JP2001287419A - Image-forming apparatus with saved recording function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a recording time and reduce maintenance charges in an image-forming apparatus. SOLUTION: When recording a read image by an image read part 9, an image record part 10 selects a recording paper of a size of an integral multiple of a size of a selected recording paper and records to the recording paper by every quantity of the integral multiple.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a saving recording function for recording a plurality of images on a single recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, copiers (copiers) and facsimile machines have been widely used as image forming apparatuses. However, when an electrophotographic printer is used, the time for transporting recording paper can be ignored. However, there is a problem that the entire recording time becomes longer. On the other hand, it has been studied to reduce the number of recording papers counted for maintenance to save maintenance fees.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the recording time and the maintenance fee in an image forming apparatus.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, in the image forming apparatus with the saving recording function according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image recording section records an image read by the image reading section. When selecting a recording sheet, select a recording sheet having a size of an integral multiple of the selected recording sheet,
Record on a sheet of recording paper.

[0005] Here, the "selected recording paper" refers to a recording paper of an optimal size capable of recording an image of a size determined based on the size of a read image and a set recording magnification.
The optimum size is a size that does not require a further change in the recording magnification and does not cause a portion (margin) where no image is recorded. The “recording sheet of an integral multiple size” refers to, for example, an A3 size recording sheet that is twice as large if the selected recording sheet is A4 size.

In the image forming apparatus with a saving recording function according to a second aspect, when recording an image received by the image receiving section, the image recording section selects a recording sheet having an integral multiple of the size of the selected recording sheet. Are recorded on one sheet of recording paper by the integral number of sheets.

In the image forming apparatus with the saving recording function according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, an integer number of images to be recorded on one recording sheet are the same image or different images. is there.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus with a saving recording function. Here, a configuration of a facsimile machine F (multifunction copy / fax machine) having a high-performance copying function is shown as an image forming apparatus of the present invention. A personal computer having an image recording function using a printer having a recording sheet of the same size may be used.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU or the like, a main control unit for controlling the following units, 2 an NCU for sending a dial signal to the telephone line L and controlling connection to the telephone line L, and 3 for facsimile. A modem for modulating and demodulating signals for communication, 4 is an image memory for temporarily storing encoded image data, 5 is a RAM for storing various data, and 6 is an RO which stores control programs and the like in advance.
M and 7 are a display unit composed of a liquid crystal display and an LED, etc., 8 is an operation unit composed of various operation keys and the like, 9 is a reading unit that reads image data from a set document,
Reference numeral 0 denotes a recording unit that records (prints out) an image received by facsimile or an image read by the reading unit 9 on a predetermined recording sheet, and 11 denotes an interface unit that connects a personal computer PC via a communication network N such as a LAN. is there.

The facsimile apparatus F encodes an image of a document read by the reading unit 10, temporarily stores the image in an image memory 4, sequentially reads the image, modulates the image by a modem 3, and transmits the modulated signal to a telephone line L. At the same time, a basic operation of sequentially storing image data received by facsimile from another communication terminal device via the telephone line L in the image memory 4, decoding the image data while reading the data, and recording the decoded data by the recording unit 10 is performed. In the copy mode, the image of the document read by the reading unit 10 is recorded by the recording unit 10.

In the present invention, the recording unit 10 serving as an image recording unit is used.
When recording an image read by the reading unit 9 serving as an image reading unit, a recording paper having a size that is an integral multiple of the selected recording paper is selected, and recording is performed on one recording paper for each of the integer number of sheets. . Therefore, in this case, the image forming apparatus can also be configured with a copy machine.

The recording unit 10 is used to record an image received by an image receiving unit such as an NCU 2 or a modem 3 for facsimile reception, such as an interface unit 11 for receiving data from a personal computer PC. The recording paper having an integral multiple of the size of the recording paper thus selected is selected, and the recording is performed on one recording paper by the integral number of sheets.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus in this case can be configured not only by the facsimile apparatus F but also by a printer apparatus or the like connected to a personal computer PC or the like.

With such a configuration, the number of recording sheets is reduced, so that even if the size of the recording sheet is increased, the total transport time of the recording sheet until all recording is completed is shortened. Since the time required for image recording hardly changes, the overall recording time can be reduced. In addition, since the number of recorded sheets is reduced, the number of maintenance bills counted by the number of recorded sheets regardless of the recording sheet size is reduced (to be 1 / integer), so that maintenance costs for periodic inspection and replacement of consumables are reduced. Significant savings.

Further, the user does not feel inconvenience with the image finally recorded on the recording paper, since only a plurality of images of the size originally intended to be recorded are recorded at the same size. In addition, simply cutting into equal numbers so as to obtain an integer number of sheets can achieve the state in which recording was originally intended.

Here, the "selected recording paper" refers to a recording paper of an optimal size capable of recording an image of a size determined based on the size of a read image or a received image and a set recording magnification. For example, the size of the read image is a B5 size, and the magnification setting key (not shown) or the like of the operation unit 8 is used.
Assuming that the magnification “110%” is set, the size of the image to be recorded is slightly smaller than the A4 size (when the B5 size is enlarged to 115%, it becomes just the A4 size). Accordingly, at this time, the size of the image to be recorded is larger than the size of the image to be recorded from among the fixed-size recording paper stored in the recording paper cassette 10a.
A4 size recording paper which is the closest size is selected.

The “recording paper of an integral multiple size” is
For example, if the size of the selected recording paper is A4 size, double the size of A3 size recording paper, and if the size of the selected recording paper is A5 size, double the size of A4 size Recording paper, or A3 which is four times the size
It refers to the size of recording paper.

It is to be noted that the same number of images or different images can be used as an integer number of images to be recorded on one recording sheet. For example, when a plurality of copies are recorded in the copy mode, the same image may be recorded on one large recording sheet. Further, even when a plurality of copies are recorded, different images of the first page and the second and subsequent pages are combined with one another.
The image may be recorded on a single sheet of recording paper, and an image having the same configuration may be recorded for a plurality of sheets and for the number of copies. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to form and record an image that meets the needs of the user.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show flow charts (100 to 115, 200 to 218) of an example of the operation of the facsimile apparatus F having the above-described saving recording function. When the copy process is performed in the copy mode (Y of 100), if the saving mode has been set in advance by operating the operation unit 8 or the like, the mode in which the images are aggregated on one sheet of recording paper is set, and the aggregation is performed. Set the number of sheets to be
1-103). That is, whether to combine the same image on one sheet of recording paper or different images to be combined on one sheet of recording paper is set, and the images to be combined on one sheet of recording paper are divided into two sheets (two pages). ) Or 4 sheets (4 pages).

Then, the number of recording copies and the magnification are input (10
4) When the start key of the operation unit 8 is operated (10)
5) The reading unit 9 reads images of all pages,
It is stored in the image memory 4 (106). Next, a recording paper size is selected based on the read image size and magnification (107). In the saving mode, the saving recording process is executed (108, 109).
The recording unit 10 records an image for one page on one recording sheet of the selected size, and records all pages for the number of copies (110 to 112).

Here, the recording of all the pages from the first page to the last page is repeated, and then the recording of all the pages from the first page to the last page is repeated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each page may be sequentially recorded for each copy.

On the other hand, when performing reception processing such as facsimile reception from another communication terminal device via the telephone line L and data reception from a personal computer PC via the communication network N (N of 100), the communication procedure signal Is detected (113), and the image received thereafter is stored in the image memory 4 (114). Next, a recording paper size is selected based on the size of the received image (107).
Here, the number of copies can be set from the transmitting side, but it is not always necessary to set the number of copies.
The number of copies may be limited to one. Further, the recording magnification may be set by a communication procedure signal from a personal computer PC or the like.

Similarly to the copy processing, in the saving mode, the saving recording processing is executed (108, 109).
If the mode is not the saving mode, the recording unit 10 records an image of one page on one recording sheet of the selected size, and records the number of copies of all pages (110 to 11).
2).

The saving recording process (109) operates in the same manner in both the copy process and the reception process.
When recording different images on one sheet of recording paper, the recording unit 1 must be large enough to record images of the combined number.
If it is 0, images of different pages corresponding to the number of pages to be combined are synthesized, and all pages are sequentially recorded on a recording sheet of that size until the total number of pages is completed (200 to 209). If there is no recording paper large enough to record the number of images
One page is recorded on the recording paper selected in step 107 or step 115 (110 to 112).

Here, "page" means a page of an image before being combined. If the total number of pages is not divisible by the number of sheets and the last sheet of paper cannot record images of the number of sheets combined, margins may be provided and recorded.
The recording of only the remaining pages when the number of pages is divided by the number of pages may be performed one page at a time on one recording sheet by switching the recording sheet size.

On the other hand, when the same image is recorded on one sheet of recording paper, if there is recording paper of a size capable of recording the number of images of the combined number, the images of the same page of the combined number of sheets are synthesized.
Recording is sequentially performed on the recording paper of that size until all pages and the total number are completed (210 to 218). If there is no recording paper of a size capable of recording the images of the combined number, the pages are recorded one by one on the recording paper selected in step 107 or step 115 (110 to 112). Here, the “number of copies” refers to the number of copies of the recording paper on which the images after aggregation are recorded. For example, if the number of aggregations is four and the number of copies is two, the number of images on the same page is eight. Will be recorded.

In the example of FIG. 3, the number of sheets to be combined is either two or four, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the combined image may be recorded on a recording sheet having a size equal to or larger than the combined image size with a margin provided. Further, the size of the recording image may be made to match the size of the recording paper by enlargement or reduction.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the mode of saving recording. Here, a case is shown in which a document having six pages is copied in five copies with the number of sheets combined being four. (A) is 6
A case where the image of the page is divided and recorded on two recording sheets is repeated five times (step 20 in FIG. 3).
3-205). (B) shows the image of four pages as one
This shows a case where recording on two sheets of recording paper is repeated five times and then recording two pages of images on one recording sheet is repeated five times. (C) shows a case where the image of one page is recorded five times on two sheets of recording paper and is repeated for six pages.

In these examples, ten recording papers are required in (a) and (b) and twelve recording papers are required in (c) until all recording is completed. Become. However, if recording is performed so that no margin is provided, (a) to
In any of the cases (c) and (c), in order to record an image for a total of 30 pages, eight recording sheets are required.

[0029]

As can be understood from the above description, in the image forming apparatus with the saving recording function according to the first aspect of the present invention, when recording a read image, the size of the recording sheet is an integral multiple of the selected recording paper. Is selected and is recorded on one sheet of paper by the integral number of sheets, so that the total number of recording sheets is reduced, the transport time of the entire recording sheet is shortened, and the entire recording time can be shortened. . In addition, since the number of recorded images is reduced, the number of maintenance bills is reduced, so that maintenance costs can be greatly reduced.

In the image forming apparatus with a saving recording function according to the present invention, when recording a received image, a recording sheet having a size that is an integral multiple of the selected recording sheet is selected, and the recording sheet is incremented by one for the integer number of sheets. Since recording is performed on a single sheet of recording paper, the total number of recording sheets is reduced, the transport time of the entire recording sheet is reduced, and the overall recording time can be reduced. In addition, since the number of recorded images is reduced, the number of maintenance bills is reduced, so that maintenance costs can be greatly reduced.

In the image forming apparatus with the saving recording function according to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the same image or different images are recorded on one recording sheet. Therefore, it is possible to save the recording according to the needs of the user, for example, when copying a plurality of copies.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus with a saving recording function according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus with a saving recording function according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus with a saving recording function of the present invention (saving recording process).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an image formed by the image forming apparatus with a saving recording function of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 F Facsimile machine 1 Main control unit 9 Reading unit 10 Recording unit 10a Recording paper cassette

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/387 G03G 21/00 382 9A001 F term (Reference) 2C087 AA03 AA09 AC08 BB10 BD06 CB13 2H027 FA19 FB13 FB14 FD01 FD08 ZA07 5B021 AA02 BB01 KK02 KK03 QQ04 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA14 AA35 AB02 AB08 AB20 AB22 AB43 AB44 AC60 AC67 AF07 AF08 AF10 AF11 BA01 5C076 AA18 AA19 AA21 AA22 BA02 CB01 CB02 9A001 JJ35 LL

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit; and an image recording unit having recording sheets of a plurality of sizes, wherein the image recording unit records an image read by the image reading unit. An image forming apparatus with a saving recording function, wherein a recording sheet having an integral multiple of the size of a selected recording sheet is selected and recorded on one recording sheet by the number of the recording sheets. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image receiving unit; and an image recording unit having recording sheets of a plurality of sizes. The image recording unit, when recording an image received by the image receiving unit, An image forming apparatus with a saving recording function, wherein a recording sheet having an integral multiple of the size of a selected recording sheet is selected and recorded on one recording sheet by the number of the recording sheets. 3. The saving recording function according to claim 1, wherein the integer number of images recorded on the one recording sheet are the same image or different images. Image forming apparatus.