JP2004051329A - Image formation device, partition paper output control method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device, a partition paper output control method, a program and a storage medium capable of improving performance of sheet output, preventing paper clogging and preventing wasteful sheet output. <P>SOLUTION: The image formation device is furnished with a reader part 1 to read an image from a document and a printer part 2 to form the image on a sheet, a Z folding unit 260, a punch unit 250 and a staple sorter 230 as sheet post-treatment devices to post-treat the image formation sheet are attached to it, and a CPU circuit part 122 of the image formation device controls output of partition paper between jobs in accordance with treatment capacity of sheet post-treatment practiced by the sheet post-treatment device and controls the output of the partition paper between the jobs in accordance with whether a type of the partition paper between the jobs is a previously specified type or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus, a partition sheet output control method, a program, and a storage medium suitable for application to a digital multifunction peripheral or the like that forms a plurality of jobs and forms images on paper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, it has a plurality of functions such as an image reading function, an image forming function, and a facsimile (FAX) function, and is equipped with a large-capacity storage medium. 2. Description of the Related Art Digital multifunction peripherals that perform various outputs, such as facsimile transmission output and print output for forming an image on paper, have become widespread. In addition, a paper output tray is provided and connected to the digital multi-function peripheral, and bundle offset sorting (when stacking a plurality of image-formed paper bundles on the paper discharge tray, each paper bundle can be distinguished from each other. Sheets that can be subjected to various sheet post-processing, such as processing of stacking sheets by offsetting bundles alternately in a predetermined direction), stapling processing for binding sheets, Z-folding processing for folding sheets into three, and saddle stitching processing for folding sheets in the middle. Post-processing devices (hereinafter referred to as finishers) have also been developed.
[0003]
In this finisher, in order to form and output a large amount of image data stored in the large-capacity storage medium on a sheet by the digital multi-function peripheral, the number of sheets that can be stacked on one discharge tray is increased, and A tray equipped with a plurality (for example, two or three) of trays has been developed. Accordingly, in the finisher, in a case where a bundle of sheets of a plurality of jobs is discharged onto one discharge tray in a stacked manner, the bundle offset described above is used in order to distinguish the respective bundles discharged on the discharge tray. Functions such as sorting are provided.
[0004]
However, if this is applied to one page per job (when one job is made up of one sheet) when performing bundle offset sorting by the finisher, the operator may take out the sheet from the output tray. Output results that are difficult to handle. In order to be able to cope with such a case, when each sheet bundle corresponding to a plurality of jobs is output to the output tray of the finisher, the job is divided into the jobs (the sheets constituting the job and the Color paper) is being output. In other words, there is a growing demand for inter-job partition paper so that the boundaries between jobs can be identified.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the prior art described above has the following problems. In the state where the finisher is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral, for example, when performing the saddle stitching process of folding the sheet in the middle by the finisher, the two-folding mechanism used in the saddle stitching process is configured to fold the sheet in the vertical conveyance path. For this reason, there is a limit on the paper size that can be saddle-stitched, and the mechanism does not allow mixed paper sizes (for example, mixed A3 and A4).
[0006]
When an attempt is made to output inter-job partition paper for such a two-fold mechanism to separate sheets to be folded by the two-fold mechanism (the last sheet of the job and the first sheet of the next job). Since the two-folding mechanism is a mechanism that does not allow a mixture of paper sizes as described above, it is set so that only job separation paper having the same paper size as the image forming paper can be selected. For this reason, if the user feeds a desired job partition paper having a paper size different from that of the image forming paper (for example, paper having a different paper size such as colored paper), a paper jam occurs. In the related art, there is a problem that it is desired to prevent such a paper jam.
[0007]
However, the number of sheets that can be half-folded is limited in the saddle stitching process, and if the output number of image forming sheets exceeds the limit number, the output is directly output to the output tray without executing the saddle stitching step. Is going. In this case, a job separating sheet is required.
[0008]
Further, in the case of performing punch processing for punching a punched hole with a finisher and Z-fold processing for folding the paper into three on the paper on which image formation has been completed by the digital multi-function peripheral, the punch processing and Z-fold processing are also performed for the job separation paper. Therefore, it has been a factor that causes a decrease in the throughput related to the output of the image forming paper and the inter-job partition paper.
[0009]
In the digital multi-function peripheral, various paper types can be registered as paper types, and the user uses paper of a desired paper type for each application. For example, if a paper type such as thick paper is set by mistake when setting the paper type of the job separation paper to be fed as colored paper, conventionally, the job separation paper whose paper type is incorrectly set is output as it is. Was. However, the output of the inter-job partition paper in which the paper type is incorrectly set is not the output result desired by the user, and the color paper to be output as the inter-job partition paper may not be output, and the output is useless.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has provided an image forming apparatus capable of improving paper output performance, preventing paper jams, and preventing wasteful paper output, a partition paper output control method, a program, and It is intended to provide a storage medium.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and executes a job that performs from the image formation to the sheet post-processing. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the output of a partition sheet indicating a job separation in accordance with paper post-processing executed by said post-processing means.
[0012]
Further, the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and executes a job for forming the image, wherein a partition sheet indicating a sheet type of the sheet on which the image is to be formed and a separation of the job. Paper type setting means for setting the paper type, and control means for judging the paper type set by the paper type setting means and controlling the output of the partition paper.
[0013]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and executes a job from the image forming to the sheet post-processing. A method for controlling the output of a partition sheet, comprising a step of controlling the output of a partition sheet indicating a job separation in accordance with the sheet post-processing executed by the post-processing means.
[0014]
Further, the present invention is a partition paper output control method in an image forming apparatus which includes an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, and executes a job for forming the image. A step of setting the paper type of the partition paper indicating the separation of the above, and a step of determining the set paper type and controlling the output of the partition paper.
[0015]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and executes a job from the image forming to the sheet post-processing. A program to be applied, wherein the computer is configured to realize a function of controlling output of a partition sheet indicating a job break in accordance with paper post-processing executed by the post-processing means.
[0016]
Further, the present invention is a program applied to an image forming apparatus which includes an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet and executes a job for forming the image, wherein A computer is provided with a function of setting a paper type of a partition paper indicating a break and a function of determining the set paper type and controlling an output of the partition paper.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state where a sheet post-processing apparatus is attached to an image forming apparatus, a job between image forming and sheet post-processing is performed (between a sheet forming the job and a sheet forming a next job). Alternatively, when a job interleaving paper indicating a break between the last sheet of the sheet bundle constituting the job and the first sheet of the sheet bundle constituting the next job is output, the job interleaving sheet is outputted according to the sheet post-processing. Output control. If the paper type of the inter-job partition paper is not the paper type intended by the operator, control is performed to stop the output of the inter-job partition paper. Thus, the paper output performance is improved, paper jams are prevented, and wasteful paper output is prevented. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus and Sheet Post-processing Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus is configured as, for example, a multifunction peripheral having an image reading function, an image forming function, and a facsimile function, and also has a function of controlling output of a job separating sheet indicating a break between each job. It is roughly composed of a reader unit (image reading unit) 1 for reading an image and a printer unit (image forming unit) 2 for forming an image on paper. The image forming apparatus includes a sheet post-processing apparatus, that is, a Z-folding unit 260 that performs a Z-folding process for folding a sheet into three, a punching unit 250 that performs a punching process for punching a hole in a sheet, a stapling process for binding a sheet, and a sheet. A staple sorter 230 that performs saddle stitching processing for folding the center in the middle is provided.
[0019]
The reader unit 1 includes a document feeder 101, a document table glass 102, a scanner unit 104, mirrors 106 and 107, a lens 108, a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 109, a connector 121, a CPU circuit 122, and the like. . The printer unit 2 includes an exposure control unit 201, a mirror 207, a photoconductor 211, a developing unit 212, transfer paper stacking units 214, 215, 225, and 226, a transfer unit 216, a fixing unit 217, a paper discharge unit 218, and a discharge roller. 219, a conveyance direction switching member 220, a reversing conveyance path (a portion for loading a sheet to be transferred for refeeding) 221, and the like.
[0020]
In the reader unit 1, the document feeder 101 conveys the loaded document to the upper surface of the platen glass 102. A document to be read is conveyed onto the platen glass 102. The scanner unit 104 irradiates the original with the lamp 103 and reflects light reflected from the original with the mirror 105. The mirrors 106 and 107 guide the light reflected from the mirror 105 to the lens 108. The lens 108 causes the reflected light to form an image on the CCD 109. The CCD 109 performs photoelectric conversion for converting reflected light from a document into an electric signal.
[0021]
The originals stacked on the original feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed onto the original platen glass 102 one by one. When a document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is turned on and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is input to the CCD 109 via mirrors 105, 106, 107 and a lens 108. The reader unit 1 outputs an image signal based on photoelectric conversion by the CCD 109 to the printer unit 2.
[0022]
In the printer unit 2, the exposure control unit 201 converts an image signal into a modulated optical signal. The mirror 207 reflects the laser beam and irradiates the photoconductor 211 with the laser beam. A latent image is formed on the photoconductor 211 by irradiation light. The developing device 212 develops the latent image on the photoconductor 211. The transfer paper stacking units 214, 215, 225, and 226 store a plurality of transfer papers (hereinafter, sheets) in a stacked state. The transfer unit 216 transfers the developed image on the photoconductor 211 to a sheet. The fixing unit 217 fixes an image on a sheet by applying heat and pressure. The paper discharge unit 218 discharges the sheet on which the image has been fixed to the outside of the image forming apparatus by a discharge roller 219. The transport direction switching member 220 reverses the transport direction of a sheet on which an image is formed on one side. The reversing conveyance path 221 re-feeds the reversed sheet to the transfer unit side when performing image formation on both sides of the sheet.
[0023]
The image signal input from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 211. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 211 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 212. The paper is conveyed from one of the transfer paper stacking units 214, 215, 225, and 226 in synchronization with the leading edge of the development, and the developed image is transferred to the paper in the transfer unit 216. After the image transferred to the sheet is fixed on the sheet by a fixing unit 217, the sheet is discharged by a sheet discharge unit 218 to a Z-folding unit 260 provided outside the image forming apparatus via a discharge roller 219.
[0024]
The sheet discharged by the discharge roller 219 of the image forming apparatus is sent to the Z-folding unit 260, and when the Z-folding process is set by the Z-folding unit 260, the Z-folding unit of the Z-folding unit 260, which will be described later, performs Z-folding. Is done. Thereafter, the sheet is sent to the punch unit 250, and if punch processing by the punch unit 250 is set, a punch hole is punched by the punch unit 250. Thereafter, the sheet is passed to the staple sorter 230, and is discharged to each bin of the staple sorter 230 when the sort processing by the staple sorter 230 is set, and when the sort processing by the staple sorter 230 is not set. When the staple sorter 230 is set to perform staple sort processing, the staple sorter 230 selects one staple unit from a plurality of staple units provided in the sort bin, and selects one staple unit. Is done.
[0025]
In the present embodiment, the staple position for binding the paper is changed by selecting one staple unit from a plurality of staple units provided in the sort bin of the staple sorter 230. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The stapling position may be changed by moving one stapling unit.
[0026]
When the saddle stitching process of folding the sheet in the middle by the staple sorter 230 is set, the sheet transported from the punch unit 250 via the transport roller 231 is sent to the saddle path 234 by the operation of the direction changing member 232. It is. In order to stack the sheets on the saddle stack unit 235, the saddle roller 236 rotates forward by a predetermined amount, then reversely rotates, and conveys the sheets to the saddle stack unit 235. This operation is repeated, and sheets are stacked on the saddle stack unit 235 up to the set number of output sheets. After all the sheets are stacked on the saddle stack section 235, the saddle roller 236 rotates forward by a predetermined amount, and rotates until the saddle folding member 239 comes to the center of the sheet.
[0027]
When the rotation of the saddle roller 236 stops, the saddle folding member 239 starts operating, and when the sheet reaches the folding roller 237, the folding roller 237 starts rotating. Since the folding roller 237 rotates so as to discharge the paper in the direction of the discharge roller 238, the saddle folding member 239 can form a firm fold on the paper. Thereafter, stapling is performed by a stapler (not shown) to bind two portions of the folded portion of the sheet, and the sheet having undergone the saddle stitching process is discharged to a bin 242 outside the staple sorter 230.
[0028]
As described above, in the saddle stitching process in which the sheet is folded in the middle, the timing of the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the saddle roller 236 is determined based on the length of the sheet, so that the sheets having different sheet sizes are supplied to the staple sorter 230. If the sheets are mixed, the sheets cannot be conveyed correctly in the staple sorter 230, and a paper jam occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a paper jam is prevented by performing output control of job partition paper as described later.
[0029]
Next, the Z-folding unit that performs the Z-folding process of folding the sheet into three in the Z-folding unit 260 will be described. The sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus to the Z-folding unit of the Z-folding unit 260 and conforming to a predetermined sheet size is sent to the Z-folding unit path 261 by the operation of the direction changing member 268. At the timing when 1/4 of the sheet has passed the folding roller 262, the folding rollers 262 and 263 rotate so as to advance the sheet to the intermediate folding path 265. This rotation causes one-fourth of the sheet to be folded.
[0030]
The folding rollers 263 and 264 rotate so that the paper advances to the final pass 267 at the timing when the paper advances 1/4 to the intermediate folding path 265 as it is. Therefore, 1/4 of the sheet is folded, and the sheet is Z-folded. The Z-folded sheet is transported as it is and is transported to the punch unit 250. This Z-folding process in the Z-folding unit 260 is applied only to a large-size (for example, A3) sheet, the direction changing member 268 does not operate for a small-size (for example, A4) sheet, and the small-size sheet is The sheet is conveyed to the punch unit 250 as it is.
[0031]
<Signal processing configuration of reader unit>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 of the image forming apparatus. The reader unit 1 includes a CCD 109, amplifiers 110R, 110G, 110B, an A / D converter 111, a shading circuit 112, a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113, a scaling / repeat circuit 114, a contour / edge emphasis circuit 115, a marker area. Judgment / contour generation circuit 116, patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117, image data selector 118, laser driver circuit 119, image memory 120, connector 121, CPU circuit unit 122, operation unit 123, image data reduction circuit 126 It has.
[0032]
The reflected light of the document imaged on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 109 and converted into electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The color information (R, G, B) output from the CCD 109 is amplified by the next stage amplifiers 110R, 110G, 110B according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. An output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to a shading circuit 112, which corrects uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109. An output signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and an external interface switching circuit (not shown).
[0033]
The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has a Y signal generation function, and performs an operation on the output signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to obtain a Y signal.
[0034]
Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B
Further, the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has a color detection function of separating seven colors based on the R, G, and B signals and outputting a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. Magnification in the sub-scanning direction is performed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and magnification in the main scanning direction is performed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Further, a plurality of identical images can be output by the scaling / repeat circuit 114.
[0035]
The outline / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis information and outline information by emphasizing the high frequency components of the output signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. An output signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to a marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117. The marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of the document written with a marker pen of a designated color, and generates contour information of the marker. Next, the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs thickening, masking and trimming from the contour information. The patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs patterning based on the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.
[0036]
When the output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the printer section 2, the output signal is selected by an image data selector 118 described later and input to the laser driver circuit 119. The laser driver circuit 119 converts the variously processed signals into signals for driving a laser. The output signal of the laser driver circuit 119 is input to the printer unit 2 to form an image as a visible image. The image memory 120 writes and reads the image data sent by the image data selector 118 at a designated position of the image memory 120 in accordance with an instruction of the CPU circuit unit 122 by a method described later, and performs an image rotation process. It has a function and a function of combining images on an image memory.
[0037]
The CPU circuit unit 122 controls the reader unit 1 and each unit shown in FIG. 3 to be described later. The CPU circuit unit 122 has a ROM 124 that stores a control program, an error processing program, and the like, and a work area for executing various programs. It comprises a RAM 125 to be used, various timer control units, and the like. The image data stored in the image-storable RAM (not shown) can be developed on the image memory 120 according to an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 122. The connector 121 is provided for connecting a device (for example, an additional memory or the like) other than that shown in FIG.
[0038]
<Connection to CPU circuit section>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration centering on the CPU circuit unit 122 of the image forming apparatus. The CPU circuit section 122 includes a reader section (image reading section) 1 to be controlled by the CPU circuit section in FIG. 1 described above, and a printer section (image forming section) 2 to control the CPU circuit section in FIG. An image processing unit 22 for performing image processing on an image to be formed on a target portion, an image to be formed on a sheet, an image data selector 118 and a connector 121 shown in FIG. 2, an operation unit 123 having a configuration shown in FIG. A character data memory 130 for storing character data such as numbers and symbols is connected.
[0039]
<Configuration of operation unit>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 123 includes various key groups for instructing image forming operations such as image editing contents and the number of copies for the image reading process of the reader unit 1, and a dot matrix including a liquid crystal display device for displaying the contents at the time of operation. A liquid crystal display 438 and the like are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 438 displays the state of the image forming apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, the selected paper, and various operation screens, and is operated by control keys and the like. A start key 403 is a key for causing the image forming apparatus to start a copying operation, and a return (reset) key 402 is a key for returning the setting mode to the standard state.
[0040]
The key group 405 includes ten keys from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. The density key 407 is a key for increasing or decreasing the density from a dark setting to a light setting, and the density adjusted by this is displayed on the density display unit 441. The automatic density adjustment key 437 includes a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function, and a display unit for displaying the automatic density adjustment function. The paper selection key 406 is a key for selecting a paper feed port (transfer paper loading unit in FIG. 1) for feeding paper and automatic paper selection, and this selection state is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438.
[0041]
Keys 408, 409, and 410 are used to set fixed size reduction, equal size, and fixed size enlargement during copying, respectively. The zoom key 418 includes a key for setting the auto zoom mode and a display unit that indicates a selected state. The selected state is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. The double-sided key 442 is a key for instructing double-sided copying for copying an image on both sides of a sheet. The user mode key 440 is a key for instructing the liquid crystal display unit 438 to display an operation screen shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C described below.
[0042]
<How to set the paper feed port and paper type for job partition paper>
Next, a method for setting a paper feed port for job partition paper and a method for setting a paper type for the paper feed port in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (1) to 7 (6). In this example, the four transfer paper stacking units shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as paper feed ports. For example, it is assumed that B4 size paper is stored in the paper supply port 1, A4 size paper is stored in the paper supply port 2, A4 size paper is stored in the paper supply port 3, and A4 size paper is stored in the paper supply port 4. Note that the CPU circuit unit 122 stores the following various settings by the operator via the operation unit 123 as set values.
[0043]
When the operator presses the user mode key 440 of the operation unit 123, an operation screen shown in FIG. 7A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. In the operation screen of FIG. 7A, a key 701 is a key for setting a predetermined common function for the image forming apparatus. When the key 701 is pressed, the common function can be set. A key 702 is a key for setting a copy function of the image forming apparatus. When the key 702 is pressed, ON / OFF of an automatic rotation function for automatically performing image rotation processing can be set. A key 703 is a key for adjustment cleaning, and when the key 703 is pressed, zoom adjustment and the like can be set. A key 704 is a key related to a timer. When the key 704 is pressed, a date and time can be set.
[0044]
When the key 701 is pressed on the operation screen in FIG. 7A, the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 7B is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. In the operation screen of FIG. 7B, a key 708 is a key for setting a job interleaving paper. When the key 708 is pressed, the operation screen shown in FIG. 7C is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. You. In the operation screen of FIG. 7C, the keys 708-1 and 708-6 are used to turn ON / OFF the setting of the job interleaving paper, respectively. When one of the keys is pressed, the other key is invalidated. Has become a toggle key. A key 708-2, a key 708-3, a key 708-4, and a key 708-5 are enabled in a state in which a mode for outputting a job separation sheet is ON, and supply for feeding the job separation sheet is performed. The paper stage (paper feed port) can be set.
[0045]
Again, in the operation screen of FIG. 7B, a key 706 is a key for setting a paper type (paper type). When the key 706 is pressed, the operation screen shown in FIG. This is displayed in the section 438. By pressing keys 707-2 to 707-5 on the operation screen in FIG. 7D, the type of paper for each paper feed port can be set. For example, assume that the paper type of the paper feed port 1 is set to plain paper. Similarly, it is assumed that the paper type of the paper supply port 2 is set to colored paper, the paper type of the paper supply port 3 is set to recycled paper, and the paper type of the paper supply port 4 is set to plain paper. A key 707-6 is a key for setting the priority of the paper type. In the operation screen of FIG. 7D, the priority order in the automatic paper feed selection for automatically selecting the paper feed port corresponding to each type of paper can be set.
[0046]
The operation screen of FIG. 7 (5) is a display for prompting selection of the type of paper of the paper feed port 1, for example. The illustrated example is an example in which the paper can be selected from plain paper, recycled paper, cardboard, colored paper, punch paper, OHP paper, label paper, second original drawing paper, and letterhead. Note that selection of preprinted paper or the like other than the illustrated example may be made possible. The operation screen in FIG. 7 (6) is a display urging the user to set the priority of the paper type (paper type). In the illustrated example, the priority of plain paper is 1, the priority of recycled paper is 1, the priority of colored paper is 2, the priority of punched paper is 3, the priority of label paper is 4, and the priority of thick paper is 4. This is an example in which the priority of OHP paper is 4, the priority of letterhead is 4, and the priority of second original drawing paper is 4.
[0047]
<Image data writing method and image data reading method>
Next, a method for writing and reading image data to and from the image memory 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (1) to 5 (5) and FIG. FIG. 5A shows the concept of the storage capacity in one storage area of the image memory 120. In the present embodiment, image data corresponding to A3 size can be stored in one storage area of the image memory 120 on the basis of 600 dpi, and the storage area is made up of 7015 × 9920 bits. As shown in FIG. 6, the entire storage area of the image memory 120 is configured to store, for example, 100 sheets of image data as one image layout area, one character data area, and an image data storage area. Storage memories 1 to 100).
[0048]
Next, FIG. 5B shows an example in which image data read from a document is written in the image memory 120. Documents placed as shown in (2a) of FIG. 5 (2) are sequentially read in the direction of the arrow as shown. As shown in (2b) of FIG. 5B, the (0,0) address is designated as a start position to count up the counter in the X direction and the counter in the Y direction. When the line is read, the counter in the Y direction is counted up and written to the image memory 120 sequentially in the (0, 7015) address direction.
[0049]
Next, when the second line of the document is read, the counter in the X direction is counted up and written in the image memory 120 in order from the (1, 0) address to the (1, 7015) address. Next, when the third line of the document is read, the counter in the X direction is counted up, and the addresses from the (2,0) address to the (2,7015) address are written in the image memory 120. In this manner, by repeating the reading of the original image and the writing of the image data, the data is written to the image memory 120 up to the address (4960, 7015).
[0050]
Next, a process of reading the image data written in the image memory 120 in the procedure of FIG. 5B will be described with reference to FIGS. 5C and 5D. In FIG. 5 (3), as shown in (3a) of FIG. 5 (3), first, out of the image data written in the image memory 120, the image data of the first line of the original is addressed to the (4960, 0) address. At the start position, the X-direction counter is designated to count down, the Y-direction counter is designated to count up, and the X-direction counter is read out while counting down sequentially in the (0, 0) address direction. Next, the image data of the second line of the document is read out from the (4960, 1) address to the (0, 1) address by counting up the counter in the Y direction. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this way, the image data can be read as shown in (3b) of FIG.
[0051]
In FIG. 5D, as shown in (4b) of FIG. 5D, first, among the image data written in the image memory 120, the image data of the first line of the original is (0, 0). With the address as the start position, the counter in the X direction is designated to count up, and the counter in the Y direction is designated to count down, and the counter in the Y direction is sequentially counted up in the direction of the address (0, 7015) and read. Next, the image data of the second line of the document is read from the (1,0) address direction to the (1,7015) address direction by counting up the counter in the X direction. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this manner, the image data can be read as shown in (4b) of FIG.
[0052]
Therefore, by reading the original of A4 width shown in (2a) of FIG. 5 (2) in the direction of FIG. 5 (3), the image can be read without rotating.
[0053]
Further, as shown in (4c) of FIG. 5D, first, among the image data written in the image memory 120, the image data of the first line of the original is set at the (4960, 7015) address as a start position. The counter in the Y direction is counted down and sequentially read out to (4960, 0) address. The image data of the second line of the document is read out sequentially from the (4959, 7015) address to the (4959, 015) address by counting down the Y-direction counter from the (4959, 7015) address. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this manner, an image rotated 180 degrees can be read as shown in (4d) of FIG.
[0054]
Next, the image layout memory of FIG. 6 will be described. As described above, by reading out the image data individually stored in the image memory 120 as shown in (5a) and (5b) of FIG. As shown in (5c) of FIG. 5 (5), different original image data can be combined on the image memory 120.
[0055]
<Double-sided output method>
Next, a two-sided output method for forming image data sequentially read from the image memory 120 of the image forming apparatus on both sides of one sheet will be described with reference to FIG. After the sheet on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 217 of the image forming apparatus is once conveyed to the sheet discharging unit 218, the conveyance direction of the sheet is reversed by the conveyance direction switching member 220, and the reversal conveyance path (transfer for re-feeding) (Paper stacking unit) 221. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-described process. As a result, two original images can be formed on both the front and back surfaces of the same sheet.
[0056]
<Output control of job partition paper>
Next, when a sheet post-processing is performed by a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) attached to the image forming apparatus (Z-folding processing setting, punching processing setting, stapling processing setting, saddle stitching processing setting), a job separation sheet is output. The operation at this time will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIG. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU circuit unit 122 of the image forming apparatus based on a program stored in the ROM 124.
[0057]
(1) In case of Z-fold setting
First, the case where the Z-folding process is set for the image forming paper will be described. In this example, of the four-stage transfer paper stacking section (paper feed port) shown in FIG. 1 provided in the image forming apparatus, the first-stage paper feed port has A4 plain paper and the second-stage paper feed port. A4 color paper, A3 plain paper in the third-stage paper feed port, and A3 thick paper in the fourth-stage paper feed port are respectively stored. Further, it is assumed that the originals are read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. In addition, the Z-folding unit 260 folds the sheet into three in the Z-folding unit 260 as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher. It is assumed that A3 thick paper stored in the paper exit is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job has been discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.
[0058]
When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, the process is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition paper is set. to decide. In this example, since A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed port is set as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for the sheet on which the image is to be formed. In this example, since the sheet post-processing (Z-folding processing for folding the sheet into three) is set, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0059]
In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the Z-folding process is set. In this example, the Z-folding process is set. Is set so as not to perform the Z-folding process. Next, the process proceeds to step S813, where the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type (kind) of the inter-job partition paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. Then, the process proceeds to step S812, and the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message (“Not applicable to media type of partition paper”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123 as shown in FIG. (If the paper type of the inter-job partition paper matches plain paper, recycled paper, or colored paper, the inter-job partition paper is output).
[0060]
If the operator changes the A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 determines that the changed paper type of the job separating paper is a predetermined paper. It is determined that the type matches the type, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image has been formed in the current job). In this example, since there is a recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S815, and a job interleaving sheet of A3 plain paper is output from the third-stage sheet feeding port to indicate a break between the current job and the previous job.
[0061]
Since it is set in step S808 that the Z-folding process is not performed on the inter-job partition paper, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the Z-folding process on the inter-job partition paper in the Z-folding unit 260, and the predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230 (the predetermined bin The image is discharged onto the image forming paper relating to the job before the discharge. Since the inter-job partition paper has been discharged, the process proceeds to step S817, and the CPU circuit unit 122 uses the Z-folding unit 260 to form an image of the document A4 in which the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. , A3, A4, and A3, the Z-folding process is performed on the Z-foldable A3 paper, and the process ends.
[0062]
(2) Punch processing setting
Next, a case where punch processing is set for an image forming sheet will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the originals are read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. Also, as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, a punching process for punching a hole in the sheet is designated by the punching unit 250, and a fourth-stage sheet feeding port is provided as a job separating sheet indicating a separation between the current job and the previous job. It is assumed that the A3 thick paper stored in is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job has been discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.
[0063]
When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, the process is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition paper is set. to decide. In this example, since A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed port is set as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for the sheet on which the image is to be formed. In this example, since the sheet post-processing (punch processing for punching a hole in the sheet) is set, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0064]
In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process has been set. In this example, since the process is not the Z-folding process, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the punching process is set. In this example, since the punching process is set, the process proceeds to step S809. Set not to perform processing.
[0065]
Next, the process proceeds to step S813, where the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type (kind) of the inter-job partition paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. Then, the process proceeds to step S812, and the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message (“Not applicable to media type of partition paper”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123 as shown in FIG. To stop.
[0066]
If the operator changes the A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 determines that the changed paper type of the job separating paper is a predetermined paper. It is determined that the type matches the type, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image has been formed in the current job). In this example, since there is a recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S815, and a job interleaving sheet of A3 plain paper is output from the third-stage sheet feeding port to indicate a break between the current job and the previous job.
[0067]
In step S809, since it is set not to perform the punching process on the job interleaving paper, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the punching process on the job interleaving paper by the punching unit 250, and the predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230 (the paper bin is discharged to the predetermined bin). To the image forming paper related to the previous job). Since the ejection of the inter-job partition paper has been completed, the process proceeds to step S817, where the CPU circuit unit 122 uses the punch unit 250 to form an image of the document A4 in which the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. Punch processing is performed on the sheets of A3, A4, and A3, and the processing ends.
[0068]
(3) When stapling is set
Next, the case where the stapling process is set for the image forming paper will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the originals are read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. Also, staple processing for binding sheets by the staple sorter 230 is designated as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, and the staple processing is stored in the fourth-stage paper feed port as a job-separating sheet indicating a break between the current job and the previous job. Suppose that the specified A3 thick paper is specified. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job has been discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.
[0069]
When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, the process is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition paper is set. to decide. In this example, since A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed port is set as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for the sheet on which the image is to be formed. In this example, since the sheet post-processing (staple processing for binding sheets) is set, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0070]
In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process has been set. In this example, since the process is not the Z-folding process, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the punching process is set. In this example, since the punching process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not stapling is set. In this example, since stapling is set, the process proceeds to step S810, and the stapling is performed on the A3 thick paper that is a job separation sheet. Set not to perform processing.
[0071]
Next, the process proceeds to step S813, where the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type (kind) of the inter-job partition paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. Then, the process proceeds to step S812, and the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message (“Not applicable to media type of partition paper”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123 as shown in FIG. To stop.
[0072]
If the operator changes the A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 determines that the changed paper type of the job separating paper is a predetermined paper. It is determined that the type matches the type, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image has been formed in the current job). In this example, since there is a recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S815, and a job interleaving sheet of A3 plain paper is output from the third-stage sheet feeding port to indicate a break between the current job and the previous job.
[0073]
In step S810, since it is set that the inter-job paper is not to be stapled, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the stapling process to the inter-job paper with the staple sorter 230, and the predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230 is discharged to the predetermined bin. To the image forming paper related to the previous job). Since the discharge of the inter-job partition paper has been completed, the process proceeds to step S817, where the CPU circuit unit 122 uses the staple sorter 230 to form an image of the document A4 in which the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. The staple process is performed on the sheets of A3, A4, and A3, and the process ends.
[0074]
(4) Saddle stitching setting (4 documents)
Next, the case where the saddle stitching process is set for the image forming paper and the number of documents is four will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the originals are read in the order of A3 → A3 → A3 → A3. Also, as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, the saddle stitching process of folding the sheet in the middle with the staple sorter 230 is designated, and the fourth sheet feeding as a job separating sheet indicating a break between the current job and the previous job is specified. It is assumed that A3 cardboard stored in the mouth is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job has been discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.
[0075]
When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, the process is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition paper is set. to decide. In this example, since A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed port is set as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for the sheet on which the image is to be formed. In this example, since the sheet post-processing (the saddle stitching processing of folding the sheet in the middle) is set, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0076]
In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process has been set. In this example, since the process is not the Z-folding process, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the punching process is set. In this example, since the punching process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not staple processing is set. In this example, since the staple processing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S807.
[0077]
In step S807, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the saddle stitching process is set. In this example, since the saddle stitching process is set, the process proceeds to step S811 and the sheet on which the image formation (printing) is performed is performed. The number of prints, which is the number of prints, is counted. In this example, since the number of documents is four, the number of sheets that can be saddle-stitched by the staple sorter 230 (for example, 15 sheets) is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step S816, where the CPU circuit unit 122 controls so as not to output the inter-job partition sheet, performs the saddle stitching process on four sheets by the staple sorter 230, and ends the process.
[0078]
(5) Saddle stitching processing setting (number of documents: 16)
Next, a case where saddle stitching processing is set for image forming paper and the number of documents is 16 will be described. In this example, as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, the saddle stitching processing of folding the sheet in the middle by the staple sorter 230 is designated, and the fourth row of the job separation paper indicating the separation between the current job and the previous job is specified. It is assumed that A3 thick paper stored in the paper feed port is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job has been discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.
[0079]
When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, the process is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition paper is set. to decide. In this example, since A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed port is set as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for the sheet on which the image is to be formed. In this example, since the sheet post-processing (the saddle stitching processing of folding the sheet in the middle) is set, the process proceeds to step S804.
[0080]
In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process has been set. In this example, since the process is not the Z-folding process, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the punching process is set. In this example, since the punching process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not staple processing is set. In this example, since the staple processing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S807.
[0081]
In step S807, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the saddle stitching process is set. In this example, since the saddle stitching process is set, the process advances to step S811 to perform image formation (printing). The number of printed sheets, which is the number of sheets, is counted. In this example, since the number of originals is 16, the number of sheets that can be saddle-stitched by the staple sorter 230 (for example, 15 sheets) is not satisfied. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S820, and the CPU circuit unit 122 sets not to perform the saddle stitching process on the image forming paper other than the job separating paper on which the 16 originals have been read and the image has been formed.
[0082]
Next, the process proceeds to step S813, where the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type (kind) of the inter-job partition paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. Then, the process proceeds to step S812, and the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message (“Not applicable to media type of partition paper”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123 as shown in FIG. To stop.
[0083]
If the operator changes the A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job separating paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 determines that the changed paper type of the job separating paper is a predetermined paper. It is determined that the type matches the type, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image has been formed in the current job). In this example, since there is a recording sheet, the process proceeds to step S815, and a job interleaving sheet of A3 plain paper is output from the third-stage sheet feeding port to indicate a break between the current job and the previous job.
[0084]
Since the saddle stitching processing is not performed on the job interleaving paper in step S820, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the saddle stitching processing on the job interleaving paper with the staple sorter 230 and discharges the predetermined bin (discharged to the predetermined bin) of the staple sorter 230. Is discharged onto the image forming paper relating to the previous job. Since the inter-job separation paper has been discharged, the process proceeds to step S817, and the saddle stitching process is not set in step S820 for the 16 image-formed paper sheets (print paper) on which the image has been formed. However, the sheet is discharged without performing the saddle stitching processing, and the processing ends.
[0085]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output of the job interleaving paper indicating the job separation is controlled in accordance with the sheet post-processing executed by the sheet post-processing apparatus for the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. Further, since the sheet post-processing is not performed on the inter-job partition paper, the effect of improving the paper output performance can be achieved.
[0086]
In addition, since the output of the inter-job partition paper is controlled according to the type of the inter-job partition paper, it occurs when the inter-job partition paper is output regardless of the type of the inter-job partition paper set by the operator as in the related art. Paper jams can be prevented, and unnecessary paper output, which occurs when the operator incorrectly sets the paper type of the inter-job partition paper, as in the related art, can be eliminated. Play.
[0087]
[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus is provided with a Z-folding unit, a punch unit, and a staple sorter as a sheet post-processing apparatus is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The type and number of sheet post-processing devices attached to the printers can be arbitrary.
[0088]
In the above embodiment, the output control of the job partition paper in the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) having the image reading function, the image forming function, and the facsimile function has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the present invention can be applied to output control of a job separating sheet in an image forming apparatus (copying machine) having an image reading function / image forming function or an image forming apparatus (printer) having an image forming function.
[0089]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. A medium such as a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the medium in the medium such as a storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code thus set.
[0090]
In this case, the program code itself read from a medium such as a storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the medium such as a storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. . Examples of a medium such as a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and DVD-ROM. A RAM, a DVD-RW, a DVD + RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or a download via a network can be used.
[0091]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer performs actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the processes and performing the processing.
[0092]
Furthermore, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on an instruction of the program code, It is needless to say that the present invention includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, according to the sheet post-processing performed by the post-processing unit on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, the output of the partition sheet indicating the break of the job is controlled. Further, since the sheet post-processing is not performed on the partition sheet, the effect of improving the sheet output performance can be obtained.
[0094]
In addition, since the output of the partition paper is controlled according to the paper type of the partition paper, a paper jam that occurs when the partition paper is output regardless of the paper type of the partition paper set by the operator as in the related art. In addition to the above, it is possible to prevent unnecessary paper output that occurs when the operator incorrectly sets the paper type of the partition paper as in the related art.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an internal structure of an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing system of a reader unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration centering on a CPU circuit unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating one storage capacity of an image memory, and FIGS. 5B to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of writing and reading of image data.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image layout memory.
FIGS. 7 (1) to (6) are diagrams showing operation screens for setting the inter-job partition paper.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of outputting a job partition sheet.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a warning display screen for a job interleaving sheet.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reader unit (image reading means)
2 Printer section (image forming means)
122 CPU circuit section (control means, setting means, paper type setting means)
123 Operation unit (setting means, paper type setting means)
230 staple sorter (post-processing means, saddle stitching means, staple means)
250 Punch unit (post-processing means, punch means)
260 Z-folding unit (post-processing means, folding means)

Claims (20)

An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and performs a job that performs from the image forming to the sheet post-processing.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control output of a partition sheet indicating a job separation according to a sheet post-processing performed by the post-processing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an output of the partition sheet according to a processing capability of a sheet post-processing performed by the post-processing unit. The post-processing unit includes a saddle stitching unit that folds the image forming sheet in the middle, a folding unit that folds the image forming sheet at a plurality of positions, a punch unit that punches a punch hole in the image forming sheet, and a staple unit that binds the image forming sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not output the partition paper when the number of image forming sheets on which the saddle stitching process is performed by the saddle stitching unit does not exceed the processing capacity of the saddle stitching unit. Forming equipment. The control unit outputs the partition sheet without performing the saddle stitching process on the image forming paper when the number of image forming sheets on which the saddle stitching process is performed by the saddle stitching unit exceeds the processing capacity of the saddle stitching unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not perform the folding process on the partition sheet when the folding unit performs the folding process on the image forming paper. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not perform the punching process on the partition sheet when the punching unit performs the punching process on the image forming paper. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not perform the stapling process on the partition sheet when the stapling unit performs the stapling process on the image forming paper. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit configured to set output of the partition sheet and setting of post-processing of the post-processing unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image reading means for reading an image from the document, wherein the image forming means forms an image of the document read by the image reading means on a sheet. . An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet and executes a job for forming the image,
Paper type setting means for setting the paper type of the paper to be image-formed and the paper type of the partition paper indicating a job break; judging the paper type set by the paper type setting means, and controlling the output of the partition paper An image forming apparatus comprising: 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit outputs the partition paper when the paper type of the partition paper set by the paper type setting unit is a predetermined paper type. The control means, if the paper type of the partition paper set by the paper type setting means is not a predetermined paper type, warns that the paper type of the partition paper is not a predetermined paper type, and The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein no partition paper is output. The paper type setting means can set a paper type including plain paper, recycled paper, cardboard, second original drawing paper, OHP paper, colored paper, pre-punched paper, pre-printed paper, letterhead, and label paper. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the paper type of the partition paper set by the paper type setting unit is the plain paper, the recycled paper, or the color paper, the partition paper is output. . 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising image reading means for reading an image from the document, wherein the image forming means forms an image of the document read by the image reading means on a sheet. . A partition paper output control method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and executes a job from the image forming to the sheet post-processing. So,
A method for controlling the output of a partition sheet, comprising the step of controlling the output of a partition sheet indicating a job separation in accordance with the sheet post-processing executed by the post-processing means. What is claimed is: 1. A partition sheet output control method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and executing a job for forming the image. And a step of determining the set paper type and controlling the output of the partition paper. A program applied to an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that post-processes the image forming sheet, and executes a job from the image forming to the sheet post-processing. hand,
A program for causing a computer to realize a function of controlling output of a partition sheet indicating a job break in accordance with paper post-processing executed by the post-processing means. A program applied to an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and executes a job for forming the image.
A computer realizes a function of setting a paper type of a sheet to be image-formed and a paper type of a partition paper indicating a job separation, and a function of determining the set paper type and controlling an output of the partition paper. Program for. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 18.

Images