JP2006065315A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system, image forming method, job processing method, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize accurate recording of the number of pages and rapid copying processing by eliminating the need of input of the total number of documents manually performed before starting copying in copying processing in which the total number of documents is recorded. <P>SOLUTION: The documents are read by a reader part 1 and document images are stored into an image memory 120. At such a time, the number of documents read by the reader part 1 is counted and stored in a RAM 125. On the basis of the counted value stored in the RAM 125, the total number of documents being the total number of pages recording object is acquired, and the notation of page numbers corresponding to the respective document images is determined by using the acquired total number. The determined notation of page numbers is added to each of the document images accumulated in the image memory 120, and the image is outputted by a printer part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a method thereof, a storage medium, and a program. For example, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can add information such as a page number on a sheet on which an image is formed.

  In recent years, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine having a numbering function for adding additional information such as a page number to a recording sheet on which an original image is recorded. In such a numbering function, a numbering function (for example, (number of pages) / (total number of pages)) that identifies the number of pages relative to the total number of documents (not shown) is not only added. (Referred to as page number recording with the total number of pages). For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose what can provide the page number record with the total number of pages.

  In Patent Document 1, using an automatic document feeder (hereinafter also referred to as “ADF”), first, a transport operation of a document set on a document table is executed in order to measure the total number of documents (count the number of documents). Each time a document is transported, the number of documents is added. By repeating the series of operations until there are no more documents to be conveyed, the total number of documents in a series of document bundles composed of a plurality of pages is measured. When the measurement of the total number of documents is completed, the document that has been transported by the ADF in the previous step in order to count the number of documents to actually print the document image on the recording paper is once again used for the ADF. It is conveyed by. In this conveyance, the image forming apparatus reads the image of the original, prints the read image on a recording sheet, and also prints the page number of the original on the recording sheet and the total number of originals acquired by the previous process. Print the number of copies.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228561 discloses a configuration in which numbering is performed using the total number of originals set in advance by a user.
JP-A-2-106778 JP-A-9-190115

  However, in the case of a configuration in which the total number of documents is previously measured by an apparatus using an automatic document feeder (ADF) as in Patent Document 1, two document conveying operations are performed on the same document. That is, (i) a document transport operation by ADF for measuring the total number of documents, and (ii) a document transport operation by ADF for actually recording an image of the document on a recording sheet. In document conveyance, since the document is conveyed using a roller, a belt, or the like, the greater the number of times the document is conveyed by the ADF, the more likely the document jam (document jam) occurs in the ADF. It is assumed that there is a possibility that it will be higher than when the number of times of transporting the document is small. In addition, if a document jam occurs, the document itself may be damaged. In addition, as the number of originals increases, it is expected that the time required for measuring the total number of originals will take more time than when the number of originals is small. In an image forming apparatus not equipped with an automatic document feeder, there is a possibility that the total number of sheets cannot be counted in the first place.

  Further, in the method in which the user manually inputs the number of documents as in Patent Document 2, it is not necessary to measure the total number of documents, so that it is possible to shorten the time until printing is completed. However, before the image formation is executed, it is actually necessary for the user to visually count the total number of documents. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user may make a mistake in counting the total number of documents, or the image forming apparatus may perform an undesired image formation due to an erroneous operation caused by such a mistake. It is done. Also, when the total number of documents is large, the work required for the user may increase compared to when the total number of documents is small.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a method thereof, a storage medium, and a program that can overcome the problems assumed in the prior art as described above.

  The present invention, for example, achieves both the effect of making it possible to solve the problem that can be caused by the configuration as in Patent Document 1 and the effect of making it possible to solve the problem that can be caused by the structure as in Patent Document 2. One purpose is to be able to plan. Furthermore, the present invention provides various effects such as, for example, the effect of reducing the burden on the user's work and preventing misprinting, the effect of preventing document deterioration, the effect of improving productivity, and the effect of reducing the burden on the apparatus. Can be realized in a balanced manner. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a method, a storage medium, and a program that can meet various needs from users.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
Reading means for reading a document and storing a document image in a memory;
Counting means for counting the number of documents read by the reading means;
Obtaining means for obtaining the total number of documents based on the count value by the counting means;
Determining means for determining a page number notation corresponding to each document image using the total number of sheets acquired by the acquiring means;
Output means for adding each page image stored in the memory to the page number notation determined by the determining means and outputting the image.

An image forming method provided by another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object
A reading process of reading a document and storing a document image in a memory;
A counting step of counting the number of documents read by the reading step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the total number of documents based on the count value in the counting step;
A determination step of determining a page number notation corresponding to each document image using the total number of sheets acquired by the acquisition step;
An output step of adding each page image stored in the memory with the page number notation determined in the determination step and outputting the image.

A job processing method according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object is as follows:
A job processing method for an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is stored in a storage unit capable of storing job data of a plurality of pages.
Based on an instruction from the operator, a first mode in which additional information generated without operator intervention is printed on the sheet and a second mode in which additional information generated through operator intervention is printed on the sheet. The image forming apparatus is operated in the selected mode.

  According to the present invention, for example, in an image forming apparatus or system capable of reflecting additional information such as the total number of pages of a job and a page number in an output result, a problem (for example, production) in creating such an output result Problem, document deterioration problem, and misprint problem). In addition, for example, when the output result is created, it is possible to prevent the creation of an inappropriate output result and improve the accuracy and certainty of the output result. Further, for example, the operability for the user when creating the output result can be improved. Further, for example, it is possible to prevent a problem such as creating an output result unintended by the user due to an attempt to improve productivity with the above-described apparatus or system. Further, in creating the output result, it is possible to prevent the apparatus from performing a useless operation, and the burden on the device can be reduced. Further, when the output result is created in such an image forming apparatus or system capable of reflecting additional information such as the total number of pages and page number of the job in the output result, at least one of the above-described effects is obtained. Multiple effects can be obtained in a balanced manner. For example, in a copy process that records the number of pages including the total number of originals, it is possible to feed the original for the purpose of counting only the number of originals that had been performed prior to the start of copying, or to input the total number of originals that had been performed manually. This eliminates the need to record the number of pages accurately and realize a rapid copying process. When the output result is created by such an image forming apparatus or system that can reflect the additional information such as the total page number and page number of the job in the output result, it can flexibly meet various needs from the user. Can respond.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment (a copier in the exemplary embodiment). The image forming apparatus of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of each unit will be described. In this embodiment, a copying machine having a copy function will be mainly described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus may be provided with a print function that enables printing of image data output from a computer. Alternatively, it may be a multi-function type image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions including at least one of a copy function, a print function, a facsimile function, etc., and only one of these functions is provided. It may be a single-function image forming apparatus provided.

  Documents stacked on document feeder 101 (hereinafter also referred to as ADF 101) are sequentially conveyed onto document table glass surface 102 one by one.

  Note that the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can perform image forming processing in the first page processing (first page mode). In the first page mode, a series of document bundles composed of a plurality of pages set in the ADF 101 are fed one by one from the first page (first page) document in order, by the ADF 101. Then, in order from the first page, a document reading process, a process for storing the document image in a memory, and a printing process are executed. When printing in the first page mode, the image forming apparatus executes a face-down process in order to maintain the page order of the printed product. In this face-down process, the image-formed recording paper is turned upside down by a reversing unit that reverses the front and back of the recording paper in the machine, and discharged to the outside with the first side (front surface) of the recording paper facing down. At the paper discharge unit outside the machine, stack the sheets with the first side facing down. In addition, when performing sheet processing such as stapling on recording paper, it is possible to sequentially stack image-formed recording paper conveyed with the first side facing down through a reversing unit. The recording sheets in the downward state are stacked on the processing tray in order from the first page. Next, when the recording paper of the final page is stacked on the processing tray, a stapler (not shown) performs a stapling process on the recording paper bundle on the processing tray (the stapler Tap the staple from the first side to the end side). Then, control is performed such that one recording sheet bundle subjected to the stapling process is discharged as it is to the paper discharge unit. The above-described printing operation is executed in the same manner in both the ADF reading mode using the ADF 101 and the MDF reading mode (described later) in which the document is manually fed.

  However, in the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus capable of executing a final page process (final page mode; a mode in which all the processes in the first page mode are sequentially performed from the final page side) that processes a bundle of documents from the final page side. But it is applicable. An image forming apparatus having both of these modes may also be used.

  When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the original. Reflected light from the document is input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) via mirrors 107, 105, and 106 and a lens.

  The supply of the document to the glass surface (platen glass) 102 may be achieved by the user placing the document directly on the glass surface 102 without using the document feeder 101. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has an ADF reading mode in which a document reading process is performed via the document feeding operation by the ADF 101. Further, without performing the document feeding operation by the ADF 101, the user can directly scan the document set on the platen glass with the document reading surface facing the scanner 104 (the surface on which the image is formed face down). It also has an MDF reading mode for reading images. A configuration having at least one of these two reading modes may be employed.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing the signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1, and the signal processing configuration and operation of the reader unit 1 will be described below.

  The reflected light from the original entering the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted and converted into electrical signals of red, green and blue colors. The electrical signals of each color from the CCD 109 are amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111 by the next amplifiers 110R, 110G, and 110B. The A / D converter 111 converts analog electrical signals from the amplifiers 110R, G, and B into digital signals and outputs them. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, where the light distribution unevenness of the lamp 103 and the sensitivity unevenness of the CCD 109 are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The Y signal generation circuit of the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has the following equation for the signal from the shading circuit 112:
Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B
Is used to perform arithmetic processing to obtain a Y signal.

  Further, the color detection circuit of the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 separates the R, G, and B signals into seven colors and outputs a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The scaling circuit of the scaling / repeat circuit 114 performs the scaling process of the image, but the scaling in the sub-scanning direction controls the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the scaling in the main scanning direction is performed by a data interpolation process or the like. I do. Further, the repeat circuit of the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of the same images. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 performs edge emphasis by emphasizing the high-frequency component of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114 and obtains contour information. The signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

  The marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of the original written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates marker contour information, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 Thicken, mask or trim from contour information. The circuit 117 performs patterning based on the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

  When the output signal (image data) from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the printer unit 2, the image data selector circuit 118 (to be described later) passes through the image data reduction circuit 125 to the laser driver circuit 119. Entered. The laser driver circuit 119 converts the various processed signals into signals for driving the laser. The output signal of the laser driver 119 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image. On the other hand, the image selector circuit 118 connects the output of the circuit 117 to the image memory 120, whereby image data is stored in the image memory 120.

  The image memory 120 can store the image data sent by the image selector circuit 118 at a designated position in the image memory 120 according to an instruction from the CPU 122. The data storage state of the image memory 120 will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, a function of performing image rotation processing or synthesizing images on the memory by controlling the storage order of image data in the image memory 120 and the reading order from the image data as will be described later with reference to FIG. Is realized.

  The image memory 120 includes a large-capacity storage unit such as a hard disk. The storage unit can store a plurality of job data (also referred to as a plurality of series of image data) consisting of a plurality of pages. Data can be printed via the hard disk. Further, in the case of a multi-function type image forming apparatus, image data output from a computer can be printed by the printer unit via the hard disk. As described above, various kinds of data can be stored in the image memory 120.

  In addition, by using such a large-capacity image memory 120, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment reads, for example, image data of a job including a plurality of pages from the memory and performs print processing. It is possible to accept job data consisting of a plurality of pages input from. Then, the print processing of the image data of the preceding job read from the image memory 120, the input processing of the image data of the subsequent job, and the storage processing to the memory are configured to be executed simultaneously (in parallel). Yes. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a transmission function for transmitting job data read from the image memory 120 to an external apparatus (computer or other image forming apparatus). In addition, the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to execute a parallel process of a transmission process and a print process that causes the printer unit of the apparatus to execute the print process while the transmission unit of the image forming apparatus executes the transmission process. Has been. Job control for executing such various processes can be executed by the CPU circuit unit 122.

  The above is the configuration around the video bus of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The CPU 122 has a configuration around the video bus (reader unit 1 (reading by the CCD 109, image processing, image storage / output by the image selector 118, printer unit 2) and a configuration around the CPU bus (connector 121, operation unit 123). Etc.).

  The operation unit 123 includes various key groups for instructing image operations such as image editing contents for the image processing of the reader unit 1 and the number of copies, a display unit for displaying contents at the time of operation, and the like. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the operation unit 123. In the operation unit 123, various keys and a liquid crystal display unit 250 configured by a dot matrix including a liquid crystal display device are arranged. The liquid crystal display unit 250 is a touch panel, and a key can be input by pressing the key display unit. The hard key group 240 includes various hard keys. The start key 241 is a key for starting copying, and the return key 246 is a key for returning the setting mode to the standard state.

  The key group 245 includes ten keys from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies (number of copies), zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. The number of copies input using this key group is displayed on the number display section 253 of the liquid crystal display section 250. The guide key 247 is a key for displaying a guide screen for each function, and the user mode key 248 is a key for performing various settings of the device.

  The liquid crystal display unit 250 displays the status of the apparatus, the number of copies, the magnification, the selected paper, and various operation screens. The liquid crystal display unit 250 also displays touch keys. The key 252 is a key for selecting a paper feed stage and automatic paper selection. When the key 252 is pressed, a paper selection screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. When a paper feed stage is selected on this screen and the “close” key 270 is pressed, this screen is closed and the selection result is displayed on the paper display section 251 of the liquid crystal display section 250. Keys 258 and 262 are keys for adjusting the density, and the density adjusted thereby is displayed on the density display unit 263 of the liquid crystal display unit 250. A key 259 is a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function and a display portion thereof.

  Keys 254 and 255 are keys for setting equal magnification and reduction / enlargement, respectively. When the key 255 is pressed, a magnification setting screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed, and the enlargement / reduction can be set in detail. The magnification is also displayed on the magnification display unit 264 of the liquid crystal display unit 250. A key 260 is an application mode key. When the key 260 is pressed, the screen shifts to various mode setting screens. As one of the application modes, it is possible to select page number recording with the total number of pages.

  The CPU circuit unit 122 controls the entire apparatus including the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2, and comprehensively controls a plurality of units included in the image forming apparatus. The CPU circuit unit 122 includes a microprocessor 122a, a ROM 124 that stores a control program executed by the microprocessor 122a, a RAM 125 that is used as a work area when the microprocessor 122a executes various programs, and various timer controls. Part (not shown) and the like. Further, the CPU circuit unit 122 mainly performs processing of a flowchart to be described later and display control of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 123 shown in each drawing. Hereinafter, the CPU circuit unit 122 may be referred to as a control unit.

  The character data ROM 130 is a ROM capable of storing character images and the like, and stores image data such as numbers in the configuration shown in FIG. The CPU circuit unit 122 can be controlled to read out the character data stored in the ROM 130 based on the character code to be printed and develop it as bitmap image data in the image memory 120. Further, the image data stored in the image storage RAM (for example, the storage memories 1 to 100 in FIG. 7) can be expanded on the image memory according to an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 122.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for realizing page number recording with the total number of pages according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, an overview of the process of recording the page number with the total number of pages according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each function of 301 to 309 is realized by the CPU 122 executing the control program stored in the ROM 124 in the CPU circuit unit 122.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus has both an automatic mode and a manual mode as a page number recording function (page printing mode) with a total number of pages, and an operator can selectively execute a desired mode. It is configured. In the automatic mode, the number of documents is counted while accumulating the read document images in the image memory, and the number of documents when all the documents are read is set as the total number of pages. When the reading of all the originals is completed, printing of the original image with the page number recording with the total number of pages is started using the set total number of pages. On the other hand, in the manual mode, page number recording with the total number of pages is performed using the total number of pages set manually prior to the start of reading of the document. Accordingly, in the manual mode, the printout of the document image is executed without waiting for the completion of reading all the documents.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment has the total page information (additional image) corresponding to the total number (total number of pages of the original) of a series of original data (jobs) to be printed with page numbers in the page print mode. ) Can be printed on the sheet on which the document image is printed together with the page number. In the automatic mode, the total page information is subjected to a document number counting operation using a unit such as ADF, and the apparatus automatically (the operator determines the total number of pages the operator wants to process with the page printing function through the operation unit 123. Without any manual input).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a unit (including the ADF 101 and the document number counter) for counting the number of documents. In the automatic mode, the CPU circuit unit 122 can acquire the total page information of a plurality of documents to be processed in the page printing mode by executing the document number counting process by the unit.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can execute page number recording with the total number of pages in the manual mode. In the manual mode, execution of operations for automatically acquiring the total pages of the document such as a document number counting operation using a unit such as the ADF 101 is prohibited. Then, the total page information corresponding to the total number of a series of originals (total number of original pages) to be printed with page numbers in the page printing mode is output by an operator via a user interface unit such as the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus. Enter. Thus, the total page information manually input by the operator is printed on the sheet on which the document image is printed together with the page number.

  As described above, in the manual mode, the CPU circuit unit 122 acquires the total page information of the document to be processed in the page print mode based on information input via the user interface unit such as the operation unit 123. Therefore, the document number counting process by the unit (including various units used to acquire the total pages of the document such as the ADF 101 and the document number counter unit 305) for counting the number of documents included in the image forming apparatus is not executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the page print mode is selected by the user via the operation unit 123, a desired mode of the above two modes can be selected by the user via the operation unit. Yes. Then, according to the mode selected by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 acquires the total page information of the document of the job to be processed, and uses the total page information as the page number information of the document of the job to be processed. At the same time, a unit such as a printer unit is controlled to print on a sheet on which an original image is printed.

  As a result, the problems described in the prior art can be prevented, the effects described in the problem can be achieved, and various needs from users (for example, “I do not want to perform user work such as counting the number of documents”), Since there may be a mistake in counting the number of documents, I would like the device to count the total number of documents in the automatic mode. It is possible to provide a flexible apparatus and system (an image forming system including the present image forming apparatus) corresponding to “needs to be processed in the manual mode”.

  Furthermore, in the automatic mode, the CPU circuit unit 122 simultaneously (in parallel) performs a series of operations (total page number acquisition operation) for acquiring the total number of pages by the ADF 101 and the counter described above as a processing target. The image data of the original is sequentially controlled to be stored in a predetermined memory such as the image memory 120.

  Thus, when performing page number recording with the total number of pages in the page print mode, it is possible to eliminate the need for a document transport operation in which the ADF 101 transports the same document repeatedly a plurality of times (twice). That is, an image based on image data of a job consisting of a plurality of pages, a current page number image as first additional information indicating the number of pages of the image data, and the total number of jobs by one-time document conveyance by ADF. It is possible to execute a page printing mode in which a total page number image as second additional information indicating the number of pages is printed on the same surface of one sheet. Thereby, it is not necessary to transport a plurality of document bundles by ADF, and an effect of reducing the occurrence of jam or the like can be obtained. Furthermore, even when the device counts the number of documents in the automatic mode, for example, an operation that transports the same document by ADF multiple times even when there are a large number of documents is adopted while solving the above problems. As much as possible, productivity is improved.

  First, the operation of each part in the automatic mode will be described. The reading control unit 301 controls the reader unit 1 to cause the reader unit 1 to read an image of a document and stores it in the image memory 120 (stores the document image sequentially in the storage memory of FIG. 7). A document number counting unit 305 counts the number of documents read by the reading control unit 301. For example, a document detection sensor is provided in the ADF 101, and each time a document set on the document tray of the ADF 101 passes through the sensor, the information is notified to the document counter 305 and counted. In this way, the document counter 305 increases the count value every time a document is read, and counts the number of documents. When the reading control unit 301 detects the end of reading all the originals, the total page number setting unit 306 sets the original document number count value to the total page number. Note that when all the originals have been read, for example, it is detected that there are no more originals to be read in the original feeder 101, and for example, whether or not there is an original on the original tray provided in the original tray of the ADF 101 is detected. It can be detected by information from the document presence / absence detection sensor (this detection operation is applied in the ADF reading mode). Further, when the user directly supplies the original to the glass surface 102 (MDF reading mode), the end of reading of all the originals is detected based on an instruction input from the user. For example, it is determined by detecting from the information from the user interface unit that the user has instructed the end of reading the document via a predetermined user interface (for example, the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus). In the present embodiment, even in the ADF reading mode, the number of originals that can be set on the original tray of the ADF 101 is limited (for example, 100 sheets), so that the reading operation can be executed using the ADF 101 divided into a plurality of times. ing. Therefore, even in such a case, information indicating that there is no longer any document to be read by the user via the operation unit 123 is configured to be able to be notified to the control unit, and the control unit performs the above determination in response to the notification. You may comprise as follows.

  When the reading of the original is completed, the reading control unit 302 sequentially reads out images from the storage memory of the image memory 120 and draws them in the layout memory (FIG. 7). Image readout control will be described later with reference to FIG. The page description composition unit 303 determines the page description using the total page number set by the total page number setting unit 306 and the current page number obtained from the current page number counting unit 307, and synthesizes this on the layout memory. To do. In this embodiment, the position and size of the page description can be set as will be described later. The output control unit 304 causes the printer unit 2 to form an image of a document image with a page description drawn in the layout memory.

  For example, a case where there are 10 pages of documents will be described as an example. The control unit of the image forming apparatus includes the ten pages set on the document tray on the ADF 101 in response to a print start instruction (for example, pressing of a copy start key) from the user via the operation unit 123. The document bundle is read by the reader unit in order from the first page. Further, the control unit simultaneously stores (in parallel with) the processing for accumulating one page of document image data in the image memory 120 from the reader unit, and simultaneously increases the document number counter by one. The total page number measurement process for acquiring the page number is executed. Therefore, when all the 10 pages of the document image are stored in the image memory 120, the control unit recognizes (determines) that the total number of pages of the document is 10.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can perform the first page process as described above. Therefore, the control unit controls the image memory 120 and the printer unit so that the print operation of the data read from the image memory 120 is also executed in order from the first page of the document, similarly to the page order at the time of the read operation. .

  Therefore, at the time of printing, the control unit controls as follows. First, the original image data of the first page of the job is read out from the image memory 120 in which the original images of all pages of the job are stored in the layout memory. Also, based on the current page number information of “1” as the first additional information of the job corresponding to the page number for specifying the page number of the image in the job. An image based on the image and the total page information “10” as the second additional information of the job corresponding to the total number of pages of the job acquired previously is acquired. Then, on the layout memory, the original image of the first page, an image based on the current page number information “1”, and an image based on the total page information “10” are recorded on the recording paper of the first page. It is synthesized as data corresponding to the output result. Thus, the obtained composite image is read from the layout memory and printed on the first sheet of recording paper (in the case of double-sided printing, the first side of the recording sheet).

  As a result, an image corresponding to the first page of image data of the job (a series of image data) composed of a plurality of pages and an image indicating “1” corresponding to the number of pages of the image data (first additional image) And an image (second additional image) indicating “10” corresponding to the total number of pages of one job (a series of original bundles) including the image data on the same surface of one sheet of recording paper. The output result of the first printed sheet is obtained.

  Next, when printing the second page of the job, the control unit reads the original image data of the second page from the image memory 120 onto the layout memory. Then, on the layout memory, the original image of the second page, an image based on the current page number information “2” corresponding to the page number of the page, and “10” corresponding to the total number of the originals. The image based on the total page information is synthesized as data of the recording paper of the second page of the output result. The composite image obtained in this way is read from the layout memory and printed on the second recording sheet (or the second side of the recording sheet in the case of double-sided printing).

  As a result, an image based on the image data of the second page of the job (series of image data) consisting of a plurality of pages and an image indicating the page number “2” corresponding to the page number of the image (first additional image) ) And an image (second additional image) indicating “10” corresponding to the total number of pages of one job including the document image are printed on the same surface of one sheet of recording paper, The output result of the second sheet can be obtained.

  The control unit repeats such a series of printing processes such as the image memory 120, the layout memory, the printer unit, and the like until the data to be printed is exhausted (in this example, for 10 pages) sequentially in units of pages. To control the unit.

  In this embodiment, the original image, the image indicating the page number, and the image indicating the total number of pages of the job are combined as an output image for one page in the memory, and the combined image has been subjected to page printing processing. The image data is read from the layout memory as it is and printed by the printing unit 2.

  Next, a description will be given of processing when print settings for a plurality of copies are made under the above-described configuration (for example, when two copies are set as the number of print copies of the job of the above example including 10 pages). At the time when the output result of the first copy is created, the control unit holds image data that has been subjected to page printing processing corresponding to the output result, for example, in the image memory 120. That is, the electronic data corresponding to the output result in which the document image, the page number image, and the total page image are laid out on the same surface of one sheet is converted into an image for the number of pages of the job (in this example, 10 pages). Stored in the memory 120. Such data retention can be realized by performing control so that the image memory 120 sequentially holds each page printed image every time one page is printed. When the printing of the last page in the printing operation of the first copy of the job is completed (in the above example, the printing of the 10th page of the first copy is completed), the control unit starts the printing operation of the second copy. At that time, the page printing processed image data (the page printing processed image data for the first page to the page printing processing for the tenth page) that has been held in the image memory 120 at the time of the first printing operation. (Printed image data). That is, control is performed so as to sequentially read image data that has been subjected to page printing processing from the first page side from the image memory 120 and to execute printing of the second page from the first page to the tenth page using the image data. To do. In this way, all the output results of the second copy are obtained.

  With this configuration, in the page printing mode for printing the total page information together with the page number, even when the number of output copies set by the user is plural, no operation such as operating the ADF for the number of copies is required. . Therefore, the time required to complete the output of all print results can be shortened, and productivity can be improved. Further, since the number of ADF operations for one job only needs to be performed once when the first copy is printed, it is possible to reduce the document jam occurrence rate and prevent document degradation.

  Note that this control is not an indispensable component requirement because it is a specification taking into account user merits. For example, instead of electronically creating page-processed image data as described above, when actually printing an image on recording paper, an original image and a page number image (first additional image in page mode) A so-called analog configuration in which the total page image (second additional image) is directly printed on the recording paper may be employed. As described above, the original image based on the image data of a job (a series of image data) including a plurality of pages, the current page number image as the first additional information indicating the number of pages of the image data, and the job If the image forming apparatus can obtain a print output result in a state where the total page number image as the second additional information indicating the total page number is laid out on the same surface of one sheet, The present embodiment can be applied to any configuration.

  The current page number counting unit 307 holds the value of the current page number based on the count of the number of printed sheets output from the output control unit 304. An output sheet count unit 308 counts the number of sheets printed and output by the output control unit 304. For example, the count value is increased every time one sheet is printed. The end determination unit 309 completes the printing of each unit based on the number of documents (total page information) held by the document number counting unit 305 and the number of output sheets (corresponding to the current page number information described above). Determine the end of overall printing. For example, when printing M copies of N originals (the total number of pages is N), it is determined that the printing for each copy is completed when the number of output sheets reaches an integer multiple of N. At this time, the current page number counting unit 307 is reset to an initial value. Further, it is determined that the instructed printing is completed when the number of output sheets reaches N × M.

  On the other hand, in the manual mode, the total page number setting unit 306 sets a manually specified value as the total page number. The reading control unit 302 starts reading of document image data and performs printing without waiting for the reading control unit 301 to read all the documents.

  For example, the user can select the page printing function via the operation unit 123 and can select the manual mode of the two modes included in the image forming apparatus. When the manual mode is selected, the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) controls the user to input information about the total number of pages of the original of the job to be processed through the operation unit 123. With this control, the user can start at an appropriate timing (such as when the user sets the page print mode in the operation unit 123) before inputting a print instruction (before the copy start key is pressed in the copy mode). Information relating to the total number of pages of a document to be processed can be input.

  When the total page number information is input via the operation unit 123, the control unit recognizes the total page number information of the job to be processed at this time. As a result, the total number of pages can be acquired without using the document number information from the document number counter unit of the own apparatus. Hereinafter, a control example with this configuration will be described.

  For example, a case will be described in which the user selects the page print mode and the manual mode via the operation unit 123 for a job (a series of document image data) including 30 pages. The operator performs an input operation of the total number of pages (operation for inputting information indicating that the total number of pages of this job is 30 pages by the user using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 123) from the operation unit described above. . Then, after the input work is completed, the operator inputs a print start instruction (pressing the copy start key) via the operation unit 123. The control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) controls the ADF 101, the reader unit 1 (scanner), the image memory 120, and the printer unit 2 so as to execute the following operations according to the input total page number and the print start instruction.

  A document bundle of the job to be processed (in this example, a job of 30 pages) set in the ADF 101 is fed by the ADF 101 in order from the document of the first page. A reading operation by the scanner unit is executed on the fed original, and the original read image data is stored in the image memory 120. In parallel (simultaneously) with the document reading operation and the image memory 120 storage operation, the printer unit is controlled to execute a printing operation based on the image data read from the image memory 120.

  Here, the job to be processed is a job in which the page print mode and the manual mode are set. Therefore, the control unit does not wait for all pages (30 pages) of this job to be stored in the image memory 120, and at least from the point when image data for one page is stored in the image memory 120. Control is performed to cause the printer section to execute the print operation of the job.

  For example, when the image data of the first page of the job is stored in the image memory 120, the current page number counting unit 307 displays information indicating that the current page number is “1”. Notify By this notification, the control unit grasps the current page number information. On the other hand, the control unit has already determined that the total number of pages of this job is “30” through the input operation of the total number of pages by the previous operator. As a result, the original image data of the first page is read from the image memory 120 to the layout memory, and an image based on the original image data of the first page and the number of pages of the image are “1” on the memory. A composite image is created by combining an image based on the current page information representing the image and an image based on the total page information representing “30” which is the total page number information of the job. Then, the composite image is read from the layout memory and printed by the printer unit. As a result, the image of the page number “1” as the first additional information together with the image of the first page and the image of the total number of pages “30” as the second additional information are the same side of the recording paper of the first page. A printout result laid out above can be obtained. The control unit controls the image memory 120 and the printer unit so that a series of page printing operations such as this are repeated each time the accumulation of one page of image data in the image memory 120 is completed. Here, the printing of the first page (processing for printing the original image of the first page of the job, the image of the current page number information, and the image of the total page number information on the first recording paper) has been completed. The process shifts to printing the second page of the job. That is, in response to the document image data being stored in the image memory 120, the control unit acquires “2”, which is the current page information of the page, and the current page number information and the already acquired “ Using the total page information of “30”, the same processing as the first page is performed. That is, the control unit sets the second page of the image based on the original image data of the second page, the image indicating the current page number information “2”, and the image indicating the total page number information “30” of this job. The image memory 120, the layout memory, the printer unit, and the like are controlled so as to output the printing result laid out on the same surface of the recording paper. Such an operation is repeated up to 30 pages.

  As described above, when the manual mode is selected by a user instruction via the operation unit 123, the control unit accumulates in the image memory 120 the image data of all pages included in the job to be printed. Before starting, the printer unit controls the page printing operation of the job data. As a result, an output can be obtained earlier than the time required to obtain all output results when processing is performed in the automatic mode described above, and productivity can be further improved.

  When the number of copies to be printed is set by the user by 2 or more (a plurality of copies), the control unit, similarly to the above, stores the page print processed image data created at the time of outputting the first copy in the layout memory. Are stored in the image memory 120 for one job (30 pages in this example). In the second and subsequent copies, control is performed so that the page-printed image data is sequentially read from the image memory 120 from the first page side and printed by the printer unit. Thereby, productivity in the case of outputting a plurality of copies in the manual mode can be dramatically improved.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a manual mode and an automatic mode are provided so that a user can select a desired mode. Thereby, for example, when the user desires an output result quickly, the manual mode can be selected with emphasis on productivity. On the other hand, if you don't care much about productivity, but are worried about misprinting, or if the user finds it cumbersome to count the total number of pages in the document, you can select the automatic mode. Thus, it can respond flexibly to various needs from users.

  In the manual mode, the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) counts the number of pages for printing the second additional information (an image corresponding to the total number of pages of the job to be processed) on the recording paper. Ban. That is, the page number counting operation by a unit (for example, the document number counter unit 305) that can count the number of pages of the job to be processed is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the unit from performing a useless operation, and the burden on the device can be reduced as much as possible.

  However, even in the manual mode, the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) permits the page count operation for the purpose other than the second additional information printing on the recording paper in the page printing mode. That is, it is permitted to operate a unit for counting the number of pages of a job to be processed (for example, the current page number counting unit 307).

  For example, even in the manual mode, the current page number information, which is the first additional information, is not required to be input by the user. For example, in order to obtain and determine the total page number information without user intervention, until all pages of the image are stored in the image memory 120 (or on the document tray on the ADF 101, as in the automatic mode). Until there are no more documents to be read or until a document reading end instruction is input). On the other hand, the current page number information can be acquired sequentially while performing read processing, storage processing, and print processing, and can be acquired without affecting productivity.

  Therefore, in the manual mode, the operation itself of counting the number of documents to print the second additional information is prohibited (in this case, the operations of the document number counter unit 305 and the total page number setting unit 306 are prohibited). However, the image forming apparatus is provided for printing the first additional information (an image corresponding to the current page information indicating the page number) on the recording paper for reasons other than printing the second additional information. The operation of counting the number of documents in the job is permitted. In this example, the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) controls to prohibit the counting operation by the document number counting unit 305 and to allow the current page number counter unit 307 and the output number counting unit 308 to perform the counting operation.

  In addition, the operation of counting the number of documents may be permitted for any other purpose. For example, in order to improve the usability of the user, the progress of the job can be notified to the user via a user interface unit such as the display unit 250 of the operation unit 123. In this case, the CPU circuit unit 122 performs control so as to permit, for example, the operation of the document number counting unit 305 and the current page number counting unit 307 in order to count how far the job to be processed has been printed. .

  Also, for example, from the viewpoint of preventing wasteful output as much as possible, when the interruption factor is canceled after the printing is stopped due to the occurrence of the interruption factor of the printing operation, the pages that have been printed until then are not printed. In addition, it is preferable to restart the printing process from the point of interruption. Therefore, in order to enable such a recovery process, even in the manual mode, the counter unit such as the document number counting unit 305 and the current page number counting unit 307 is operated so that the job to be processed can be processed. You may make it count how much printing was completed. Note that the cause of interruption includes occurrence of “jam” of recording paper in the printer, occurrence of “no paper” such as recording paper used for printing disappearing from the paper feeding unit, and the like.

  With this configuration, the unit included in the image forming apparatus can be utilized to the maximum extent. Note that such a configuration is not necessarily an essential requirement because it is a specification taking into account user merits.

  In addition, as described above, the following control is performed from the viewpoint of flexibly responding to various user needs when additional information such as page numbers and total page numbers of jobs is printed on recording paper. It may be possible.

  For example, as described above, this embodiment basically corresponds to the current page number image as the first additional image information and the total page of the job as the second additional image information together with the document image data. Both of the additional images of the total page image to be printed can be printed on the recording paper. However, there may be a user's need to print only the total page information, which is the second additional image of the two types of additional images, on the recording paper.

  For example, in an office environment, it is often found that a document or document created by another person is lent and the document is copied using an image forming apparatus. In such a situation, the original document is a document printed using a printer function from a PC or the like, and it is considered that a page number has already been assigned to each page using a printer driver or the like. In such a case, since the page number has already been printed, the user who wants to copy this document uses the second of the two types of additional images as an additional image of this document (for example, a document consisting of eight sheets). Only the additional image (additional information “8” corresponding to the total page of the job) will be printed on the recording paper together with the original image of the document.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with an operation mode in which only the second additional information is printed together with the document image in both the automatic mode and the manual mode. That is, the unit (image memory 120) of its own apparatus prints the first additional information (current page number) and the second additional information (total page information of the job) on the recording paper together with the original image of the job. Or at least one of the layout memory and the printer unit 2) and the printing of the first additional information on the recording paper is prohibited, and the second additional information is prohibited for the job to be processed. A second control sequence for operating the unit of the apparatus to print on the recording paper together with the document image; The first and second control sequences can be selected when the user selects either the automatic mode or the manual mode in the page printing function.

  The user can select a desired sequence out of these two sequences via the operation unit 123. The control unit (CPU 122 circuit unit) controls the image forming apparatus to execute a sequence selected and instructed by the user.

  With this configuration, it is possible to further improve the effect of flexibly responding to various user needs in the page printing function.

  Needless to say, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment further prints only the first additional information (current page number) of the first and second additional information on the recording paper together with the document image. Has a sequence. That is, in the third control sequence, at least the units of the own device (image memory 120, layout memory, printer unit 2, etc.) are permitted so that only the printing of the first additional information is permitted and the printing of the second additional information is prohibited. Any) is operated. The third control sequence can be selected when the user selects either the automatic mode or the manual mode in the page printing function.

  When a desired sequence among these three control sequences is selected by the user via the operation unit 123, the control unit (the CPU 122 circuit unit) sends the sequence instructed by the user to the image forming apparatus. Control to execute. Thereby, the said effect can be improved further.

  Note that the above configuration is also not necessarily an essential requirement because it is a specification taking user merits into consideration. In other words, the present embodiment corresponds to, for example, an image forming apparatus capable of executing only a control sequence corresponding to the first control sequence of the three control modes and / or the second control sequence. An image forming apparatus capable of executing only a control sequence and / or an image forming apparatus capable of executing only two of a control sequence corresponding to the first control sequence and a control sequence corresponding to the second control sequence. Applicable.

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, any type of image forming apparatus that can print on a recording sheet at least second additional information corresponding to the total page information of the job together with the original image of the job. Even an image forming apparatus can be applied, and the above effect can be enjoyed.

  In the present embodiment, a series of processing steps including storage processing as described below are configured to be different for each mode in the above-described automatic mode and manual mode. For example, when the manual mode is selected, the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) performs the print operation before the image data of all pages of the job to be processed by the page print function is completely stored in the image memory 120. Let it begin. For example, at least from the point when image data for one page is accumulated in the image memory 120, the original image, additional information (current page number information as first additional information, and the job as second additional information) The printer unit 2 starts a print operation for laying out at least one of the total page information) on the same surface of one recording sheet. Then, each time image data for one page is stored in the image memory 120 in order from the top page side, print processing is performed. Even while this printing operation is being executed, the subsequent page reading operation, the current page count operation, and the storage operation to the image memory 120 are executed in parallel. Thereby, the productivity of the image forming apparatus when the page printing function is used can be improved.

  On the other hand, when the automatic mode is selected, before all the image data of all pages of the job to be processed by the page printing function is stored in the image memory 120 (at least the total page information of the job is not determined yet). In this state, it is prohibited to start the printing process. Then, after all the image data of all pages of the job to be processed is stored in the image memory 120, printing is started. Note that printing is started after the time when the total page information is confirmed by the document number counter 305 and the total page setting unit 306 even before the data of all pages of the job is stored in the image memory 120. I just need it. The print operation in the manual or automatic mode includes the original image of the job, job additional information (current page number information as first additional information, and total page information of the job as second additional information). Is at least one of them) on the same surface of one recording sheet. While this print operation is being executed in the automatic mode, there is no image on the subsequent page of this job, so the reading operation, the current page count operation, and the storage operation in the image memory 120 are not executed. . However, when a new job other than this is input, a plurality of jobs can be received simultaneously, and the print processing of the job during the print processing operation by the page print function and a new job can be improved in order to improve productivity. The image storage process of the job input to the image memory 120 can be executed in parallel (simultaneously).

  As described above, by using the automatic mode, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user in the image forming apparatus when the page printing function is used, and it is possible to prevent misprinting such as printing the total number of wrong pages. .

  Note that the control can be made different between the operation in the automatic mode and the operation in the manual mode as follows.

  For example, the page description composition unit 303 performs page description processing as in the automatic mode. However, in the manual mode, in addition to this process, the page printing function compares the total number of pages of the job to be processed with the current page number, and "total page number <current page number" When it becomes, a predetermined process is performed.

  For example, in the manual mode, if the job to be processed by the page printing function is a job of 30 pages as in the above-described example, the value of the number of pages currently being processed is acquired by the user's intervention operation. It is determined whether or not the value is larger than 30 (in other words, whether or not the current page number is 31 or more). As a result of executing this comparison determination process, the current page number is smaller than the total page number (current page number <total page number), and the current page number and the total page number are the same (current page number). = Total number of pages), the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) permits the additional information (at least one of the first and second additional information) to be printed on the recording paper together with the original image of the job. On the other hand, when the current page count exceeds the total page count (current page count> total page count), the control unit (CPU circuit unit 122) adds additional information (first information) together with the original image of the job. , At least one of the second additional information) is controlled to be prohibited from being printed on the recording paper.

  In this case, when prohibiting the printing of the additional information, (1) prohibiting the printing of the current page information as the first additional information and the total number of pages as the second additional information. A first prohibit mode for prohibiting printing of information (in this example, “30”); and (2) continuously permitting printing of current page information as first additional information, and second additional information. Printing of the total page number information (in this example, “30”) is prohibited, the second prohibition mode, and (3) the printing of the current page information as the first additional information is prohibited, and the first (2) It is possible to provide a third prohibition mode in which printing of the total page number information (in this example, “30”) as additional information is continuously permitted, and the user can execute a desired prohibition mode.

  However, in these three prohibit modes, the printing operation of the first additional information and / or the second additional information on the recording paper is prohibited, but the recording process of the original image of the job continues as it is. Control to allow.

  Therefore, in addition to prohibiting only the printing of the additional information, the original image is printed on the recording paper when the above conditions are satisfied (when the current page number> the total page number in the manual mode). There is a fourth prohibition mode that prohibits printing itself (in this prohibition mode, the recording paper is not printed on anything, and is output as a blank sheet). The prohibit mode may be selectable.

  With the configuration as described above, the above-described effect in the page printing function can be further improved, and even if it is in the manual mode, an erroneous operation of the user can be prevented as much as possible, and an appropriate output result can be obtained. Can be improved.

  Further, in the manual mode, even when the current page number> the total page number, it can be considered that the page number and the total page information are requested to be continuously ignored and printed. Alternatively, in the manual mode, the total number of originals (total number of pages) of the job actually input by the apparatus via the input unit such as the scanning unit of the apparatus and the job input by the user via the operation unit 123 Even if the total number of pages does not match, there may be cases where the total number of pages is required to be printed on recording paper.

  Therefore, from the viewpoint of flexibly responding to various needs from the user, such a rare case may be supported.

  For example, in the manual mode, the value of the current page number is larger than the value of the total page number input by the user via the operation unit 123 (current page number> total page number). In addition, a continuation permission mode is provided in which the printing of the first additional information and / or the printing of the second additional information is permitted.

Then, at least one of the four prohibition modes and any one of the continuation permission modes are set in advance by the user via the operation unit 123 (at the time of initial setting or in the page print mode). It can be selected when the page is printed before setting (such as before setting) or when the value is greater than the total number of pages entered by the user (current page count> total page count). The CPU circuit unit 122 may control the image forming apparatus to operate in a mode selected based on an instruction from the user.
Thereby, the effect that it can respond flexibly to various needs from the user in the page printing function can be further improved.

  However, the above-described various controls are also specifications that take into account the user's merit, and thus are not necessarily essential requirements.

  The outline of the page number recording with the total number of pages of the present embodiment has been described above, but the detailed processing will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Next, an image storing method and a reading method by the reading control unit 301 and the reading control unit 302 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 (1) shows the storage capacity secured for one image in the image memory 120. In this embodiment, the storage capacity for one image can be stored in A3 size on the basis of 600 dpi, and is composed of 7015 vertical x 9920 horizontal bits. As shown in FIG. 7, the image memory 120 has one storage area for such an image as a layout memory and 100 images as an image storage memory. There is also an area for storing character data.

  FIG. 6 (2) shows an example in which a document image is stored in an image memory. The document placed as shown in FIG. 6 (2a) is sequentially read in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 (2a). Writing to the memory is performed as shown in FIG. 6 (2b). That is, when the (0,0) address is designated as the start position, both the X direction counter and the Y direction counter are designated up, and the first line is read, the Y direction counter is incremented from 0 to 7015, and (0 , 0) address to (0,7015) address in order. Next, when the second line is read, the X direction counter is incremented, and image data is written sequentially from the (1,0) address to the (1,7015) address direction. Next, when the third line is read, the counter in the X direction is incremented and written from the (2,0) address to the (2,7015) address. In this way, reading and writing are repeated until (4960, 7015) is written.

  Next, the process of reading the image data written in the memory as shown in FIG. 6 (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (3) and 6 (4). The data stored as shown in FIG. 6 (2) is read as shown in FIG. 6 (3a). That is, the (4960,0) address is set to the start position, the X direction counter is set to down, and the Y direction counter is set to up, and the first line is read while the X counter is sequentially down in the (0,0) direction. Next, the Y counter is incremented, and reading from the (4960, 1) address in the direction (0, 1) is performed to read the second line. By sequentially reading in this way, the image of FIG. 6 (3b) can be read out.

  In FIG. 6 (4), the stored data is read out as shown in FIG. 6 (4a). That is, the address of (0,0) is set to the start position, the X direction counter and the Y direction counter are designated to be up, and the first line is read by sequentially increasing the Y counter in the direction of (0,7015). read out. Next, the X counter is incremented and reading from the (1,0) address in the (1,7015) direction is performed to read the second line. By sequentially reading in this manner, reading can be performed as shown in FIG. 6 (4b). Therefore, by reading an A4 width document shown in FIG. 6 (2a) in the direction of FIG. 6 (4b), the image can be read without rotating.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (4c), the (4960,7015) address is set to the start position, the X direction counter is set to up, the Y direction counter is set to down, and 1 is read out sequentially until (4960,0). Read line eyes. Then, the X counter is counted down, and the second line is read by sequentially reading from (4959,7015) to (4959,0). By sequentially reading in this manner, an image rotated by 180 degrees can be read as shown in FIG. 6 (4d).

  Next, the image layout memory of FIG. 7 will be described. As described above, separately stored images as shown in FIGS. 6 (5a) and 6 (5b) are read out and written in desired positions in the image layout memory, as shown in FIG. 6 (5c). Original image can be synthesized on the memory.

  Next, a method of reading image data from a character code with reference to the character data ROM 130 and developing it on the image memory will be described with reference to FIG. This process is performed by the page description synthesis unit 303.

  (Current page number) / (Total number) are upper right (6-1-1), upper center (6-1-2), upper left (6-1-3), lower right (6-1-4) This is expressed by selecting one from the six locations in the lower center (6-1-5) and lower left (6-1-6) and compositing it with the original image.

  Now, a case where the page number “12/45” is synthesized with a size of 12 points in the upper right (6-1-1) of FIG. 8 will be described. The upper right “12/45” is synthesized from the address (283,283) corresponding to 12 mm × 12 mm toward (1123,283). Each character is formed by a 48 bit × 48 bit bitmap, and is synthesized by reading from a storage memory to be described later. The address of each character is “5” from (283, 283), “4” from (331,283), “/” from (379,283), “2” from (427,283), “1” from (475,283), respectively. What is necessary is just to synthesize.

  A case where “5” is synthesized from (283,283) will be described. If the head address of the character data “5” is now α, then 6 bytes from the head address of character data, which will be described later, are read from addresses (283,283) to (331,283) and written to the layout memory. Next, the second line of “5” is synthesized. That is, 6 bytes are read from the α + 24 address from (283,284) to (331,284) and written to the layout memory.

  By performing this operation from (283,283) to (331,331), the character data “5” can be written on the memory. At this time, the data writing method can be overwritten or written in OR. The page number can be clearly printed by overwriting. In the case of a watermark function for overwriting a serial number or the like on the background, the watermark function can be realized by writing OR. This operation is similarly performed for “1”, “2”, “/”, “4”.

  The page number in the upper left (6-1-3) is synthesized from the address (4629,283) to (4677,283) so that “1” is synthesized to (4677,283). “5” is (4437,283), “4” is (4485,283), “3” is (4533,283), “2” is (4581,283), “1” (4629,283) What is necessary is just to synthesize.

  The page number “12/45” in the upper center (6-1-2) is combined at the center of 4960x7015, so the center of the upper side of the character “12/45” is (2780,283). (2360, 3413) may be synthesized as “12/45”. The copy number “12/45” in the lower right (6-1-4), lower center (6-1-5), and lower left (6-1-6) is similarly calculated and combined.

  Next, a method for calculating the start address of each bitmap data will be described. Now, the head address of the ROM 130 is connected to the address 8000000H. The ROM 130 stores character bitmap data as shown in FIG. ROM 130 contains 8 (0.8mm square characters) / 9 (0.9mm square characters) / 10 (1mm square characters) /10.5 (1.5mm square characters) / 12 (2mm square characters) / 16 (2.5mm square characters) ) / 24 (4 mm square characters) / 32 point (8 mm square characters) numeric data is stored. Following that, a “/” character for each point is stored.

  One data of 8 points is 3 bytes (18 dots) × 18 lines = 54 bytes. The 10 numbers are 540 bytes. It is 1860 bytes for 8/9 (3 bytes × 21) / 10 (3 bytes × 23) points. Similarly, 10.5 points are 4 bytes x 35 lines total 1400 bytes, 12 points are 6 bytes x 48 lines total 2880 bytes, 16 points are 8 bytes x 60 lines total 4800 bytes, 24 points are 12 bytes x 94 lines total 11280 bytes, 36 points Then, it is 45120 bytes in total of 24 bytes × 188 lines. From these, “/” of 8 points is stored at address 800000 (H) +1070 C (H) (67340 bytes) = 801070 C (H). When calculated in the same manner, 32 points of “/” are stored in 801070C (H) + 8AE = 8010FBAH. An image of “/” can be synthesized by reading 24 bytes × 188 lines from the address 8010FBA (H) and writing OR to a predetermined address.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 again.

  The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photosensitive member 211. The latent image created on the photosensitive member 211 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 212. The transfer paper is transported from one of the transfer paper stacking sections 214, 215, 225, and 226 at the same timing as the leading edge of the developed image, and the developed image is transferred at the transfer section 216. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 217 and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 218 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 218 passes through the Z-folding unit 260 and is Z-folded by the Z-folding unit 260 described later when the Z-folding function is working. After that, when the punch function is working, the punch unit 250 is punched. Further, when the sort function is working in the sorter 230, the transfer paper is discharged to each bin or in the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. When the staple sort function is working, one staple unit is selected from the plurality of staple units provided in the sort bin and stapled. Although the staple position is changed by selecting a plurality of staple units, this may be realized by moving one staple unit.

  The recording paper that has been Z-folded in the Z-folding section 260 is conveyed to the punch unit 250. This Z-folding process is applied only to the large-size recording paper, and the direction changing unit member does not operate on the small-size recording paper and is conveyed to the punch unit 250 as it is.

  Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described. The output paper fixed by the fixing unit 217 is once transported to the paper discharge unit 218, and then transported to the re-feeding transfer paper stacking unit 221 via the transport direction switching member 220 with the paper transport direction reversed. . When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process. However, since the transfer paper is fed from the transfer paper stacking unit 221 for refeeding, the surface of the same output paper is eventually obtained. Two document images can be output on the back side.

  Next, the setting of the page printing function with total pages will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the control of displaying various operation screens on the display unit 250 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment including the operation screens of FIGS. 10 to 12 and the operation screen of FIG. It is assumed that the various operation controls related to the operation unit 123, which is one of the main parts, can be controlled mainly by the CPU circuit unit 122.

  In response to the application mode key 260 on the screen displayed on the display unit 250 of the operation unit 123 shown in FIG. 4 being pressed by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 displays the application mode menu screen shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display unit 250. Through this screen and the application mode menu screen shown in FIG. 10B, the user can select various desired application modes (such as a reduced layout function) by the user. When the menu page feed key 7-1-1 on the screen of FIG. 10A is pressed by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 receives a display key that allows the user to select the page print function described above. A setting screen corresponding to the second page of the application mode menu shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the display unit 250. When the page printing / copy number setting key 7-2-1 on the application screen of FIG. 10B is pressed by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 receives this and the page shown in FIG. The display unit 250 displays a print / copy number selection screen. When the page print selection key 7-3-1 on the operation screen of FIG. 10C is pressed by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 receives this and the page print function shown in FIG. A selection screen is displayed on the display unit 250.

  The “numeric only” key 7-4-1 provided on the screen of FIG. 10 (d) allows the user to set a mode for recording the number of pages as additional information on the recording paper with only the numeric image together with the original image. This is a display key (also called a soft key or a touch panel key) for enabling selection. For example, when this mode is selected by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 “1”, “2”, “3” corresponding to the page number for each page on the recording paper on which the document image is recorded. The units (layout memory, printer unit, etc.) are controlled so that numerical information such as... Is printed as additional information.

  The “number with hyphen” key 7-4-2 is a display key that allows the user to select the number of pages as additional information along with the manuscript image on the recording paper. is there. For example, when this mode is selected by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 sets “−1−”, “−2−”, “−3−3” for each page on the recording paper on which the document image is recorded. Each unit (layout memory, printer unit, etc.) is controlled such that a page number with a hyphen such as “...” is printed as additional information.

  The “number with chapter” key 7-4-3 is a display key for enabling the user to select a mode for recording the number of pages as additional information along with the original image on the recording paper as a number image with chapter number. It is. For example, in this mode, when printing a series of documents such as chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, etc., there are chapters and pages. For example, when this mode is selected, the first chapter manuscript is printed for each page on the recording paper on which the manuscript image is recorded. If the page is “1-1”, “1-2”, “1-3”... “1-N (the last page of the first chapter)”, if it is the second chapter, “2-1”, If “2-2”, “2-3”... “1-N (the last page of the first chapter)” or the last chapter (for example, M chapter), “M-1”, “M- 2 ”...“ MN (last page of the last chapter) ”, so that each unit has a page number with a chapter number printed as additional information. Controlling the (layout memory and the printer unit, etc.).

  Then, the “print with total pages” key 7-4-4 allows the user to select the mode for recording on the recording paper with the original image and the number of pages as additional information as a numerical image with the total number of pages. This is a display key. For example, when this mode (printing mode with total pages) is selected by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122, for example, for each page on a recording sheet on which a document image of a job consisting of five pages is recorded. The page number with total page information is printed as additional information, such as “1/5”, “2/5”, “3/5”, “4/5”, “5/5”. In addition, each unit (layout memory, printer unit, etc.) is controlled. In the present embodiment, the print mode with total pages includes the manual mode and the automatic mode described above.

  Further, the screen of FIG. 10D is configured to include a window 7-4-6 for allowing the user to specify the print position of the page number data as the additional information on the recording paper. Yes. By operating either the “vertical” button or “horizontal” button provided in the upper part of this window 7-4-6, the user can specify the paper direction (vertical, horizontal) according to the printing direction. I have to. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, six candidates (upper left, upper end, upper right, lower right, lower end, and lower left six locations of the recording paper) are prepared in advance as print positions of the page information on the recording sheet. The user can specify at which position the page number is printed. By operating any of the six print position keys provided in the center of this window 7-4-6, the user can select the lower left, center, and right of the recording paper and the upper left, center, A desired candidate can be selected from a plurality of candidates for the print position of page number information including the right six positions. The details of the printing operation for each printing position are as described above with reference to FIG.

  When the “print with total pages” key 7-4-4 on the operation screen of FIG. 10D is pressed by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 receives this, and the CPU circuit unit 122 proceeds to FIGS. 11A to 11C. The detailed setting screen for printing the page with total pages as illustrated is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 250. Note that FIGS. 11A to 11C are the same screen, and are divided into three for explaining the operation of each part.

  A key 7-5-2 provided on the operation screen of FIG. 11A enables the user to select whether the image forming apparatus executes the automatic mode described above or the image forming apparatus executes the manual mode. Display toggle key (soft key). When the key is pressed by the user, the automatic mode is turned on, and the display state of the key is also turned on (selected state display) as shown in the screen of FIG. When this button is pressed again by the user, the automatic mode is turned off, the manual mode is turned on, and the key is displayed as shown in the screen of FIG. 11B. To OFF state (non-line selection state display). As described above, the CPU circuit unit 122 controls the automatic mode and the manual mode to be selectively switchable based on the ON / OFF operation of the key on the screen from the user.

  The state of the operation screen in FIG. 11A is a screen display state when the display unit 250 displays the automatic mode when the user selects the automatic mode. When the user presses the key 7-5-1, the start number of the current page number can be set via the numeric keypad (245 in FIG. 4). The current page number start number set by the user is confirmed and displayed in a display area provided next to the key.

  The function for setting the start number of the current page number is printed first when, for example, page numbers are sequentially assigned to each page on a recording sheet on which image data of a job to be processed is recorded. This is a function for the user to determine page numbers and assign page numbers sequentially from the determined page start number.

  For example, when the key 7-5-1 is pressed and “1” is input using the numeric keypad, the CPU circuit unit 122 records one sheet of an image of the input first page. The page number to be printed on the first recording paper is set to “1” (the page number is started from 1). Then, the unit (image memory 120, layout memory, or printer unit) of its own apparatus is set so that the page numbers are sequentially printed so that the subsequent pages are “2”, “3”, “4”. Control.

  Also, for example, if the key 7-5-1 is pressed and "11" is input using the numeric keypad, the CPU circuit unit 122 records the image of the first page of the input document. The page number to be printed on the first recording sheet to be printed is set to “11” (the page number is started from 11). Then, the unit (image memory 120, layout memory, or printer unit) of its own apparatus is set so that the page numbers are printed so that the subsequent pages are sequentially “12”, “13”, “14”. Control. As described above, when the page numbers are printed sequentially for each page, the page number itself to be printed first can be set by the user.

  The state of the operation screen in FIG. 11B is a state of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 250 when the automatic mode is OFF, that is, when the manual mode is selected by the user. In this state (when the manual mode is selected through the user's operation of the key 7-5-2), the display key 7-6-1 for enabling the user to input the total page number information. The CPU circuit unit 122 controls the display unit 250 so that can be operated by the user. That is, when the manual mode is selected by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 allows the user himself / herself to input the total page information of the job to be processed by the page printing function by the user operation. The forming device is controlled.

  On the other hand, for example, when the automatic mode is selected by the user via the key 7-5-2 (in the state shown in FIG. 10A), the user presses the display key 7-6-1. The device is controlled so that it does not respond to anything. Alternatively, the display of the display key 7-6-1 itself may be grayed out or shaded, and display control may be executed so that the user cannot select and press the display key 7-6-1 in the first place. As described above, the CPU circuit unit 122 prohibits the user himself / herself from inputting the total page information of the job to be processed by the page printing function when the automatic mode is selected by the user. Control the image forming apparatus. Thereby, in addition to the various effects described above, erroneous operations by the user can be prevented as much as possible, and the above effects can be further improved.

  In FIG. 11B, the manual mode is selected by the user, and the CPU circuit unit 122 displays the display of the key 7-6-1 for designating the total number of pages on the display unit 250 in the valid state ( The key can be selected and pressed by the user). When the key 7-6-1 is pressed by the user, the total number of pages is controlled so that the user can manually set the number of pages using the numeric keypad (245 in FIG. 4). In the display area immediately to the right of the key 7-6-1, a display for confirming the total page information input by the user by the user is executed. FIG. 11B shows an example in which “10” is set as the total page information in the manual mode setting. The start page number can be specified by pressing the key 7-5-1. The start page number of the key 7-5-1 can be set in the same manner as in the automatic mode.

  For example, when the confirmation key is pressed by the user under the printing conditions in the operation screen example of FIG. 11B and a print start instruction is input by the user, the CPU circuit unit 122 performs a series of processing procedures in the manual mode described above. To control the image forming apparatus to operate. As a result, “1/10”, “2/10”, “3/10”, “4/10”, “5/10”,... The additional information of “10/10” is configured to obtain one output bundle consisting of the output results for 10 pages given to each page.

  Thus, in this embodiment, various fine controls can be executed in order to achieve the various effects described above.

  When the automatic mode is selected by the user (that is, in FIG. 11A), control is performed so that the total number of pages cannot be specified by the user via the key 7-6-1.

  Furthermore, as another control example, as in the state of the operation screen in FIG. 11B, in this embodiment, when the manual mode is selected by the user via the key 7-5-2, The warning / stop switch 7-6-2 is displayed on the display unit 250. Alternatively, the key 7-6-2 itself is displayed on the display unit 250, and when the automatic mode is selected, the display is in a state that the user cannot select, and when the manual mode is selected. It is good also as a display of the effective state which can be selected.

  The warning / stop switch 7-6-2 allows the user to set in advance whether or not to continue processing when the number of documents larger than the total number of pages set by the user is read in the manual mode. This is a display key (in the above example, a display key for enabling the user to determine whether or not to execute the continue permission mode). Details will be described in step S827 of FIG. 13A. With this configuration, when the manual mode is selected by the user in the page printing function, the user can meet the needs such as wanting to print on the sheet total page number information different from the total number of originals to be actually read. This is a configuration for doing so. Thereby, the effect of being able to respond to various needs from users can be further improved.

  FIG. 11C shows that the toggle key 7-7-1 for specifying the digit for page printing with total pages is ON. When the key 7-7-1 is pressed, the adjacent plus / minus key 7-7-4 can be pressed, and when the plus key is pressed, the number of digits increases from 3 → 4 → 5. For example, if the number of digits is set to 5, the total number of pages printed with the total page number being 5 and the current page being 1 is “00001/00005”. In the case of printing the number of pages when the number of digits is not specified, for example, “1/5” is set. The key 7-7-2 has a setting that can add characters to the page number printing. When the key 7-7-2 is pressed, the character input screen shown in FIG. 11D is displayed.

  In FIG. 11D, a key 7-8-1 is a key for selecting an arbitrary character input or a character string set in advance. When the key 7-8-1 is pressed, FIG. 12A is displayed, and arbitrary characters can be input from the displayed keyboard. For example, if the print character is set to “aaa”, it can be printed as “aaa 1/5”. It is also possible to make the number of digits specification and character addition effective at the same time. When the OK key 7-9-1 is pressed, the screen shown in Fig. 12 (b) is displayed. The print size is selected from large (16 points), medium (12 points), and small (10.5 points), and the character color is black.・ White can be selected. Note that FIG. 12B is also displayed when the “Next” key 7-7-3 is pressed on the screens of FIGS. When the OK key 7-10-1 is pressed, the setting of page printing with total pages is completed, and the screen in FIG. 12C is displayed. Note that character images such as alphabets are stored in the character data ROM 130.

  The operation when the page number recording with the total number of pages is set will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C. In the following description, a case where printing is performed with five A4 size originals and two copies of copies will be described as an example. In addition, it is assumed that the user interface described above is set so that page printing is performed at the middle size (12 points) and page printing with total pages is automatically performed at the lower center of the page.

  When the copy start key 241 is pressed after setting the document on the document feeder 101, the process proceeds to step S801. In step S801, since printing with total pages is ON, the process proceeds to step S802 to determine whether the automatic mode is set. Since the current setting is the automatic mode as described above, the process advances to step S806, and the document number counting unit 305 sets the document number to zero. In step S 807, the reading control unit 301 reads the first original image and stores the original image in the image memory 120. When the document image is read, the process advances to step S808, and the document number counting unit 305 increments the number of documents by +1. Accordingly, when the first document image is read, the number of documents is 1. In step S809, it is determined whether the document reading is completed. The reading control unit 302 determines that the document reading is finished when there is no document set on the document feeder 101. As described above, since five documents are set on the document feeder 101, when the fifth document is read, there is no document on the document feeder 101, and it is determined that the reading of the document is finished, and the process is stepped. The process proceeds to S810. At this time, the number of documents is five.

  In the case where the document feeder 101 is not installed or the like, when the documents are placed one by one on the glass surface 102 and copied, the following operation is performed.

  When an original is placed on the glass surface 102 and the copy start key 241 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S801. In step S801, since printing with total pages is ON, the process proceeds to step S802 to determine whether the automatic mode is set. Since the current setting is the automatic mode as described above, the process advances to step S806 to set the current total number of pages to zero. In step S 807, the document image is read under the control of the reading control unit 301 and stored in the storage memory of the image memory 120. When the document image is read, the process advances to step S808, and the document number counting unit 305 increments the total number of pages by +1. Therefore, when the first document image is read, the total number of pages is 1. In step S809, it is determined whether the document reading is completed. Since the reading is performed from the glass surface 102, the reading control unit 301 displays the screen of FIG. 14A and either the reading end key 7-12-1 is pressed or the start key 241 of FIG. Determine whether it is pressed. When the start key 241 is pressed, the reading of the document is continued, so that it is determined that the document reading has not ended, and the process returns to step S807. Of course, before the start key 241 is pressed, the document on the glass surface 102 is exchanged. Since five documents are prepared, when the fifth document is read, the user presses a reading end key 7-12-1. When the reading end key 7-12-1 is pressed, it is determined that the reading of the original is finished, and the process proceeds to step S810. At this time, the number of documents is five.

  When the reading of the original is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step S810, where the total page number setting unit 306 sets the number of originals at that time as the total number of pages, and the current page number counting unit 307 performs FIG. The print start number N (1 in this example) set by the interface is set to the current page number. In step S811, the original image for one page read in step S807 and the image of the page number with the total number of pages are combined. That is, the read control unit 302 reads the first page of the original image from the storage memory of the image memory 120 and draws it in the layout memory, and the page description synthesis unit 303 sets the current page number and total page number setting unit by the current page number counting unit 307. The description of the page number with the total number of pages is determined using the total number of pages set in 306, and this is drawn on the layout memory. As described above, the total number of pages obtained by the document number counting unit 305 and the total page number setting unit 306 is 5, and N (= 1) is set as the current page number when the first document is printed. Therefore, the page number with the total number of pages is synthesized at the position designated by the user interface in FIG. 10D (in this example, “1/5” is below the center of the document image).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S812, where the output control unit 304 prints the image drawn in the layout memory by the printer unit 2, and in step S813, the output number counting unit 308 counts up the output number (printed number). At this time, “1/5” is printed as an additional image corresponding to the page number information with the total number of pages together with the original image of the first page on the recording paper of the first page of the first copy of the output result. The output result is obtained.

  In step S814, the end determination unit 309 determines whether one copy has been completed based on the current number of pages and the total number of pages. Since it is the first copy, the total number of pages is 5, and the number of printed pages, that is, the number of output pages is 1, the printing of the first copy is not finished yet, so the process advances to step S815. In step S815, the current page number counting unit 307 increments the current page number by one. In step S817, it is determined whether to end printing based on the number of output sheets, the total number of pages, and the number of copies. In reading, since five images are read (that is, the total number of pages is 5), the number of copies is 2, and the current output number is 1, the printing is not finished yet, and the process returns to step S811. By repeating such processing, the additional image “2/5” is printed together with the original image of the second page on the second page of recording paper of the first copy, and the third page is printed on the third page of recording paper of the first copy. The additional image “3/5” is printed together with the original image of the fourth page, and the additional image “4/5” is printed together with the original image of the fourth page on the first four pages of recording paper. A series of output results are obtained in which the additional image “5/5” is printed on the recording paper together with the original image of the fifth page.

  In step S812, the “5/5” page is printed, and when the output number is counted up in step S813, the output number becomes “5”. Since the total number of pages is 5 and the number of output sheets is 5, it is determined in step S814 that one copy has been completed. As a result, the process proceeds to step S816, and the current page number counting unit 307 receives the notification from the end determination unit 309 and returns the current page number to the set print start number N (= 1). Next, the process advances to step S817 to determine whether or not to end printing. In reading, five images are read and the number of copies is 2, but since the current output number is 5, it is determined that the printing is not yet finished, and the process returns to step S811.

  Thus, for the second copy of the output result, the additional image “1/5” is printed together with the original image of the first page on the first page of recording paper, and the original image of the second page is printed on the second page of recording paper. The additional image “2/5” is printed, the additional image “3/5” is printed on the third page of recording paper, and the additional image “3/5” is printed on the fourth page of recording paper, together with the fourth page of the original image. “4/5” is printed, and the additional image “5/5” is printed on the five-page recording paper together with the original image of the first page. Then, when the second “5/5” page is printed, the current number of pages becomes 5, and it is determined in step S814 that one copy is completed. Further, in step S817, since the number of output sheets is 10, it is understood that the output for the total number of pages × the number of copies has been completed, it is determined that the printing has been completed, and this processing ends.

  Next, the process of recording the page number with the total number of pages in the manual mode will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the page printing is set to the middle size (12 points) and the total page printing is set to be performed at the lower center.

  In the manual mode, before the copy start key 241 is pressed, the print start number N and the total page number M are designated by the interface described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that N = 1 and M = 3 are set. These settings can be made using the keys 7-5-1 and 7-6-1 and the numeric keypad by turning off the key 7-5-2 and selecting "manual".

  After the above setting, when an original is placed on the glass surface 102 and the copy start key 241 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S801. In step S801, since printing with total pages is ON, the process proceeds to step S802 to determine whether the automatic mode is set. Since the manual mode is set, the process advances to step S820, the total page number setting unit 306 sets the total page number to M (3 in the above setting), and the current page number counting unit 307 sets the current page number to N ( In the above setting example, it is set to 1). Next, the apparatus executes in parallel the image reading shown in steps S821 to S824 and the printing shown in steps S825 to S833. That is, since the total number of pages is set in advance in the manual mode, the page number notation can be generated using this, and the printing process is started as soon as one original image is accumulated.

  In reading a document image, first in step S821, the document number counting unit 305 sets the number of documents to zero. In step S 822, the document image is read by the reading control unit 301 and stored in the image memory 120. When the document image is read, the process proceeds to step S823, where the document number counting unit 305 increments the total number of pages by +1. Next, proceeding to step S824, the reading control unit 301 determines whether or not reading of all originals has been completed. If not, the process returns to step S821 to read the next original. Note that the reading end determination in step S824 is performed as follows. When a document is read using the document feeder 101, the document is read when all the documents set on the document feeder 101 have been read (when there is no document on the document feeder 101). End. When copying a document on the glass surface 102 one by one, a user interface as shown in FIG. 14A is presented in the same manner as in the automatic mode described above, and the reading end key 7-12-1 is pressed. Thus, the user explicitly instructs the end of reading the document.

  Thus, when the document image is accumulated in the memory and at least one document image to be printed next is accumulated, the printing process by the read control unit 302, the page description synthesis unit 303, and the output control unit 304 is started. Is done. First, in step S825, the read control unit 302 waits for the document image for one document to be printed next to be accumulated in the image memory 120. When document images are accumulated, the process proceeds to step S826, where the total number of pages (3) set in step S820 is compared with the current page number of the current page number counting unit 307. If the total number of pages ≧ the current number of pages, the process proceeds to step S827, where the original image to be printed and the image of the number of pages are combined. That is, the read control unit 302 draws one original image stored in the storage memory in the layout memory, and the page description composition unit 303 determines the page description from the total page number and the current page number, and draws it in the layout memory. To do. In step S828, the output control unit 304 causes the printer unit 2 to print the image on the layout memory synthesized as described above. In step S829, the output sheet count unit 308 increments the output sheet count by one. On the other hand, if the current number of pages exceeds the total number of pages in step S826, the process proceeds to step S841. The processing of step S841 to step S846 will be described later.

  In step S830, the end determination unit 309 determines whether one copy has been completed. Here, it is determined that one copy has been completed when the reading of the original has been completed and the integral multiple of the original number = the output number. If one copy has not been completed, the process advances to step S831, the current page number is incremented by 1, and the process advances to step S833. On the other hand, if one copy has been completed, the number of current pages is returned to N in step S832, and the process proceeds to step S833.

  In step S833, the end determination unit 309 determines whether printing has ended. The end of printing is determined by whether or not the number of output sheets has reached the number of original sheets × the set number of copies. Since it is still the first page, the process returns to step S825.

  A case where the pages “2/3” and “3/3” are printed and the fourth page is printed by the above processing will be described. In this case, since the current number of pages exceeds the total number of pages in step S826, the process proceeds to step S841.

  The processing in steps S841 to S846 is mainly executed by the page description synthesis unit 303. First, in step S841, the setting for warning / stopping or continuing the operation is referred to. This setting can be performed by a button 7-6-2 as shown in FIG. If it is set to stop / warn, the process proceeds to step S842 to display a warning as shown in FIG. In this display, when the cancel key 7-13-1 is pressed, this processing is ended from step S843, and the operation itself is stopped. When the continuation key 7-13-2 or the blank key 7-13-3 is pressed, it is determined that the operation is continued, and the process proceeds to step S844. If the blank key 7-13-3 is pressed here, a blank page is output in step S845, and the process proceeds to step S829. This can be realized by the page description composition unit 303 clearing the layout memory. If the number of output copies is set to 2 by performing such processing for the number of originals, for example, ““ 1/3 ”,“ 2/3 ”,“ 3/3 ”, white paper, white paper” By outputting blank paper, the user can clearly understand that there is a discrepancy between the set total number of pages and the number of read originals, and waste recording paper. I don't have to.

  On the other hand, if the continuation key 7-13-2 is pressed, the document image is printed without the page number notation in step S846, and the process proceeds to step S829. This can be realized by the page description composition unit 303 not rendering the page description. By performing such processing for the number of originals, “1/3”, “2/3”, “3/3”, the fourth page of the original image (no printing of the number of pages), and the fifth page of the original image ( 2 copies are output.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, it has an image memory for storing images, reads the document image, and counts the number of images while accumulating in the image memory. This saves labor and reduces the occurrence of paper jams. It can also prevent mistakes in human counting.

  In the above embodiment, when page number recording with the total number of pages is performed, an automatic mode in which the total number of pages is counted and used as the total number of pages, and the total number of pages is manually input in advance and used as the total number of pages. Enabled to select one of manual mode. For this reason, the advantage in the operation mode in which the total number of pages is manually set can be secured. For example, if the manual mode is adopted, it is possible to read and print a document in parallel, and the processing speed is improved. In the manual mode, the total number of sheets can be intentionally set to a number different from the number of documents. For example, when the work is shared by a plurality of copying machines, the work can be integrated into one after the work is completed. . In other words, in an environment where two or more copiers can be used, it is possible to improve the processing efficiency by dividing the manuscript and sharing the work by a plurality of copiers. This can be achieved by specifying. For example, if the total number of pages of both copiers is set to 50 and the page start numbers of copiers A and B are set to 1 and 26, respectively, the first 25 sheets are used by the copier A and the latter 25 sheets. Can be recorded by the other copier B while recording the page number with the total number of pages. As described above, by having the automatic mode and the manual mode and making selections possible, it is possible to realize a form for preventing an error in counting the number of originals and a form for performing shared work.

  In addition, since the image memory is provided, even when the automatic document feeder is not used, it can be realized by sequentially reading and storing in the image memory.

  Although a method for synthesizing a character image on a memory has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the page notation need not be synthesized on the memory, but may be synthesized by the finally formed image. For example, you may synthesize | combine using a hardware at the time of printing.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus and a host that transmits print data to the image forming apparatus by a program for executing processing of various flowcharts in the present embodiment and a program for externally installing a program related to operation control. You may comprise so that it may be performed by various apparatuses, such as a computer. In this case, data for displaying an operation screen similar to the operation screen described in this embodiment is installed from the outside so that the various user interface screens can be provided on the display unit of the device. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.
Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

  For example, the printer driver can be provided with the above-described page printing function. That is, in the information processing apparatus (host computer) capable of transmitting print data, the present invention can also be applied when the printer driver has the above-described page printing function. In this case, the above-described page print function can be designated as print settings for image data transmitted from the host computer to the image forming apparatus (printer). In this case, an operation screen similar to the various operation screens described in the present embodiment is configured to be displayed as a printer driver operation screen on the display unit of the host computer. Then, an instruction similar to the instruction from the various users described in the present embodiment (for example, the total page print instruction in the above-described page print function and whether the manual mode should be selected in executing the total page print is set to the automatic mode. An instruction for specifying whether to select, an instruction for determining whether or not to execute warning / stopping in step S841 in FIG. 13C, and whether or not to execute blank page printing / continuous printing in step S844 in FIG. 13C Can be received via the printer driver or the like on the host computer side. Then, the host computer executes processing corresponding to the instruction input by the user via the setting screen for the image data (job) transmitted from the host computer, and realizes the same control as each of the above embodiments. The image forming system can be configured to enable this. Various modifications are possible in this way.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a copier according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the copier according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a connection between a CPU circuit and each unit of the copier according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the copier according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 123 illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining reading of an image from a memory and an output result in the copier of the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of an image memory. It is a figure explaining printing of the number of pages with the total number of pages by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the character data ROM in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the user interface for setting operation at the time of printing of the number of pages with the total number of pages by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the user interface for setting operation at the time of printing of the number of pages with the total number of pages by embodiment. It is a figure which shows the user interface for setting operation at the time of printing of the number of pages with the total number of pages by embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copier according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copier according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copier according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the user interface for setting operation at the time of printing of the number of pages with the total number of pages by embodiment.

Claims (25)

Reading means for reading a document and storing a document image in a memory;
Counting means for counting the number of documents read by the reading means;
Obtaining means for obtaining the total number of documents based on the count value by the counting means;
Determining means for determining a page number notation corresponding to each document image using the total number of sheets acquired by the acquiring means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: output means for adding each page image stored in the memory to the page number notation determined by the determining means and outputting the result.   The acquisition unit acquires, as the total number of sheets, the count value by the counting unit when reading all the documents stacked on the document feeding device when feeding the document by the document feeding device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining unit obtains the count value by the counting unit when the user inputs a document reading end instruction as the total number of sheets. A selection means for allowing the user to select the first mode or the second mode with respect to the page number notation using the total number of sheets,
The acquisition means acquires the total number of sheets based on the count value by the counting means when the first mode is selected, and sets the set value by the user when the second mode is selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus acquires the number of sheets.   In the second mode, when the count value by the counting means exceeds the total number of sheets, the output means outputs the excess original image without adding page number notation. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to Item 4.   5. In the second mode, when the count value by the counting unit exceeds the total number of sheets, the output unit controls to output a blank sheet for the excess document image. Image forming apparatus. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting a character size and a notation position in the page number notation. A reading step of reading a document and storing a document image in a storage means;
A counting step of counting the number of documents read by the reading step;
An acquisition step of acquiring the total number of documents based on the count value in the counting step;
A determination step of determining a page number notation corresponding to each document image using the total number of sheets acquired by the acquisition step;
An image forming method comprising: an output step of adding and outputting each of the document images stored in the storage means with the page number notation determined in the determination step. Regarding the notation of the page number using the total number of sheets, it further comprises a selection step for allowing the user to select the first mode or the second mode,
The acquisition step acquires the total number of sheets based on the count value obtained by the counting step when the first mode is selected, and sets a set value by a user when the second mode is selected. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein the image forming method is acquired as the number of sheets. A job processing method for an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is stored in a storage unit capable of storing job data of a plurality of pages.
Based on an instruction from the operator, a first mode in which additional information generated without operator intervention is printed on the sheet and a second mode in which additional information generated through operator intervention is printed on the sheet. A job processing method, wherein the image forming apparatus is operated in the selected mode. A job processing method for an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is stored in a storage unit capable of storing job data of a plurality of pages.
A first mode for printing additional information generated without operator intervention on the sheet and a second mode for printing additional information generated through operator intervention on the sheet can be selectively executed;
In the case of the first mode, all the image data of the job to be processed is stored in the storage unit, and then the job printing operation is started by the image forming apparatus, while in the case of the second mode. A job processing method wherein the image forming apparatus starts a print operation of the job before all the image data of the job to be processed is stored in the storage unit. A job processing method for an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is stored in a storage unit capable of storing job data of a plurality of pages.
Enables execution of a mode for printing additional information generated without operator intervention on the sheet,
When executing the mode, the image forming apparatus starts the print operation of the job after all the image data of the job to be printed with the additional information is stored in the storage unit. During execution of the print operation, data of a job different from the job can be stored in the storage unit, and the data of the other job is stored in the storage unit in parallel with the print operation of the job. A job processing method characterized by enabling storage processing. Job processing of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information corresponding to the total number of pages of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is printed in a storage unit capable of storing job data of a plurality of pages A method,
The additional information generated based on the information from the counting means for counting the number of pages of the job can be executed in an operation mode for printing on the sheet,
When executing the operation mode, all image data of a job to be processed is stored in the storage unit, and then the job printing operation is started by the image forming apparatus. A job processing method, wherein the counting operation by the counting means for generating the additional information is executed in parallel with the processing for storing image data. A job of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus capable of printing additional information corresponding to the total number of pages of the job on a sheet on which image data of the job is printed in a storage unit capable of storing data of a plurality of pages of job data A processing method,
The additional information generated based on the information related to the number of pages of the job input by the operator via the operation unit can be executed in an operation mode for printing on the sheet,
A job processing method for executing a print operation of the job in parallel with a process of storing image data of a job to be processed in the storage unit when the operation mode is executed.   Job data output from a document reading apparatus included in the image forming apparatus and / or job data generated by a computer capable of data communication with the image forming apparatus are stored in the image via the storage unit. 15. The job processing method according to claim 10, wherein printing is enabled by the forming apparatus.   A mode in which both the total page information of the job and the page number of the job are printed as additional information, and a mode in which the total page information of the job is printed as additional information but the page number of the job is not printed. The job processing method according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is operated in a mode instructed by an operator.   11. The image data is stored in the storage unit in order from the image data of the first page of the job, and is printed by the image forming apparatus in order from the image data of the first page of the job in the storage unit. The job processing method according to any one of 1 to 16. In the second mode, the print operation of the job is started before all pages of the data of the job to be processed are stored in the storage unit,
The warning display is executed on the operation unit when the actual number of pages of the job data is larger than the number of pages of the job input by the operator via the operation unit. The job processing method according to any one of 10 and 11 and 15 to 17. In the second mode, the print operation of the job is started before all pages of the data of the job to be processed are stored in the storage unit,
11. The print operation of the job is stopped when the actual number of pages of the job data is larger than the number of pages of the job input by the operator via the operation unit. And a job processing method according to any one of 11 and 15 to 18. In the second mode, the print operation of the job is started before all pages of the data of the job to be processed are stored in the storage unit,
Whether the print operation of the job is to be stopped or continued when the actual number of pages of the job data is greater than the number of pages of the job input by the operator via the operation unit 20. The job processing method according to any one of claims 10 and 11, and 15 to 19, wherein the job can be selected by a user. In the second mode, the print operation of the job is started before all pages of the data of the job to be processed are stored in the storage unit,
Printing of the additional information is prohibited when the actual number of pages of the job data is larger than the number of pages of the job input by the operator via the operation unit, but the job image data itself 21. The job processing method according to claim 10, wherein said printing is executable.   An image forming system for executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 21.   An image forming apparatus that executes the method according to claim 8.   A computer readable storage medium for performing the method according to any of claims 8 to 21.   A program for executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 21.

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