JP2010159093A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience of the staple processing when issuing a command as a job lot for reading a bundle of documents consisting of a plurality of sets of document, and when it is necessary to process each documents stapling into the plurality of sets of document after the reading is completed. <P>SOLUTION: If a copy command is issued (#3: Yes), a document reading section carries out reading of documents (#4). If an index information determining section detects the existence of image data carrying index information (#5: Yes), an index table storing section stores an index table (#7). Then, if the command for staple processing is issued (#9: Yes), an index table transmitting section transmits the index table to a finisher control section (#12), and the finisher control section makes a staple processing section 650 carry out staple processing based on the index table (#22). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of an image reading apparatus that forms an image on paper, and particularly relates to stapling (stapling).

  Conventionally, when there are a plurality of originals to be copied, the user gives an instruction to read each original, or removes each part when it is stapled, and removes all the originals into one original bundle. Any method of instructing reading of the original document in a bundled state has been adopted, but these both impose troublesome operations on the user.

  There are the following Patent Documents 1 and 2 as documents relating to this point. The following Patent Document 1 is provided with an index sheet issuance key for instructing issuance of an index sheet. When the index sheet emission key is operated, the index sheet is issued, and the index sheet is read by the image reading unit. And a technique of recognizing index information on an index sheet and registering the index information and storage area designation information for designating a storage area of an image storage unit in association with each other.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for recognizing that a document job is switched when a predetermined shape is recognized at a corner portion of a read document, and switching an output form of image data.

JP 2001-119540 A JP 2004-64437 A

  When the original of each part to be read is stapled, the user may staple the original as it is when the scanning operation of each original is completed. It is considered that the convenience of the device can be improved if the device is equipped with the stapler function as before, but devices including such a function have been proposed in the past, including Patent Documents 1 and 2 above. It has not been.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and is a case where a reading operation for a bundle of documents composed of a plurality of documents is collectively indicated, and each document is read after the reading operation is completed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of improving the convenience related to the staple processing when the plurality of copies need to be stapled.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading unit that performs a reading operation on each original document including a plurality of copies in a state in which the boundary of each part is indicated by the index information, and reading each original document constituting the original bundle. A first input operation unit for inputting an instruction to execute an operation; and index information for acquiring and storing the index information when reading each document based on the input of the instruction by the first input operation unit An acquisition unit, a second input operation unit for performing an instruction to perform stapling processing based on the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit, and the stapling process performed by the second input operation unit. When execution is instructed, a stapling process is performed on the bundle of documents placed on a predetermined paper placement unit based on the index information. An image reading apparatus and a stapling unit for dividing the original beam into said plurality portions.

  According to the present invention, when the first input operation unit is operated, the image reading unit performs a reading operation on each original of a plurality of original bundles. Further, at the time of reading, index information indicating the boundaries between the respective parts constituting the original bundle is stored by the index information acquisition unit.

  When execution of the staple process is instructed by the second input operation unit for performing an input for instructing execution of staple processing based on the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit, the staple processing unit Thus, stapling processing is performed on the original bundle placed on a predetermined paper placement portion based on the index information, and the original bundle is divided into the plurality of copies.

  As a result, the user can simply restore the stapled state before reading by performing a simple and simple operation of placing the original bundle on the paper placement unit and operating the second input operation unit. Can be obtained automatically.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, the index information acquisition unit reads a predetermined image formed on a sheet different from the document as the index information. .

  According to the present invention, the index information can be provided to the apparatus by a simple operation of inserting a sheet on which the predetermined image is formed into an appropriate position of a document bundle to be read.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by a reading operation by the image reading unit, and the predetermined number. A third input operation unit for inputting an instruction to form an image on a sheet, and the image forming unit receives an instruction to form the predetermined image on the sheet by the third input operation unit. When input, the predetermined image is formed on a sheet.

  According to the present invention, it is provided with a third input operation unit for inputting an instruction to form the predetermined image on a sheet, and the image forming unit is determined by the third input operation unit. When an instruction to form an image on a sheet is input, the user can obtain a sheet carrying index information with a simple operation by forming the predetermined image on the sheet. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image formation is such that an image is formed on a sheet based on the image data obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit. A first paper placement unit on which a paper to be supplied to the image forming unit is placed; and a first paper placement unit on which the paper to be supplied to the staple processing unit is placed. And a second paper placement unit different from the paper placement unit, wherein the staple processing unit performs the second input operation in a state where the original bundle is placed on the second paper placement unit. When the execution of the stapling process is instructed by a section, the original bundle placed on the second paper placement section is set as a target of the staple processing based on the index information, and the original bundle is the first bundle. In the state of being placed on the paper placement portion, the second When the execution of the stapling process is instructed by the force operation unit, the document bundle placed on the first paper placing unit is set as the target of the stapling process based on the index information based on the index information. Is.

  According to this invention, the image reading apparatus places the first paper placement unit on which the paper to be supplied to the image forming unit is placed, and the first paper on which the paper to be supplied to the staple processing unit is placed. In the case where a second paper placement unit different from the first paper placement unit is provided, the original bundle is placed on either the first paper placement unit or the second paper placement unit. Even in this case, the original bundle can be divided into the plurality of copies, and the staple processing can be performed on the divided originals.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image forming unit forms an image on a sheet based on the image data obtained by the reading operation by the image reading unit. A staple processing unit that performs a staple process on a sheet on which an image forming operation has been performed by the image forming unit.

  According to the present invention, when a staple processing unit that performs a staple process on a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is mounted in the image reading apparatus, the staple processing unit performs a staple process on the document bundle. Thus, the original bundle can be used to divide the bundle into a plurality of parts.

  According to the present invention, the user is stapled before reading by only a simple and simple operation of placing the original bundle at the predetermined position and operating the second input operation unit. Since the original in the original state is automatically created, the convenience of the image reading apparatus can be improved.

It is a side view showing an example of an internal configuration of one embodiment of an image reading device concerning the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the number of originals of each part bundled in one original bundle. It is a figure which shows an example of an index table. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operations and processes of each unit in the image reading apparatus.

  Embodiments of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the internal configuration of an embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

  The multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multifunction device 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 including an image forming unit 100, an original reading unit 4, and a paper feeding unit 5, an original conveying mechanism 3 that serves as an original presser installed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 2, and an apparatus main body. 2 and a finisher 6 installed on one side.

  The document transport mechanism 3 includes a document placement unit 301, a carry-in drive unit 302 including a pair of carry-in rollers, a transport roller pair 303, a discharge roller pair 304, a paper discharge table 305, and a document that detects the presence or absence of a document. A detection switch 306 is provided, and the originals placed on the original placement unit 301 are automatically conveyed one by one in contact with the contact glass 402, and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 305 after exposure scanning of the originals. .

  The document transport mechanism 3 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 2 so that the front side thereof can move upward. By moving the front side of the document transport mechanism 3 upward to open the upper surfaces of the contact glasses 401 and 402, the operator places a read document, for example, a book in a spread state, on the upper surfaces of the contact glasses 401 and 402. Can be placed.

  The document reading unit 4 includes a scanner unit (not shown) that generates image data from an optically acquired document image, and includes a contact glass 401 and a contact glass 402 on an upper surface thereof. Then, the document reading unit 4 reads image data obtained from a document placed on the contact glass 401 or a document transported so as to be in contact with the contact glass 402 by the document transport mechanism 3 with a CCD (not shown). And output to a main body control unit 10 (see FIG. 2) described later.

  The paper supply unit 5 includes paper supply cassettes 501 and 502 that store paper of each size and vertical and horizontal types, and a manual insertion paper supply unit 503. The paper feeding unit 5 includes a conveyance path 504 that conveys paper from the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 to the image forming unit 100, and a conveyance path 505 that conveys paper from the manual insertion paper feeding unit 503 to the image forming unit 100. Prepare. Each of the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual paper feed unit 503 includes pickup rollers 506, 507, and 508 for taking out the stored paper (paper), and a pair of paper feed rollers for feeding the paper one by one to the conveyance path. 509, 510, 511.

  The conveyance path 504 includes a conveyance roller pair 512 and 513 that conveys a sheet, and a registration roller pair 514 that makes the sheet conveyed in front of the image forming unit 100 stand by at a predetermined position. Further, the transport path 505 joins the transport path 504 on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 514.

  The image forming unit 100 includes a drum-shaped photosensitive member 101 that is rotatably supported, a charging unit 102 disposed around the photosensitive member 101, a developing unit 103, a cleaning unit 104, and a laser scanning unit 105. A transfer roller 106 and a fixing roller pair 107. The charging unit 102 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 101 to a predetermined potential. The laser scanning unit 105 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor 101 with a laser beam based on image data transmitted from the main body control unit 10 (see FIG. 2), and forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 101. is there.

  The developing unit 103 causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image to make the image appear. The transfer roller 106 transfers the exposed toner image to a sheet. The fixing roller pair 107 is made of paper. The toner image transferred to the toner image is fixed. The cleaning unit 104 cleans toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 101 after image transfer.

  A paper discharge unit 108 is provided in the upper portion of the apparatus main body 2, and the paper conveyed from the fixing roller pair 107 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 109 and discharged to the paper discharge unit 108. The discharge roller pair 110 discharges the sheet conveyed from the fixing roller pair 107 to the finisher 6, and discharges the sheet by a discharge branch guide 111 driven according to a control signal from the main body control unit 10. The direction can be switched between the discharge roller pair 109 side and the discharge roller pair 110 side.

  When images are formed on both sides of a sheet, the image forming unit 100 forms an image on one side of the sheet, and the sheet is nipped by the discharge roller pair 109. In this state, the discharge roller pair 109 is reversed to switch back the paper, and the paper is sent to the paper transport path L and transported again to the upstream area of the image forming unit 100. The image forming unit 100 forms an image on the other surface. After that, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit 108 or conveyed to the finisher 6.

  The paper discharged from the apparatus main body 2 is subjected to punch processing, stapling processing, sorting processing, and the like in the finisher 6. The paper that has undergone these processes is discharged to the first discharge tray 61. In the upper part of the first discharge tray 61, an insert tray 62 on which paper (insert paper) to be inserted into the top, bottom, or middle of the sheet bundle is placed, and an insertion destination of the paper placed on the insert tray 62, A sheet bundle placing tray 63 on which the sheet bundle to be placed is placed, and a second discharge tray 64 that accommodates sheets to be discarded by being extracted from the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placing tray 63 Is provided.

  At the carry-in port 601 of the finisher 6, the sheet conveyed by the discharge roller pair 110 of the apparatus main body 2, the sheet conveyed from the insert tray 62, and the sheet conveyed from the sheet bundle mounting tray 63 are received. It is brought in.

  The insert paper placed on the insert tray 62 is conveyed to the carry-in port 601 by the paper feed rollers 621 to 624. The sheets forming the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placing tray 63 are conveyed to the carry-in port 601 by the paper feed rollers 625, 623, and 624.

  In the finisher 6, the paper discharged from the apparatus main body 2 and the insert paper placed on the insert tray 62 are controlled by controlling the rotational driving of the discharge roller pair 110 and the paper feed rollers 621 to 625. Any one of the sheets forming the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placing tray 63 can be selectively conveyed to the carry-in port 601. The paper that has passed through the carry-in port 601 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 680.

  A transport path switching mechanism 602 is provided on the downstream side of the transport inlet 601 in the paper transport direction. The conveyance path switching mechanism 602 is driven by a solenoid or the like, and the paper conveyance path 640 connected to the second discharge tray 64 and the paper conveyance path 610 connected to the first discharge tray 61 are connected to the paper conveyance path continuing from the carry-in entrance 601. It is a branch of crab. The sheet conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 640 connected to the second discharge tray 64 is discharged to the second discharge tray 64 by the conveyance roller 631 and conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 610 connected to the first discharge tray 61. Is discharged to the first discharge tray 61 by the transport roller 611.

  The conveyance path switching mechanism 603 includes a sheet conveyance path 610 connected to the first discharge tray 61 and a sheet conveyance path 612 following the staple processing unit 650 for performing a staple process or the like. It is a branch of crab.

  When the paper that has passed through the carry-in port 601 is discharged to the first discharge tray 61, the transport path switching mechanism 602 shuts off the paper transport path 640 side, and the transport path switching mechanism 603 blocks the paper transport path 612 to remove the paper. Guide to the first discharge tray 61 side. Further, when the paper that has passed through the carry-in port 601 is discharged to the second discharge tray 64, the transport path switching mechanism 602 blocks the paper transport path 610 side and guides the paper to the second discharge tray 64 side. When the sheet that has passed through the carry-in port 601 is conveyed to the staple processing unit 650 side, the conveyance path switching mechanism 602 blocks the sheet conveyance path 640 side, and the conveyance path switching mechanism 603 blocks the sheet conveyance path 610, The sheet is guided to the staple processing unit 650 side.

  The sheet conveyed from the apparatus main body 2 and the insert by the rotational drive control of the discharge roller pair 110, the feed rollers 621 to 625, the transport rollers 680 and 611 and the switching control of the transport path switching mechanisms 602 and 603 described above. The insert paper placed on the tray 62 and the paper forming the paper bundle placed on the paper bundle placement tray 63 can be freely distributed to the first discharge tray 61 or the second discharge tray 64. It has become.

  A user interface unit 8 is provided in front of the apparatus body 3. The user interface unit 8 visually provides an operation screen, various messages, and the like, and functions as a unit for inputting various operation commands. The user interface unit 8 includes a display unit 801, a touch panel 802, numeric keys. A group 803, various operation buttons 804 to 807, a function selection button 808, and the like are provided.

  The display unit 801 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or the like, and displays an operation guidance screen for the user such as paper size selection, magnification selection, density selection, and the like. The display unit 801 is formed integrally with the touch panel 802. The touch panel 802 detects a touch position and outputs a detection signal to a main body control unit 10 to be described later when a user performs a touch operation.

  The numeric key group 803 is used to input, for example, the number of copies when operating the copy function of the multifunction machine 1 and the telephone number of the transmission destination when operating the facsimile function. The power saving button 804 is a button for setting the multifunction machine 1 in a power saving (low power) mode. A start button 805 is a button for starting a copy operation and a scanner operation, and a stop / clear button 806 is a button for stopping the copy operation and the scanner operation and canceling an input operation. A reset button 807 is a button for setting the display and various settings of the display unit 801 to an initial state or a standard operation state. A function selection button 808 is a button for setting a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 2 includes a main body control unit 10 that controls operation of the entire apparatus. This main body control unit 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) having a function of temporarily storing a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a program for defining the operation of the CPU and data. Random Access Memory (RAM) having a function as a work area, and peripheral devices such as a storage unit such as a RAM for temporarily storing data are configured. The document reading unit 4, the image forming unit 100, Is connected.

  The main body control unit 10 is connected to a storage unit 71 used as a work area for temporarily storing document data read by the document reading unit 4. The storage unit 71 is a so-called main memory, and is configured using a low-cost volatile storage element such as a DRAM.

  When the document reading unit 4 reads a document, the image processing unit 73 converts an analog image signal output from the document reading unit 4 into a digital image, performs image processing for improving image quality, and then converts the image into a compressed image. Further, when the file data (compressed image) to be printed out is written in the storage unit 71 from each computer on the network, the image processing unit 73 decompresses the compressed file data and responds to the output state. For example, in the case of laser exposure, analog modulation is performed on the laser signal. The image forming unit 100 prints out based on the analog-modulated signal.

  The document transport mechanism 3 corresponds to the document transport mechanism 3 shown in FIG. 1, and the document placed on the document placement unit 301 is automatically brought into contact with the contact glass 402 one by one by various rollers or the like. The document is conveyed and discharged onto a paper discharge tray 305 after exposure scanning of the original.

  The main body control unit 10 functions as a scanner controller, a facsimile controller, a printer controller, a copy controller, a network controller, and a finisher controller that control each function that can be executed by the apparatus main body 2.

  The scanner controller controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the document reading unit 4. The facsimile controller controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 74 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 74 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner. The copy controller controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation.

  The printer controller controls the operation of each unit necessary for printer operation. This printer controller includes a parallel I / F unit 75 that is connected to an external device by parallel transmission that sends several bits at once using a plurality of signal lines, and sequentially transmits data one bit at a time using a single signal line. A serial I / F unit 76 connected to an external device is connected by serial transmission.

  The network controller controls data transmission / reception performed between the multifunction machine 1 and a computer on the network. The network controller transmits / receives data to / from the outside via the network I / F unit 77.

  The finisher controller sends a control signal to the finisher control unit 60 of the finisher 6 in accordance with an instruction input to the user interface unit 8, and the paper discharged from the apparatus body 2 and the insert paper placed on the insert tray 62. And the sheet forming the sheet bundle placed on the sheet bundle placing tray 63 (see FIG. 1) are freely distributed and conveyed to the first discharge tray 61 or the second discharge tray 64 (see FIG. 1). I do. The user interface unit 8 to which various operation instructions are input from an operator is controlled by the main body control unit 10.

  The finisher 6 is controlled by a finisher controller of the main body control unit 10. In the finisher 6, the operation of each unit of the finisher 6 is controlled according to the control signal received from the main body control unit 10 by the finisher control unit 60.

  The finisher control unit 60 feeds paper from a transport roller driving unit 6800 that drives a transport roller 680 that transports paper near the carry-in port 601 and paper from the insert paper or the paper stacking tray 63 from the insert tray 62. A paper feed roller drive unit 6220 for driving the paper feed rollers 622 to 624, a paper feed roller drive unit 6200 for driving a paper feed roller 621 for feeding insert paper from the insert tray 62, and a paper bundle placement tray 63. A sheet bundle conveying roller driving unit 6300 that drives a sheet feeding roller 625 that conveys the sheet placed on the paper, a discharge conveying roller driving unit 6100 that drives a conveying roller 611 that conveys the sheet to the first discharge tray 61, and Waste paper transport roller driving unit 6400 that drives a transport roller 631 that transports paper to the second discharge tray 64. There has been connected.

  Each of these drive units is controlled by a finisher control unit 60 on the finisher 6 side based on a control signal from a finisher controller of the apparatus main body 2. The operation of the switching mechanism driving unit 6020 for driving the transport path switching mechanisms 602 and 603 is also controlled by the finisher control unit 60 on the finisher 6 side based on a control signal from the apparatus main body 2.

  In addition to the above configuration, the main body control unit 10 functions as an index sheet issue instruction unit 11, an index information determination unit 12, an index table creation unit 13, an index table storage unit 14, and an index table transmission unit 15. In addition, the finisher control unit 60 has functions as an index table receiving unit 65, a first staple processing instruction unit 66, and a second staple processing instruction unit 67.

  The user interface unit 8 of the multifunction machine 1 includes an index sheet issue button 809 and a staple instruction button 810. In addition, these buttons are comprised as a virtual button comprised by the display part 801 and the touchscreen 802, for example.

  An index sheet issue button 809 is a button for instructing issue of an index sheet on which an index image is formed. When the button 809 is operated, an operation signal is output to the main body control unit 10. The index image is an image carrying index information indicating the boundaries between the parts constituting the document bundle, and the index sheet is a sheet on which the index image is formed.

  When the index sheet issue button 809 is operated, the index sheet issue instruction unit 11 receives an operation signal output from the button 809 and instructs the image forming unit 100 or the like to generate an index sheet.

  When a plurality of index sheets are issued, the plurality of index sheets carry different index information. For example, a plurality of index sheets on which index images indicating continuous number information are formed are issued. Image data of an index image formed on the index sheet (hereinafter, this image data is referred to as index image data) is stored in advance in the index image data storage unit 711 of the storage unit 71.

  In the following, it is assumed that the user inserts the index sheet generated in this way at the head of each part and then stacks the originals of each part to form a series of original bundles. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the user has 7 sheets for the 1st part, 6 sheets for the 2nd part, 7 sheets for the 3rd part, 5 sheets for the 4th part, and 5 sheets for the 5th part. If you want to copy a total of 5 copies / 30 originals at once, insert an index sheet at the beginning of each part and then stack the originals in each part, so that between the 7th original and the 8th original, Index sheets are inserted between the 13th document and the 14th document, between the 20th document and the 21st document, and between the 25th document and the 26th document, respectively. A series of document bundles is generated.

  The user places the document bundle with the index sheet inserted in this manner on the document placement unit 301 and operates the start button 805, so that the copy operation for each document including the index sheet is performed on the document reading unit 4. And the image forming unit 100 and the like.

  The index information determination unit 12 determines whether or not the image data obtained by the reading operation of the document reading unit 4 is image data (index image data) carrying the index information.

  When the index information determination unit 12 determines that the image data is index image data, the index table creation unit 13 determines the index information corresponding to the index image data and the next index image data. An index table indicating the correspondence with the number of originals is stored. The index table storage unit 14 stores the index table created by the index table creation unit 13.

  For example, it is assumed that the index information of Index 1, Index 2, Index 3, Index 4, and Index 5 is obtained in the order of reading the index sheets when the copy operation of each document in the document bundle as shown in FIG. 3 is performed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the index information Index1 is associated with the number data of “7 sheets (original documents from the first sheet to the seventh sheet)”, and the index information Index2 is “6 sheets ( 8th to 13th documents) ”is associated with the index information Index3 and“ 7th (14th to 20th documents) ”number data is associated with the index information Index3. The information Index 4 is associated with the number data of “5 sheets (21st document and 25th document)”, and the index information Index 5 is “5 documents (26th to 30th documents). ) ”Is created by the index table creation unit 13, and the index table is stored in the index table storage unit 14. It is.

  When the index table is stored in the index table storage unit 14, the index table transmission unit 15 sends the index table stored in the index table storage unit 14 to the finisher control unit 60 together with an instruction signal indicating a stapling execution instruction. Send.

  Note that the index table transmission unit 15 returns the index table storage unit when the operation to the staple instruction button 810 is not performed within a predetermined waiting time after the index table is stored in the index table storage unit 14. 14 deletes the index table.

  The index table receiving unit 65 of the finisher control unit 6 receives the index table transmitted from the main body control unit 10 (index table transmission unit 15).

  When the original is discharged to the paper output tray 305, the user removes the index sheet from the original bundle and places the original bundle on the paper bundle placement tray 63.

  A staple instruction button 810 is a button for instructing execution of a staple process for a document bundle placed on the sheet bundle placement tray 63. When the button 810 is operated, an operation signal indicating that is sent to the main body. Output to the control unit 10. In response to the operation signal, the main body control unit 10 instructs the finisher control unit 60 to execute the stapling process.

  When the index table is received by the index table receiving unit 65, the first staple processing instructing unit 66 is executed by the document reading unit 4, the image forming unit 100, etc. based on the operation of the start button 805 based on the index table. The staple processing unit 650 is caused to perform a stapling process on the copy generated by the copied operation.

  When the index table is received by the index table receiving unit 65 and the staple instruction button 810 is operated within the waiting time, the second staple processing instruction unit 67 sends the sheet bundle to the insert paper feed roller driving unit 6200. The originals are taken in from the loading tray 63 one by one, and the staple processing unit 650 performs the stapling process on the originals based on the index table.

  For example, when the index table is an index table as shown in FIG. 4, the first staple processing instruction unit 66 reads the number data “7 sheets” associated with Index 1 in the index table, and based on this number data, The staple processing unit 650 is instructed to perform a staple process on the seventh document after the start of document feeding.

  Similarly, the second stapling processing instruction unit 67 reads the number data “6 sheets” associated with Index 2 in the index table, and performs stapling processing on the subsequent six sheets of documents based on the number data. The staple processing unit 650 is instructed to perform the operation. The same applies to Index3 to Index5.

  With the above operation, a document that has been stapled to a state before copying (a state in which each unit is stapled) is obtained.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation and processing of each unit in the multifunction machine 1. Here, it is assumed that the target document for the copy instruction is a document composed of a plurality of copies.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the index sheet issuance button 809 is operated (YES in step # 1), the index sheet issuance instruction unit 11 instructs the image forming unit 100 and the like to create an index sheet, and the image forming unit 100 creates an index sheet based on the instruction (step # 2). When the index sheet is output, the user inserts the index sheet at the head of each part, for example, and stacks the original bundle of each part on one original bundle.

  The processes in steps # 1 and # 2 are repeatedly executed until a copy instruction is given by the start button 805. When the copy instruction is given (YES in step # 3), the document reading unit 4 performs a reading operation on the document. Implement (step # 4).

  When the image data is obtained by this reading operation, the index information discriminating unit 12 determines whether there is image data carrying index information in the image data (step # 5). If there is no image data bearing the index information (NO in step # 5), the image forming unit 100 performs an image forming operation (step # 6).

  At this time, if an instruction for stapling processing on the paper after image formation is input in advance, the overall control unit 10 notifies the finisher control unit 60 to that effect. As a result, the first staple processing instruction unit 66 of the finisher control unit 60 causes the staple processing unit 650 to perform the staple processing.

  On the other hand, if image data carrying the index information exists in the image data (YES in step # 5), the index table creation unit 13 creates an index table, and the index table storage unit 14 creates the index data. The table is stored (step # 7). Then, image forming unit 100 performs an image forming operation (step # 8).

  Note that if an instruction for stapling processing on a sheet after image formation is input in advance, the overall control unit 10 notifies the finisher control unit 60 to that effect. As a result, the first staple processing instruction unit 66 of the finisher control unit 60 causes the staple processing unit 650 to perform the staple processing.

  Next, the index table transmission unit 15 determines whether or not an instruction for stapling is instructed by the stapling instruction button 810 (step # 9), and when an instruction for stapling is not given (NO in step # 9). ) It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the process of step # 8 (step # 10). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step # 10), the process of step # 9 is performed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step # 10), the index table creation unit 13 deletes the index table stored in the index table storage unit 14 (step # 11).

  In step # 9, when the index table transmission unit 15 determines that an instruction for stapling has been given by the staple instruction button 810 (YES in step # 9), the index table transmission unit 15 stores the index table stored in the index table storage unit 14. The data is transmitted to the finisher control unit 60 of the finisher 6 (step # 12).

  When the index table reception unit 65 of the finisher control unit 60 receives the index table from the index table transmission unit 15 of the main body control unit 10 (YES in Step # 21), the second staple processing instruction unit 67 performs the insert sheet feeding. The roller driving unit 6200 fetches originals one by one from the sheet stacking tray 63, and performs stapling processing based on the number data (step # 22).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the multifunction apparatus 1 is equipped with a function of using the obtained index table to set the original bundle to the original stapled state, the user can staple the original. When the user does not need to perform the stapling process on the document and the multifunction device 1 performs the stapling process on the document, only a simple and simple operation of placing the document bundle on the sheet bundle placing tray 63 and operating the staple instruction button 810 is performed. Therefore, the convenience of the multifunction device 1 can be improved.

  In this case, the following modifications may be employed instead of or in addition to the embodiment.

  [1] In the embodiment described above, the paper stacking tray 63 is set as the paper stacking tray 63 for setting the original position of the staple processing target to be performed when the staple instruction button 810 instructs stapling. When the loading tray 63 is not provided, the sheet feeding cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual insertion sheet feeding unit 503 may be used.

  That is, after the copying operation is completed, the multi function device 1 informs the user to place the original on the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual paper feed unit 503, and the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual paper feed unit 503. When an instruction for stapling is given by the staple instruction button 810 while the original is placed on the paper, the original placed on the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 or the manual feed paper supply unit 503 is taken in, and the above-described embodiment. Similarly to the above, stapling processing is performed on those documents based on the already obtained index table.

  However, in this case, the originals taken in from the paper feed cassettes 501 and 502 and the manual paper feed unit 503 are nipped by the fixing roller pair 107 in the middle of the conveyance, and pressure and temperature are applied by the fixing roller pair 107. Therefore, since there is a risk of deformation such as curving or wrinkling, the overall control unit 10 temporarily sets the temperature of the fixing roller pair 107 when the document passes in consideration of this point. It is preferable to perform a control to decrease.

  [2] In addition to information obtained from the index image formed on the index sheet, the index information is assumed to be obtained from an index such as a crease on the boundary (separator) page of each part. In addition, the user himself / herself is configured to be able to input the boundary of each part (the boundary between the number of documents in the document bundle) to the apparatus, and stapling processing is performed based on the input content You may make it do.

  [3] In the embodiment, an input operation unit (first input) for executing a copying operation of each document in the document bundle and inputting an instruction to execute a stapling process on a copy obtained by the copying operation. A separate button (a start button 805 and a staple instruction button) as an input operation unit (second input operation unit) for performing an input for instructing the staple processing unit 650 to perform a staple process on the original. 810), whether the instruction inputted this time is an instruction to execute a copying operation of each document of the bundle of documents and execute a stapling process on a copy obtained by the copying operation, or the staple A separate mechanism is provided in the processing unit 650 so that the multi-function device 1 can identify whether or not the staple processing unit 650 is instructed to perform stapling processing on the document. It may be the same button in Rukoto.

  [4] In the above embodiment, when the stapling process is performed, the main body control unit 10 transmits the index table to the finisher control unit 60. However, the transmission target is not limited to the index table. Instead, it may be information related to the boundary between the parts constituting the document bundle.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main body control part 11 Index sheet issue instruction | indication part 12 Index information discrimination | determination part 13 Index table creation part 14 Index table memory | storage part 15 Index table transmission part 60 Finisher control part 65 Index table reception part 66 1st staple process instruction | indication part 67 2nd staple Processing instruction unit 650 Staple processing unit 8 User interface unit 805 Start button 809 Index sheet issue button 810 Staple instruction button

Claims (5)

An image reading unit that performs a reading operation on each document of a plurality of document bundles in a state where the boundary of each unit is indicated by index information;
A first input operation unit for inputting an instruction to execute a reading operation of each original constituting the original bundle;
An index information acquisition unit that acquires and stores the index information when reading each document based on the input of the instruction by the first input operation unit;
A second input operation unit for inputting to instruct execution of stapling processing based on the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit;
When execution of the stapling process is instructed by the second input operation unit, a stapling process is performed on the original bundle placed on a predetermined paper placement unit based on the index information, and the original An image reading apparatus comprising: a staple processing unit that divides a bundle into a plurality of units.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index information acquisition unit reads a predetermined image formed on a sheet different from the document as the index information. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by a reading operation by the image reading unit;
A third input operation unit for inputting an instruction to form the predetermined image on a sheet;
3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit forms the predetermined image on a sheet when an instruction to form the predetermined image on a sheet is input by the third input operation unit. Reader. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by a reading operation by the image reading unit;
The paper placement unit includes a first paper placement unit on which paper to be supplied to the image forming unit is placed, and the first paper placement on which paper to be supplied to the staple processing unit is placed. A second sheet placement portion different from the portion,
When the second input operation unit instructs the staple processing unit to execute the stapling process in a state where the original bundle is placed on the second paper placement unit, the staple processing unit The document bundle placed on the placement unit is set as a target for stapling based on the index information, and the second input operation is performed in a state where the document bundle is placed on the first sheet placement unit. When the execution of the stapling process is instructed by a section, the document bundle placed on the first paper placing section is set as a target for stapling based on the index information based on the index information. The image reading apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data obtained by a reading operation by the image reading unit;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the staple processing unit performs a staple process on a sheet on which an image forming operation is performed by the image forming unit.

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