JP2015038636A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus inserting a partition sheet for indicating a break at a position specified in units of a copy.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus inserting a partition sheet into between recording sheets to be discharged, includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on the recording sheet; an operation unit for specifying an insertion position into which the partition sheet is to be inserted; a discharge unit for discharging the recording sheet having the image formed thereon and the partition sheet; and a control unit for controlling timing for inserting the partition sheet. The insertion position is specified in units of a copy which is an aggregate of the recording sheets on which all images included in a job instructing image formation onto the recording sheets are formed. The control unit controls the discharge unit to discharge the recording sheets having images formed thereon by the number of copies determined from the insertion position, shift in a predetermined direction, and discharge the partition sheet. This allows the partition sheet to be shifted to any position specified in units of a copy and inserted into any position, allowing a user to easily handle the outputted recording sheets.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of inserting a partition sheet for indicating a delimiter at an arbitrary position designated by a set of a plurality of recording sheets to be ejected after image formation.

  In many offices (company, office, etc.), an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) that forms an image on recording paper is introduced as one type of image processing apparatus that is an electronic device. In such offices, there are many cases where a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a copy function, a printer function, and the like are connected to a network and shared by a plurality of users. A multi-function peripheral, which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a plurality of basic functions such as a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter also referred to as FAX), a network compatible printer mode, and a scanner mode. With a typical operation mode.

  In addition to the function of image formation (copying and printing) itself, the image forming apparatus has a function for the user to easily handle printed matter. As one of the functions, there is known a function of inserting a partition paper so that the separation of printed matter can be easily understood. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an image forming apparatus for a school that can be easily processed after discharge. This image forming apparatus describes that, when the partition paper mode is selected, a predetermined paper is inserted at a break between parts, that is, every time one printed matter is discharged.

JP 2001-75431 A

  As described above, the conventional divider paper can be set to be inserted for each copy of a copy or to be inserted on a specified page, but is set to be inserted to distinguish the specified number of copies. It is not possible. Therefore, when distributing different copies of copies for each department, it is necessary for the user to count the required number of copies of the copies that have been inserted and discharged, and this is cumbersome for the user. There is a problem. In addition, the partition paper may be inserted to an unnecessary position, and there is a problem that the paper is consumed wastefully.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of inserting a partition sheet for indicating a separator at an arbitrary position designated by a set of a plurality of recording sheets discharged after image formation. With the goal.

  The above object can be achieved by the following.

  That is, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a partition sheet for indicating a break is inserted between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface. The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper; an input unit that specifies an insertion position for inserting a partition paper; a recording paper on which an image is formed; a discharge unit that discharges the partition paper; A control unit for controlling the unit. The insertion position is designated in units of copies, where a set of recording sheets on which all images included in a job instructing image formation on recording sheets are formed, and the control section forms an image on the discharge section. After discharging the determined number of recording sheets from the insertion position, the recording paper is shifted in a predetermined direction and the partition sheets are discharged.

  Preferably, the image forming unit forms an image in a peripheral portion of the partition paper in a portion that does not overlap the discharged recording paper when the partition paper is shifted and discharged in a predetermined direction by the discharge unit. .

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a character input unit for inputting characters. An image formed on a portion of the peripheral edge of the partition paper before being discharged that does not overlap the discharged recording paper is a character image input by the character input unit.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a calculation unit that calculates the number of sets discharged before the partition paper is discharged. An image formed on a portion of the peripheral edge of the partition paper before being ejected that does not overlap the ejected recording paper is a numerical image representing a value one greater than the number of sets calculated by the calculation unit. is there.

  Preferably, the input unit displays information representing each of the number of sets instructed to form an image so that the sets can be distinguished from each other in the order in which the sets are discharged, and two sets that are discharged in succession. And an insertion designation unit for designating an insertion position by designating whether or not a partition sheet is to be inserted.

  More preferably, the image forming unit further includes a partition paper designating unit that designates a paper feed tray to which the partition paper is supplied. The control unit causes the discharge unit to take out and discharge the partition paper from the paper feed tray specified by the partition paper specifying unit.

  More preferably, the image forming unit further includes a size designating unit for designating the size of the partition paper. The control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the partition paper having the size specified by the size specifying unit can be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording paper on which the image is formed. When the determination unit determines that the partition sheet cannot be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording sheet on which the image is formed, the control unit records the recording sheet from the tray that stores the recording sheet on which the image is formed. The discharge unit is controlled so that the paper is taken out and discharged instead of the partition paper.

  Preferably, the input unit is any one of the front and rear of all the recording sheets on which images are formed and discharged by the job, and the front and rear of every predetermined number of recording sheets on which images are formed and discharged. Specify the position as the insertion position.

  More preferably, the image forming unit is designated by the input unit in response to the fact that at least one of the front and rear of all the recording sheets on which the image is formed and discharged by the job is designated as the insertion position. A character image is formed on the partition paper inserted at the insertion position.

  More preferably, the image forming unit is designated by the input unit in response to the fact that at least one of the front and the back of the recording paper for each predetermined number of copies formed and discharged is designated as the insertion position. A number image representing a value one greater than the number of sets calculated by the calculation unit is formed on the partition paper inserted at the insertion position.

  According to the present invention, when printing a plurality of copies, it is possible to insert a partition paper in a user-specified number of copies. Since the partition paper is inserted at the position designated by the copy unit, the user can easily sort a plurality of copies of the printed matter. Further, since the partition paper is not inserted at an unnecessary position, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of the paper.

  In addition, since the number of copies or designated characters is printed on each partition paper, the user does not need to count the number of copies, and the printed matter only needs to be separated before and after the partition paper.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted in the copy. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program for realizing a function for inserting a partition sheet, which is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the basic screen of the copy mode displayed on an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the conditions of a partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the conditions of a partition paper. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the insertion position of a partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the insertion position of a partition paper. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted in the copy. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the paper feed tray which accommodated the partition paper. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting a paper feed tray. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the size of a partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the size of a partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which inputs the size of a partition paper directly. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the type of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the type of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the state in which the size and type of the partition paper were set. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the conditions regarding the character printed on a partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the character printed on a partition paper. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted in the copy. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the shifted partition paper was inserted in the copy. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a partition sheet and a recording sheet discharged subsequently are shifted alternately. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets several conditions regarding a partition paper simultaneously. It is a figure which shows another example of a screen which sets the conditions regarding a partition paper. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the partition paper was inserted in the front and back of the whole printed matter. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the partition paper was inserted in front of the printed matter for every two copies. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted behind the printed matter for every two copies. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted according to the setting of FIG.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a digital multifunction machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a program and the like. ) 104, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 106 that is a volatile storage device, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 that is a nonvolatile storage device that retains data even when the power is turned off. . The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110, a document reading unit 120, an image forming unit 122, an image processing unit 124, a partition paper data generation unit 126, an operation unit 130, and a bus 112.

  The CPU 102, ROM 104, RAM 106, HDD 108, NIC 110, document reading unit 120, image forming unit 122, image processing unit 124, partition paper data generation unit 126, recording paper transport unit 128, and operation unit 130 are connected to the bus 112. Yes. Data (including control information) is exchanged between the units via the bus 112. The CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 112, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 104, and realizes each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition to these, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a paper feed unit that stores recording paper for forming an image, a paper discharge unit (discharge tray) that discharges the recording paper on which the image is formed, and a telephone line. A FAX modem (not shown) for FAX communication, a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to each unit, and the like are provided.

  As will be described later, the document reading unit 120 reads a document with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) to generate image data (digital signal). The image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 106. The image processing unit 124 executes various image processes on the read image data. The image data is stored in the HDD 108 as necessary.

  As will be described later, the partition paper data generation unit 126 generates image data (such as character image data) to be formed on the partition paper on the RAM 106. The generated image data is stored in the HDD 108 as necessary. The “partition paper” means paper that is inserted between the recording papers that are ejected in order to make it easy to determine the separation of the recording papers that are printed and ejected.

  The image forming unit 122 forms an image on the recording paper or the partition paper transported by the recording paper transport unit 128 based on the image data on the RAM 106 (including image data to be formed on the partition paper). FIG. 2 shows a state in which two partition sheets 160 and 162 indicated by oblique lines are inserted between six recording sheets on which images are formed. A character image “1” representing the first copy is formed on the partition paper 160. A character image “4” representing the fourth copy is formed on the partition paper 162.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the operation unit 130 includes a touch panel display 132 and an operation key unit 134. The touch panel display 132 includes a display panel configured by a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. In FIG. 3, the home screen of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the touch panel display 132 (display panel) of the operation unit 130. On the home screen, keys for instructing each function such as copying and printing are displayed.

  The operation key unit 134 includes, as hardware keys, a home key 136, a power key 138 for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 100, a transition to the power saving state of the image forming apparatus 100, or a normal operation from the power saving state. A power saving key 140 for returning to the state and an LED lamp 142 that is turned on when the power is turned on are arranged. The screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 changes variously (screen transition) according to the state of the image forming apparatus 100. The home key 136 is a key for returning the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 to the home screen. That is, when the home key 136 is pressed, the home screen is displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  The operation unit 130 receives an input of an instruction or the like from the user to the image forming apparatus 100. The user checks the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the job processing status on the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. By selecting a key displayed on the touch panel display 132 on the touch panel superimposed on the display panel (touching a corresponding part on the touch panel), it is possible to perform function setting, operation instruction, and the like of the image forming apparatus 100. .

  The NIC 110 is connected to an external network 190 and is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external device via the network 190. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an external telephone line (not shown), and includes a FAX modem (not shown) that is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to perform FAX communication with an external apparatus via the telephone line. Yes.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the conveyance of the recording paper and the image formation on the recording paper in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in more detail. Here, image formation on recording paper will be described, but the same applies to image formation on partition paper.

  The document reading unit 120 includes an image reading device 90 and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 150.

  The image reading apparatus 90 includes a document placing table 92 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed, a light source unit 93 that holds the light source and the first mirror, a mirror unit 94 that holds the second and third mirrors, A reduction optical system image reading apparatus including a lens and a CCD 95.

  An automatic document feeder 150 is attached on the document table 92. The automatic document feeder 150 automatically conveys the document on the document table 92. The automatic document feeder 150 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be placed by hand by opening the document table 92.

  The image forming unit 122 includes an optical scanning device 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 116, paper feed trays 81 to 85, and a paper discharge tray 91. And 96. The paper feed tray 85 is a manual feed tray.

The image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 is black (BLACK, hereinafter “K
Color images using cyan, CYAN (hereinafter also referred to as “C”), magenta (hereinafter also referred to as “M”) and yellow (YELLOW, hereinafter also referred to as “Y”). Data, that is, image data broken down into these four color components. Accordingly, four each of the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, and the cleaner unit 4 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors. Four image stations are configured to process magenta and yellow.

  The charger 5 is a device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. The optical scanning device 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like. The optical scanning device 1 includes a polygon mirror that scans a laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3.

  The optical scanning device 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to input image data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface thereof. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toner of four colors (YMCK). The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. I have. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color of YMCK.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate while the intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 supplies a transfer bias described later in order to transfer the toner image on the corresponding photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. A color toner image (multicolor toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the respective color toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  As described above, the electrostatic images visualized according to the hues on the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The image information (toner density distribution) thus laminated is transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 10 disposed at the contact position between the recording paper and the intermediate transfer belt 61 as the intermediate transfer belt 61 rotates. .

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner onto the recording paper is applied to the transfer roller 10 (what is the toner charging polarity (−))? Reverse polarity (+) high voltage). Further, in order to obtain the nip constantly, either one of the transfer roller 10 and the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 is made of a hard material (metal or the like), and the other is made of a soft material such as an elastic roller (elastic rubber roller). , Foaming resin rollers, etc.) are used.

  As described above, the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contact with the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 10 is used in the next step. In order to cause toner color mixing, the toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. In the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65, for example, a cleaning blade that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 61 is disposed as a cleaning member. The intermediate transfer belt 61 that contacts the cleaning blade is supported by the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. Has been.

  The paper feed trays 81 to 84 are trays for storing recording paper used for image formation, and are provided below the optical scanning device 1. In addition, recording paper used for image formation can be placed on the manual paper feed tray 85. The paper discharge trays 91 and 96 are trays for collecting printed recording sheets face down, that is, with the printing surface facing down.

  In order to send the recording paper in the paper feed trays 81 to 84 and the manual paper feed tray 85 to the paper discharge tray 91 or 96 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 116, the recording paper is conveyed inside the image forming unit 122. Paths S1 and S2 are formed. In the vicinity of the recording paper transport paths S1 and S2 from the paper feed trays 81 to 84 or the manual paper feed tray 85 to the paper discharge tray 91 or 96, pickup rollers 11a to 11e, transport rollers 12a to 12e, registration rollers 13, and transfer rollers. A roller 10, a fixing unit 116, and the like are disposed.

  The paper feed trays 81 to 84, the manual paper feed tray 85, the pickup rollers 11a to 11e, the transport rollers 12a to 12e, and the registration roller 13 constitute the recording paper transport unit 128 shown in FIG.

  The transport rollers 12a to 12e are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of the recording paper, and a plurality of the transport rollers 12a to 12e are provided along the recording paper transport paths S1 and S2. For example, the pickup rollers 11a to 11d are arranged in the vicinity of the respective end portions of the paper feed trays 81 to 84, pick up recording sheets one by one from the paper feed trays 81 to 84, and supply them to the recording paper transport path S1. Similarly, the pickup roller 11e is disposed in the vicinity of the end of the manual paper feed tray 85, picks up the recording paper one by one from the manual paper feed tray 85, and supplies it to the recording paper transport path S1.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the recording paper conveyed through the recording paper conveyance path S1. Then, the recording paper is conveyed to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 and the leading edge of the recording paper coincide.

  The fixing unit 116 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 rotate with the recording paper interposed therebetween. Further, the heat roller 71 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by the CPU 102 based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown), and by thermally pressing the toner together with the pressure roller 72 to the recording paper, It has a function of fusing, mixing, and pressing the multicolor toner image transferred to the recording paper and thermally fixing the recording paper. An external heating belt 73 for heating the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

  Hereinafter, each mode for executing the functions (copy function, printer function, scanner function, and facsimile function) installed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be briefly described.

(Copy mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a copying machine, the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 120 is output from the image forming unit 122 as a copy.

  Image data read by the CCD 95 of the image reading device 90 provided in the original reading unit 120 is completed as output data (printing data) on the RAM 106 and then stored in the HDD 108. When there are a plurality of documents, this reading operation and storage operation are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 130, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the RAM 106.

  In the paper feeding unit, the recording paper is pulled out by a pickup roller and conveyed to the image forming unit 122 by a plurality of conveying rollers 12a to 12e. The image forming unit 122 forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface of the photoconductive drum 3 by exposing the charged photoconductive drum 3 according to the input image data. After toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photosensitive drum 3, the toner image is transferred onto the conveyed recording paper via the intermediate transfer belt 61. Thereafter, the recording paper is heated and pressurized (this fixes the image on the recording paper), and is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of copies of the read image data, it is similarly stored as output data in the HDD 108 in units of pages, sent from the HDD 108 to the RAM 106, repeated for the number of output copies, and in accordance with the timing of image formation. 122.

(Printer mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a printer, image data received via the NIC 110 is output from the image forming unit 122 via the RAM 106 or the like. For example, when the terminal device instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to print, the NIC 110 receives image data from the terminal device connected to the network 190. The received image data is sent to the RAM 106 in units of pages as output image data, and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the RAM 106. Similarly to the copy mode described above, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 122 and image formation is performed.

(Scanner mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a network scanner, for example, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 120 is transmitted from the NIC 110 to a computer or the like via the network 190. Also in this case, the original is electronically read by the CCD 95 provided in the original reading unit 120. The read image data of the document is completed as output data on the RAM 106 and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent again from the HDD 108 to the RAM 106, and after establishing communication with the transmission destination designated via the operation unit 130, the image data is transmitted from the NIC 110 to the designated transmission destination.

(Facsimile mode)
The image forming apparatus 100 can perform FAX transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone line network. When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a facsimile apparatus, data received by FAX from the facsimile apparatus is formed on the RAM 106 as image data, and stored in the HDD 108 and printed by the image forming unit 122 as described above. Can do. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can read out image data from the HDD 108, convert it into a data format for FAX communication, and transmit it to an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone line network.

  Hereinafter, a function for inserting a partition sheet in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail. Here, it is assumed that the user touches the copy key 144 on the home screen (see FIG. 3) displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step 700 of the program control structure for realizing the function of inserting a partition sheet executed in image forming apparatus 100, CPU 102 displays a basic screen in the copy mode on touch panel display 132. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data from the ROM 104 or the HDD 108, and generates, for example, image data of the screen 200 shown in FIG. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 6, in the system area 210 of the screen 200, a character “copy” indicating the copy mode is displayed at the left end, and a key for displaying the job execution status is displayed at the right end. The function setting area 220 displays keys for making settings related to the copy function (keys for setting a color mode, copy density, copy magnification, etc.). Some keys display the set contents. Other function keys 222 are keys for displaying keys for performing settings other than the displayed keys. The numeric keypad area 252 is an area for setting the number of copies for image formation. When the keys “0” to “9” are touched, the numerical values continuously input are displayed as the number of copies. When the “C” key is touched, the input number of copies is canceled (the number of copies returns to “0”). In FIG. 6, 6 copies are set as the number of copies. Below the numeric keypad area 252, a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed, and numbers “1” to “5” are displayed to distinguish the paper feed trays. In the action panel area 240, information on operation assistance, advice, proposals, and the like is displayed. For example, when a user selects a specific function, a function related to the function is displayed. In the task trigger area 230, a trigger key that is operated by the user in order to actually operate the image forming apparatus 100 after the setting is completed is displayed. In the present embodiment, the task trigger area 230 includes a monochrome start key 232 for starting a black and white copy of a document, a color start key 234 for starting a color copy, a document once scanned, and the image forming apparatus 100 taking the image as an image. A scan-in key 236 for starting the processing to be performed and a clear all (CA) key 238 for clearing all the settings are displayed.

  In step 702, the CPU 102 determines whether any key is operated in a state where the basic screen 200 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise, step 702 is repeated.

  In step 704, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is another function key 222. If it is determined that the key is another function key 222, the control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise control passes to step 716.

  In step 716, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is a start key (monochrome start key 232 or color start key 234). If it is determined that the key is the start key, the control proceeds to step 720, and a copy process is executed as described later. Otherwise, control proceeds to step 718, where CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the operated key. When the user touches the color mode key or copy density key in the function setting area 220, step 718 is executed, and settings relating to the copy function are performed.

  In step 706, the CPU 102 displays settable items on the touch panel display 132. The displayed item is also a key for displaying a setting screen for the item. The displayed items include setting of conditions related to the partition paper (hereinafter also referred to as “partition paper setting”).

  In step 708, the CPU 102 determines whether any item has been operated (whether the item has been touched) in a state where the settable item is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated (touched), control proceeds to step 710. Otherwise, step 708 is repeated.

  In step 710, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is a divider setting key. If it is determined that the setting key is for the partition paper, the control proceeds to step 712. Otherwise, control passes to step 718.

  In step 718, the CPU 102 executes processing corresponding to the operated key. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 714.

  In step 714, the CPU 102 determines whether or not there is an end instruction. If there is no end instruction, the CPU 102 returns to step 700. The end instruction is, for example, that the power key 138 is pressed. If it is determined that an end instruction has been received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 700.

  In step 712, the CPU 102 executes partition paper condition setting processing. Step 712 is specifically the processing of steps 750 to 776 shown in FIG.

  In step 750, the CPU 102 displays a partition paper setting screen on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, and generates, for example, image data of the screen 300 shown in FIG. 8 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed. In FIG. 8, a system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 302 to 314 are displayed.

  In step 752, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated in a state where the screen 300 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 754. Otherwise, step 752 is repeated.

  In step 754, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the insertion position key 302. If it is determined that the key is the insertion position key 302, the control proceeds to step 756, and an insertion position setting process is executed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise control passes to step 758.

  In step 758, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the tray key 304. If it is determined that the key is the tray key 304, the control proceeds to step 760, and a tray setting process is executed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control passes to step 762.

  In step 762, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the size key 306. If it is determined that the key is the size key 306, control proceeds to step 764, and a size setting process is executed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control passes to step 766.

  In step 766, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the type key 308. If it is determined that the key is the type key 308, the control proceeds to step 768, and a type setting process is executed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control passes to step 770.

  In step 770, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the print character setting key 310. If it is determined that the key is the print character setting key 310, the control proceeds to step 772, and the print character setting process is executed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control passes to step 774.

  In step 774, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 776. In step 776, the CPU 102 finally determines the set conditions. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 714 (see FIG. 5). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition, and then the control proceeds to step 714.

  As described above, the user can set the condition of the partition paper by touching the keys 302 to 310 displayed on the screen 300. Hereinafter, setting of each condition will be specifically described.

  Specifically, the insertion position setting processing in step 756 is processing in steps 800 to 810 shown in FIG. In step 800, the CPU 102 displays a screen for setting the insertion position of the partition paper on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data and generates, for example, image data of a screen 320 shown in FIG. 10 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 10, a system area 210 is displayed at the top, and characters representing each set of the number of print copies set are displayed in the area 322. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, since 6 copies are set as the number of copies, the characters “1st copy” to “6th copy” are displayed. In the area 324, characters indicating whether or not a divider sheet is inserted and radio buttons are displayed. These characters and radio buttons are arranged between characters representing each part of the number of copies so that the position where the partition paper is inserted can be seen. The selected radio button is displayed in black at the center. In the initial state in which the screen 320 is first displayed, all radio buttons corresponding to “cannot be entered” are selected.

  In step 802, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated in a state where the screen 320 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 804. Otherwise, step 802 is repeated.

  In step 804, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the operation in step 802 is a touch on a radio button. If it is determined that the touch is on the radio button, the control proceeds to step 806. Otherwise control passes to step 808.

  In step 806, the CPU 102 sets the display of the touched radio button to a selected state. At the same time, the display of another radio button located in the same line as the touched radio button is deselected. Control then returns to step 802.

  In step 808, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 802 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 810, where the CPU 102 tentatively determines the set insertion position and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. . Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 802 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, whether or not to insert the partition paper between the respective parts is set by the processing of Step 800 to Step 810. For example, in the radio button setting state shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, three divider sheets 330 to 334 are inserted on the first, third and fifth copies of the copy. Is done.

  The tray setting process in step 760 of FIG. 7 is specifically the process of steps 820 to 834, step 764, and step 768 shown in FIG. In step 820, the CPU 102 displays on the touch panel display 132 a setting screen for a tray that stores partition paper. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, and generates, for example, image data of a screen 340 shown in FIG. 13 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 13, a system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 342 to 354 are displayed. In the schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus displayed at the center of the screen 340, numbers “1” to “5” are displayed in correspondence with the paper feed trays 81 to 85. The numbers “1” to “5” displayed on the keys 342 to 350 correspond to the numbers displayed in the schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus, that is, the paper feed trays 81 to 85. On the keys 342 to 348, information relating to the recording paper stored in the corresponding paper feed trays 81 to 84 is displayed. An OK key 312 and a cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 822, the CPU 102 determines whether any key is operated in a state where the screen 340 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 824. Otherwise, step 822 is repeated.

  In step 824, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is any of the keys 342 to 350 that specify the paper feed trays 81 to 85. If it is determined that the touch is on any of the keys 342 to 350, the control proceeds to step 826. Otherwise, control passes to step 828.

  In step 826, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key has been selected. Thereafter, control returns to step 822. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the manual feed tray key 350 is selected by being touched.

  In step 828, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the partition paper size setting key 352. If it is determined that it is the partition paper size setting key 352, the control proceeds to step 764, and a size setting process described later is executed. Thereafter, control returns to step 822. Otherwise control passes to step 830.

  In step 830, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the partition paper type setting key 354. If it is determined that the setting type key 354 is for the partition paper type, the control proceeds to step 768, and a type setting process described later is executed. Thereafter, control returns to step 822. Otherwise, control passes to step 832.

  In step 832, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 834. In step 834, the CPU 102 temporarily determines the set paper feed tray, and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. To do. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the processing of steps 820 to 832, step 764, and step 768 sets the paper feed tray that contains the partition paper. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 13, the paper placed on the manual paper feed tray 85 is used as the partition paper.

  The size setting process in step 764 in FIGS. 7 and 12 is specifically the process in steps 850 to 864 shown in FIG. In step 850, the CPU 102 displays a partition paper size setting screen on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, and generates, for example, image data of a screen 360 shown in FIG. 15 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 15, a system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 362 to 374 are displayed. On the keys 362 to 372, a predetermined recording paper size is displayed. An OK key 312 and a cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 852, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated in a state where the screen 360 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, control proceeds to step 854. Otherwise, step 852 is repeated.

  In step 854, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is any of the keys 362 to 372. If it is determined that the touch is on any of the keys 362 to 372, the control proceeds to step 856. Otherwise, control passes to step 858.

  In step 856, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key has been selected. Control then returns to step 852. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the key 366 for designating the A4 size is touched and selected.

  In step 858, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the key 374 for directly setting the size. If it is determined that the key is 374, control proceeds to step 860. Otherwise, control passes to step 862.

  In step 860, the CPU 102 displays a screen including a numeric keypad for directly inputting the vertical and horizontal sizes of the partition paper, and stores the size input by the operation of the numeric keypad in the RAM 106. For example, a screen 370 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The user can directly input the partition paper size using the numeric keypad 372. Control then returns to step 852.

  In step 862, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 864 where the CPU 102 tentatively determines the set size of the recording paper and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the size of the partition paper is set by the processing of Step 850 to Step 864. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 15, 210 mm × 297 mm (A4 size) is set as the size of the partition paper.

  The type setting process in step 768 in FIGS. 7 and 12 is specifically the process in steps 870 to 880 shown in FIG. In step 870, the CPU 102 displays a partition paper type setting screen on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, CPU 102 reads out predetermined graphics data, and based on this, for example, generates image data of screen 380 shown in FIG. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 18, a system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 382 to 396 for specifying the type of recording paper are displayed. An OK key 312 and a cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 872, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated with the screen 380 shown in FIG. 18 being displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated, the control proceeds to step 874. Otherwise, step 872 is repeated.

  In step 874, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is any one of the keys 382 to 396 indicating the predetermined paper type. If it is determined that the touch is on any of the keys 382 to 396, the control proceeds to step 876. Otherwise, control passes to step 878.

  In step 876, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key has been selected. Thereafter, control returns to step 872. In FIG. 18, the tab sheet key 386 is selected.

  In step 878, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 880, where the CPU 102 tentatively determines the set recording paper type and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the type of the partition paper is set by the processing of Step 870 to Step 880. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 18, tab paper is set as the type of partition paper.

  The screen 340 shown in FIG. 19 includes steps 760 (tray setting processing), step 764 (size setting processing), and step 768 (type setting processing), which are shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a screen that is displayed after step 750 (see FIG. 7) is executed after the conditions relating to the partition sheet are set as described above. The key 352 indicates that the set partition paper size is 220 mm × 297 mm. The key 354 indicates that the set partition paper type is tab paper.

  The print character setting process in step 772 of FIG. 7 is specifically the process of steps 890 to 910 shown in FIG. In step 890, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen for characters to be printed on the partition paper on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, and generates, for example, image data of the screen 400 shown in FIG. 21 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 21, the system area 210 is displayed at the top, and the cell information in the leftmost column of the table area 402 (hereinafter referred to as “partition paper specifying cell”) displays character information for specifying the partition paper. In a cell on the right side of the specific cell (hereinafter referred to as “character display cell”), characters to be printed on the corresponding partition paper are displayed. Here, since it is set to insert three pieces of partition paper as shown in FIG. 10, the characters “first sheet” to “third sheet” are displayed in the partition sheet specific cells. When the number of partition sheets is large, the display of the table area 402 can be scrolled by operating the scroll bar 404 on the right side of the table area 402 to display partition sheet specific cells and character display cells that are not displayed. it can.

  In step 892, the CPU 102 determines whether any of a plurality of keys and cells has been operated in a state where the screen 400 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been operated (touched), control proceeds to step 894. Otherwise, step 892 is repeated.

  In step 894, the CPU 102 determines whether any one of the partition sheet specific cell and the character display cell has been operated in step 892. If it is determined that the operation is one of the partition sheet specific cell and the character display cell (touch), the control proceeds to step 896. Otherwise, control passes to step 898.

  In step 896, the CPU 102 displays a character input screen. On the character input screen, the same character input keys (keys and numeric keys on which alphabets are displayed) and conversion keys (kanji conversion keys, etc.) as the computer keyboard are displayed. Including).

  When the character input is completed (for example, when the OK key displayed on the character input screen is touched), in step 898, the CPU 102 determines that the cell touched in step 892 (the character display cell is touched). In this case, the left-side partition paper specific cell) is highlighted, and the character input in step 896 is displayed in the right-side character display cell. If any one of the partition sheet specific cells is already highlighted, the partition sheet specific cell is returned to the normal display. Thereafter, control returns to step 892.

  In step 900, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the one determined to have been operated in step 892 is the character position key 406. If it is determined that the character position key 406 has been touched, control proceeds to step 902. Otherwise control passes to step 908.

  In step 902, the CPU 102 determines whether any of the partition sheets is selected. That is, the CPU 102 determines whether any of the partition sheet specific cells is highlighted. If it is determined that any of the partition sheets is in the selected state, the control proceeds to step 904. Otherwise, control returns to step 892. That is, if no divider paper is selected, the display on the screen does not change even if the character position key 406 is touched. If any of the partition sheets is selected, the control moves to step 904 even if nothing is displayed in the character display cell. This is because, as will be described later, if no character is input, a number representing the number of copies is printed on the partition paper, so that the position of the number can be designated.

  In step 904, the CPU 102 displays a character position setting screen to be printed on the partition paper. The character position setting screen is a screen for inputting XY coordinates of a rectangular area where characters are printed. For example, in order to input two numerical values (X coordinate and Y coordinate) similar to the screen shown in FIG. It is a screen including the numeric keypad. The input XY coordinates are, for example, the position coordinates of the upper left vertex of the rectangular area where the character string is printed with the upper left vertex of the partition paper as the origin. In addition, it is preferable that the default position is preset as the character position. That is, even if the character position key 406 is not touched, if a character is displayed in the character display cell, it is preferable that the character is printed at the default position when execution of image formation is instructed. . For example, the default position is the center of the upper and lower sides separated by a predetermined distance from the upper and lower sides of the partition paper. The position coordinates of the upper left vertex of the rectangular area for printing the character string can be determined from the length of the input character.

  When the input is completed (for example, when the OK key displayed on the character position setting screen is touched), in step 906, the CPU 102 sets the print character setting screen when the character position key 406 is last touched. Is displayed. That is, a print character setting screen in which one of the partition paper specific cells is highlighted is displayed. Thereafter, control returns to step 892.

  In step 908, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 892 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the key is the OK key 312, the control proceeds to step 910, where the CPU 102 tentatively determines the condition relating to the set print character, and specifies information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the characters to be printed on the partition paper and the printing positions thereof are set by the processing in steps 890 to 910. For example, if the print character is set as shown in FIG. 21 and the insertion position of the partition paper is set as shown in FIG. 10, the partition paper on which the character is printed is inserted as shown in FIG.

  As described above, after the condition relating to the partition paper is set, the key (monochrome start key 232 or color start key 234) for instructing the copy is touched in the state where the copy mode basic screen 200 is displayed. If so, control proceeds in the order of step 702, step 704, step 716, and step 720.

  In step 720, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the partition paper specified by the tray setting process 760 can be discharged to the same tray as the tray from which the copied material is discharged. If it is determined that the same tray can be ejected, control proceeds to step 724. Otherwise, control passes to step 722.

  In step 722, the CPU 102 changes the designated partition paper to a recording paper that can be ejected to the same tray as the tray from which the copied material is ejected. When the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of paper discharge trays, the size of the recording paper that can be discharged by the paper discharge tray may be limited due to physical limitations such as the size and mechanism of the image forming apparatus. For example, when copying an original on A4 size recording paper, if the A3 size is set as the partition paper and the A3 size paper cannot be discharged to the tray for discharging the copy, the CPU 102 forms an image in the copy process. A tray that stores recording paper of the same size (A4 size) as the recording paper is set as a tray that stores partition paper.

  In step 724, the CPU 102 scans the document as described above, generates image data corresponding to the document on the RAM 106, and stores it in the HDD 108.

  In step 726, the CPU 102 controls the partition paper data generation unit 126 to generate image data of the partition paper. Specifically, when a character to be printed on the divider paper is designated in step 772 (see FIG. 7), the divider paper data generation unit 126 generates image data including the designated character at the designated position, After being generated on the RAM 106, it is stored in the HDD 108. If the character to be printed on the partition paper is not specified in step 772, the partition paper data generation unit 126 generates image data including a number representing the number of copies to be printed at a predetermined position. Since the CPU 102 can determine the number representing the number of copies to be printed from the setting relating to the insertion position of the partition sheet (see FIG. 10), the CPU 102 transmits the determined number to the partition sheet data generation unit 126, and the partition sheet data generation unit The image data to be printed on the partition paper is generated at 126. In other words, the CPU 102 calculates the number of copies of a copy output before inserting the partition paper from the information on the position where the partition paper is inserted, and calculates a number representing a value one larger than the number of copies. Determined as the number to be printed on paper.

  In step 728, as described above, the CPU 102 starts image formation on the recording paper taken out from the designated paper feed tray and conveyed.

  In step 730, while controlling the image forming unit 122, the CPU 102 counts the number of copies of the recording paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 91 or 96, and whether the predetermined number of copies to be discharged before the partition paper is discharged has been reached. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the predetermined number of copies has been reached, control proceeds to step 734. Otherwise, control passes to step 732.

  The number of discharged recording sheets can be detected by a sensor disposed in the vicinity of the transport roller 12b or 12e. Therefore, since the number of scanned documents and the printing conditions (the number of documents to be imaged on one side of one document and the number of printed surfaces of one document) are known to the CPU 102, the CPU 102 Considering these conditions, the number of ejected copies can be calculated from the number of ejected recording sheets.

  In step 732, the CPU 102 forms an image on the recording paper.

  In step 734, the CPU 102 forms an image on the partition sheet. Specifically, the divider paper is taken out from the designated tray and conveyed, and an image is formed on the divider paper based on the image data generated in step 726. The image data used at this time is image data including the designated character when the character to be printed on the partition paper is designated in step 772. If no character to be printed on the partition paper is designated in step 772, the image data includes a number representing the number of copies to be printed. In any case, the CPU 102 can determine image data to be used for printing on the partition paper from the number of copies that have already been ejected.

  In step 736, the CPU 102 determines whether or not printing of the designated number of copies has been completed. If it is determined that the process has been completed, control proceeds to step 714. Otherwise, control returns to step 730.

  As described above, the designated number of printed materials into which the partition sheets have been inserted in accordance with the partition sheet conditions set in step 712 are discharged to the discharge tray 91 or 96. For example, when the insertion position of the partition paper is set as shown in FIG. 10 and the character to be printed on the partition paper is not set in step 772, a copy result as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained. In addition, when the insertion position of the partition paper is set as shown in FIG. 10 and the characters to be printed on the partition paper are set as shown in FIG. 21 in step 772, a copy result as shown in FIG. 22 is obtained. . Therefore, the user can easily sort the print results when copying a plurality of copies of the document. In other words, the dividers are inserted at the designated positions in the unit of copies, and the number of copies or the designated characters are printed on each divider, so the user does not need to count the number of copies, and the printed matter is placed before and after the dividers. Just divide by.

  When the partition paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 91 or 96, the partition paper may be shifted and discharged. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, even if only the partition paper is shifted, as shown in FIG. 24, the partition paper and the recording paper discharged up to the partition paper to be discharged next may be shifted. Good.

  Although the case where the image forming apparatus 100 is used in the copy mode has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is used in the printer mode, that is, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from an external terminal device (such as a computer) via the network 190 and executes printing. Similarly, partition paper can be inserted. In that case, when the user designates a file to be printed on the terminal device, a screen for setting conditions related to the partition paper on the display device of the terminal device (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, FIG. 13, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 18, and FIG. 21) may be displayed.

  Specifically, the CPU of the terminal device displays a partition paper setting screen on the display device of the terminal device, and accepts an operation of a mouse or a keyboard mounted on the terminal device by the user. The CPU of the terminal device sets a condition related to the partition paper in the same manner as in the above-described step 712 (see FIG. 5), and generates a print job including the condition by the user's operation. The CPU of the terminal device transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 190. The image forming apparatus 100 executes Steps 726 to 736 in FIG. 5 according to the received print job. As a result, a print result similar to that shown in FIG. 11 or 22 can be obtained. When the CPU of the terminal device generates a print job including character information to be printed on the partition paper and transmits the print job to the image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 performs the processing in step 726 (image to be printed on the partition paper). Data generation). However, when the CPU of the terminal device generates image data to be printed on the partition paper and transmits a print job including the image data to the image forming device 100, the image forming device 100 needs to perform the process of step 726. Absent.

  The condition relating to the partition sheet may include at least information for specifying the insertion position of the partition sheet, the tray for storing the partition sheet, and the size of the partition sheet. Information on the type of partition paper and the characters printed on the partition paper is arbitrary.

  Moreover, you may set conditions other than the above as conditions regarding the character printed on a partition paper. For example, the font, size, color, and the like of characters may be settable.

  Further, the setting screen for the partition paper is not limited to FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 21. It may be a screen on which a plurality of conditions related to the partition paper can be set on one screen. For example, the screen 410 shown in FIG. 25 may be a screen on which conditions relating to the partition paper can be set by using a pull-down menu 412 as a user interface and selecting from preset options.

  Also, a divider is inserted at any position before the entire printed matter by a job that prints multiple copies, behind the entire printed matter by a job that prints multiple copies, before every predetermined number of copies, and after every predetermined number of copies. In this case, it is possible to efficiently set the conditions relating to the partition paper by using the screen 450 shown in FIG. On the screen 450, the check boxes 452 on the left side of the notations “Insert before each number of copies”, “Insert after each number of copies”, “Insert before job”, and “Insert after job” are touched. Then, a check symbol is displayed and each setting is enabled. When inserting a partition paper for every predetermined number of copies, the number of copies between the partition papers can be input in the range of 1 to 9999 with the up / down key 456. The input value is displayed in the copy number display field 458.

  A paper feed tray key 454 is a key for setting a paper feed tray that supplies partition paper to be inserted into each position. When the paper feed tray key 454 is touched, a screen (for example, FIG. 13) for selecting from the paper feed trays 81 to 85 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. On the screen 450, the selected paper feed tray is displayed on the left side of the paper feed tray key 454. In FIG. 26, the partition paper to be inserted after the job is set to be supplied from the tray 1 (paper feed tray 81), and the other partition paper is set to be supplied from the manual feed tray (paper feed tray 85). .

  Processing when the OK key 312 and the cancel key 314 are touched is the same as described above. The screen 450 is an example of a screen displayed as a sub-screen displayed on a part of the touch panel display 132. When the “x” key 460 on the upper right is touched, the screen 450 is closed. When the “x” key 460 is touched and the screen 450 is closed, the setting content may be saved, discarded, or a confirmation screen as to whether to save may be displayed.

  The user can perform an insertion position setting process in step 756 in FIG. 7 and a tray setting process in step 760 by operating the screen 450. For example, when four copies of a two-page document are copied, if the divider is set to be inserted before the job and inserted after the job, as shown in FIG. In addition, partition sheets 500 and 502 are inserted behind. In FIG. 27, characters (for example, job names) for specifying jobs are printed on the partition sheets 500 and 502.

  In the case of copying four copies of a two-page document, if it is set to insert a divider sheet before every two copies, divider sheets 504 and 506 are inserted as shown in FIG. Also, if it is set to be inserted behind every two copies, partition sheets 508 and 510 are inserted as shown in FIG. In FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, as described above, numbers indicating the number of copies of the printed matter next to the divider paper are printed on the divider papers 504 to 510. Therefore, the user can easily know the number of output copies up to the front of the partition sheet. In addition, if the setting is made as shown in FIG. 26, a total of six partition sheets 500 to 510 are inserted as shown in FIG.

  In this way, by setting the dividers to be inserted before and after the entire job, when print jobs received almost simultaneously from different terminal devices are executed and the printed matter is continuously discharged to the same discharge tray , It becomes easy to determine the separation of the printed matter by each job. Note that even when a partition sheet is inserted as shown in FIGS. 27 to 30, characters to be printed on the partition sheet may be arbitrarily set via a screen as shown in FIG. 21.

  In addition, it is preferable to set in advance in the image forming apparatus 100 the setting contents relating to the insertion of the partition paper as default settings. For example, if the administrator makes a setting related to insertion of partition sheets via the screen 450 in advance and registers the contents as default settings in the image forming apparatus 100, each user simply does not perform an operation on the screen 450. Only by enabling the function for inserting the partition paper (for example, touching a key for enabling the insertion of the partition paper), a printed matter with the partition paper inserted can be obtained.

  The information for designating the insertion position of the partition paper is arbitrary, the number of copies (including “0”) to be ejected before the partition paper is ejected for the first time, and 2 continuously ejected. Any information can be used as long as the number of copies of the copy discharged between the sheets of partition paper can be calculated. You may specify these copies directly.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus can perform post-processing such as punching and stapling on the recording paper on which the image is formed, even if post-processing is designated, the post-processing is performed on the partition paper. It is preferable not to do so.

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment. However, the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

100 Image forming apparatus 102 CPU
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 NIC
112 Bus 120 Document Reading Unit 122 Image Forming Unit 124 Image Processing Unit 126 Partition Paper Data Generation Unit 128 Recording Paper Transport Unit 130 Operation Unit 190 Network

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus for inserting a partition sheet for indicating a separator between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface,
Image forming means for forming an image on recording paper;
Input means for designating an insertion position for inserting the partition paper;
Discharging means for discharging the recording paper on which an image is formed, and the partition paper;
Control means for controlling the discharge means,
The insertion position is designated in units of copies, where a set of recording sheets on which all images included in a job instructing image formation on recording sheets are formed,
The control means causes the discharge means to discharge the recording paper on which an image has been formed, after discharging a determined number of copies from the insertion position, and then causes the partition paper to shift and discharge in a predetermined direction. apparatus.   The image forming unit forms an image in a peripheral portion of the partition sheet, when the partition sheet is shifted and discharged in the predetermined direction by the discharge unit, and does not overlap the discharged recording sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A character input means for inputting characters;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image formed on the part of the partition paper is an image of a character input by the character input unit. Further comprising a calculating means for calculating the number of the sets discharged until the partition paper is discharged,
3. The image formation according to claim 2, wherein the image formed on the part of the partition paper is a number image representing a value one larger than the number of the sets calculated by the calculation unit. apparatus. The input means includes
Display means for displaying information representing each of the number of sets instructed to form an image in the order in which the sets are discharged so as to be distinguishable from each other
An insertion designating unit for designating the insertion position by designating whether or not to insert the partition sheet between the information representing the two sets to be ejected in succession; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Further comprising partition paper designating means for designating a paper feed tray to which the partition paper is supplied,
6. The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the discharge unit to take out and discharge the partition sheet from the sheet feeding tray specified by the partition sheet specifying unit. Forming equipment. Further comprising size specifying means for specifying the size of the partition paper,
The control means includes a determination means for determining whether or not the partition paper of the size specified by the size specifying means can be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording paper on which the image is formed,
The control unit stores the recording paper on which the image is formed when the determination unit determines that the partition paper cannot be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording paper on which the image is formed. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is controlled so that the recording sheet is taken out from the tray and discharged instead of the partition sheet.   The input means is positioned in front of or behind all recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged by the job, and in front of or behind recording sheets for each predetermined number of copies on which an image is formed and discharged. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that designates the position as the insertion position. The input means is positioned in front of or behind all recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged by the job, and in front of or behind recording sheets for each predetermined number of copies on which an image is formed and discharged. Means for designating as the insertion position,
The image forming means is designated by the input means in response to the fact that at least one of the front and the back of all the recording sheets on which images are formed and discharged by the job is designated as the insertion position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image of the character is formed on a partition sheet inserted at the insertion position. Further comprising a calculating means for calculating the number of the sets discharged until the partition paper is discharged,
The image forming means receives the fact that at least one of the front and the back of the recording paper for each predetermined number of copies formed and discharged by the input means is designated as the insertion position. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a number image representing a value one greater than the number of the sets calculated by the calculating unit is formed on the partition sheet inserted at the insertion position.

Images