JP2000122479A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an error in operation and to avoid confusing a user, by exerting control so that a proof print mode setting means is selectively displayed according to the contents of a set image formation mode. SOLUTION: In the case a sorting mode is set with a sort key 625 and when outputs on sheets of paper are produced, a printing operation is once stopped after the output on one sheet of paper is finished, and a user is allowed to check its finish. Then, with a proof print mode key 632, a proof print mode by which continuation for OK or discontinuation for NG can be selected is set. That is, in the case a non-sorting mode or an image formation mode in which a proof print mode is not effective as in the case of one sheet of paper in setting is set, a proof print mode set key 632 is not displayed to inhibit the setting of it. It can prevent a user from being confused.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having image storage means for storing image data such as a copy job or a print job.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art By providing an image storage device such as a hard disk, that is, an image server, a single image input process for all original images is performed without performing the image input process for the number of copies as in the previous copiers and printers. There are copiers and printers that can print a plurality of copies.

This type of copier and printer has been provided by analog copiers and the like because it has an image server and a page memory which is developed after processing such as combining images stored in the image server. It has become possible to provide more image forming modes than image forming modes.

The provision of this more image forming mode is
On the other hand, the more difficult it is for the user to imagine the output bundle, the more various output patterns will be provided.As a means to assist the user in such a situation, once output multiple copies, Output only a part, check the finished state,
Copiers and printers that provide a proof print function to start outputting the remaining copies are increasing.

[0005]

However, this proof print function in the above-mentioned conventional example can provide its effect only at the time of the sort mode output in which the output bundle of the print sheets of a part unit is repeatedly output for the number of copies. It does not make sense in the non-sort mode in which the same number of sheets on which the same image is formed are output in sheet units. Also, it has no meaning when the number of copies is a part.

[0006] In such a case, if the user sets the proof print function, there is a drawback that the user is confused without obtaining a desired result.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and when a setting that makes no sense in the proof print mode is made, the proof print mode setting key on the operation unit is not displayed, so that It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing an operation error beforehand and preventing a user from being confused.

[0008]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitution.

(1) An image storage means for inputting image data, forming an image on a cut sheet based on the image data, executing a job to output the image data, and storing the input image data, A plurality of copies can be output with a single input of image data, and a means for detecting that the print sheet output of the first partial unit has been completed, and the image forming process is temporarily stopped based on the detection result by the detection means In an image forming apparatus having a proof print mode by means for setting a state and means for notifying a user that the output of the first partial unit has been completed based on the detection result, a plurality of selectable image forming modes can be selected. An operation unit that is a setting unit for setting the image forming mode by the user while displaying the contents of the image forming mode;
A proof print mode setting means for setting a proof print mode by a user in the operation means, and whether or not to display the proof print mode setting means according to the content of the set image forming mode. An image forming apparatus comprising control means for selectively controlling.

(2) In the setting image forming mode, a control means is provided for controlling the proof print mode setting means so as not to be displayed when the setting of the number of output copies is partially output. The image forming apparatus according to (1).

(3) In the setting image forming mode, a control means for controlling not to display the proof print mode setting means when the sorting mode is not set is provided. Image forming device.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an image processing unit. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of an image memory unit, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external I / F processing unit, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit, and FIG. FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a setting screen.
9B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a proof print mode setting screen, and FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of a copying operation. In FIG. 1, 100 is an image forming apparatus main body, and 180 is an automatic document feeder (DF). Reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass as a document placing table, and reference numeral 102 denotes a scanner, which includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is scanned by scanning mirrors 104 to 104.
6 through the lens 108 and the CCD sensor 109
Image. Reference numeral 120 denotes an exposure control unit configured by a laser, a polygon scanner, or the like. The laser is converted into an electric signal by an image sensor unit (CCD sensor) 109 and modulated based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described later has been performed. Light 129 is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 110. Around the photoconductor drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121,
A transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow by a motor (not shown), and is charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112. 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is
1 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136, and is fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137. The visualized toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 118.
Is transferred onto transfer paper. Photoconductor drum 11 after transfer
In the case of 0, the residual toner is cleaned by the cleaner device 116 and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.
The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, fixed by pressurizing and heating, and discharged by the discharge roller 142. Is discharged outside. The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Further, a multi-bypass tray 153 capable of accommodating 100 transfer sheets is provided. Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 is
The discharge flapper 154 switches between the double-side recording side and the multiple recording side. Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower transport path, which reverses the transfer paper sent out from the paper discharge roller 142 via a reversing path 155 and turns the transfer paper over to a re-feed tray 156.
Lead to. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiplex flapper that switches the path between double-sided recording and multiplex recording. By inclining the flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly led to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 110 through the path 160.
A discharge roller 161 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiplexed copying), the discharge flapper 1
54, the copied transfer paper is transferred to the transport path 15
5, and stored in the re-feed tray 156. At this time, the multiplex flapper 157 is tilted rightward during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 157 is tilted leftward during multiplex recording. The transfer paper stored in the re-feeding tray 156 is moved one by one from the bottom by the paper feeding roller 159 to the path 160.
Through the registration roller 137 of the main body. When the transfer paper is inverted and discharged from the main body, the discharge flapper 1
54, the flapper 157 is tilted rightward to convey the copied transfer paper to the conveyance path 155 side. After the rear end of the transfer paper has passed the first feed roller 162, Then, the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus.

Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing device which closes the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 in a line. When the post-processing operation such as sorting and stapling is not set in the operation unit 172 described later, the sheets are discharged one by one to the discharge tray 191 without passing through the processing tray 193 through the transport path 194. You. When the post-discharge bundle post-processing operation is set, the transfer sheets discharged one by one through the transport path 195 are stacked and aligned on the processing tray 193. When the discharge of a part of the image formation is completed, the transfer paper bundle is stapled and discharged to the discharge tray 191 or 192 as a bundle. When the post-discharge bundle post-processing operation is set, the discharge tray 192 is basically set.
However, control is performed to switch to the discharge tray 191 according to conditions such as a full load state. Paper ejection tray 191,
192 is controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and moves so that the tray to be stacked is at the position of the processing tray before the start of the image forming operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 171 denotes a CPU for performing basic control of the image forming apparatus 100, a ROM 174 in which a control program is written, and a work RAM 17 for performing processing.
5. The input / output port 173 is connected by an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 173 is connected to various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 and an input unit (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of the paper. CPU 171 is ROM
In accordance with the contents of 174, input / output control is sequentially performed via the input / output port 173 to execute an image forming operation. Also, C
An operation unit 172 is connected to the PU 171 and controls a display unit and a key input unit of the operation unit 172. The operator instructs the CPU 171 to switch the image forming operation mode and display through the key input unit, and the CPU 171 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation mode setting by key input. The CPU 171 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and an image memory unit 3 that stores a processed image.

Next, based on FIG.
70 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing unit 170. The original image formed on the CCD sensor 109 serving as the image sensor unit via the lens 108 illustrated in FIG. 1 is input as Black luminance data. It is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to an analog signal processing unit (not shown), and after sample and hold, dark level correction, and the like are performed, the A / D conversion unit 501 performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion). Then, the digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (correction of variations in a sensor for reading a document and light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp). After that, it is sent to the log converter 502. l
The OG conversion unit 502 stores an LUT for converting the input luminance data into density data, and converts the luminance data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data. After that, the image is scaled to a desired magnification by the scaling unit 503 and input to the γ correction unit 504. When outputting the density data, the γ correction unit 504 performs conversion using an LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer, and adjusts the output according to the density value set by the operation unit. After that, it is sent to the binarization unit 505.
The binarization unit 505 binarizes the multi-value density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. The 8-bit image data is binarized and converted into 1-bit image data of “0” or “1”, and the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced. However, when the image is binarized, the number of gradations of the image is changed from 256 to two. Therefore, when image data having a large number of halftones such as a photographic image is binarized, the image is generally significantly deteriorated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method for pseudo-halftone expression using binary data. According to this method, if the density of a certain image is larger than a certain threshold, it is determined that the density data is “255”, and if the density is less than a certain threshold, the density data is “0”. In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is distributed to surrounding pixels as an error signal. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying a weight coefficient on a matrix prepared in advance by the error generated by the binarization, and adding the result to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner. The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3, where the image is stored. Further, the image data input from the external I / F processing unit 4 from the computer is processed by the external I / F processing unit 4 as binary image data, and thus is sent to the image memory unit 3 as it is. The image memory unit 3 has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of storing a plurality of page image data. The plurality of image data stored on the hard disk is
The output is performed in the order corresponding to the edit mode specified by the operation unit 172 of “0”. For example, in the case of sorting, the images of the document bundle read from the DF 180 are sequentially output. The image data of the document once stored is read from the hard disk, and this is repeated a plurality of times and output. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins. The image data output from the image memory unit 3 is sent to a smoothing unit 506 in the printer unit 2. Smoothing section 50
In step 6, data interpolation is performed so that the line ends of the binarized image become smooth, and the image data is output to the exposure control unit 120 shown in FIG. The exposure controller 120 forms image data on transfer paper by the above-described processing.

Next, details of the image memory section 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the image memory unit, the external I / F processing unit 4 and the image processing unit 1 are stored in a page memory 301 including a memory such as a DRAM via a memory controller unit 302.
70 writes a binary image, reads an image to the printer unit 2, and reads a hard disk 30 serving as a large-capacity storage device.
4 for input and output of images. The memory controller 302 generates a DRAM refresh signal for the page memory 301, and outputs a signal from the external I / F processing unit 4.
The image processing unit 170 arbitrates access from the hard disk 304 to the page memory 301. Furthermore, CPU
In accordance with the instruction of 171, a write address to the page memory 301, a read address from the page memory 301, and a read direction are controlled. Thereby, CP
U171 lays out a plurality of document images in the page memory 301, lays them out, and outputs them to the printer unit 2;
It controls the function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image and the function of rotating the image.

The configuration of the external I / F processing section 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the external I / F processing unit 4
The binary image data of the reader unit 1 is taken into the external I / F processing unit 4 via the image memory unit 3, and the binary image data from the external I / F processing unit 4 is received via the image memory unit 3. Is output to the printer unit 2 to form an image. External I / F
The processing unit 4 includes a core unit 406 and a facsimile unit 401, a hard disk 402 that stores communication image data of the facsimile unit 401, a computer interface unit 403 that connects to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 404, and an image memory unit 405. I have. The facsimile unit 401 is connected to a telephone line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the telephone line and transmits facsimile communication data to the telephone line. The facsimile unit 401 stores a facsimile image on the hard disk 402 and performs processing, such as performing facsimile transmission at a designated time or transmitting image data in response to an inquiry about a designated password from a partner. Thus, once an image is transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 401 and the hard disk 402 for the facsimile unit 401 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are not used for the facsimile function. Then, a fax communication can be performed. The computer interface unit 403 is an interface for performing data communication with an external computer, and is a local area network (hereinafter, LA).
N), a serial I / F, an SCSII / F, a centro I / F for data input of a printer, and the like. Via this I / F, the statuses of the printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1 are notified to the external computer 11, and an image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to an instruction from the external computer 11. Further, it receives print image data from the external computer 11. From the external computer 11 to the computer interface unit 403
Since the print data notified via is described in a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 404 converts the code into raster image data for forming an image in the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3. The formatter unit 404 develops raster image data in the image memory unit 405. Image memory unit 405
Is used by the formatter unit 404 as a memory for developing raster image data, and the image of the reader unit 1 is used by the computer interface unit 40.
When the image data is sent to the external computer 11 via the image memory 3 (image scanner function), the image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once expanded in the image memory unit 405, converted into a data format to be sent to the external computer 11, and then sent to the computer interface. It is also used when sending data from the unit 403. The core unit 406 includes a facsimile unit 401, a computer interface unit 403,
It controls and manages data transfer among the formatter unit 404, the image memory unit 405, and the image memory unit 3. Thus, even if the external I / F processing unit 4 has a plurality of image output units or one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3, exclusive control, Image output is performed with priority control.

Next, the operation unit for setting the copying operation of the image forming apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 621 denotes a power lamp indicating that the power is on.

The power switch 613 allows the power supply O
621 turns on and off according to the switching of N / OFF. Numeral 622 is used for setting the number of images to be formed and for inputting numerical values for mode setting. On the facsimile setting screen, it is used to input a telephone number. Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which clears the settings entered using the numeric keys. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key for resetting the set number of images to be formed, an operation mode, and a mode such as selective paper feeding to default values. A start key 614 starts an image forming operation when the start key 614 is pressed. In the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether the start is possible.
When starting cannot be performed, a red LED is lit, and when starting is possible, a green LED is lit. 6
A stop key 15 is used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When another key is pressed after pressing this key, a description of a function that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel. To cancel the guide display, the guide key 617 is pressed again. 618 is a user setting key,
Pressing this key allows the user to change the settings of the image forming apparatus. The settings that can be changed by the user include, for example, the time until the settings are automatically cleared, the setting of the default value of the mode when the reset key is pressed, and the like.
Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during an image forming operation, other image forming operations are stopped, and copying can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 180. 620 is a display panel composed of liquid crystal or the like,
The display contents change according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. The surface of the display panel is a touch sensor. FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen for the copy operation mode. In FIG. 6, the display panel 620 is shown.
The keys 624 to 632 are displayed in the box, and the touch of the displayed position of the key determines that the key is pressed, and sets the mode. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper selection key. When this key is pressed, a display for setting from which of the cassettes 131 and 132 paper is to be fed is displayed on the display panel 620. 6
Keys 28 to 631 are used to set the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key is pressed, the multiplex operation, the reduced layout mode, the cover /
A setting screen for an application function mode such as a slip-sheet mode is displayed on the display panel. For example, setting keys for each application function mode are displayed as shown in FIG. 7 to enable setting of the application mode. Reference numeral 624 denotes a setting key for double-sided operation, for example, a “single-sided mode” for performing double-sided output from a single-sided original, a “both-sided mode” for performing double-sided output from a double-sided original, and two-sided single-sided output from a double-sided original The user sets three types of double-sided mode, “both-single mode”. A sort key 625 is used to set the operation mode of the paper discharge processing device 190 and the output paper sorting mode using the image memory when the key is pressed.

Reference numeral 632 denotes a proof print mode key (trial copy key). When the sort mode is set by the sort key 625, the printing operation is temporarily stopped when the output of a plurality of copies is partially completed. Then, let the user confirm the finish, if OK, continue,
If it is NG, a proof print mode in which cancellation can be selected is set.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen display at the time of setting the proof print mode. (A) shows the state before the start of printing by setting the proof print mode. FIG. 6B shows a state in which the print operation is stopped to allow the user to confirm the finish at the end of the partial output and to select whether or not to continue.

When the mode of the display key cannot be set in addition to the normal display of the key in the display panel, the display line is indicated by a dotted line (shaded) so that the key cannot be operated. Is represented. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, above the display panel 620, the display of the set contents of the copying operation and the current operation state are displayed. In addition, at the upper left of the screen, there is a display indicating which screen of this function screen is in each of the function modes described later. In the example of FIG. 6, a setting screen of copy A is shown. In the example of FIG. 6, the characters are indicated by characters, but symbols indicating the respective characters may be used. Further, below the display panel 620, the operation state of another function mode described later is displayed in a range that can be displayed on one line. The example of FIG. 6 indicates that the copy B is being output to the printer unit 2. There are keys that can be changed by the user next to the application mode key 626 in the display panel 620, and up to two function keys that can be set on the application mode setting screen can be registered. By displaying the setting key of the applied mode at the position shown in the figure, the registered mode can be set more easily.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 601 to 612 denote keys and LED display for switching the display of the operation unit for setting each function of the copying operation and the system operation using the image forming apparatus 100. 601, 604, 607, 610
Is a key for switching each function. This key is composed of a translucent key button, and inside the key there is a display lamp (not shown) such as an LED. When the operation screen is selected by pressing these keys, the lamps inside the keys are turned on. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamp inside the key of the selected operation function screen is turned on, and the lamp inside the other keys is turned off. To the right of each key is a green LE
D is arranged (603, 606, 609, 612), and this LED represents the operation status of each function by lighting control of the LED. For example, the copy B LED 606
Is controlled to be turned off during standby, and when copy B is being output as in the example of FIG. Also,
When the image of the copy B is stored in the hard disk 304 of the image memory unit 3 and the print operation of the copy B is not performed, the lighting is controlled. Similarly, for example, the facsimile unit 40 controls the blinking of the facsimile LED 609 during the communication operation, the printing operation, and the reading operation.
If there is a fax image on one hard disk 402, the lighting is controlled. A red LED is arranged to the left of each key (602, 605, 608, 611).
D indicates that an abnormal situation of each function has occurred by controlling the lighting of the LED. For example, the LED 605 of the copy B is controlled to blink when the copy B has an out-of-paper condition or an abnormality such as JAM occurs. At this time, by pressing the copy B function key 604 and switching the display of the operation unit 172 to copy B, the copy B is displayed on the display panel 620.
Is displayed, and the details of the abnormal situation can be confirmed. These function switching keys can be pressed at any time irrespective of the operation status of each function, and the operation unit 172 can be switched. As in the present embodiment, when the copy A function and the copy B function can be switched, keys other than the keys on the display panel such as the stop key, start key, and reset key described above are function switching keys 601 and 60.
4 is operated for the function selected. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, even if the stop key is pressed while the copy A operation screen is displayed, the copy operation cannot be stopped for the copy B output operation. Copy B
To stop the copying operation, the copy B function key 604
By pressing the stop key 615 after pressing, the output of copy B is stopped. Also, the user setting key 618
Is set on each screen where the copy A and copy B operation units are selected, and the setting operation can be performed independently on each screen.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the copying operation. The flow of the operation of the control system will be described based on this flowchart.

In step S1001, a setting screen for each function using the function switching keys 601, 604, 607, and 610 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

In step S1002, the operation unit 17
It is checked whether any of the keys 2 has been pressed and the print mode has been changed. If it is determined in step S1002 that the print mode has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S1007 and subsequent steps described later.

In step S1003, if the print mode has been changed in the previous step S1002, it is checked whether the print mode is in the non-sort mode. If it is determined in step S1003 that the non-sort mode has been set, processing in step S1006 described below is performed. Step S10
If it is determined in step S03 that the non-sort mode is not set, it is checked in step S1004 whether the number of copies setting is 1.

If the setting of the number of copies is 1 in step S1004, the display of the proof print mode key is deleted from the operation panel 620 in step S1006.
Prevent users from setting.

If it is determined in step S1004 that the number-of-copies setting is not 1, but that a plurality of copies have been set, a proof print mode key is displayed in step S1005, and the user's setting is permitted.

Step S1005, Step S1006
After the processing of (1), it is checked in step S1007 whether the copy key has been pressed.

If it is determined in step S1007 that the copy key has been turned on, a copy operation is started in step S1008.

If it is determined in step S1007 that the copy key has not been turned on, step S10
It returns to the process of 02.

The above is the control flow of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a proof print mode,
When the non-sort mode is set or the image forming mode where the proof print mode is not valid such as when the number of copies is set to 1, the user is confused by hiding the proof print mode setting key and not setting it. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of an image memory unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external I / F processing unit;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of various application mode setting screens.

8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of a proof print mode setting screen.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of a copying operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 image memory unit 4 external I / F processing unit 109 image sensor unit (CCD) 120 exposure control unit 170 image processing unit 171 CPU 172 operation unit 173 I / O 174 ROM 175 RAM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR03 AS02 CQ04 CQ22 CQ34 HJ07 2H027 FA30 GA20 GA23 GB14 5C062 AA05 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB23 AB42 AC05 AC58 AF00 AF07 BA00

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image storage means for inputting image data, forming an image on a cut sheet based on the image data, executing a job for outputting, and further storing the input image data. Means for detecting that the output of the print sheet of the first partial unit is completed, and temporarily stopping the image forming process based on the detection result by the detecting means. And a means for informing a user that the output of the first partial unit has been completed based on the detection result, wherein the plurality of images selectable as the image forming mode are provided. An operation unit which is a setting unit for setting the image forming mode by a user at the same time as displaying the contents of the formation mode; Proof print mode setting means for setting a proof print mode by a user, and control means for selectively controlling whether or not to display the proof print mode setting means in accordance with the contents of the set image forming mode. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling not to display the proof mode setting means when the setting of the number of output copies is partially output in the setting image forming mode. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the proof print mode setting means not to be displayed when the sorting mode is not set in the set image forming mode. apparatus.