JP2001194962A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of changing the number of copies for image forming after the start of the proper image forming operation in consideration of mode combination control and productivity or the like. SOLUTION: Although the change of number of copies for image forming is enabled fundamentally by a second copy setting means after the start of image forming operation, the change is not enabled uniformly, but it is limited to the case only where a judging means for the change propriety for setting copies (step S12) judges the change effective in a judgment result. For example, in the case of sorting mode (Y of S20), the change of the set number of copies is made effective by displaying an interruption picture with a change key for setting copies (S22) with the condition that the set numbers of copies at the interruption is 2 or more showing that image data are stored in a memory (Y of S21). When the set value of the number of copies is 1 (N of S21), the change is forbidden by displaying the interruption picture without the change key for setting copies (S23).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, and the like having a function of forming image data by storing image data read from a document or input from a PC or the like in a memory.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, high-performance digital copiers and printers store image data read from an original in a memory such as a hard disk and perform an image forming operation (printing operation) based on the image data stored in the memory. Some of them have an electronic sort function for performing the following. That is, since the image data of the document once read is stored in the memory, the required number of copies of the image data stored in the memory are read out, whereby the image forming process for a plurality of copies can be performed. Particularly, in an image forming apparatus having such an electronic sort function, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-178510, for example, image data of a document is read into a first copy and stored in a memory. In some cases, an image forming operation is performed while the image data is accumulated, and for the second and subsequent copies, the image data accumulated in the memory is read out and the image forming operation is performed sequentially.

In an image forming apparatus having such an electronic sort function, an image forming operation is started after a necessary number of image forming copies is set with a ten-key pad or the like. After the image forming operation by the function is started, the number of image forming copies cannot be increased or decreased during the operation. As a result, for example, after all image forming operations with the initially set number of image forming copies are completed, it is necessary to repeat the same operation (reading of a document, etc.) from the beginning for the necessary number of copies, which is troublesome. There is.

[0004] In this respect, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-74903, when the number of copies is changed during the recording operation, the number of copies stored in the memory is changed to the changed number of copies. There is a proposal example in which a change input unit for resetting is provided so that the number of copies can be changed while the recording operation is interrupted.

The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-178510 has been disclosed.
As shown in the publication, after the image forming operation is started, before the image forming operation for the set number of copies is completed and before the completion of the image forming operation, the change input means for inputting the change of the set number of copies is provided. There are also proposals that allow for changes.

[0006]

However, according to these proposals, even if the change of the number of image forming copies is designated even after the start of the image forming operation, the change of the number of copies is accepted uniformly. From the viewpoint of practical use such as the image forming mode, copy productivity, error processing, and the like at that time, a problem is rather caused, which is insufficient.

As an example, a sort mode in which, for example, an image forming operation is performed one copy at a time in a page order is widely adopted. However, even if the number of image forming copies is one in the sort mode, the image forming operation after the start of the image forming operation is performed. When a change in the number of copies is accepted, all image data read from a document must be constantly stored in the memory until the end of a series of jobs in preparation for such a change in the number of image formation copies. As a result, for example, when an image forming operation is performed in a so-called SADF mode (document replenishment mode) or the like, the memory capacity is reached halfway, and the phenomenon of job interruption due to the memory max is likely to occur, thereby lowering productivity. The following problem occurs.

In view of the above, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of changing the number of image forming copies after starting an appropriate image forming operation in consideration of the image forming mode, productivity, error processing, and the like set at the time of interruption. The purpose is to do.

Further, the present invention more specifically defines the change of the number of image forming copies based on the set value of the number of copies.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding a decrease in productivity due to a memory max or the like.

Further, the present invention more specifically relates to an image forming method capable of improving the convenience by defining a change in the number of image forming units by focusing on a method of deleting image data relating to a set image forming mode. It is intended to provide a device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving convenience by defining a change in the number of image forming copies by paying attention to a feature relating to a supply form of image data. And

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can further improve the convenience by more specifically defining conditions under which the number of image forming copies can be changed.

Further, according to the present invention, in a system configuration capable of designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data with another connected image forming apparatus, the number of image forming units can be efficiently and accurately determined. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of changing the image quality.

Further, according to the present invention, when a system configuration capable of designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data with another connected image forming apparatus is used, there is no use in connection with a numbering mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a change in the number of image forming units from occurring.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately changing the number of image forming copies and preventing wasteful image formation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a wasteful operation of changing the number of image forming units.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
First copy number setting means for setting the number of image forming copies before the start of the image forming operation; second copy number setting means for changing and setting the number of image forming copies before and after the start of the image forming operation; and the second copy number setting Means for determining whether or not to enable the means for changing the number of copies, image input means for inputting image data to form an image, and storage means for storing image data input by the image input means in a memory. Image forming means for forming an image on an image forming medium based on the image data stored in the memory by the number of copies set by the first or second copy number setting means, and an image forming operation by the image forming means Start instructing means for instructing the start of the operation.

Therefore, basically, the number of image forming copies can be changed by the second copy setting means after the start of the image forming operation. However, it is not possible to uniformly change the number of image forming copies. By limiting only to the case where the result is valid, it is possible to avoid a change in the number of copies in a case where a problem such as a decrease in productivity occurs.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, there is provided a sort mode designating means for designating a sort mode in which image forming operations are performed one copy at a time in page order, and the setting number of copies can be changed. The determining means determines the second copy number setting means when the sort mode is specified by the sort mode specifying means and the number of copies set value set by the first or second copy number setting means is 2 or more. Valid.

Therefore, if the second copy setting means is made effective when the set number of copies is 1 or more in the sort mode, even if the set number of copies is 1, the number of copies by the second It is necessary to accumulate all the input image data in the memory until the end of the image forming operation in preparation for the change of the set value. As a result, for example, when the image forming operation is performed in the SADF mode or the like, the memory is not stored. Although the phenomenon that the image forming operation is interrupted due to the memory max is likely to occur due to reaching the capacity, the set number of copies is 2
Only in the above case, since the number of copies can be changed, it is possible to prevent the productivity from being lowered due to the interruption of the image forming operation due to the above-mentioned cause. If the set number of copies is 2 or more, all the image data is stored in the memory.
There is no problem if the change of the set number of copies is permitted on the way.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a specific mode for designating an image forming mode accompanied by a process of erasing all image data stored in the memory at the end of a series of jobs. The image forming apparatus further includes a designation unit, and the setting copy number changeability determination unit validates the second copy number setting unit when a specific image forming mode is designated by the specific mode designation unit.

Therefore, when an image forming mode involving a process of erasing all image data stored in the memory at the end of a series of jobs, for example, a staple mode, is specified regardless of the set number of copies, All image data must be stored in memory for job recovery until completion, and all image data is deleted after a series of jobs, so the number of copies after the start of image forming operation regardless of the number of copies setting By allowing the setting value to be changed, it is possible to change the copy number setting value with high convenience.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, there is provided an accumulation mode designating means for designating an accumulated print mode for performing an image forming operation based on the image data accumulated in the memory. Then, the setting copy number changeability determination unit validates the second copy number setting unit when the accumulation print mode is designated by the accumulation mode designation unit.

Therefore, when attention is paid to the features relating to the supply form of image data, unlike the case of temporary image data in which image data is erased at the end of a job such as copying, in the case of the accumulated print mode, the memory is originally stored in the memory. Since the image forming operation is performed based on the stored image data, all the image data is retained even after the job is completed, so that it is possible to change the set number of copies after the start of the image forming operation regardless of the set number of copies. By doing so, it is possible to change the copy number setting value with high convenience.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a sort mode designating means for designating a sort mode in which image forming operations are performed one by one in a page order, and the memory is provided when a series of jobs is completed. Specific mode designating means for designating an image forming mode accompanied by a process of erasing all image data stored in the memory, and accumulation for designating an accumulated print mode for performing an image forming operation based on the image data accumulated in the memory And a setting number change permission / prohibition determining means, wherein the sort mode is specified by the sort mode specifying means, and the copy number set value set by the first or second copy number setting means is provided. 2 or more, or when a specific image forming mode is specified by the specific mode specifying unit, or when the accumulation mode is specified. And validating the second copy number setting means when the already stored print mode is designated by stages.

Therefore, the change of the set number of copies is permitted when any one of the conditions of the above-described invention is satisfied, and the change of the set number of copies is allowed under a wider range of conditions. More opportunities to do so and convenience is increased.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, there is provided a connection mode designating means for designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data with another connected image forming apparatus. The set copy number changeability determining means, when the connection mode is specified by the connection mode specifying means, and the number of copies set value set by the first or second copy number setting means is 2 or more. The second copy setting means is enabled.

When the set number of copies is 1 in the connection mode, the image forming operation is performed only by the master unit to improve the productivity, and the image forming operation is not performed on the slave unit side. No transfer will be performed. As a result, if the set number of copies is 1 in the connection mode, the second
Even if it is possible to change the number of copies set value by the number of copies setting means, the image forming operation is performed only by the master unit where the image data exists (the merits of the connection mode are not exhibited), or The image forming operation must be performed between the parent device and the child device by performing the process of transferring the image data. In this regard, according to the present invention, in the case of such a connection mode, the copy number setting value, which originally has the image data in both the master unit and the slave unit and performs the image forming operation in both, is 2 In the above case, the change in the number of copies is permitted, so that the number of copies can be changed without deteriorating the merits of the connection mode.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, a connection mode designating means for designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data with another connected image forming apparatus. A numbering mode designating means for designating a numbering mode for numbering and assigning a management number for document management to all of the image forming media on which images are formed, wherein the set copy number changeability determination means comprises: When the connection mode is designated by the connection mode designation means and the numbering mode is designated by the numbering mode designation means, the second copy number setting means is invalidated.

In the connection mode and the numbering mode, assuming that the number of image forming copies is N, the master unit performs image formation from the first copy side, so that the first copy is numbered 1 for all copies, and the second copy is numbered. In the slave unit, the image is formed from the side of the Nth set, so that all of them are numbered N in the Nth set, and all of them are set in the (N-1) th set. Are assigned the number (N-1),
The Rukoto. If the number of image forming copies is changed in the direction in which the number of image forming copies is reduced when such a mode is designated, the number of copies already ejected after being numbered on the slave unit side becomes a miscopy, and the number of image forming copies is changed in the direction of increasing the number of image forming copies. Even in this case, the output order will be messed up, and it will be necessary to manually rearrange the numbering order after all image formation is completed. In this regard, in the present invention, in the connection mode and the numbering mode, the second copy number setting unit is invalidated so that the number of image forming copies cannot be changed, so that the above problem can be prevented beforehand. ,
In the connection mode and the numbering mode, the operation according to the mode can be performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the upper limit value LimitSet of the number of image forming copies is set.
Is set, and the number-of-copies detecting unit that detects the number of image forming copies RepeatCount currently being formed is further provided.

Therefore, in order to realize the first aspect of the present invention, the upper limit LimitSet of the number of image forming copies is set, and the number of image forming copies RepeatCount currently being formed is detected, so that after the image forming operation is started, The copy number data can be optimized when the number of image forming copies is changed and set by the second copy number setting unit, and wasteful image formation can be prevented.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy number setting means, the changed copy number data N is set to an appropriate value. The number-of-copies change data restricting means is further provided so that the number-of-copies change data restricting means satisfies a range of (RepeatCount) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet) or (RepeatCount + 1) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet). Changed to an appropriate value and regulated.

Therefore, when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy number setting means, a copy number changing data restricting means for restricting the changed copy number data N to an appropriate value is provided. Since the range to be restricted is defined, it is possible to prevent a setting that results in improper copy number change data when the second copy number setting unit sets the change of the number of image forming copies. If the image formation for the RepeatCount has already been completed during the job, the lower limit of the number of image forming copies that can be changed is (RepeatCount).
(Coupon + 1), but if the image formation for the RepeatCount is in the middle of the job, the lower limit of the number of image forming copies that can be changed is set as (RepeatCount), and by including the image formation halfway, more appropriate The lower limit of the change can be specified, and an appropriate number of copies can be changed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the setting copy number changeability determination unit is configured to determine whether the set number of copies can be changed by the first copy number setting unit or the second copy number setting unit. If the number of copies is NowSet,
When the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy setting means, the changed copy number data N is (RepeatCount + 1) ≦ N, and (RepeatCount + 1) = (LimitSet) = (NowSe)
When t), the second copy number setting unit is invalidated.

Accordingly, the number of image forming copies currently being formed (Rep
eatCount + 1) and the upper limit value Li of the number of image forming copies set
From the relationship between the mitSet and the already set number of image forming copies NowSet, it is determined in advance whether or not the changing operation can be performed by clarifying a condition for invalidating the change in the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation. Therefore, it is unnecessary and unnecessary to temporarily validate the second copy number setting means, perform an input check at the time of input, and determine whether or not the data is valid according to the input data. Can be avoided beforehand.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, the setting copy number changeability determining means is changed when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy number setting means. When the changed copy number data N is (RepeatCount) ≦ N and (RepeatCount) = (LimitSet), the second copy number setting unit is invalidated.

Accordingly, the number of image forming copies Repea currently being formed is
tCount and the upper limit of the number of image forming copies set LimitSet
By clarifying the condition for invalidating the change in the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not the changing operation can be performed. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary and wasteful processing of validating the number of copies setting means, performing an input check at the time of the input, and determining whether or not the data is valid according to the input data.

[0039]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine as shown in FIG. 1 as one embodiment. The basic configuration and operation of this digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. This digital copying machine is mainly constituted by a reading unit 1 functioning as image input means and an image forming unit 2 functioning as image forming means.

First, the reading unit 1 optically reads an image of a document placed on the contact glass 3 by the scanning optical system 4. The scanning optical system 4 includes an exposure lamp 5, a first mirror 6, second and third mirrors 7, 8, an imaging lens 9, and an image sensor such as a line type CCD 10.
It consists of. The exposure lamp 5 and the first mirror 6 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown).
The mirrors 7 and 8 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown).
The carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned in the same direction at a speed ratio of 2: 1. The first and second carriages are driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). Here, the original image on the contact glass 3 is scanned by the scanning optical system 4 so as to be read by the CCD 1.
The image is reduced and imaged on 0, and is read through a photoelectric conversion process to become an electric signal.

An automatic document feeder (ADF) 11 is mounted on the contact glass 3 of the reading unit 1. The ADF 11 includes a document table 12, a paper feed roller 13, a paper feed belt 14 located on the contact glass 3, a paper discharge roller 15, and a document discharge tray 16. A document set detection sensor 17 is provided near the entrance of the document table 12. As a result, when a print key on an operation unit, which will be described later, is pressed, the document bundle stacked on the document table 12 with the image surface facing upward is fed from the lowest document to the sheet feeding roller 13 and the sheet feeding belt 14. Is conveyed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 3 and stopped. At this time, a count function is provided for counting the number of originals each time the original is conveyed. The document fed and conveyed onto the contact glass 3 is subjected to reading by the reading unit 1, and when reading is completed, a document discharge tray 16 is fed by the feed / transport belt 14 and the discharge roller 15.
The paper is ejected on top. At this time, if the original set detection sensor 17 detects the succeeding original, the original on the original table 12 is fed and conveyed onto the contact glass 3 as in the case of the preceding original. Here, the paper feed roller 13, the paper feed transport belt 14, and the paper discharge roller 15 in the ADF 11 are driven by a transport motor described later.

Next, the image forming unit 2, which is the center of the image forming means, will be described. The image forming unit 2 has a drum-shaped photosensitive member 21 as a center, and a charger (not shown) around the photosensitive member 21 according to an electrophotographic process.
It is configured by sequentially disposing process members and means such as a writing unit 22, a developing device 23, and a transfer charger (not shown). The writing unit 22 is configured as a laser writing optical system including a laser output unit (including a laser diode, a polygon mirror, etc.) 24, an imaging lens 25, a mirror 26, and the like.

Further, on the lower side in the image forming unit 2, first to third sheets containing transfer papers 27 each serving as an image forming medium are stored.
The trays 28 to 30 are attached so as to be freely drawn out. The first to third paper feeders 31 to 33 are provided on the paper feed side of each tray 28 to 30.
The transfer paper 27 can be fed and conveyed to the transfer position side of the photoconductor 21 via a common vertical conveyance unit 34. Further, a transport belt 35, a fixing device 36, a paper discharge unit 38 including a paper discharge roller 37, and a finisher device 39 as a post-processing device are sequentially provided downstream of the transfer position of the photoconductor 21 in the transport direction. A double-sided paper feed unit 41 including a double-sided tray 40 is provided above the first tray 28. A transfer path of the transfer paper 27 is provided in a paper discharge unit 38 between the paper discharge tray 39 and the paper discharge tray 39. A switching claw 42 for switching between the tray 40 side is provided. The refeeding side of the double-sided feeding unit 41 communicates with the vertical transport unit 34.

Thus, the transfer sheets 27 stored in the first to third trays 28 to 30 are transferred to the first to third sheet feeding devices 31 to 33.
, And is transported by the vertical transport unit 34 to the transfer position of the photoconductor 21. On the other hand, photoconductor 2
On the first side, an electrostatic latent image is formed by the optical writing by the writing unit 22, and a toner image is formed by the development by the developing device 23. The transfer paper 27 transported by the vertical transport unit 34 is transported by a transport belt 35 driven at the same speed as the photoconductor 21 while being synchronized with the leading end of the toner image, and receives the transfer of the toner image. Transfer paper 27 after transfer
Is a sheet discharge roller 37 after being fixed by the fixing device 36.
Is discharged to the finisher device 39 side.

The finisher device 39 includes a paper discharge roller 37
The transfer paper 27 transported by the switching plate 4 is switched between the direction of the normal stacker transport roller 43 and the staple processing section.
4 can be derived. By switching the switching plate 44 upward, the normal stacker discharge roller 4
5, the sheet can be discharged to the normal stacker tray 46 side. On the other hand, by switching the switching plate 44 downward, the sheet can be conveyed onto the staple table 49 via the staple conveying roller 47 and the staple discharging roller 48. Transfer paper 2 loaded on the staple table 49
The sheet 7 is aligned by the paper aligning jogger 50 every time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 51 when a part of copying (image formation) is completed. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 51 is stored in the staple completion tray 52 by its own weight. Such a stapler 51 is used when a staple mode as described later is designated.

On the other hand, the normal stacker tray 46 is a paper discharge tray movable in the front-back direction of the paper surface, and is discharged by moving it back and forth for each document or for each copy unit electronically sorted by the image memory. It has a function of easily sorting the copied transfer paper 27.

In the double-sided copy mode in which images are formed on both sides of the transfer sheet 27, the switching claw 42 is switched after the front side copy is completed, and the transfer sheet 27 is placed on the double-sided tray 4.
The sheet is temporarily discharged to the 0 side, and is subjected to re-feeding for copying on the back side. The processing after re-feeding is the same as in the one-sided copy mode.

Next, the configuration of the operation unit 53 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 53 includes keys such as a print key 54 functioning as a start instruction unit, a numeric keypad (including a ♯ key) 55 functioning as a first copy number setting unit, a clear stop key 56, a mode clear key 57, and an initial setting key 58. And a liquid crystal touch panel 59. The liquid crystal touch panel 59 has, for example, an input operation unit 61 including a function key 60 that appears as appropriate for each screen as shown in FIG. 3 and a display unit 62 that displays a message indicating a set number of copies, a device state, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a display example of the basic screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 59. As shown in the illustrated example, the liquid crystal touch panel 59
On the basic screen of “Same-size key”
Function keys 60 such as “single-sided → double-sided key” appear. As for the function key 60, when the key function display portion is pressed, the key portion is inverted to black. When the details of the function must be specified, pressing the corresponding key function display portion displays a detailed function setting screen. In any case, the liquid crystal touch panel 59
Since the dot display is used, the optimum display at that time can be graphically performed. Here, in the present embodiment, among such function keys 60, a sort key 60 that functions as a sort mode designating unit that designates a sort mode for performing the image forming operation one page at a time in the order of pages.
a, a stack key 60b for designating a stack mode in which sheets are sorted and discharged for each page;
Has a staple key 60c or the like as specific mode designating means for designating a staple mode for performing stapling processing. In addition, a connection copy key 60d as connection mode designating means for designating a connection mode as a special mode is also configured to appear in the display unit 62.

Next, a main controller (not shown) for controlling the entire digital copying machine has an operation unit 53 and an ADF 11
The hardware configuration of an IPU (image processing unit = image processing unit) connected together with the above will be described with reference to FIG. The IPU is provided with a CPU 70 for controlling the reading unit 1 and the writing unit 22 described above. The CPU 70 is connected via a bus line to a ROM 71 storing a control program and the like, a RAM 72 storing various data, an I / O port 73, and an image memory controller 74. The image memory 75 is connected to the image memory controller 74. As a result, the CPU 70 operates the image memory 75 via the image memory controller 74.
It is possible to write data to and read data from the image memory 75, and to write and read to and from the mass storage device (HD) 76. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image memory 75 and the HD 76 are memories, and the image memory controller 74 functions as a storage unit.

On the other hand, the CCD 10 in the reading unit 1
An A / D converter 77, a shading correction circuit 78, an MTF & γ correction circuit 79,
The selector 80 and the scaling circuit 81 are connected in order. As a result, the information of the original image read by the photoelectric conversion by the CCD 10 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 77 and subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 78 and MTF correction and γ correction by the MTF & γ correction circuit 79. Is input to the selector 80. The selector 80 switches the destination of the image data between the scaling circuit 81 and the image memory controller 74. When the magnification circuit 81 is selected by the selector 80, the image data undergoes enlargement / reduction processing in accordance with the magnification in the magnification circuit 81, and is then sent to the writing unit 22, where the image data is actually processed. For writing. Further, between the selector 80 and the image memory controller 74, image data can be freely input and output in both directions.

When the image memory controller 74 is selected by the selector 80, the image data is compressed by an image compression circuit in the image memory controller 74 and then written into the image memory 75. Also,
When storing image data, the HD
The image data is transferred to 76 and writing is performed. Here, it is possible to write the data of 256 gradations of the maximum original size into the image memory 75 as it is, but it is possible to avoid consuming a large amount of the image memory 75 with one original image, and to limit the data. In order to effectively use the memory capacity, image compression processing is performed before writing to the image memory 75.

Here, since the image memory 75 can store data of many original images at one time, it has a function of outputting the image data of the original images stored in the image memory 75 in page order as a sorting function. When an image is output by this function, the image data in the image memory 75 is output to the writing unit 22 side while being sequentially expanded by an image expansion circuit in the image memory controller 74.
Such a function is generally called “electronic sort”. Further, after the image data is written from the HD 76 to the image memory 75, the output is similarly performed.

Further, by utilizing such characteristics of the image memory 75, a plurality of original images can be sequentially read into a divided area obtained by dividing an area for one transfer sheet in the image memory 75. It also has an image aggregation function using. For example, four original images are stored in the image memory 75.
By sequentially writing the area of one transfer sheet inside into four divided areas, the four original images become one transfer sheet 2.
7 can be obtained. Such a function is generally called “aggregated copy”.

A printing unit 82 connected to the CPU 70 via a bus line to generate print image data.
Is provided. The printing unit 82 generates a character (character) image for printing page information, an arbitrary stamp image, and the like. The image data generated by the printing unit 82 is input to a print synthesizing 1 circuit 83 and a print synthesizing 2 circuit 84, and an arbitrary image is converted from the original image or the image read from the image memory 75. It is configured so that it can be synthesized. When the image data from the printing unit 82 is synthesized by the print synthesizing 1 circuit 83, the image data read from the reading unit 1 (CCD 10) can be synthesized and printed, and the image from the printing unit 82 can be synthesized by the print synthesizing 2 circuit 84. When the image data is combined, the image data from the image memory 75 can be combined and printed. The print unit 82 not only outputs image image data to be combined, but also has a print position control function for setting the position of the generated image data to be combined with the original image data or the image data from the image memory 75. I have.

Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 80 will be described with reference to FIG. The frame gate signal / FGATE is an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. The main scanning synchronization signal / LSYNC for each line makes the image signal valid at a predetermined clock (8 clocks in the illustrated example) after this signal rises, and the line gate signal / LGATE falls. These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK, and one pixel 8 per one cycle of the pixel clock VCLK.
Bit (= 256 gradation) data is sent. In the present embodiment, the writing density on the transfer paper 27 is 16 dots / mm.
(= 400 dpi), the maximum number of pixels is 4800 in the main scanning direction.
The number of pixels is 6,800 pixels in the sub-scanning direction.

Next, details of the image memory controller 74 and the image memory 75 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. Image memory controller 7
4 is an input data selector 85, an image synthesis block 8
6, a primary compression / decompression block 87, an output data selector 88, and a secondary compression / decompression block 89. The setting of the control data in each of the blocks 85 to 89 is performed by the CPU 70. It should be noted that the addresses and data shown in FIG.
The address and data connected to 70 are not shown.

The image memory 75 has a primary storage device 90.
And a secondary storage device 91. The primary storage device 90 writes data to the memory substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of input image data, or, for example, a DRAM or the like so that data can be read from the memory at high speed when image data is output. High-speed accessible memory is used. The primary storage device 90 has a configuration (an interface unit with the memory controller 74) that can divide the image data into a plurality of areas according to the size of the image data to be processed and simultaneously execute input / output of the image data. The interface with the memory controller 74 is connected to the interface with the memory controller 74 by two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel to each divided area. Thus, for example, an operation of outputting (reading) image data from area 2 while inputting (writing) image data to area 1 can be performed.

The secondary storage device 91 is a large-capacity memory for storing image data for performing processing such as synthesis and sorting of input image data. If a memory element capable of high-speed access is used for both the primary and secondary storage devices, data processing can be performed without discrimination between the two, and control is relatively simple, but a high-speed compatible memory element such as a DRAM is expensive. Although the access speed is not so high for the secondary storage device 91, a cheap and large-capacity storage medium is used, and processing of input / output data is performed via the primary storage device 91.

By using the image memory 75 having such a configuration, processing such as input / output, storage, and processing of a large amount of image data becomes possible.

Next, an outline of the operation control of the memory controller 74 will be described.

First, the process of inputting image data to be stored in the image memory 75 will be described. Input data selector 85
Performs selection of image data to be written into the image memory 75 (primary storage device 90) from a plurality of image data. The image data selected by the input data selector 85 is supplied to the image synthesizing block 86, and synthesizes with the image data already stored in the image memory 75.
The image data processed by the image synthesis block 86 is compressed by a primary compression / decompression block 87, and the compressed image data is written to a primary storage device 90.
The image data written in the primary storage device 90 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression block 89 as necessary, and then stored in the secondary storage device 91.

Next, an image output process for reading image data from the image memory 75 will be described. At the time of outputting the image data, the image data stored in the primary storage device 90 is read. When the image data to be output is stored in the primary storage device 90, the image data is expanded in the primary compression / expansion block 87, and the expanded image data or the expanded image data is processed. The output data selector 88 selects and outputs data after image synthesis of the input data and the input data. Image synthesis block 86
Are composed of image data and input data of the primary storage device 90 (having a function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selection of an output destination of the combined data (image output, write-back to the primary storage device 90, (Simultaneous output to both output destinations is also possible). If the image data to be output is not stored in the primary storage device 90, the image data to be output stored in the secondary storage device 91 is decompressed by the secondary compression / decompression block 89. After writing the image data in the primary storage device 90, the image output operation is performed in the same manner as described above.

Next, an example of characteristic processing control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline when an image forming operation is started by inputting an image forming condition, a suspending process is performed according to a suspending instruction, or a resume / stop process is performed. First, input processing of various image forming conditions set by the operation unit 53 as shown in FIG. 2 or 3 is performed (step S1). In this process, the number of copies to be printed (image formation) is set by inputting the ten key 55 as the first number of copies setting means. (S2). This variable “numerical value” is also updated when the numerical value is changed on the subsequent interrupt screen. Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the print key 54 as the start instruction means has been pressed (S3). When the press of the print key 54 is confirmed (Y in S3), a variable “number of printed copies” indicating data of the number of printed copies is initialized to 0 before starting the job (S4).

Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the suspend key has been pressed (S5). Actually, it is checked whether or not the clear / stop key 56 has been pressed on the operation unit 53. The clear / stop key 56 has two functions and functions to clear the data input by the ten keys 55 before the start of the job, but functions as a key for interrupting the job after the start of the job. If the interruption key (clear / stop key 56) is not detected (N of S5), the image forming process from step S6 is executed by the image forming unit using the image forming unit 2 as hardware. In steps S7, S8, and S9, management of the number of printed copies and management of the job end are performed. Actually, step S7
When it is determined that the printing for one copy is completed, the variable "number of printed copies" is incremented by one at the end of each copy in step S8. Then, by comparing the set variable “number (set number of copies)” with the variable “number of printed copies” (S9), it is determined whether or not printing of the set number of copies has been completed. I do. When the end of the job is detected, the image forming end process is performed (S10), and the state of receiving the next job is established.

On the other hand, after the job is started, the suspend key (clear /
When the stop key 56) is detected (Y in S5), the currently executing job is interrupted (S11). And
When the job is interrupted, the liquid crystal touch panel 5 of the operation unit 53
An interruption message display process is performed to display an interruption confirmation screen in nine parts (S12). This processing is executed as the setting copy number changeability determination processing by the function of the set copy number changeability determination means. In this process, the change in the number of copies as shown in FIG. 8 is not validated (not permitted) according to the determination result.
Interruption confirmation screen 59a without setting number change key or FIG.
Validating (permitting) the change in the number of copies as shown in (a)
An interruption confirmation screen 59b with a set copy change key is displayed.

On the interruption confirmation screen 59a, only the continuation key 60e and the function key 60 of the stop key 60f are displayed together with the interruption confirmation message 92a. The interruption confirmation screen 9b displays an interruption confirmation message 92a, a continuation key 60e, and a stop key 60f, a message 92b indicating that the number of copies can be changed, and a function key 60 serving as a number of copies change key 60g. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the copy number change key 60g and the numeric keypad 55 function as a second copy number setting unit. Processing control of which of the interruption confirmation screens 59a and 59b is displayed will be described later.

In any of the interruption confirmation screens 59a and 59b, if the continuation key 60e is pressed (Y in S13),
Step S5 to continue the interrupted job
If the cancel key 60f is pressed (N in S13, Y in S14), the job is canceled (S17), and the process returns to step S1 to wait for the input of the image forming condition. .

On the other hand, the interruption confirmation screen 59 shown in FIG.
b, when the copy number change key 60g is pressed (S1
5), a copy number change screen 59c shown in FIG. 9 (b) is displayed, a guidance message 92c indicating that the number of copies to be changed is to be input with the numeric keypad and the ♯ key should be pressed, and the set number of copies before and after the change are displayed. The display of the column 92d is performed. When the numeric keypad 55 or the like is operated in accordance with the copy number change screen 59c and the number is determined by the ♯ key, as the update processing of the number data, the number of copy number setting values for substituting the numbered input data into the variable “number” is updated. Perform a change update process (S1
6). When the number is determined by the ♯ key, the screen is switched to the copy number change screen 59d shown in FIG. 9C, and when the continuation key 60e is pressed, a guidance message 92f indicating that the printing operation is resumed (continued) is displayed. Wait for the key 60e to be pressed. Here, when the continuation key 60e is pressed (Y in S13), the processes in steps S5 to S9 described above are continuously performed in order to continue the interrupted job, as in the case described above. In this case, the set number of copies is changed and updated, and the image forming operation for the number of copies is repeated.

On the other hand, when the interruption confirmation screen 59a shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the interruption message display processing, the change of the number of copies is not permitted because the copy number change key 60g does not appear.

Therefore, basically, when the image formation interruption processing is performed (S11), any of the interruption confirmation screens 59a, 59
By appropriately controlling whether 9b is displayed, it is possible to prohibit a change in the number of copies in a case where a problem occurs, and change the number of copies only when no problem occurs.

Here, an example of the interruption message display processing (determination of whether or not to change the number of copies) (S12) in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when the sort mode is set by the sort key 60a (Y in S20), the set number of copies set at the time of interruption (even if the initial set value by the first If the setting value once changed and set by the number-of-two-copies setting means is 2) or more (Y in S21), the interruption confirmation with the setting-number-of-copies change key that makes the change setting of the number of copies valid is provided. A display process for displaying the screen 59b is performed (S22), and when the mode is not the sort mode (N in S20) (for example, the stack mode) or even in the sort mode, the number of copies set at the time of interruption is 1 In this case (N of S21), a display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59a without a setting copy number change key which does not permit change setting of the number of copies is performed (S23).

That is, the condition for changing the set number of copies in the sort mode is that the set number of copies at the time of interruption is 2 or more. This is because the image data in this case is written and stored in the large capacity HD 76. This is because, since the image data can be used, even after the start of the image forming operation, there is no adverse effect due to the change in the set number of copies. On the other hand, in the sort mode, if the set number of copies at the time of the interruption is 1, if the set number of copies can be changed, all the image data read from the document are always read in a series of jobs in preparation for the change of the set number of copies. HD76 until the end
As a result, for example, when an image forming operation is performed in a so-called SADF mode (document replenishment mode) or the like, the memory capacity is reached in the middle of the operation and a job interruption due to a memory max occurs. This is disadvantageous in that the productivity is easily reduced. Thus, in the present embodiment, even in the sort mode, when the number of copies is 1, the change of the number of copies is prohibited, so that the image data is held as usual until the end of a series of jobs. This is not performed, and when printing using the image data is completed, the image data is sequentially deleted from the image memory 75 so that the job interruption due to the memory max does not occur.

Therefore, it is possible to change the set number of copies when the sort mode is specified, and when the set number of copies is 1, the change of the set number of copies is prohibited, thereby improving the productivity caused by the memory max. Drops can also be avoided.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 is used as it is (the same applies to the following embodiments). FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the interruption message display process (determination of whether the number of copies can be changed) (S12) according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, when a series of jobs is completed, all image data stored in the image memory 75 is erased. In this case, when the staple mode is set by the staple key 60c (S25). Y) Irrespective of the set number of copies at the time of the interruption, display processing is performed to display an interruption confirmation screen 59b with a set copy change key for validating the change setting of the number of copies (S26), and an image for deleting all image data If the setting mode is not set (N in S25), a display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59a without a setting copy number change key that does not permit change setting of the number of copies is performed (S27). Such processing control focuses on an image data discarding processing method depending on the image forming mode.

That is, when the stapling mode is set, the image forming operation for the last number of copies is completed for recovery, the stapling process by the stapler 51 for the number of copies is completed, and the stapled transfer paper is completed. Since a series of image data is held in the HD 76 for recovery processing until the group is discharged out of the machine, if the staple mode is set, the job ends even if the set number of copies is 1 Since the retention of the image data is guaranteed until now, there is no problem even if the change of the set number of copies is effective. As a result, when the staple mode is set, the set number of copies can be arbitrarily changed, and the convenience of setting the number of copies is improved.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows an interruption message display process (determination of whether the number of copies can be changed) according to the present embodiment (S12).
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above. In this embodiment,
Focusing on the supply mode of image data, it defines the change of the set number of copies. In general, there are roughly two types of image data supply modes. The first mode is a temporary mode in which a document image is read by an ADF, the read document image data is printed (image formation), and then the image data is discarded, as seen in a conventional general copying machine. . Second, read the original image with ADF,
Stored print mode in which the read original image data or the image data externally transferred via an interface as seen in a printer or the like is stored in a memory such as an HD, and the stored image data is read from the memory and printed. It is.

In the present embodiment, if the accumulated print mode is set at the time of interruption by the accumulation mode designating means (not shown) (Y in S30), regardless of the set number of copies at the time of interruption, A display process is performed to display an interruption confirmation screen 59b with a setting copy number change key for validating the change setting of the number of copies (S31). If the stored print mode is not set (N of S30), the number of copies is changed. Interruption confirmation screen 59 without setting number change key that does not permit setting
A display process for displaying a is performed (S32). When the stored print mode is set, since the image data has already been stored in the HD 76 even if the number of copies set value is 1, even if the change in the number of copies is effective, there is no problem. As a result, the copy number setting value can be arbitrarily changed at the time of setting the stored print mode, and the convenience regarding the copy number setting is improved.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows an interruption message display process (determination of whether the number of copies can be changed) in the present embodiment (S12).
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above. Specifically, FIG.
0 to the interruption message display processing shown in FIG.
These are combined under conditions. That is, whether the storage mode is set (Y in S40) or the staple mode is set.
(Y in S41) or in the sort mode (Y in S42), and whether the set number of copies at the time of interruption is 2 or more (S43)
If any one of the conditions of Y) is satisfied, the interruption confirmation screen 5 with the setting copy number change key that validates the change setting of the number of copies
By performing the display processing for displaying 9b (S45), the conditions under which the number of copies set value can be changed become wider, and the number of copies can be changed as much as possible. If none of the conditions is satisfied, a display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59a without a set copy number change key for prohibiting the change setting of the number of copies is performed (S44). Therefore, the convenience regarding the change of the number of copies set value after the start of the image forming operation is further improved.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows an interruption message display process (determination of whether to change the number of copies) according to the present embodiment (S12).
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above. In particular, the present embodiment specifies the change of the set number of copies in the connection mode.

Here, the connection mode means that, for example, two image forming apparatuses (digital copying machines) are connected via a connection I / F, and image data or the like is transferred from one image forming apparatus to the other image forming apparatus. A mode in which image data is printed in cooperation with two image forming apparatuses by performing transfer. Although not shown in the figure, the connection I / F is used for transmitting and receiving image data, so that the image memory controller 74 shown in FIG.
The image memory 75 is connected to a data bus, so that data can be input and output. Image data is transferred via the image memory 75 according to the data transfer speed between the two image forming apparatuses. That is, at the time of image output, the image data is stored in the image memory 75 from the image memory controller 74, and the image data is sequentially read from the image memory 75 according to the data transfer speed between the image forming apparatuses, and the image data is stored in the connection I / F. Forward. When inputting an image,
The image data transferred from the connection I / F is stored in the image memory 75.
After that, the image data is processed in the apparatus from the image memory 75 via the image memory controller 74.
With such a connection configuration, the operation in the connection mode can be realized without being restricted by the functions of the image forming apparatus.

Under such a system configuration in which the connection mode can be specified (the connection mode can be specified by pressing the connection copy key 60d on the liquid crystal touch panel 59 of the operation unit 53 shown in FIG. 3), the connection mode is specified. If the number of copies has been set (Y in S50), the interruption confirmation with the set copy number change key that makes the change setting of the number of copies valid is provided on condition that the set number of copies at the time of interruption is 2 or more (Y in S54). A display process for displaying the screen 59b is performed (S56).
It is like that. Conversely, even in the connection mode (Y in S50), if the set number of copies at the time of interruption is 1 (N in S54), the interruption confirmation without the set copy change key that does not permit the change setting of the number of copies is made. A display process for displaying the screen 59a is performed (S55).

This is because, when a print start request is issued while the connection mode is specified, one of the two connected image forming apparatuses becomes a parent device and the other becomes a child device. On the other hand, image data and the like are transferred via the connection I / F. At this time, if the number-of-copies setting value is 1, even if the connection mode is designated, printing can be completed only by the master unit, so that transfer processing of image data from the master unit to the slave unit is not performed ( In the connection mode, the connection operation is not performed). For this reason, if the change in the number of copies is permitted when the number of copies is set to 1 at the time of the interruption, whether the image forming operation is performed only by the parent device in which the image data exists (this is an advantage of the connection mode) In other words, it is necessary to perform a process of transferring image data to the slave unit again in order to perform the connection operation, and to perform the image forming operation between the master unit and the slave unit. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, in the case of such a connection mode, the copy number setting value which originally has the image data in both the master unit and the slave unit and performs the image forming operation in both the master unit and the slave unit Is allowed to be changed when the value is 2 or more, it is possible to change the set number of copies without deteriorating the merits of the connection mode.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows an interruption message display process (determination of whether the number of copies can be changed) in the present embodiment (S12).
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above. In particular, the present embodiment specifies a change in the number of copies set in the connection mode and the numbering mode.

Here, the connection mode is as described in the fifth embodiment. On the other hand, the numbering mode is a mode for printing with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern at the time of printing (at the time of image formation). For example, in a case where the number of image forming copies is set to 5 in the sort mode, and 10 originals are set on the ADF 11 and printed, the original image is printed on all (10) transfer papers 27 of the first copy. And a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern with the number 1 (management number) is printed.
A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern with a number of 2 is printed on the (0) transfer paper 27, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern with a number of 5 is printed on all (10) transfer papers 27 of the fifth copy, which is the final number of copies. Become. The numbering mode can be designated by pressing a numbering mode key (not shown) as a numbering mode designation means on the liquid crystal touch panel 59 of the operation unit 53.

Therefore, considering the processing in the connection mode and the numbering mode, the master unit and the slave unit perform printing independently, and an image in which the total number of printed copies of the master unit and the slave unit is set. When the number of copies has been reached, the job in the connection mode is completed. In the case where the numbering mode is involved, assuming that the number of image forming copies is N, the master unit performs image formation from the first copy side. While the number assigned to the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is increased as shown in 2 and 3, the image forming is performed from the N-th copy side on the slave unit side. (N-1) and (N-2), the number assigned to the tint block is reduced.

In the system configuration in which the connection mode and the numbering mode can be specified, if the connection mode is specified (Y in S60) and the numbering mode is specified (Y in S61), Unconditionally, a display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59a without a set copy change key for invalidating the change setting of the number of copies is performed (S62). Conversely, if the mode is not the numbering mode (N in S61), an interruption confirmation screen 59 with a set copy number change key permitting change setting of the number of copies.
The display processing for displaying b is performed (S63) (whether the setting can be actually changed depends on conditions such as another mode setting situation).

In the connection mode and the numbering mode, if the number of image copies is allowed to change after the start of the image forming operation, for example, if the number of image formation copies is changed in a direction to decrease, the slave unit has already numbered and discharged. Even if the number of image forming copies is changed in the direction of increasing the number of image forming copies, the output order will be messed up, and the number of copies will be manually changed after all image formation is completed Sorting work is required. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, in the connection mode and the numbering mode, the second copy number setting unit is unconditionally invalidated so that the number of image forming copies cannot be changed. This can be prevented beforehand, and the operation according to the mode can be performed in the connection mode and the numbering mode.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline when an image forming operation is started by inputting an image forming condition, an interruption process is performed by an interruption instruction, or a restart / stop process is performed. Although the processing is the same as the processing in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 (for this reason, the same processing parts are indicated using the same step S), in the present embodiment, the upper limit value LimitSet of the number of print copies (the number of image forming copies) is set. Means for setting the number of copies, the number of print copies currently being printed (the number of image forming copies) RepeatCount, and the number of forming copies detecting means for detecting the number of copies, and the change when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second number of copies setting means A function as a copy number change data restricting means for restricting the input number data (change number data) N to an appropriate value is added, and accordingly, steps S71 to S are performed instead of step S2.
73, and step S6 is performed between steps S6 and S7.
74 and S75 are added, and there is a step S76 instead of the step S16.

First, input processing of various image forming conditions input and set by the operation unit 53 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is performed (S1). In this process, the number of copies to be printed (image formation) is set by inputting the ten key 55 as the first number of copies setting means. (S7)
1). This variable “numerical value” is also updated when the numerical value is changed on the subsequent interrupt screen. At this time, initialization of the number of copies data being printed (that is, the number of copies being printed = 0) is also performed. Subsequently, a process of determining the upper limit of the number of print copies (the upper limit of the number of image forming copies) based on the mode designation information and the limit value of the number of print copies set by the user is performed (S).
72).

An example of the process of step S72 executed as a function of the copy upper limit value setting means will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in this process, basically, the print copy number limit value (UP setting data) set by the user through the liquid crystal touch panel 59 or the like of the operation unit 53 is directly set as the print copy upper limit value (S81). At this time, for example, when the cover mode is designated in the non-sort mode (S8
2) If the OHP interleaving mode is designated (S83), as a limitation depending on the mode, a desired finish cannot be expected even if a plurality of copies are printed during these mode processing. Then, a process for forcibly setting the upper limit of the number of print copies to 1 is performed (S84).

Then, a check process is performed to determine whether or not the range of the input numeric data N relating to the number of copies involved in the input operation is appropriate (S73). An example of the process of step S73 executed as a function of the copy number change data restricting means will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is based on the upper limit LimitSet and the number of copies currently being printed
It is processed using the Count. First, basically, when the input numeric data N exceeds the upper limit value LimitSet (N in S91), the input numeric data N becomes the upper limit value LimitSet.
(S92). That is, the upper limit Limit
Even if the input numeric data N larger than Set is input, it is regulated so as to fall within the upper limit value LimitSet.

The input numeric data N is set to the upper limit LimitS.
If it is equal to or less than et (Y in S91), and if it is equal to or more than the lower limit data (Y in S94, Y in S95), the input numeric data N is originally set as a proper value, ) (S96).

On the other hand, when the input numeric data N is the upper limit value LimitS
If it is equal to or less than et (Y in S91) and is equal to or less than the lower limit data (N in S94 or N in S95), the input numeric data N is replaced with the lower limit value (S97 or S97).
98). That is, even if the input numeric data N that is lower than the lower limit is input, the input numerical data N is regulated so as to fall within the lower limit. Here, the lower limit is the number of copies during printing
Depending on whether or not printing for the Count has been completed (S9
3) Whether the number of copies currently being printed is RepeatCount itself (S95, S
98) or (RepeatCount + 1) (S94, S9
7) is used. That is, the number of copies during printing RepeatCount
If the printing of the minute has just been completed and the break is good (S93
Y), (RepeatCount + 1), and using the RepeatCount
In the case where printing is still in progress (N in S93), a more appropriate change lower limit can be defined by including the printing middle by using the lower limit of the number of copies that can be changed by using (RepeatCount). , The number of copies can be changed appropriately. In any case, an input of a numeric value that becomes the number of printed copies is not accepted. In addition, although not shown in the flowchart, if the value of the number of copies RepeatCount in the middle of printing is used, inconvenience may occur in control (for example, when the number of copies currently being processed, preprocessing for the next number of copies is performed in parallel). ), The lower limit of the change is (RepeatCount +
1) is used.

In mathematical terms, the input numeric data N is
(RepeatCount) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet) or (RepeatCount)
The change is restricted to an appropriate value that satisfies the range of (Count + 1) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet). This is also updated when the numerical value is changed on the subsequent interrupt screen.

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the print key 54 as the start instruction means has been pressed (S3). When the press of the print key 54 is confirmed (Y in S3), a variable “number of printed copies” indicating data of the number of printed copies is initialized to 0 before starting the job (S4).

Subsequently, it is checked whether or not the suspend key has been pressed (S5). If the interruption key is not detected (N in S5), the image forming processing in step S6 and thereafter is executed. In steps S7, S8, and S9, management of the number of printed copies and management of the job end are performed. Actually, in the image forming process (S6), when it is determined that the printing process is the first printing process of the set (Y in S74), the variable "copy number data being printed" is set.
Is incremented by 1 (S75), and when it is determined that printing per copy is completed (Y in S7), the variable “number of printed copies” is incremented by 1 (S8). The processing of steps S74 and S75 is executed as a function of the number-of-copies detecting unit, and the timing of the increment is when the printing processing of the first sheet of each copy is performed.

Then, by comparing the set variable “number (set number of copies)” with the variable “number of printed copies” (S
9) It is determined whether the printing of the set number of copies for the set number of copies has been completed. When the end of the job is detected, the image forming end process is performed (S10), and the state of receiving the next job is established.

On the other hand, when the interruption key is detected after the start of the job (Y in S5), the currently executing job is interrupted (S11). When the job is interrupted, the operation unit 5
An interruption message display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen on the liquid crystal touch panel 59 of Step 3 is performed (S12). Thereafter, if the continuation key 60e is pressed (Y in S13), the above-described steps S5 to S5 are performed in order to continue the interrupted job.
The process of S9 is continued, and if the cancel key 60f is pressed (N of S13, Y of S14), the job is canceled (S17), and the process returns to step S1 to wait for the input of the image forming condition. If the copy number change key 60g is pressed and the number is changed (Y in S15), it is checked whether or not the range of the input number data is appropriate, as in step S73. (S76). The processing of step S76 is also executed as a function of the copy number change data restricting means. Therefore, according to the present embodiment,
When the number of prints is changed by the second number-of-copies setting means, the changed number-of-copies data N is regulated so as to fall within an appropriate value defined by a predetermined upper limit value and lower limit value. It is possible to prevent beforehand the setting of incorrect copy number change data when the change of the number of print copies is set by the second copy number setting means.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 shows the interruption message display processing (determination of whether the number of copies can be changed) in the present embodiment (S12).
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the above. In particular, this embodiment shows an example of the interruption message display processing (S12) in the processing control shown in FIG. here,
The number of copies (number data) set by the first copy number setting means or the second copy number setting means is set to NowSet. In this process, as in the case of FIG. 18, the process differs depending on whether the number of copies during printing, PrintCount itself, or (RepeatCount + 1) is used as the input lower limit. First, it is determined whether or not (RepeatCount + 1) is used as the input numeric lower limit (S100). If the input numeric lower limit is (RepeatCount + 1) (Y in S100), (RepeatCount + 1) = (LimitSet) = (No)
(wSet), the interruption confirmation screen 59a without the setting copy number change key which does not permit the change setting of the number of copies only under this condition.
Is displayed (S104).

On the other hand, if the input numeric lower limit is RepeatCount (N in S100), (RepeatCount) =
In the case of (LimitSet), a display process for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59a without a set copy number change key that does not permit change setting of the number of copies is performed only under this condition (S104).

If none of the above applies (N in S101,
(N in S102), display processing for displaying an interruption confirmation screen 59b with a set copy number change key permitting change setting of the number of copies is performed (S103) (whether the change is actually possible depends on other mode setting conditions and the like). .

As described above, according to this embodiment, the relationship between the number of image forming copies currently being formed (RepeatCount + 1), the set upper limit LimitSet of the number of image forming copies, and the already set number of image forming copies NowSet, or The change operation is performed by clarifying the condition for invalidating the change in the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation from the relationship between the number of image forming copies RepeatCount currently being formed and the set upper limit LimitSet of the number of image forming copies. Can be determined in advance. Therefore, since the screen for permitting the change setting of the number of copies is not displayed at the time when the invalidation condition is satisfied, the change operation by the second copy number setting unit is once enabled, and the input check is performed at the time of the input. Thus, unnecessary and wasteful processing of determining whether the data is valid according to the input data can be avoided beforehand.

[0104]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, basically, the number of image forming copies can be changed by the second copy number setting means after the start of the image forming operation, but not uniformly. ,
By limiting only to the case where the result is determined to be valid as a result of the determination by the set copy changeability determination means, it is possible to prevent a change in the number of copies in a case where a problem such as a decrease in productivity occurs.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the second copy setting means is enabled when the set number of copies is 1 or more in the sort mode, even if the set number of copies is 1, It is necessary to accumulate all the input image data in the memory until the end of the image forming operation, in preparation for the change of the number of copies set value by the second number of copies setting means.
For example, when the image forming operation is performed in the SADF mode or the like, the memory capacity may be reached halfway and the phenomenon that the image forming operation is interrupted by the memory max is likely to occur. Since it is possible to prevent the decrease in productivity due to the interruption of the image forming operation due to the above-mentioned cause, if the number of copies is 2 or more, all the image data is stored in the memory. There is no problem if the change of the set number of copies is permitted on the way.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when an image forming mode involving a process of erasing all image data stored in the memory at the end of a series of jobs, for example, when a staple mode is designated, Regardless of the set number of copies, all image data must be stored in memory for job recovery until the job is completed, and all image data is erased after a series of jobs is completed. By allowing the change of the set number of copies after the start of the image forming operation, it is possible to change the set number of copies with high convenience.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when attention is paid to the features relating to the image data supply form, unlike the case of temporary image data in which image data is erased at the end of a job such as copying, stored image data is stored. In the print mode, since the image forming operation is performed based on the image data that has been stored originally, all the image data is retained even after the job is completed. Therefore, the number of copies after the image forming operation starts regardless of the set number of copies. By allowing the setting value to be changed, it is possible to change the copy number setting value with high convenience.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when any one of the conditions of the second, third or fourth aspect of the invention is satisfied, the change of the set number of copies is permitted, so that a wider range is provided. The opportunity to change the set number of copies under the conditions increases, and the convenience increases.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the set number of copies is 1 in the connection mode, the image forming operation is performed only on the master unit to improve productivity, and the image forming operation is not performed on the slave unit side. The image data is not transferred to the slave unit. As a result, if the number of copies set value is 1 in the connection mode, it is possible to temporarily change the number of copies set value by the second number of copy setting means. However, the image forming operation may be performed only by the master unit having the image data (the merits of the connection mode are not exhibited), or the image data may be transferred to the slave unit again to perform the image forming operation. According to the present invention, in the case of such a connection mode, both the parent device and the child device have image data in both the parent device and the child device. Set number of copies to be operated Since the allowable change of copies setting value in the case of two or more, without impairing the merits of connection mode, it is possible to change the number of copies settings.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the second copy number setting unit is invalidated in the connection mode and the numbering mode so that the number of image formation copies cannot be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem when the change of the number of image forming copies is permitted, and to perform the operation according to the mode in the connection mode and the numbering mode.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to realize the first aspect of the present invention, the upper limit value Limit of the number of image forming copies is set.
By setting Set and detecting the number of image forming copies RepeatCount currently being formed, the copy number data can be optimized when the second copy setting unit attempts to change and set the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation. This can be used to prevent wasteful image formation beforehand.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy setting means, the changed copy number data N is changed to an appropriate value. The number-of-copies change data restricting means is provided, and the range to be restricted is defined by the number-of-copies change data restricting means. Thus, when the second copy number setting unit sets the change of the number of image forming copies, the data becomes improper number of copies change data. Setting can be prevented beforehand.

According to the tenth aspect, the eighth aspect is provided.
In the image forming apparatus described above, the number of image forming copies currently being formed (RepeatCount + 1), the set upper limit value LimitSet of the number of image forming copies, and the already set number of image forming copies NowS
From the relationship with et, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not the change operation can be performed by clarifying the condition for invalidating the change in the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation. It is possible to avoid unnecessary and wasteful processing such as validating the number of copies setting means of 2, and performing an input check at the time of input, and determining whether or not the data is valid according to the input data. it can.

According to the eleventh aspect, according to the eighth aspect,
In the image forming apparatus described in the above, the number of image forming copies currently being formed RepeatCount and the set upper limit Li of the number of image forming copies are set.
From the relationship with mitSet, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not the change operation can be performed by clarifying the condition for invalidating the change in the number of image forming copies after the start of the image forming operation. It is possible to avoid unnecessary and wasteful processing such as validating the number of copies setting means of 2, and performing an input check at the time of input, and determining whether or not the data is valid according to the input data. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation unit.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a display example of a basic screen of the liquid crystal touch panel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an IPU.

FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating an example of an image signal for one page.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image memory controller and an image memory.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of overall processing control.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a display example of an interruption confirmation screen without a setting copy number change key.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a display example of an interruption confirmation screen with a set copy number change key and a display example accompanying a change in the number of copies.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of overall processing control according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the print copy upper limit setting process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the input number data range checking process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interruption message display process according to the eighth embodiment of this invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image input means 2 image forming means 27 image forming medium 54 start instruction means 55 first copy number setting means 55, 60 g second copy number setting means 60 a sort mode designation means 60 c specific mode designation means 60 d connection mode designation means 74 storage Means 75, 76 Memory S12 Set copy number changeability determination means S72 Copy upper limit value setting means S73, S76 Copy number change data restricting means S74, S75 Forming copy number detecting means

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H027 EJ15 FA02 FA23 FA25 FA30 FA32 FA35 FD08 FD10 5C062 AA05 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB42 AB53 AC15 AC23 AC58 AF07 BA00 5C073 BD03 CC01 9A001 HH34 JJ35 KK42

Claims (11)

[Claims] A first copy number setting means for setting the number of image forming copies before the start of the image forming operation; a second copy number setting means for changing and setting the number of image forming copies before and after the start of the image forming operation; Setting number changeability determining means for determining whether or not the second copy number setting means is valid; image input means for inputting image data to form an image; image data input by the image input means in a memory Storage means for storing; image forming means for forming an image on an image forming medium based on image data stored in the memory by the number of copies set by the first or second copy number setting means; And a start instructing unit for instructing a start of an image forming operation by the unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sort mode designating unit for designating a sort mode in which the image forming operation is performed one copy at a time in a page order. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the set number of copies set by the first or second copy number setting unit is two or more, the second copy number setting unit is enabled. 3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: a specific mode designating means for designating an image forming mode accompanied by a process of erasing all image data stored in said memory at the end of a series of jobs. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second copy number setting unit is enabled when a specific image forming mode is specified by a specific mode specifying unit. 4. A storage mode designating means for designating a stored print mode for performing an image forming operation based on image data stored in said memory, wherein said set copy number changeability determination means is provided by said storage mode designating means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second copy number setting unit is enabled when the stored print mode is designated by the setting. 5. A sort mode designating means for designating a sort mode in which an image forming operation is performed one copy at a time in page order;
A specific mode designating means for designating an image forming mode with a process of erasing all image data stored in the memory at the end of a series of jobs, and a storage for performing an image forming operation based on the image data stored in the memory Storage mode designating means for designating a completed print mode, wherein the set copy number changeability determining means is configured to designate a sort mode by the sort mode designating means, and
Or when the number of copies set value set by the second number of copies setting means is 2 or more, or when a specific image forming mode is specified by the specific mode specifying means, or
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second copy number setting unit is enabled when the stored print mode is specified by the storage mode specifying unit. 3. 6. A connection mode designating unit for designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data to another linked image forming apparatus, wherein the setting copy number changeability determination unit is
A connection mode is specified by the connection mode specifying means,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the set number of copies set by the first or second copy number setting unit is two or more, the second copy number setting unit is enabled. 7. A connection mode designating unit for designating a connection mode involving transfer of image data to another connected image forming apparatus, and document management for all of the image forming media on which an image is formed. Numbering mode designating means for designating a numbering mode for numbering and assigning a management number for use, wherein the setting copy number changeability determining means designates a connection mode by the connection mode designating means, and the numbering mode 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second copy number setting unit is invalidated when the numbering mode is specified by the specifying unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a copy upper limit value setting unit for setting an upper limit value LimitSet of the number of image forming copies; and a forming copy number detecting unit for detecting the number of image forming copies RepeatCount currently being formed. apparatus. 9. When the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy number setting means, the apparatus further comprises a copy number changing data restricting means for restricting the changed copy number data N to an appropriate value. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the means is configured to change the copy number data N to an appropriate value that satisfies a range of (RepeatCount) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet) or (RepeatCount + 1) ≦ N ≦ (LimitSet). apparatus. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting number change determination unit determines that the number of image forming copies set by the first number setting unit or the second number setting unit is NowSet. When the number of copies is changed, the changed copy number data N is (RepeatCount + 1) ≦ N, and (RepeatCount + 1) = (LimitSet) = (NowSe)
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said second copy number setting unit is invalidated when t). 11. The setting copy number changeability determination means, wherein when the number of image forming copies is changed by the second copy number setting means, the changed copy number data N is (RepeatCount) ≦ N. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when (RepeatCount) = (LimitSet), the second copy number setting unit is invalidated.