JP2000141827A - Imaging apparatus, imaging method and recording medium storing imaging control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a document printed out by a person from being bundled together with a document being set in an inserter by other person. SOLUTION: When 0 is substituted for variable P (S602) and a decision is made that a document has been set in an inserter (S603, YES), a decision is further made whether P=0 or not and 1 is substituted for P if P=0 (S604 YES, S605). Furthermore, reservation number N of the inserter is incremented (S606) and the value of N is indicated on an operating section (S607). Consequently, a different numerical value of N can be indicated on an operating section as an inserter reservation number every time when a document is mounted on the inserter. When the inserter is used, an operator sets the inserter reservation number in a print job data. When a decision is made that print job uses the inserter, the numerical value N indicated on the operating section is compared with the inserter reservation number in the job data and only when they match each other, the job is printed and the sheet set in the inserter is discharged as the cover of the printed job.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an editing / binding function for dynamically combining an insert sheet prepared and set in an apparatus and a sheet for forming and outputting an image to create a desired document. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an image forming method, an image forming method, and a recording medium storing an image forming control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, when a desired document is created by combining an insert sheet and a sheet on which an image is formed and output, a plurality of copies are printed using a sorter. After performing the collation, manual work such as bundling together the documents that are to be taken out one by one and the documents to be merged (insert documents) with human intervention has been forced.

[0003] On the other hand, an inserter device has been devised in order to eliminate the above-mentioned manual intervention as much as possible and to bundle together a printed document and another document prepared in advance.

[0004]

However, when a plurality of persons share the inserter device, there is a possibility that a document set in the inserter device by another person and a document printed and output by the user may be bundled together. There was a problem to be solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and record an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming control program which enable only a specific print job to be bundled with a document set in an inserter. It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording medium that has been designed.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a sheet-shaped document prepared separately from a sheet material for forming and outputting an image is set in an inserter in advance. By doing so, the sheet material on which the image is formed and the documents set in the inserter are automatically stacked,
An image forming apparatus capable of outputting, wherein a judging means for judging that the document is set in the inserter, and when the judging means judges that the document is set in the inserter, the fact is displayed. And a display means for displaying.

Here, preferably, the display means displays a different identification display each time a new sheet material is set in the inserter, so that a change in the set paper can be displayed. did.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes counter means for incrementing an integer N each time the judgment means judges that the document is newly set in the inserter, and the display means displays the N. Each time a document is newly placed on the inserter, a different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number.

Further, preferably, N is reset when power is turned on.

Preferably, prior to using the inserter, an operation means for inserting an inserter reservation number in advance into the data of the job for forming an image, and a job for starting the image forming is a job using the inserter. A second determination unit that determines whether there is a job, and if the second determination unit determines that the job for starting the image formation is a job that uses the inserter, the display unit displays Third determining means for comparing the numerical value N with an inserter reservation number in the data of the job to determine whether or not the two are equal; an inserter in the data of the job and the numerical value N being displayed; If the third determination unit determines that the reservation number is the same, after forming the image of the job, a document set on the image-formed sheet material in the inserter Superimposing a control means to discharge.

Further, preferably, the numerical value N in the display is displayed.
If the third determination means determines that the inserter reservation number in the job data is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the data of the job, the control means discards the data of the job.

Preferably, when the second determining means determines that the job for starting the image formation is not a job using the inserter, the control means does not drive the inserter, The job is image-formed, and the formed sheet material is output.

Further, preferably, the job data is data supplied from an external device.

Further, preferably, the operating means is connected to an external device capable of transmitting image forming data, specifies whether or not to use an insert function, and operates when a sheet is set in the inserter. The displayed inserter reservation number is input on the operation screen.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is to set a sheet-shaped document prepared separately from a sheet material for forming and outputting an image in an inserter in advance, thereby forming an image-formed sheet. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus capable of automatically stacking and outputting materials and documents set in the inserter, and a determining step of determining that the documents are set in the inserter; A display step of displaying, when it is determined in the determination step that the document is set in the inserter, that fact.

[0016] Preferably, the display step displays a different identification display every time a new sheet material is set in the inserter, so that a change in the set paper can be displayed. did.

Preferably, the method further comprises a counter step of incrementing an integer N each time the determination is made in the determination step that the document is newly set in the inserter, and the display step displays the N. Every time a document is placed on the inserter,
A different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number.

Further, preferably, N is reset when power is turned on.

Further, preferably, prior to using the inserter, an operation step of inserting an inserter reservation number in advance in the data of the job for forming an image, and the job for starting the image forming is a job using the inserter. A second determining step of determining whether or not there is a job, and a step of determining whether the job for starting the image formation is a job using the inserter in the second determining step. A third determining step of comparing the numerical value N with an inserter reservation number in the data of the job to determine whether or not the two are equal; an inserter in the data of the job and the numerical value N being displayed; If it is determined in the third determination step that the reservation number is equal to the reservation number, the image-formed sheet And a control step of discharging overlapping the document set on the inserter.

Further, preferably, the numerical value N in the display is displayed.
When the third determination step determines that the inserter reservation number in the job data is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the job data, discarding the job data.

Further, preferably, when it is determined in the second determination step that the job for starting the image formation is not the job using the inserter, the job is not driven and the image formation is started. And outputting the formed sheet material.

Further preferably, the job data is data supplied from an external device.

Still preferably, in the operation step, whether or not an insert function is used is designated, and the inserter reservation number displayed when paper is set in the inserter is input on an operation screen. .

[0024] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 19 is to set a sheet-like document prepared separately from a sheet material for forming and outputting an image on an inserter in advance so that a sheet on which an image is formed can be formed. A recording medium recording a control program for automatically stacking materials and documents set in the inserter by a computer and outputting the same, wherein the control program stores the document in the inserter and the computer. Is determined, and when it is determined that the document is set in the inserter, that fact is displayed, and by displaying a different identification display each time a new sheet material is set on the inserter, the set paper is The change is displayed.

Preferably, the control program causes the computer to increment an integer N each time the document is determined to be newly set in the inserter and to display the N, so that the document can be renewed. Each time it is placed on the inserter, a different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number.

Preferably, the control program causes a computer to determine whether a job for starting image formation is a job that uses the inserter, and the job for starting image formation uses the inserter. If it is determined that the job is a job, the numerical value N being displayed is compared with the inserter reservation number in the data of the job to determine whether or not both are equal. If it is determined that the inserter reservation number in the data is the same, after forming the image of the job, the document set in the inserter is discharged on the sheet material on which the image is formed.

Further, preferably, when the control program determines that the numerical value N being displayed is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the data of the job, the control program causes the computer to discard the data of the job. .

Still preferably, when the control program determines that the job for starting the image formation is not a job using the inserter, the control program does not drive the inserter, and executes the image formation without driving the inserter. Then, the formed sheet material is output.

Preferably, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, the display means displays a screen for inputting a sheet size set every time a new sheet is set, and can input a size. .

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a binding device for bundling the output paper and the inserted paper, wherein the paper size input to the sheet set in the inserter and the paper size for image formation and output are the same. If the print job uses an inserter and the size is not the same, the binding process is not performed.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a binding device for bundling the output paper and the inserted paper, wherein the paper size input for the sheet set in the inserter and the paper size for image formation and output are the same. If the print job uses an inserter and the size is not the same, no output is performed.

Preferably, a paper feed unit of the image forming apparatus is used as the inserter.

Preferably, an image is formed on the sheet to be inserted and output.

According to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, when a document to be printed and output and a previously prepared document are automatically bundled, the document is set in the inserter in order to bundle only a specific print output. Detects and assigns a different number or symbol to each set document, stores the assigned number or symbol, and furthermore, for external data, according to a predetermined procedure, the data and the stored symbol or number. By assigning corresponding numbers to print data only when it is determined by the comparison that printing and insert processing are possible, only a specific print job can be bundled with a document set in the inserter.

That is, according to the present invention, only a specific print job can be bundled with a document set in an inserter by assigning a number corresponding to the print data only when it is determined that printing and insert processing are possible. did.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the read document image to the printer unit 2 and the image input / output control unit 3.

The printer section 2 records an image corresponding to the image data from the reader section 1 and the image input / output control section 3 on a recording sheet.

The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7, a formatter unit 8, an image memory unit 9, a core unit 10 and the like.

The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10, compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and compresses the image data. The compressed image data obtained is transmitted via a telephone line. The hard disk 12 is connected to the facsimile unit 4 and can temporarily store the received compressed image data.

The file unit 5 is connected to a magneto-optical disk drive unit 6. File part 5 is core part 1
The compressed image data is compressed and stored in a magneto-optical disk (not shown) set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 together with a keyword for searching the compressed image data. The file unit 5 retrieves the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10, reads out the retrieved compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses the decompressed image data. Is transferred to the core unit 10.

The computer interface unit 7 is an interface for performing data transmission between an external personal computer or workstation (hereinafter, referred to as PC / WS) 11 and the core unit 10.

The formatter unit 8 develops code data representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 11 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2.

The image memory section 9 temporarily stores data transferred from the PC / WS 11. Although the core unit 10 will be described later, the core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9. It is.

FIG. 2 shows the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 of FIG.
1 shows an example of the cross-sectional configuration of FIG. Document feeder 1 of reader unit 1
01 is the platen glass 1 one by one from the last page
The original is fed onto the platen 02, and after the original reading operation is completed, the original on the platen glass 102 is discharged. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 104 is started.
The original is exposed and scanned. The reflected light from the original at this time is transmitted to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, referred to as CCD) 109 by mirrors 105, 106, 107 and a lens 108.
Led to. Thus, the scanned image of the original is CC
The image data read by the D109 and output from the CCD 109 is subjected to predetermined processing and then transferred to the printer unit 2 and the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 in FIG.

The laser driver 200 of the printer section 2 drives the laser light emitting section 201 and causes the laser light emitting section 201 to emit laser light corresponding to image data input from the reader section 1. This laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 202
And a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 202. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 202 by a developing device 203. And
At a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, a recording sheet is fed from one of the cassettes 204 and 205 and is conveyed to the transfer unit 206 to transfer the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 202 to the recording sheet. The recording paper on which the developer is loaded is conveyed to the fixing unit 207, and the developer is fixed on the recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 207. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 207 is discharged by a discharge roller 208.

The sorter 220 sorts the recording paper by storing the recording paper discharged by the discharge roller 208 in each bin 222. If no sorting is set, the sorter 220 stores the recording paper in the uppermost bin. The sorter 220 includes an inserter 221 which, upon instruction from a control unit (not shown) of the printer unit 2, overlaps a sheet (recording sheet) on which an image has been formed and discharged to the bin 222.
Paper set in inserter 221 (inserter paper)
Has the function of discharging and bundling.

Reference numeral 223 denotes a hand feeding unit.

When double-sided printing is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 208, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 208 is reversed, and the recording paper is guided by the flapper 209 to the re-feed conveyance path. When multiple recording is set, the recording paper is guided to the re-feeding conveyance path by the flapper 209 so as not to be conveyed to the discharge roller 208. The recording paper guided to the re-feeding conveyance path is transferred to the transfer unit 20 at the timing described above.
6 is fed.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the reader unit 1 of FIG. The image data output from the CCD 109 is converted into an analog / digital conversion / shading correction unit (hereinafter referred to as A
/ D · SH unit) 110 performs analog / digital conversion and performs shading correction.
The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 110 is transferred to the printer unit 2 through the image processing unit 111 and is also transferred to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 through the interface (I / F) 113. .

The CPU 114 controls the image processing unit 111 and the interface 113 in accordance with the settings set by the operation unit 115. For example, when the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit 115, the image data and the control command corresponding to the set mode are transferred from the interface 113 to the core unit 10. Such a control program of the CPU 114 is stored in the memory 116, and the CPU 114 performs control while referring to the memory 116. Further, the memory 116 stores the CPU 114
It is also used as a work area.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 of FIG. Image data from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the data processing unit 121 through the interface 122.
And the control command from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 123 through the interface 122. The data processing unit 121 performs desired image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing.
Is transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7 through the interface 120 according to the control command transferred from the reader unit 1.

The code data representing the image input through the computer interface unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 through the interface 120,
The image data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the interface 120 and expanded into image data. The image data is transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the interface 120 and then transmitted to the facsimile unit 4 via the interface 120.
Or to the printer unit 2 through the interface 122.

The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the interface 120, and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7.

The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 through the interface 120, and then transferred to the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, and computer interface unit 7.

The CPU 123 performs the above control in accordance with the control program stored in the memory 124 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. Memory 1
Reference numeral 24 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.

As described above, processing combining functions such as reading of an original image, printing of an image, transmission and reception of an image, storage of an image, and input / output of data from / to the computer 11 is performed mainly on the core unit 10. Is possible.

Next, an example of the control operation of the CPU 114 of the reader unit 1 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5, 6, and 8.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart executed only once when the power is turned on, in which a variable N is set to 0.

Next, the CPU 114 executes the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, starting from step 601, in step 602, 0 is substituted for a variable P. Next, in step 603, it is determined whether or not a document (printed or handwritten sheet-shaped paper) is set in the inserter 221. If no document is set, the process returns to step 602.

If a document is set in the inserter 221, the process jumps to step 604 to determine whether P = 0. If P is 0, execute Step 605 to execute P
Is substituted for 1. Further, in step 606, N is incremented, and the value is held.
Then, after displaying the value of N on the operation unit 115, the process returns to step 603. This N is called an inserter reservation number.
If it is determined in step 604 that P is not 0,
It returns to step 603.

With the above control operation, in step 604, when a new document is placed on the inserter 221, steps 605 and subsequent steps are executed. Every time a new document is placed on the inserter 221, a different numerical value is set. Can be displayed on the operation unit 115 as an inserter reservation number.

FIG. 7 shows details of the operation unit 115 of FIG.
Here, reference numeral 701 denotes an operation panel, on which a liquid crystal display device and a touch panel are mounted, realizing soft keys. Numeral 702 denotes a display portion of a numerical value displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the operation panel 701.
The value of N displayed in 7 is displayed. FIG. 7 shows a display when N is 35. In addition, 70
Reference numeral 3 denotes a stop key, reference numeral 704 denotes a start key, and reference numeral 705 denotes a power indicator lamp, which can perform a known copying operation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another task executed by the CPU 114 of the reader unit 1 in parallel with the execution of the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 8, after starting at step 801, it is determined at step 802 whether there is a print job from the core unit 10. If it is determined that there is a print job, it is determined in step 803 whether the print job is a job that uses the inserter 221.

In the case of a job using the inserter 221, in step 804, step 60 in FIG.
In step 7, the numerical value N displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the operation panel 701 of the operation unit 115 is compared with the inserter reservation number in the job data to determine whether or not both are equal. If both are determined to be equal, after the job is printed by the printer unit 2 in step 805, the paper (sheet-like document) set in the inserter 221 is discharged in step 806 as a cover of the printed job. The process returns to step 802 and waits for the next job.

In step 803, the inserter 221
If it is determined that the job does not use the
In step 8, the printer unit 2 performs a printing process, and
Return to 02.

In step 804, the inserter reservation number being displayed is compared with the inserter reservation number in the print job data. If the two do not match, the print data is discarded in step 807, and the process proceeds to step 802. Return and wait for the next data.

FIG. 9 shows a monitor (not shown) of the computer 11 for creating print data in the computer 11 connected to the image input / output control unit 3 of FIG. 1 and sending the created print data to the image input / output control unit 3. No) shows an example of the above print setting screen. Here, reference numeral 901 denotes a button (soft key) that is activated when the inserter 221 is not used, and reference numeral 902 denotes a button (soft key) that is activated when the inserter 221 is used. Reference numeral 903 denotes a field for inputting an inserter reservation number, which is input when the inserter 221 is used. Reference numeral 904 denotes a copy setting field for setting how many copies of a print job are to be printed. Reference numeral 905 denotes a print button (soft key).

On the screen shown in FIG. 9, the operator sets an inserter reservation number, activates a button 902 using the inserter 221, and then prints a print button 905.
When is pressed, the computer 11 sends the data of the inserter reservation number together with the data for printing to the image forming apparatus. The print data and the inserter reservation number data are transmitted to the CPU 1 of the reader unit 1 through the image input / output control unit 3.
14.

With the structure and operation described above, the operator prepares a document to be printed with a cover by using the inserter 221, for example, prepares a required number of covers in advance and prepares these covers. It is set in the inserter 221 of the sorter 220, and the inserter reservation number at that time is confirmed on the operation panel 701 of the operation unit 115 (indicated by 702 in FIG. 8).
In the print setting screen 1, the reservation number of the inserter is entered in the field 903 of FIG. 9 and the print button 905 is pressed, so that the printed matter of the job issued from the computer 11 and the cover set by the user are securely bundled. Can be output.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 10, 11, and 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes another embodiment having a binding device for binding and binding an inserted sheet and an image-formed sheet.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sheet size selection screen displayed when a sheet is placed on the inserter. 1
001 is displayed every time a sheet is set in the inserter. By pressing a button corresponding to the size of the set sheet, the sheet size of the sheet can be set in the image processing apparatus. 1002, 1003, 1004
Denotes a stop button, a start button, and a power indicator.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which the printing operation is not performed when the size of the inserted paper and the size of the image-formed paper do not match.

When the program starts in step 1101, it is determined in step 1102 whether there is an external job. If there is an external job, it is determined whether it is a job using an inserter. Step 1103 Transfer control to. If it is determined in step 1103 that the external job is a job that does not use an inserter, a printing process is performed in step 1108, and
Return to 102.

If it is determined in step 1103 that the external job is a job that uses the inserter, control is passed to step 1104, and the paper set for the paper set in the inserter is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. It is determined whether the size is equal to the paper size of the print job. If it is determined in step 1104 that both paper sizes are equal, the job is printed in step 1105, and in step 1106, the sheet set in the inserter is discharged as a cover, and binding processing is performed in step 1107. .

If it is determined in step 1104 that the two paper sizes are not equal, control is transferred to step 1109, and after discarding the external job, the flow returns to step 1102.

As described above, in the case where a job of inserting a sheet having an incompatible size as the cover into the inserter and performing the insert is sent, the binding process is performed by inadvertently attaching a cover of an incompatible size, resulting in wasteful processing. It is possible to prevent output.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment in which, when the sheet to be inserted and the sheet size of the image-formed job are different, only the output is performed and the binding process is not performed. 1 shows an embodiment characterized by the following. In step 1201, the program starts,
In step 1202, it is determined whether there is a job from outside. If it is determined in step 1202 that there is a job from the outside, it is determined in step 1203 whether the job uses an inserter. If it is determined that the inserter is not used, control is transferred to step 1208, Is printed, and the process returns to step 1202.

If it is determined in step 1203 that the external job is a job using the inserter, it is determined in step 1204 whether the sheet size set in the inserter is equal to the paper size of the print job. If the both sizes are equal, the job is printed in step 1205, the sheet set in the inserter is discharged in step 1206, the binding process is performed in step 1207, and the process returns to step 1202.

If it is determined in step 1204 that the paper sizes are not equal, control is transferred to step 1209, and after printing the external job, the process proceeds to step 1209.
At 210, the sheet set in the insert is ejected as the cover of the printed job, and at step 1211 the binding process is not performed, and the process returns to step 1202.

As described above, when a job of inserting an incompatible size sheet into the inserter and sending an insert is sent, the binding process is inadvertently attached with an incompatible size cover. And only output is performed to prevent inadvertent binding.

More preferably, the above-described embodiments are combined, and the binding process is performed only when the inserter reservation numbers match and the insert sheet size matches the sheet size of the print job.

(Other Embodiments) Even if the present invention is applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus comprising one device (For example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium (storage medium) recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer of the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention is also achieved when the CPU (or the CPU or the MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the recording medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

As a recording medium for recording the program code and for recording variable data such as a table, for example, a floppy disk (FD), hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, A nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), a ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that an operating system) may perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

The embodiments described above have been described by taking as an example an inserter attached to a sorter section as a cassette for setting inserter sheets. According to such an inserter, a sheet on which an image has already been formed as an insert sheet is inserted into the inserter,
It is possible to bundle the inserted paper with other image-formed paper without passing through the fixing unit,
Even when a sheet on which a color image is printed is used as an insert sheet, it is possible to bundle output sheets without deteriorating the color of the color image.

However, the present invention is not limited to the insert mechanism attached to the sorter unit as the inserter. For example, a feed unit of a conventional image forming apparatus can be used as an inserter. Needless to say. In that case, the insert paper
It is possible to further form an image on a sheet of paper that has been printed in color in advance, output the image, and bundle it with an image formed and output on another sheet.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Even when the image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of persons, it is possible to prevent the use of the insert paper set by another person from being bound by mistake as a cover together with data printed by another person. is there.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the image forming apparatus appears to be stopped due to the job being interrupted due to running out of paper on the inserter during the execution of the job, the next There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the job from being continuously printed using a sheet other than the cover sheet for the purpose of mounting another insert sheet on the inserter for the job.

Further, according to the present invention, when paper is set in the inserter, a message to that effect is displayed. Therefore, the presence or absence of the paper set in the inserter and whether or not another person has set another paper again can be determined. There is an effect that can be confirmed without looking inside.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an internal structure of a reader unit and a printer unit of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a reader unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a core unit of the image input / output control unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an initialization procedure when the power of the CPU of the reader unit in FIG. 3 is turned on.

6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for making an inserter reservation by the CPU of the reader unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation unit of the reader unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when printing is performed by a CPU of the reader unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen when a print process is operated from an external computer.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sheet size selection screen displayed when a sheet is placed on an inserter.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second embodiment of the present invention in which a printing operation is not performed when the size of an inserted sheet and the size of an image-formed sheet do not match.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention in which only output is performed and binding processing is not performed when the sheet size of the job on which an image is formed is different from the sheet on which the insertion is performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 Image input / output control part 4 Facsimile part, 5 File part 6 Magneto-optical disk drive unit 7 Computer interface part 8 Formatter part 9 Image memory part 10 Core part 11 Personal computer or workstation (PC / WS) 12 Hard disk 101 Document feeder 102 Platen glass 109 CCD image sensor (CCD) 110 Analog / digital conversion / shading correction unit (A / D / SH unit) 113, 120, 122 Interface (I / F) 114 CPU 115 Operation unit 116 , 124 memory 121 data processing unit 123 data processing unit 200 laser driver 201 laser emitting unit 202 photosensitive drum 203 developing unit 204, 205 cassette 206 transfer unit 2 07 Fixing unit 208 Discharge roller 209 Flapper 221 Inserter 222 Bin 701 Operation panel 702 Numerical display location 703 Stop key 704 Start key 705 Power indicator lamp 901 Button to activate when inserter 221 is not used 902 When using inserter 221 Activate button 903 Field for inputting inserter reservation number when using inserter 221 905 Print button

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G03G 15/00 530 G03G 15/00 534 534 21/00 380 21/00 380 B41J 29/00 H (72) Inventor Shimada Bungo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Noriaki Miyahara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AQ06 AR03 AS02 BB10 BB15 CK01 CQ34 HJ03 HJ07 HK02 HK16 2H027 DC00 EE08 EF01 EJ15 FA21 FA27 GA49 GB01 GB05 ZA07 2H072 AB12 FB06 FC02 GA07 3F050 BA07 BD03 BD05 BE12 CA08 CB07 LA02 LB03

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A sheet-like document prepared separately from a sheet material on which an image is formed and output is set in an inserter in advance, so that the image-formed sheet material and the document set in the inserter are automatically set. An image forming apparatus capable of stacking and outputting the document in the inserter; and determining when the document is set in the inserter; and when the determining unit determines that the document is set in the inserter. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a display unit for displaying the fact. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a different identification display each time a new sheet material is set in the inserter, thereby displaying a change in the set sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A counter means for incrementing an integer N each time the judgment means judges that the document has been newly set in the inserter, and the display means displays the N to newly set the document. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number each time a is placed on the inserter. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein N is reset when power is turned on. 5. Prior to using said inserter,
Operating means for inserting an inserter reservation number in advance into data of a job for forming an image, second determining means for determining whether or not the job for starting the image forming is a job using the inserter; When the second determination unit determines that the job to start the process is a job using the inserter, the display unit compares the numerical value N being displayed with the inserter reservation number in the data of the job. A third determining means for determining whether or not both are equal to each other; and when the third determining means determines that the numerical value N being displayed is equal to the inserter reservation number in the data of the job. And control means for superposing and ejecting the original set in the inserter on the sheet material on which the image is formed, after forming the image of the job. The image forming apparatus according. 6. If the numerical value N being displayed is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the data of the job, the third number is set.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the determination unit determines, the control unit discards the data of the job. 7. When the second determination unit determines that the job for starting the image formation is not a job using the inserter, the control unit does not drive the inserter and executes the job. An image is formed and a formed sheet material is output.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 8. The job data according to claim 5, wherein the job data is data supplied from an external device.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 9. The operation unit is connected to an external device capable of transmitting image forming data, specifies whether or not to use an insert function, and is displayed when paper is set in the inserter. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inserter reservation number is input on an operation screen. 10. A sheet-like document prepared separately from a sheet material for forming and outputting an image is set in the inserter in advance, so that the sheet material on which the image is formed and the document set in the inserter are automatically set. A determining step of determining that the document is set in the inserter; and the determining step includes setting the document in the inserter. And a display step of displaying when the determination is made. 11. The display step is characterized in that a different identification display is displayed each time a new sheet material is set in the inserter, so that a change in the set paper can be displayed. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein 12. A counter step of incrementing an integer N each time the document is newly set in the inserter in the determination step, and displaying the N in the display step to newly generate the document. 12. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein a different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number each time a is placed on the inserter. 13. The image forming method according to claim 12, wherein N is reset when power is turned on. 14. An operation step of inserting an inserter reservation number in advance into data of a job for forming an image prior to using the inserter, and determining whether a job for starting image formation is a job for using the inserter. A second determining step of determining whether the job for starting the image formation is a job using the inserter in the second determining step;
And a third determination step of comparing the inserter reservation number in the job data with the inserter reservation number in the job data. And when the third determination step determines that the values are equal to each other, after forming the image of the job, a control step of discharging the document set in the inserter on the sheet material on which the image is formed is discharged. The image forming method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein 15. When there is a decision in the third decision step that the numerical value N being displayed is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the data of the job, a step of discarding the data of the job is provided. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein: 16. When the second determination step determines that the job for starting the image formation is not the job using the inserter, the job is not driven and the image of the job is formed. The image forming method according to claim 14, further comprising a step of outputting the formed sheet material. 17. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein the job data is data supplied from an external device. 18. In the operation step, it is specified whether or not to use an insert function, and the inserter reservation number displayed when paper is set in the inserter is input on an operation screen. The image forming method according to claim 14, wherein: 19. A sheet-like document prepared separately from a sheet material for forming and outputting an image is set in the inserter in advance, so that the image-formed sheet material and the document set in the inserter can be converted by a computer. A recording medium recording a control program for automatically stacking and outputting, wherein the control program causes a computer to determine that the document is set in the inserter, and the document is set in the inserter. Image forming control, by displaying the change when the sheet material is newly set, by displaying a different identification display each time a new sheet material is set in the inserter. A recording medium on which a program is recorded. 20. The control program causes the computer to increment an integer N each time the document is determined to be newly set in the inserter and display the N, whereby the document is newly placed on the inserter. 20. The recording medium according to claim 19, wherein a different numerical value N is displayed as an inserter reservation number each time. 21. The control program causes a computer to determine whether a job for starting image formation is a job using the inserter, and the job for starting image formation is a job using the inserter. When it is determined that the numerical value N being displayed is compared with the inserter reservation number in the data of the job, it is determined whether or not the two are equal. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein, when it is determined that the inserter reservation number in the middle is equal, the original set in the inserter is discharged on the sheet material on which the image is formed after the job is formed. A recording medium having recorded thereon the image formation control program described in 1. 22. The control program causes the computer to discard the job data if the computer determines that the numerical value N being displayed is not equal to the inserter reservation number in the job data. Claim 2
A recording medium on which the image formation control program according to claim 1 is recorded. 23. The control program, when determining that the job for starting the image formation is not a job using the inserter, forms the image of the job without driving the inserter, 23. A recording medium recording the image formation control program according to claim 21, wherein the formed sheet material is output. 24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a screen for inputting a sheet size set each time a sheet is newly set, and allows the user to input a size. An image forming apparatus comprising: 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a binding device that bundles the output paper and the inserted paper.
The apparatus has a determination unit for determining whether or not the sheet size input to the sheet set in the inserter and the sheet size to be image-formed and output are the same or not. When the print job uses the inserter, the size is determined. An image forming apparatus that does not perform a binding process when are not the same. 26. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a binding device that bundles the output paper and the inserted paper.
The apparatus has a determination unit for determining whether or not the sheet size input to the sheet set in the inserter and the sheet size to be image-formed and output are the same or not. When the print job uses the inserter, the size is determined. An image forming apparatus that does not perform output if the values are not the same. 27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet feeding unit of the image forming apparatus is used as an inserter. 28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 27, wherein an image is formed and output on a sheet to be inserted.