JP4198633B2 - Image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and recording medium therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of an indexed document having a protrusion at an end, an image forming apparatus that forms a read image on a sheet, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a recording medium thereof.

  Conventionally, a bundle of documents stored in a file can be classified by inserting a sheet with an index (tab) between the bundles so that the target document can be easily found in the bundle. Many. Here, the sheet with an index (tab) is a sheet in which a protruding portion (index portion, tab portion) is formed at one end portion of the sheet.

  By the way, when a necessary bundle of documents is taken out from such a file and processing such as copying is performed, the user usually performs processing by extracting an indexed sheet from the bundle of documents. This is because the indexed sheet is difficult to be transported by the document transport device for processing such as copying.

  However, when copying a plurality of document bundles, if the indexed sheet is removed, the position where the plurality of document bundles are classified after copying may be unknown. For this reason, the user often responds by repeatedly performing the operation of returning the copied document bundle to the original position of the file for each document bundle. Alternatively, a plurality of document bundles are taken out from the file, processed separately for each document bundle and classified, and then the extracted document bundles are collectively returned to the original position of the file. For this reason, the user needs to concentrate on the work so that the position where the indexed sheet should be reinserted is not lost.

  On the other hand, when copying a sheet with an index from a plurality of document bundles and performing a copy process, the image forming apparatus is not provided with means for sorting the copied sheets for each job. There is a problem that the bundle of output sheets is continuously stacked, and the positions to be classified cannot be distinguished. In such a case, the user takes a copy from the output tray for each job, for example, changes the direction of the sheet for each bundle to be classified, and performs processing while shifting the placement position.

  For this reason, the process of copying a bundle of documents including an indexed sheet is a burdensome operation for the user.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that has a function of performing a copying process while an indexed document is inserted into a document bundle and printing an image of the indexed sheet on the indexed sheet.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus having a function of adding an image indicating an index to an image of a document without an index and forming it on a sheet.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-258615 (released on October 3, 1997) JP 2000-22935 A (released on January 21, 2000)

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, an image of an indexed document is copied on an indexed sheet. For this reason, many types of sheets are required, the size of the apparatus is increased by increasing the number of trays for storing sheets, the cost for preparing various types of sheets is increased, or multiple types of sheets are arranged in order. This necessitates complicated work.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, it is the same as before that the user needs to perform an operation of extracting an indexed document from a bundle of documents at the time of image formation and returning it to the original position after the image formation. Also, the user must perform an operation for adding an index for each document bundle, and the burden on the user increases with the complexity of the operation, and the operation time increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to easily read an image-formed sheet when an image of a document bundle including an indexed sheet is read and the read image is formed on the sheet. And an image reading apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a recording medium thereof provided in the image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention forms an original on a sheet by an original conveying means for conveying an original, an image reading means for reading an image of the conveyed original, and a read image. In an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, when the image reading unit reads an image of an indexed document, the image forming unit controls the image forming unit to form an image read from a document other than the indexed document. A control unit for forming an index image is provided at an end of a sheet having the same shape.

  Here, the indexed document is a document having an index part (protrusion part, tab part). Further, the index image is an image corresponding to the index portion in the indexed document, and may be an image in the index portion, may be obtained by processing image data read from the index portion, or Regardless of the read image, an image set as an index image in advance may be used. That is, any image that can be recognized as an index by the user may be used.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the image forming unit when the image reading unit reads an image of an indexed document, and is the same as a sheet that forms an image read from a document other than the indexed document. An index image is formed at the end of the shaped sheet.

  Thus, when an image of an indexed document is formed, the index image can be formed on a non-indexed sheet. For this reason, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus due to an increase in the number of trays for storing sheets without requiring many types of sheets.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the image of the index portion is formed on the end portion of the sheet. For this reason, the user can easily identify the insertion position of the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed. For this reason, the user can easily classify a plurality of sheets on which images are formed on the basis of the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed.

  Further, the image forming unit can form an image on both sides of the sheet, and the control unit sends the index image to the image forming unit from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface on both sides of the sheet. You may make it have the function made to form in the position which overlaps seeing.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit forms the index image on the image forming unit at a position where the index image is superimposed on both surfaces of the sheet when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface. As a result, index images are formed on both sides of the sheet. For this reason, the user can more easily classify a document composed of a sheet on which an image is formed.

  The control unit may be configured to cause the image forming unit to form the index image on the edge of the sheet. Here, the edge of the sheet is a portion viewed from a direction parallel to the sheet conveying direction, that is, a portion having a minute width orthogonal to a surface on which an image on the sheet is formed.

  Thus, the user can see the insertion position of the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed by viewing the document bundle from the direction perpendicular to the edge of the sheet, that is, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the document bundle. It can be identified more easily. Therefore, the user can easily classify a plurality of sheets on which images are formed on the basis of the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed.

  In addition, the control unit may be configured such that the position in the direction orthogonal to the document conveyance direction in which the index image is formed corresponds to the position of the index unit in the indexed document in the direction orthogonal to the document conveyance direction. You may make it form.

  As a result, the index image is always formed at the sheet position corresponding to the position of the index portion of the indexed document in the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction. For this reason, the user can easily classify the copied sheets in the same manner as the document bundle of documents.

  Further, the control unit may form an image read from the index part of the indexed document as the index image.

  In this case, the index image is obtained by forming an image read from the index portion of the indexed document on a sheet. Therefore, it is possible to create a duplicate document that more faithfully reproduces the document bundle including the indexed document.

  In addition, the control unit processes the image data read from the index part of the indexed document with a degree of color different from that of the area other than the area where the index image is formed on the sheet where the index image is formed. The control unit may form the processed image data as the index image.

  Thereby, the user can easily identify the index image formed on the sheet. For this reason, the user can easily classify a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed on the basis of the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed.

  Further, the control unit may cause the image processing unit to process characters read from the index unit with a degree of color different from that of other regions in the index image.

  In this case, the user can read the information described in the index portion of the indexed document from the index image on the copied sheet. For this reason, the user can easily classify the copied sheet in the same way as an indexed document.

  Further, the image reading means is capable of reading both front and back images in the index unit, and the control unit reads images read from the front and back surfaces of the index unit, or processed images. The index image may be formed on both sides of the sheet so as to overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface.

  In this case, images read from the front and back surfaces of the index portion or images obtained by processing the images are formed as index images on both sides of the sheet. For this reason, the user can classify the document made up of the image-formed sheet more easily.

  The control unit may form a preset image as the index image.

  In this case, when an indexed document is read, it is formed on a preset sheet. For this reason, the user can easily classify documents based on the index image formed on the sheet.

  Further, the document conveying means has a document discharge section that is disposed at a position where the downstream side in the document conveyance direction is higher than the upstream side and has a document placement surface substantially perpendicular to the document conveyance direction, and the control section In this case, the conveyed document may be discharged to the document discharge unit.

  According to the above configuration, when the read originals are placed, the upstream sides in the transport direction can be aligned with the original placement surface. As a result, when forming an image of an indexed document, the indexed document before reading is placed so that the index part is on the downstream side in the transport direction, so that the originals after reading are placed on the upstream side in the transport direction. They can be placed so that they are aligned. That is, the indexed document is automatically placed in the same orientation with the flat end opposite to the index portion as a reference after the image is read. Therefore, the user does not need to prepare the document after reading the image.

  Further, when reading a document including an indexed document, the control unit may set a wide reading area by the image reading unit on a side where the index part of the indexed document is formed.

  As a result, when reading an indexed document, it is possible to reliably read the image in the index portion.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus including a document conveying unit that conveys a document and an image reading unit that reads an image of the document. And a double-sided reading mode for reading both sides of a document, and a control unit for selecting a duplexed reading mode when reading a document including an indexed document. .

  According to the above configuration, the control unit selects the double-sided reading mode when performing reading processing of a document including an indexed document. As a result, when reading an indexed document, it is possible to reliably read the image in the index portion. Also, for example, by outputting image data read by the image reading apparatus of the present invention to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to form images on both sides of the indexed document. In this case, the user can more easily classify the document formed of the image-formed sheet.

  In addition, when reading a document including an indexed document, the control unit may set a wide reading area by the image reading device on a side of the indexed document where the index part is formed.

  According to the above configuration, when reading an indexed document, the image of the index portion can be reliably read.

  Further, the document conveying means has a document discharge section that is disposed at a position where the downstream side in the document conveyance direction is higher than the upstream side and has a document placement surface substantially perpendicular to the document conveyance direction, and the control section In this case, the conveyed document may be discharged to the document discharge unit.

  According to the above configuration, by placing the indexed document before reading so that the index portion is on the downstream side in the transport direction, the documents after reading can be placed so that the upstream side in the transport direction is aligned. it can. Therefore, the user does not need to prepare the document after reading the image.

  The image forming method of the present invention is an image forming method including an original conveying step for conveying an original, an image reading step for reading an image of the original, and an image forming step for forming an image on a sheet. When an image of an indexed document is read in the reading process, the image forming process includes forming an index image on an edge of a sheet having the same shape as a sheet that forms an image read from a document other than the indexed document. It is a feature.

  According to the above method, when an image of an indexed document is formed, the index image can be formed on a non-indexed sheet. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus for storing various types of sheets without requiring various types of sheets.

  Further, according to the above method, the image of the index portion is formed on the end portion of the sheet. For this reason, the user can easily identify the insertion position of the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed, and can easily classify it based on the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed. .

  An image forming program of the present invention is for causing a computer provided in an image forming apparatus to function as a control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses.

  By causing the computer as described above to read the image forming program, the processing of the control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses can be realized by the computer.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium on which the image forming program is recorded. By recording these image forming programs on a computer-readable recording medium, the image forming programs can be easily stored and distributed. Further, by reading this recording medium, the processing of the control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses can be performed by a computer.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the image reading unit reads an image of an indexed document, the image forming unit controls the image forming unit to form an image read from a document other than the indexed document. Is provided with a control unit that forms an index image at the end of the sheet having the same shape.

  Therefore, when an image of an indexed document is formed, the index image can be formed on a non-indexed sheet. Therefore, many kinds of sheets are not required, and an increase in size of the apparatus due to an increase in trays for storing sheets can be avoided.

  In addition, an image of the index portion is formed on the edge of the sheet. For this reason, the user can easily identify the insertion position of the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed. Therefore, the user can easily classify a plurality of sheets on which images are formed on the basis of the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed.

  The image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a single-sided reading mode for reading an image on one side of an original and a double-sided reading mode for reading both sides of an original. It is characterized by comprising a control unit to select.

  Therefore, when reading an indexed document, it is possible to reliably read an image in the index portion. Further, for example, when the image reading apparatus is used connected to the image forming apparatus, images on both sides of the indexed document can be formed. Accordingly, the user can more easily classify the document formed of the image-formed sheet. Also, for example, by outputting image data read by the image reading apparatus of the present invention to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to form images on both sides of the indexed document. In this case, the user can more easily classify the document formed of the image-formed sheet.

  In the image forming method of the present invention, when an image of an indexed document is read in the image reading process, the edge of a sheet having the same shape as the sheet on which an image read from a document other than the indexed document is formed in the image forming process. An index image is formed in the part.

  Therefore, when an image of an indexed document is formed, the index image can be formed on a non-indexed sheet. Therefore, many kinds of sheets are not required, and an increase in size of the apparatus due to an increase in trays for storing sheets can be avoided.

  In addition, an image of the index portion is formed on the end portion of the sheet. For this reason, the user can easily identify the insertion position of the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed, and easily classify the sheet based on the sheet on which the image of the index portion is formed.

  An image forming program of the present invention is for causing a computer provided in an image forming apparatus to function as a control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses.

  By causing the computer as described above to read the image forming program, the processing of the control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses can be realized by the computer.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium on which the image forming program is recorded. By recording these image forming programs on a computer-readable recording medium, the image forming programs can be easily stored and distributed. Further, by reading this recording medium, the processing of the control unit in any of the above-described image forming apparatuses can be performed by a computer.

(Overall configuration of copier)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a copying machine (image forming apparatus) 1 according to the present embodiment. The copying machine 1 has a single-sided reading mode for reading one side of a document and a double-sided reading mode for reading both sides of a document. In addition, the copying machine 1 can perform a transport process, a read process, and an image forming process of a read image of an indexed document or a document in which an indexed document and a normal document (rectangular document not including an index) are mixed. it can.

  As shown in this figure, the copying machine 1 includes a document conveying section 2, an image reading section 3, an image forming section 4, a control section 100, and an operation section (not shown). The document conveying unit 2, the image reading unit 3, the operation unit, and the control unit 100 form an image reading apparatus.

  As will be described in detail later, the document transport unit 2 transports the documents placed on the document supply tray one by one to a predetermined document reading position, and discharges them to the discharge tray after the document reading is completed. It is. Further, it has a function of reading the image while conveying the document.

  The operation unit has a function of inputting various types of information by a user operation and transmitting the input information to the control unit 100.

  The image reading unit 3 is used as a scanner device, and reads an image of a document to be read. The image reading unit 3 includes a document table (platen glass) 31, a light source unit 32, a mirror unit 33, a CCD unit 34, and a light source unit detector 35.

  The document table 31 is a transparent member provided so that the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 2 can be read by the CCD unit 34 or the like.

  The light source unit 32 includes a light source 32a, a mirror 32b, a slit 32c, and a mirror 32d. The mirror 32 b condenses the irradiation light from the light source 32 a at a predetermined position on the document table 31. In addition, the slit 32c allows only reflected light reflected by the document to pass through. Further, the mirror 32d changes the optical path of the reflected light that has passed through the slit by 90 degrees.

  The mirror unit 33 includes a pair of mirrors (33a and 33b). The optical path of the light emitted from the mirror 32d of the light source unit is changed by 180 degrees by the pair of mirrors (33a and 33b).

  The CCD unit 34 includes an imaging lens 34a and an image sensor 34b. Then, the light emitted from the mirror unit 33 enters the imaging lens 34a, thereby recognizing the image read by the image sensor 34b.

  The light source unit detector 35 detects the position of the light source unit 32.

  In the image reading unit 3, the light source unit 32 is configured to move in the sheet conveyance direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1) (sub-scanning direction). In the case of this configuration, the mirror unit 33 also moves in the same direction as the light source unit 32 as the light source unit 32 moves. The mirror unit 33 moves at half the speed of the light source unit 32.

  The image reading unit 3 can read an image of a document. Further, instead of the optical system including the light source unit 32, the mirror unit 33, and the CCD unit 34, the optical system may be configured by using the imaging lens 34a, the image sensor 34b, and the light source 32a described above. .

  The image forming unit 4 forms an image based on the read data acquired by the CCD unit 34 of the image reading unit 3. The image forming unit 4 includes a photosensitive drum 43, a charger 42, a laser unit 41, a developing unit 44, a transfer unit 45, a static eliminator 46, a cleaning unit 47, a fixing unit 48, a paper feeding unit 49, and a registration roller 40. , A control unit 100, a discharge tray 53, a switchback path 52, a duplex unit 50, a sheet conveyance path 51a, a sheet conveyance path 51b, and a storage device (not shown).

  In the image forming unit 4, a charger 42, a laser unit 41, a developing unit 44, a transfer unit 45, a static eliminator 46, and a cleaning unit 47 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 43 in this order. ing.

  The storage device is configured by a memory, for example. In this storage device, read data acquired by the CCD unit 34 is stored. The charger 42 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 to a predetermined potential.

  The laser unit 41 includes a semiconductor laser light source, a polygon mirror, an f-θ lens, and the like (not shown). The semiconductor laser light source emits laser light in accordance with data read from the storage device or data transferred from an external device. The polygon mirror polarizes the emitted laser light at an equal angular velocity. Further, the f-θ lens corrects the laser light so that the polarized laser light is polarized on the photosensitive drum 43 at a constant speed. Note that laser irradiation of the photosensitive drum 43 by the laser unit 41 is performed after the photosensitive drum 43 is charged by the charger 42.

  Then, the laser unit 41 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the read data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 by such laser irradiation.

  Instead of the laser unit 41, an optical writing head unit including a light emitting element array such as an LED or an EL may be used.

  The developing device 44 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 43, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image. Further, the transfer unit 45 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 by the developing unit 44 to the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 49. Further, the static eliminator 46 eliminates charging of the surface of the photosensitive drum 43. The cleaning device 47 collects excess toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43. The fixing unit 48 fixes the toner image on the sheet transferred by the transfer unit 45.

The sheet conveyance path 51a is for conveying a sheet from the paper feed tray 49 to the photoreceptor 43, and the sheet conveyance path 51b is for conveying the sheet from the photoreceptor 43 to the discharge tray 53 or the switchback path 52. The switchback path 52 is a sheet In order to form images on both sides of the sheet, the sheet has a function of inverting the front and back surfaces of the sheet. The duplex unit 50 aligns the reversed sheet by the switchback path 52 and conveys it again.

  In response to an instruction from the control unit 100, the registration roller 40 temporarily stops the conveyance of the sheet, and timings the image formation. As a result, the sheet is conveyed so as to come into contact with a predetermined position on the photosensitive member 43 on which the toner image is formed, so that an image is correctly formed at the predetermined position.

  The sheet feeding unit 49 stores the sheet and conveys the sheet to transfer the toner image. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is discharged to a discharge tray for the image forming unit.

  The control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the copying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 100 is a central part of the copying machine 1 that controls all operations in the copying machine 1. That is, the control unit 100 controls the operations of the document conveying unit 2, the image reading unit 3, and the image forming unit 4 in accordance with an input signal from the operation unit or detection results by each detector.

(Configuration of the document feeder)
Next, details of the document conveying unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the document transport unit 2 includes a document supply tray 61, a document detector 62, a pickup roller 63, a paper feed roller 64, a separation roller 65, a curved transport path 66, a document transport timing detector 67, and a registration roller 68. , Conveyor belt 69, reverse switching flapper 70, reverse roller 71, first discharge tray 72, second discharge tray 73, first discharge tray operation unit 74, first discharge tray position detector 75, and second reading unit 76. (Second reading means).

  The second reading unit 76 includes a CIS (contact image sensor) that reads the back side of the document being conveyed. Here, the back surface of the document is a surface that is the lower surface when the document is placed on the document supply tray 61.

  The document supply tray 61 is a tray on which a plurality of documents to be read can be placed. The document detector 62 detects whether or not a document is placed on the document supply tray 61, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 100.

  The pickup roller 63 basically acquires the documents placed on the document supply tray 61 one by one. The pickup roller 63 sequentially obtains the documents placed on the upper surface among the documents placed on the document supply tray 61.

  However, the pickup roller 63 may acquire a plurality of documents at the same time due to its mechanism. Therefore, the separation roller 65 disposed opposite to the sheet feed roller 64 is conveyed while the document is conveyed by the sheet feed roller 64 to the curved conveyance path 66 on the downstream side of these rollers (64 and 65). In use, only one document is conveyed at a time.

  The registration roller 68 adjusts the document supply timing to the conveyance belt 69 on the downstream side of the registration roller 68 based on the result detected by the document conveyance timing detector 67. That is, the registration roller 68 is a roller that adjusts the timing of sending the document to the document table 31 of the image reading unit 3 described above.

  The conveyance belt 69 conveys the document supplied from the registration roller 68 along the document table 31.

  The reverse switching flapper 70 is a device that switches whether the document transported by the transport belt 69 is discharged to the first discharge tray 72 or the second discharge tray 73.

  Here, when the document is discharged to the second discharge tray 73, the document is conveyed using the reverse roller 71. Here, when the document is discharged to the second discharge tray 73, the document is discharged in a document state different from the document state when the document is being transported by the transport belt 69, that is, in a state where the front and back of the document are reversed. Will be. That is, the document is discharged with the front side facing up.

  On the other hand, when the document is discharged to the first discharge tray 72, the document is discharged in the same document state as when the document is being transported by the transport belt 69, that is, in a state where the front and back of the document are not reversed. Is done. That is, the document is discharged with the back side up.

  The first discharge tray operation unit 74 includes a drive motor 74a and a driven unit 74b that is rotationally driven in accordance with the operation of the drive motor 74a. Here, the driven part 74b is installed in the state fixed to the side.

  In addition, the first discharge tray operation unit 74 is attached to the first discharge tray 72 with respect to the original surface of the document discharged to the first discharge tray 72 via the driven unit 74b when the drive motor 74a rotates. To change. That is, the mounting angle can be changed by rotating the first discharge tray 72. Note that the change in the mounting angle is performed within a predetermined range.

  More specifically, the first discharge tray operation unit 74 moves the first discharge tray 72 to a second set position (a broken line position in FIG. 1) where the downstream side in the document transport direction is higher than the upstream side, and the document transport. It moves between the first setting position (solid line position in FIG. 1) where the downstream side in the direction is lower than the upstream side.

  The first discharge tray position detector 75 is a device that detects the set position of the first discharge tray 72.

(Original reading operation)
Next, a procedure for reading an image of a document in the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a copying procedure in the copying machine 1 of FIG. In the following description, the normal sheet is a sheet such as a rectangle that does not have a convex shape and has the same shape as a sheet that forms an image read from a document other than an indexed document.

  First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not index processing is set (S1). Here, the index process is a process of reading a document bundle including an indexed document and forming an image. When this process is selected, the control unit 100 reads an image output destination and an image after reading. A process suitable for the indexed document is performed on the area and the area where an image is formed on the sheet. Note that the user can set whether or not to perform index processing via the operation unit.

  When the control unit 100 determines that the index processing is set (S1, Yes), the control unit 100 sets the first discharge tray 72 to the second setting position. That is, the control unit 100 operates the first discharge tray operation unit 74 to place the first discharge tray 72 at the second set position (S2). In addition, the control unit 100 switches the position of the reverse switching flapper 70 so that the document conveyed to the reverse switching flapper 70 is discharged to the first discharge tray 72.

  Further, the control unit 100 waits for a copy start instruction from the user (S3). The user can issue a copy start instruction via the operation unit, and the input content is transmitted from the operation unit to the control unit 100.

  When there is a copy start instruction (S3, Yes), the control unit 100 causes the document conveying unit 2 to convey the document, causes the second reading unit 76 to read the image on the back side of the document, and stores the read image in the storage device. (S4).

  More specifically, the control unit 100 includes a pickup roller 63, a paper feed roller 64, a separation roller 65, and a registration roller 68. The document transport unit is configured to scan a document placed on the document supply tray 61 one by one. 2 is conveyed. Then, the second reading unit 76 is caused to read the image of the back side of the document that has been conveyed to the reading position of the second reading unit 76 via the curved conveyance path 66. At this time, while the document is being conveyed, the image is read by simultaneously contacting the second reading means 76. Further, the control unit 100 causes the second reading unit 76 to transmit the read image data to the storage device and store it in the storage device.

  Further, the control unit 100 causes the document whose rear side image has been read by the second reading unit 76 to be conveyed onto the document table 31 by the conveyance belt 69. Then, the light source unit 32 (image reading unit 3) is controlled to read the image reading area on the surface of the document, and the read image data is transmitted to the storage device and stored (S5). Here, the document is arranged on the document table 31 with the surface facing down, and the image on the surface is read. The image reading area is an area on the original that is scanned by the light source unit 32 and an image is read. In addition, the image reading area is wider than that in the case where index processing is not set as described later.

In the copying machine 1, the surface of the original is read by moving the light source unit 32 and scanning the original. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light source unit 32 stopped at a predetermined position is conveyed. The surface of the document may be read by scanning the surface of the document.
The document whose surface image has been read by the image reading unit 3 is conveyed by the conveyance belt 69 and discharged to the first discharge tray 72 (S6).

  Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a document remains on the document supply tray 61 based on the detection result of the document detector 62 (S7). If it is determined that no document remains (S7, Yes), the control unit 100 ends the copying process (end).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the document remains (S7, No), the control unit 100 controls the operation of each unit and causes the next document to be processed from S4.

  If the control unit 100 determines that the index processing is not set (S1, No), it waits for a copy start instruction from the user (S8).

  If the control unit 100 determines that there has been a copy start instruction (S8, Yes), it controls the document conveying unit 2 to convey the document onto the document table 31. Then, the image reading unit 3 is caused to read the image on the surface of the document, and the read image data is stored in the storage device (S9).

  Next, the control unit 100 discharges the document to the first discharge tray 72 or the second discharge tray 73 (S10).

  Then, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a document remains on the document supply tray 61 based on the detection result of the document detector 62 (S11). Here, if it is determined that the document remains (S14, No), the control unit 100 controls each unit and causes the next document to be processed from S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that no document remains (S14, Yes), the control unit 100 ends the copying process (end).

(Image reading area)
Here, the image reading area in the image reading operations of S4 and S5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a document read by the copying machine 1 and its reading area. An image reading area 84 (rectangular portion indicated by a solid line) is an image reading area when index processing is not set, and an image reading region 83 (rectangular portion indicated by a two-dot chain line) is set for index processing. The image reading area in this case is shown.

  When the index process is set, the image reading area becomes wider than when the index process is not set. That is, when the index processing is set, as shown in the figure, the image reading area 83 is selected in which the image reading area 84 is enlarged to the downstream side in the document transport direction. As a result, the image reading unit 3 can read the image of the indexed document including the image of the index unit.

(Operation of the document feeder)
Next, the effect of setting the first discharge tray 72 to the second setting position in S2 and discharging the document to the first discharge tray 72 in S6 will be described.

  In the copying machine 1, when copying or reading a document bundle including an indexed document, the user places the index unit on the downstream side in the transport direction as shown in FIG. It has become. In FIGS. 7A to 7D, for the sake of convenience, a white triangle mark (Δ) is added to the surface of the first document (no index), and the second document (indexed document). ) Is marked with a black triangle (▲).

  When the document including the indexed document placed in this manner is discharged to the second discharge tray 73 after the reading process, the state shown in FIGS. 7C and 5A is obtained. That is, the indexed document is discharged so that the index portion is on the side of the placement reference 92, and the document bundle is not aligned. That is, the discharged document is aligned with the placement reference 92 at the end on the downstream side (the downstream side in the transport direction) on the index part side forming the protrusion (convex shape). For this reason, the directions of the originals are not uniform, and when storing them on a shelf or the like, it is necessary for the user to rearrange the bundle of originals, which is very troublesome.

  Further, when a document including an indexed document placed as shown in FIG. 7A is discharged to the first discharge tray 72 set at the second setting position after the reading process, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the index portion is also on the placement reference 91 side, and the document bundle is not aligned.

  On the other hand, in the copying machine 1, when the index process is set, the document after the reading process is discharged to the first discharge tray 72 set at the second setting position. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 7 (b) and 5 (b), the document after being discharged is placed on the upstream side (the upstream side in the transport direction) of the paper, that is, on the side where the index portion is not formed, as the placement reference 90. It is aligned with. For this reason, it is not necessary for the user to rearrange the originals after being discharged, and the user's trouble can be reduced.

(Image formation procedure)
Next, the procedure of image formation processing when setting index processing will be described. That is, a process procedure for forming image data read from a document bundle including an indexed document on a sheet will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the image of the original is read by the image reading unit 3 and / or the second reading means 76, and the read image data is stored in the storage device (FIG. 9). S5, S9, or S12). In the copying machine 1, all images read from the document are formed on a normal sheet (a rectangular sheet having no index portion). In other words, the image corresponding to the indexed document is also formed on a sheet having the same shape as the sheet on which the image corresponding to the document having no index portion is formed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a copy (image formation) procedure in the copying machine 1 of FIG. First, the control unit 100 reads an image of the surface of the document stored in the storage device (S21).

  Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the image data to be formed is an indexed document image (S22). If the image data of the indexed document (S22, Yes), the control unit 100 forms an image (index image) corresponding to the image data of the index portion at the end of the sheet (S23).

  Note that the image corresponding to the image data in the index portion is formed with a degree of color different from the area on the sheet other than the index portion. That is, the copying machine 1 includes image processing means (not shown) for processing the image data, and the control unit 100 provides the image processing means with the density (image data density of the index portion read from the indexed document). The marking pattern is processed so as to be different from the area other than the index area on the sheet, and then an image is formed in the index areas 82 and 87.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 displays a toner image corresponding to the image data of the index portion read from the storage device so as to protrude from the area transferred to the sheet on the photosensitive member 43. Let it form. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 43 includes a transfer area 81 and an excess area 80. The transfer area 81 is a toner image area transferred to a normal sheet. The surplus area 80 is an area of a toner image that is not transferred to a normal sheet. The toner image formed in the transfer area 81 is transferred to a normal sheet, and becomes an index area 82 that serves as an index in the normal sheet. Further, the toner image formed in the surplus area 80 is thereafter removed by the cleaning device 47.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 100 performs photosensitivity so that the transfer region 81 is transferred to the end on the downstream side in the normal sheet conveyance direction (arrow C in the figure). The rotation of the body 43 and the normal sheet conveyance timing are controlled. The position of the transfer region 81 in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction is a position corresponding to the position in the direction perpendicular to the document conveyance direction in the indexed document.

  In this case, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 49 to the position of the registration roller 40 and is temporarily stopped. When the photosensitive drum 43 rotates (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3), the registration roller 40 causes the sheet to flow downstream (the surplus portion 80) of the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 43 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 100. The sheet is conveyed at the same timing so that the position protrudes from the downstream in the sheet conveying direction. As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 comes into contact with the normal sheet so that the boundary line between the transfer area 81 and the surplus area 80 is aligned with the end of the normal sheet, and only the transfer area 81 becomes the normal sheet. The index area 82 is transferred. At this time, the image of the indexed document is formed so that a part thereof protrudes from the end of the sheet.

  As a result, the copying machine 1 can reliably transfer the image of the indexed sheet to the end on the surface of the normal sheet. Here, the surface of the sheet is a surface located below when the sheet is placed on the sheet feeding unit 49.

  Next, the control unit 100 causes the sheet on which the image is formed to be conveyed to the switchback path 52 via the sheet conveyance path 51b. Then, the seat is switched back in the switchback path 52 (S24). That is, the sheet is reversed upstream and downstream in the conveyance direction. Further, the control unit 100 conveys the inverted sheet again to the position of the photosensitive drum 43 through the duplex unit 50 and the sheet conveyance path 51a. At this time, the sheet is disposed so that the back surface is in contact with the photosensitive drum 43 due to inversion in the switchback path 52. That is, the front and back sides are opposite to those at the time of image formation on the surface.

  Next, the control unit 100 reads out the image data of the back side of the document from the storage device (S25). Then, a toner image corresponding to the read image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 43.

  At this time, the control unit 100 forms a toner image corresponding to the image data of the index portion read from the storage device on the photosensitive member 43 so as to protrude from the area transferred to the sheet. However, at this time, the control unit 100 forms an image on the back surface of the index portion at a position on the back side of the image (index region 82) corresponding to the index portion formed on the front surface. That is, the image of the index portion on the back surface of the indexed document is formed so that the images of the index portion formed on the front surface and the back surface are superimposed when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit 100 forms a toner image in the transfer area 86 transferred to the sheet on the photoreceptor 43 and the surplus area 85 not transferred to the sheet. Further, the control unit 100 rotates the photoconductor 43 and the normal time so that the toner image in the transfer area 86 is transferred to the end (index area 87) on the upstream side in the normal sheet conveyance direction (arrow C in the figure). The sheet conveyance timing is controlled. The index area 87 is a position that overlaps the index area 82 on the surface of the sheet as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface.

  As a result, the copying machine 1 can reliably transfer the image of the indexed sheet to the edges of the front and back surfaces of a normal sheet. Further, since the toner image is formed up to the surplus areas 80 and 85 of the photoconductor 43, the toner image can be transferred to the end surface of the sheet (the surface forming the thickness direction of the sheet). For this reason, the user views the document bundle including the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed from a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the document bundle, thereby forming an image corresponding to the indexed document. The insertion position of the formed sheet can be easily identified.

  Thereafter, the control unit 100 discharges the sheet on which the image corresponding to the index unit is formed on both the front and back surfaces to the discharge tray 53 through the sheet conveyance path 51b (S27).

  Here, the control unit 100 determines whether all the image data stored in the storage device has been formed on the sheet (S28). When it is determined that all the image data stored in the storage device has been formed on the sheet (S28, Yes), the image forming process is terminated (end). On the other hand, when it is determined that the image data stored in the storage device remains (S28, No), the processes after S1 are repeated.

  If the control unit 100 determines in S22 that the image data is not an indexed document image (S22, No), it reads the image from the document on a normal sheet, but forms image data (S29). Then, the sheet after image formation is discharged to the discharge tray 53 (S27). Thereafter, the control unit 100 determines whether all the image data stored in the storage device has been formed on the sheet (S28). If it is determined that the image data stored in the storage device remains (S28, No), the processes after S1 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the image data stored in the storage device has been formed on the sheet (S28, Yes), the image forming process is terminated (end).

  As described above, the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment conveys a document bundle including an indexed document without extracting the indexed document, and reads an image including an index unit. This eliminates the need for the user to extract the indexed document before the reading process and return it to the original position after the reading process.

  Further, an image corresponding to the image data read from the index portion is formed on the end portion of the normal sheet. This eliminates the need to prepare indexed sheets in addition to normal sheets, increases the size of the device by increasing the number of trays for storing various types of sheets, and increases the time required for preparing various types of sheets. Can be avoided.

  Further, the copying machine 1 can read images on both sides of an indexed document and can form images corresponding to the read image data on both ends and end surfaces of a normal sheet. Therefore, it is possible to faithfully reproduce the image of the indexed document. In addition, when the user views a document bundle including a sheet on which an image corresponding to the indexed document is formed from a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the document bundle, the sheet on which the image corresponding to the indexed document is formed Can be easily identified.

  Further, in the copying machine 1, when the index processing setting is selected, the image reading area is widened to the downstream side in the document conveying direction. For this reason, it is possible to reliably read the image in the index portion of the indexed document.

  Further, in the copying machine 1, when the index processing setting is selected, the document after the reading process is discharged to the first discharge tray 72 set at the second setting position. That is, the document is discharged to a discharge tray set at a position higher on the downstream side in the document discharge direction than on the upstream side. As a result, it is possible to align the document bundle including the indexed document on the upstream side (document transport direction side) that is the side where the index part is not formed. Therefore, since the originals after reading can be placed on the flat end opposite to the index portion, the user does not need to perform processing such as preparing the original after image reading.

  In the copying machine 1, the index processing setting is performed in response to an input to the operation unit by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying machine 1 further includes document length detection means for detecting the document length, and the control unit 100 determines the presence or absence of an index document based on the detection result of the document length detection means, and sets index processing according to the determination result. It may be determined whether or not. The document length is the length in the document transport direction. However, in this case, since the index portion is usually formed only in a part of the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, it is preferable that the document length detection means can detect the document length regardless of the position in the transport direction.

  Further, in the copying machine 1, only in the case of an indexed document, images on both sides are read and images corresponding to the read image data are formed on both sides of a normal sheet. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which images on both sides of all originals are read and corresponding images are formed on a sheet. Alternatively, when the user selects double-sided printing, images on both sides of a document other than an indexed sheet may be read and corresponding image formation may be performed.

  In the copying machine 1, the image on the back side of the document is read by the second reading means 76, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an original switchback unit that reverses the original after being read by the image reading unit 3 and returns the original to the image reading unit 3 again may be provided, and the image reading unit 3 may read the front and back images of the original.

  Further, in the copying machine 1, as shown in FIG. 6A, images corresponding to the image data read from the index portion of the indexed document are displayed on the end portions (index areas 82 and 87) on the front and back surfaces of a normal sheet. Further, it is formed with a degree of color different from the portion other than the index area on the sheet. However, the images formed in the index areas 82 and 87 are not limited to this.

  However, it is preferable that among the images to be formed in the index regions 82 and 87, at least the image at the edge of the sheet has a density different from that of the regions other than the index regions 82 and 87. This is because the sheet on which the index regions 82 and 87 are formed can be easily distinguished when viewed from the end of the sheet (the edge of the sheet) (or the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the document bundle including the sheet). .

  In addition, when characters are printed on the index portion of an indexed document, the background (marking pattern) of the image of the index portion formed on the sheet and the characters formed on the sheet are used so that the characters can be easily identified. It may be processed. That is, characters read from the index portion of the document may be processed with a degree of color different from other regions in the index image formed on the sheet.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the character A is printed in the index portion of the indexed document and the background of the index regions 82 and 87 is formed with a high density, the character is outlined. You may make it form in.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the background of the index regions 82 and 87 is formed with a low density, the characters may be formed with a high density.

  Alternatively, the copying machine 1 may be configured to be capable of forming images of a plurality of colors, and in this case, the image corresponding to the image data in the index portion is stored in the index areas 82 and 87 so that the index portion can be identified. The background color and the character color may be formed in different colors. In this case, it is preferable that the CCD unit 34 and the second reading unit 76 have a configuration capable of reading a color image.

  Further, for example, when an indexed document is read, printing indicating a preset index portion may be performed regardless of the shape, density, character, and the like of the index portion in the document. In this case, for example, it may be just a solid pattern in which no characters are formed.

  In the present embodiment, in the copying machine 1, the index processing setting is performed by the user operating the operation unit. However, the operation by the user may be eliminated, and the copying machine 1 may be used in a state where index processing is always set.

  Further, in the copying machine 1, when the index processing is set, the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 2 is discharged to the first discharge tray 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, switchback means for switching back the sheet transported by the transport belt 69 toward the transport belt 69 may be provided, and the switched back sheet may be discharged to the second discharge tray 73. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 5C, the upstream portion of the indexed (tab) -attached sheet after discharging and the upstream portion of the normal sheet can be placed side by side.

  In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is the copying machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a device such as a printer.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a mode using an index (tab) sheet is set, it is possible to read without removing an index (tab) sheet bundle from a document bundle, and to a created duplicate. It can also be expressed as an object of providing an image reading apparatus capable of inserting a sorting sheet indexed using a sheet having a normal shape and an image forming apparatus provided with the image reading apparatus.

  In the above description, all processes in the copying machine 1 are performed under the control of the control unit 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an information processing apparatus capable of recording a program for performing these processes on a recording medium and reading the program may be used instead of the control unit 100.

  In this configuration, the arithmetic unit (CPU or MPU) of the information processing apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium and executes the process. Therefore, it can be said that this program itself realizes the processing.

  Here, as the information processing apparatus, in addition to a general computer (workstation or personal computer), a function expansion board or a function expansion unit mounted on the computer can be used.

  The above program is a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program, etc.) of software that realizes processing. This program may be used alone or in combination with other programs (such as OS). The program may be read from a recording medium, temporarily stored in a memory (RAM or the like) in the apparatus, and then read and executed again.

  The recording medium for recording the program may be easily separable from the information processing apparatus, or may be fixed (attached) to the apparatus. Furthermore, it may be connected to the apparatus as an external storage device.

  Such recording media include magnetic tapes such as video tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks and hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROM, MO, MD, DVD and CD-R (magneto-optical). Disc), memory cards such as IC cards and optical cards, semiconductor memories such as mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash ROM can be applied.

  Also, a recording medium connected to the information processing apparatus via a network (intranet / Internet) may be used. In this case, the information processing apparatus acquires the program by downloading via the network. That is, the above program may be acquired via a transmission medium (a medium that dynamically holds the program) such as a network (connected to a wired line or a wireless line). The program for downloading is preferably stored in advance in the apparatus (or in the transmission side apparatus / reception side apparatus).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied to various apparatuses that read and output an image of a document, such as a copying machine, a FAX, and a scanner.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a document read by the copying machine 1 and its reading area. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum provided in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 and a sheet to which the toner image is transferred. FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views showing a relationship between a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum provided in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 and a sheet onto which the toner image is transferred. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state where a document is placed when a plurality of documents including an indexed document are discharged in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4B is a plan view when the index portion is discharged so as to be on the placement reference side. FIG. 5B is a view showing that the index portion of the indexed document is upstream in the transport direction, and the index portion is discharged so as to be opposite to the placement reference. (C) is a plan view when the index portion of the indexed document is discharged so that the index portion is upstream in the transport direction and the index portion is on the side opposite to the placement reference. (A) thru | or (c) is a top view which shows the normal sheet | seat on which the image read from the indexed original and the image read from the indexed original in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 was printed. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an original including an indexed sheet is placed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an original including an indexed sheet in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sheet is discharged to a first discharge tray set at a second setting position, and (c) is a state in which an original including an indexed sheet is discharged to a second discharge tray 73 in the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document including the indexed sheet is discharged to the first discharge tray set at the first setting position in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for image formation of a document in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reading an image of a document in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Copying machine (image forming device)
2 Document transport section (document transport means)
3 Image reading unit (image reading means)
4 Image forming unit (image forming means)
43 photoconductor 76 second reading means (image reading means)
80 Surplus area 81 Transfer area 82 Index area 83 Image reading area 84 Image reading area 85 Surplus area 86 Transfer area 87 Index area 90 Placement reference (placement reference plane)
91 Mounting standard 92 Mounting standard 100 Control unit

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a document conveying unit that conveys a document; an image reading unit that reads an image of a conveyed document; and an image forming unit that forms a read image on a sheet.
The image reading means, when reading the image of the indexed document has a projection at one end of the document, and controls the image forming means, the sheet having no protrusions, the above said indexed document A control unit for forming an index image, which is an image corresponding to the protrusion,
The control unit corresponds to the side of the sheet bundle when the index image is formed into a sheet bundle by stacking a plurality of sheets of the sheet on the end of the sheet surface of the sheet. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed so as to reach the region from the end portion . The image forming means can form an image on both sides of the sheet,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms the index image at a position on both surfaces of the sheet that overlaps when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface.   The control unit is configured such that the position of the sheet in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction for forming the index image corresponds to the position of the index part of the indexed document in the direction perpendicular to the document conveyance direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to form an image read from an index part in the indexed document as the index image. Image processing means for processing image data read from an index portion of the indexed document with a degree of color different from a region other than the region where the index image is formed on a sheet on which the index image is formed;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms the processed image data as the index image.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the image processing unit to process characters read from the index unit with a degree of color different from that of other regions in the index image. The image reading means is capable of reading both front and back images in the index part,
The control unit superimposes the images read from the front and back surfaces of the index unit or the processed image of the index unit as the index image as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface on both surfaces of the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is formed at a position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit forms a preset image as the index image. The document conveying means includes a document discharge portion that is disposed at a position where the downstream side in the document conveying direction is higher than the upstream side, and has a placement reference surface substantially perpendicular to the document conveying direction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the document discharge unit to discharge the document after conveyance.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when reading a document including an indexed document, the control unit widens a reading area by the image reading unit on a side of the indexed document where the index part is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image forming method including a document conveying step for conveying a document, an image reading step for reading an image of a conveyed document, and an image forming step for forming the read image on a sheet,
When an image of an indexed document having a protrusion on one end of the document is read in the image reading process,
In the image forming step, the end of the sheet surface in a rectangular sheet having no protrusions , and the region corresponding to the side surface of the sheet bundle when a plurality of sheets in the sheet are stacked to form a sheet bundle from part to reach the above area, an image forming method, characterized by that form the index image is an image corresponding to the protruding portions of the indexed document. Reading an image of a document, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the read image on a photosensitive member, visualizing the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image, and transferring the toner image onto a sheet In the image forming method for forming an image corresponding to the image of the original on the sheet,
When reading the image of the indexed document has a projection at one end of the document, the index image is an image corresponding to the protruding portions of the indexed document, a step of forming a sheet having no protrusions Have
In this step, a toner image corresponding to the index image is formed on the photoconductor so as to protrude from a region to be transferred to the sheet, and the index image is formed on an end of the sheet surface of the sheet, and An image forming method comprising: forming a sheet bundle by overlapping a plurality of sheets in a sheet so as to reach the area from the end portion in an area corresponding to a side surface of the sheet bundle .   An image forming program for causing a computer provided in the image forming apparatus to function as a control unit in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   A recording medium on which the image forming program according to claim 13 is recorded.

Images