JP2001002310A - Picture image forming device with sorting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the recognition of sorting in the case of a few print sheets when an index mark is imparted so as to divide the print sheets at every job. SOLUTION: Index marks IM are imparted in many print sheets in respective jobs D, C, B, and A. At that time, index marks IMd, IMc, and IMa are imparted to different positions so that the print sheets can be discriminated at every job, and are not imparted to the print sheet in a job B for a few print sheets. The existence of a few print sheets by the other job B between the jobs C and A can be recognized easily, by making an imparting type for the marks IMc and IMa different from the conditions of the IMd and IMc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a sorting function for distinguishing an image-formed (printed) sheet from a printed sheet group (a bundle including one sheet) by another group. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus forms a visible image on a recording medium such as a sheet so that the image can be visually observed and processed one by one. In order to form a visible image on a sheet as the recording medium, there are various types of image forming systems such as an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, a thermal system, and a printing system using impact. I have.

[0003] As a device provided with such an image forming apparatus, there is provided a printer having only a function of visualizing transmitted image data and printing the image data, a copying device for reading an image of a document and printing (copying) the image. 2. Description of the Related Art A facsimile apparatus for transmitting an image of a document to another apparatus and printing image data sent from the other apparatus is generally known.

A copying machine and a facsimile machine include a scanner for reading an image of a document, and the facsimile machine further includes means for transmitting / receiving data to / from another device (external device) via a telephone line or the like. Further, according to the facsimile apparatus, it is possible to use the apparatus as a multifunction peripheral which has a so-called print function (copy function) and a facsimile function for reading an image of a document and printing the image. In addition, since a print function is provided, a print function for printing image data from a personal computer or the like on a sheet can be provided when transmission and reception by facsimile are not performed.

[0005] Therefore, in an image forming apparatus used as a multifunction peripheral, a discharge process is performed so that printed sheets are sequentially deposited on a discharge tray in the order of printing. Therefore, a sheet (print sheet) on which an image has been formed (printed) based on the previous image data is discharged onto a discharge tray, and a discharge processing is performed so that the sheet printed on the next image data is deposited thereon. ing. Therefore, it is required to distinguish between a sheet for printing out the previous image data (one job) and a sheet for printing out the next image data (next job),
This is addressed by the user.

In order to eliminate such trouble, sheets to be discharged are discharged to a discharge tray in such a manner as to be easily sorted for each job based on image data. Therefore, a plurality of discharge trays are provided, and the discharge destination is sorted for each tray related to the job. For example, when the image forming apparatus is used in a plurality of departments, a dedicated tray is provided for each department. Then, the image forming apparatus determines which department receives the input image data, and performs a sheet discharging process to a discharge tray dedicated to each department according to the result of the determination. In this case, if the discharge destination section is not known, a discharge tray outside the section is prepared separately, and the discharge processing is performed on the discharge tray.

If the image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions, a discharge tray is provided for each of the functions. For example, a discharge tray is provided for each of the print function, the copy function, and the facsimile function, and a printed sheet is discharged to each discharge tray provided for the function. As a result, the sheets are distributed and discharged for each function, thereby facilitating the sorting.

However, as described above, even if a plurality of ejection trays are ejected separately according to the job to be printed, if sheets of a plurality of jobs are ejected to the same ejection tray, each job has The sheets need to be divided by the user. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to prepare a plurality of output trays that are further subdivided for each department and for each function, search for an output tray in which there is no sheet output for each job, and perform control so that the output processing is performed there. Can be

If the number of discharge trays is increased as described above, it is possible to easily cope with the problem. However, the total number of discharge trays becomes enormous, and the entire image forming apparatus including a large number of discharge trays becomes large and large.

Therefore, if the installation space of the image forming apparatus becomes a problem, the number of discharge trays cannot be increased as described above. A sorting function is required so that a print sheet to be output every time can be classified.

In view of such demands, conventionally, the following three methods have been considered and are being put into practice.

An index (identification) mark (mark) is provided on a part of a sheet (print sheet) printed by one job, separately from the image data.
This is described, for example, in JP-A-63-202763.

[0013] A non-recording separation sheet that separates print sheets for each job is interposed. This is described in, for example, JP-A-1-92174.

When a print sheet for each job is discharged onto a discharge tray, a discharge process is performed so as to offset (shift) a print sheet from a previous job. That is, the discharge position of the print sheet by the previous job and the print sheet by the next job are shifted. This is as described, for example, in JP-A-64-12756.

According to the above-described methods, even if the same discharge tray is used, a group of printed sheets for each job can be easily distinguished from a group of printed sheets for another job, and the entire apparatus becomes large. Can be avoided.

[0016]

As described above, according to the above-described method of sorting the discharged state of the sheets on which images have been formed, each of a plurality of jobs related to a plurality of jobs is placed on at least one discharge tray by a simple method. Sorting of the print sheet group becomes easy. Therefore, the burden on the user side can be reduced, the device can be downsized, and the layout area can be small.

However, there are also the following problems.

In other words, according to the above method, when the number of print sheets output by one job is several, the classification and division of the discharged print sheets in each job are very recognizable even by looking at the marked part. It becomes difficult. Therefore, even if the user simply divides the mark portion by calculation, one print sheet or several print sheets from other jobs are mixed, and if another user searches for the discharge tray, it is found. There is a problem such as not being available. For this reason, the user is forced to check each time whether sheets from other jobs are mixed.

In the method (1), the print sheet in each job can be very easily separated by the separation sheet, so that the burden on the user can be reduced. However, the intervening separator sheets for sorting are wasted.

Further, in the method (1), even if there is one print sheet by one job, there is no need to useless a separation sheet or the like, and the separation is clear. However, as shown in FIG. 9, when the print sheet P of the later job A is deposited on the print sheet P of the previous job B so as to be offset and overlapped with the print sheet P of the earlier job B, the print sheet P of the upper part is One edge hangs down, and the sheet P warps (curves) downward. This becomes more conspicuous as the number of print sheets in one job increases, which is not preferable.

Therefore, even if the above three methods are used, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and if the burden on the user side is not reduced, sheets may be generated wastefully or the discharged print sheets may be warped. Problems such as habits cannot be eliminated.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a sorting function which can solve the above problems and easily sort print sheets output for each job easily.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to utilize a method of giving an index mark for sorting sheets, thereby making it possible to easily separate print sheets for each job, and Therefore, another sort method is used in accordance with the above-mentioned method, thereby eliminating the burden on the user side and reducing the habit of the sheet or the waste of the sheet.

[0024]

According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a print sheet for each job is distinguished when an image-formed print sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray. In the image forming apparatus with a sorting function, an index mark is provided at a position determined as described above, and the print sheets for each job are discharged so as to be stacked on the same discharge tray so that the print sheets can be distinguished. When the number of print sheets output by the job is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, an index mark is added to distinguish the print sheets of the job, and when the number of print sheets is less than the predetermined number, the index mark is set. Do not add screen marks, and each index mark is at a different position for each job and partially overlaps for each job Sea urchin, characterized in that grant.

According to the configuration of the first aspect, the index mark is added to the print sheet for each job, and the assigned index mark is differently assigned to each job. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, index marks IMa, IMb,
The positions of IMc are assigned to different positions. This makes it possible to easily recognize the print sheets P by different jobs on the same discharge tray based on the positions where the index marks are given, thereby facilitating the sorting process by the user.

When the number of print sheets in one job (B) is small as shown in FIG.
The job (C) to which the index mark (IMc) is given first without the index mark (IMb) being given
Is discharged onto the print sheet P. Then, the print sheet to which the index mark (IMa) has been given by the next job (A) has been discharged. As described above, while it is possible to easily sort the print sheet to which the index mark (IM) is assigned for each job, if there is a print sheet by a job to which the index mark (IM) is not assigned, the print sheet can be easily determined by the index mark position. Can be recognized.

Therefore, in the feature of the first aspect of the present invention, the index mark is shifted in the mark position for each job, and the index mark is shifted.
If the number is not given when the number of print sheets by the previous job is less than the predetermined number, it is assumed that the print sheet has been given at that position, and when the index mark is given in the next job, it is given by the above job. If the control is performed so that the index mark is shifted further than the assumed position, as shown in FIG. 1A, the job (B) to which the index mark is not assigned is assigned to each of the jobs to which the index mark (IM) is assigned. In the case of being sandwiched between jobs (C and A), there is no overlapping part in a part of the index mark, and it is easy to have a small number of print sheets by the job (B) at that position. And the sorting process is facilitated.

Further, a second method for achieving the above-mentioned object is described.
In the configuration according to the invention, when an image-formed print sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray, an index mark is added to a position determined so as to distinguish the print sheet for each job, and the print sheet for each job is added. In an image forming apparatus with a sorting function in which the sheets are discharged on the same discharge tray so as to be distinguished from each other, when the number of print sheets by the job is less than a predetermined number, It is characterized in that in order to classify a certain thing, it is performed in a sheet sorting process other than the above-mentioned index mark addition.

In the above-described configuration according to the second aspect of the invention, as another sorting process, the separating sheet is discharged separately from the print sheet. That is, FIG.
As shown in (2), in the print sheet discharge processing of the job (B) in which the index microphone is not provided between the job (C) and the job (A), the separation sheet (S) for separating the print sheet is discharged. deep. Thereby, the job (B)
When the number of print sheets is small, sorting when no index mark is given can be clearly performed. Moreover, since the separation sheet (S) is not subjected to the discharging process for all jobs, waste of the separation sheet S can be reduced.

Further, in the above-described configuration according to the second aspect of the present invention, the other sorting process is performed by an offset discharge process for shifting a print sheet discharge position, as shown in FIG. 1C. So, job (C)
In the print sheet discharge processing of the job (B) in which the index microphone is not added between the job (A) and the job (A), the discharge position is set to another job (C,
A). Thereby, the job (B)
Even when the index mark is not provided when the number of print sheets is small, the print sheets can be surely classified. At this time, since the number of print sheets is small, the print sheets do not hang down due to the stiffness of the sheets themselves. However, if this number is large, the sheet above it may sag and curl due to its own weight,
Such a thing is eliminated.

According to such a configuration, since other sorting processing is performed in addition to the index mark adding, each feature can be fully utilized, and each merit can be utilized to the maximum. .

In the first and second aspects of the present invention, the sorting state is displayed on a display device provided in the image forming apparatus in order to indicate the sorting state of sheets for each job. By doing so, the user can visually recognize the display device to recognize the print sheet discharge processing state corresponding to each job, and can easily and reliably perform sorting according to the processing.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A sheet discharging process by an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments of the invention described below, a digital copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a digital copying machine that can be used as a multifunction machine described below, but can be applied to a printer, a facsimile machine, and an apparatus that uses them alone. It is. Further, the digital copying machine is not limited to such a method as long as it forms an image by an electrophotographic method, and can be naturally applied to an apparatus for forming an image by an ink jet method or a thermal method.

First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described for a digital copying machine shown in FIG. This digital copying machine is not limited to a simple copy mode, but also a print mode for printing out image data sent from an external device, and a printout for image data transferred from another facsimile machine. Is a digital image forming apparatus having a facsimile mode or the like for transferring an image to another facsimile apparatus.

As will be described later, the digital copying machine includes a control circuit board for controlling the whole as shown in FIG. 5, and an operation panel having a display input device shown in FIG. In order to obtain an arbitrary image, a setting function is set, in particular, according to the present invention, a sorting function is set for each job, and the discharging function is executed on a print sheet on which an image has been formed.

Therefore, the digital copying machine 30 shown in FIG.
Is roughly composed of a scanner unit 31 and a laser recording unit (printer unit) 32.

The scanner section 31 includes a document table 35 made of transparent glass and a double-sided automatic document feeder (ADF / RA) for automatically feeding and conveying the document onto the document table 35.
DF) 36 and a document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on the document table 35, that is, a scanner unit 40.

The original image read by the scanner unit 31 is sent as image data to an image data input unit to be described later. The image data is subjected to predetermined image processing, for example, processing set by an operator. Then, the laser recording unit 32 converts the data into data that can be subjected to image formation processing.

The RADF 36 is a device for setting a plurality of documents at a time on a document tray (not shown) and automatically feeding the set documents one by one onto a document table of a scanner unit. is there. RADF36 also
A transport path for a one-sided original, a transport path for a two-sided original, a transport path switching unit, and a state of the original passing through each unit so that one side or both sides of the original can be read by the scanner unit according to an operator's selection. It is composed of a sensor group that grasps and manages information, a control unit, and the like. This R
Since many applications and commercializations have been made on the ADF 36, further description is omitted.

A scanner unit 40 constituting a scanner section 31 for reading an image of a document on the document table 35
Is a lamp reflector assembly 4 for exposing the original surface.
1, a first scanning unit 40a including a first reflection mirror 42a for reflecting the reflected light from the document for guiding a reflected light image from the document to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD), and a first scanning unit 40a. A second scanning unit 4 including second and third reflection mirrors 42b and 42c for guiding a reflected light image from the reflection mirror unit 40a to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD).
0b, an optical lens 43 for forming a reflected light image from the document on an element (CCD) for converting the reflected light image into an electric image signal via each of the above-described reflecting mirrors, and an electric image of the reflected light image from the document. The above-mentioned CCD element 44 for converting into a signal
Consists of

The scanner unit 31 moves the scanner unit 40 along the lower surface of the document table 35 when the documents to be read are sequentially placed on the document table 35 by the related operation of the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40. It is configured to move and read the document image. for that reason,
The first scanning unit 40a travels at a constant speed V from left to right along the document table 35, and the second scanning unit 40b is parallel to the speed V at a speed of V / 2 in the same direction. The scanning is controlled. As a result, the document table 3
5 sequentially scans the image of the original placed on the CCD line by line.
An image is read by forming an image on the element 44.

The image data obtained by reading the image of the original by the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit, which will be described later, and after being subjected to various processes, is temporarily stored in a memory of the image processing unit and responds to an output instruction. The image data in the memory is read out and transferred to the laser printer unit 32 to form a visible image on the recording sheet.

The laser recording section 32 includes a sheet conveying system as a recording medium for forming a visible image, a laser scanning unit 46, and an electrophotographic processing section 47 for forming an image.

The laser scanning unit 46 is a semiconductor laser light source that emits a laser beam in accordance with image data read from the memory after reading by the above-described scanner unit 40 or image data transferred from an external device.
It has a polygon mirror that deflects the laser light at an equal angular velocity, an f-θ lens that corrects the laser light deflected at an equal angular velocity so as to be deflected at a constant angular velocity on a photosensitive drum 48 constituting the electrophotographic process unit 47, and the like. are doing.

The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charger, a developing device, a transfer device,
It has a peeling device, cleaning device, and static eliminator.

On the other hand, the sheet transport system includes a transport section for transporting the sheet P to a transfer position between the photosensitive member 48 of the electrophotographic process section 47 for forming an image and a transfer unit disposed opposite thereto. Upper and lower cassette sheet feeding devices 51 and 52 for feeding the sheet P to the transport unit, or a manual sheet feeding device 54 for appropriately feeding sheets of a required size;
A fixing device 49 for fixing an image formed on the sheet P after transfer, particularly a toner image, and a re-supply path 53 for re-supplying the sheet P for forming an image again on the back surface of the sheet P after fixing And

Further, downstream of the fixing device 49, a post-processing device 34 for receiving a sheet P on which an image is recorded and performing predetermined processing on the sheet P is arranged.

In the laser scanning unit 46 and the electrophotographic processing unit 47, the image data read from the image memory is converted into a laser beam by the laser writing unit 46 on a uniformly charged surface of the photosensitive drum 48. Scanning through the loading unit 46, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. Then, the latent image is visualized by toner, and the visualized toner image is supplied to the paper feeding device 5.
The image is electrostatically transferred and fixed onto a sheet fed from any of the sheets 1 and 52.

The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is
Post-processing device 3 from fixing device 49 via discharge roller 57
4 is conveyed.

(Explanation of Circuit of Image Processing Unit) Next, in the digital copying machine 30 as shown in FIG. 5, the configuration and function of an image processing unit that performs desired image processing on a document image obtained by reading a document image. explain.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall control circuit configuration of various units and an image processing unit constituting the digital copying machine 30 of FIG. The sub central processing unit (CP) mounted for each unit by the device 401 (CPU)
It is a figure showing the state where operation management is performed, taking cooperation with U).

As can be seen from this block diagram, the operation panel board 100 for managing and controlling the operation panel located substantially at the upper right of the drawing and the units constituting the digital copier 30 located at the upper left of the drawing are managed and controlled. A machine control board 200, and a CCD board 300 for electrically reading a document image by the above-described scanner unit 31 located substantially at the lower left of the drawing and using it as electronic data.
A main image processing board 400 for performing predetermined image processing on a document image converted into electronic data by the CCD board 300 or the like located substantially at the center of the drawing, and an image processed by the main image processing board 400 A sub-image processing board 500 that further performs predetermined image processing on the information,
Further, another extension board group 600 (printer board, FAX board, FAX board, etc.) connected via an interface to the sub-image processing board 500 located substantially lower right in the drawing.
Function expansion board).

The central processing unit 400 receives the ADF 203 via the CPU 201 of the machine control board 200.
(ADF 36 in FIG. 4), scanner unit 204 (FIG.
Control the scanner unit 31) in the CCD board 3
The image data obtained by converting the data read from the CCD 301 (44) from 00 through the analog circuit 303 and the A / D conversion circuit 304 into digital data is subjected to image processing by the multi-value image processing unit 402 into data recordable by the recording unit. . The image data subjected to the image processing is temporarily stored in the memory 403, and is transmitted to the image forming unit 47 via the laser control 404.
The laser scanning unit 46 controls ON / OFF of the semiconductor laser in accordance with the contents stored in the memory 403 to form an image.

The central processing unit 400 is communicably connected to the operation panel board 100 for receiving an input of print conditions and the like desired by the user, and the image forming apparatus 30 is set in each mode set and input by the user.
Is displayed on the display unit (LCD) 104 of the operation panel board 100 to notify the user of the state of the apparatus at that time.

Therefore, the operation panel board 100 will be further described. Basically, the operation panel board 100 is controlled by a sub central processing unit (CPU) 101.
A display screen of the display device 104 arranged on the operation panel 103, and an operation key group 1 for inputting instructions regarding various modes
From 05, operation inputs and the like are managed.

A memory 102 is provided for storing various control information on the operation panel such as data input from the operation key group 105 and information to be displayed on the LCD screen. The memory 102 previously stores a group of help information required by the operator according to the present invention. The help information is read out and is not displayed on the LCD display unit 104 described above. The details will be described later.

In this configuration, the sub central processing unit (CPU) 101 includes a main central processing unit (C).
The control data communication with the PU 401 is performed to instruct the digital copier 30 to operate.

The control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copier 30 is transferred from the main central processing unit 401 to the sub central processing unit (CPU) 101, so that the LCD screen of the operation panel 103 is transferred. An operation state is displayed to the operator through 104 at what state the apparatus is currently in.

Further, the machine control board 200
Is controlled entirely by the sub central processing unit 201. Also, the machine control board 200
Automatic document feeder 203 such as ADF / RADF (see FIG. 4)
RADF 36), a reading scanner unit 204 (scanner unit 31 in FIG. 4) for reading a document image, and a process unit 205 for reproducing image information as an image (process unit 4 in FIG. 4).
7) a sheet feeding / conveying unit 206 (sheet feeding devices 51, 52 and the like in FIG. 4) that sequentially conveys the sheet on which the image is recorded from the storage unit to the process unit; A double-sided unit 207 (in FIG. 4, double-sided unit 5) that reverses and conveys a sheet so that an image is formed on both sides
3) manages a finisher 208 (post-processing device 34 in FIG. 4) that performs post-processing such as stapling on paper on which an image is recorded.

Further, the machine control board 200 is provided with a means for detecting a trouble or the like in the machine, that is, the digital copier 30 itself, and informs the operator to release the trouble based on the trouble detection. I have. This trouble detection uses a well-known technique, and no special thing is used in the present invention. In the finisher 208,
The image-formed (printed) sheet according to the present invention is arbitrarily sorted according to a user's instruction or the like.

The main image processing board 400 will be described. The gradation of the image is controlled by the main central processing unit 401 and based on the electronic data of the original image sent from the CCD board 300. Processing such as shading correction, density correction, area separation, filter processing, MTF correction, resolution conversion, electronic zoom (magnification processing), gamma correction, etc. so that the image can be expressed in a desired state. Multivalued image processing unit 40 to be applied
2. A memory 403 for storing processed image data or various control information such as management of the procedure of the process. Data is transmitted to the laser writing unit 46 side in order to reproduce an image with the processed image information. And a laser control 404 for controlling the transfer of data.

In particular, a main central processing unit (CPU)
Reference numeral 401 not only processes the read image information as described above, but also controls the digital copying machine 30 and the operation panel 103 provided in the digital copying machine. For example, based on the trouble detection on the copying machine 30 side, the trouble state is transmitted to the operation panel board 100, and the operation panel board 10
On the 0 side, the trouble content and the like are displayed on the LCD display unit 104 to inform the operator.

Next, the sub image processing board 500 connected to the memory image processing board 400 will be described. The sub image processing board 500 is connected to the main image processing board 400 by a connector (405, 505).
A binary image processing unit 501 for converting multi-valued image data processed by the main central processing unit 401 on the main image processing board 400 into a binary image or the like; binary image information subjected to image processing; A memory for storing and managing the above control information and the like, a gate array 502 for controlling the memory, storing and managing a plurality of document image information, and repeatedly reading a plurality of document images by a desired number of copies to form a plurality of copies It is composed of a hard disk for generating an object, a gate array 503 for controlling the hard disk, a SCSI as an external interface, and a gate array 504 for controlling the SCSI.

The binary image processing unit 501 converts a multi-valued image information into a binary image, and rotates the image (for example, 9
It is composed of a processing unit for rotating (rotating by 0 °), a binary magnification (zoom) processing unit for performing a scaling process for a binary image, and a fax interface so that a fax image can be transmitted and received via communication means. It also has.

Further, the extension board 600 has a printer board 601 for enabling data sent from a personal computer or the like to be output as a print mode from the printer section 32 of the digital copying machine 30, and an editing function of the digital copying machine 30. A function expansion board 602 for expanding and effectively utilizing the features of the digital copying machine, a document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 30 is transmitted to or received from the other party. There is a facsimile board 603 that enables image information to be output from the printer unit 32 of the digital copying machine.

Hereinafter, as an image processing apparatus of a digital copying machine, processing of image data in each mode of copy (copy), facsimile, and printer, and a flow of image data will be described.

(Copy Mode) R of Digital Copier 30
Documents set at predetermined positions of the ADF 36 are sequentially supplied one by one to the document mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 40, and the images of the documents are sequentially read by the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above, and an 8-bit electronic document is read. The data is transferred to the main image processing board 400 as data (multi-valued image data).

The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing section 402 as 8-bit electronic image data.
Then, processing such as gamma correction is performed on the 8-bit electronic image data and sent to the laser writing unit 46 (LSU) via the laser control unit 404.

Thus, the image of the original read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 30 is stored in the laser recording unit 3.
In step 2, a reproduced image (print) having gradation is output on a sheet.

(Print Mode) Image data sent from a network-connected external device such as a personal computer is developed on the printer board 601 as an image in page units on the board 601 and then transmitted from the SCSI 504 as an interface. The data is temporarily transferred to the sub image processing board 500 side and stored in a memory such as the hard disk 503.

The image developed as a page image on the printer board 601 is stored in the sub-image processing board 500.
Side, but does not perform binary image processing on the page image,
It is only temporarily stored on the hard disk 503. The page image once stored is stored in the hard disk 503.
Does not perform the binary image processing on the page image.

The image information temporarily stored in the hard disk 503 is sent to the main image processing board 400 while being read from the hard disk 503 in a predetermined page order, and is subjected to gamma correction and the like as described above. The image writing is controlled by the laser control unit 404 from the laser control unit 404 so that the image is reproduced, printed on a sheet, and output.

(Fax Mode) In the fax mode, there are processes for transmitting a document to a destination and receiving a document from the destination.

First, transmission of a document to a destination will be described. Therefore, the operator operates the digital copier 30
The original to be transmitted is set on the RADF 36 mounting tray.
The set originals are sent one by one to the scanner unit 4.
The originals are sequentially supplied to the original mounting table 35, and the images of the transmitted originals are sequentially read by the scanner unit 40 described above and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic image data.

The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing section 402 as 8-bit electronic image data.

The 8-bit electronic image data is then transmitted to the connector 40 on the main image processing board 400 side.
5 is sent to the sub-image processing board 500 via the connector 505 on the sub-image processing board 500 side, and 8-bit electronic image data together with processing such as error diffusion in the multi-level binary conversion section of the binary image processing section 501 Is converted into 2-bit electronic image data. The transmission document thus converted into a binary image is compressed in a predetermined format and stored in the memory 502.
Is stored.

It is to be noted that the 8-bit electronic image data is converted into 2-bit electronic image data including processing such as error diffusion, as described above. Since there is a problem in image quality, consideration is given to reducing the deterioration of image quality.

Then, when the transmission procedure with the other party is performed and a state in which transmission is possible is secured, the transmission original image compressed in a predetermined format read from the memory 502 is transferred to the fax board 603 side, and This fax board 6
After performing necessary processing such as changing the compression format on the communication device 03, the data is sequentially transmitted to the other party via the communication line.

Next, processing of a document image transmitted from a destination will be described.

When the original is transmitted from the other party via the communication line, the original image transmitted from the other party is received and compressed into a predetermined format while performing the communication procedure on the fax board 603. The received image in the closed state is sent to the binary image processing unit 501 of the sub-image processing board 500.
The original image transmitted from the fax interface provided to the binary image processing unit 501 and transmitted as a page image by the compression / decompression processing unit or the like is reproduced.

The original image reproduced as a page-by-page image is transferred to the main image processing board 400 to perform gamma correction, and the laser control 404 controls the writing of the image so that the LSU 46 reproduces the image. You.

As can be seen from the above configuration, the image processing section for performing predetermined processing on image information is mainly composed of the scanner section 3.
A main image processing board 400 for processing document image information read and input from 1 as multi-valued image information, and binarizing the document image information processed as multi-valued image information by the main image processing board 400 After performing predetermined processing such as processing, or performing predetermined processing on image information sent from a device connected via an external interface, the multi-valued image processing unit (main image processing board 40
And a sub-image processing board 500 for transferring the data to the 0) side.

The main image processing board 400 includes:
In order to reproduce an image from the laser scanning unit (LSU) 46 on the photoconductor 48 of the electrophotographic process, a laser control 404 for controlling writing of image information of the laser scanning unit 46 is included.

With this configuration, the original image read and input from the scanner unit 31 can be reproduced as a copy image from the laser recording unit 32 without impairing the characteristics of the image of the original as a multi-valued image. When a large number of documents are to be output at a high speed using the electronic RDH function or the like, the sub image processing board 500, the hard disk
It is possible by using such a method.

Further, processing and output for image information from an external device such as a facsimile or a printer, and for facsimile, a binary image for a transmission original on which multi-value image processing has been further performed (maintaining original image characteristics). Processing,
The configuration is such that appropriate processing can be performed on the image information in accordance with the digital characteristic functions provided as the digital copying machine 30.

Further, by dispersing the image processing units, a wide variety of variations (lineup) of the digital copying machine 30 can be prepared, and the digital copying machine can be installed according to the demand of the user.
Further, even after installation, it is possible to easily deploy the system according to the user's request.

The central processing unit 401 disposed on the main image processing board 400 also manages and controls the sub image processing board 500 in the above configuration, so that the processing is continuously performed in each processing unit. The flow of the entire image is managed, and the flow of data and processing becomes smooth (the image data is not lost).

(Operation Panel Section) FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation panel of the digital copying machine 30 as described above, and the operator inputs settings and the like as necessary. Operation panel 75 of digital copying machine 30 shown in FIG.
(Operation panel 103 described with reference to FIG. 5) is provided substantially at the center of the operation surface of the copying machine.

A liquid crystal display device 6 of, for example, a touch panel type is arranged at the center of the operation panel 75, and various mode setting keys are also arranged around the liquid crystal display device 6.

On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6, a basic start screen for constantly selecting various modes is displayed. If necessary, an area relating to an instruction of a desired mode is directly pressed with a finger. The liquid crystal screen sequentially transitions so that various modes can be selected and instructed. From among the various displayed modes, the operator can input settings such as an editing function by touching a region where a desired function is displayed with a finger.

The various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel 75 will be briefly described. First, the liquid crystal display device 6
An approximate view of the digital copying machine is displayed at the approximate center of the figure. Further, below the overview, a copy density setting key 7 for setting and inputting a copy density, a paper size setting key 8 for setting and inputting a paper size, and copying. A magnification setting key 9 for setting and inputting a magnification is provided.

On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 6, a special function mode key 10 for transitioning the liquid crystal display screen to an edit mode setting screen for editing a document image, and a setting for shifting to a double-sided copy mode and setting a processing mode. A double-sided copy mode key 11 for transitioning the liquid crystal display screen to the screen, a key 12 for transitioning the liquid crystal display screen to an output mode instruction screen such as sorter / staple, etc., and for confirming the contents of the currently set mode. Setting confirmation key 13
Is provided.

If the special function key 10 is operated, the display device 6 displays each function for the special function, and the function can be set by touching a position corresponding to the function. For example, according to the present invention, by setting a print sheet sorting function, a process which will be described later in detail by the function is executed together with the image forming process.

Further, on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 6, an operation guide key 14 for displaying guidance information such as an operation method for processing by an operator on a screen, and the operation guide key 14 is operated to display the information on the liquid crystal display unit 6. A scroll key 14 for scrolling the displayed guidance information up and down to confirm the display of the entire guidance information
1, 142 are provided.

Apart from the liquid crystal display device 6 and various keys provided on the periphery thereof, the operation panel 75 has many other keys. The keys will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Numeral 15 is a numeric key for inputting numerical information such as the number of copies, and 16 is an interrupt for interrupting a new copy mode into a copy mode currently being processed and processing the copy mode. Key, 17 is a clear key for clearing conditions entered by ten keys or the like, 18 is an all clear key for clearing all states of the digital copying machine and returning to the standard state, and 19 is conditions by various keys described above. A start key for instructing start of image formation in a set mode.

Note that the 3 arranged on the left side of the operation panel 75
The two keys 20 to 22 are mode switching means for switching the digital copying machine 30 to the facsimile mode, the print mode, and the copy mode in order from the top to operate. Particularly, in the standby state, the copying machine is in a state of inputting image data, and when image data is input by facsimile, the mode is automatically set. When image data is input from an external device, the mode is set to the print mode, and the output process is performed.

The operation panel presented this time and the various keys arranged on the operation panel are merely examples.
It goes without saying that the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the digital copying machine 30.

(First Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the digital copying machine configured as described above, an embodiment of the present invention will be described below, in which sheets after printing are sorted for each job and discharged. Will be described in detail.

The basis of the sorting process according to the present invention is to form, on one edge of a sheet, a mark indicating that a sheet to be printed in one job is a sheet group of the same job, that is, an index mark. By visually checking the mark, a sheet bundle of a target job can be easily recognized, and thus, sorting of print sheets (image-formed sheets) on one discharge tray is facilitated.

If the index mark cannot be easily recognized, a print sheet bundle (including one sheet) for each job can be easily formed by using a sorting method different from the index mark application. Some are easily recognizable.

As the tray for discharging the print sheet, one of the two discharge trays provided in the finisher 34 in FIG. 4 is used. The finisher 34 can staple print sheets one by one in a copy (copy) mode or the like, and the stapling process is performed separately from the processing tray 34-1 for discharging the stapled print sheet bundle. Without
A discharge tray 34-2 for receiving a print sheet to be discharged as it is is provided.

In the present invention, the discharge tray 34-
2, the print sheets can be easily sorted for each job.

First, a basic configuration for providing an index mark will be described. FIG. 2 shows the overall control circuit configuration according to FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the control circuit structure concerning addition of an index mark in 00.

First, referring to FIG. 2A, when the digital copying machine 30 is operating in each mode, the scanner unit 31 and the input unit 60 receive image data from the outside while operating in that mode. And these are temporarily stored in the memory 403 as described above. Before being stored in the memory 403, the multi-value image processing unit 402
And the binary image processing unit 501 can perform recording processing via the laser scanning unit 46 of the laser recording unit 32, and as image data in a state where image processing is performed in consideration of printing conditions and the like set by the user. It is remembered.

In order that the image data stored in the memory 403 can be formed into an image by the laser recording unit 32, when the image data is read from the memory 403 and sent to the laser scanning unit 46, the index mark information generating unit The index mark information is output from 61 and combined with the previous image data, and sent to the laser scanning unit 46.

The index information generation section 61 is provided with an index position information storage section 62 for storing a position where an index mark is to be added. The index position information storage unit 62 stores a mark position given first and a mark position given by the next job in order to assign a position of a mark to be assigned to a different position for each job. In accordance with the storage state, the index mark position generating section 61 combines the mark information with the position of the index mark with the image data.

The index information generating section 61 and the index position information storage section 62 include a multi-value image processing section 402.
As in the case of the many processing units, it is incorporated in advance so as to achieve the processing. Then, when the user performs a setting input for requesting the mark addition via the operation panel 75, the circuit of FIG. 2A is controlled to operate.

FIG. 3 shows image data, a state in which an index mark is given to the image data, and a recognition state in which a mark is given to each print sheet for each job. With reference to this figure, the control of adding the index mark will be described for the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2 so that the present invention can be easily understood.

In FIG. 3, image data IDa, IDb, ID of three different jobs A, B and C are shown.
c shows a case where a large number of printouts are performed for each job. An image forming process (printing process) based on the image data IDc of the first input job C is performed on the image data IDc of the job C.
If the index mark IMc is given in the execution, that is, the setting input of the sorting function is performed, the index mark information generating unit 6 is operated together with the image data IDc according to the instruction of the index position information storage unit 62.
1, the data for adding the mark IMc is combined with the image data C at a predetermined position, and this is printed out. The index mark IMc is formed at the same position in the same job C.

Next, the image data ID of the job B
b is input and printed out, the index position information storage unit 62 stores the index mark IMb at a position different from the previous index position as described above.
Index mark information generating unit 61
To instruct. As a result, the index mark information generating section 61 combines the mark with the input image data B at a different position shifted from the mark position of the previous job C, and prints out the mark.

Finally, image data IDa generated by job A
Is input, and the index mark IMa is added thereto, so that the index mark is assigned to a position different from the mark position for the previous job B and printed. for that reason,
Since the positions of the index marks IMc to IMa are different for each job discharged onto one discharge tray 34-2, the print sheet P for each job can be easily recognized, and the sorting process can be easily performed. This means that the position of the index mark is set to the same position in the same job, and the index mark I
This is because the position where M is applied is made different.

The index position storage section 62 stores the print sheet in the initial position in a state where the print sheet has not been discharged to the discharge tray 34-2 (there is no sheet on the tray), for example, the job C in FIG. 3B. The index mark position is determined as the initial position of the application. Then, the position is shifted to the right (in the case of FIG. 3) or sequentially to the left from the position at regular intervals. Then, when the index mark IM position exceeds the area of the sheet P, the index mark IM is returned to the initial position. In the state of returning to the initial position, the sheet of the discharge tray 34-2 is removed,
This means that the contents of the index mark position information storage unit 62 are cleared (returned) to the initial state when the detection sensor detects the state (that is, there is no sheet on the discharge tray).

In the control circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2B, the recording area of the memory 403 is divided into, for example, two sections, and image data to be input is stored in one storage area 403-1. The composite data with the index mark IM added is stored in the area 403-2. Then, at the time of print output, the image data with the index mark after the combination is read and output processing is performed.

By providing the index mark IM as described above, even if the print sheets P of a plurality of jobs are discharged one by one onto one discharge tray 34-2, the print position of each job is determined by the mark position. Recognition becomes easy, and each user can easily sort the target print sheet bundle.

Here, in the index mark IM, when the number of output print sheets P exceeds a predetermined number, the overlapped sheet bundle can be easily distinguished from the sheet bundle of another job. is there. However, when the number of print sheets in one job is one or several (for example, about five), it is difficult to recognize the index mark IM even if the index mark IM is provided.

For example, a job C outputs a large number of printouts, a job B outputs one or two printouts, and a large number of printsheets of the job A are placed on the same discharge tray 34-2. , The sheet is not easily recognized by the job B.

However, according to the present invention, in assigning the index marks for each job, the index marks for the subsequent jobs are assigned so as to partially overlap each other, so that one or a small number of index marks are determined. The control is performed so that the index mark is not added to the output of the job based on the number of jobs (less than six sheets, for example, less than six). In other words, as shown in FIG. 1A, since there are a large number of print sheets of job C deposited on the print sheets of job D, the index marks IMd and IMc given to each other are different. Recognition becomes easy.

The job B deposited on the job C
If there are only a few (one or several) print sheets, no index mark is given. Here, whether or not to add an index mark is determined by the number of pages and the number of copies of the input image data. Therefore, when the output number is one or a small number, control is performed so that the index mark is not added. it can.

If the next job A has a large number of sheets, an index mark IMa is given. At this time, the position of the index mark IMa of the job A is not shifted at the position previously given in the job B, and the index mark IMa is further shifted. That is, although the index mark by job B is not added, it is assumed that the index mark is actually added (the position IMb indicated by a broken line).
Then, the position of the index mark IMa by the job A is further shifted.

Thus, when the print sheets P by the job B exist between the job C and the job A and are stacked and discharged, the index marks IMc and IMa of the jobs C and A do not overlap each other. Therefore, it can be easily recognized that a print sheet by a different job B exists between the jobs C and A.

Therefore, when the number of print sheets is small for each job, the index mark IM is provided only when the number of print sheets for a certain job is large, without providing the index mark. And
The position of the index mark IM is shifted for each job, and the index marks IM of successive jobs are provided so as to partially overlap. Then, assuming that the index mark position in the case where the index mark IM is not given is virtually marked, the next mark position is determined. Thus, even when the number of print sheets of the job B as shown in FIG. 1 is small, the positions of the marks IMc and IMa in the upper and lower print jobs C and A are recognized, and sheets of other jobs exist between them. It can be easily recognized. When the mark positions are shifted without overlapping, it can be easily recognized that a small number of print sheets of one job or a plurality of jobs exist between them.

Therefore, with a simple configuration in which the index mark IM is simply provided, even in a case where a small number of print sheets of a specific job are output together with a large number of print sheets of another job, output processing can be performed.
The distinction can be made easily, and the sorting becomes easy.

(Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the above-described first embodiment, the sorting of the print sheet bundle for each job can be easily performed by controlling by giving or not giving index marks. Things.

In the following, there will be described an example in which the sorting in the case where a small number of print sheets are discharged by the job when the index mark is not added can be more easily performed.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show an example. In other words, when the number of print sheets in one job is small, a sorting processing function other than the sorting processing based on the index mark is used.

In FIG. 1B, jobs D, C, A
Indicates the case where a large number of print sheets are output, and the case where the number of jobs B is small (1 or 5 or less). Then, in the jobs D and C, the index marks IMd and IMc are provided so as to partially overlap each other as described in the first embodiment. Then, when the image data of the next job C is input and the number of output sheets is determined to be small, the separation sheet S is discharged without the index mark added before the print sheet of the job B is discharged. I do.

This discharging process is well known in the art. However, one sheet feeding tray is selected, only the sheet is conveyed, the image forming process is stopped, and the sheet is discharged onto the discharging tray 34-2 via the finisher 34. Then, the sheet is stacked and discharged on the printer sheet by the previous job. This separator sheet S
Is different from the size of the print sheet, and the sheet is selected and discharged so that one of the ends in the discharge direction of the print sheet or the side end orthogonal to the discharge direction protrudes.

Then, an image forming process based on the image data of the job B is executed, and the print sheet is processed so as to be superimposed on the previously separated sheet S. If image data is input by the next job A after the output process by the job B, the separation sheet S is discharged at this point. When the job A outputs a large number of print sheets, an index mark is given. This assignment is made so as to be shifted from the position of the index mark IMc by the job C given earlier in a partially overlapping state.

When the number of print sheets by the job A is small, the separation sheet S is discharged without giving an index mark, and the print sheet by the job A is further discharged thereon. Become.

If such a discharging process is performed, it can be easily recognized that there is a print sheet of a different job B between job C and job A by the presence of the separation sheet S. Thus, the separation sheet S is
It is possible to reduce the number of wasteful sheets only by performing the discharge processing when outputting a small number of print sheets in a specific job without performing the discharge processing for all. Moreover,
In the case of a small number of sheets, the target print sheet can be sorted out of the deposited sheet very easily by the separation sheet S.

FIG. 1B shows a case where there are jobs based on the output of a large number of print sheets.
When jobs using a small number of print sheets are consecutively present, the separation sheet S may be discharged for each job as shown in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, instead of performing the discharge processing of the separation sheet S as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the offset discharge processing may be performed on the discharge tray 34-2.

FIG. 7B for performing the offset processing described above.
In the discharging process, the print sheet is discharged so as to be shifted for each job. As an example, a method of shifting in the discharge direction or a direction of shifting in the direction orthogonal to the discharge direction is known, and any of these methods can be used.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 1C, in outputting a small number of print sheets by the job B, only the print sheet is assigned an index mark on each print sheet like other jobs D, C and A. Even without this, the print sheet of job B can be easily recognized by performing the offset discharge process on the print sheet of job B. Also in this process, similar to FIG. 1B, the recognition of the print sheets by a small number can be performed more easily, and the reliable sorting process can be performed.

Even when the offset processing is performed, the number of print sheets to be output is small, so that the protruding sheet edge can be prevented from hanging down by its own weight, and the sheet does not have a curved habit.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. That is, when the number of print sheets for a specific job is small, the following processing is performed.

In outputting a print sheet for each job using a small number of sheets, sheet ejection is performed in a direction orthogonal to the sheet direction that has been subjected to the ejection processing. This is because when a specific job outputs a small number of sheets, an index mark is not added, an image is formed in a state in which the feed of the sheet to be printed is changed by 90 °, and if this is ejected, a print for another job is performed. Sorting with sheets becomes easier.

That is, in the digital copying machine 30 shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of cassette paper feeding devices 51 and 52 are provided, and these cassette paper feeding devices 51 and 52 are of the same size and the directions are mutually different. Store at 90 ° offset. When the number of print sheets by the job is large, for example, the cassette device 51
The sheet accommodated in the longitudinal direction is fed, and an image is formed on the sheet. Then, an index mark is given to the sheet.

On the other hand, when the number of print sheets in a specific job is small, the sheets are fed from the cassette feeding device 52 containing the sheets so that the sheets are fed in the short direction, and after forming the image, the sheet is discharged as it is. To process. In the image formation at this time, the image formation processing is performed such that the input image data is rotated by 90 °.

Therefore, if such a discharging process is executed, the distinction between the print sheets for each job can be surely recognized by the index mark IM. Then, a job that outputs a small number of print sheets can be easily distinguished in the sheet direction. This makes it possible to easily distinguish between print sheets for each job, similarly to the case where the separation sheet S is inserted. Even in this case, even if the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the sheet are different in the discharged state, the direction of only a small number of print sheets is different, so that there is no fear of the sheet edge drooping as shown in FIG. Further, even if a large number of print sheets are discharged so as to be stacked on the upper portion, there is no fear of curling due to hanging down.

In this case, when a small number of print sheets are discharged by a specific job, if the both ends of the sheets are discharged so as to protrude from a large number of print sheets of the previous job, the amount of protrusion is reduced to 上述. The effect of preventing drooping increases. Therefore, the image formation and the sheet conveyance may be performed on the basis of the center.

FIG. 8 shows the display device 6 of the operation panel 75.
FIG. 11 shows an example in which the user is notified of the form in which each job has been discharged to the discharge tray 34-2. FIG. 8A shows a display 70 showing a state in which the sorting process is performed with the separation sheet S interposed when the number of print sheets output by the job is small. In addition, a message display 71 indicating the state is displayed together with the display 70. With this display, the user can easily recognize the sorting state, and can easily sort the target print sheet.

FIG. 8B shows an arrangement in which print sheets are sorted by offset processing, and the state is indicated on displays 72 and 73. In this display, the user naturally recognizes the sorting state and can easily sort the target print sheet.

In FIG. 8, when there are a large number of print sheets by a job, it is not displayed that the process with an index mark is being performed. Display is of course performed. That is, FIG.
As shown in (b) and (c), even in a case where the index mark is added and the other sheet sorting process is performed in a mixed manner, such a state is of course displayed. .

In the description of the embodiment of the present invention,
Although a digital copying machine has been described as an example of an image forming apparatus, an analog copying machine, that is, an image of a document is directly
8 to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device, and the developed toner image is transferred onto a sheet to complete printing. At this time, in order to provide an index mark IM, a non-exposed portion (not irradiated with light) is formed at one edge at the time of exposure, and a blank is disposed between the exposure position and the development position to erase the electric charge at an arbitrary position. A lamp (made of an LED or the like) is controlled to be turned on, an electrostatic latent image is formed by an index mark at an arbitrary position, and toner is adhered to that portion to form an index mark IM. Thus, for each job as shown in FIG. 1, for example, for each series of originals, the print sheet can be sorted by the index mark IM or the like. Other offset processing and discharge processing of the separation sheet S can be used as they are.

As a method of forming an image on a sheet, not only an electrophotographic method but also an ink jet method or a thermal printing method can be used.

[0146]

In the image forming apparatus with a sorting function of the present invention described above, an index mark corresponding to each job is given so that a print sheet for each job can be recognized, and the mark position is shifted. Has been granted. This facilitates the sorting of print sheets by each job. Further, even a small number of print sheets to which no index mark is given can be easily recognized by the state of the index mark being given.

Therefore, even if the printing process is performed so that the print sheets for each job are stacked on the discharge tray, the print sheets for each job can be easily recognized and sorted. Therefore, the image forming apparatus does not become large and large in order to achieve the sorting function, and it is possible to prevent the installation area of the image forming apparatus from becoming large.

In the case of a small number of print sheets,
Separation processing different from the one that gives the index mark, for example, offset processing that shifts the separation sheet and the discharge sheet from each other, can reduce wasteful use of the separation sheet, and can also reduce the sheet during offset treatment. It is possible to prevent a curl due to the sagging of the edge.

Further, by displaying the form of the sorting process on the display device, in the case where different sorting processes are performed, the sorting state of each form is recognized,
Recognition on the user side is easier and sorting can be performed reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sorting state of print sheets for each job according to the present invention, and illustrates an example of a sorting state in which discharge processing is performed including a case where the number of print sheets is small. It is a perspective view showing a state.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration according to the present invention for providing an index mark.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a control procedure according to an index mark assignment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram for explaining the overall structure of a digital copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus with a sorting function according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control block configuration for controlling the entire digital copying machine shown in FIG. 4;

6 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel of the digital copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram relating to a sort process different from index mark assignment when the number of print sheets output by a specific job according to the present invention is small.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example in which the sorting states of the print sheets according to the present invention are displayed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an offset processing mode as one mode for sorting print sheets in each job according to the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

6 Touch panel liquid crystal display (display) 10 Special function setting key 30 Digital copier 31 Scanner 32 Laser recorder 34 Post-processing device (finisher) 34-2 Eject tray 36 RADF (Double-sided automatic document feeder) 46 Laser operation unit (LSU) 61 index mark information generation unit 62 index position information storage unit 100 operation panel board 101 central processing unit (CPU / input determination unit) 200 machine control board 201 central processing unit (CPU / trouble detection unit) 206 supply Paper transport unit 403 Memory (storage unit) A, B, C, D Each job P Print sheet IM Index mark

Claims (5)

[Claims] When an image-formed print sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray, an index mark is provided at a position determined so as to distinguish the print sheet for each job, and the print sheet for each job is printed. In an image forming apparatus with a sorting function in which discharge processing is performed by stacking on the same discharge tray so as to be distinguishable, when the number of print sheets output by the job is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, An index mark for classifying a certain thing is given, and when the number of sheets is a small number of sheets less than the predetermined number, the index mark is not given. An image forming apparatus with a sorting function, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided so as to partially overlap each job. 2. In a state where the mark position is shifted for each job, if the number of print sheets by the previous job is less than a predetermined number, the index mark is not added to the position. 2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein when the index mark is assigned in the next job, the index mark is assigned so as to be shifted further than the assumed position of the previous job. Image forming apparatus with a sorting function. 3. When an image-formed print sheet is discharged onto a discharge tray, an index mark is added to a position determined so as to distinguish the print sheet for each job, and the print sheet for each job is printed. In an image forming apparatus with a sorting function in which discharge processing is performed by stacking on the same discharge tray so as to be distinguished, when the number of print sheets by the job is less than a predetermined number, the print sheet by the job is determined. An image forming apparatus with a sorting function, wherein the sorting is performed by a sheet sorting process other than the above-mentioned index mark addition. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the other sort processing is performed by discharging the separation sheet separately from the print sheet, or by performing an offset discharge processing for shifting a discharge position of the print sheet to be discharged. Claim 3
An image forming apparatus with a sorting function as described above. 5. The image with a sorting function according to claim 1, wherein the sorting state is displayed on a display device provided in the image forming apparatus in order to indicate the sorting state of the sheets by each job. Forming equipment.