JP2007316225A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which ejection of index paper when printing of printed matter is interrupted is taken into account, and as a result, the good looking printed matter for a user is formed. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus to which the index paper is inserted in a specific position of the printed matter to section the printed matter into a specified batch when printing the printed matter, after the printing of the document is interrupted in the image forming apparatus, when a printing operation is continued by having a mode changed so that a section is changed, the index paper which becomes unnecessary is ejected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted at a specific position of a printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit when printing the printed material.

  In recent years, the spread of DTP (DeskTop Publishing) accompanying the spread of personal computer devices has changed the form of work not only in the home but also in the office.

  In the case of conventional bookbinding, the bookbinding operation was requested from a printing company, and the completed bookbinding could not be obtained without waiting for several days. However, recent image forming apparatuses can be connected to peripheral devices necessary for bookbinding, so it is possible to automatically perform covers, chapter breaks, staples, punch punching, and the finished bookbinding can be picked up immediately. .

  In bookbinding in such an image forming apparatus, it is known to insert a sheet in order to improve appearance and reader understanding. By using an index sheet (tab sheet) that protrudes by an index on an ordinary standard size sheet, the reader can easily find the page of the target chapter.

  However, since the index sheet has different tab peak positions depending on the number of cycles, if the number of index sheets required for printing is less than the number of cycles, an index sheet with tab peaks remaining in the halfway portion after printing is left. End up. Therefore, when the index sheet is used in the next printing as it is, the index sheet having a tab peak at a halfway portion is started, resulting in a printed matter that does not look very good.

As a solution to this problem, as described in Patent Document 1, when surplus index paper is generated, the surplus index paper is discharged to a discharge tray different from the discharge tray for printed matter. .
JP 2002-003063 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of forming a printed material that looks good for a user as a result of considering the discharge of index paper when the printed material is interrupted.

  According to the present invention, when printing a printed material, in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined group, in an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific place of the printed material, the printing unit is switched after the printing of the document is interrupted. When such a mode is changed and the printing operation is continued, the index sheet that has become unnecessary is discharged.

  Further, when the printing operation is continued without changing the mode after the printing of the document is interrupted, the index paper that is no longer needed is not discharged.

  Further, when the printing operation is canceled after the printing of the document is interrupted, the index sheet that has become unnecessary is discharged.

  Further, when the mode in which the printing of the document is interrupted at the first time is set, the index sheet that is no longer necessary at the time of the interruption is discharged. The mode in which the printing of the document is interrupted at the first time is a trial copy mode.

  In addition, when a print product is printed, in an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific portion of the printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit, if cancellation occurs during printing, the remaining index paper Is discharged. In addition, a warning is displayed when the index sheet is discharged.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus capable of inserting the index sheet at a specific location of the printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit when printing the printed material, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores the number of discharged index sheets. When the power is restored, the remaining number of index sheets is determined from the number of index sheets discharged from the storage means, and the remaining number of index sheets are discharged. In addition, a warning is displayed when the index sheet is discharged.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a good-looking printed matter that does not start from an index sheet having tabs in a halfway portion even for a printed matter whose mode is switched by the user. obtain.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, a document bundle placed on the document table 2 in the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 1 with the image surface of the document facing upward is displayed when the print key 34 on the operation unit 30 is pressed. The lowermost document is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feeding roller 3 and the feeding belt 4.

  Further, this image forming apparatus has a counting function for counting up the number of originals upon completion of feeding one original.

  After the fed original is read by the reading unit 50 on the image data of the original on the contact glass 6, the original that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.

  Further, when it is detected by the document set detection 7 that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document.

  The feeding roller 3, the feeding belt 4, and the discharging roller 5 are driven by a conveyance motor 26.

  The transfer papers stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first paper feeding device 11, the second paper feeding device 12, and the third paper feeding device 13, respectively, and are conveyed vertically. The unit 14 is transported to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 15.

  The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57 and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image.

  Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17 and discharged to the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus by the paper discharge unit 18.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can usually guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the main body toward the paper discharge roller 102 or toward the staple processing unit.

  By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103.

  Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, it can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107.

  The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 every time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of partial copying. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray section 104 that can be moved back and forth moves forward and backward for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and sorts copy paper that is simply discharged.

  When forming an image on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 is not guided to the paper discharge tray 104 side, and the branch claw 112 for switching the path is used. By setting it on the upper side, it is once stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111.

  Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked on the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, and the branching claw 112 for switching the path. Is set on the lower side and guided to the paper discharge tray 104.

  In this way, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when creating images on both sides of the transfer sheet. Also, when printing on the back side of the transfer paper on which an image is placed, the front and back sides of the transfer paper are changed using the double-sided paper feed unit 111.

  The photoreceptor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharge unit 18, and the development unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25, and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 is driven by the paper feeding clutches 22 to 24. Driven by transmission. The vertical conveyance unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 25 by the intermediate clutch 21.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation unit 30.

  The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, a preheat key 35, a reset key 36, and an initial setting key 37. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 includes various function keys and image formation. A message indicating the status of the device is displayed.

  When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. When the details of the function must be designated (for example, the type of page printing), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform the optimal display at that time.

  By pressing the initial setting key 37, it is possible to arbitrarily customize the initial state of the machine. It is possible to set the paper size stored in the machine or arbitrarily set the state set when the copy function reset key is pressed.

  Also, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star Program, and set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode. It is possible to set.

  When the preheating key 35 is pressed, the machine shifts from the standby state to the power reduction state, and the fixing temperature is lowered or the display on the operation unit is turned off. The preheating state means a low power state as referred to in the International Energy Star Program. In order to cancel the preheating state, the off state / sleep state, and shift to the standby state, the preheating key is pressed again.

  By pressing the copy key 38, the copy function can be used. In addition, the copy server key 39 is used to edit existing stored image data (copy mode setting, printing, deleting). The scanner application key 41 is used when storing a document in a storage device inside the apparatus, when transmitting an input image read from the scanner, stored image data, or the like to the outside.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30.

  When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, if it is variable magnification, the variable magnification value, etc.), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform the optimal display at that time.

  In FIG. 3, the upper left is a message area for displaying messages such as “Ready to copy” and “Please wait”, the right is a copy number display section for displaying the set number of sheets, and an automatic sheet for automatically selecting a transfer sheet Select key, sort key that specifies processing to arrange copies in order of pages, stack key that specifies processing to sort copies by page, staple key that specifies processing to bind sorted items partly, and magnification Same size key to set the same size, Scaling key to set the enlargement / reduction ratio, Double side key to set the duplex mode, Edit key to set the binding margin mode, etc. Cover page / Slip sheet to set the cover / interleaf mode This is a connection mode key that prints out a large number of printing operations divided into a plurality of parts via a network of keys and digital copying machines. In addition, a paper feed tray state corresponding to the number of paper feed trays is displayed, and keys for manually setting the paper feed tray are displayed for the number of paper feed trays.

  In addition, a paper feed tray state corresponding to the number of paper feed trays is displayed, and keys for manually setting the paper feed tray are displayed for the number of paper feed trays.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the control device with the main controller as the center.

  The main controller 20 controls the entire image forming apparatus.

  The main controller 20 includes image processing for performing display to the operator, an operation unit 30 for performing function setting input control from the operator, control of the scanner, control for writing a document image into the image memory, control for image formation from the image memory, and the like. A distributed control device such as a unit (IPU) 49 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1 is connected. Each distributed controller and the main controller 20 exchange machine status and operation commands as necessary.

  A main motor 25 and various clutches 21 to 24 necessary for paper conveyance and the like are also connected.

  Here, referring back to FIG. 1, the process from reading the original of the image forming apparatus to writing of the image will be described.

  The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. Yes.

  The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically operated at a relative speed of 2 to 1 so that the optical path length does not change.

  This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and processed.

  The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at a high speed at a high speed by a laser diode that is a laser light source and a motor. ).

  The laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the image forming photoconductor 15. Although not shown, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photoconductor 15 is irradiated.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the internal configuration of the image processing unit (IPU) 49.

  The reflection of light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 61.

  The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62 and then subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63.

  Thereafter, the image data input via the print composition unit 71 is supplied to the zoom circuit 76 or the image memory controller 65 by switching, and the image signal via the zoom circuit 77 is matched with the zoom ratio. The image is enlarged / reduced and sent to the writing unit 57.

  On the other hand, the image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to input and output image signals in both directions.

  Although not specifically shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 50, the IPU 49 also supplies image data supplied from the outside via the I / O port 67, such as a personal computer. It is assumed that a function for selecting input / output of a plurality of data is provided so that data input from the data processing apparatus can also be processed.

  Further, a CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, and a ROM 69, a RAM 70, and an NV-RAM 74 for storing programs and data thereof are provided.

  Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65. The image sent to the image memory controller 65 as a document image is sent to the image memory 66 after the image data is compressed by an image compression device in the image memory controller.

  Here, the reason for compressing the image is as follows. Although it is possible to directly write 256 gradation data corresponding to the maximum image size to the image memory 66, the image memory is very much used for one original image. Therefore, by performing image compression, a limited image memory can be used effectively.

  In addition, since a large amount of original image data can be stored at one time, the stored original image data can be output in page order as a sorting function.

  In this case, when the image is output, the data in the image memory 66 is output while being sequentially expanded by the expansion device in the memory controller 65.

  Such a function is generally called “electronic sort”. Further, by using the function of the image memory, it is possible to sequentially read a plurality of document images into an area obtained by dividing the area of one transfer sheet of the image memory.

  For example, four original images are sequentially written into an area divided into four equal parts for one transfer paper in the image memory, and the four copy originals are combined into a single transfer paper image to produce a consolidated copy output. Can be obtained. Such a function is generally called “aggregate copy”.

  The image stored in the image memory 66 can be accessed from the CPU 68. For this reason, the contents of the image memory can be processed, and for example, image thinning processing, image clipping processing, and the like can be performed. For processing, the image memory can be processed by writing data to the register of the memory controller 65.

  The processed image is again held in the image memory. The image memory 66 is divided into a plurality of areas depending on the size of the image data to be processed, and the image data can be input / output simultaneously. In order to make it possible to execute input and output of image data in parallel in each divided area, the interface with the memory controller is connected with two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing.

  Thus, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 is possible.

  The image memory 66 may be provided with a separate hard disk to store a large amount of image data. By using a hard disk, there is a feature that an external power source is unnecessary and an image can be retained permanently. In order to read and hold a plurality of standard documents (format documents) with a scanner, this hard disk is generally used.

  Writing and reading are temporarily stored in the image memory and processed in order to absorb the difference in processing speed with respect to image formation on the main body and image writing from the scanner. Further, when data from the image storage device is sent to the writing unit 57, it is temporarily stored in the image memory 66 and sent to the writing unit 57. In this way, the image controller 66 determines the image path for the image memory 66, HD 75, scanner image, and input / output of the image to be sent to the writing unit.

  As described above, the CPU 68 determines the input and output of the image data, so that the memory controller 65 connected to the CPU can switch the image flow.

  Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The frame gate signal / FGATE ((b) in the figure) represents the effective period in the sub-scanning direction of one page of image data. The main scanning synchronization signal / LSYNC ((a) in the figure) is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is a line gate signal / LGATE ((f) in the figure).

  These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK ((d) in the figure), and data of 8 bits per pixel (256 gradations) is sent for one period of the pixel clock VCLK. In this embodiment, the writing density on the transfer paper is 400 dpi, and the maximum number of pixels is 4800 pixels for main scanning and 6800 pixels for sub-scanning. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image data becomes a white image as the value is closer to 255.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printing function is performed after the image memory 66 (print composition unit 71), and printing is added to each transfer sheet.

  Next, a mode in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific portion of the printed material will be described.

  In FIG. 3, a cover / interleaf key 301 is a mode for setting a mode such as cover and insert, and when this key is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

  Here, the cover mode includes two types, a front cover for inserting the first page of the original and a cover for inserting the first page and the last page of the original for both sides. Yes, for the cover sheet, it is possible to specify index sheets with order according to the setting of the cover tray as shown in FIG. 9 and the paper type setting of the tray as shown in FIG. It is also possible to set so that the index sheet itself is copied.

  Here, when the index sheet is specified in the paper type setting of the tray, the user inputs the number of cycles of the index sheet.

  The chapter separation mode is a mode in which a sheet is inserted at a chapter change by allowing the user to input the first page of each chapter. The slip sheet mode is a mode in which slip sheets are inserted into a copy every time a document page changes.

  In FIG. 3, a copy partition key 302 is a mode for inserting a partition sheet into a copy partition.

  Although not shown, there are several types of modes in which the user specifies and inserts paper, such as the specified paper mode that prints the specified range of pages on the specified paper, and the specified insertion mode that inserts the specified paper. There is. Each of these modes, like the cover mode, depends on the setting of the paper tray used in each mode as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the paper type setting of the tray as shown in FIG. It is possible to specify index sheets with order.

  It is also possible to set so that the index sheet itself is copied. Here, when the index sheet is specified in the paper type setting of the tray, the user inputs the number of cycles of the index sheet.

  For these setting methods, for example, a dedicated key may be provided on the operation unit 30 or may be designated by initial setting.

  When printing using index paper, the index paper, which is a fraction for each copy, is automatically ejected for sorted copies, and the fractional index paper for one cycle is automatically ejected when the job is completed for non-sorted copies. . (When the index tab is set to the top at the end of the job.) As an example, when the index paper set in units of 5 cycles is set, the output result of chapter-delimited copy using 3 index papers per copy Is shown in FIG.

  With the above configuration, when printing of a document starts, an image is formed according to a mode customized by the user. At this time, the amount of index paper used per copy and the number of index paper cycles designated by the user are both temporarily stored in a volatile memory such as the RAM 70 of FIG.

  Thereafter, FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts when printing is interrupted and an instruction to continue printing is issued through the operation unit 30.

  When any of the front cover, back cover, and chapter break modes is combined, the paper feed tray designated as the index paper is set as the cover and chapter break paper (result of step S201) Is YES), when the mode for switching the copy is changed, such as the duplex mode change (the result of step S02 is YES), the set number of index sheets to be inserted and the set index are set. Based on the number of sheets, it is determined whether or not surplus index sheets are generated. If surplus index sheets are generated (YES in step S203), the surplus index sheets are discharged from one of the trays shown in FIG. Paper is made (step S204).

  If the mode for changing the copy has not been changed after the interruption (the result of Steps 201, 202, and 203 is NO), the surplus index sheets are not discharged.

  In addition, when printing is interrupted and the job is canceled or when the trial copy is interrupted, the copy is switched, so it is determined whether or not surplus index paper is generated. Discharges the surplus index paper from one of the trays shown in FIG. The flowchart in each case is shown in FIGS.

  In this way, in this embodiment, after the printing of the document is interrupted, the insertion sheet index sheet that has become unnecessary is discharged when the mode in which the copy is switched is changed and the printing operation is continued. Thus, a printed material whose mode is switched by the user can be provided with a good appearance without starting from an index sheet having a tab peak at a halfway portion.

  In addition, if the printing operation is continued without changing the mode after the printing of the document is interrupted, the index tabs are arranged in order by not ejecting the insertion sheet index paper that is no longer needed. The printed matter can be output, and a good-looking printed matter can be provided to the user.

  In addition, when the printing operation is canceled after the printing of the document is interrupted, the indexed tab sheets of the index are output in order by outputting the insertion sheet index paper that is no longer needed, and the user Can be provided with a good-looking print.

  Also, if the mode in which the printing of the document is interrupted at the first time is set, the printed paper with the index tabs arranged in order can be obtained by ejecting the insertion paper index paper that is no longer needed at the time of the interruption. It is possible to output and provide a printed material that looks good to the user.

  In addition, the mode in which the printing of the document is interrupted at a part is the trial copy mode, and the printed matter after the trial copy has the tabs of the index arranged in order, which is good for the user. Printed materials can be provided.

  By the way, when an index sheet is used as a partition sheet or a slip sheet in the partition sheet insertion (every n copies / each job) or slip sheet mode, the index sheet of the fraction for one cycle is automatically discharged at the end of the job. . As an example, FIG. 16 shows an output result when four copies of sort copy + partition paper insertion (each copy) are output by copying two originals.

  Also, when copying to index paper, the fractional index paper is automatically ejected for each copy during sort copying, and the fractional index paper for one cycle is automatically ejected when the job is finished during non-sort copying. Eject paper. FIG. 17 shows an output result when two copies of two originals are copied during the sort copy shown in FIG.

  In this case, when printing using the index sheet is canceled, the same processing as in FIG. 14 is executed. That is, if the mode is set to use the index sheet (YES in S301), it is determined whether there is an unnecessary index sheet from the relationship between the number of index sheets fed and the number of ejected sheets (step S102). ).

  If unnecessary index sheets are present in the apparatus or in the paper feed tray, the unnecessary index sheets are discharged (step S103).

  The reason for canceling at this time includes the energy saving mode and those due to SC occurrence, and the same behavior is given to factors that must cancel the printing operation, such as canceling instructions from the operation unit or canceling instructions by remote operation. Adaptable.

  Further, when the index sheet is discharged, it is possible to notify the user of the number of discharged sheets with a panel display or a warning sound, and to switch the user to discharge the unnecessary index sheet.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when power is turned off during a printing operation and power is turned on again.

  During the printing operation (step S501), if it is necessary to eject the index paper such as the end of the number of copies or chapter breaks (the result of step 502 is YES), the number of unnecessary index paper is determined and written to the nonvolatile memory. (Step S503).

  If the number of unnecessary indexes is 1 or more (the result of step S504 is YES), unnecessary index sheets are discharged (step S505). The number of unnecessary indexes at the time of paper discharge is written in the nonvolatile memory (step S506).

  If the power is cut off in steps S501 to S506, as shown in FIG. 20, initialization processing (step S601) is performed when the power is turned on, and the number of unnecessary index sheets is read from the nonvolatile memory (step S602). It is determined from the read number whether there is an unnecessary index sheet (step S603), and if it exists, the unnecessary index sheet is discharged (step S604).

  Thereafter, the request from the user can be accepted (step S605).

  In addition, index paper is not automatically ejected when the power is turned on, the user is notified of the presence of unnecessary index paper with a panel display and a warning sound, and the user confirms the paper ejection. It is also possible to switch between them.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the printing of the document is canceled, the inserted paper index sheet that is no longer needed is discharged, so that the printed material executed in the next new job becomes a halfway portion. It is possible to provide a good-looking printed material that is not used from index sheets having tabs.

  In addition, when the job is completed, a screen for selecting whether or not to automatically eject unnecessary index sheets is displayed, and it is possible to select whether to stop ejecting paper, so that the tab position on the printed matter is not taken into account. Paper waste can be reduced for the user.

  Further, if the power supply is interrupted by the main power supply during the printing operation using the index paper, the unnecessary index paper may not be discharged normally. By discharging unnecessary index paper when power is restored, it is possible to prevent the use of index paper that has halfway tab positions for print operations executed after startup, resulting in a user-friendly printed matter. Can be provided.

  In addition, when the power is turned on, the presence of unnecessary index sheets is notified to the user, thereby preventing unnecessary index sheets from being discharged before receiving the user's instructions, thereby preventing user confusion. it can.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit 30. Schematic which showed an example of the display of the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation part 30. FIG. The block diagram which showed an example of the structure of the control apparatus centering on the main controller. The block diagram which showed an example of the internal structure of the image processing unit (IPU) 49. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram for explaining an image signal for one page in the selector 64; Schematic which showed an example of the display screen of mode setting. Schematic showing an example of a display screen for paper type setting. Schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen for paper tray settings. Schematic which showed an example of the display screen of a slip sheet tray setting. Schematic illustrating the generation of unnecessary index sheets when using the cover / chapter separation mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when printing is interrupted. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a print continuation request is generated. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a print cancellation request is generated. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of trial copy partial completion. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating generation of unnecessary index sheets when using a partition sheet insertion / interleaf mode. Schematic illustrating the generation of unnecessary index paper when copying index paper (during sorting). Schematic illustrating the generation of unnecessary index sheets when copying index sheets (when not sorted). 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the start of a printing operation. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of power activation.

Explanation of symbols

20 Main controller 30 Operation unit

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific portion of a printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit when printing the printed material,
An image forming apparatus that discharges the index sheets that are no longer needed when a mode in which a section is switched is changed after printing of a document is interrupted and the printing operation is continued.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing operation is continued without changing the mode after the printing of the document is interrupted, the index sheet that has become unnecessary is not discharged.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing operation is canceled after the printing of the document is interrupted, the index sheet that is no longer needed is discharged.   4. The index sheet that is no longer needed at the time of interruption is discharged when a mode in which document printing is interrupted at the first part is set. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mode in which the printing of the document is interrupted at the first part is a trial copy mode. In an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific portion of a printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit when printing the printed material,
An image forming apparatus that discharges the remaining index sheets when cancellation occurs during printing.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a warning is displayed when the index sheet is discharged. In an image forming apparatus in which an index sheet can be inserted into a specific portion of a printed material in order to divide the printed material into a predetermined unit when printing the printed material,
Storage means for storing the number of index sheets discharged;
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the power is restored, the remaining number of index sheets is judged from the number of index sheets discharged from the storage means, and the remaining number of index sheets are discharged.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a warning is displayed when the index sheet is discharged.