JP2005148635A - Image forming apparatus and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the time for processing and the user's labor by realizing the post-processing meeting all kinds of setting by one original reading operation. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with a printing means for forming the image based on image data on copying paper and a post-processing means for subjecting the copying paper formed with the image to post-processing. The apparatus is equipped with a post-processing setting means for reading whether the post-processing is performed or not and setting the same by each read unit. The post-processing means subjects the copying paper to the post-processing in the read unit based on the setting by the post-processing setting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method therefor, and more specifically, image formation in which a plurality of originals are automatically circulated and supplied from an automatic original supply apparatus (RDH), and post-processing such as stapling is performed. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control method thereof.

In a conventional image forming apparatus, when a plurality of sets of documents stacked in order on the RDH are automatically circulated and supplied, a plurality of sets (plural types) of documents are copied and stapled for each set (for each type). It was.
For example, if there are two types of originals, the originals 1 and 2 are classified into different types. First, only the original 1 is set in the RDH and necessary conditions such as a stapling mode are set, and then copying and stapling are performed. Do. When the processing of the original 1 is completed, the original 1 is removed from the RDH, the original 2 is set, and copying and stapling are performed in the same procedure as in the original 1.
That is, in the conventional image forming apparatus, only the number of documents set on the RDH can be copied at a time and stapled.
For this reason, for example, when a plurality of sets (plural types) of documents are subjected to a plurality of stapling processes separately, they must be processed separately for each set (type), which is very troublesome because it takes time and effort. It was.

  Therefore, in order to eliminate the trouble of stapling a plurality of sets of originals separately, out of the total number of originals and the total number of originals of the plurality of sets of originals (original 1 + original 2) set in the RDH The number of sheets required for division (the number of originals for division processing) is preset and stored, the number of originals fed from the RDH at the time of copying is counted, and the number of originals for division processing or the total number of originals for which this count value is preset There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not the number of sheets has been reached, and staples sheets copied for each of a plurality of sets of originals based on the determination result (first prior art) (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

Also, other conventional image forming apparatuses read an image of a document group consisting of a plurality of pages, and copy the read image data for each page by setting a copy mode such as a copy document size, a print mode, and a magnification. If the copy mode setting is changed, there is also a technique (second conventional technique) (for example, the second conventional technique) that sequentially executes a copy operation based on each copy mode setting. , See Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-1257 (page 4, FIG. 4) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-13825 (page 3, FIG. 1)

According to the first prior art as described above, a plurality of types of originals can be set on the RDH at a time, the originals can be copied for each group, and the copy paper can be stapled for each group. .
However, the stapling process performed for each group can only be set in common. That is, for example, when the total number of documents consists of 15 sheets of one set of documents 1 (1 to 10 pages) and another set of documents 2 (11 to 15 pages), It was not possible to perform different settings such as performing the stapling process and not performing the stapling process on the copy paper for the remaining set of documents 2.
For this reason, when different settings are made for each of the plurality of sets, as described above, processing is performed for each group (by type) by the method of copying the document 2 after the copy processing of the document 1. In the end, there was a problem that processing time and labor could not be saved.

Further, according to the second prior art, since the copy mode can be set for the image data of each page unit, various different settings can be performed for each page of the read document group. As described above, it is not possible to make a setting as to whether or not to perform stapling processing on each read original document in units of groups (separation from how many pages) instead of in page units.
Therefore, similarly to the first prior art, when different settings are made for each of the plurality of sets, it must be processed separately for each set (by type), saving processing time and labor. There was a problem that I couldn't.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When a plurality of originals are read, the plurality of originals are divided into predetermined units, and post-processing settings are individually set for each division. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing processing time and user's trouble by performing post-processing according to all settings by performing a single document reading operation, and a control method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit including a printing unit that forms an image based on image data on a copy sheet, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the copy sheet on which the image is formed. The apparatus includes a post-processing setting unit that sets whether to perform post-processing for each reading unit, and the post-processing unit performs post-processing for each reading unit based on the setting by the post-processing setting unit. is there.

If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, the post-processing setting unit sets whether or not to perform post-processing in units of reading by the image reading unit, so that different post-processing can be set for each reading unit. .
For example, when the read original is composed of three sets of the original A, the original B, and the original C, the original A is subjected to post-processing, the original B is not subjected to the original C, and the three sets are used as a reading unit. As described above, different post-processing can be set individually.
For this reason, conventionally, when reading a plurality of sets of originals, only a common post-processing setting can be performed using each set as a reading unit. The image forming apparatus of the present invention can eliminate such a situation, and can reduce processing time and user trouble.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes page division setting means for dividing and setting a document for each reading unit into predetermined one or more pages, and the post-processing setting means is divided by the page division setting means. Whether or not to perform post-processing is further set in units, and the post-processing unit performs post-processing in units of division based on the setting by the post-processing setting unit.

If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, the page division setting unit further divides the document for each reading unit for which the post-processing setting has been performed into predetermined one or more pages, and the post-processing setting unit performs the division. Since it is set whether or not post-processing is to be performed in the unit that has been performed, the post-processing means can perform post-processing on the copy sheet in divided units based on the setting by the post-processing setting means.
For this reason, since it is possible to set the post-processing by further dividing the page range among the originals for each reading unit that is set to perform the post-processing in the reading unit, it is determined whether or not the post-processing is performed more finely. Can be set.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a printing unit that forms an image based on image data on a copy sheet, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the copy sheet on which the image is formed. A division unit post-processing setting unit that divides a plurality of originals into predetermined one or two or more pages and sets whether to perform post-processing in this division unit, and the post-processing unit performs division unit post-processing. Based on the setting by the setting means, post-processing is performed in units of division.

If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, the division unit post-processing setting unit divides a plurality of documents into predetermined one or two or more pages, and determines whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit. Therefore, the post-processing unit can perform post-processing on the copy sheet in units of division based on the setting by the division unit post-processing setting unit.
For this reason, the user can divide the original into one or more desired pages and set whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit. Therefore, the user can copy regardless of the number or type of originals. Post-processing can be performed within a desired range of the printed paper.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises a copy number setting unit for setting the number of copies of the document placed on the document feed tray unit, and the printing unit forms an image on the copy sheet for the set number of copies. The post-processing setting unit or the division unit post-processing setting unit sets the post-processing for each copy of the copy sheet on which the image is formed.

If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, the number of copies can be set by the copy number setting unit, and the post-processing setting unit or the division unit post-processing setting unit sets the post-processing for each copy number. Therefore, post-processing can be applied to different reading units or division units for each copy of a plurality of copies.
For this reason, when copying a plurality of copies based on the same document, the user can vary the post-processing of the copied paper for each copy, and perform various post-processing by reading the document once. Copied paper can be created.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the post-processing includes one or more of a stapling process, a punch hole process, a middle folding process, a discharge destination specifying process, and a discharge direction specifying process.
If the image forming apparatus has such a configuration, stapling processing, punching processing, half-folding processing, and discharging are performed on a copy sheet on which an image is formed in a reading unit or a division unit for one or more pages. Post-processing such as first specification processing and discharge direction specification processing can be performed.
In particular, when the post-processing is a stapling process, the conventional image forming apparatus sets individual post-processing for each page, so that only the stapling process can be performed for each page. The property was poor (see Patent Document 2). That is, the stapling process is originally performed for two or more page ranges, and the image forming apparatus of the present invention performs the following process in units of reading copy paper or in units of division for one or more pages. Since the processing can be performed, the post-processing can be applied even when the stapling processing is performed, and the processing time and the labor of the user can be reduced.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method for an image forming apparatus including: a printing step for forming an image based on image data on a copy sheet; and a post-processing step for performing post-processing on the copy sheet on which the image is formed. A control method includes a post-processing setting step for setting whether to perform post-processing for each reading unit. In the post-processing step, post-processing is performed for each reading unit based on the setting in the post-processing setting step. There is as a method.

If the control method of the image forming apparatus is such a method, in the post-processing setting step, it is set whether or not post-processing is performed in the reading unit in the image reading step. Therefore, different post-processing is set for each reading unit. be able to.
For this reason, conventionally, when reading a plurality of sets of originals, only a common post-processing setting can be performed using each set as a reading unit. The image forming apparatus of the present invention can eliminate such a situation, and can reduce processing time and user trouble.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method for an image forming apparatus including: a printing step for forming an image based on image data on a copy sheet; and a post-processing step for performing post-processing on the copy sheet on which the image is formed. A division unit post-processing setting step for dividing a plurality of originals into predetermined one or two or more pages and setting whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit; In the step, post-processing is performed for each division unit based on the setting in the division unit post-processing setting step.

If the control method of the image forming apparatus is such a method, in the division unit post-processing setting step, a plurality of documents are divided into predetermined one or two or more pages, and post-processing is performed in this division unit. In the post-processing step, post-processing can be performed on the copy sheet in units of division based on the setting by the division unit post-processing setting unit.
For this reason, the user can divide the original into one or more desired pages and set whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit. Therefore, the user can copy regardless of the number or type of originals. Post-processing can be performed within a desired range of the printed paper.
For this reason, the user can divide the original into one or more desired pages and set whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit. Therefore, the user can copy regardless of the number or type of originals. Post-processing can be performed within a desired range of the printed paper.

According to the present invention, since the post-processing setting means sets whether or not to perform post-processing such as stapling processing in units of reading, it is possible to set different post-processing for each reading unit, It is not necessary to repeat the copying process a plurality of times, and the processing time and the labor of the user can be reduced.
In addition, a page division setting unit that divides the read document into predetermined one or two or more pages is provided, and the post-processing unit can set the post-processing in the divided unit. Instead, post-processing can be performed in units of pages desired by the user.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The block configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is a minimum configuration for explaining the present invention. In the following embodiments, the configuration of a general copying machine has been shown as a specific example. However, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is not limited to a copying machine, and for example, a printer, a copying machine (copying machine), or the like. , Facsimiles, scanners, digital multifunction devices (MFPs).

  Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is a printer, the printer includes various printing methods such as an ink jet printer, a sublimation type thermal transfer printer, a dot impact printer, a laser printer, and a fusion type thermal transfer type printer. Is included.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a switch 10, an automatic document feeder 20, a display unit 30, an input unit 40, an engine unit (printing unit) 50, a post-processing unit 60, And a control unit 70 for post-processing the image-formed copy sheet.
Here, post-processing refers to processing performed on a sheet on which image processing such as copying has been completed in the image forming apparatus, and examples thereof include stapling processing, punch hole processing, and half-folding processing.

In FIG. 1, a switch 10 is used when searching for a document. That is, when the switch 10 is pressed, the document placed on the automatic document feeder 20 is circulated and supplied, and the image reading unit 21 starts reading an image.
This switch 10 includes a case where it is physically prepared and a case where it is a logical switch such as an input by a combination of several keys.

The automatic document feeder 20 has an image reading unit 21 and circulates and feeds one or more documents placed on the document feed tray unit into the apparatus when the switch 10 is pressed.
The image reading unit 21 is configured by, for example, a scanner, and sequentially reads image information from the document that is circulated and supplied, and generates and outputs image data based on the image information. The output image data is sent to the image data storage unit 71 of the control means 70.

The display means 30 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a cathode ray tube display device, etc., and displays the information data sent from the control means 70 on the screen.
FIG. 2 shows a display example on the display means of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A shows an example of a screen that displays a selectable post-processing mode. In FIG. 9A, each of the displayed post-processing modes is displayed with a check box corresponding to a white circle, and the user sets the check box for the post-processing mode to be executed to a black circle. The selection of the post-processing mode is completed by inverting and selecting the “OK” button. In the figure, stapling is selected.

FIG. 2B is a setting screen for each unit of the staple processing mode that is displayed after the selection of the post-processing mode in FIG.
As will be described later, since the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment stores image data separately for each reading unit of the document, post-processing can be set for each reading unit.
In FIG. 2B, whether or not to perform the stapling process can be selected and set for each reading unit, and the setting for each unit of the stapling process is completed by selecting the “decision” button. .
For items that have not been selected and set, settings that do not perform stapling processing uniformly, or settings that do not accept “decision” unless all items are selected, can prevent setting omissions. .

Although not shown here, when “detail setting” is selected in FIG. 2B, a new screen is displayed, and detailed settings for post-processing can be selected.
For example, when stapling is selected as the post-processing mode as in the first embodiment, the position setting for the stapling (upper left / upper center / upper right / lower left / lower center / lower right, etc.), stapling, etc. It is possible to select detailed settings such as the number (1/2/2/3 etc.) to be applied and the size of staple (large / medium / small etc.). Note that such detailed settings are processed by default settings unless a selection input is made.
Furthermore, the staple size is automatically selected according to the number of copy sheets to be stapled (recognizable from the number of image data). The staple size should be determined in advance according to the number of copy sheets, such as “medium” for 10 to 30 copy sheets and “small” for less than 10 copy sheets. You can also.

The input unit 40 performs various settings for print processing performed in the image forming apparatus 1.
Further, the input means 40 can select a post-processing setting mode such as stapling, punching, half-folding, and discharge destination designation, selection of a range for performing post-processing, setting of the number of copies, and the like.
Note that the display means 30 can also be configured by a touch panel or the like that enables an input operation from the screen. In this case, the display means 30 and the input means 40 can be integrally formed.

When the engine unit 50 reads the image data sent from the control means 70, the engine unit 50 forms an image based on the image data on a copy sheet.
The post-processing unit 60 includes a stapling processing unit, a punch hole processing unit, a center folding processing unit, a discharge destination switching unit, and the like, and is designated in units of reading based on settings in a post-processing setting unit 73 to be described later. Post-processing is applied to the range.

The control means 70 is constituted by a CPU, and includes an image data storage unit 71, an image processing unit 72, and a post-processing setting unit 73.
The image data storage unit 71 is a temporary storage medium including a cache memory and stores image data read by the image reading unit 21. When the document is repeatedly supplied from the automatic document feeder 20 a plurality of times, the image data storage unit 71 stores each reading unit (image data captured by one circulation of the automatic document feeder 20). ) And store them separately.

The image processing unit 72 reads the image data stored in the image data storage unit 71 and performs various image processing on the read image data. Various image processing includes image data type (text such as characters and images such as photographs), magnification for image formation, density level for image formation, color balance of image data, and reading by the image reading unit 21. There are processes based on the original characteristics of the original and the sharpness of the image data.
Further, the image processing unit 72 outputs the image data subjected to the image processing to the engine unit 50.

The post-processing setting unit 73 reads for each unit whether or not to perform the stapling process (post-processing setting information) on the copy paper on which the image is formed by the engine unit 50 based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 71. Set to. That is, the post-processing setting unit 73 performs setting based on information selected and input by the input unit 40.
In addition, the post-processing setting unit 73 outputs the read unit information and the post-processing setting information to the post-processing unit 60. Accordingly, the post-processing means 60 can perform processing based on the post-processing setting information on the copy sheet on which the image data for each reading unit is copied based on the reading unit information.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In the figure, first, the display means 30 displays an input screen so that the user can select and set post-processing (step S301).
When post-processing is selectively input from the input unit 40 according to the display on the display unit 30 in step S301, the post-processing setting unit 73 sets post-processing based on the input information (post-processing setting step). Step S302).

Next, the control means 70 determines whether or not the switch 10 is pressed (step S303). When the switch 10 is pressed, one or more originals placed on the automatic document feeder 20 are read into the apparatus. The image is read by the image reading unit 21 (image reading step, step S304).
The image data storage unit 71 stores the image data of the image read by the image reading unit 21 (step S305).
Here, the control means 70 again determines whether or not the switch 10 has been pressed (step S306). When the switch 10 is read, the document is newly circulated and supplied into the apparatus, and the image reading unit 21 is read. Therefore, steps S304 and S305 are repeated to read the image of the original (step for reading images).

If no input from the switch 10 is detected in step S306, the control unit 70 determines whether or not stapling processing is set (step S307).
If it is determined in step S307 that the stapling process is not set, the normal printing process without the stapling process is executed (step S308).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the stapling process has been set, it is further determined whether or not the setting is a reading unit setting (step S309).

As a result of the determination in step S309, when the setting of the reading unit stapling process is set in the post-processing setting unit 73, the post-processing setting unit 73 drives the post-processing unit 60 and is printed by the engine unit 50. A stapling process is performed on the copy sheet in reading units (post-processing step, step S310).
Further, as a result of the determination in step S309, the setting of the reading unit stapling process is not set in the post-processing setting unit 73, but the normal stapling process setting (setting to apply one stapling to the entire printed copy paper) is made. If so, the control means 70 drives the post-processing means 60 to perform batch stapling on the entire copy paper printed by the engine unit 50 (step S311).

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the post-processing setting unit 73 sets whether or not to perform the stapling process in units of reading by the image reading unit 21, and thus for each reading unit. Different stapling settings can be set.
For example, when the read original is composed of three sets of the original A, the original B, and the original C, the original A is subjected to the stapling process, the original C is not applied, and the original C is set with these three sets as a reading unit. As described above, different stapling processes can be set individually.
For this reason, conventionally, when a plurality of sets of originals are read, only a common stapling process can be set for each set as a reading unit. Therefore, when different stapling processes are set for each set as described above. The image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment can eliminate such a situation and reduce the processing time and the labor of the user. be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The entire configuration other than the control means 70-2 shown here is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
4, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts.

4, the control means 70-2 according to the second embodiment has a page division setting unit 74 as a new configuration.
The page division setting unit 74 further divides and sets the image data for each reading unit for which post-processing is set by the post-processing setting unit 73 for each predetermined page or two or more pages.
For this reason, the display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment performs “division setting” so that the page division setting can be performed at the time of setting by reading unit in FIG. 2B in the first embodiment. A button is provided.

FIG. 5 shows a display screen when division setting is selected in the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.
In the division setting screen, the unit selected to “read” the stapling process of the reading unit in the setting screen for each reading unit is displayed. In FIG. 5, the division setting screen for the reading unit 1 is displayed.
In FIG. 5, the user can input and set the value of the last page that becomes the break of the page to be divided, and selects whether or not to perform the stapling process for the division unit. be able to.

In this way, the input information input from the input unit 40 based on the display on the display unit 30 is sent to the page division setting unit 74, and the page division setting unit 74 sets the division information.
Therefore, the post-processing setting unit 73 sets stapling processing based on the division setting by the page division setting unit 74.
Therefore, the post-processing unit 60 can perform the stapling process in units of division set by the post-processing setting unit 73.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, only different points will be described with reference to FIG. 3 referred to in the description of the first embodiment.
In the second embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 3, if the result of determination by the control unit 70-2 as to whether or not the setting of the stapling process in step S 309 is a reading unit is “Yes”, Then, it is determined whether or not the division unit is set by the page division setting unit 74.
If it is determined that the division unit has been set, the post-processing setting unit 73 drives the post-processing means 60 to perform stapling processing on the copy paper printed by the engine unit 50 in units of division. If the division unit is not set, stapling processing by the reading unit is performed according to step S310.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention, the original for each reading unit for which the page division setting unit 74 has been subjected to the post-processing setting is further converted into one or more predetermined pages. Since the post-processing setting unit 73 sets whether or not to perform post-processing in divided units, the post-processing unit 60 copies copy paper in units of division based on the setting by the post-processing setting unit 73. Can be post-processed.
For this reason, since it is possible to set the post-processing by further dividing the page range among the originals for each reading unit that is set to perform the post-processing in the reading unit, it is determined whether or not the post-processing is performed more finely. Can be set.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control means of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the entire configuration other than the control means 70-3 shown here is common to the first and second embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.
In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 6, the control means 70-3 according to the third embodiment has a division unit post-process setting unit 75 as a new configuration.
The division unit post-processing setting unit 75 sets post-processing setting information on whether or not to perform stapling processing on a copy sheet on which an image is formed by the engine unit 50 based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 71. Divide and set one or more pages.
In other words, the page division setting screen is displayed on the display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment after the mode selection is determined by the post-processing mode selection screen in FIG. 2A in the first embodiment. . That is, a screen common to the display screen (FIG. 5) in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is displayed.

Therefore, the input information input from the input unit 40 based on the display on the display unit 30 is sent to the division unit post-processing setting unit 75, and the division unit post-processing setting unit 75 sets the division information.
Therefore, the post-processing unit 60 can perform the stapling process in the division unit set by the division unit post-processing setting unit 75.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, only different points will be described with reference to FIG. 3 referred to in the description of the first embodiment.
In the third embodiment, in step S309, the control unit 70-3 determines whether the setting of the stapling process is a stapling process for each division unit.
If the result of determination in step S309 is that page division unit stapling is set in the division unit post-processing setting unit 75, the division unit post-processing setting unit 75 drives the post-processing means 60 in step S310. Thus, the stapling process is performed on the copy paper printed by the engine unit 50 in units of division.
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S309, the setting of page division unit stapling processing is not set in the division unit post-processing setting unit 75, but normal stapling processing setting (setting for performing one stapling on the entire printed copy paper). If it is determined, the control means 70 drives the post-processing means 60 to perform batch stapling on the entire copy paper printed by the engine unit 50 (step S311).

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the division unit post-processing setting unit 75 divides a plurality of documents into predetermined one or more pages, and this division. Since it is set whether or not post-processing is to be performed in units, the post-processing means 60 can perform post-processing on the copy sheet in units of division based on the setting by the division unit post-processing setting unit 75.
For this reason, the user can divide the original into one or more desired pages and set whether or not to perform post-processing in this division unit. Therefore, the user can copy regardless of the number or type of originals. Post-processing can be performed within a desired range of the printed paper.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. However, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that implementation is possible.
For example, a copy number setting unit for setting the number of copies of a document placed on the document feed tray unit in response to the input of the number of copies from the input unit 40 to the control units 70, 70-2, and 70-3. It can also be set as the structure provided in the control means 70, 70-2, 70-3.
In this case, the post-processing unit 60 forms an image on the copy sheet for the set number of copies, and the post-processing setting unit 73 or the division unit post-processing setting unit 75 sets the number of copies for the copy sheet on which the image is formed. Post-processing settings are made for each part.

With such a configuration, a plurality of copies can be set by the copy number setting means, and the post-processing setting unit 73 or the division unit post-processing setting unit 75 sets the post-processing for each copy number. It is possible to perform post-processing on different reading units or division units for each copy of the copy paper.
For this reason, when copying a plurality of copies based on the same document, the user can vary the post-processing of the copied paper for each copy, and perform various post-processing by reading the document once. Copied paper can be created.

In addition, in the image forming apparatuses according to the first, second, and third embodiments, the reading of the document has been described as being performed by feeding from the automatic document feeder 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an image may be read from a document placed on a manual document feed tray or a document reading table (on the platen glass), and processed in units of reading.
In such a configuration, a “reading unit designation button” is newly provided in the input unit 40, and the reading unit of the document can be divided every time the reading unit designation button is pressed.

That is, when the switch 10 is pressed after a document is placed on the manual feed tray unit, the original on the manual feed tray unit is fed into the apparatus in response to the image reading unit 12 reading an image. Done. By placing this document and repeating a series of operations for reading the document by depressing the switch 10 a plurality of times, a plurality of documents are read by the image reading unit 21.
Here, when the user presses the reading unit designation button at an arbitrary timing, image data composed of a plurality of reading units, each of which has the image data read by the image reading unit 21 as a unit, is stored in the image data. Stored in the unit 71.

  Therefore, even if the original is read from the manual bypass tray section or the original reading table as described above, a new “reading unit designation button” is provided in the input means 40, so that the first to third embodiments described above are provided. The same effects as in the embodiment can be obtained.

  In the image forming apparatuses according to the first, second, and third embodiments, the case where the staple processing is selected as the post-processing mode has been described. However, punch holes, center folding, discharge destination designation, and discharge direction are described. The specification and the like are not limited to those described here, and any mode can be selected as long as post-processing is selected.

  The present invention can be suitably applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a digital composite apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder (RDH).

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows a display example on a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 shows a display screen when division setting is selected on the display means of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Switch 20 Automatic document feeder 21 Image reading part 30 Display means 40 Input means 50 Engine part (printing means)
60 Post-processing means 70, 70-2, 70-3 Control means 71 Image data storage unit (image data storage means)
72 Image processing unit 73 Post processing setting unit (post processing setting means)
74 Page division setting section (Page division setting means)
75 Division unit post-processing setting unit (division unit post-processing setting means)

Claims (7)

Printing means for forming an image based on image data on a copy sheet;
An image forming apparatus comprising: post-processing means for performing post-processing on the copy paper on which the image is formed,
A post-processing setting unit that sets whether to perform the post-processing for each reading unit;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing unit performs post-processing in the reading unit based on the setting by the post-processing setting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
A page division setting unit configured to further divide and set the document for each reading unit into one or more predetermined pages;
The post-processing setting means further sets whether or not to perform the post-processing in units of division by the page division setting means;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing unit performs post-processing in the division unit based on the setting by the post-processing setting unit. Printing means for forming an image based on image data on a copy sheet;
An image forming apparatus comprising: post-processing means for performing post-processing on the copy paper on which the image is formed,
A division unit post-processing setting unit configured to divide the plurality of documents into predetermined one or two or more pages and set whether to perform the post-processing in this division unit;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing unit performs post-processing in the division unit based on a setting by the division unit post-processing setting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A copy number setting means for setting the number of copies of a document placed on the document feed tray unit;
The printing means forms an image on the copy sheet for the set number of copies,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing setting unit or the division unit post-processing setting unit sets the post-processing for each copy of the number of copies on the copy paper on which the image is formed. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing includes one or more of a stapling process, a punch hole process, a middle folding process, a discharge destination designation process, and a discharge direction designation process. A printing step for forming an image based on the image data on a copy sheet;
And a post-processing step for performing post-processing on the copy paper on which the image is formed,
A post-processing setting step for setting whether to perform the post-processing for each reading unit;
In the post-processing step, post-processing is performed for each reading unit based on the setting in the post-processing setting step. A printing step for forming an image based on the image data on a copy sheet;
And a post-processing step for performing post-processing on the copy paper on which the image is formed,
A division unit post-processing setting step for dividing a plurality of documents into predetermined one or more pages and setting whether to perform the post-processing in this division unit;
In the post-processing step, post-processing is performed in the division unit based on the setting in the division unit post-processing setting step.

Images