JP2010100424A - Image processing device, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of avoiding reduction in productivity by the running out of paper in rotary sorting. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing device has a plurality of paper feeding stages for storing the paper in the longitudinal placement and the lateral placement, and has the function of sorting printed products of a plurality of number of copies or the printing products with every job. A CPU 401 determines whether or not the sorting setting is the rotary sorting, and calculates the number of paper required for one copy printing when the rotary sorting is set, and calculates the residual number of paper of the respective paper feeding stages. The CPU 401 also determines whether or not normal rotary sorting can be performed to the preset number of copies based on the number of paper required for the one copy printing and the residual number of paper of the respective paper feeding stages. The CPU 401 performs the normal rotary sorting when determining that the normal rotary sorting can be performed, and performs the rotary sorting of the forefront page when determining contrarily. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus). More specifically, the present invention has a plurality of paper feed stages in which sheets can be placed vertically or horizontally, and a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of adaptively sorting according to a situation at the time of execution.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus, there are many sorting printing modes for clarifying the boundary for each job or each number of copies. As an example, rotational sort (Patent Document 1), shift sort (Patent Document 2), bin sort (Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4), staple sort (Patent Document 5), and the like have been proposed.
JP-A-11-199124 JP 2002-128371 A JP 56-78770 A JP-A-56-78679 JP 05-000594 A

  However, for shift sort, bin sort, staple sort, etc., it is necessary to connect a finisher (post-processing device) separately from the main body of the image processing device, which makes the introduction of the device very expensive and saves space in the device. It becomes difficult.

  On the other hand, the rotation sort does not require such a finisher and can achieve space saving of the apparatus, but requires a paper feed stage in which sheets are stacked vertically and a paper feed stage in which papers are stacked horizontally. Then, it can often occur that the number of stacked sheets differs between a sheet feeding stage in which sheets are stacked vertically and a sheet feeding stage in which sheets are stacked horizontally.

  In such a case, for example, even if a large amount of vertically placed paper remains, the rotation sorting cannot be continued when the horizontally placed paper is exhausted, and the printing operation is stopped. There are challenges.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of avoiding a decrease in productivity due to running out of paper during rotary sorting.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a plurality of paper feed stages for storing sheets vertically and horizontally, and a function for sorting a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job. In the image processing apparatus having the above, when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting, the first calculating means for calculating the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job, and the sorting setting As the result of the calculation by the second calculation means for calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage, the first calculation means, and the second calculation means. Based on the set number of copies or job, a determination means for determining whether or not a first rotation sort for rotating all pages for each copy or for each job can be performed; When it is determined that the first rotation sort can be performed, the printed material sorting process is controlled according to the first rotation sort, and when it is determined that the first rotation sort cannot be performed, the first rotation sort is performed. And a control means for controlling the sorting process of the printed matter according to a second rotational sort different from the rotational sort.

  6. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of paper feed stages for storing sheets vertically and horizontally, and having a function of sorting and processing a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job. In the above control method, when rotation sort is set as the sorting setting, a first calculation step for calculating the number of sheets necessary for printing of one part or the number of pages required for printing of one job and rotation as the sorting setting are performed. When sorting is set, based on the second calculation step for calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage, and the calculation results of the first calculation step and the second calculation step, A determination step for determining whether or not a first rotation sort for rotating all pages for each copy or job can be performed on the set number of copies or jobs; When it is determined from the step that the first rotation sort can be performed, the printed material sorting process is controlled according to the first rotation sort, and when it is determined that the first rotation sort cannot be performed. And a control step of controlling the sorting process of the printed matter according to a second rotational sort different from the first rotational sort.

  10. A program according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of paper feed stages for storing sheets vertically and horizontally, and a computer control method for an image processing apparatus having a function of sorting a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job. In the program to be executed, the control method of the image processing apparatus calculates the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job when rotational sorting is set as the sorting setting. 1 and a second calculation step of calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage, the first calculation step, and the second calculation step when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting. Based on the calculation result of the calculation step, the first rotation sort for rotating all pages for each set or each job with respect to the set number of copies or jobs is performed. A determination step for determining whether or not printing can be performed, and when it is determined from the determination step that the first rotation sort can be performed, the sorting processing of the printed matter is controlled according to the first rotation sort, And a control step for controlling a sorting process of printed materials according to a second rotational sort different from the first rotational sort when it is determined that the first rotational sort cannot be performed.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to avoid a decrease in productivity due to running out of paper during rotary sorting.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Digital copiers have multiple paper feed stages that can be installed vertically or horizontally, and adaptively sort multiple printed materials or printed materials for each job according to the situation at the time of execution. Is possible.

  An original reading unit 1 installed at the upper part of the digital copying machine main body includes an original table glass 1a, a light source 2, mirrors 3 to 5, an imaging lens 6, an image sensor 7 such as a CCD, and the like.

  The document reading unit 1 reads a document image pixel by pixel and sends a digitally converted signal to a writing unit or stores it in a storage unit.

  An automatic document reader (ADF) 8 and a document table cover 8a are installed on the document table 1a of the document reading unit 1.

  On the digital copying machine main body side, the writing unit (laser scanning exposure unit) 9 is composed of a light source such as a laser diode, a scanning optical system such as a rotating polygon mirror for scanning, and an fθ lens.

  The writing unit 9 outputs laser light modulated in accordance with image information (time-series electric digital pixel signal) read by the document reading unit 1 and is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential. The surface is scanned and exposed. The writing unit 9 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information of the document on the image carrier 10 (image writing).

  The image carrier 10 is a rotary drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member, and is driven to rotate at a predetermined peripheral speed. The image carrier 10 and a portion around the image carrier 10 are an image forming unit. The image carrier 10, the charging roller 11, the developing device 12, the transfer roller 13, the fixing device 14, and the first paper feeding unit 15. The second sheet feeding unit 16 and the like form an image by a transfer type electrophotographic system.

  A paper discharge tray 17, a paper discharge roller 18, and a paper discharge port 19 are installed on the downstream side of the fixing device 14 (the downstream side in the paper transport direction).

  Next, an image forming (printing) operation by the digital copying machine having the above configuration will be described.

  An original is set on the automatic original reading device 8 of the original reading unit 1, or the original is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the original table glass 1a of the original reading unit 1 with the image surface facing downward, and the original table cover 8a is placed. Set the document by covering.

  Next, a start button described later is pressed. When the start button is pressed, the light source 2 of the document reading unit 1 is turned on, and when a document is set on the automatic document reader 8, the set document is automatically conveyed to a predetermined reading position.

  Then, the image information of the original is photoelectrically read by the image sensor 7 in units of pixels, and the digitally converted signal is sent to the writing unit 9 or stored by the storage means.

  When a document is set on the upper surface of the document table glass 1a of the document reading unit 1, the downward image surface of the document on the document table glass 1a is read and scanned by the movement of the moving optical system of the document reading unit 1. The

  Then, a signal photoelectrically read by the image sensor 7 in pixel units and converted into a digital signal is sent to the writing unit 9 or stored by the storage means.

  At the same time, in the image forming unit, the image carrier 10 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 11, and based on the digitally converted signal, the writing unit 9 scans and exposes the image carrier 10 with a laser. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is formed.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 10 is developed with toner from the developing device 12, and the toner image on the image carrier 10 is transferred to the first paper feeding unit 15 or the second paper by the transfer roller 13. Is transferred onto the sheet fed from the sheet feeding section 16.

  Then, the transferred paper is sent to the fixing device 14, and the toner image is fixed on the paper. The paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 19 onto the paper discharge tray 17 by the paper discharge roller 18.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a mechanism of rotational sorting performed on the paper discharge tray in FIG.

  Hereinafter, as an example of the electronic sorting (sorting) operation in the present embodiment, rotational sorting will be described with reference to FIG.

  The digital copying machine can output the captured image information by rotating it at various angles.

  In the first paper feed unit 15 in FIG. 1, A4 paper P is stacked and stored in a posture that is lateral to the paper feed direction (the long side of the paper is perpendicular to the paper feed direction). Is selected, the A4 paper P is laterally fed to the image forming unit.

  In the second paper feeding unit 16 in FIG. 1, A4 paper P is stacked and stored in a vertical orientation with respect to the paper feeding direction (the short side of the paper is perpendicular to the paper feeding direction). By selecting the second paper feeding unit 16, A4 paper is fed vertically to the image forming unit.

  An example of the operation of printing ten copies of 10 A4 landscape originals is as follows.

  First, the rotation sort mode is selected on an operation unit described later, and image information of 10 originals is read one by one by the original reading unit 1 and stored in the storage unit.

  The first copy F1 is fed from the first paper feed section 15 on the A4 side, based on the stored image information of the 10 originals, forms an image, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17.

  The second copy F2 rotates the stored image information of the original by 90 degrees, feeds it from the second paper feed unit 16 in A4 portrait, forms an image, and discharges the first copy F1. The paper is discharged onto the tray 17.

  The third copy F3 is fed on the side of A4 based on the stored document image information, forms an image, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 17 on which the first and second copies F1 and F2 are discharged. To do.

  The rotational sort described with reference to FIG. 2 is an example of the first rotational sort in the present invention.

  3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the paper feeding unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A shows a state where the paper feeding units 15 and 16 are full of paper P, and FIG. 3B shows the paper feeding units 15 and 16. This shows a state in which the remaining amount of paper P is low.

  Hereinafter, an example of the remaining paper amount detection unit in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The remaining sheet detection unit includes a fan gear 24 that rotates when driven by a lifter motor (not shown), a middle plate 27 that serves as a paper stacking member, and a lifter plate 21 that abuts against the middle plate 27 and lifts the middle plate 27. The shaft 22 connects the fan gear 24 and the lifter plate 21.

  The lifter plate 21 and the fan gear 24 rotate around the shaft 22, and these are held by the fan gear support plate 23. Further, the paper surface detection lever 25 and the sensor 26 are for detecting the height of the paper P stacked on the intermediate plate 27.

  The sensor 26 includes, for example, a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the height of the paper P by blocking light from the light emitting element by the paper surface detection lever 25.

  Specifically, the lifter plate 21 is rotated together with the fan gear 24 to lift the intermediate plate 27 that supports the paper P. When the uppermost paper P on the intermediate plate 27 pushes up the paper surface detection lever 25 and blocks the sensor 26, the drive of a lifter motor (not shown) is controlled to stop.

  In the present embodiment, the absolute rotation angle can be detected by changing the resistance value according to the rotation angle of the fan gear 24 until the paper surface is detected. Then, the calculation means (CPU 401 described later) calculates the height of the paper P on the paper feeding units 15 and 16 from the detected rotation amount, and accurately detects the remaining amount of the paper P.

  FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the digital copying machine of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a controller unit 400 controls the entire apparatus, and includes a scanner (corresponding to the image reading unit 1 in FIG. 1) 420 as an image input device and a printer (image in FIG. 1) as an image output device. (Corresponding to the forming portion) 421. On the other hand, the controller unit 400 inputs and outputs image information and device information by connecting to the LAN 422 and the public line (WAN) 423.

  In the controller 400, the CPU 401 controls the entire system. A RAM 402 is a system work memory for the CPU 401 to operate, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

  A ROM 403 is a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. An HDD 404 is a hard disk drive that stores system software and image data.

  An operation unit I / F 405 is an interface unit of an operation unit (UI) 424 and outputs data displayed by the operation unit 424. It also has a role of transmitting information input from the operation unit 424 by the system user to the CPU 401.

  A network 406 is connected to the LAN 422 to input / output information. The modem 407 is connected to the public line 423 and inputs / outputs information.

  The above devices are arranged on the system bus 408.

  An image bus I / F 409 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 408 and an image bus 410 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The image bus 410 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

  The following devices are arranged on the image bus 410.

  A RIP (raster image processor) 411 expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A device I / F 412 connects the scanner 420 and printer 421 to the controller unit 400, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  A scanner image processing unit 413 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 414 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data.

  The image rotation unit 415 rotates image data. The image compression unit 416 performs compression / decompression processing of JPEG for multivalued image data and JBIG, MMR, and MH for binary image data.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the operation unit in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, a function key 501 is used to select and instruct an operation that the user wants to perform with the digital copying machine. The display 502 is of a liquid crystal type such as 320 × 240 dots, for example.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing various types of information displayed on the display in FIG.

  Various information (characters, graphics, etc.) such as sorting selection 601 and paper selection 602 shown in FIG. 6A and paper out warning operation 603 during rotation shown in FIG. Display below.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the numeric keypad 503 sets the number of copies to be printed. The power key 504 is pressed when printing is not used, and the digital copying machine shifts to a residual heat mode when pressed.

  The operation unit 424 includes a setting confirmation key (OK key) 505 including a cursor movement key. For example, in the sorting selection 601, the details of the work contents are determined by pressing the setting confirmation key 505 after the cursor is moved to “rotation sorting” with the cursor movement key of the down arrow.

  The start / stop key 506 is operated to start the operation of the function selected by the function key 501 under the control of the CPU 401 or to stop the operation.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the rotation sorting performed on the paper discharge tray in FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a rotation sort in which a vertical paper (A4R in this example) and a horizontal paper (A4 in this example) are alternately used for each copy.

  In order from the bottom, first, A2 paper is fed from the second paper feed unit 16 to form an image, and the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17.

  Next, A4 paper is fed from the first paper feed unit 15, the stored image information of the original is rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees, image formation is performed, and the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17.

  Further, the sheet is fed in the A4 portrait from the second sheet feed unit 16 and is fed in the A4 landscape from the first sheet feed unit 15 to form an image, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 17.

  The above operation is repeated.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing rotation sorting using paper in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (A4 in this example) at the breaks or the first page of the copies.

  In order from the bottom, first, one sheet of A4 paper is fed from the first paper feed unit 15 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17 as image formation or partition paper.

  Next, A4 paper is fed from the second paper feed unit 16, the stored image information of the original is rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees, image formation is performed, and the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17.

  Further, one A4 landscape sheet is fed from the first sheet feed unit 15, A4 portrait sheet is fed from the second sheet feed unit 16, an image is formed, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 17. To do.

  The above operation is repeated.

  FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating rotation sorting using paper in the vertical and vertical directions (A4R in this example) at the breaks or the first page.

  In order from the bottom, first, the A4 paper is fed from the second paper feed unit 16 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17 as image formation or partition paper.

  Next, A4 landscape paper is fed from the first paper feed unit 15, the stored image information of the original is rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees, image formation is performed, and the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 17. .

  Further, one sheet of A4 portrait paper is fed from the second sheet feed unit 16, and one sheet of A4 landscape is fed from the first sheet feed unit 15, an image is formed, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 17. To do.

  The above operation is repeated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sorting processing performed by the digital copying machine of FIG.

  This flowchart is executed under the control of the CPU 401 in FIG.

  When a print request is generated, first, in step S801, the CPU 401 confirms the sorting setting content. An example of the sorting method is shown in sorting 601 in FIG. Originally, the processing conditions should be switched between the case of multiple pages that require sorting processing and the single page that does not require sorting processing under sorting processing conditions, but this is not directly related to the present invention. The description is omitted.

  If the CPU 401 determines in step S801 that the sorting setting content is rotation sort, the process proceeds to step S802. If the CPU 401 determines in step S801 that the process is other than rotational sorting, the process proceeds to step S810, performs other sorting processes, and then ends the present process.

  In step S802, the CPU 401 calculates the number of sheets necessary for printing one copy.

  In step S <b> 803, the CPU 401 obtains the remaining amount of paper stacked in each paper feed stage (the first paper feed unit 15 and the second paper feed unit 16). The details of the calculation method of the remaining amount of paper are as described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S804, the CPU 401 calculates the number of copies that can be normally sorted from the number of sheets required for printing the copies obtained in step S802 and the remaining number of sheets obtained in step S803.

  This calculation formula does not simply divide the number of remaining sheets in step S803 by the number of sheets necessary for printing the copy obtained in step S802. That is, the maximum printable number of copies is obtained by taking into account the number of printable copies when rotating alternately for each copy and the number of printable copies when only the first page is rotated.

  Specifically, in the case of a print job using 10 sheets per copy, when the 5 sort of rotation sort is instructed, the status of the image processing apparatus is 100 sheets left in the vertical position, Taking the case of 10 sheets remaining as an example, conventionally, only 2 copies could be printed.

  However, according to the present invention, the number of copies that can be printed in a paper feed stage with a small remaining amount is subtracted from 1 to 0, and the remaining 10 sheets are used for the first page rotation process, so that 5 copies can be sorted. It is calculated again so that it can be done.

  Next, in step S805, the CPU 401 confirms whether it is the head of the copy. If it is determined that it is the head of the copy, in step S806, the CPU 401 confirms whether it is necessary to correct the remaining amount of paper.

  In this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration is such that the remaining amount error of the sheet is unlikely to occur. However, it is further determined whether or not it is necessary to correct the remaining amount of paper calculated in step S803 based on the difference between the rotation angle of the fan gear 24 at the completion of the previous printing and the rotation angle of the fan gear 24 at the completion of the previous printing. The CPU 401 makes a determination.

  If the CPU 401 determines in step S806 that correction is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step S807. On the other hand, if it is determined that correction is necessary, the process returns to step S802, and the CPU 401 performs the calculation again.

  Next, in step S807, the CPU 401 confirms whether or not all pages can be discharged with paper in the same direction. Here, if it is possible to discharge the paper in the same direction, the process proceeds to step S808 in order to output all pages in a paper orientation different from the previous paper orientation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S807 that the CPU 401 has issued a paper out warning, the process advances to step S809 in order to perform a first page rotation sort process described later.

  After the processing of steps S808 and S809 is completed, the process proceeds to step S811, and the CPU 401 confirms whether printing is in progress. If it is determined that printing is in progress, the process returns to step S805, and the CPU 401 prints the next copy.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in step S811 that printing has been completed, this processing ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first page rotation sorting process executed in step S809 of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, a request for top page rotation sorting occurs. Then, first, in step S901, the CPU 401 sets vertically (for example, A4 portrait loaded on the second sheet feeder 16) and horizontally (stacks on the first sheet feeder 15) in the sheet feeding direction. It is determined which paper (A4 side) has more remaining paper.

  If the CPU 401 determines in step S901 that the remaining amount of paper in the horizontally stacked sheet feed stage (first sheet feeding unit 15) is equal to or greater than the portrait position, the process proceeds to step S902, and the operation is set to the horizontally stacked priority mode. (A4 side loaded on the first paper feed unit 15 is used preferentially).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S901 that the remaining amount of paper in the vertically stacked paper feed stage (second paper feed unit 16) is large, the process proceeds to step S908, and the CPU 401 switches the operation to the vertically stacked priority mode. Setting is performed (A4 portrait stacked on the second sheet feeder 16 is used with priority).

  Next, in step S903, the CPU 401 confirms the setting of the paper out warning operation 603 in FIG.

  In step S903, when the CPU 401 determines that the insertion of a partition sheet at the head is set in the out-of-paper warning operation 603, the process proceeds to step S904. In this process, as shown in FIG. 7C, the CPU 401 inserts a sheet of paper orientation different from that in the priority mode at the beginning of the copy (here, the A4 vertical paper of the second paper feed unit 16 is inserted). Feed and insert).

  Next, in step S905, the CPU 401 sets that the print start page is from the first page.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in step S903 that the out-of-paper warning operation 603 has been selected to print the first page on paper in a direction different from the priority mode, the process advances to step S906. In this processing, as shown in FIG. 7C, the first page of the set is printed on a paper having a direction different from that in the priority mode and discharged.

  In step S907, the CPU 401 sets that the print start page is from page 2.

  On the other hand, in step S901, if the CPU 401 determines that the remaining amount of paper in the vertically stacked paper feed stage (second paper feed unit 16) is large, the process proceeds to step S908, and the operation is set to the vertical stack priority mode. Set.

  Next, in step S909, the CPU 401 confirms the out-of-paper warning operation 603 in FIG.

  If the CPU 401 determines in step S909 that insert paper at the top is set in the out-of-paper warning operation 603, the process proceeds to step S910. In this process, as shown in FIG. 7B, a paper having a paper orientation different from that in the priority mode is inserted at the beginning of the copy (here, the A4 landscape paper loaded on the first paper feed unit 15 is loaded). Feed and insert).

  In step S911, the CPU 401 sets the print start page from the first page.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in step S909 that printing of the first page on a paper having a direction different from the priority mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S912. In this process, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first page of the set is printed on a sheet of paper having a direction different from that in the priority mode and is discharged (here, the A4 horizontal sheet stacked on the first sheet feeding unit 15). Paper is fed, drawn, and ejected).

  In step S913, the CPU 401 sets the print start page from 2 pages.

  In step S <b> 914, the CPU 401 confirms whether printing of the copy is completed. If it is determined that there is an unprinted page, the process proceeds to step S915. On the other hand, if it is determined that the last page of the copy has been printed, this process ends.

  In step S2014, the CPU 401 feeds the priority-oriented paper set in steps S902 and S908, and then proceeds to step S916.

  In step S916, the CPU 401 confirms whether image rotation is necessary. If the image needs to be rotated, the process advances to step S917, and the CPU 401 rotates the image by 90 degrees or 270 degrees.

  Next, in step S918, the CPU 401 actually prints and then discharges, returns to step S914, and checks again whether there are remaining pages.

  The first page rotation sort described with reference to FIG. 9 is an example of the second rotation sort in the present invention.

  Although explanation is omitted in the present embodiment, when the rotation sort is performed using a paper feed stage that cannot detect the remaining amount such as manual feed, the user is caused to input the number of sheets stacked on the paper feed stage. By subtracting this number by the amount used for printing, the rotation sort for each copy may be switched to the sort for rotating only the first page.

  Further, in the sort in which only the first page is rotated, it is natural that the rotation direction of the first page is controlled so as not to be the same as the paper direction of the immediately preceding part.

  In this embodiment, the rotation sort for each copy (first rotation sort) is switched to the rotation sort for the first page or the insertion of the partition paper (second rotation sort), but the division is made for each copy or each job. If possible, it is not limited to this method. For example, the second rotation sort may be a rotation sort that rotates only the last page instead of the first page, or a rotation sort that rotates only the first plurality of pages.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a first calculation unit that calculates the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job when rotation sorting is set as the sorting setting. In addition, when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting, a second calculation unit that calculates the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage is provided.

  Then, based on the result of calculation by the first calculation unit and the second calculation unit, the first rotation sort that rotates all pages for each set or each job with respect to the set number of copies or the job can be performed. Determine whether or not.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is a process of reading the program code.

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

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital copying machine as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mechanism of the rotation sort performed on the paper discharge tray in FIG. FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of a sheet feeding unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the digital copying machine of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the operation part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the various information displayed on the display in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of rotation sorting performed on a paper discharge tray in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sorting processing performed by the digital copying machine of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of first page rotation sorting processing executed in step S809 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

400 Controller unit 401 CPU
402 RAM
403 ROM
415 Image rotation unit 420 Scanner 421 Printer 424 Operation unit

Claims (9)

In an image processing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages for storing paper vertically and horizontally and having a function of sorting a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job,
A first calculation means for calculating the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting;
A second calculation means for calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage when rotational sorting is set as the sorting setting;
Based on the calculation results of the first calculation unit and the second calculation unit, a first rotation sort that rotates all pages for each set or each job with respect to a set number of copies or a job can be performed. A judging means for judging whether or not,
When the determination means determines that the first rotation sort can be performed, it determines that the first rotation sort cannot be performed by controlling the sorting process of the printed matter according to the first rotation sort. Control means for controlling the sorting process of the printed materials according to a second rotational sort different from the first rotational sort,
An image processing apparatus comprising:   2. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the sorting process according to the second rotation sort is a sorting process for discharging the first page for each copy or each job in a different direction from the remaining pages. apparatus.   The sorting process according to the second rotation sort is a sorting process in which a partition sheet having a direction different from a page for each copy or job is inserted between the copies or jobs. Item 6. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit that allows a user to select the second rotational sorting method. In a control method of an image processing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages for storing paper vertically and horizontally, and having a function of sorting a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job,
A first calculation step for calculating the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting;
A second calculation step for calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting;
Based on the calculation results of the first calculation step and the second calculation step, it is possible to perform a first rotation sort that rotates all pages for each copy or job with respect to a set number of copies or a job. A determination step for determining whether or not,
When it is determined from the determination step that the first rotation sort can be performed, it is determined that the sorting process of the printed matter is controlled according to the first rotation sort and the first rotation sort cannot be performed. A control step for controlling a sorting process of printed materials according to a second rotational sort different from the first rotational sort;
An image processing apparatus control method comprising:   6. The image processing according to claim 5, wherein the sorting process according to the second rotation sort is a sorting process for discharging the first page for each copy or each job in a different direction from the remaining pages. Control method of the device.   The sorting process according to the second rotation sort is a sorting process in which a partition sheet having a direction different from a page for each copy or job is inserted between the copies or jobs. Item 6. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to Item 5.   8. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an instruction step that allows a user to select the second rotation sorting method. In a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of an image processing apparatus having a plurality of paper feed stages for storing sheets vertically and horizontally, and having a function of sorting a plurality of printed materials or printed materials for each job,
The control method of the image processing apparatus is:
A first calculation step for calculating the number of sheets necessary for printing one part or the number of sheets necessary for printing one job when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting;
A second calculation step for calculating the remaining number of sheets stored in each paper feed stage when the rotation sort is set as the sorting setting;
Based on the calculation results of the first calculation step and the second calculation step, it is possible to perform a first rotation sort that rotates all pages for each copy or job with respect to a set number of copies or a job. A determination step for determining whether or not,
When it is determined from the determination step that the first rotation sort can be performed, it is determined that the sorting process of the printed matter is controlled according to the first rotation sort and the first rotation sort cannot be performed. A control step for controlling a sorting process of printed materials according to a second rotational sort different from the first rotational sort;
A program comprising:

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