JPH11184310A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of sorting for every number of copies without using a sorting device such as an exclusive sorter and without deteriorating the efficiency of image forming. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with a reading means 120, a storing means 150 storing the image data of a read original, an image processing means 160 executing image processing for the image data stored, an image recording means 190 executing the image forming on recording paper based on the image data where the image processing is performed, a paper feeding means 180 selecting the recording paper placed on the paper feeding trays of plural levels and supplying it to the image recording means 190 and a controlling means 100 controlling the paper feeding means 180 so as to select the recording paper having a short side in a main scanning direction at the time of executing the image forming of either of the first page or Nth page of each set of copies in the case of outputting M sets of copies of the original of N sheets of pages and to select the recording paper having a long side in the main scanning direction at the time of executing the image forming of the other page and to supply it to the image recording means 190 and also controlling the image processing of the image processing means 190 so as to align the direction of the image data read and that of the recording paper.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of sorting a plurality of recording sheets without using a sorter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a plurality of M pages of a plurality of M pages are continuously image-formed, a sorter called a sorter is connected to the image forming apparatus, and the sorter sorts the recording paper of each section. I am trying to do it.

When such a dedicated sorter is not used, as shown in FIG.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-30723 describes a method of forming an image so as to be oriented in a direction different from 0 ° and discharging the paper.

[0004] In order to achieve this, a recording sheet having a short side in the main scanning direction (Short Edge Feed (SEF) direction, for example, A4R) and a recording sheet having a long side in the main scanning direction (L4).
Both the EF (Long Edge Feed) direction (for example, A4) are prepared in the paper feed tray.

[0005] When forming an image in the sort mode, image processing is performed to rotate the image by 90 ° for each copy, and the paper feed tray is switched to obtain an alternate output for each copy in the state shown in FIG.

[0006]

According to the above-described alternate output, sorting can be performed without using a special sorter, but there is a problem that extra time is required for image formation and throughput is reduced. become.

Since the image forming speed and the recording paper transport speed in the image forming apparatus are constant, the image forming in the SEF direction is longer in the sub-scanning direction than the image forming on the recording paper in the LEF direction. Takes extra time. In this case, assuming that the length of the long side of the recording paper is A and the length of the short side is B per image formation in the SEF direction, it takes A / B times as long as the image formation in the LEF direction. .

When alternate output of A4R in the SEF direction and A4 in the LEF direction is performed, an extra time corresponding to the number of images formed in the SEF direction is required as compared with the case of forming an image only in the LEF direction. Will decrease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can perform sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and reducing the efficiency of image formation. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus.

[0010]

That is, the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows. (1) The invention according to claim 1 is a document reading means for reading a document, a storage means for storing image data of the read document, and an image for performing image processing on the image data stored in the storage means. Processing means, image recording means for forming an image on recording paper based on image-processed image data, and paper feeding for selecting recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays and supplying the selected recording paper to the image recording means Means and multiple N
In the case of outputting a plurality of M copies of a page document, a recording paper having a short side in the main scanning direction is selected when forming an image on either the first page or the Nth page of each copy, and the other image is printed. At the time of forming, the recording paper having a long side in the main scanning direction is selected and the paper feeding means is controlled so as to be supplied to the image recording means, and the direction of the read image data and the direction of the recording paper are changed. A control unit for controlling image processing of the image processing unit so as to match.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of M pages of an original of a plurality of N pages are output, a recording having a short side in the main scanning direction when forming an image on either the first page or the N page of each copy. When paper is selected and other images are formed, each part is controlled to select a recording paper having a long side in the main scanning direction and form an image, and the direction of read image data and the direction of the recording paper are selected. Is controlled in accordance with the above control.

As described above, the image is formed by changing the direction of either the first page or the last page of each section, and the other pages are formed in the direction having the short side in the main scanning direction with good image forming efficiency. In addition, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and reducing the efficiency of image formation can be realized.

(2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document size detecting means for detecting a document size, a document reading means for reading a document, a storage means for storing image data of the read document, Image processing means for performing image processing on the image data stored in the storage means, recording paper size detection means for detecting the size of recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays, and An image recording unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on the image data; a sheet feeding unit that selects a recording sheet placed on a plurality of paper feed trays and supplies the selected sheet to the image recording unit; Determining whether an image can be formed on a recording paper in a different direction and outputting the recording paper based on the size of the original and the recording paper size detected by the recording paper size detecting means; When a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages are output, a recording sheet having a short side in the main scanning direction is selected when forming one of the first and N pages of each copy. When forming an image other than the above, the control unit controls the sheet feeding unit to select a recording sheet having a long side in the main scanning direction and supply the recording sheet to the image recording unit, and adjusts the direction of the read image data. A control unit for controlling image processing of the image processing unit so as to match the orientation of the recording paper.

In the present invention, the detected original size and
Based on the detected recording paper size, it is determined whether an image can be formed on a recording paper in a different direction and output is possible, and if it is determined that the output is possible, the recording paper in a different direction is output.

In the case where a plurality of M pages of an original of a plurality of N pages are to be output, a main output is required when forming one of the first and N pages of each copy. When a recording sheet having a short side in the scanning direction is selected, and when an image other than the recording sheet is to be formed, a recording sheet having a long side in the main scanning direction is selected to control each section so as to form an image, and the read image is selected. The image processing is controlled so that the direction of the data and the direction of the recording paper are matched with the above control.

As described above, the image is formed by changing the direction of either the first page or the last page of each section, and the other pages are formed in the direction having the short side in the main scanning direction with good image forming efficiency. In addition, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and reducing the efficiency of image formation can be realized.

Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when there is a required recording sheet in a different direction. (3) The invention according to claim 3 is the method according to the above (1) or (2).
In the image forming apparatus of (1), when a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages are output, one of the first page and the N page of each copy is formed on a recording sheet in a direction different from that of the other pages. Equipped with an operation means capable of selecting an alternate output mode for outputting,
The control means controls the alternate output mode in response to selection information from the operation means.

As described above, since the image formation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means, without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and the like, and without lowering the efficiency of image formation. Thus, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting for each number of copies can be realized.

Further, by performing the operation in the alternate output mode based on the mode selection of the operation means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. (4) In the image forming apparatus according to the above (2), when outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N-page originals, either one of the first page or the Nth page of each copy is output. Operating means capable of selecting an alternate output mode for forming and outputting an image on recording paper in a direction different from that of the other pages, wherein the control means receives selection information from the operating means, The alternate output mode is controlled when the sheet feeding means can feed a recording sheet corresponding to the alternate output mode.

As described above, since the image formation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means, without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter, and without reducing the efficiency of image formation. Thus, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting for each number of copies can be realized.

Further, since the operation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection of the operation means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. Furthermore, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when there is a required recording sheet of a different orientation.

(5) The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that:
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising: condition determination means for determining whether the conditions of N> N1, and M> M1, are satisfied when outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N pages of the original. Means for outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N-page originals when the condition determination means determines that the condition is satisfied;
An alternate output mode in which either one of the first page or the Nth page of each copy is image-formed on recording paper in a direction different from the other pages and output is performed.

Here, N1 and M1 are threshold values, and in the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or an image of a small number of copies, the image formation in the alternate output mode is not performed. That is, the threshold value N1
The operation in the alternate output mode is performed for a case in which the number of copies of the document exceeding the threshold value M1 is to be formed on a document of a page exceeding the threshold value M1. By doing so, the operation in the alternate output mode can be performed when necessary.

(6) The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that:
In the image forming apparatus of
The value of 1 and M1 can be changed from the operation means.

Here, N1 and M1 are thresholds, and thresholds N1 and M1 for not forming an image in the alternate output mode when forming an image of a small number of pages or a small number of copies.
Can be changed, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the alternate output mode according to the use environment.

(7) According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an original reading unit for reading an original, a storage unit for storing image data of the read original, and an image processing for the image data stored in the storage unit. Processing means for detecting the size of recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays, and image recording means for forming an image on recording paper based on image-processed image data Paper feeding means for selecting recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays and supplying the selected recording paper to the image recording means; and recording paper size of each section from the recording paper size detected by the recording paper size detecting means. A determination unit that determines whether recording paper of a different size can be output in between, and when the determination unit determines that output is possible, select a recording paper that matches the document size when forming an image of each unit. , Each part Control means for selecting a recording sheet having a size different from the recording paper of each section at the break of image formation and controlling the sheet feeding means so as to supply the selected sheet to the image recording means. is there.

According to the present invention, it is determined from the detected recording paper size whether recording paper of a different size can be inserted between the recording papers of the respective sections and whether output is possible, and if it is determined that output is possible, recording of a different size is performed. Insert paper and output.

Here, the recording papers of different sizes are as follows.
Like A4 and B5R, the recording paper to be inserted protrudes slightly from the recording paper on which the image is formed. Therefore, even in the case of A4 and A4R, they are included in recording sheets of different sizes.

As described above, recording papers of different sizes are inserted between recording papers of each section and output, so that a sorting device such as a special sorter is not used and the efficiency of image formation is not reduced. Thus, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting for each number of copies can be realized.

Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when recording paper of a required size exists. (8) In the image forming apparatus according to the above (7), when a plurality of copies of a plurality of pages of the document are output, recording papers of different sizes are inserted between recording papers of each copy and output. Operating means capable of selecting an inter-seat mode to be operated, wherein the control means controls the inter-seat mode in response to selection information from the operating means.

As described above, since the image formation in the inter-sheet mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means,
It is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter or the like and without lowering the efficiency of image formation.

Further, by performing the operation in the inter-sheet mode based on the mode selection of the operation means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the above-mentioned (7), when a plurality of copies of a plurality of pages of a document are output, recording sheets of different sizes are inserted between recording sheets of each set and output. Operating means capable of selecting an inter-sheet mode to be used, wherein the control means is capable of feeding recording paper corresponding to the inter-sheet mode when receiving selection information from the operating means. In such a case, control of the inter-sheet mode is performed.

As described above, since the image formation in the inter-sheet mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means,
It is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter or the like and without lowering the efficiency of image formation.

Further, by performing the operation in the inter-sheet mode based on the mode selection of the operation means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when a recording sheet of a required size exists.

(10) According to the tenth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above (7) to (9), when outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N pages of originals, N> N1, and M> M
A condition judging means for judging whether the condition of (1) is satisfied,
The control unit controls the inter-sheet mode when outputting a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages when the condition determination unit determines that the condition is satisfied.

Here, N1 and M1 are threshold values. In the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or an image of a small number of copies, the image formation in the alternate output mode is not performed. That is, the threshold value N1
The operation in the inter-sheet mode is performed in the case where an image of a number of pages exceeding the threshold value M1 is formed.
In this way, the operation in the inter-sheet mode can be performed when necessary.

(11) The image forming apparatus according to the above (10), wherein the values of N1 and M1 in the condition determining means can be changed from the operating means. I do.

Here, N1 and M1 are thresholds, and thresholds N for not forming an image in the inter-sheet mode in the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or a small number of copies.
By making it possible to change 1 and M1, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the inter-sheet mode according to the use environment.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a copying machine that reads a document, forms an image, and outputs the image.
The present invention can be used for a printer or the like which receives image data from a computer device and forms and outputs an image. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration in which the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a copying machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 110 denotes an operation unit for selecting and designating the number of copies, enlargement / reduction ratio, recording paper size (A4, A4R, B5, B5R), etc., and 120 denotes a reading unit for reading an original and generating image data , 130 is a document number counting means for counting the number of documents, 140 is a document size detecting means for detecting a document size, 150 is an image memory means for storing image data read by the reading means 120, and 160 is an image memory means 150 Image processing means for performing image processing suitable for the alternate output mode with respect to the image data stored in the storage medium; 170, a recording paper size detection means for detecting the size of recording paper placed on a paper cassette or a paper tray; Paper feed means for feeding out recording paper placed on a paper feed cassette or a paper feed tray for image formation; 0 is an image recording means for recording the image data subjected to image processing on the recording paper p.

Next, the configuration of the copying machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the copying machine of the present invention. A plurality of originals d are placed on the original placing portion 11 of the ADF 10 capable of automatically feeding the originals, with the surface of the first page of the original facing upward. 1 of the original fed out through the rollers 12a and 12b
The first sheet is rotated via a roller 13.

At this time, the original surface of the original d is illuminated by the light source 23, and the reflected light thereof is transmitted through mirrors 24, 25 and 26, through the imaging optical system 27 and the CCD 2 serving as a photoelectric conversion means.
An image is formed on the light receiving surface 8. Here, the light source 23, the mirror 2
The image reading section 20 is composed of 4, 25, 26, an optical system having an imaging optical system 27 and a CCD 28, and optical system driving means (not shown). Note that the image reading unit 20 constitutes the reading unit 120 of FIG.

In FIG. 2, when the original d is placed on the platen glass 21 with the reading surface facing down, the optical system scans along the platen glass 21 to perform reading.

The original d is automatically fed and the rollers 13
Is read, the light source 23 and the mirror 24 are fixed under the second platen glass 22 for reading. The read image data of the document d is C
The data is sent from the CD 28 to the image memory 150.

The document d from which the image has been read in this way is stacked on the sheet discharge tray 15 with the front side facing down. On the other hand, the recording paper p is fed out from the paper feed cassettes 30a, 30b, and 30c on which the recording paper (recording paper) is loaded by the paper feed roller, and is fed to the image recording unit 50. The recording paper p fed to the image recording unit 50 is synchronized by the registration rollers at the entrance thereof, and then comes closer to the photosensitive drum 51.

When image data is input from the image memory unit 150 to the image writing unit 40, the image writing unit 4
A laser beam corresponding to the image data is radiated from the laser diode in 0 onto the photosensitive drum 51 to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 53 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 51.

This toner image is transferred to the recording paper p by the transfer section 54 below the photosensitive drum 51. Then, the recording paper p pressed to the photosensitive drum 51 is separated by the separation unit 55. The recording paper p separated from the photosensitive drum 51 enters the fixing unit 58 via the transport mechanism 57, and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure.

The recording paper p on which the image formation is completed as described above
Is discharged to a discharge tray 70 by a discharge roller 65. Here, the operation (copy operation sequence) of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG.

First, the user places the document d on the document placing section 11, and performs an operation for setting the copy mode from the operation means 110 (S1 in FIG. 3). The setting of the copy mode includes setting of the number of copies, setting of copy density, setting of copy magnification, designation of alternate output mode, designation of inter-sheet mode, and the like. Note that the copy magnification, the copy density, and the like can be automatically set. The copy mode set in this way is transmitted to the overall control unit 100, and the overall control unit 100 controls each unit according to the copy mode.

The alternate output mode refers to a mode in which one of the first page or the last page of each copy is formed on a recording sheet oriented in a direction different from that of the other pages, and is output. This mode has the advantage that there is no need to use a device and that the output can be performed at a higher speed than in the case where the output is performed by changing the orientation of all the pages of each section in the related art.

The state of this output is as shown in FIG. 4 (a) or 4 (b). Here, the print surface is facing downward, and a state is shown in which three copies of the original from page 1 to page N (final page) have been copied and output.

In this case, an alternate output mode 1 (FIG. 4A) in which an image is formed on a recording sheet in a direction different from the other pages of the first page of each copy (FIG. 4 (a)), and the last page of each copy is added to the other pages. And an alternate output mode 2 (FIG. 4B) in which an image is formed on recording paper in a direction different from the page and output.

When the operation means 110 is a combination of a liquid crystal display and a touch panel, as shown in FIG.
It is possible to prepare an area schematically showing the alternate output mode 1 and the alternate output mode 2 and buttons such as OK and Cancel, and select a mode by pressing such a button. is there. Here, the alternate output mode 1 is a mode in which the first page is output in the SEF direction and the remaining pages are output in the LEF direction, and the alternate output mode 2 is that the first to last pages are output in the LEF direction, and the last page is output in the SEF direction. Output mode.

When the user presses the copy start button of the operation unit 110 at the time when the above setting operation is completed (S2 in FIG. 3), the overall control unit 100 executes the following control of various copy operations.

First, the overall control means 100 executes a recording paper size information detecting process to detect the size of the recording paper placed in the paper feed cassettes 30a to 30c (FIG. 3).
S3).

This recording paper size information detection processing has a separate procedure as shown in FIG. Here, assuming that the sheet cassette 30a in FIG. 2 is tray # 1, the sheet cassette 30b is tray # 2, and the sheet cassette 30c is tray # 3.
The recording paper size information setting processing is performed for each of these trays # 1 to # 3 (S1 to S3 in FIG. 6).

Since the recording paper size information setting processing is the same for each tray, the recording paper size information setting processing for tray # 1 will be described here. First, the presence / absence of recording paper placed on the tray # 1 and its size information are detected by the recording paper size detecting means 170 (S1 in FIG. 7). If there is recording paper on the tray, the detection result of the recording paper size is set in the recording paper size register of the corresponding tray number (FIG. 7S).
3). Also, if there is no recording paper on the tray,
Data indicating "no paper" is similarly set in the register (S4 in FIG. 7).

FIG. 8 shows an example of the detection result of the recording paper size of the trays # 1 to # 3.
4, an example is shown in which it is detected that A4R is placed on tray # 2 and B4 is placed on tray # 3.

When the recording paper size information detection process (S3 in FIG. 3) is completed, it is checked whether the alternate output mode is set by the copy mode setting operation (S1 in FIG. 3) (S4 in FIG. 3).

Here, if the alternate output mode is not set, the document reading operation is performed (S11 in FIG. 3), and the printing operation in the normal mode is performed (S12 in FIG. 3). The printing operation in the normal mode will be described later.

If the alternate output mode is set, a process (1) for determining an alternate output operation condition is performed to determine whether the operation can be performed in the alternate output mode (S5 in FIG. 3). FIG. 9 shows this alternate output operation condition determination processing (1).

First, the overall control means 1 constituting the discriminating means
In the step 00, the size of the recording paper to be output is obtained from the document size from the document size detecting means 140 and the copy magnification set by the user (S1 in FIG. 9).

Then, based on the obtained recording paper size,
It is checked whether recording paper of each recording paper size exists in the paper feed tray. Here, the recording paper size information described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 may be referred to.

If the recording paper size to be output is A4,
It is checked whether both A4 and A4R exist for the alternate output mode (S3A in FIG. 9). If both exist, the data of the recording paper condition OK is set in a predetermined register (S4A in FIG. 9). If one or both of A4 and A4R do not exist, the data of the recording paper condition NG is set in a predetermined register (S4A in FIG. 9).

If the recording paper size to be output is B4,
It is checked whether both B5 and B5R exist for the alternate output mode (S3B in FIG. 9). If both exist, the data of the recording paper condition OK is set in a predetermined register (S4B in FIG. 9). If one or both of B5 and B5R do not exist, the data of the recording paper condition NG is set in a predetermined register (S4B in FIG. 9). The same determination process may be performed for A5, B6, and A6.

In the state shown in FIG. 8, when the operation is performed in the alternate output mode using A4, the recording paper condition is OK. The above-described processing for determining the alternate output operation condition (1)
If the recording paper condition is OK, the process proceeds to the alternate output operation condition determination process (2) described below. If the recording paper condition is NG, a warning message urging the user to set the recording paper is issued to the operating unit 1.
The information is displayed on the display means near 10 (S13 in FIG. 3), and the operation ends.

Here, whether or not the operation can be performed in the alternate output mode is further performed (step S7 in FIG. 3). FIG. 10 shows the alternate output operation condition determination process (2).

First, the overall control means 1 constituting the discriminating means
00 obtains the data N of the number of originals from the original number counting means 130 and checks whether this N is larger than a predetermined threshold N1 (S1 in FIG. 10). The threshold value N1 is a threshold value of the number-of-documents counter for enabling the alternate output mode, and can be changed by the operation unit 110.

In this case, by comparing N and N1,
The alternate output mode is not performed for a document having a small number of pages. That is, it is considered that the necessity of sorting in the alternate output mode is low for a document of about one page or two pages.

Similarly, the overall control means 100 constituting the discriminating means obtains the set number of copies (number of copies) M and checks whether this M is larger than a predetermined threshold value M1 (FIG. 10S2). ). Note that this threshold M1 is
This is a threshold value of the number of copies for which the alternate output mode is valid, and can be changed from the operation unit 110.

Also in this case, by comparing M and M1, the alternate output mode is not performed for an output with a small number of copies. That is, it is considered that the necessity of sorting in the alternate output mode is low for about one or two copies.

The values of the threshold values N1 and M1 are
It can be configured to be changeable from the operation unit 110.
To do so, the overall control means 100 is operated by the operating means 1
In response to the change value from 10, the threshold values N1 and M1 may be changed. By making the threshold values N1 and M1 changeable in this way, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the alternate output mode according to the use environment.

When a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages are output, if the conditions of N> N1, and M> M1, are satisfied, the data of the counter condition OK is set in a predetermined register (FIG. 10S3). If at least one of the conditions is not satisfied, the data of the counter condition NG is set in a predetermined register (S4 in FIG. 10).

The above-described processing for determining the alternate output operation condition (2)
If the counter condition is NG, the reading operation (S14 in FIG. 3) is performed because the document is a document of a small number of pages or a copy of a small number of copies, and the printing operation of the M portion of the document of N pages is performed in the normal mode (S15 in FIG. 3). ).

If the counter is OK in the above-described alternate output operation condition determination processing (2), the reading operation (FIG. 3S
9) to perform the printing operation for the M section of the N page document in the alternate output mode (S10 in FIG. 3).

Hereinafter, the reading operation and the printing operation in the alternate output mode will be described in detail. The reading operation in the alternate output mode is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. First, the count value of the document number counting means 130 is initialized to 0 (S1 in FIG. 11).

Then, it is checked whether or not an original exists in the original placing section 11 (S2 in FIG. 11). If there is, the original is scanned by the procedure described with reference to FIG. Store in the page memory area (Fig. 1
1S3). Note that the page memory area is an area in which data for one page in a state where no encoding processing or the like is performed can be stored.

The image data thus stored in the page memory area is subjected to encoding processing by the image processing means 160, and then stored as encoded data in the file memory area of the image memory means 150 (S4 in FIG. 11).
At the same time, management information such as document size information is stored in the file management area of the image memory 150 (S5 in FIG. 11). Here, the file memory area is an area that can store data for a plurality of pages in a state where the encoding process has been performed. This situation is schematically shown in FIG.

The data may be transferred from the page memory area to the file memory area without performing compression processing such as encoding processing. Each time the above processing is performed for one page of the document, the count value of the document number counting means 130 is incremented by 1 (S6 in FIG. 11), and the process is continued until there is no document on the document placement unit 11 of the ADF 10 (S11 in FIG. 11).
7).

When there is no more document on the document placement unit 11 of the ADF 10 (NO in S2 and S7 in FIG. 11), the count value of the document number counting means 130 is read out and stored in the file management area of the image memory means 150. It is added as the document number counter information (S8 in FIG. 11).

FIG. 1 shows the printing operation in the alternate output mode.
This is performed under the control of the overall control means 100 according to the procedure shown in FIG. First, the overall control means 100 checks the currently selected alternate output mode (S10 in FIG. 13). If the alternate output mode 1 is selected, the process proceeds to step 11 and later.

If the alternate output mode 1 is selected, the first page (first page) is output in the SEF direction (S1 in FIG. 13).
1). Then, the second page to the last page (Nth page) are output in the LEF direction (S12 in FIG. 13). The copy number counter in which the copy number M is set is decremented by 1 (FIG. 13S),
Such output is continued until the copy number counter becomes 0 (S14 in FIG. 13).

If the alternate output mode 2 is selected, the first page (the first page) to the last page (the (N-1) th page) are output in the LEF direction (S21 in FIG. 13). And
The second final page (Nth page) is output in the SEF direction (FIG. 13).
S22). The copy number counter in which the copy number M is set is decremented by 1 (S23 in FIG. 13), and such output is continued until the copy number counter becomes 0 (FIG. 1).
3S24).

Here, the printing process in the SEF direction and the printing process in the LEF direction will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. Regarding the print processing in the SEF direction, the overall control means 100 checks whether the image data stored in the image memory means 150 is in the SEF direction (S1 in FIG. 14), and if it is not in the SEF direction, performs 90 image rotation processing (FIG. 14). 14S2). If the direction is the SEF, rotation processing is unnecessary. Then, a recording process is performed on the recording paper in the SEF direction and output (S3 in FIG. 14).

For the print processing in the LEF direction, the overall control means 100 checks whether the image data stored in the image memory means 150 is in the LEF direction (FIG. 15S).
1) If it is not the LEF direction, 90 image rotation processing is performed (S2 in FIG. 15). If it is the LEF direction from the beginning, the rotation processing is unnecessary. Then, a recording process is performed on the recording paper in the LEF direction and output (S3 in FIG. 15).

It is to be noted that the general control means is arranged so that the recording paper in the SEF direction and the recording paper in the LEF direction are fed from the paper feed cassette in which the necessary recording paper is placed in accordance with the timing of image formation. 110 controls a sheet feeding unit 180 including a sheet feeding roller.

In the normal mode (S12 and S15 in FIG. 3) instead of the alternate output mode, the operation is performed as shown in FIG. That is, the overall control means 100
It is checked whether there is a recording sheet in the direction (FIG. 16S).
The direction is output (S2 in FIG. 16). And the number of copies M
Is decremented by 1 for the copy number counter (FIG. 1).
6S3), such an output is set to 0 by the copy number counter.
(S4 in FIG. 16).

If there is no recording sheet in the LEF direction, the first page to the last page are output in the SEF direction (S5 in FIG. 16). Then, the copy number counter in which the copy number M is set is decremented by 1 (S6 in FIG. 16), and such output is continued until the copy number counter becomes 0 (S7 in FIG. 16).

The output in the SEF direction and the output in the LEF direction in FIG. 16 are the processes described with reference to FIGS. In this way, by giving priority to the recording paper in the LEF direction, high-speed output is possible even in the normal mode in which sorting is not performed.

<Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the sorting is performed in the alternate output mode. However, the sorting of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to output an inter-sheet mode as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, recording paper of a size different from the size of the recording paper on which an image is formed is inserted between the recording papers of the respective parts on which the image is formed and output. FIG.
The example of FIG. 7 shows a state where the recording papers I1 and I2 of B5R in the SEF direction are inserted between the respective parts of the recording paper of A4 in the LEF direction.

As described above, recording paper of different sizes is inserted between recording papers of each section and output, so that a sorting device such as a special sorter is not used and the efficiency of image formation is not reduced. Thus, an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting for each number of copies can be realized.

In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the judgment is made based on the presence or absence of the recording paper and the threshold values N1 and M1 before outputting. Also, the operation means 11
When the inter-sheet mode is selected from 0, it is desirable to operate in this mode.

Here, the recording paper of a different size used as an inter-sheet is a recording paper on which an image is formed.
In the case of 4, the recording sheet to be inserted slightly protrudes from the recording sheet on which the image is formed, such as B5R for the inter-sheet. Therefore, even in the case of A4 and A4R, they are included in recording paper of different sizes here.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to a color image forming apparatus. It is possible to apply to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of a copying machine having an automatic document reading means as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and receives image data from outside. It is also possible to apply to an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus for one-sided copying has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus capable of both-sided copying.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image is formed by changing the direction of either the first page or the last page of each section, and the other page is formed by setting the short side in the main scanning direction having good image forming efficiency. Since the image is formed in the direction in which the image is formed, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of performing the sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and reducing the efficiency of image formation.

(2) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image is formed by changing the direction of either the first page or the last page of each section, and the other side of the page has the short side in the main scanning direction having good image forming efficiency. Since the image is formed in the direction in which the image is formed, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of performing the sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter and reducing the efficiency of image formation.

Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when there is a recording sheet of a required different orientation. (3) According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the image formation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means,
It is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter or the like and without lowering the efficiency of image formation.

Further, by performing the operation in the alternate output mode based on the mode selection of the operating means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. (4) According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the image formation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means, the efficiency of image formation can be reduced without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter. An image forming apparatus capable of sorting by the number of copies without lowering can be realized.

Further, since the operation in the alternate output mode is performed based on the mode selection of the operation means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. Furthermore, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when there is a required recording sheet of a different orientation.

(5) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or an image of a small number of copies, image formation in the alternate output mode is not performed based on the threshold value. The operation in the alternate output mode is performed in the case where the number of copies of the document exceeding the threshold value is to be formed on a document exceeding the threshold value.

(6) According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the threshold values N1 and M1 for not forming an image in the alternate output mode in the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or a small number of copies can be changed. By doing so, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the alternate output mode according to the use environment.

(7) According to the seventh aspect of the invention, recording papers of different sizes are inserted between recording papers of respective sections and output, so that a special sorter or other sorting device is not used and image forming is performed. An image forming apparatus capable of performing sorting by the number of copies without lowering the efficiency of image forming can be realized.

Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when recording paper of a required size exists. (8) In the invention according to claim 8, since the image formation in the inter-sheet mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means, the efficiency of image formation can be reduced without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter. An image forming apparatus capable of sorting by the number of copies without lowering can be realized.

Further, by performing the operation in the inter-sheet mode based on the mode selection of the operating means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. (9) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the image formation in the inter-sheet mode is performed based on the mode selection by the operation means, the efficiency of the image formation can be reduced without using a sorting device such as a dedicated sorter. An image forming apparatus capable of sorting by the number of copies without lowering can be realized.

Further, by performing the operation in the inter-sheet mode based on the mode selection of the operating means, the operation can be reliably performed when desired. Further, since it is determined in advance whether output is possible, the operation can be reliably performed only when a recording sheet of a required size exists.

(10) According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, an original of a small number of pages or an image of a page exceeding a threshold value is not formed in the case of forming an image of a small number of copies in an alternate output mode. By performing the operation in the inter-sheet mode in the case where the number of copies exceeding the value is formed, the operation in the inter-sheet mode can be performed when necessary.

(11) According to the eleventh aspect, the threshold values N1 and M for preventing image formation in the inter-sheet mode in the case of forming an image of a small number of pages or a small number of copies.
By making it possible to change 1, it is possible to set whether or not to perform the inter-sheet mode according to the use environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of an alternate output mode.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing how an alternate output mode is selected.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of recording paper size information detection processing.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of recording paper size information setting processing.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a tray number and a recording paper size.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process (1) for determining an alternate output operation condition.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process (2) for determining an alternate output operation condition.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document reading operation.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for storing in an image memory unit when reading a document.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printing operation in an alternate output mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing in the SEF direction.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a print process in the LEF direction.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print processing in a normal mode.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of an inter-sheet mode.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state of conventional alternate output.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 overall control means 110 operation means 120 reading means 130 document number counting means 140 document size detecting means 150 image memory means 160 image processing means 170 recording paper size detecting means

Claims (11)

[Claims] An original reading unit for reading an original; a storage unit for storing image data of the read original; an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit; Image recording means for forming an image on recording paper based on the obtained image data; paper feeding means for selecting recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays and supplying the selected recording paper to the image recording means; When outputting a plurality of M copies of an original, one copy of each copy
When forming an image on either the page or the Nth page, a recording sheet having a short side in the main scanning direction is selected, and when forming an image other than the page, a recording sheet having a long side in the main scanning direction is selected. Control means for controlling the paper feeding means to select and supply the image recording means to the image recording means, and controlling image processing of the image processing means to match the direction of the read image data with the direction of the recording paper; An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. A document size detecting device for detecting a document size, a document reading device for reading a document, a storage device for storing image data of the read document, and image data stored in the storage device. Image processing means for performing image processing; recording paper size detection means for detecting the size of recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays; and an image for forming an image on recording paper based on image-processed image data Recording means, paper feeding means for selecting recording paper placed on a plurality of paper feed trays and supplying the selected recording paper to the image recording means, a document size detected by the document size detecting means, and a recording paper size Determining means for determining whether an image can be formed on a recording sheet in a different direction and outputting the image on the basis of the size of the recording sheet detected by the detecting means; When outputting a plurality of M copies of an original, when forming an image on either the first page or the Nth page of each copy, a recording sheet having a short side in the main scanning direction is selected, and the other images are formed. At this time, while controlling the paper feeding means to select a recording paper having a long side in the main scanning direction and supply it to the image recording means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls image processing of the image processing unit so that the direction of read image data and the direction of recording paper match. 3. When outputting a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages of an original, one of the first page and the N page of each copy is formed on a recording sheet in a direction different from that of the other pages and output. 2. An operation unit capable of selecting an alternate output mode to be performed, wherein the control unit controls the alternate output mode in response to selection information from the operation unit.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 2. 4. When outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N-page originals, one of the first and Nth pages of each copy is image-formed on a recording sheet oriented differently from the other pages and output. Operating means capable of selecting an alternate output mode, wherein the control means is capable of feeding recording paper corresponding to the alternate output mode when receiving selection information from the operating means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control in the alternate output mode is performed in such a case. 5. When outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N-page originals, condition determination means for determining whether the conditions of N> N1, and M> M1, are satisfied; When it is determined that the condition is satisfied by the determination means, when outputting a plurality of M copies of a plurality of N-page originals, either one of the first page or the Nth page of each copy is set in a direction different from the other pages. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein an alternate output mode for forming an image on a recording sheet and outputting the image is performed.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the values of N1 and M1 in said condition judging means are changeable from said operating means. 7. A document reading device for reading a document, a storage device for storing image data of the read document, an image processing device for performing image processing on the image data stored in the storage device, and a plurality of stages. Paper size detecting means for detecting the size of the recording paper placed on the paper feeding tray, image recording means for forming an image on the recording paper based on image-processed image data, Paper feeding means for selecting the loaded recording paper and supplying the selected recording paper to the image recording means, and outputting different sizes of recording paper between the recording papers of the respective units based on the recording paper size detected by the recording paper size detecting means. A determination unit for determining whether the output is possible, and when the determination unit determines that the output is possible, when forming an image of each unit, a recording sheet matching the document size is selected, and a break of image formation of each unit is selected. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising control means for controlling said feeding means to supply to said image recording means to select a recording paper and different sizes of the recording sheet of the sheet bundle, the. 8. When outputting a plurality of copies of a document of a plurality of pages,
Operating means capable of selecting an inter-sheet mode for inserting and outputting recording sheets of different sizes between the recording sheets of each section, wherein the control means controls the inter-sheet mode by receiving selection information from the operating means The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein 9. When outputting a plurality of copies of a document of a plurality of pages,
Operating means capable of selecting an inter-sheet mode for inserting and outputting recording sheets of different sizes between recording sheets of each unit, wherein the control means receives selection information from the operating means, 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the inter-sheet mode when the sheet feeding unit can feed a recording sheet corresponding to the alternate output mode. 10. When a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages of a document are output, condition determining means for determining whether conditions of N> N1, and M> M1, are satisfied; 11. The inter-sheet mode is controlled when a plurality of M pages of a plurality of N pages are output when it is determined that the condition is satisfied by the determination unit. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 11. N1 and M1 in said condition judgment means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the value of “と” is configured to be changeable from the operation unit.