JP2006285079A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus enabling even a user who is unaccustomed to finishing operation to easily set a proper recommended finishing mode. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus equipped with a finishing function is equipped with: a control panel 30 capable of setting the number of copies of prints and a finishing mode; a control part 28 determining the proper recommended finishing mode based on at least the number of originals and the number of copies of prints set by the control panel 30; and the display part 48 of the control panel 30 for displaying the proper recommended finishing mode determined by the control part 28 to the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a finishing function.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having finishing functions such as stapling, punching, paper folding, and sorting is known. These finishing modes are generally set by a user on an operation panel provided at the top of the main body in a copying machine. However, for users who are unfamiliar with the finishing operation of a copying machine having such a finishing function, what should be selected as an appropriate finishing mode, or how can the desired finishing mode be set? In many respects, the conventional image forming apparatus is not easy to use.

  Further, Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus having a finishing function that includes means for displaying a selection screen that prompts the user to finish when a document is set on an automatic document feeder. However, this image forming apparatus only displays a selection screen for prompting finishing, and the user must actively select an appropriate finishing mode from various finishing modes. It remains unclear what the appropriate finishing mode is.

JP-A-9-269702

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily set an appropriate recommended finishing mode even for a user who is unfamiliar with the finishing operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an image forming apparatus having a finishing function,
Operation means that can set the number of originals and the number of copies;
Control means for determining an appropriate recommended finishing mode based on at least the number of documents and the number of copies set by the operation means;
Display means for displaying an appropriate recommended finishing mode determined by the control means to the user.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may select the staple as the first binding unit as the recommended finishing mode if the number of documents is equal to or more than a predetermined number and the number of copies is 1.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit sets the staple and / or punch as the first binding unit as the recommended finishing mode when the number of originals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the number of copies is equal to or greater than 2. You may choose.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit may select punching and sorting as a recommended finishing mode if the number of output sheets per part exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled. In this case, the control unit may further select the recommended finishing mode by adding a second binding means.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit sets the second binding unit as the recommended finishing mode when the number of originals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the output number per part exceeds the stapling possible number. You may choose.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the predetermined number may be two.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control means recommends a staple that is the first binding means and a half-fold or punch if the weekly magazine mode is set by the operation means by the user. May be selected. In this case, the control unit may select punch and staple as the recommended finishing mode if the paper to be printed is not a size that can be folded, or if the paper to be printed is a size that can be folded, And saddle stitching staples may be selected as the recommended finishing mode.

  Further, the operation unit and the display unit may be an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus, or may be included in a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display means recommends an appropriate finishing mode determined by the control means based on at least the number of documents and the number of printed copies. However, it is possible to easily set an appropriate finishing mode.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 12 and a finishing device 14 attached thereto. A photosensitive drum 16 is disposed inside the image forming apparatus main body 12. Around the photosensitive drum 16, a charger, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer member, a cleaning member, and the like (not shown) are arranged.

  Three stages of paper feed trays 18, 20, and 22 are provided below the image forming apparatus main body 12. Each of the paper feed trays 18, 20, 22 is configured to store sheets of different sizes. A fixing device 24 including a roller pair is disposed on the side of the photosensitive drum 16.

  A document reading device 26 including an automatic document feeder (ADF) is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 12. In the document reading device, when a document is set on the automatic document feeder, the document is fed one by one and the document image is continuously read.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 12 includes a control unit (control means) 28 that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 10 including the finishing device 14.

  Further, an operation panel (operation means) 30 is installed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 12. Details of the operation panel will be described later.

  The finishing device 14 includes a punching device 32, a folding device 34, a stapling device 36, and a second binding device (second binding means) 38 therein, and first and second discharge trays 40, 42 on the side thereof. It is attached at intervals up and down.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 12, a sheet conveyance path 44 extending from each sheet feeding tray 18, 20, 22 extends through the fixing device 24 through the lower side of the photosensitive drum 16. Then, the paper conveyance path 44 extends through the punching device 32, the folding device 34, and the stapling device 36 in the finishing device 14 to the first paper discharge tray. In the finishing device 14, the paper conveyance path 44 is branched between the folding device 34 and the stapling device 36, and the branched paper conveyance path 46 passes through the second binding device 38 and the second paper discharge tray 42. It extends to.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation panel 30. The operation panel 30 instructs, for example, a touch panel type display unit (display means) 48 formed of a liquid crystal display, a push-down numeric keypad 50 used for inputting the number of originals and the number of copies, and the start of an image forming operation. A push-type start key 52 and the like are included.

  FIG. 2A shows a normal display screen of the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 when the image forming apparatus 10 is in a copy ready standby state. At this time, the display unit 48 displays the text “Ready to copy” and four icons of paper, magnification, single side / double side, and finish. These four icons are normally displayed with black characters and lines on a white background, but when the user touches the icon with a finger, they are highlighted (that is, displayed with white characters and lines on a black background). Yes. In each figure, the reverse display is indicated by diagonal lines.

  The paper icon is used when selecting which paper in the paper feed trays 18, 20, and 22 of the image forming apparatus main body 12 is to be used. When copying without selecting the paper using the paper icon, the original size is automatically determined when the original is set on the original reading device 26, and the same size paper is used. Become.

  The magnification icon is used when setting the copy magnification. When copying without using the magnification icon to set the copy magnification, the copy is made at the same magnification (ie, 1 ×).

  The single-sided / double-sided icon is used when single-sided printing or double-sided printing is set. If no special setting is made using this icon, copying is performed by single-sided printing.

  The finishing icon is used when setting various finishing modes. If the finishing mode is not specifically set using this icon, the copied paper is discharged to the first tray 40 without any finishing processing.

  Although not shown, icons for setting the weekly magazine mode and the mixed loading mode are respectively displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30.

  When the user desires a specific finishing process and touches the finishing icon with his / her finger, the icon is highlighted and the display on the display unit 48 is switched to the finishing menu display as shown in FIG. Various finishing modes such as punching, corner stapling, two-point stapling, saddle stitching, center folding, sorting, and grouping can be set by icons displayed in the finishing menu.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the user sets a document on the document reading device 26, inputs the number of copies and the number of copies with the ten key 50 of the operation panel 30, and then presses the start key 52, the document reading device feeds the document one by one and the document. An image is read (step S1). The read document image is converted into digital data and temporarily stored in the memory of the control unit 28. Note that the number of documents may be automatically counted when documents are sequentially read by the document reading device.

  From the paper trays 18, 20, and 22, the paper is fed one by one to the paper transport path 40 and transported (step S2).

  The exposure device performs exposure based on the image data stored in the memory, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 16, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device to become a toner image. The toner image is transferred by the transfer member onto the sheet conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 40 (step S3).

  The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is heated and fixed as it passes through the fixing device 24 (step S4), and then the sheet is carried from the image forming apparatus main body 12 to the finishing device 14.

  The paper carried into the finishing device 14 is subjected to finishing processing such as punching, stapling, and paper folding according to the finishing mode set in advance by the user on the operation panel 30 (step S5). Alternatively, the paper is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 42.

  Then, in the image forming apparatus 10, operation panel control is executed (step S6). In this operation panel control, key input reception on the operation panel 30 and display processing of the display unit 48 are performed. The display 48 includes a status display of the image forming apparatus, a currently set mode display, and a guidance display for the user. The guidance display to the user includes a recommended finishing mode display which is a characteristic part of the present invention.

  4A shows a state in which a normal screen is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30, and FIG. 4B shows an example of a recommended finishing mode on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30. Indicates the state. In the operation panel 30 in the state shown in FIG. 4A, when the user inputs the number of originals and the number of prints with the ten key 50 and then presses the start key 52 without setting the finishing mode, the control unit 28 When it is determined that the number of output sheets is 2 or more based on the number of originals and the number of printed copies, the display is switched to the recommended finishing mode display as shown in FIG. In the example of the recommended finishing mode display, three types of appropriate finishing modes of punching, center folding, and saddle stitching are recommended.

  When the user touches and selects one of these three types of appropriate finishing modes (for example, half-fold) with his / her finger, the selected icon is displayed in reverse so that it can be visually discriminated. When the user presses an OK button after selecting one of the finishing modes, the image forming apparatus 10 starts an image forming operation in the selected finishing mode. On the other hand, if the user does not want to execute the recommended mode, the user is prompted to press the OK button without selecting the finishing mode. In this case, if only the OK button is pressed, the image forming operation is started in the mode set before the recommended mode is displayed.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the following recommended examples (1) to (7) can be considered as appropriate recommended finishing modes determined by the control unit 28.

(1) Since the number of output sheets increases when the number of originals is large, a two-hole punch as shown in FIG. 5 is recommended to facilitate filing.

(2) When the weekly magazine mode is set, half-folding is recommended as shown in FIG. In this case, by performing the half-folding, it becomes easy to make a state like a weekly magazine only by sequentially stacking a plurality of printed sheets that have been folded and discharged. Here, the weekly magazine mode refers to a weekly magazine each time a half-page of paper comes in turn when a paper having a size twice as large as that of the original is used. In this print mode, the document images are printed on both sides of the sheet so that the document images appear in the document order. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when there are eight originals, the original images are sequentially read, and the second original image, the seventh original image, and the same paper A are read on the surface of the first paper A. The first document image and the eighth document image are printed on the back surface, the fourth document image and the fifth document image are printed on the front surface of the second sheet B, and the third document image and the sixth document image are printed on the back surface of the same sheet B. Are printed, and the paper B is discharged onto the paper A that has been discharged first.

  Also, when the mixed loading mode is selected, as shown in FIG. 6B, half-folding is recommended. Here, the mixed loading mode is a printing mode in which, when a plurality of originals having different sizes are mixedly loaded, a paper having a size corresponding to the original size is automatically selected and printed. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, when an A4 size document and an A3 size document are mixedly loaded, an A4 size document image is printed on an A4 size sheet, and an A3 size document image is printed on an A3 size sheet. Print on. In such a case, the A3 size printed paper is discharged in the state of being folded in the A4 size by performing the half-folding, so that it is handled in an orderly manner like other A4 size printed papers. be able to.

(3) When the weekly magazine mode is set, as shown in FIG. 7A, saddle stitching is recommended in which staples are placed at two central positions of a plurality of printed and stacked sheets.

(4) When the number of output sheets per part is large, as shown in FIG. 7B, a corner staple is recommended in which staples are placed on the upper left corner of the printed and stacked paper.

(5) When the number of output sheets per part is large, as shown in FIG. 7C, a two-point staple is recommended in which staples are placed at two left corners of the printed and stacked sheets.

  Note that the various staples shown in FIG. 7 constitute the first binding means.

(6) If the number of output sheets per part exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), a hole is formed in the upper left corner of the printed and stacked sheets, and binding is performed with a clip or the like. Or the 2nd binding means by the 2nd binding apparatus 38, such as binding with a binder etc., is recommended.

(7) When the number of printed copies is large, as shown in FIG. 8B, it is recommended that sorting be performed by alternately shifting the stacking position on the discharge tray 40 for each part.

  FIG. 9 shows a control flow for the control unit 28 and the operation panel 30. The operation panel 30 first scans the pressed state determination acceptance circuit of each key at regular time intervals, and the control unit 28 determines which key is pressed based on the result, and determines a predetermined operation mode ( Step S7). The operation mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory and is retained even after the key is released. The image forming operation is performed according to the operation mode set here.

  Next, the control unit 28 determines and determines the recommended finishing mode based on the number of originals and the number of copies set by the user using the numeric keypad of the operation panel 30 (step S8). This process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C. In addition, here, it is also determined when to display the screen recommending the recommended finishing mode on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30. This process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the determined recommended finishing mode is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S9).

  FIG. 10 shows a flow for determining the recommended finishing mode in the control unit 28. First, it is determined whether or not the number of output sheets has been determined (step S10). The number of output sheets can be determined if the number of originals and the number of printed sheets are input by the user using the numeric keypad 50 of the operation panel 30. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, when it is detected that the user has pressed the start key 52 of the operation panel 30, it is determined whether or not the user has set finishing (step S16), and some finishing is performed. When the setting has been made, it operates in the normal copy mode. On the other hand, if no finishing setting is made, it is determined whether the number of output sheets is 2 or more (step S17). As a result, if the number of output sheets is not 2 or more, it operates in the normal copy mode, and if the number of output sheets is 2 or more, it operates in the recommended copy mode.

  Referring again to FIG. 10, when the number of output sheets is determined, it is determined whether or not the recommended finishing mode is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S11). If the recommended finishing mode is displayed, the process is terminated as it is. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, if the recommended finishing mode is displayed, the recommended display screen is held as it is (step S18), and the recommended finishing mode is displayed. If not, the screen is switched to the normal display screen (step S19). Note that the recommended display screen held is switched to the normal display screen, for example, when it is determined that the image forming operation of the job registered by the user is completed or when the image forming operation of the job is started. When a certain time has elapsed since

  Returning to FIG. 10, if the recommended finishing mode is not displayed, a recommended finishing mode determination process is executed (step S12). Based on the result of the determination, it is determined whether or not the recommended finishing mode exists (step S13). If the recommended finishing mode does not exist, the process is ended as it is. On the other hand, when the recommended finishing mode exists, the recommended finishing mode is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S14).

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13C, the details of the recommended finishing mode determination processing will be described including the execution of the copy operation. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the number of copies to be printed is displayed as “number of copies” or “number of copies”. Note that the number of print copies is generally set to 1 unless the user inputs a special value using the numeric keypad 50. However, even in this case, it is assumed that the number of print copies 1 is set (or selected) by the user. deal with.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the control unit 28 first determines which control to switch to based on the number of originals and the number of prints input from the numeric keypad of the operation panel 30 by the user (step S20). In this determination, if it is determined that the number of documents is 1 and the number of copies to be printed is 2 or more (step S21), punch (see FIG. 5) is selected as the recommended finishing mode and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30. (Step S22).

  When it is determined that the number of originals is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (here, 2) and the number of copies is 1 (step S23), it is determined whether or not the output number is a stapleable number (step S24). If it is determined that the number of sheets that can be stapled is not reached, the punch (see FIG. 5) or the second binding means (see FIG. 8 (a)) is selected as the recommended finishing mode and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step). S32).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the output number is the stapleable number, it is determined whether or not the weekly magazine mode is selected and set (step S25). If the weekly magazine mode is not selected and set, it is determined whether or not the mixed loading mode is selected (step S29). If the mixed loading mode is not set, punching and stapling are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S31). In this case, regarding the staple, a two-point staple (see FIG. 7C) or a corner staple (see FIG. 7B) is displayed on the screen so that the user can select it. On the other hand, when the mixed loading mode is selected in step S29, half-folding (see FIG. 6B) and corner staple are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30. (Step S30).

  If the weekly magazine mode is selected and set in step S25, it is determined whether or not the paper can be folded in half (step S26). If it is determined that the sheet is not capable of being folded halfway, punch and staple are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S28). In this case, regarding the staple, the screen is displayed so that the user can select two-point staple or corner staple. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet is capable of being folded, the saddle stitching staple (see FIG. 7A) and the saddle folding are selected as the recommended finishing mode and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step). S27).

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when the number of originals is equal to or larger than the predetermined number (here 2) and the number of copies is equal to or larger than 2 (step S33), it is determined whether or not the number of output sheets per part is the stapleable number. (Step S34). If it is not the number of sheets that can be stapled, punch, second binding means and sorting (see FIG. 8B) are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S41).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 34 that the number of output sheets per part is the stapleable number, it is determined whether or not the weekly magazine mode is selected (step S35). If the weekly magazine mode is not selected and set, it is determined whether or not the mixed loading mode is selected (step S39). If the mixed loading mode is not selected, punch and staple are selected as recommended finishing modes. It is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S41). In this case, regarding the staple, the screen is displayed so that the user can select two-point staple or corner staple. On the other hand, when the mixed loading mode is selected, center folding and corner staple are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S40).

  If it is determined in step S35 that the weekly magazine mode is selected and set, it is determined whether or not the sheet can be folded in half (step S36). If it is determined that the sheet is not capable of being folded in half, punch and staple are selected as recommended finishing modes and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S38). In this case, regarding the staple, the screen is displayed so that the user can select two-point staple or corner staple. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet can be folded, the saddle stitching staple and the folding are selected as the recommended finishing mode and displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 (step S37).

  As shown in FIG. 13C, when the recommended finishing mode is displayed on the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 as described above, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the recommended finishing mode displayed next. (Step S42). When the recommended finishing mode is selected by the user touching or pressing the icon on the display unit 48, a copy operation is instructed in the selected recommended finishing mode (step S43), and the copying operation is executed (step S43). S45). On the other hand, if the recommended finishing mode is not selected, the copy operation is instructed by the user setting before the recommended finishing mode is displayed (step S44), and the copying operation is executed (step S45).

  In the above-described processing, the finishing process contents are different when the number of originals is two or more. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the finishing process contents may be different when the number of originals is three or more. A predetermined number of sheets may be set by the user on the operation panel 30.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the display unit 48 of the operation panel 30 performs a display for recommending an appropriate finishing mode determined by the control unit 28 based on the number of documents and the number of copies to be printed. Thus, even a user who is not familiar with the finishing operation can easily select and set an appropriate finishing mode.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a personal computer and functions as a printer. In this case, the operation means for setting the number of copies, paper, finishing mode, and the like and the display means for displaying the recommended finishing mode are constituted by a display, a keyboard and a mouse included in the personal computer.

  FIG. 14A shows a print instruction screen displayed on the display 60 of the personal computer. The user can set the number of copies, paper, finishing mode, and the like on this screen. Note that the number of documents can be automatically counted from image data transmitted from the personal computer to the printer, so that the user does not need to input it specially.

  When the user clicks the “print” icon without setting the finishing mode on the print instruction screen, when the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines that the number of output sheets is 2 or more, FIG. The recommended finishing mode as shown in FIG. In this case, the recommended finishing mode is determined and displayed in the same manner as in the image forming apparatus 10 described above.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. The figure which shows the normal display screen and finishing mode selection screen of an operation panel. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a basic operation flow of the image forming apparatus. The figure which shows the normal display screen and recommended finishing mode display screen of an operation panel. The figure which shows a punch. The figure which shows the middle fold in weekly magazine mode and mixed loading mode. The figure which shows a saddle stitch staple, a corner staple, and a two-point staple. The figure which shows a 2nd binding means and sorting. The figure which shows the control flow about a control part and an operation panel. The figure which shows the judgment flow of the recommended finishing mode in a control part. The figure which shows the flow which detects the display timing of recommended finishing mode. The figure which shows the display switching flow of an operation panel. The figure which shows the processing flow from recommended finishing mode determination processing to image formation execution. FIG. 13B is a continuation of FIG. 13A showing a processing flow from recommended finishing mode determination processing to image formation execution. FIG. 13B is a continuation of FIG. 13A showing a processing flow from recommended finishing mode determination processing to image formation execution. The figure which shows the display of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 12 ... Image forming apparatus main body 14 ... Finishing apparatus 26 ... Document reading apparatus 28 ... Control part (control means)
30. Operation panel (operation means)
32 ... Punch device 34 ... Folding device 36 ... Staple device (first binding means)
38 ... Second binding device (second binding means)
48 ... Display section (display means)

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus having a finishing function,
Operation means that can set the number of originals and the number of copies;
Control means for determining an appropriate recommended finishing mode based on at least the number of documents and the number of copies set by the operation means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an appropriate recommended finishing mode determined by the control means to a user.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects a staple as a first binding unit as a recommended finishing mode when the number of originals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the number of copies is 1. apparatus.   The control means selects a staple and / or punch as a first binding means as a recommended finishing mode when the number of originals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the number of printed copies is equal to or greater than two. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit selects punching and sorting as a recommended finishing mode if the number of output sheets per part exceeds a stapling number of sheets.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further selects a recommended finishing mode by adding a second binding unit.   The control means selects the second binding means as the recommended finishing mode when the number of originals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number and the output number per part exceeds the stapling possible number. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined number is two.   The control means, if a weekly magazine mode is set by the operation means by the user, selects staples as first binding means and half-folding or punching as recommended finishing modes. The image forming apparatus according to 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit selects punch and staple as a recommended finishing mode if a sheet to be printed is not a size that can be folded in half.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit selects, as a recommended finishing mode, half-folding and saddle stitching staples when a sheet to be printed is a size that can be folded.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the display unit are operation panels provided in the image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit and the display unit are included in a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus.

Images