JP2007017704A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining the result of output where relation between the direction of the image of an original and the tab position of index paper is proper. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has: a paper supply tray part 5 in which the index paper is stored; an image reading part 1 inputting the image data of the image of the original; a printer part 80 forming the image of the original on the index paper based on the image data; and a post-processing device FS. Furthermore, the apparatus is equipped with: an image rotating part 614 rotating the image data of the image of the original based on set input concerning post-processing; tab position setting buttons 143 and 144 for setting and inputting the tab position of the index paper stored in the paper supply tray part 5; a judgement part 610 judging the propriety of the storing direction of the index paper based on the rotating state of the image data by the image rotating part 614 and the set and input tab position; and an LCD 71 (operation part 70) displaying a warning message when judging that the storing direction is improper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that forms an image on a recording sheet, and more particularly to a technique for forming an image on an index sheet in an appropriate direction by the image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 15, index paper (also referred to as tab paper) P has a protruding tab Pa formed on a part of the edge of a rectangular recording paper. It is used for.

  When forming an image on the index paper P, it is necessary to consider the influence of image rotation according to the type of document (portrait, landscape), the vertical direction of the document image, the binding position of staples, punches, and the like. . That is, when image rotation is applied in the image forming process for the index paper P, the tab Pa needs to be arranged at a desired position with respect to the orientation of the image formed on the index paper P. The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose image forming apparatuses devised from such a viewpoint.

  The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 specifies an image orientation and a tab position in association with each other, and is compatible with the orientation of the index sheet print image and other designation modes (modes involving image rotation; staple mode, punch mode, etc.) The orientation of the printed image is compared, and when the orientation of each image is inconsistent, the other designation modes are canceled and printing is executed by designating the designated image orientation and tab position. ing. As described above, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 performs printing by determining whether or not the tab position is appropriate for the image orientation.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 2 executes printing while limiting a mode that involves image rotation when an image is formed on an index sheet.

  In such a conventional image forming apparatus, even when the orientation of the image on the index sheet and the tab position are not in a desired relationship, priority is given to either the mode with image rotation or the designation of the tab position. Since the output is executed, an output result different from that desired by the user may be obtained.

  Another problem is that index paper is wasted because the print output is actually performed with priority given to any mode without correcting the relationship between the image orientation and the tab position of the index paper itself. Note that it is considered difficult for general users to correct the relationship between the orientation of the image and the tab position with reference to the result of the printout.

JP 2004-109507 A JP 2002-152442 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When a mode involving image rotation is applied to print output of index paper, an output result in which the relationship between the orientation of the document image and the position of the tab is appropriate is obtained. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be obtained.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can avoid wasting index paper when a mode involving image rotation is applied to print output of index paper.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a storage means for storing index paper, a transport means for transporting the stored index paper, and a document input means for inputting image data of a document image. And image forming means for forming the original image on the conveyed index paper based on the input image data of the original image, and post-processing means for performing post-processing on the index paper on which the original image is formed And post-processing setting means for performing setting input related to the post-processing, and based on the setting input related to the post-processing, image data of the original image input by the original input means Image rotating means for rotating, storage direction setting means for setting and inputting the storage direction of the index paper in the storage means, and the image rotating means Based on the rotation state of the image data and the storage direction of the index sheet that has been set and input, a determination unit that determines the suitability of the storage direction, and the determination unit determines that the storage direction is inappropriate. Display means for displaying a warning message when it is issued.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing means forms punch holes in the index paper on which the document image is formed by the image forming means, The post-processing setting unit includes a punch position setting unit for setting and inputting a punch position by the post-processing unit, and the determination unit is configured to input image data from the image rotation unit based on the set and input punch position. A rotation determining unit that determines whether or not the rotation is necessary, and determining whether or not the storage direction is appropriate based on a determination result by the rotation determination unit and the storage direction of the index sheet set and input. And

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit staples the index paper on which the document image is formed by the image forming unit, The post-processing setting unit includes a staple position setting unit for setting and inputting a staple position by the post-processing unit, and the determination unit is configured to input image data from the image rotation unit based on the set and input staple position. A rotation determining unit that determines whether or not the rotation is necessary, and determining whether or not the storage direction is appropriate based on a determination result by the rotation determination unit and the storage direction of the index sheet set and input. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the determination unit obtains the storage direction of the index sheet corresponding to the determination result by the rotation determination unit. Storage direction acquisition means for determining, and storage direction determination means for determining whether or not the storage direction acquired by the storage direction acquisition means matches the storage direction set and input by the storage direction setting means. When it is determined that they match, it is determined that the setting input storage direction is appropriate. When it is determined that they do not match, it is determined that the setting input storage direction is inappropriate. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the image rotation unit needs to rotate image data by the rotation determination unit. In response to the determination, the image data of the document image is rotated by 180 °.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the index sheet is stored in an index sheet stored in the storage unit. It is represented by the position of the tab.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the warning message displayed by the display unit is applied to the index sheet. It includes a message that the original image is not formed and / or a message that instructs to change the storage direction of the index sheet.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image rotation unit that rotates image data of a document image based on a setting input related to post-processing by the post-processing unit, and a storage direction for setting and inputting a storage direction of index sheets in the storage unit Based on the setting means, the rotation state of the image data by the image rotating means, and the index sheet storage direction set and inputted, the determination means for determining the suitability of the index sheet storage direction, and the index sheet storage direction are inappropriate And a display means for displaying a warning message when it is determined that there is.

  Therefore, the user can recognize from the displayed warning message that the storage direction of the index sheet is inappropriate, and can correct the storage direction to an appropriate storage direction. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an output result in which the relationship between the orientation of the document image and the tab position is appropriate, and it is possible to avoid wasting index paper.

  An example of a preferred embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 is an apparatus cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image forming apparatus shown in the figure includes an image forming apparatus main body GH and a post-processing apparatus (finisher) FS. Although illustration is omitted, it is possible to further provide a large-capacity paper feeding device for storing and feeding a large amount of recording paper.

  The image forming apparatus main body GH includes an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a paper feeding tray unit 5, a large capacity paper feeding unit 6, a fixing processing unit 7, and a paper discharging unit. 8 and an automatic double-sided copy paper feeder 9 are provided. On the other hand, the post-processing device FS is provided with a configuration for performing post-processing such as stapling processing and punching (punching) processing described later.

  The paper feed tray unit 5 is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays. The plurality of paper feed trays store recording paper CPs having different paper sizes and types. Each paper feed tray can be pulled out to the front side of the sheet of FIG. The user replenishes the recording paper CP with the desired paper feed tray pulled out. The paper feed tray unit 5 corresponds to an example of the “storage unit” in the present invention.

  The large-capacity paper feed unit 6 can be pulled out in the right direction in FIG. 1, and the user replenishes the recording paper CP with the large-capacity paper feed unit 6 pulled out in the right direction.

  An automatic document feeder DF is mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body GH. A post-processing device FS is connected to the paper discharge unit 8 side on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body GH.

  The document GK placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder DF is conveyed in the direction of the arrow in the drawing and sent to the image reading unit 1. The CCD image sensor 1A of the image reading unit 1 reads a single-sided or double-sided image (original image) of the original GK.

  A document stage GS is provided below the automatic document feeder DF. The CCD image sensor 1A reads an image (original image) on the lower surface side of the original placed on the original stage GS.

  The CCD image sensor 1A photoelectrically converts the read document image into an analog signal and outputs it as image data. Such an image reading unit 1 corresponds to an example of a “document input unit” of the present invention that inputs image data of a document image.

  The analog signal output from the CCD image sensor 1A is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like by a control unit 60 (see FIG. 2) to be described later, and an image writing unit as the digital signal. 3 is transmitted.

  The image processing unit 2 receives and processes a print job (image data of a document image) requested from a client PC 90 (see FIG. 2) described later. This print job is subjected to predetermined processing and sent to the image writing unit 3. The image processing unit 2 also corresponds to an example of the “document input unit” of the present invention.

  The image writing unit 3 controls the semiconductor laser based on the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 1 or the image data of the print job received by the image processing unit 2, and outputs the output light to the image forming unit 4. The photosensitive drum is irradiated to form a latent image.

  The image forming unit 4 performs processing such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning, and transfers the latent image on the photosensitive drum to the recording paper CP. The recording paper CP is conveyed from the paper feed tray unit 5 or the large-capacity paper feed unit 6 by a plurality of rollers (see FIG. 1; reference numerals are omitted) and supplied to the image forming unit 4. The plurality of rollers are an example of the “conveying means” in the present invention.

  The recording paper CP onto which the image has been transferred is subjected to fixing processing by the fixing processing section 7 and then conveyed to the post-processing device FS by the paper discharge roller 8.

  When images are formed on both sides of the recording paper CP, the recording paper CP with the image fixed on one side is sent to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 by the transport path switching plate 8A. The automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 conveys the recording paper CP to the image forming unit 4. The recording paper CP is conveyed again to the image forming unit 4, the image is transferred to the surface opposite to the previous one, and is conveyed to the post-processing device FS after fixing processing. Further, the transport path switching plate 8A operates so that the recording paper CP on which the image is formed is temporarily drawn into the transport path to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 and switched back toward the paper discharge roller 8. As a result, the direction of the conveyed recording paper CP is reversed.

  The post-processing device FS is provided with a punching means 10, a shift means 11, an intermediate stacker 12, and a stapler 14.

  The punching means 10 is configured to form file holes (punch holes) in the recording paper CP. The punching means 10 forms punch holes in the vertical side portion or the horizontal side portion of the recording paper CP in accordance with setting conditions relating to the punch position and the like. This setting condition is set by the operation unit OP of the image forming apparatus main body GH, the client PC 90 connected to the image forming apparatus main body GH via a network, or the like.

  The shift unit 11 is a processing unit that discharges the recording paper CP that is sequentially conveyed by changing the discharge position for each copy. The number of paper discharge positions to be shifted depends on the setting from the operation unit OP or the client PC 90.

  The stapler 14 executes a process of binding a bundle of recording paper CP accumulated in the intermediate stacker 12 with a needle. Processing conditions such as the number of recording sheets CP to be bound as one copy, the position (vertical side portion, horizontal side portion, corner portion) for stapling, the number of copies, and the like are set by the operation unit OP and the client PC 90.

  The post-processing device FS is further provided with an elevating / discharging tray 23. The elevating / discharging tray 23 is a tray for accumulating the recording paper CP discharged from the post-processing device FS, and is configured to be movable up and down.

  The processing performed by the post-processing device FS will be briefly described for each processing mode. The processing mode includes, for example, a punch mode for forming punch holes in the recording paper CP, a shift mode for shifting the discharge position of the recording paper CP in units of copies, and a staple mode in which the recording paper CP is bound in units of copies.

  When the processing mode is not set, the recording paper CP on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus GH passes through the carry-in portion A, the common transport path B, and the transport path C in order, and the lifting / lowering discharge tray. 23 or a fixed paper discharge tray (not shown).

  Here, the common conveyance path B is a path from the carry-in portion A to the branch mechanism 39 via the roller 30, the punching means 10, and the roller 31. The conveyance path C is a path from the branch mechanism 39 to the paper discharge roller 33 via the shift unit 11.

  The transport paths D and E form a path for guiding the recording paper CP to the intermediate stacker 12 when processing by the stapler 14 is performed. The conveyance path D is a path that passes from the branch mechanism 39 through the rollers 34, 35, and 36. Further, the transport path E is a path from when the recording paper CP transported upward by the roller 36 falls downward and is held by the stopper EA.

  When the punch mode is set, the post-processing device FS forms a punch hole by the punching unit 10 in the recording paper CP carried from the carry-in unit A. At this time, the punching means 10 forms punch holes, for example, on the rear side in the traveling direction of the recording paper CP that has been carried in. The post-processing device FS discharges the recording paper CP in which the punched holes are formed to the lifting / lowering discharge tray 23 via the transport path C. When the staple mode is set together with the punch mode, the recording paper CP is conveyed via the conveyance paths D and E, subjected to a staple process, and then discharged to the lifting / lowering discharge tray 23.

  When the shift mode is set, the post-processing device FS sends the recording paper CP carried in from the carry-in section A to the transport path C via the common transport path B, and after performing shift processing by the shift means 11, lift paper discharge The paper is discharged to the tray 23.

  When the staple mode is set, the recording paper CP carried from the carry-in section A is sent to the conveyance path D and the conveyance path E via the common conveyance path B. As a result, the recording paper CP is held by the intermediate stacker 12 with its lower end aligned by the stopper EA, and is accumulated by the set number of copies. The stapler 14 performs a stapling process on the bundle of stacked recording sheets CP. When the stapling process is completed, the stopper EA is moved upward to push up the bundle of recording paper CP, and discharged by the paper discharge roller 33 to the lift paper discharge tray 23.

[Control system configuration]
Next, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 2, and the functional configuration will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the image control unit 61 shown in FIG.

[Hardware configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 1 is provided with the above-described CCD image sensor 1 </ b> A and a control unit 1 </ b> B that controls each unit of the image reading unit 1.

  The image processing unit 2 is provided with a communication interface (I / F) 2D that communicates with the client PC 90 via a network such as a LAN. The image processing unit 2 includes a control unit 2A that performs control related to a print job requested from the client PC 90, an image memory (DRAM) 2C that stores image data of the print job, and image data for the image memory 2C. And a DRAM control unit 2B for controlling storage processing and reading processing.

  The printer unit 80 corresponds to an example of the “image forming unit” of the present invention, and includes the image writing unit 3 and the image forming unit 4 shown in FIG. The printer unit 80 is provided with a semiconductor laser (LD) 81 that outputs laser light and a control unit 82 that drives and controls the semiconductor laser 81 based on image data. Although not shown, the output light from the semiconductor laser 81 is applied to the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 4 to form a latent image based on the image data.

  The control unit 60 controls the operation of each unit such as the image reading unit 1, the printer unit 80, and the operation unit 70. The control unit 60 mainly includes an image control unit (CPU) 61, a reading processing unit 65, a writing processing unit 67, a DRAM control unit 62, and an image memory (DRAM) 64.

  The image memory 64 is provided with a compression memory for storing compressed image data and a page memory for storing image data before compression (not shown).

  The image control unit 61 is connected to the control unit 1B of the image reading unit 1, the control unit 72 (described later) of the operation unit 70, the control unit 82 of the printer unit 80, and the DRAM control unit 62, respectively. The image control unit 61 controls the operation of each of these control units.

  The DRAM control unit 62 stores the image data received from the DRAM control unit 2B and the compression unit 66 of the image processing unit 2 in the image memory 64, and reads the image data read from the image memory 64 into the compression unit 66 and the expansion unit 68. Processing to transfer to. The DRAM control unit 62 is configured by an IC chip or the like.

  The DRAM control unit 62 and the DRAM control unit 2B of the image processing unit 2 are connected by a PCI bus (Peripheral Components Interconnect bus) or the like.

  The reading processing unit 65 processes the analog signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 1 </ b> A to create digital image data, and outputs it to the compression unit 66. The compression unit 66 compresses the image data and outputs it to the DRAM control unit 62.

  When the decompression unit 68 receives the compressed image data from the DRAM control unit 62, the decompression unit 68 decompresses the image data and outputs the decompressed image data to the write processing unit 67. The writing processing unit 67 processes the decompressed image data as an image for writing on the recording paper CP, and outputs it to the printer unit 80.

  The nonvolatile memory 63 stores in advance various control programs executed by the image control unit 61 and the like, control data corresponding to various functions of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

  The operation unit 70 is used as a user interface of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 70 has a display function for displaying a screen based on various text data and image data, and an input function for receiving information input by a user. For example, a flat such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display (LCD) 71 is provided. A panel display is provided. The LCD 71 corresponds to an example of the “display unit” of the present invention, and is driven by the control unit 72 to display various screens, messages, and the like. On the other hand, the input operation is performed by the user pointing a cursor key, a numeric input key, various function keys and the like displayed as soft keys on the LCD 71. The input content is transmitted to the image control unit 61 as an electrical signal by the control unit 72.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus and setting input can also be performed from the client PC 90.

  The post-processing device FS is provided with an FS control unit 16 that controls the operation of each of these units in addition to the above-described punching unit 10, shift unit 11, and stapler 14. The FS control unit 16 controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device FS based on a control signal from the control unit 82 of the printer unit 80. Each of the punching means 10 and the stapler 14 corresponds to an example of “post-processing means” of the present invention.

[Functional configuration]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image control unit 61 of the control unit 60 includes an image rotation unit 614, a print control unit 615, and an operation I / F control unit 616.

(Image rotation part)
The image rotation unit 614 performs a process of rotating image data of a document image input from the image reading unit 1 or the image processing unit 2, and corresponds to an example of “image rotation unit” of the present invention. The image rotation unit 614 rotates the image data by 180 ° when the rotation determination unit 611 described later determines that the image data needs to be rotated.

(Print control unit)
The print control unit 615 controls the operation of the printer unit 80 and the post-processing device FS. The post-processing device FS is controlled through the printer unit 80.

(Operation I / F control unit)
The operation I / F (interface) control unit 616 controls the operation unit 70, in particular, supplies data for a screen to be displayed on the LCD 71 and processing corresponding to an operation signal from the LCD 71 (a touch panel type input operation device). And so on.

(About the display screen)
Here, an example of the display screen of the LCD 71 will be described (see FIGS. 4 to 11). 4 to 9 show examples of display screens for performing various settings related to print output (particularly settings related to paper). 4 shows a paper setting screen 110, FIG. 5 shows a tray setting screen 120, FIG. 6 shows a paper size setting screen 130, FIG. 7 shows an index paper setting screen 140, FIG. 8 shows a staple position setting screen 150, FIG. Represents the punching position setting screen 160, respectively. FIGS. 10 and 11 show examples of display screens when print output is executed. 10 shows a print operation screen 170, and FIG. 11 shows a paper setting operation screen 180.

  The paper setting screen 110 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed in the right area of the display screen in response to pressing of the paper setting button 103 in the setting menu display unit 100 provided in the left area of the display screen of the LCD 71. Is displayed.

  Note that the administrator setting button 101 of the setting menu display unit 100 is a button operated by the administrator of the image forming apparatus to display an administrator setting screen (not shown) that accepts input of various settings. The environment setting button 102 is a button operated to display an environment setting screen (not shown) that accepts input of various settings related to the use environment of the image forming apparatus. The end button 104 is pressed to end the setting operation using the setting menu.

  4 is provided with a tray setting button 111 and a PI setting button 112. The tray setting button 111 is a button that is pressed to set conditions regarding the recording paper CP stored in the paper feed tray unit 5. When the tray setting button 111 is pressed, the display on the LCD 71 is switched to the tray setting screen 120 in FIG. In addition, the PI setting button 112 is similar in size (for example, A4R size to 8.4) when the post-processing device FS has a mechanism for inserting a blank sheet (cover sheet) between the recording sheets CP that are continuously output. 5 × 11R size) is a button that is pressed to display a screen for selecting which of the cover sheets to be automatically detected. To close the window of the paper setting screen 110, the “Close” button 113 is pressed.

  In the tray setting screen 120 shown in FIG. 5, a tray selection button 121 (“tray 1” button to “tray” for selecting a plurality of (four in this case) paper feed trays of the paper feed tray unit 5 is selected. 4 "button). When a desired paper feed tray is selected by the tray selection button 121, setting conditions regarding the recording paper CP (paper) stored in the paper feed tray are displayed on the display unit 122. The setting conditions displayed here include paper size, name, color, magnification, punch holes, and the like. The display unit 122 is provided with a setting change button 123 that is pressed to change the displayed setting condition. Further, the tray setting screen 120 is provided with a size setting button 124 for setting the paper size. When the size setting button 124 is pressed, the display on the LCD 71 is switched to the paper size setting screen 130 shown in FIG. To close the window of the tray setting screen 120, the “Close” button 125 is pressed.

  In the paper size setting screen 130 shown in FIG. 6, a size selection button 131 (“standard size” button, “undefined size” button, “wide paper” button, “index”) for selecting and setting various sizes of the recording paper CP. Paper "button) is provided. Further, a detection size setting button 132 is provided for setting which of the recording paper CPs of similar sizes is automatically detected. When the “index sheet” button of the size selection button 131 is pressed, the display on the LCD 71 is switched to the index sheet setting screen 140 of FIG. To close the window of the paper size setting screen 130, the “Close” button 133 is pressed.

  The index sheet setting screen 140 shown in FIG. 7 includes a size setting unit 141 in which a plurality of buttons for setting the size of the index sheet are arranged, and a tab setting unit 142 for performing settings related to the tab of the index sheet. Is provided.

  The size setting unit 141 is provided with size setting buttons (“11 × 17T” button, “A3T” button, “B3T” button, etc.) corresponding to various standard sizes and irregular sizes of the index sheet. Here, “T” is an abbreviation that represents a tab sheet (index sheet). Further, the size setting unit 141 is provided with a “size input” button for displaying a screen for manually inputting the size of the index sheet to be used.

  The tab setting unit 142 is provided with tab position setting buttons 143 and 144 for setting and inputting the tab position of the index sheet stored in the sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding tray unit 5. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the index sheet is stored in the sheet feed tray unit 5 so that the tab is located on the rear side in the transport direction. That is, in FIG. 1, the index paper is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 so that the tab is located on the left side of the paper.

  The tab position setting button 143 is a button that is pressed when the index sheet is stored in a state where the tab is arranged on the back side (the back side of the apparatus; the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1) when the paper feed tray is pulled out. It is. On the other hand, the tab position setting button 144 is pressed when index sheets are stored in a state in which tabs are arranged on the front side (the front side of the apparatus; the front side of the paper in FIG. 1) when the paper feed tray is pulled out. Button.

  Such a button for setting the storage direction of the index paper in the paper feed tray unit 5 is novel and is one of the features of the present invention. These tab position setting buttons 143 and 144 correspond to an example of “storage direction setting means” of the present invention.

  The tab setting unit 142 of the index sheet setting screen 140 is further provided with a tab number input button 145 for setting and inputting the number of index sheet tabs to be used. The setting result by the tab number input button 145 is displayed on the tab number display portion 146.

  In order to close the window without applying the setting change made on the index sheet setting screen 140, a cancel button 147 is pressed. In order to apply the setting change made on the index sheet setting screen 140, an OK button 148 is pressed.

  The staple position setting screen 150 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a plurality of buttons corresponding to an example of “staple position setting means” and “post-processing setting means” of the present invention. Specifically, in the case where the staple is applied at one place, the upper left staple button 151 for selecting the upper left corner position of the recording paper CP as the staple position and the upper right staple button 152 for selecting the upper right corner position. And are provided. Further, in the case of applying staples at two places, a left staple button 153 for selecting the left end of the recording paper CP as a staple position, an upper staple button 154 for selecting the upper end, and a right end are selected. The right staple button 155 is provided. The staple position setting screen 150 is expanded and displayed when the finish button 173 of the print operation screen 170 in FIG. 10 is pressed.

  The punching position setting screen 160 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a plurality of buttons corresponding to an example of “punch position setting means” and “post-processing setting means” of the present invention. Specifically, when punch holes are provided at two locations, a left punch button 161 for selecting the left end of the recording paper CP as a punch position (perforation position) and a right punch button for selecting the right end. 162 and an upper punch button 163 for selecting the upper end are provided. When punching holes are provided at three locations, a left punch button 164 for selecting the left end of the recording paper CP as a punch position, a right punch button 165 for selecting the right end, and an upper end are selected. An upper punch button 166 is provided. The punching position setting screen 160 is expanded and displayed when the finish button 173 on the printing operation screen 170 in FIG. 10 is pressed.

  A print operation screen 170 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen that displays various setting conditions during printing. The user confirms the setting conditions displayed on the print operation screen 170 and presses a print execution button (not shown) to execute print output.

  The print operation screen 170 is provided with buttons for changing setting conditions. When a paper condition setting button 171 among these buttons is pressed, a paper setting operation screen 180 shown in FIG. 9 is developed.

  When the setting change button 172 is pressed, the setting menu display unit 100 shown in FIG. 4 or the like is displayed, and a setting operation can be performed on the display screens shown in FIGS.

  The finish button 173 is a button for displaying the staple position setting screen 150 and the punching position setting screen 160 as described above. When the finish button 173 is pressed when a print job in which the staple mode is set is performed, a staple position setting screen 150 is displayed. On the other hand, when the finish button 173 is pressed when performing a print job in which the punch mode is set, a punching position setting screen 160 is displayed.

  A paper setting operation screen 180 shown in FIG. 11 has a paper setting unit 181 developed from a paper condition setting button 171. The paper setting unit 181 is provided with buttons for setting the type and size of the recording paper CP stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 for each paper feed tray. Under the setting conditions shown in the figure, A4 size index sheets are stored in the sheet feed tray 1 of the sheet feed tray section 5. When printing an image on the index sheet, the button of the sheet feeding tray 1 is pressed.

  In order to apply the setting contents by the paper setting unit 181, an OK button 182 is pressed. When the setting contents are not applied or when other conditions are set, a button for another setting condition is pressed. This is the end of the description of the display screen, and the description of the image control unit 61 returns.

(Judgment part)
The image control unit 61 includes a determination unit 610 that determines whether or not the index sheet is stored in an appropriate storage direction in the sheet feeding tray unit 5 when an image is formed on the index sheet. The determination unit 610 corresponds to an example of the “determination unit” according to the present invention, and the image data rotation state (processing contents of the image data rotation process) by the image rotation unit 614 and the storage direction of the index sheet set and input. Based on the above, it is configured to determine whether the storage direction of the index sheet is appropriate.

  Therefore, the determination unit 610 includes a rotation determination unit 611, a storage direction acquisition unit 612, and a storage direction determination unit 613.

(Rotation judgment part)
The rotation determination unit 611 corresponds to an example of the “rotation determination unit” of the present invention, and is set at the staple position set and input on the staple position setting screen 150 or the punch position set and input on the punch position setting screen 160. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the image data of the document image is rotated by 180 °. In this embodiment, the necessity of image rotation is determined so that the tab of the index sheet is positioned in the upper direction of the document image (the case where the tab is arranged in the lower direction of the document image will be described later). This will be described in the [Modification] section.)

  By the way, since tabs are formed on the side edges (left edge or right edge) of the index paper, the staple position and punch position with respect to the index paper are on the opposite side of the tab. Further, it is considered that the stapling position is not applied to the corner position of the index sheet.

  Accordingly, when stapling the index sheet, the left staple button 153 or the right staple button 155 is selected and set among the buttons on the staple position setting screen 150 in FIG. When punching the index sheet, the left punch button 161, the right punch button 162, the punch button 164, or the right punch button 165 are selected and set from the buttons on the punching position setting screen 160 of FIG. That is, the staple position and punch position for the index sheet are set to the left side or the right side.

  When the image forming apparatus is used as a copying machine, the document GK is usually placed on the automatic document feeder DF or the document stage GS such that the upper direction of the document image is arranged on the back side of the apparatus. Therefore, when forming an image on the index sheet, the rotation determination unit 611 determines that the rotation of the image data is unnecessary when the staple position or the punch position is on the left side with respect to the image forming surface, and the right side. In some cases, it is determined that 180 ° rotation of the image data is necessary.

  When applying a configuration for automatically identifying the top and bottom of the document image or a configuration for manually inputting the top and bottom of the document image, the rotation determination unit 611 further refers to the identification result and the input result. It is determined whether the image data needs to be rotated 180 °. That is, when it is identified / input that the original GK is placed so that the upper direction of the original image is arranged on the back side of the apparatus, the rotation is not necessary when the stapling position or the like is on the left side as described above. If it is determined to be on the right side, it is determined that rotation is necessary. On the other hand, when it is identified / input that the original GK is placed so that the upper direction of the original image is arranged on the front side of the apparatus (that is, when the original GK is placed in the opposite direction) On the contrary, when the stapling position or the like is on the left side, it is determined that rotation is necessary, and when it is on the right side, it is determined that rotation is not necessary.

  Note that since the document image transmitted from the client PC 90 is also set in the vertical direction, the rotation determination unit 611 determines whether image data needs to be rotated as in the case of using the copying machine.

(Storage direction acquisition unit)
The storage direction acquisition unit 612 corresponds to an example of the “storage direction acquisition unit” of the present invention that acquires the storage direction of the index sheet according to the determination result by the rotation determination unit 611.

  When the rotation determination unit 611 determines that the rotation of the image data is necessary, the storage direction acquisition unit 612 assumes that the tab position of the index stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 is on the front side of the apparatus. On the contrary, when the rotation determining unit 611 determines that the rotation of the image data is unnecessary, the tab position of the index stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 is on the back side of the apparatus.

(Storage direction determination unit)
The storage direction determination unit 613 determines whether or not the index sheet storage direction acquired by the storage direction acquisition unit 612 matches the storage direction set and input on the index sheet setting screen 140. This corresponds to an example of “storage direction determination means”.

  The image control unit 610 executes control as described in [Operation] below based on the determination result by the storage direction determination unit 613.

[Operation]
An example of the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the document image has already been input and stored in the image memory 64.

  First, the index sheet setting screen 140 is displayed on the LCD 71, and one of the tab position setting buttons 143 and 144 is selectively pressed to set and input the index sheet tab position (device back side / device front side) ( S1). Further, the staple position setting screen 150 or the punching position setting screen 160 is displayed, and the staple position or punch position (right / left) is set and input (S2). The contents set in steps S1 and S2 are sent from the operation unit 70 to the operation I / F control unit 616 as electric signals.

  The user pulls out an arbitrary paper feed tray of the paper feed tray unit 5 and stores the index paper so that the tab position set and input in step S1 is reached (S3). The index sheet may be stored first, and then the storage direction (tab position) may be input on the index sheet setting screen 140.

  The rotation determining unit 611 determines whether the image data of the document image needs to be rotated by 180 ° based on the staple position or the punch position set and input in step S2 (S4).

  When it is determined that rotation is not necessary (S4; N), the storage direction acquisition unit 612 acquires “tab position = device back side” as the appropriate storage direction of the index sheet (S5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the rotation is necessary (S4; Y), “tab position = device front side” is acquired as an appropriate storage direction (S6). If it is determined that rotation is necessary, a control signal is sent from the rotation determination unit 611 to the image rotation unit 614 so as to rotate the image data of the document image by 180 °.

  The storage direction determination unit 613 uses the tab position (apparatus back side / apparatus front side) input in step S1 and the appropriate tab position (apparatus back side / apparatus front side) acquired in step S5 or step S6. Are compared (S7).

  When the tab position in step S1 matches the appropriate tab position (S7; Y), the image forming apparatus, as usual, receives the image of the original image stored in the image memory 64 in response to a request from the user. An image forming process is performed on the index sheet based on the data, and a staple process or a punch process is performed on the index sheet on which the document image is formed (S8). The processed index sheet is discharged to the lifting / lowering discharge tray 23.

  Since the punching means 10 of this embodiment forms punch holes on the rear side in the transport direction of the recording paper CP, the index paper is switched back by the transport path switching plate 8A. As a result, the index sheet that has been transported in the direction in which the tab is on the rear side in the transport direction can be supplied to the punching means 10 so as to be transported in the direction in which the tab is on the front side in the transport direction.

  On the other hand, if the tab position in step S1 does not match the appropriate tab position (S7; N), the image control unit 61 prohibits image formation processing / post-processing for the index sheet and also operates the I / F control unit. A warning message is displayed on the LCD 71 by 616 (S9). At this time, a message indicating that the image forming process is not performed (for example, “Cannot copy”, “Cannot print”, etc.), or a message for instructing to change the storage direction of the index paper in the paper feed tray (for example, “Change tab position”). , “Place tabs on the back side of the device”, “Place tabs on the front side of the device”, etc.).

[Function and effect]
The operation and effect of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment that operates in this way will be described.

  Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described on the assumption that the document GK is placed so that the upper direction of the document image is arranged on the back side of the apparatus. Also,

  First, when the punch position is set to the left (left punch) and the index sheet is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 with the tab positioned on the back side of the apparatus, the image data is not rotated and the image is printed on the index sheet. Are formed, punched holes are formed and the paper is discharged after the conveying direction is switched back and reversed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13A, the target output product in which the punch hole H is formed on the left side of the image forming surface of the index paper P and the tab Pa is arranged at the upper position of the original image G. Is obtained.

  Similarly, when the punch position is set to the left side (left punch) and the tab is positioned on the front side of the apparatus and the index sheet is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5, a warning message is displayed without performing any processing. In response to this warning message, the user changes the storage direction of the index sheet so that the tab position is positioned on the back side of the apparatus. Then, when the user inputs the processing request again, a desired output as shown in FIG. 13A is obtained.

  On the other hand, when the punch position is set to the right side (right punch), when the tab is positioned on the back side of the apparatus and the index sheet is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5, a warning message is displayed without performing any processing. In response to the warning message, the user changes the storage direction of the index sheet so that the tab position is positioned on the front side of the apparatus. When the user inputs the processing request again, the image data is rotated by 180 ° to form an image on the index sheet, and the conveyance direction is switched back and reversed, and then a punch hole is formed and discharged. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13B, the target output product in which the punch hole H is formed on the right side of the image forming surface of the index paper P and the tab Pa is arranged at the upper position of the original image G. Is obtained.

  Similarly, when the punch position is set to the right side (right punch), when the index sheet is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5 with the tab positioned on the front side of the apparatus, the image data is rotated by 180 ° to place the image on the index sheet. After forming and reversing the transport direction, a punch hole is formed and discharged. Thereby, the target output as shown in FIG. 13B is obtained.

  Similarly, when executing the staple mode, it is possible to obtain a target output product.

  When a conventional image forming apparatus is used, the processing is performed without correcting the storage direction of the index paper in the paper feed tray unit 5. Therefore, when the punch position is set to the left side (left punch), when the tab is positioned on the front side of the apparatus and the index paper is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5, as shown in FIG. Although H is formed on the left side, a non-target output product in which the tab Pa is arranged at the lower position of the original image G is formed. Further, when the punch position is set to the right side (right punch), when the tab is positioned on the back side of the apparatus and the index paper is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5, as shown in FIG. Although H is formed on the right side, an unintended output product in which the tab Pa is arranged at the lower position of the document image G is formed.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the orientation of the original image to be formed and the position of the tab when the mode with image rotation such as the staple mode or the punch mode is applied to the print output of the index paper. Output with proper relationship can be obtained.

  Further, unlike the conventional configuration in which processing is performed as it is when the index paper storage direction in the paper feed tray unit 5 is not appropriate, a warning message is displayed to instruct the user to change the storage direction. As a result, index paper is not wasted.

[Modification]
The configuration described in detail above is an example of a configuration for suitably implementing the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, for example, as will be described below, arbitrary modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention can be made as appropriate.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not image data rotation is necessary so that the tab of the index sheet is positioned in the upward direction of the document image, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention is applicable not only when it is desired to provide a tab position in the upward direction of the document image but also when a tab position is desired in the downward direction.

  When it is desired to set the tab position in the lower direction of the document image, the determination of whether or not the image data needs to be rotated by the rotation determination unit 611 is reversed from the above embodiment. For example, when the staple position or punch position is on the left side with respect to the image forming surface, it is determined that the image data needs to be rotated by 180 °, and when it is on the right side, it is determined that the rotation of the image data is not necessary. To be configured.

  Further, it is possible to switch the tab position between the upper side and the lower side of the document image. For this purpose, for example, a button for setting a tab position in the output product is provided in the tab setting unit 142 of the index sheet setting screen 140, and the determination by the rotation determination unit 611 is switched according to the setting result by the button. Can be configured.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, an appropriate tab position is obtained based on the necessity of image data rotation according to the set position (right / left) of staples and the like, and the index sheet storage direction (tab position) set and input in advance is set. By determining whether or not it matches the appropriate tab position, it is determined whether or not the index sheet is stored properly.

  As a modification of the storage direction suitability determination process, for each combination of index sheet storage direction (apparatus rear side / apparatus front side) and staple setting position (right / left), the storage direction Table data including suitability information can be used. In the case of the above embodiment, this table data includes the following information: Suitability information on the combination of (storage direction = device back side) and (staple position = right) is “inappropriate”, Appropriate information on the combination of (storage direction = device back side) and (staple position = left) is “appropriate”, and the appropriateness information on the combination of (storage direction = device front side) and (staple position = right) is “appropriate”. ", The suitability information of the combination of (storage direction = device front side) and (staple position = left) is“ inappropriate ”.

(Modification 3)
In the above embodiment, the user manually inputs the index sheet storage direction in the paper feed tray unit 5 (see step S1 in the flowchart of FIG. 12), but the storage position in the paper feed tray unit 5 is determined. It is also possible to provide a means for automatic detection and to determine whether the storage direction indicated in the detection result is appropriate.

  As a means for automatically detecting the storage position, for example, when the index sheet is stored in the paper feed tray unit 5, the infrared transmission unit and the reception unit sandwich the positions (back side / front side) where the tabs should be placed. Can be installed up and down. Thereby, it can be determined that the side on which infrared rays are not received is the tab position. Alternatively, a touch sensor may be provided at each position where the tab is to be arranged, and it may be determined that there is a tab on the side where the touch sensor is turned on.

(Other variations)
In the above-described embodiment, a warning message is displayed on the LCD 71 of the image forming apparatus. However, particularly for a job from the client PC 90, the warning message is transmitted to the client PC 90 and displayed on the monitor apparatus. You can also As a result, when the user who requested the job is in front of the client PC 90, it can be recognized that the execution of the job has been stopped, and a quick response can be made.

  When the storage direction of the index sheet is not appropriate, not only the warning message is displayed but also the user can be notified using a voice message, a warning sound, or the like.

1 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a functional configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a display screen according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 13A shows an example of an output product when the punch position is set to the left side. FIG. 13B shows an example of an output product when the punch position is set on the right side. It is a schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating the effect | action of embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention compared with the conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 14A shows an example of an output product when the punch position is set to the left side in the conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 14B shows an example of an output product when the punch position is set to the right side in the conventional image forming apparatus. It is the schematic showing the form of index paper.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part 2 Image processing part 2A Control part 3 Image writing part 4 Image forming part 5 Paper feed tray part 10 Punching means 14 Stapler 60 Control part 61 Image control part 610 Judgment part 611 Rotation judgment part 612 Storage direction acquisition part 613 Storage direction determination unit 614 Image rotation unit 615 Print control unit 616 Operation I / F control unit 62 DRAM control unit 64 Image memory 70 Operation unit 71 LCD
80 Printer section 140 Index sheet setting screen 142 Tab setting section 143, 144 Tab position setting button 150 Staple position setting screen 160 Punch position setting screen GH Image forming apparatus main body FS Post-processing apparatus P Index sheet Pa Tab G Document image H Punch hole

Claims (7)

Storage means for storing index paper, transport means for transporting the stored index paper, original input means for inputting image data of a document image, and transport based on the input image data of the document image Image forming means for forming the original image on the index sheet formed, post-processing means for performing post-processing on the index paper on which the original image is formed, and post-processing setting means for performing setting input relating to the post-processing An image forming apparatus having
An image rotating means for rotating image data of an original image input by the original input means based on a setting input relating to the post-processing;
Storage direction setting means for setting and inputting the storage direction of the index sheet in the storage means;
A determination unit that determines whether the storage direction is appropriate based on a rotation state of the image data by the image rotation unit and a storage direction of the index sheet set and input;
Display means for displaying a warning message when the determination means determines that the storage direction is inappropriate;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The post-processing means forms punch holes in the index paper on which the document image is formed by the image forming means,
The post-processing setting means includes a punch position setting means for setting and inputting a punch position by the post-processing means,
The determination means includes
A rotation judging means for judging whether or not image data needs to be rotated by the image rotating means based on the set and input punch position;
Based on the determination result by the rotation determining means and the storage direction of the index sheet that has been set and input, the suitability of the storage direction is determined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The post-processing means staples the index paper on which the document image is formed by the image forming means,
The post-processing setting means includes a staple position setting means for setting and inputting a staple position by the post-processing means,
The determination means includes
Rotation determining means for determining whether or not the image rotating means needs to rotate image data based on the set and inputted staple position;
Based on the determination result by the rotation determining means and the storage direction of the index sheet that has been set and input, the suitability of the storage direction is determined.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The determination means includes
Storage direction acquisition means for acquiring the storage direction of the index sheet corresponding to the determination result by the rotation determination means;
Storage direction determination means for determining whether or not the storage direction acquired by the storage direction acquisition means matches the storage direction set and input by the storage direction setting means,
If it is determined that they match, it is determined that the setting input storage direction is appropriate; if it is determined that they do not match, it is determined that the setting input storage direction is inappropriate.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   5. The image rotation unit according to claim 2, wherein the image rotation unit rotates the image data of the document image by 180 degrees in response to the rotation determination unit determining that the image data needs to be rotated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage direction of the index sheet is represented by a tab position of the index sheet stored in the storage unit. The warning message displayed by the display means includes a message that the original image is not formed on the index sheet and / or a message that instructs to change the storage direction of the index sheet. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images