JP2013086292A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device configured to output printed matters according to a seat layout, in consideration of a specific seat to be individually specified, and to easily distribute the printed matters to the seats arranged in multiple rows.SOLUTION: Selected layout information of seats arranged in multiple rows is accepted, on a distribution information selection input screen displayed on a touch panel 11. Individual specification information is received for holding the specification to the specific seat by an individual specification information input screen displayed on the touch panel 11. The number of required copies of printed matters is acquired by subtracting the number of the specific seats for which the specification is held by the individual specification information, from the number of seats based on the layout information. The main device sequentially prints the acquired number of copies of printed matter, for each copy. A post-processing device distributes and outputs the printed matters for each row, on the basis of the layout information and the individual specification information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that outputs printed matter, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a sorting function.

  There is an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus having a sorting function. In such an image forming apparatus, by specifying the number of copies to be sorted, the printed matter (single-sheet recording paper or recording paper bundle on which printing has been performed) is sorted and output for each designated number of copies. The number of copies to be sorted can be specified not only from the image forming apparatus main body but also from a peripheral device connected via a network or the like (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-220860 JP 2002-108576 A

  In the conventional technology, when the printed material is distributed for each row of seats arranged in multiple rows, the number of seats for each row (the number of copies to be distributed) is different, or individual measures are required for specific seats. In such a case, there is a problem that the distribution work becomes complicated. That is, when sorting according to the row with the largest number of seats, it takes time and effort to distribute more prints than necessary in the row with the fewest seats. In order to prevent this, an extra work of confirming the number of seats for each row and re-sorting to the necessary quantity in advance is required. In addition, when it is necessary to individually respond to a specific seat (for example, distribution of additional documents, correspondence of absentees, etc.), it is necessary to separately perform output work and distribution work of printed matter.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and to perform sorting output according to the seat layout in consideration of individual correspondence to a specific seat, and arranged in a plurality of rows An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily distributing printed materials to (arranged) seats.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that outputs printed matter, and an information input unit that receives arrangement information of seats arranged in a plurality of rows and individual correspondence information that instructs to stop output to a specific seat; Printing means for sequentially printing the number of copies of the printed matter obtained by subtracting the number of specific seats for which output cancellation is instructed by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information; and the printed matter printed by the printing means Sorting means for sorting and outputting the data in units of columns based on the array information and the individual correspondence information.
Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the information input unit receives the individual correspondence information instructing additional output to a specific seat, and the printing unit is configured to specify the specific seat in which additional output is instructed by the individual correspondence information. At the time of printing the printed matter, data for which additional output is instructed by the individual correspondence information may be additionally printed.
Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the information input unit accepts the individual correspondence information instructing transmission of data scheduled to be output as the printed material for a specific seat,
The printing unit may sequentially print the number of copies of the printed matter obtained by subtracting the number of seats instructed to be transmitted by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information.

  According to the present invention, the arrangement information of the seats arranged in a plurality of rows and the individual correspondence information instructing the output cancellation to the specific seat are received, and the output cancellation is instructed by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information. In addition to sequentially printing the printed matter of the number of copies obtained by subtracting the number of specific seats in units of copies, the printed matter is sorted and output in units of columns based on the arrangement information. Considering the correspondence, it is possible to perform sorting output according to the seat layout, and it is possible to easily perform the distribution work of printed materials to the seats arranged (arranged) in a plurality of rows.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation panel shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a sheet transport mechanism of the stock tray illustrated in FIG. 2. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a distribution sorting operation of the embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a distribution information selection input screen displayed on the touch panel shown in FIG. 2, and a distribution information display screen example. It is a figure which shows the example of an individual corresponding | compatible information input screen displayed on the touch panel shown in FIG. 2, and an example of a distribution information display screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a distribution information display screen displayed on the touch panel shown in FIG. 2, and a sorting method selection input screen example. It is a figure which shows the example of an output by the sort operation for distribution of embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an output by the sort operation for distribution of embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment takes in a main body device 100 that prints on a recording paper P, and the recording paper P printed by the main body device 100, and performs a width-sorting process, a punching process, and a stapling process. And a post-processing device 200 that performs processing and the like.

  On the front side of the main body apparatus 100, an operation panel 10 for setting the main body apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 200 and operating instructions is disposed. Referring to FIG. 2, the operation panel 10 is initialized with a touch panel 11 having a transparent pressure sensor on the surface of the liquid crystal display panel, a numeric keypad 12 for inputting numerical values such as the number of prints, and setting information. A reset key 13 for inputting an instruction to perform the operation, a stop key 14 for stopping the copying operation or erasing the input numerical value, and a start key 15 for inputting an output instruction for starting the printing operation. And.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a basic display screen of the touch panel 11. In addition to keys for paper selection, magnification selection, and density selection, a distribution sorting key 16, a staple key 17, and a punch key 18 are provided. It has been. The distribution sorting key 16 is a key for inputting settings for performing distribution sorting. The staple key 17 is a key for inputting settings for performing a stapling process on a bundle of printed recording paper P. Further, the punch key 18 is a key for inputting settings for performing punching processing on a bundle of printed recording paper P.

  The main body device 100 is a copying machine, and includes a document reading unit 120, a document feeding unit 130, and a recording unit 140, as shown in FIG. The document reading unit 120 is disposed above the recording unit 140, and the document feeding unit 130 is disposed above the document reading unit 120.

  The document reading unit 120 includes a scanner 121, a platen glass 122, and a document reading slit 123. The scanner 121 includes an exposure lamp, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like, and is configured to be movable in the transport direction of the document MS by the document feeding unit 130. The platen glass 122 is an original table made of a transparent member such as glass. The document reading slit 123 has a slit formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the document MS is conveyed by the document feeding unit 130.

  When reading the document MS placed on the platen glass 122, the scanner 121 is moved to a position facing the platen glass 122 and reads the document MS while scanning the document MS placed on the platen glass 122. Image data is acquired, and the acquired image data is output to the recording unit 140. When reading the document MS conveyed by the document feeding unit 130, the scanner 121 is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 123, and the document MS by the document feeding unit 130 is moved through the document reading slit 123. The document MS is read in synchronism with the transport operation to acquire image data, and the acquired image data is output to the recording unit 140.

  The document feeding unit 130 includes a document placing unit 131, a document discharge unit 132, and a document transport mechanism 133. The document MS placed on the document placement unit 131 is sequentially fed out one by one by the document transport mechanism 133 and is transported to a position facing the reading slit 123 of the document reading unit 120, and then the document discharge unit 132. To be discharged. The document feeding unit 130 is configured to be retractable, and the upper surface of the platen glass 122 can be opened by lifting the document feeding unit 130 upward.

  The recording unit 140 includes an image forming unit 150, and includes a paper feeding unit 160, a conveyance path 170, a conveyance roller 181, a discharge roller 182 a and a discharge roller 182 b, and a discharge tray 190.

  The paper feed unit 160 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 161a to 161d that store the recording paper P, and a paper feed roller 162 that feeds the recording paper P from the paper feed cassettes 161a to 161d one by one to the transport path 170. . The paper feed roller 162, the transport roller 181 and the discharge rollers 182a and 182b function as a transport unit, and the recording paper P is transported. The recording paper P fed to the transport path 170 by the paper feed roller 162 is transported to the image forming unit 150 by the transport roller 181. The recording paper P on which recording has been performed by the image forming unit 150 is output to the outside by the discharge roller 182a or the discharge roller 182b. Switching between the discharge roller 182a and the discharge roller 182b is performed by a switching claw 183 that operates in accordance with the operation of the operation panel 10. The recording paper P on which recording has been performed is output to the discharge tray 190 when guided to the discharge roller 182a by the switching claw 183. The recording sheet P on which recording has been performed is output to the post-processing device 200 when guided to the discharge roller 182b by the switching claw 183. In the present embodiment, four paper feed cassettes 161a to 161d are provided.

  The image forming unit 150 includes a photosensitive drum 151, a charging unit 152, an exposure unit 153, a developing unit 154, a transfer unit 155, a cleaning unit 156, and a fixing unit 157. The exposure unit 153 is an optical unit including a laser device, a mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 153 outputs laser light based on image data, exposes the photosensitive drum 151 charged by the exposure unit 153, and An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. The developing unit 154 is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 151 using toner, and forms a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 151. The transfer unit 155 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 151 by the developing unit 154 to the recording paper P. The fixing unit 157 heats the recording paper P on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 155 to fix the toner image on the recording paper P.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the post-processing apparatus 200 includes a stock unit 210 that stacks a plurality of recording papers P and temporarily stocks them, and a plurality of recording papers P (hereinafter, a bundle of recording papers) stacked on the stock unit 210. A punching unit 201 that performs punching processing on the recording paper bundle P1 of the stock unit 210, and a stapling unit 202 that performs stapling processing on the recording paper bundle P1 of the stock unit 210.

  The recording paper P output from the main body device 100 toward the post-processing device 200 is carried into the post-processing device 200 through the carry-in port 203 provided on the side surface of the post-processing device 200. Downstream of the carry-in port 203, a conveyance roller 204 that conveys the paper and a guide claw 205 that rotates in accordance with the conveyance destination of the recording paper P are provided. When the width sorting process, the stapling process, or the punching process is selected by an input to the operation panel 10 or the like, the guide claw 205 rotates so as to feed the recording paper P into the lower stock unit 210. As a result, the recording paper P is conveyed toward the stock unit 210. Note that when the width sorting and stapling process or the punching process is not selected, the guide claw 205 rotates to feed the recording paper P to the upper discharge roller 206. As a result, the recording paper P is output as a printed matter to the sub discharge tray 207 by the discharge roller 206.

  The stock unit 210 includes a cover tray 211 and a stock tray 212. The recording paper P conveyed to the stock unit 210 is passed between the cover tray 211 and the stock tray 212, and the recording paper P is stacked and stocked on the upper surface of the stock tray 212. The cover tray 211 functions as a cover for pressing the recording paper P stacked on the stock unit 210 from above. The cover tray 211 is provided with a punch unit 201. The punch unit 201 performs punching processing on the recording paper bundle P1 of the stock unit 210. Further, a staple unit 202 is provided adjacent to the lower side of the stock tray 212. The stapling unit 202 performs a stapling process that binds one or two ends of the recording paper bundle P1 of the stock unit 210.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the recording paper P sent to the stock unit 210 is received on the surface of the stock tray 212 by a stopper 213 having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The stopper 213 is attached to an endless belt 214 disposed substantially at the center in the width direction of the stock tray 212. The endless belt 214 is stretched between a pulley 215a and a rotary shaft 215b, and the endless belt 214 is rotated forward and backward by a motor 216 that rotationally drives the rotary shaft 215b. The stopper 213 is controlled so that the upper end of the recording paper P is stocked at a fixed position corresponding to the size of recording used.

  The stock tray 212 is provided with a right cursor 217 a and a left cursor 217 b for aligning in the width direction of the recording paper P sent to the stock unit 210. The right cursor 217a and the left cursor 217b are juxtaposed in the width direction of the stock tray 212, and are reciprocated in the width direction of the stock tray 212 perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper P by a driving unit (not shown). Accordingly, the right cursor 217a and the left cursor 217b function as an aligning unit that aligns the recording sheet bundle P1 of the stock unit 210, and the recording sheet bundle P1 of the stock unit 210 is set in the left-right direction (perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction). It functions as a width direction sorting means for shifting the position in the width direction).

  With the mechanism as described above, the recording paper P is aligned and stocked in the stock unit 210 as a recording paper bundle P1. When the punching process is performed, the stopper 213 is moved up and down to match the size of the recording paper P, the stocked recording paper bundle P1 is moved to an appropriate position, and the punching unit 201 performs the punching process. When stapling is performed, the stopper 213 is moved up and down to move the stocked recording paper bundle P1 to an appropriate position according to the size of the recording paper P, and the stapling unit 202 performs stapling. Further, when performing the width assortment sorting process, the right cursor 217a and the left cursor 217b are used to shift the position of the recording paper bundle P1 of the stock unit 210 in the left-right direction. When the punching process, stapling process, and width-sorting process are completed, the endless belt 214 is rotated in the direction of conveying the recording paper bundle P1 upward, and the stopper 213 pushes up the recording paper bundle P1 upward. As a result, the recording paper bundle P1 that has been subjected to the punching process and the stapling process is sent to the discharge roller 218, and is left and right and sorted and is sorted by the discharge roller 218 via the discharge port 219. The printed matter is output to 208.

  The main discharge tray 208 is configured to be able to reciprocate in the vertical direction indicated by arrows in FIG. Further, a height sensor 221 for detecting the stacking height of the recording paper bundle P1 on the main discharge tray 208 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port 219. As the height sensor 221, for example, a light reflection type photo interrupter can be used.

  In a state where the recording paper bundle P1 is not output to the main discharge tray 208, the main discharge tray 208 is raised to the uppermost position. When the recording paper bundle P1 is output to the main discharge tray 208, the height sensor 221 detects it, so that the moving means 220 is driven in a direction to lower the main discharge tray 208. As a result, the distance between the upper surface of the recording paper bundle P1 on the main discharge tray 208 and the discharge port 219 is controlled to be substantially the same, and the recording paper bundle P1 is reliably output to the main discharge tray 208. It is like that.

Next, a hardware configuration example of the main device 100 and the post-processing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.
The operation panel 10, the document reading unit 120, the document feeding unit 130, the image forming unit 150, and the transport unit (the feed roller 162, the transport roller 181, the discharge rollers 182 a and b, and the switching claw 183) of the main body device 100 are controlled by the main body. The main body control unit 1 controls the operation. Further, a storage unit 2, an image processing unit 3, and a communication unit 4 are connected to the main body control unit 1.

  The main body control unit 1 is an information processing unit such as a microcomputer including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The ROM stores a control program for performing operation control of the main device 100. The main body control unit 1 reads the control program stored in the ROM and develops the control program in the RAM, thereby controlling the entire apparatus according to predetermined instruction information input from the operation panel 10.

  The storage unit 2 is a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and image data acquired by reading a document by the document reading unit 120 and image data received from a peripheral device via the communication unit 4. And distribution information are stored. The distribution information is seat arrangement information (the number of rows and the number of seats in each row) arranged in a plurality of rows, and is stored together with registered names.

  The image processing unit 3 is a unit that performs predetermined image processing on image data, and performs, for example, image improvement processing such as enlargement / reduction processing, density adjustment, and gradation adjustment.

  The communication unit 4 has a function of transmitting / receiving various data to / from peripheral devices such as a personal computer via a network (not shown) such as the Internet or a LAN.

  When the main body control unit 1 is set to use the post-processing device 200 by the input from the operation panel 10, that is, to perform the width sorting sorting process, the punching process, and the stapling process, the main body control unit 1 sets the switching claw 183. By controlling, the recording paper P on which recording has been performed is output to the post-processing device 200. The main body control unit 1 is communicably connected to a post-processing control unit 5 provided in the post-processing apparatus 200, and instructs the post-processing control unit 5 to set punching processing and stapling processing.

  The post-processing control unit 5 of the post-processing apparatus 200 is connected to the stock unit 210, the punch unit 201, and the staple unit 202, and performs these controls. The post-processing control unit 5 includes a storage unit that stores various data such as a control program, control data, and setting data, and a CPU that performs calculations based on the control program and controls each unit. The storage means of the post-processing control unit 5 is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and HDD.

Next, the distribution sorting operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
Referring to FIG. 5, the main body control unit 1 of the main body device 100 includes a distribution sorting instruction (step S <b> 1) by operating the distribution sorting key 16 on the operation panel 10 (touch panel 11) and an output instruction by operating the start key 15. (Step S2) is monitored.

  If the output instruction by the operation of the start key 15 is received in step S2 without receiving the distribution sorting instruction by the operation of the distribution sorting key 16 in step S1, the main body control unit 1 performs the distribution sorting process. The normal output is performed (step S3).

  When receiving a distribution sorting instruction by operating the distribution sorting key 16 in step S1, the main body control unit 1 causes the touch panel 11 to display a distribution information selection input screen shown in FIG. In the distribution information selection input screen, arrangement information selection area 19 for selecting any of the distribution information stored in the storage unit 2 and arrangement information for setting arrangement information (the number of columns and the number of seats in each column) A setting area 20 and an enter key 21 are provided. When the user selects distribution information in the arrangement information selection area 19 or sets the arrangement information in the arrangement information setting area 20 and operates the determination key 21, the main body control unit 1 performs the distribution used for the distribution sorting process. An information selection input is accepted (step S4).

  When the determination key 21 is operated on the distribution information selection input screen, the main body control unit 1 causes the touch panel 11 to display the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. In the arrangement information display screen, a seat layout display area 22 indicating the selected distribution information, a registered name display input area 23, a total number of printed copies (the number of seats to which printed materials are distributed) display area 24, a registration key 25, and a determination A key 26 is provided. The arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 6B shows the case where [8 columns * 6] is set in the arrangement information selection area 19, and the seat layout display area 22 displays the seat layout. The corresponding 8 columns * 6 cells are displayed, and no registered name is given, so the registered name display input area 23 is blank. In addition, the mark “◯” displayed in the grid in the arrangement information selection area 19 indicates that the printed material is output and distributed to the seat, and is initially in all [8 columns * 6]. It is set to output and distribute printed materials.

  In the seat layout display area 22, when the user operates a cell corresponding to a specific seat to be individually handled, the main body control unit 1 causes the touch panel 11 to display an individual correspondence information input screen illustrated in FIG. In the individual correspondence information input screen, an individual correspondence selection input area 27, an additional output selection area 28 for selecting data (image data, document data, etc.) stored in the storage unit 2, and storage unit 2 are stored. A transmission destination selection area 29 for selecting a transmission destination address and an enter key 30 are provided. The individual correspondence selection input area 27 is provided with a print key 27a, a print stop key 27b, a transmission key 27c, and a seat deletion key 27d, and any one of the keys is selected.

  By selecting the print key 27a, output of a printed material distributed to a specific seat is instructed. When the print key 27a is selected, in the additional output selection area 28, it is possible to select and input data to be additionally output to the specific seat. When the user presses the enter key 30 in the state where the print key 27a is selected in the individual corresponding selection input area 27 and the data to be additionally output is selected in the additional output selection area 28, the main body control unit 1 An additional output instruction to the specific seat of the data selected in the additional output selection area 28 is accepted as individual correspondence information (step S5), and the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. In the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, the seat [2 row 3 number] and the seat [6 row 2 number] in the seat layout display area 22 are individually assigned by the main body control unit 1 (data [ 12] (additional output) is received, and a mark “◯” indicating printing and the number of data to be additionally output are displayed.

  By selecting the print cancel key 27b, an instruction to cancel distribution to a specific seat, that is, output cancellation of a printed material distributed to the specific seat is instructed. When the user presses the enter key 30 in a state where the print cancel key 27b is selected in the individual correspondence selection input area 27, the main body control unit 1 displays an output cancel instruction for the printed matter distributed to the specific seat as individual correspondence information. (Step S5), and the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the touch panel 11 again. In the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, an example is shown in which individual correspondence information (output cancellation) is received by the main body control unit 1 for the seat [fourth row and third row] in the seat layout display area 22. The mark “×” indicating output cancellation is displayed.

  Selection of the transmission key 27c instructs transmission of data (image data, document data, etc.) to be output as a printed matter. When the transmission key 27c is selected, in the transmission destination selection area 29, it becomes possible to select and input a transmission destination address for transmitting data (image data, document data, etc.) to be output as printed matter. When the transmission key 27c is selected in the individual corresponding selection input area 27 and the transmission destination address is selected in the transmission destination selection area 29, and the determination key 30 is operated by the user, the body control unit 1 An indication of transmission to the transmission address selected in the transmission destination selection area 29 of data (image data, document data, etc.) scheduled to be output as printed matter for the seat is accepted as individual correspondence information (step S5), FIG. The arrangement information display screen shown in b) is displayed on the touch panel 11 again. In the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, individual correspondence information (transmission to the transmission address [09]) has been accepted by the main body control unit 1 for the seat [6th row 4th] in the seat layout display area 22. An example is shown, and a mark “Δ” indicating transmission and a transmission address number are displayed.

  Deletion of a specific seat in the arrangement information is instructed by selection of the seat deletion key 27d. When the user presses the enter key 30 while the seat deletion key 27d is selected in the individual correspondence selection input area 27, the main body control unit 1 deletes the specific seat from the distribution information, as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The displayed arrangement information display screen is displayed on the touch panel 11 again. In the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7 (b), the seats [2 rows 5, 6], the seats [3 columns 6], the seats [5 columns 6] and the seats [7 columns 6] in the seat layout display area 22 are displayed. No.] shows an example of being deleted from the distribution information by the main body control unit 1.

  As described above, in the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, the seat layout display area 22 in which the individual correspondence information received by the main body control unit 1 is reflected and the total number of copies (the number of seats to which the printed material is distributed). A display area 24 is displayed. The registration key 25 is a key for instructing registration of distribution information displayed in the seat layout display area 22. When the user inputs a registered name in the registered name display input area 23 and operates the registration key 25 on the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, the main body control unit 1 is displayed in the seat layout display area 22. Registered distribution information is registered (stored) in the storage unit 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, distribution information that does not reflect the individual correspondence information is registered (stored) in the storage unit 2. As a result, the distribution information registered from the next time can be selected in the arrangement information selection area 19 of the distribution information selection input screen shown in FIG.

  When the user operates the enter key 26 on the arrangement information display screen shown in FIG. 7B, the main body control unit 1 causes the touch panel 11 to display the sorting method selection input screen shown in FIG. The sorting method selection input screen includes a column sorting method selection area 34 for selecting a sorting method for each column, a part sorting method selection area 35 for selecting a sorting method in a column, and an enter key 36. Is provided.

  In the column-by-column sorting method selection area 34, a column-by-column width alignment key 37 for instructing a column-by-column width alignment process and an interleaving paper sorting process for inserting an interleaf (recording paper P that has not been printed) between the columns. And an interleaf paper key 38 is provided. In the column unit sorting method selection area 34, by operating either the column unit width alignment key 37 or the slip sheet key 38, either the width alignment sort process or the slip sheet sort process is selected. In the present embodiment, one of two different sorting processes is selected in the column-by-column sorting method selection area 34. However, in the post-processing device 200, another sorting process (for example, a plurality of bins is selected). Can be configured to be selected from a plurality of different sorting processes including other sorting processes. .

  The unit sorting method selection area 35 is provided with a column unit width alignment key 39 for instructing a width alignment sorting process in units within a column. In the unit sorting method selection area 35, whether or not to perform the width sorting process is selected depending on whether or not the row unit width adjustment key 39 is operated. In the present embodiment, it is configured to select whether or not to perform the sorting process in the unit sorting method selection area 35. However, in the post-processing device 200, other sorting processes (for example, changing the direction) are selected. In the case where it is possible to execute (output), it is possible to select from a plurality of different sorting processes including other sorting processes.

  When the user selects a sorting method in the column unit sorting method selection area 34 and the unit sorting method selection area 35 and operates the enter key 36, the main body control unit 1 accepts a sorting method selection input (step S6). Then, it waits for an output instruction by operating the start key 15 (step S7).

  When the start key 15 is operated in step S7, the main body control unit 1 controls the main body device 100 to print the printed matter (from the distribution information) for the total number of copies based on the distribution information and the individual correspondence information received in step S4. The post-processing device 200 sequentially outputs the output cancellation fraction and the transmission copy number) in units corresponding to each seat. In addition, when the main body control unit 1 receives an additional output instruction of data for a specific seat as individual correspondence information, the main body control unit 1 outputs the data selected in the transmission destination selection area 29 when outputting a printed matter to the specific seat. Add and print. In addition, the main body control unit 1 cancels the output of the printed material to the specific seat when receiving the transmission instruction of the data (image data, document data, etc.) scheduled to be output as the printed material for the specific seat as individual correspondence information. Then, the communication unit 4 causes the communication unit 4 to transmit data (image data, document data, etc.) that is scheduled to be output as a printed material to the transmission address selected in the transmission destination selection area 29. Next, the main body control unit 1 instructs the post-processing control unit 5 of the post-processing device 200 to perform sorting using the sorting method received in step S6. As a result, the post-processing control unit 5 controls the stock unit 210 to sort the printed matter by the sorting method received in step S5 based on the distribution information received in step S4 and output it to the main discharge tray 208 ( Step S8).

  FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples of output by different sorting methods when distribution information and individual edge correspondence information as shown in FIG. 7B are received in the distribution sorting operation. In the output examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, additional output is performed on the second row, third, and sixth row, second recording sheet bundle P1 according to the individual correspondence information (additional output of data [12]). In the fourth column, the recording paper bundle P1 is reduced to 5 copies according to the individual correspondence information (output cancellation) for the third row. Further, in the sixth column, the recording paper bundle P1 is reduced to 5 copies according to the individual correspondence information for the fourth (transmission to the transmission address [09]).

  FIG. 9A shows an output example in the case where only the width-sorting sorting process in units of columns is selected as the sorting method in the distribution sorting operation. Since the required number of recording paper bundles P1 for each row is output after being shifted to the left and right in units of rows, when distributing the recording paper bundle P1 to the seats arranged in a plurality of rows, the required number of copies for each row is obtained. They can be easily separated and distributed easily.

  FIG. 9B shows an output example when only the slip sheet sorting process in units of columns is selected as the sorting method in the sorting action for distribution. In the output example shown in FIG. 9B, since a necessary number of recording paper bundles P1 are output in each row with the recording paper P sandwiched between them, the recording paper bundle for the seats arranged in a plurality of rows. When distributing P1, the number of copies required for each column can be easily separated, and distribution work can be easily performed. Note that the size of the recording paper P serving as the interleaving paper may be the same as or different from the size of the recording paper bundle P1, but is the size of the recording paper P serving as the interleaving paper the same as the recording paper bundle P1? In the case of a small size, as shown in FIG. 9B, the post-processing apparatus 200 outputs the paper sheets P as the interleaving papers so as to be shifted from the recording paper bundle P1. It is preferable.

  FIG. 10 (a) shows an output example in the case of the distribution sorting operation in which the slip sheet sorting process in units of columns and the width sorting sort process in units of copies are selected as the sorting method. In the output example shown in FIG. 10 (a), since different sorting processes are performed for each column and each unit, the number of recording paper bundles P1 required for each column can be easily sorted, and within the column In this case, the recording paper bundle P1 can be easily separated. This is effective when the recording paper bundle P1 is not subjected to the stapling process because the recording paper bundle P1 is sorted in the row.

  FIG. 10B shows that distribution information and individual edge correspondence information as shown in FIG. 7B are accepted in the distribution sorting operation, and that the sorting method is a column-by-column sorting process and a group unit. An output example is shown in the case where the width-sorting process is selected. In the output example shown in FIG. 10B, the same type of sorting process is selected for each column and each unit. However, different sorting processes are performed with different amounts for each column. ing. Therefore, the number of recording sheets P required for each row can be easily separated, and the recording sheets P can be easily separated within the row. As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the same type of sorting process (width-alignment sorting process) is selected for each column and each copy unit, the set amount (width-alignment amount, etc.) is changed to be a column unit. Different sorting processes are performed on a per-unit basis.

  In this embodiment, the individual correspondence information and the sorting method are selected and input from the operation panel 10 separately from the distribution information. However, the individual correspondence information and the sorting information for selecting the sorting method are included in the distribution information. The sorting information for distribution may be performed using this sorting information.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the selection of seat arrangement information arranged in a plurality of columns is received by the distribution information selection input screen displayed on the touch panel 11 and the individual correspondence information input displayed on the touch panel 11 is received. The individual correspondence information instructing the output cancellation to the specific seat is received on the screen, and the main body device 100 copies the printed matter of the number obtained by subtracting the specific seat number instructed to cancel the output by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information. By sequentially printing in units, the post-processing device 200 sorts and outputs the printed matter in columns based on the arrangement information and the individual correspondence information, thereby adding individual correspondence (output cancellation) to a specific seat. Can be output according to the seat layout and arranged in multiple rows (array) An effect that can be performed easily distribute work printed material for the seat.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, individual correspondence information for instructing additional output to a specific seat is received on the individual correspondence information input screen displayed on touch panel 11, and additional output is instructed by main body device 100 using the individual correspondence information. When printing printed on a specific seat, by additionally printing the data for which additional output is specified by the individual correspondence information, sorting according to the seat layout, taking into account the individual correspondence (additional output) to the specific seat Output can be performed, and distribution of printed matter to seats arranged (arranged) in a plurality of rows can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the individual correspondence information instructing transmission of data scheduled to be output as the printed matter for the specific seat is received by the individual correspondence information input screen displayed on the touch panel 11, and is arranged by the main body device 100. The number of seats based on the information is subtracted from the number of specific seats specified for transmission by the individual correspondence information, and the printed matter is printed sequentially in units of copies, taking into account the individual correspondence (transmission) to specific seats. The sorting output according to the layout can be performed, and the distribution work of the printed material to the seats arranged (arranged) in a plurality of rows can be easily performed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is obvious that the embodiments can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be set to a suitable number, position, shape, and the like in practicing the present invention. In each figure, the same numerals are given to the same component.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body control part 2 Memory | storage part 3 Image processing part 4 Communication part 5 Post-processing control part 10 Operation panel 11 Touch panel 12 Numeric keypad 13 Reset key 14 Stop key 15 Start key 16 Sorting key 17 Staple key 18 Punch key 19 Sequence information selection area 20 arrangement information setting area 21 determination key 22 seat layout display area 23 registered name display input area 24 total print number display area 25 registration key 26 determination key 27 individual corresponding selection input area 27a print key 27b print cancel key 27c transmission key 27d seat Deletion key 28 Additional output selection area 29 Destination selection area 30 Determination key 34 Column unit sorting method selection area 35 Copy unit sorting method selection area 36 Determination key 37 Column unit width adjustment key 38 Interleaf key 100 Main unit 120 Document reading section 12 Scanner 122 Platen glass 123 Document reading slit 130 Document feeding section 131 Document placement section 132 Document discharge section 133 Document transport mechanism 140 Recording section 150 Image forming section 151 Photosensitive drum 152 Charging section 153 Exposure section 154 Development section 155 Transfer section 156 Cleaning unit 157 Fixing unit 160 Paper feeding unit 161a-d Paper feeding cassette 162 Paper feeding roller 170 Carriage path 181 Carrying roller 182a, 182b Ejection roller 183 Switching claw 190 Ejection tray 200 Post-processing device 201 Punch unit 202 Staple unit 203 Carriage inlet 204 Transport roller 205 Guide claw 206 Discharge roller 207 Sub discharge tray 208 Main discharge tray 210 Stock portion 211 Cover tray 212 Stock tray 213 Stopper 214 Endless belt 15a pulley 215b rotating shaft 216 motor 217a right cursor 217b left cursor 218 discharge roller 219 discharge port 220 moving means 221 Height Sensor

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus that outputs printed matter,
Information input means for receiving arrangement information of seats arranged in a plurality of rows and individual correspondence information instructing output cancellation to a specific seat;
Printing means for sequentially printing the printed matter of the number of copies obtained by subtracting the number of specific seats for which output cancellation is instructed by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: sorting means for sorting and outputting the printed matter printed by the printing means in units of columns based on the arrangement information and the individual correspondence information. The information input means receives the individual correspondence information instructing additional output to a specific seat,
2. The printing unit according to claim 1, wherein when the printed matter is printed on a specific seat in which additional output is instructed by the individual correspondence information, the data in which additional output is instructed by the individual correspondence information is additionally printed. Image forming apparatus. The information input means receives the individual correspondence information instructing transmission of data scheduled to be output as the printed matter for a specific seat,
3. The printing unit sequentially prints the printed matter in the number of copies obtained by subtracting the number of specific seats instructed to be transmitted by the individual correspondence information from the number of seats based on the arrangement information. The image forming apparatus described.

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