the operator makes, in step S 53 , an intensive print request. In step S 54 , the host PC  100  sends the intensive print request to the MFP  200 . 
     The MFP  200  carries out printing based on the intensive print request from the host PC  100 , and outputs printed matter  710  as an output result. The printed matter  710  differs from the printed matter  720  which the operator desires to have. 
     Thus, in the image processing system performing the process shown in  FIG. 7 , the appearance of the printed matter  710  as a result of the intensive output is not expressed in the preview image  700 , and it cannot determine a failure in the intensive printing from the preview image  700 . Additionally, in the image processing system performing the process shown in  FIG. 7 , it is difficult to check a finish of staples or punch holes from the preview image  700 . 
     A description will now be given, with reference to  FIG. 8 , of a process of intensive printing performed after a preview image is displayed in the image processing system according to the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a sequence chart of a process performed in the image processing system according to the present invention. 
     In step S 61 , a host PC  100  receives a preview image display request from an operator. In step S 62 , the host PC  100  sends a preview creation request to the MFP  200 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 63  where the MFP  200  creates a preview image  800  from print data. The preview image  800  expresses the appearance of the intensive output result. In the image processing system according to the present invention, the preview image  800  accurately expressing the appearance of the intensive output result can be created since the preview image  800  is created by the MFP  200 . 
     Then, the process proceeds to step S 64  where the MFP  200  sends the preview image  800  to the host PC  100  as a preview result. Then, the host PC  100  displays the preview image  810 . The preview image  810  is identical to the preview image  800 , and expresses the appearance of the intensive output result. 
     For example, when the operator desires an output of the printed matter  720  shown in  FIG. 7 , the operator checks the preview image  810  which shows the appearance of the intensive output result so as to determine a failure occurring in the intensive printing easily. Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the determination of occurrence of a failure in the intensive printing due to, for example, a setting error can be made since an appearance of the intensive output result is expressed in the preview image  810 . 
     That is, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a failure in the intensive printing due to a setting error can be checked before printing since the intensive output result of the intensive printing in which an image processing is performed in the MFP  200  can be displayed as the preview image  810 . 
     A description will be given below, with reference to  FIG. 9 , of a process of displaying a preview image which is formed by synthesizing print data and a format for synthesis retained by the MFP  200  in the image processing system according to the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a sequence chart of a process performed in the image processing system according to the present invention. 
     In step S 71 , the host PC  100  receives a preview image display request from the operator. In step S 72 , the host PC  100  sends a preview creation request to the MFP  200 . Then, the process proceeds to step S 73  where the MFP  200  creates a preview image  902  by synthesizing an image  900  according to the print data and a format  900  for synthesis stored in the MFP  200 . In the image processing system according to the present invention, a preview image  902 , which is a result of synthesis of the image  900  according to the print data and the format  901  for synthesis stored in the MFP  200 , can be created since the preview image  902  is created by the MFP  200 . 
     Then, the process proceeds to step S 74  where the MFP  200  sends the preview image  902  to the host PC  100  as a preview result. The host PC  100  displays a preview image  910 . The preview image  910  is identical to the preview image  902 , and expresses an appearance of the output result in which the image  900  according to the print data and the format  901  for synthesis stored in the MFP  200  are synthesized. 
     Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the appearance of the output result in which the image  900  according to the print data and the format  901  for synthesis stored in the MFP  200  are synthesized can be checked since the appearance of the output result in which the image  900  according to the print data and the format  901  for synthesis stored in the MFP  200  are synthesized is expressed in the preview image  910 . 
     That is, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the output result of the synthesis printing can be checked before printing since the output result according to the synthesis printing in which an image processing is performed in the MFP  200  can be displayed as the preview image  910 . 
     A description will now be given, with reference to  FIG. 10 , of a feature of the image processing system of the present invention which unifies creation of preview images.  FIG. 10  is an illustration for explaining a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which unifies creation of a preview image. 
     In the image processing system according to the present invention, the preview image creation part  217  is provided to the control part  210  of the MFP  200 . Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the same preview image can be achieved irrespective of the input means such as the host PC or the read part  260  by unifying the preview image creation part  217 . Additionally, the MFP  200  according to the present invention can display the preview image, which is created in accordance with the preview creation request from the host PC  100 , on the operation panel  250  of its own. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration for explaining a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention which unifies creation of a preview image. In the image processing system according to the present invention, similar to  FIG. 10 , the preview image creation part  217  is provided to the control part  210  of the MFP  200 . Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a difference between operating systems of a host PCs  100   a  and  100   b  can be absorbed by unifying the preview image creation part  217 . 
     For example, as an example in which a difference exists in the operating system, there is a case where the host PC  100   a  uses Windows (registered trademark) and the host PC  100  uses MAC (registered trademark). Accordingly, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a difference between the host PCs  100   a  and  100   b  can be eliminated by unifying the preview image creation part  217  so as to achieve the same preview image. 
     A description will now be given, with reference to  FIG. 12 , of a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention, which unifies creation of a preview image for each MFP  200 .  FIG. 12  is an illustration for explaining a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention, which unifies creation of a preview image for each MFP. 
     In the image processing system according to the present invention, a difference peculiar to equipments between MFPs  200   a  and  200   b , such as, for example, an orientation of a staple, is absorbed by unifying creation of a preview image for each of the MFPs  200   a  and  200   b . For example, the MFP  200   a  creates a preview image  1200  in which a staple extends in a slanting direction. On the other hand, the MFP  200   b  creates a preview image in which a staple extends in a vertical direction. Accordingly, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a preview image corresponding to the difference peculiar to each equipment of the MFPs  200   a  and  200   b  can be achieved by unifying creation of the preview image for each MFP. 
     A description will now be given, with reference to  FIG. 13 , of a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention, which creates a finished image considering not only an output result according to a printing function but also a finish according to a function other than a printing function 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration for explaining a feature of the image processing system according to the present invention, which crates a finished image considering not only an output result according to a printing function but also a function other than the printing function, as a preview image. 
     Print data or read data from the host PC  100 , the read part  260 , another host PC  100   a  connected via the network  300 , and the MFP  200   a  are supplied to the format conversion part  213 , and is converted into a unified format. Then, a preview original-image creation part  221  creates an original image for preview from the print data or the read data, which has been converted into a unified format. 
     Moreover, the preview parts-image creation part  222  acquires equipment information such as, for example, staple information  271  of the print part  270  so as to create a parts image for review. It should be noted that the parts-image for preview is an image expressed as a finished image corresponding to a staple, a punch hole, a format of synthesis, a stamp, etc. 
     The preview image synthesis part  223  creates a preview image  1300  by synthesizing the original image for preview created by the preview original-image creation part  221  and a parts image for preview created by the preview parts-image creation part  222 . 
     Thus, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the same preview image  1300  can be displayed on any of the host PC  100 , the operation panel  250 , the host PC  100   b  connected via the network  300  and the MFP  200   b  by unitarily performing creation of the preview image  1300  by the MFP  200 . 
     Moreover, in the image processing system according to the present invention, a preview image in which a part peculiar to each equipment (for example, an orientation of a staple) is expressed accurately, can be created by unitarily performing creation of the preview image  1300  by the MFP  200 . 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a process based on the preview image display request from the host PC. In step S 100 , the preview image creation part  217  determined whether a preview image display request has been sent from the host PC  100 . If there is the preview image display request sent from the host PC  100 , the process proceeds to step S 101  where the preview image creation part  217  converts print data or read data corresponding to the preview display request into unified format data by using the format conversion part  213 . The preview original-image creation part  221  creates an original image for preview from the printed data or the read data, which has been converted into the unified format data. 
     Then, in step S 102 , the preview parts-image creation part  222  acquires staple information  271  from, for example, the print part  270 . Then, in step S 103 , the preview parts-image creation part  222  creates a parts-image for preview from the acquired staple information. 
     Then, in step S 104 , the preview image synthesis part  223  determines an orientation of the original image for preview and a position of the parts-image for preview. Then, the process proceeds to step S 105  where the preview image synthesis part  223  creates a preview image by synthesizing the original image for preview and the parts-image for preview. 
     Then, the process proceeds to step S 106  where the preview image synthesis part  223  saves the preview image in the preview image retain part  224 . Then, in step S 107 , the preview image creation part  217  sends the preview image saved in the preview image retain part  224  to the host PC  100 , and the process proceeds to step S 108 . Additionally, if there is no preview image display request from the host PC  100  in step S 100 , the process proceeds to step S 108 . 
     In step S 108 , the control part  210  judges existence of the print request from the host PC  100 . If there is no print request, the control part  210  continues the return process to the process of step S 100 . If there is the print request, the control part  210  performs the printing process of step S 109 . After the process of step S 109  is completed, the process returns to step S 100 . 
     Therefore, in the image processing system according to the present invention, the process based on the print request is performed upon checking whether or not a relationship between a staple position and a direction of an output result or whether or not a staple overlaps characters since the finished image can be displayed as the preview image. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart of a process based on a print request from the operation panel of its own. In step S 120 , the preview image creation part  217  determined whether or not there has been a print request sent from the operation panel of its own. If there is the print request from the operation panel  250 , the process proceeds to step S 121  where the preview image creation part  217  determines whether or not it is set to perform a preview. 
     If it is set to perform a preview, the process proceeds to step S 122  where the preview image creation part  217  converts print data or read data corresponding to the preview image display request into unified format data by using the format conversion part  213 . Additionally, the preview original-image creation part  221  creates an original image for preview from the print data or the read data, which has been converted into the unified format data. 
     Then, in step S 123 , the preview parts-image creation part  222  acquires staple information  271  from, for example, the print part  270 . Then, in step S 124 , the preview parts-image creation part  222  creates a parts-image for preview from the acquired staple information. 
     Then, in step S 125 , the preview image synthesis part  223  determines an orientation of the original image for preview and a position of the parts-image for preview. Then, the process proceeds to step S 126  where the preview image synthesis part  223  creates a preview image by synthesizing the original image for preview and the parts-image for preview. Then, the process proceeds to step S 127  where the preview image synthesis part  223  saves the preview image in the preview image retain part  224 . 
     Then, in step S 128 , the control part  210  displays the preview image, which is saved in the preview image retain part  224 , on the operation panel. If there is no problem in the preview image, the operator inputs “check OK” through, for example, the operation panel  250 . If the “check OK” is input through the operation panel  250 , the control part  210  performs the print process of step S 130 . Additionally, if it is set to not perform a preview in step S 121 , the control part  210  performs the print process of step S 130 . It should be noted that the process returns to step S 120  after the process of steps S 130  and S 131  is completed. 
     On the other hand, if there is a problem in the preview image, the operator inputs “check NG” through, for example, the operation panel  250 . If the “check. NG” is input through the operation panel  250 , the process proceeds to step S 131  where the control part  210  discards the image and the preview image corresponding to the print request. It should be noted that the process returns to step S 120  if there is no print request from the operation panel  250  in step S 120 . 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration of an example of the preview image according to the present invention. The preview image  1600  shown in  FIG. 16  is created by synthesizing an original image  1601  of intensive printing for preview, a parts image  1602  for preview of a staple, and a parts image  1603  for preview of a stamp. The preview image  1600  expresses not only an output result according to a printing function but also a finished image considering finish according to a function other than the printing function. 
       FIG. 17  is an illustration of another example of the preview image according to the present invention. The preview image  1700  shown in  FIG. 17  is created by synthesizing an original image  1701  for preview of both-sides printing and a parts image  1702  for preview of a staple. When a next page is designated in the preview image  1700  of  FIG. 17 , the host PC  100 , for example, displays a preview image  1710  on the display part  101 . The preview images  1700  ad  1710  express not only an output result according to a printing function but also a finished image considering finish according to a function other than the printing function. 
     In the image processing system according to the present invention, if a relationship between an output result and a position of the staple in the preview image is not what intended to, the relationship between the output result and the staple position can be adjusted as follows. 
       FIG. 18  is an illustration showing a relationship between the output result and the staple position. A preview image  1800  of  FIG. 18  is an example of failure in stapling because a staple  1801  is located at a position which the operator does not intend to. A preview image  1810  is an example of success in stapling because a staple  1811  is located at a position which the operator intends to. 
     The failure in stapling in the preview image  1800  occurs due to incorrect determination of the direction of the output result. Thus, in the MFP  200  according to the present invention, by enabling a designation of an orientation of an original document set in an automatic document feeder (ADF), the preview image  1800  in which a failure occurs in stapling can be adjusted to the preview image  1810  in which stapling is succeeded. 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  are illustrations showing orientations of an original document set in the ADF.  FIG. 20  is an illustration of a screen for designating an orientation of an original document set in the ADF. When an original document is set in the ADF as shown in 
       FIG. 19A , the operator should press a button  2002  in the screen  2000  shown in  FIG. 20 . On the other hand, when an original document is set in the ADF as shown in  FIG. 19B , the operator should press a button  2001  in the screen  2000  shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.