JP2010102243A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent erroneous printing by automatically checking whether a sheet inserted from an inserter matches a sheet to be inserted. <P>SOLUTION: An image on a sheet inserted from the inserter is read and compared with a document image. Accordingly, whether the inserted sheet matches a user's setting or not is checked using only the inserted sheet. If the compared image data are different, a copying (printing) operation is interrupted, and a warning message is also displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an insert technique for carrying and inserting insert paper stacked on a tray without going through an image forming unit with respect to recording paper that has been subjected to image forming processing by an image forming unit.

  Conventionally, when copying a plurality of originals in which color originals and black-and-white originals are mixed, the color copying apparatus prints out all of the originals in which color originals and black-and-white originals are mixed, so that color pages and black and white pages are printed. I got a copy of a mixture.

  However, a color copying apparatus requires a longer time for image forming processing than a black and white copying apparatus, and the running cost is higher. In view of this, it is conceivable that among a plurality of originals in which a color original and a black and white original are mixed, only the black and white original is printed out by the black and white copying apparatus, and the color original is printed out by the color copying apparatus.

  However, in this case, for a plurality of originals in which color originals and black and white originals are mixed, the user needs to first divide the originals into black and white originals and color originals. When the black-and-white copying apparatus and the color copying apparatus complete the printout, the user himself / herself has to return the originals to the original mixed state by dividing the plurality of originals into black and white originals and color originals. Becomes very large. In particular, when a page number is not attached to the original or when the number of originals is large, it is difficult to return the black and white original (recording paper) and the color original (recording paper) to the original mixed state.

  In order to combine the recording paper printed out by the black-and-white copying apparatus and the recording paper printed out by the color copying apparatus into one original like a plurality of originals, the recording paper is output by one copying apparatus. The user must insert (insert) the recording paper output by the other copying apparatus between the recording paper and the recording paper, which takes time, especially when copying multiple copies. It took a lot of effort.

  Therefore, as a method of solving the troublesomeness when a plurality of printed images are used as one document, a pre-printed color image output paper is loaded on an inserter device mounted on a monochrome image forming apparatus. There is a mixed control method for re-feeding. In the mixing control method, output from a color image forming apparatus, which is generally inferior in output speed to monochrome output, is temporarily stored in an insert tray, and various information for color / monochrome mixing, that is, the job number of the job to be printed Specify information such as the paper size, number of copies, paper stacking status and material (paper type such as plain paper or cardboard) using the operation unit, etc. There are those that perform mixed operation.

  However, in the copy processing using the above conventional mixing control method, it is still a heavy burden on the user due to the occurrence of miscopy due to an input error by the user and the troublesomeness due to complicated settings. In the system, based on the job output from the computer, the color image output paper or black and white image output paper on which image formation has been completed by the color image forming apparatus or black and white image forming apparatus is stored in the storage means, and the stored color image output paper Alternatively, the monochrome image output paper or the color image output paper on which the image formation discharged from the monochrome image forming apparatus or the color image forming apparatus is completed based on the information stored in the storage means provided in the storage means. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that performs control that is inserted between the two and mixed into one group.

In addition, a sheet on which predetermined information including an insertion sheet is recorded at the time of image formation is output separately, and the output sheet is read at the time of image formation, so that the user is not required to insert settings and miscopying is performed. Proposals to prevent (see, for example, Patent Document 2) have been made.
JP 2003-241459 A JP 2002-292963 A

  However, since the proposed image forming apparatus requires a dedicated storage unit having a storage unit, the size of the apparatus increases, or when the insertion sheet set in the inserter unit is moved to another storage unit. There is a problem that it takes time and effort, and an unnecessary cover sheet needs to be output separately.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has a function to convey and insert insert paper stacked on a tray without going through the image forming unit with respect to the recording paper subjected to image forming processing by the image forming unit. An image data acquisition unit that acquires all output image data including the image data of the insert sheet, a first storage unit that stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit, Insert page specifying means for specifying a page to insert the insert paper, Inserter control means for inserting the insert paper into the recording paper based on the page set by the insert page specifying means, First reading means for reading image data of the insert sheet during the conveyance of the insert sheet; A second storage unit that stores the image data read by the reading unit; a comparison unit that compares the image data stored in the first storage unit and the image data stored in the second storage unit; For an image that does not correspond to an insert page, the image forming unit performs image forming processing, and for the image that corresponds to the insert page, the image forming unit does not perform image forming processing, and the inserter control unit When the insert page is inserted and the image data stored in the first storage means and the image data stored in the second storage means do not match with the insert paper by the comparison means Is characterized in that the image forming process is interrupted.

  Further, when the image data stored in the first storage unit and the image data stored in the second storage unit do not match by the comparison unit, the stack state of the insert paper is abnormal. It is characterized by warning.

  The image data acquisition means is second reading means for reading a document, and the second reading means acquires image data.

  Further, the image data acquisition means receives image data from an external device via the communication means, and acquires the image data.

  As described above, according to the invention of the present invention, all output image data including information on the inserter paper is acquired by receiving data from the document reading unit or the external device, and the acquired image of the inserter page is acquired. By comparing the data with the image data read anew during the insertion of the inserter paper, it is possible to efficiently find a mistake in the insertion of the insert paper on the inserter tray, and to detect and alert the user to the image of the loading. It is possible to reduce the forming work. Further, since it is not necessary to use cover paper, paper can be saved.

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a color copying apparatus, but the present invention can also be applied to a black and white copying apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the copying apparatus 1000 includes a reading unit 101, an image forming unit 102, a sheet processing unit 103, and an operation unit 40.

  The reading unit 101 includes an automatic document feeding unit 51 and a three-line sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 76 for reading an image on the document. The automatic document feeder 51 feeds the documents P set on the document stacking tray 50 one by one to the document reading position on the document table glass 78, and when the document image is read at the document reading position, the document To the paper discharge position. A document P is set on the document stacking tray 50 in a face-up state by the user. At the document reading position, the lamp 79 irradiates the document P with light, and the reflected light is incident on the CCD 76 via the reflection mirrors 72, 73 and 74 and the imaging lens 75.

  The CCD 76 is a color line sensor for independently obtaining R (red), G (green), and B (blue) analog color signals, an amplifier for amplifying each color, and an analog color signal of 8-bit digital code. An A / D converter for converting the signal into a signal is included. An output signal from the CCD 76 is input to the image signal control unit 77.

  The image forming unit 102 has a recording paper feeding / conveying function and an image forming function. The recording paper feeding / conveying function includes recording paper feeding units 55 and 56 for picking up recording paper S one by one from recording paper storage units 53 and 54 loaded with a plurality of recording papers S of different sizes, and recording paper. A plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the recording sheet S fed from the sheet feeding section 55 or 56 to an image forming position (a position facing a photosensitive drum 62 described later) via the sheet conveying path 57 and the sheet conveying path 60; The recording sheet S on which the toner image is transferred at the image forming position is conveyed to the fixing roller 64, and the recording sheet S on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing roller 64 is transferred to the sheet processing unit 103. This is realized by a conveying roller 65 or the like for conveying.

  Further, the image forming function is realized by an electrophotographic method, and specifically, realized by a laser scanner 61, a photosensitive drum 62, a developing device 67, a transfer device 68, a cleaner 69, a fixing roller 64, and the like. That is, the laser scanner 61 controls the laser beam that scans the photosensitive drum 62 based on the original image signal read by the reading unit 101 and input via the image signal control unit 77, and the photosensitive drum 62. To form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image by the developing device 67 with toners of R, G, and B colors. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 62 is transferred to the recording paper S by the transfer device 68 and fixed on the recording paper S by the fixing roller 64.

  A sheet processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a finisher) 103 discharges an image-recorded recording sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 102 to the outside of the apparatus in various modes, and includes an inserter as a main component. 104, a processing tray unit 84, a sample tray 85, a stack tray 86, and various sheet conveying mechanisms.

  The inserter 104 inserts (inserts) the insert paper I set in each of the three stages of the inserter trays 20a, 20b, and 20c between the recording paper S conveyed from the image forming unit 102 and the recording paper S. It is. Note that the insert paper I is inserted between the recording paper S and the recording paper S on which the image has been recorded without being subjected to image forming processing in the image forming unit 102 of the present apparatus.

  The inserter 104 includes paper feed rollers 21a, 21b, 21c, separation rollers 22a, 22b, 22c, transport rollers 23a, 23b, 23c, insert paper set sensors 27a, 27b, 27c, paper feed solenoids (also referred to as pickup solenoids) 43a, 43b, 43c (not shown).

  An inserter path sensor 41 is provided on the transport path of the insert paper I, and it is detected that the insert paper I has passed through the position of the inserter path sensor 41.

  In addition, a CCD 90 is provided on the conveyance path of the insert paper I, and is provided in the reading unit 101 in advance and the image data of the insert paper I read and read the image data of the insert paper I passing through the path. By comparing the original image data corresponding to the insert paper I read by the above-described CCD 76, a stacking error of the insert paper is detected.

  In the following description, when the inserter trays 20a, 20b, and 20c of the respective stages and the sheet feeding rollers 21a, 21b, and 21c are generally described without being distinguished, the respective stages such as the inserter tray 20 are described. The symbols a, b, and c as subscripts for distinguishing the characters are indicated by the deleted codes.

  The paper feed roller 21 normally stands by at a position away from the insert paper I, and lands on the insert paper I by turning on the paper feed solenoid 43 at a timing controlled by a CPU 2002 described later. The separation roller 22 is a roller for separating and feeding the insert paper I picked up by the paper feed roller 21 one by one, and the insert paper set sensor 27 sets the inserter paper I on the inserter tray 20. It is a sensor for detecting whether or not.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the insert paper I is configured to perform the insert process on the assumption that the insert paper I is set face up in the inserter tray 20, and the paper feed roller 21 is the uppermost insert paper I. The sheets are conveyed one face at a time in order. The insert paper I conveyed in the face-up state is conveyed to the position of the conveyance roller 2 via the conveyance roller 23 and the conveyance rollers 24 and 26. Since the transport path in front of the transport roller 2 has a semicircular shape as shown in the drawing, the insert paper I is reversed by the semicircular transport path to be in a face-down state. Then, the insert paper I is conveyed to the sample tray 85 or the stack tray 86 in a face-down state.

  Note that the above-described various rollers for exclusively conveying the insert paper I are rotationally driven by a single conveying motor (not shown) for the inserter. The other transport rollers in the finisher 103 such as the transport roller 2 are driven and controlled by another motor (not shown).

  On the other hand, in the image forming unit 102, when the face-up recording sheet S on which the image has been recorded is sent to the finisher 103 in the face-down state, the recording sheet S is once sent to the conveying roller 66 side and then switched back. Then, it is turned upside down and sent to the finisher 103. Further, when the recording sheet S is fed to the finisher 103 in the face-up state, the recording sheet S in the face-up state is fed to the finisher 103 as it is without being fed to the conveying roller 66 side (that is, without being reversed).

  Therefore, when insert processing is performed using the inserter 104, the image forming unit 102 has the recording paper S on the front and back sides in order to match the orientation of the insert paper I from the inserter 104 and the face of the recording paper S from the image forming unit 102. It is reversed and fed to the entrance roller 1 of the finisher 103 in a face-down state.

  A sheet detection sensor 31 is disposed between the conveyance roller 2 and the conveyance roller 3 on the rear side (exit side). The sheet detection sensor 31 functions as an entrance-side sensor for detecting the passage of the recording paper S or the insert paper I conveyed from the conveyance roller 2.

  Further, in the conveyance path behind the conveyance roller 3, a pan-tunit 50 for performing a punching process and a relatively large aperture roller (hereinafter referred to as a buffer roller) 5 are disposed in the vicinity of the rear end of the recording sheet S or the insert sheet I. ing. Around the buffer roller 5, pressing rollers 12, 13, and 14 for pressing and feeding the recording paper S or the insert paper I to the roll surface of the buffer roller 5 are provided.

  Further, the transport path behind the buffer roller 5 is branched into a non-sort path 35 and a sort path 36, and the sort path 36 is further branched into a buffer path 44 for temporarily retracting the insert paper I from the sort path 36. Yes. Switching between the non-sort path 35 and the sort path 36 is performed by the first switching flapper 11, and switching between the sort path 36 and the buffer path 44 is performed by the second switching flapper 10. The non-sort path 35 and the sort path 36 are provided with sheet detection sensors 33 and 32 for detecting the recording paper S and the insert paper I on the respective paths.

  As described above, the sheet detection sensor 32 indicates that the insert sheet I is temporarily saved from the sort path 36 to the buffer path 44 and the recorded recording sheet S from the image forming unit 102 is conveyed to the sort path 36. After the detection, the insert paper I saved in the buffer path 44 is returned to the sort path 36, whereby the insert paper I is inserted.

  The sort path 36 is provided with a discharge roller 9 for discharging the recording paper S or the insert paper I to the sample tray 85. The sort path 36 includes transport rollers 6 and 7, a carry-out roller 83a, and a processing tray. A unit 84 is provided. The processing tray unit 84 includes a staple unit 80, an intermediate tray 82, an alignment plate 88, and a carry-out roller 83b.

  In the intermediate tray 82, the recording paper S and the insert paper I conveyed through the conveying rollers 6 and 7 are temporarily accumulated, and the accumulated recording paper S and the insert paper I are aligned by the alignment plate 88. And stapled by the staple unit 80. Then, the stapled bundle of recording paper S and insert paper I is carried out to the stack tray 86 by the carry-out rollers 83a and 83b.

  The carry-out roller 83a is swingably supported by the swing guide 81, the carry-out roller 83b is fixedly supported, and the carry-out roller 83a is recorded on the intermediate tray 82 when the swing guide 81 comes to the closed position. It is configured to abut against a bundle of paper S and insert paper I, and to carry out this bundle to the stack tray 86 by being sandwiched by carry-out rollers 83a and 83b. The bundle stacking guide 87 is a guide that abuts and supports the rear end edge (rear end edge with respect to the direction) of the sheet bundle stacked on the stack tray 86 and the sample tray 85, and also serves as an exterior of the finisher 103. ing.

  Under such a configuration, the user sets the document P on the document stacking tray 50, and after performing various mode settings for the copying apparatus 1000 using the operation unit 40, starts the image forming process. In the copying apparatus 1000, the reading unit 101 performs reading processing of the original P according to the set mode, and the image forming unit 102 records the recording paper to the image recording position from the recording paper storage unit 53 or 54. S feeding is started.

  In addition, the operation of the finisher 103 is transmitted to the control signal finisher 103 such as the number of copies necessary for the sheet classification, insert sheet I insertion operation, etc., and the sort operation start signal, etc. Let it begin.

  Next, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 62 based on the image information of the read document, the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image, and the recording paper S conveyed to the image recording position Transfer to and fix. Then, the finisher 103 performs feeding of the insert paper I, sheet classification, insertion of the insert paper I, and stapling processing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image signal control unit 77. The output signal from the CCD 76 is subjected to shading correction for each color by the shading correction unit 301, and the shift memory unit 302 corrects the shift between each color and pixel, and then the color determination unit 310 and the light density conversion. Is input to the LOG conversion unit 303 that performs logarithmic correction.

  The density signals Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) of each color output from the LOG conversion unit 303 are input to the black generation unit 304. The black generation unit 304 generates a black signal (BK) based on the input density signal of each color. The masking / UCR unit 305 corrects the filter characteristics and toner density characteristics of the color sensor (CCD) 76 for the Y, M, C, and BK signals output from the black generation unit 304, and performs this correction process. Thereafter, one color signal to be developed is selected from the four color signals and is output to the density conversion unit 307.

  The density conversion unit 307 performs density conversion on the color signal output from the masking / UCR unit 305 according to the development characteristics of the printer (image forming unit 102) and the user's instruction, and the trimming processing unit 308 After the editing process for the section desired by the user is performed, the image is output to the laser scanner 61 of the image forming unit 102.

  The color determination unit 310 determines whether each read image of the document P is an achromatic color (monochrome image) based on the signal level of the read image signal of each color of the document P supplied from the shift memory unit 302. It is determined whether a color is included (color image). That is, when the level difference between the R, G, and B color signals is small, it is determined that the color is achromatic, and when the level difference is large, it is determined that the color signal is chromatic.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 300 that controls the copying apparatus 1000 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The CPU circuit unit 200 includes a memory 2001, a central processing operation unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 2002, and an I / O control unit 2003. The memory 2001 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Various programs such as programs corresponding to flowcharts to be described later and predetermined data are preset in the ROM, and the RAM is used as a work area when the CPU 2002 performs various processes according to the programs in the ROM. The RAM is also used as a storage medium for programs and data read from IC cards, floppy disks, and the like.

  The I / O control unit 2003 includes a CPU circuit unit 200, an operation unit control unit 201 outside the CPU circuit unit 200, a reading control unit 202, an image formation control unit 204, a recording paper feed control unit 203, and sheet processing control. Controls input / output of control signals and data exchanged between the units 205. The CPU 2002 controls all the above-described components other than the CPU 2002 when performing various processes.

  The reading control unit 202 scans various keys of the operation unit 40 and controls display of the display unit of the operation unit 40. Further, the reading control unit 202 controls the above-described reading operation of the original image in the reading unit 101. The image forming control unit 204 controls the above-described image forming operation in the image forming unit 102. A recording paper feed control unit 203 controls the above-described recording paper S transport operation in the image forming unit 102. Further, the sheet processing control unit 205 controls sheet processing including the insert processing of the above-described insert paper I in the sheet processing unit 103.

  Next, the operation unit 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the operation unit 40 of the copying apparatus 1000.

  In FIG. 4, a power lamp 621 is a lamp for indicating that the power is on, and is turned on / off in response to the power switch 613 being turned on / off. The numeric keypad 622 is used for inputting various numerical values when setting the number of image forming (copying) copies and setting the operation mode, or for inputting a telephone number in the facsimile setting mode.

  A clear key 623 is used to clear the setting contents input with the numeric keypad 622. A reset key 616 is used to return the set number of copies, various operation modes, and a selected paper feed stage mode to default values. Further, the copy operation can be started by pressing the start key 614. In the center of the start key 614, red and green LEDs are provided. If the copying operation cannot be started, the red LED is turned on. If the copying operation can be started, the green LED is turned on. It is configured.

  A stop key 615 is used to stop the copy operation. When another key is pressed after the guide key 617 is pressed, a description of functions that can be set by the other key is displayed on the display panel 620 as a guidance. In order to cancel the guidance display, the guide key 617 may be pressed again. A user setting key 618 is used when the user changes a predetermined setting value preset in the copying apparatus 1000. The setting contents that can be changed by the user include, for example, a time until the setting for the copying apparatus 1000 is automatically cleared, a mode that is reset when the reset key 616 is pressed, and the like. If the interrupt key 619 is pressed during the copy operation, the copy operation currently being executed is interrupted to enable a new copy operation, and the copy operation related to the interruption is resumed after the end of the new copy operation.

  The display panel 620 is composed of a liquid crystal touch panel, and the display content is switched according to the mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting.

  The display panel 620 shown in FIG. 4 displays a copy operation mode setting screen, and a plurality of touch keys 624 to 632 are displayed on this setting screen. Among these touch keys, the paper selection key 627 is a touch key for selecting a recording paper of a desired size, and the reduction key 628, the equal magnification key 629, and the enlargement key 630 are respectively reduced copy, equal magnification copy, This is a touch key for setting an enlarged copy mode.

  An application mode key 626 is a touch key for setting application function modes such as a multiplex operation, a reduced layout mode, and a cover / interleaf mode. By pressing the application mode key 626, a setting screen for setting various application function modes is displayed on the display panel 620, and a desired application function mode is set using this setting screen or the like.

  The double-sided operation setting key 624 is a touch key for setting various modes related to the double-sided copying operation. For example, a “single-both mode” for copying an image of two single-sided originals onto both sides of a recording sheet, “Both and both modes” for copying images on both sides of a double-sided document to both sides of the recording paper, “Both and one-sided mode” for copying the images on both sides of a double-sided document to one side of two sheets of recording paper, etc. Used when setting the.

  A paper discharge process key 625 is a touch key used when setting various operation modes of the finisher 103, setting an output paper sorting mode using an image memory, setting an insert mode for performing an insert process, and the like. .

  Inserter document reading mode key 630 is a touch key for setting a document reading mode.

  The inserter original reading mode is a mode in which all the originals P including the image data for the insert paper I are read from the plural originals P stacked on the original stacking tray 50. It is done by extracting other than.

  When the inserter document reading mode key 630 is pressed, the touch key is displayed in black and white reversed so that it can be seen that the inserter document reading mode is set. In addition, when the inverted touch key is pressed, the mode is canceled, and the touch key is displayed in a non-inverted display (normal display). When the touch key of the inserter original reading mode key 630 is displayed in a non-inverted display, it is in an initial state, and the normal reading mode for performing copy processing on all the originals P set on the original stacking tray 50 is set. It shows that.

  In the inserter original reading mode, the image data of all the originals including the insert paper I is read by the reading unit 101 in advance, and the image data of the insert paper I read in advance when actually performing the insert processing. Is used to detect a stacking error of the insert sheet I by comparing the image data actually fed from the inserter 104 and read by the CCD 90 in the sheet processing unit 103.

  Of the touch keys displayed in the display panel 620, for the touch keys that cannot be used at the present time, the display frame is covered with a dotted line or the entire display portion is shaded. Further, the content of the set copy operation and the current operation state are displayed in the upper part in the display panel 620. In FIG. 4, the setting screen in the center of the display panel 620 is the setting screen for copy A. A message indicating that copying related to A is possible is displayed. Further, in the lower part of the display panel 620, the operation states of other function modes are displayed, and in FIG. 4, it is displayed that an image relating to the copy B is being output to the image forming unit 102.

  In FIG. 4, a copy A function key 601, a copy B function key 604, a fax function key 607, and a printer function key 610 display the display contents of the display panel 620 in order to set each function of copying operation, fax operation, and printer operation. Function key used for switching. The key buttons of these function keys are constituted by translucent key buttons, and display lamps (not shown) such as LEDs are provided inside the keys. Only the display lamps of the operated function keys are controlled to be turned on.

  Further, the green LEDs 603, 606, 609, and 612 arranged on the right side of these function keys are controlled to be turned on to indicate the operation status of each function. For example, when the copy B function key 604 is pressed and the copy B operation screen is displayed on the display panel 620, the LED 606 on the right side of the copy B function key 604 is turned off if the process related to copy B is in standby. Is done. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the copy B is being output, the LED 606 on the right side of the copy B function key 604 is controlled to blink. Further, when the copy B image is stored in the memory 2001 but the copy B print operation is not performed, the LED 606 on the right side of the copy B function key 604 is controlled to be lit.

  On the other hand, red LEDs 602, 605, 608, and 611 arranged on the left side of the copy A function key 601, copy B function key 604, fax function key 607, and printer function key 610 are used when an abnormality occurs in each function. Lighting control is performed. For example, when an abnormality such as a paper out interruption or a jam occurs during the processing related to copy B, the LED 605 on the left side of the copy B function key 604 is controlled to blink. When the copy B function key 604 is pressed to switch to the copy B function in this state, the details of the abnormal state of copy B are displayed on the display panel 620.

  These function keys 601, 604, 607, and 610 described above can accept key operations regardless of the operation status, and can change the setting screen displayed on the display panel 620.

  Keys existing outside the display panel 620, such as the stop key 615, start key 614, and reset key 616 described above, are a copy A function key 601, a copy B function key 604, a fax function key 607, and a printer function key 610. It can be made to function in association with the function selected from the list. For example, when the copy A operation screen is displayed on the display panel 620 as shown in FIG. 4, to stop the copy B copy operation, the copy B function key 604 is pressed to copy the operation screen. After switching to the operation screen, the stop key 615 may be pressed. Further, since the contents changed by the user setting key 618 are reflected on the function selected at the time of the change, the user setting can be performed independently for each function.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a paper discharge process setting screen switched by pressing the paper discharge process key 625 in the display panel 620 of FIG. Various paper discharge modes are selected.

  The sort key 632 is used to set the paper discharge process in the sort mode, the staple key 633 is used to set the mode for performing the staple process on the sorted output paper, and the group key 634 is used to discharge a copy of one document into one bin. Used to set the group mode for paper. The S-place insert key 635 and the F-place insert key 636 are keys for setting a mode for performing an insert process. The S placement mode and F placement mode set by the S placement key 635 and the F placement key 636 will be described later.

  Note that the touch keys of the sort key 632, staple key 633, and group key 634 for setting the paper discharge processing described above are exclusive, and the paper discharge mode can be selected from each mode. Further, the touch keys of the S-place insert key 635 and the F-place insert key 636 that indicate the insert mode are also exclusive, and when one of the keys is selected, the touch key on the different side cannot be selected.

  The cancel key 637 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used to cancel the mode set on the setting screen, and the OK key 638 is used to confirm the mode set on the setting screen. .

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the S placement mode and the F placement mode. In this specification, as shown in FIG. 7A, the case where one type (same page) of insert paper I is loaded on each of the inserter trays 20a to 20c is referred to as the S placement mode, and FIG. As described above, the case where the insert sheets I for a plurality of pages are stacked on the inserter trays 20a to 20c in an ascending order of pages is called the F placement mode.

[S / F setting mode setting process]
Next, the setting process for the S placement mode and the F placement mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This setting process is executed under the control of the CPU 2002 based on a signal input from the operation control unit 201.

  First, the CPU 2002 determines whether or not the insert paper feed mode on the display panel 620 of the operation unit 40 has been selected (step S101). As a result, when the insert paper feed mode is not selected, this setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the insert paper feed mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the S placement key 635 has been operated (step S102). As a result, when the S placement key 635 is operated, the S placement mode is set as a mode indicating a mode of loading the insert paper I onto the inserter trays 20a to 20c (step S103), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the S placement key 635 has not been operated, it is determined whether or not the F placement key 636 has been operated (step S104). If the F placement key 636 has not been operated, this setting processing is terminated. . When the F placement key 636 is operated, the F placement mode is set as a mode indicating the stacking mode of the insert paper I onto the inserter trays 20a to 20c (step S105), and the process ends.

[Inserter operation control processing]
Next, inserter operation control processing performed under the control of the CPU 2002 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When the insert mode for inserting the insert paper I is set as the copy mode, the CPU 2002 loads the insert paper I stacked on the inserter tray 104 when a copy is instructed by the start key 614 (step S201). As an aspect, it is determined which of the S placement mode and the F placement mode is set (step S202).

  As a result, if the S placement mode is set, the process proceeds to step S203, and the number of used inserter trays 20a to 21c is set to a constant k (step S203). Here, “used” does not mean the number of inserter trays 20a to 21c mounted in the apparatus, but the number of inserter trays on which the user has actually loaded the insert paper I. Is entered by the user.

  Next, “1” is set in the variable i as the number of the inserter tray 20a that first feeds the insert paper I (step S204). Then, it is determined whether or not an inserter feeding timing signal has been generated, that is, whether or not the timing for feeding the insert paper I has arrived (step S205). The timing for feeding the insert paper I will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Here, when the inserter paper feed timing signal is generated, the inserter 104 (sheet processing unit 205) is inquired as to whether or not the insert paper I is loaded on the inserter tray 20 having the number indicated by the variable i (step S206). Whether or not the insert paper I is stacked is determined by the insert paper set sensor 27 of the inserter tray 20 having the number indicated by the variable i (the same applies to steps S218 and S225 described later).

  As a result, if no insert paper I is loaded, a message is displayed to replenish the insert paper I (step S207), the insert paper presence flag is cleared to “0” (step S208), and the process returns to step S206. On the other hand, if the insert paper I is loaded, “1” is set in the insert paper presence flag (step S209). Then, “1” is set in the inserter operation request flag and output to the inserter 104 together with the variable i (step S210).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an inserter operation request flag of “0” indicating the completion of the sheet feeding process for the insert sheet I has been returned from the inserter 104 (step S211). As a result, if it has not been returned yet, the process returns to step S211 to wait for the insert paper I feeding process to be completed.

  When an inserter operation request flag of “0” is returned from the inserter 104, whether or not the variable i is equal to the constant K, that is, the number of the currently designated inserter tray 20 is equal to the number of inserter trays in use. It is determined whether or not (step S212). As a result, if they are equal, it is determined whether or not the inserter operation request in step S210 is the insertion request for the last insert sheet I (step S213), and is not the insertion request for the last insert sheet I. In this case, the process returns to step S204 to feed the insert sheet I again from the inserter tray 20 with the tray number “1”. If it is the last insert sheet I insertion request, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the number of the currently designated inserter tray 20 is not equal to the number of inserter trays in use, the variable i is incremented by “1” (step S214), and the process returns to step S205. Therefore, even when the S placement mode is set, the inserter tray 20 has a large number of stages and the number of copies, and there is a time allowance for catching the insert paper I with respect to the inserter tray 20 that has run out of paper. In this case, the continuous run is possible without stopping the job, and more types of insert paper I than the number of stages of the inserter tray 20 can be automatically inserted.

  In step S202, when it is determined that the loading mode of the inserter tray is the F placement mode, the number of used inserter trays 20a to 21c is set to a constant k (step S215). Next, “1” is set to the variable i as the number of the inserter tray 20a that feeds the insert paper I first (step S216).

  Then, it is determined whether or not an inserter paper feed timing signal has been generated, that is, whether or not the timing for feeding the insert paper I has come (step S217). Here, when the inserter paper feed timing signal is generated, the inserter 104 (sheet processing unit 205) is inquired as to whether or not the insert paper I is loaded on the inserter tray 20 having the number indicated by the variable i (step S218).

  As a result, if the insert paper I is not loaded, a message to replenish the insert paper I is displayed (step S219), the insert paper presence flag is cleared to “0” (step S220), and the process returns to step S218. On the other hand, if the insert paper I is loaded, “1” is set in the insert paper presence flag (step S221). Then, “1” is set in the inserter operation request flag, and is output to the inserter 104 together with the variable i (step S222).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an inserter operation request flag of “0” indicating the completion of the sheet feeding process for the insert sheet I has been returned from the inserter 104 (step S211). As a result, if it has not been returned yet, the process returns to step S211 to wait for the insert paper I feeding process to be completed.

  When the inserter operation request flag of “0” is returned from the inserter 104, it is determined whether or not the inserter operation request in step S222 is an insertion request for the last insert sheet I (step S224), and the last insert If it is a paper I insertion request, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not the insertion request for the last insert sheet I, it is determined whether or not there is still an insert sheet I in the inserter tray 20 currently designated by the variable i (step S225). As a result, if there is still insert paper I, the process returns to step S217 to continue feeding the insert paper I from the currently designated inserter tray 20.

  On the other hand, if there is no insert paper I in the currently designated inserter tray 20, the variable i is incremented by “1” to feed from the next inserter tray 20 (step S226). Then, it is determined whether or not the variable i is equal to or less than the constant K, that is, whether or not all of the insert sheets I of the inserter tray 20 with the last tray number have been fed (step S227). If not, the process returns to step S217. On the other hand, when all of the insert sheets I in the inserter tray 20 with the last tray number have been fed, the process returns to step S216 to feed the insert sheets I from the inserter tray 20 with the tray number “1” again.

  Therefore, when the F placement mode is set, the continuous run can be performed without stopping the job by catching the insert paper I with respect to the inserter tray 20 that has run out of paper.

[Inserter feed timing signal generation processing]
Next, the insertion paper feed timing signal generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Insert paper I to be inserted is stacked on the inserter tray 104, and a plurality of original documents in which all the documents including the image data of the insert sheets are mixed are stacked on the document stacking tray 50.

  First, the CPU 2002 determines whether or not the inserter document reading mode is selected by operating the inserter document reading mode key 630, and waits for the page number to be inserted to be input (step S301). For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the number of document pages is 8 and the pages to be inserted are 3 pages of 4 pages, 6 pages, and 8 pages, the page number “4” is input from the operation unit 40. , “6”, “8” may be input.

  When the page number of the insert page is input, it waits for an instruction to start copying by operating the start key 614 (step S302). Next, at the start of copying, an original reading completion flag, which is a flag for determining whether all originals have been read, is cleared to zero (step S303).

  Subsequently, if the document reading completion flag is set to 1, it is determined that reading of all the documents has been completed, and the process proceeds to step 306. If the document reading completion flag is not set to 1, It is determined that reading of all the originals has not been completed, and the process proceeds to step 305 (step S304).

  If it is determined in step 304 that all the originals have not been read, one original is fed and the original is read (step S305), and then the page counter is incremented by "1" (step S305). S306). Then, it is determined whether or not the document page indicated by the page counter is an insert page (step S307). As a result, if it is not an insert page, a series of copy processing such as image formation processing is performed (step S308), and the process proceeds to step S311.

  On the other hand, if it is an insert page, it will progress to step S309. In step S309, an inserter paper feed timing signal is generated.

  As can be inferred from the above description, only the document feed process is performed at the insert page timing, and the subsequent copy process is not executed. This is because the document related to the insert page is set on the inserter tray 20 as the insert sheet I, and if the copy process is performed for the insert page, the copy sheet copied on the same page will be duplicated. This is to avoid it.

  Next, it is confirmed that the insert sheet presence flag is “1” (step S310), and it is determined whether the fed document or the insert page (insert sheet) is the last of the bundle of documents (step S311). ). As a result, if it is not the last page of the original bundle, the process returns to step S304. If it is the last page of the original bundle, it is assumed that all originals have been read, the original reading completion flag is set to 1 (step S312), and the paper feeding operation for the original bundle is completed. The counter is cleared to zero (step S313).

  Further, it is determined whether or not it is the last job, that is, whether or not it is the last page of the document bundle corresponding to the last number of copies set (step S314). As a result, if it is the last job, the process ends. If it is not the last job, the process returns to step S306.

[Insert paper feed processing]
Next, the paper feed process for the insert paper I using the inserter 104 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The sheet feeding process of the insert sheet I is performed by the sheet processing control unit 205 under the control of the CPU 2002.

  When the sheet processing control unit 205 receives the “1” inserter operation request flag from the CPU 2002 (step S401), the sheet processing control unit 205 turns on the sheet feeding solenoid 43 (not shown) of the inserter tray 20 indicated by the received variable i. Then, the paper feed roller 21 of the tray is landed on the insert paper I (step S402). Then, in order to transport the insert paper I on the tray 20, the inserter transport motor is turned on to rotate the inserter rollers such as the paper feed roller 21 (step S403).

  Next, it is confirmed that the inserter path sensor 41 provided on the transport path of the insert paper I is once turned on (step S404), and it is confirmed that it is turned off later, that is, the rear end of the insert paper I is the inserter path. After confirming that the position of the sensor 41 has been passed (step S405), the inserter transport motor is turned off (step S406). After the inserter transport motor is turned off, the insert I is transported to the sort path 36 by the transport motor (not shown) for the transport roller common to the recording paper S and transported from the image forming unit 102. The recording sheet S has been inserted (hereinafter the same).

  Next, the pickup solenoid 43 of the inserter tray 20 indicated by the variable i is turned off to retract the paper feed roller 21 of the tray 20 to a position away from the insert paper I. Then, the inserter operation request flag is cleared to “0” and returned to the CPU 2002 (step S408).

  Next, the image data of the insert paper I is read by the CCD 90 (step S409). Then, the read image data is compared with the image data of the inserter page read by the reading unit 101 in step S305 in the previous [Inserter paper feed timing signal generation processing] (step S410). If the compared image data are the same, it is determined that the insert processing has been performed correctly, the insert paper feed process is terminated, and the next insert paper feed request is prepared. On the other hand, if the image data of the insert sheet I is different from the image data of the inserter page read by the reading unit 101 in advance, the insert sheet I is not properly set in the inserter tray 20. Judgment is made and the copy process is interrupted (step S412), and the user is notified of the mismatch of the image data of the insert sheet I and a warning to confirm the set state of the insert sheet I (step S413). finish. The warning method will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state where an inserter warning message is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit of the copying apparatus of FIG.

  The warning message unit 639 is an information display field for displaying a warning message for image forming processing below the display panel 620 in the operation unit 40. For example, as shown in step S413 in FIG. Used when displaying. By displaying the warning message, it becomes possible to notify the user of an appropriate failure state and an appropriate return work instruction, and usability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, an example is described in which a plurality of original documents in which all the documents including the image data of the insert sheet are mixed are loaded and read by the document reading process. However, only the image data of the insert sheet I is read in advance. Alternatively, it may be read by the original reading process, the insert page is held in the memory 2001, only the original on which an image is formed is read again, and the copy process for specifying the insert page and inserting the previous insert page may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the original P loaded on the document stacking tray 50 is fed and conveyed by the automatic document feeder 51 and read by the CCD 76 in order to acquire original image data. May be acquired from an external device via a communication line.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image signal control unit of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the copying apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a copy operation mode setting screen is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state where a paper discharge process setting screen is displayed on a display panel of an operation unit of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where an inserter warning message is displayed on the display panel of the operation unit of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating S placement mode and F placement mode. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of S placement mode and F placement mode. It is a flowchart which shows an inserter operation | movement control process. 10 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 9. It is a flowchart which shows inserter paper feed timing generation processing. 10 is a flowchart illustrating insert sheet feeding processing.

Explanation of symbols

20a, 20b, 20c Inserter trays 21a, 21b, 21c Paper feed rollers 22a, 22b, 22c Separating rollers 23a, 23b, 23c Transport rollers 40 Operation unit 41 Inserter path sensors 43a, 43b, 43c Paper feed solenoids (not shown)
44 Buffer path 50 Document stacking tray 76 CCD (in 102 image forming section)
90 CCD (103 sheet processing unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Reading part 102 Image forming part 103 Sheet processing part 104 Inserter 205 Sheet processing control part 639 Warning message part 1000 Copy apparatus 2001 Memory 2002 CPU
I Insert paper

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus having a function of carrying and inserting insert sheets stacked on a tray without passing through an image forming unit with respect to recording paper subjected to image forming processing by an image forming unit,
Image data acquisition means for acquiring all output image data including image data of the insert paper;
First storage means for storing image data acquired by the image data acquisition means;
Insert page designating means for designating a page to insert the insert paper;
Inserter control means for inserting the insert paper into the recording paper based on the page set by the insert page designating means;
First reading means for reading image data of the insert sheet in the middle of conveying the insert sheet;
Second storage means for storing image data read by the first reading means;
Comparing means for comparing the image data stored in the first storage means and the image data stored in the second storage means;
For the image not corresponding to the insert page, the image forming unit performs image forming processing, and for the image corresponding to the insert page, the image forming unit does not perform image forming processing, and the inserter control is performed. The insert page is inserted by the means, and the image data stored in the first storage means and the image data stored in the second storage means by the comparison means do not match with the insert paper. In the case, the image forming apparatus suspends the image forming process.   If the comparison means does not match the image data stored in the first storage means with the image data stored in the second storage means, it indicates that the stacking state of the insert sheets is abnormal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning is given.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data acquisition unit is a second reading unit that reads an original, and the second reading unit acquires image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data acquisition unit receives image data from an external device via a communication unit and acquires the image data.

Images