JP2019062301A - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

To more appropriately and quickly reuse printed paper.SOLUTION: A scanner unit 101 reads an image of printed paper or a document; an image detection unit 119 detects the size of the image of the document on the basis of image data read by the scanner unit 101; a margin detection unit 120 detects the size of the margin of the printed paper on the basis of the image data read by the scanner unit 101; a system control unit 123 controls processing to distribute the printed paper and processing to print an image in the margin of the printed paper. In the distribution processing, the system control unit 123 distributes the printed paper to designated paper cassettes 131a to 131g according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit 120, and in the image printing processing, causes the paper cassettes 131a to 131g to feed the printed paper having a margin where the image of the document with the size detected by the image detection unit 119 can be printed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program suitable for reusing printed paper.

  For example, in an image forming apparatus such as MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a data transmission / reception function via a network, and the like are installed. By the way, in such an image forming apparatus, for the purpose of reuse of a printed sheet, for example, printing may be performed on a margin area where an image of the printed sheet is not formed. In this case, if there are a large amount of printed sheets, it is necessary to sort reusable printed sheets.

  As related to such sorting of printed sheets, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-101, the size of the blank area of the printed sheet is detected by the margin area detection unit, and the printed sheet detected by the margin area detection unit by the sheet distribution unit. The paper sorting apparatus has been proposed which selects a tray according to the size of the margin area and discharges the printed paper to the selected tray.

JP, 2010-089879, A

  In the sheet sorting apparatus of Patent Document 1 described above, since the printed sheets are sorted and discharged to the tray according to the size of the margin area of the printed sheets, sorting of reusable printed sheets becomes easy. ing.

  By the way, in this sheet sorting apparatus, the margin area of reusable printed sheets is limited to A5 size or B5 size or more. As described above, when the margin area is limited to A5 size or B5 size or more, all printed sheets having the margin area smaller than A5 size are treated as non-reusable.

  Also, with this paper sorting apparatus, printed paper that has been made reusable is sorted and discharged into trays according to the size of the margin area of the printed paper, but printing for the blank area of the printed paper is performed In this case, it is necessary to guide the sorted printed paper to the recycled paper tray. Furthermore, for printed sheets fed from the recycled sheet tray, it is necessary to determine whether printing is possible by comparison with the size of the image to be printed.

  From such a thing, development of the apparatus which can perform reuse of a printed paper more appropriately and rapidly is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a printer unit, a reading device for reading an image of a printed sheet or a document, and an image detection unit for detecting the size of the image of the document based on image data read by the reading device. A margin detection unit for detecting the size of the margin of the printed sheet based on the image data read by the reading device, sorting of the printed sheet, and printing of the image with respect to the margin of the printed sheet And the system control unit, in the distribution process, distributes the printed sheet to a designated discharge destination according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit, and In the printing process, the printed sheet having a margin capable of printing the size of the image of the document detected by the image detection unit is It is fed from the go, with respect to the printer unit, the image of the document, characterized in that to print in the margin of the printed paper is fed.
Further, the system control unit is characterized in that, when there are a plurality of margins detected by the margin detection unit, the largest size margin is assigned as a distribution target.
The image forming program according to the present invention is an image forming program to be executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, and the reading device reads the image of a printed sheet or a document by a reading device, and the image detection unit Detecting the size of the image of the document based on the read image data; detecting the size of the margin of the printed sheet based on the image data read by the reading device by the margin detection unit; The system control unit controls the distribution processing of the printed sheets and the printing processing of the image with respect to the margin of the printed sheets, and the system control unit controls the margin in the distribution processing. According to the size of the margin detected by the detection unit, the printed paper is distributed to the designated discharge destination, In the image printing process, the printed sheet having a margin capable of printing the size of the image of the document detected by the image detection unit is fed from the discharge destination, and the image of the document is sent to the printer unit. Is printed in the margin of the printed sheet fed.
In the image forming apparatus and the image forming program of the present invention, the reading device reads an image of a printed sheet or an original, and the image detection unit detects the size of the image of the original based on the image data read by the reading device. The margin detection unit detects the size of the margin of the printed sheet based on the image data read by the reading device, and the system control unit distributes the printed sheet and prints the image to the margin of the printed sheet Control the process. The system control unit distributes the printed sheet to the designated discharge destination according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit in the distribution process, and the image of the document detected by the image detection unit in the image printing process. A printed sheet having a margin capable of printing a size of 4 is fed from the discharge destination, and the image of the document is printed in the margin of the fed printed sheet to the printer unit.
Thus, in the sorting process, the printed sheets can be sorted to the designated discharge destination according to the size of the margin, so that the size of the margin can be set arbitrarily. Further, in the printing process, since the printed sheet having a margin capable of printing the size of the image of the document detected by the image detection unit is fed from the discharge destination, the sorting process and the printing process are executed in a series of flows it can.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming program of the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set the size of the margin at the time of sorting of printed sheets, and furthermore, sorting processing and printing processing can be executed in a series of flows. Can be more appropriately and quickly reused.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an embodiment in the case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to an MFP. FIG. 2A is a view for explaining an outline of the ADF of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2A is a view for explaining feeding of an original from the ADF of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2C is a view for explaining conveyance of a document inverted by the switchback mechanism. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part of FIG. FIG. 4A is an explanatory view of an outline of margin detection by the margin detection unit of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4A is a view showing a case where the margin detection unit detects a margin of two business card sizes; Is a diagram showing the case where the margin detection unit detects the margin of the business card size and the margin of the L size, and FIG. 4C shows the case where the margin detection unit detects the margin of the business card size and the margin of the postcard size. FIG. 4D shows the case where the margin detection unit detects L size margins and A5 size margins, and FIG. 4E shows the margin detection unit as the surface of the sheet. FIG. 4 (f) is a diagram showing a case where a margin of L size and a margin of A5 size are detected on the side and a margin of A5 size is detected on the back side of the sheet; FIG. It is a figure which shows the case where the whole area of is detected as a blank. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for describing distribution processing before printing by the MFP of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for describing a process of feeding a printed sheet by the MFP of FIG. 1;

  An embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. An example of the image forming apparatus in the following description is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) which is a complex peripheral device equipped with a print function, a copy function, a FAX function, a data transmission / reception function via a network, and the like. It shall be.

  In the present embodiment, printed sheets 134 described later are distributed to paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187 or paper feed cassettes 131 a to 131 g of the mail box 180 described later according to the size of the margin. The printed sheets 134 distributed to the discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187 of the mailbox 180 are stored in the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g designated according to the size of the respective margins. Then, when printing an image of a document 200 described later in the margin of the printed sheet 134, the printed sheet 134 having a margin corresponding to the size of the image is fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g (c) Let me do it. Hereinafter, details of the sorting of the printed paper 134 and the like will be described in order.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, a scanner unit 101, a control unit 110, a paper supply unit 130, a printer unit 140, a fixing unit 150, a conveyance unit 160, a double-sided reading sensor 167, etc. are mounted inside the main body 101A of the MFP 100. It is done. Reference numeral 170 denotes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) having a paper feed tray 171, and reference numeral 180 denotes a mail box having a plurality of paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187. The number of paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187 is seven, but may be six or less, or eight or more. Further, although details will be described later, the paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187 can be used when distributing according to the size of the margin. Further, the distribution of the printed sheet 134 is performed by the plurality of path switching units 168 a to 168 g of the conveyance path 168.

  Although details will be described later, the scanner unit 101 reads, for example, an image of a document 200 or a printed sheet 134 automatically fed from the ADF 170. In the case of single-sided reading, the scanner unit 101 reads the side (for example, the front side) on which the image of the document 200 or the printed sheet 134 is formed. Further, in the case of double-sided reading, the scanner unit 101 reads an image on the front side and the back side of the document 200 or the printed sheet 134. The document 200 is not limited to automatic sheet feeding from the ADF 170, and may be set on the document table 101B having a glass surface covered by the cover 107C and read by horizontal movement of the scanner unit 101.

  The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit, and the details will be described later. The sheet feeding unit 130 accommodates a plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g that can store various sheets 133 and printed sheets 134 having different sheet sizes and sheet types. For the paper feed cassettes 131a to 131g, for example, the paper feed cassettes 131a to 131e can be set as the printed sheets 134 distributed according to the size of the margin. In addition, for example, the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 f can be set for the blank sheet 133. Further, for example, the sheet feeding cassette 131g can be set for the printed sheets 134 before sorting. The settings of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g can be arbitrarily changed. Further, the number of sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g is not limited to seven as illustrated, and can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

  Further, a sheet feeding roller 132 and a drawing roller 132a are provided in each of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g. The sheet feeding roller 132 feeds the sheet 133 from the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g or the printed sheet 134 to a later-described first conveyance path 161 of the conveyance unit 160. The drawing roller 132a draws the printed sheet 134 conveyed by the conveyance path 169 into the inside of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g. In the transport path 169, path switching units 169a to 169f are provided. Then, by the operation of one of the path switching units 169a to 169f, the printed sheet 134 is distributed to any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g specified according to the size of the margin.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 described later, the margin of the printed sheet 134 includes the margin a of the business card size, the margin b of the L size, the margin c of the postcard size, the margin d of the A5 size and the like. Here, for example, paper feed cassette 131a is set as a discharge destination of printed sheet 134 having business card size margin a, and paper feed cassette 131b is a discharge destination of printed sheet 134 having L size margin b. Set the paper feed cassette 131c as the discharge destination of the printed paper 134 having the postcard size margin c, and set the paper feed cassette 131d as the discharge destination of the printed paper 134 having the A5 size margin d. By setting the sheet feeding cassette 131e as a discharge destination of the printed sheet 134 having a margin over the entire back surface, it becomes possible to distribute the printed sheet 134 according to the margin size.

  The printer unit 140 includes an image forming unit 141 including magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (B) having a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a charging device, an exposure device, etc. (not shown). ing. The printer unit 140 also includes a primary transfer roller 142, a drive roller 143, a driven roller 144, an intermediate transfer belt 145, and a secondary transfer roller 146. The image forming unit 141 forms a toner image on a photosensitive drum (not shown) in the steps of charging, exposure and development based on the print data. Further, the primary transfer roller 142 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum (not shown) onto the intermediate transfer belt 145 stretched around the driving roller 143 and the driven roller 144. The secondary transfer roller 146 is in pressure contact with the back side of the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134, and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 145 to the front side of the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134.

  The fixing unit 150 has a heating roller 151 and a pressure roller 152. The heating roller 151 applies heat from a heat source controlled by a heat source control unit (not shown) to the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134. The pressure roller 152 presses the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 to the heating roller 151 side. The pressing force of the pressing roller 152 is adjusted by a pressure adjusting mechanism (not shown). Then, the fixing unit 150 applies the pressure by the pressure roller 152 and the heat by the heating roller 151 to the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 to which the toner image has been transferred by the driving roller 143 and the secondary transfer roller 146. . As a result, the toner image is fixed to the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134. A pressure adjusting mechanism (not shown) is constituted by a pressing member for pressing the pressing roller 152 in the direction of the heating roller 151, a spring, and a driving unit such as a stepping motor, and operates the driving unit to move the pressing member. By adjusting the pressure, the pressure of the pressure roller 152 is adjusted.

  The transport unit 160 detours at a first transport path 161 extending from the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g to the branch point 164, a second transport path 162 extending from the branch point 164 to the mailbox 180, and the first transport path. A third conveyance path 163 returning to 161 and a fourth conveyance path 166 extending from the ADF 170 to the second conveyance path 162 are provided. The first conveyance path 161 and the second conveyance path 162 are used for single-sided printing. Further, the third conveyance path 163 is used for double-sided printing.

  The transport unit 160 detours at a first transport path 161 extending from the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g to the branch point 164, a second transport path 162 extending from the branch point 164 to the mailbox 180, and the first transport path. A third conveyance path 163 returning to 161 and a fourth conveyance path 166 extending from the ADF 170 to the second conveyance path 162 are provided. The first conveyance path 161 and the second conveyance path 162 are used for single-sided reading. Further, the third conveyance path 163 is used for double-sided reading.

  Here, in single-sided printing, the first conveyance path 161 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 along the direction of arrow a to the transfer position of the toner image of the printer unit 140, and the fixing unit according to the transfer speed of the toner image. Transport to the 150 side. Further, the first conveyance path 161 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 after fixing to the second conveyance path 162 side, to the fixing position of the toner image of the fixing unit 150. Then, the second conveyance path 162 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 on which the toner image is fixed to the mailbox 180 along the direction of the arrow a.

  In double-sided printing, the first conveyance path 161 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 in the direction of arrow a to the transfer position of the toner image of the printer unit 140, and to the fixing unit 150 side according to the transfer speed of the toner image. Transport Further, the first conveyance path 161 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 after fixing to the second conveyance path 162 side, to the fixing position of the toner image of the fixing unit 150. Subsequently, the second conveyance path 162 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 on which the toner image is fixed to the mailbox 180 along the direction of arrow a, but the rear end of the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 branches When the point 164 is reached, the third conveyance path 163 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 in the direction of the arrow b and feeds the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 to the first conveyance path 161. At this time, the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 is reversed (the back side on which the image is not formed is directed to the intermediate transfer belt 145 side). Thereafter, similarly to single-sided printing, the second conveyance path 162 conveys the sheet 133 or the printed sheet 134 on which the transfer and fixing of the toner image have been completed to the mailbox 180 along the direction of the arrow a. In the case of single-sided printing and double-sided printing, it is possible to select either of the blank paper 133 or the paper feed cassettes 131a to 131g in which the printed paper 134 is stored. The paper feed cassettes 131 a to 131 g are distributed according to the size of the printed sheets 134 or the margin and used for storing the printed sheets 134.

  The duplex reading sensor 167 is disposed on the upstream side of the first conveyance path 161 so as to sandwich the first conveyance path 161. Here, for example, when the lower sheet feeding cassette 131g is set for the printed sheet 134, the duplex reading sensor 167 reads the image on both sides of the printed sheet 134 sent from the sheet feeding cassette 131g. Further, the margin detection unit 120 shown in FIG. 3 to be described later confirms whether or not there are margins a to d (see FIG. 4 to be described later) from the image read by the double-sided reading sensor 167. The size of the margins a to d is detected. The margin detection unit 120 may detect the positions of the margins a to d in addition to the detection of the sizes of the margins a to d.

  The ADF 170 has a plurality of transport rollers 172 to 177 disposed inside the main body 170B. Further, the main body 170B is provided with a sheet feeding port 178 and a discharge port 179. A plurality of originals 200 or a plurality of printed sheets 134 can be set in the sheet feeding tray 171. Further, the document 200 set on the paper feed tray 171 or the printed paper 134 is separated one by one by a separation mechanism (not shown). In addition, a soccer system, a friction system, etc. are employable as a separation mechanism.

  The conveyance rollers 172 to 176 are disposed along the conveyance path 170 a of the document 200 or the printed paper 134 indicated by a dotted line, as shown in FIG. 2A described later. The conveyance roller 177 is disposed along the conveyance path 170 b of the document 200 or the printed paper 134 indicated by a dotted line, as shown in FIG. 2B described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 2C described later, the original 200 or the printed sheet 134 conveyed along the conveyance path 170b is conveyed along a conveyance path 170c indicated by a dotted line, and further, as shown in FIG. And is discharged from the discharge port 179 to the upper surface side of the cover 107C. Further, the original 200 or the printed sheet 134 conveyed along the conveyance path 170 b is conveyed along the conveyance path 170 c indicated by a dotted line as shown in FIG. After being conveyed along the line 166, the sheet is conveyed to the second conveyance path 162 side. Here, the switchback mechanism 170A is configured by the transport rollers 176, 177, and 173. In addition, about arrangement | positioning of the conveyance rollers 172-177, it changes with kinds and may be changed arbitrarily. Further, the switchback mechanism 170A by the transport rollers 176, 177, 173 is also different for each model, and may be arbitrarily changed.

  The mailbox 180 will be described later in detail, but under control of the control unit 110, for example, the printed sheet 134 is transported by the transport path 168, and the paper discharge tray (A) 181 to (designated according to the size of the margin) G) Assign to 187. In the transport path 168, path switching units 168a to 168g are provided. Then, by the operation of one of the path switching units 168a to 168g, the printed sheet 134 is distributed to any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g designated according to the size of the margin. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 described later, the margin of the printed sheet 134 includes the margin a of the business card size, the margin b of the L size, the margin c of the postcard size, the margin d of the A5 size and the like. Here, for example, the discharge tray (A) 181 is set as a discharge destination of the printed sheet 134 having the margin a of the business card size, and the discharge tray (B) 182 is printed having the margin b of L size The discharge tray (C) 183 is set as the discharge destination of the paper 134, and the discharge tray (D) 184 is set as the margin d of A5 size as the discharge destination of the printed paper 134 having the postcard size margin c. Printed according to the margin size by setting it as the discharge destination of the printed paper 134 that it had, and setting the paper discharge tray (E) 185 as the discharge destination of the printed paper 134 that has margins on the entire back side. It becomes possible to distribute the paper 134.

  Further, for example, the discharge tray (F) 186 is set in the margin as a discharge destination of the printed paper 134 on which the image is printed, for example, the discharge tray (G) 187 is a discharge destination of the non-reusable printed paper 134 By setting as, it becomes easy to distinguish from other printed sheets 134. If the number of paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187 is less than seven, shift discharge may be performed by the mail box 180. Here, shift discharge includes, for example, a reference position and a shift position shifted by a fixed amount in a direction (paper width direction) orthogonal to the discharge direction from the reference position on the paper discharge tray (A) 181, with margins a to d is to discharge the printed sheet 134 on which the image is printed to the reference position, and, for example, to discharge the non-reusable printed sheet 134 to the shift position. Thus, for example, printed sheet 134 with an image printed on margins a to d in paper discharge tray (A) 181, and printed sheet 134 determined to be non-reusable, for example, having less than margin a of the business card size. Even when the sheet is discharged, it is possible to distinguish between the printed sheet 134 on which the image is printed in the margins a to d and the printed sheet 134 that is not reusable.

  Next, the outline of the ADF 170 will be described with reference to FIG. The ADF 170 automatically feeds the original 200 or the printed sheet 134. Further, the ADF 170 changes the discharge destination of the document 200 or the printed paper 134 before sorting according to the specification. That is, in the case of the document 200, the ADF 170 sets the upper surface side of a cover 107C described later as a discharge destination. Further, in the case of the printed paper 134 before sorting, the ADF 170 sets a fourth conveyance path 166 described later as a discharge destination.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the transport roller 172 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper feed port 178 of the main body 170B, and the document 200 separated by the separation mechanism (not shown) or the printed paper 134 is separated. The original 200 on the paper feed tray 171 or the uppermost sheet of the printed paper 134 is rotated and drawn into the main body 170 B and sent out to the scanner unit 101 side.

  The transport roller 173 is located on the downstream side of the transport roller 172 on the transport paths 170a and 170b shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and transports the document 200 or the printed paper 134 delivered by the transport roller 172. It sends out to the conveyance roller 174 side downstream along 170a and 170b. The conveyance roller 174 is located downstream of the conveyance roller 173 on the conveyance paths 170a and 170b shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and the document 200 delivered by the conveyance roller 173 is conveyed along the conveyance paths 170a and 170b. The sheet is sent to the downstream side scanner unit 101 side.

  The scanner unit 101 is located on the downstream side of the transport roller 174 on the transport paths 170 a and 170 b, and reads the document 200 or the printed paper 134 sent by the transport roller 174. That is, the scanner unit 101 is located below the transport paths 170a and 170b, and reads the front side of the document 200 or the printed sheet 134, for example, when the single-sided reading setting is designated. On the other hand, when the double-sided reading setting is designated, the scanner unit 101 also reads the back side of the document 200 or the printed sheet 134. In this case, the back side of the original 200 or the printed sheet 134 is inverted by being sent out along the conveyance path 170c shown in FIG. 2C by the above-described switchback mechanism 170A, and read by the scanner unit 101. .

  Here, the front side is the side of the document 200 set in the paper feed tray 171 or the side facing upward of the printed paper 134. The original 200 for which the single-sided reading setting has been designated is read by the scanner unit 101 on the front side and is conveyed along the conveyance path 170a, and then discharged from the discharge port 179 to the upper surface side of the cover 107C. After the front side of the document 200 conveyed at a constant speed or the printed sheet 134 is read by the scanner unit 101, the document 200 for which double-sided reading setting has been specified is reversed by the switchback mechanism 170A, and the document 200 or printing is printed. The back side of the finished paper 134 is read by the scanner unit 101, and is conveyed along the conveyance path 170a.

  The transport roller 175 is located on the downstream side of the scanner unit 101 on the transport paths 170a and 170b, and the document 200 delivered by the transport roller 174 or the printed paper 134 is discharged along the transport path 170c. Send to the side. The conveyance roller 176 is located downstream of the conveyance roller 175 on the conveyance paths 170a and 170b, and when the single-sided reading setting is designated, the document 200 delivered by the conveyance roller 174 or the printed sheet 134 is conveyed along the conveyance path 170a. Discharge from the discharge port 179 along the Further, when the double-sided reading setting is designated, the conveyance roller 176 sends out the document 200 discharged from the discharge port 179 or the printed paper 134 to the conveyance roller 177 side.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the transport roller 177 is located on the downstream side of the transport roller 176 on the transport path 170b, and the document 200 sent by the transport roller 176 or the printed paper 134 is transferred to the transport path 170b. It sends to the conveyance roller 173 side along. The original 200 or the printed sheet 134 sent to the conveyance roller 173 is sent to the scanner unit 101 along the conveyance path 170c and read by the scanner unit 101 as shown in FIG. 2C. . Here, the side of the original 200 to be read or the printed sheet 134 is the back side reversed by the switchback mechanism 170A. Then, the document 200 read by the scanner unit 101 is conveyed along the conveyance path 170c, is further conveyed along the conveyance path 170a shown in FIG. 2A, and is discharged from the discharge port 179 to the upper surface side of the cover 107C. Be done. In the case of the printed sheet 134, when both sides are read by the scanner unit 101, the sheet 134 is conveyed along the fourth conveyance path 166 and then conveyed to the second conveyance path 162 side.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 110 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. A control unit 110 controls operations of the scanner unit 101, the printer unit 140, a facsimile (Facsimile) unit 102, an I / F (interface) 103, a double-sided reading sensor 167, a panel unit 104, and an HDD 105.

  The scanner unit 101 is a device that converts an image on a document 200 or a printed sheet 134 read by an image sensor (not shown) into digital image data and inputs the image data to the control unit 110. The printer unit 140 is a device that prints an image on blank paper 133 or margins a to d (see FIG. 4 described later) or the like based on print data output from the control unit 110. The FAX unit 102 is a device that transmits data output from the control unit 110 to a facsimile serving as the other party through a telephone line, receives data from the other party facsimile, and inputs the data to the control unit 110.

  The I / F 103 is responsible for communication with other MFPs 100 and user terminals via a network. Note that the I / F 103 may be in charge of communication with a content server, a web server, etc. (not shown). For example, the duplex reading sensor 167 reads an image on both sides of the printed sheet 134 fed from the sheet feeding cassette 131g. Panel unit 104 is a device having, for example, a print function, a copy function, a fax function, a data transmission / reception function via a network, and a touch panel for displaying various settings and a hardware key. The HDD 105 is a storage device storing application programs and the like for providing various functions of the MFP 100. Also, the HDD 105 has a user box for storing a print job registered from the user terminal side.

  Control unit 110 is a processor that executes an application program such as an authentication program, an image forming program, a control program, and the like to control the overall operation of MFP 100. The control unit 110 includes a scanner control unit 111, a printer control unit 112, a fax control unit 113, a communication control unit 114, a random access memory (RAM) 115, an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 116, and a sensor control unit 117. The image processing unit 118, the image detection unit 119, the margin detection unit 120, the panel operation control unit 121, the HDD control unit 122, and the system control unit 123 are provided. Also, these are connected to the data bus 124.

  The scanner control unit 111 controls the reading operation of the scanner unit 101. The printer control unit 112 controls the printing operation of the printer unit 140. The fax control unit 113 controls data transmission and reception operations of the fax unit 102. The communication control unit 114 controls transmission and reception of data via the network via the I / F 103. The RAM 115 is a work memory for executing a program. The RAM 115 also stores print data that has been image processed (rasterized) by the image processing unit 118. The EEPROM 116 stores a control program for generating an operation check of each part and a start sequence.

  The sensor control unit 117 controls the reading operation of the double-sided reading sensor 167. The image processing unit 118 performs image processing (rasterization) on the image data read by the scanner unit 101. The image processing unit 118 also performs image processing (rasterization) on the print job registered in the user box of the HDD 105. The system control unit 123 causes the RAM 115 to temporarily store print data subjected to image processing (rasterization) by the image processing unit 118.

  The image detection unit 119 confirms whether or not there is an image based on the image data of the document 200 read by the scanner unit 101 or the printed paper 134, and detects the size of the image if there is an image. When the image detection unit 119 detects an image, for example, an area having black data is detected based on the image data read by the scanner unit 101. Thus, the system control unit 123 can determine whether the size of the image is, for example, a size of a business card size, a size of L size, a size of postcard size, or a size of A5 size . In addition to detecting the size of the image of the document 200 read by the scanner unit 101, the image detection unit 119 may detect the size of the image based on the print data.

  The margin detection unit 120 checks whether there is a margin a to d (see FIG. 4 described later) based on the image data read by the double-sided reading sensor 167 or the scanner portion 101, and there is a margin a to d. Detects the size of the margins a to d. Further, when there are a plurality of blanks a to d, the blank space detection unit 120 detects the size of each of the blanks a to d. The margin detection unit 120 may detect the positions of the margins a to d in addition to the detection of the sizes of the margins a to d. Further, when the margin detection unit 120 detects the margins a to d, for example, an area without black data is detected based on the image data read by the double-sided reading sensor 167 or the scanner unit 101.

  The panel operation control unit 121 controls the display operation of the panel unit 104. The panel operation control unit 121 also receives settings such as printing, copying, faxing, and data transmission / reception via a network via the panel unit 104. Further, the panel operation control unit 121 designates the sheet feeding cassette 131g of the printed sheet 134, designates one side reading of the original 200 or the printed sheet 134, designates both side reading, designates a margin size, etc. via the panel unit 104. Accept In the specification of the margin size, when the margin detection unit 120 detects a plurality of margins a to d larger than the size of the image detected by the image detection unit 119, which size of the margins a to d is distributed as a margin for printing the image Is to specify. In this case, the specification of the margin size may be selected, for example, from the two of "largest size" and "smallest size". Thereby, for example, when “the largest size” is selected, the largest margins a to d can be set as distribution targets. When “smallest size” is selected, the smallest margins a to d can be set as distribution targets.

  The HDD control unit 122 controls reading and writing of data with respect to the HDD 105. The system control unit 123 controls cooperative operation of each unit. When the panel control unit 121 receives the specification of single-sided reading or double-sided reading of the document 200 or the printed sheet 134 in the ADF 170 via the panel unit 104, the system control unit 123 determines the document 200 in the ADF 170, Alternatively, the printed paper 134 is conveyed, and the scanner control unit 111 reads the image of the original 200 or the printed paper 134 by the scanner unit 101, the double-sided reading sensor 167 reads the image of the printed paper 134, the image detection unit 119 It instructs the detection of the image of the original 200 or the printed sheet 134 by the above, the detection of the margins a to d of the printed sheet 134 by the margin detection unit 120, and the like.

  In addition, when the size of the margins a to d (described later) detected by the margin detection unit 120 is smaller than the size of the image detected by the image detection unit 119, the system control unit 123 instructs the printer control unit 112 of the printed paper 134. Give an empty feed. Further, when the size of the below-mentioned margins a to d detected by the margin detection unit 120 is equal to or larger than the size of the image detected by the image detection unit 119, the system control unit 123 instructs the printer control unit 112 to print printed paper 134 To print to In addition, when the system control unit 123 detects a plurality of the margins a to d larger than the size of the image detected by the image detection unit 119, the system control unit 123 performs the margins a to d according to the specification via the panel unit 104. Print the image. Further, in the distribution process of the printed sheet 134 before printing, the system control unit 123 supplies the sheet cassettes 131a to 131g or the sheet discharge trays (A) 181 to (A) according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit 120. G) Instruct the distribution at 187. In the same manner, the system control unit 123 also distributes the printed sheets 134 at the time of printing according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit 120 according to the sheet discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187, Alternatively, distribution of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g can be instructed.

  Next, the outline of margin detection will be described with reference to FIG. The figures shown below are image images of the printed sheet 134 read by the double-sided reading sensor 167 or the scanner unit 101. Further, margins a to d shown in the following drawings are detected by the margin detection unit 120. 4A to 4D show the case where there are margins a to d only on the front side, and the printed side 134 shown in FIG. 4E is on the front side The case where there are margins b to d on the back side and the case where the entire area on the back side is a blank is shown for the printed sheet 134 shown in FIG. Further, the margins a to d detected by the margin detection unit 120 are, for example, equal to or larger than the size of the business card.

First, FIG. 4A shows the case where the blank detection unit 120 detects two blanks a.
Here, the margin a is, for example, a business card size. In the example of FIG. 4A, the margin a is located at the upper right and lower right of the front side of the printed paper 134. In addition, the margin detection unit 120 detects the size and the position of the two margins a.

  FIG. 4B shows a case where the margin detection unit 120 detects a plurality of margins a and b. Here, the margin a is, for example, a business card size. The margin b is, for example, L size. In the example of FIG. 4B, the margin a is positioned at the upper right of the front side of the printed sheet 134, and the margin b is positioned at the lower right of the front side of the printed sheet 134. In addition, the margin detection unit 120 detects the size and position of the margins a and b.

  FIG. 4C shows the case where the margin detection unit 120 detects a plurality of margins a and c. Here, the margin a is, for example, a business card size. Further, the margin c is, for example, a postcard size. In the example of FIG. 4C, the margin a is positioned at the upper right of the front side of the printed sheet 134, and the margin c is positioned at the lower right of the front side of the printed sheet 134. Also, the margin detection unit 120 detects the size and position of the margins a and c.

  FIG. 4D shows the case where the margin detection unit 120 detects a plurality of margins b and d. Here, the margin b is, for example, L size. Further, the margin d is, for example, A5 size. In the example of FIG. 4D, the margin b is located at the upper right of the front side of the printed sheet 134, and the margin d is located at the lower end of the front side of the printed sheet 134. In addition, the margin detection unit 120 detects the size and position of the margins b and d.

  FIG. 4E shows a case where the margin detection unit 120 detects a plurality of margins b and d. Here, the margin b is, for example, L size. Also, the margin d is A5 size. In the example of FIG. 4E, the margin b is located at the upper right of the front side of the printed sheet 134 and the margin d is located at the lower end of the front side of the printed sheet 134. Further, the margin d is located at the lower side on the back side of the printed sheet 134. In addition, the margin detection unit 120 detects the size and position of the margins b and d. FIG. 4F shows a case where the margin detection unit 120 detects the entire margin on the back side.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the process of distributing the printed paper 134 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the printed sheet 134 is set on the sheet feeding tray 171 of the ADF 170. Further, the printed sheets 134 set in the sheet feed tray 171 of the ADF 170 will be described as a plurality of sheets. The reading of the image on the printed sheet 134 will be described on the assumption that double-sided reading is designated. In addition, it is assumed that the printed sheet 134 is distributed to one of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g after the margin is detected. Also, in the following, the printed paper 134 having the margin a equal to or larger than the business card size is recyclable.

(Step S101)
The system control unit 123 instructs the ADF 170 to feed the printed sheet 134. At this time, on the ADF 170 side, as shown in FIG. 2A, the conveyance roller 172 pulls the inside of the printed sheet 134 on the sheet feeding tray 171. Further, the conveyance rollers 173 and 174 send the printed sheet 134 to the scanner unit 101 side.

(Step S102)
The system control unit 123 instructs reading of the printed sheet 134 and detection of the margins a to d.
In this case, the system control unit 123 instructs the sensor control unit 117 to read the printed sheet 134 by the double-sided reading sensor 167. Further, the system control unit 123 instructs the margin detection unit 120 to detect the margins a to d.
At this time, on the ADF 170 side, when the conveyance rollers 173 and 174 send the printed sheet 134 to the scanner unit 101 side, the scanner unit 101 reads an image on the front side of the printed sheet 134. Then, the conveyance rollers 175 and 176 discharge the printed sheet 134 from the discharge port 179 to the upper surface side of the cover 107C.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the transport roller 177 sends the printed sheet 134 fed by the transport roller 176 to the transport roller 173 side along the transport path 170b. The printed paper 134 sent to the conveyance roller 173 is sent to the scanner unit 101 along the conveyance path 170 c and read by the scanner unit 101 as shown in FIG. 2C. Here, the side of the printed sheet 134 to be read is the back side reversed by the switchback mechanism 170A. Then, the printed sheet 134 read by the scanner unit 101 is conveyed along the conveyance path 170 c, and further conveyed along the fourth conveyance path 166, and then conveyed to the second conveyance path 162 side.

(Step S103)
The system control unit 123 determines whether the detection of the margins a to d is completed.
In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that the detection of the margins a to d is not completed if there is no notification from the margin detection unit 120 indicating that the detection of the margins a to d is completed (Step S103: No ).
On the other hand, if there is a notification from the margin detection unit 120 indicating that the detection of the margins a to d is completed, the system control unit 123 determines that the detection of the margins a to d is completed (step S103: Yes). ), And proceeds to step S104.

(Step S104)
The system control unit 123 determines whether or not there are margins a to d larger than the reusable size.
Here, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects a margin smaller than the margin a of the business card size shown in FIG. 4A.
In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that there are no margins a to d larger than the reusable size (step S104: No), and the process proceeds to step S108.
On the other hand, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects only the margin a of the business card size as shown in FIG. 4A. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin a of the business card size and the margin b of the L size. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin a of the business card size and the margin c of the postcard size. In addition, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin b of the L size and the margin d of the A5 size as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 4E, the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin b of L size and the margin d of A5 size on the front side and detects the margin d of A5 size on the back side. . Further, as shown in FIG. 4F, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin in the entire area on the back side.
In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that there are margins a to d larger than the reusable size (step S104: Yes), and the process proceeds to step S105.

(Step S105)
The system control unit 123 determines whether there are a plurality of blanks a to d each having a size larger than the reusable size.
Here, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin in the entire area on the back surface side, as shown in FIG. 4F, for example. In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that there is not a plurality of blanks a to d larger than the reusable size (step S105: No), and the process proceeds to step S107.
On the other hand, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin a of the business card size and the margin b of the L size as illustrated in FIG. 4B, for example. In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that there are a plurality of blanks a to d larger than the reusable size (step S105: Yes), and the process proceeds to step S106.

(Step S106)
The system control unit 123 sets the largest-sized margins a to d as distribution targets.
Here, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects only the margin a of the business card size as shown in FIG. 4A. In this case, the system control unit 123 sets the margin a of the business card size as a distribution target.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin a of the business card size and the margin b of the L size. In this case, the system control unit 123 sets the L-size margin b as a distribution target.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin a of the business card size and the margin c of the postcard size. In this case, the system control unit 123 sets the postcard size margin c as a distribution target.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, it is assumed that the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin b of L size and the margin d of A5 size. In this case, the system control unit 123 sets the margin d of A5 size as a distribution target.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4E, the margin detection unit 120 detects the margin b of L size and the margin d of A5 size on the front side and detects the margin d of A5 size on the back side. . In this case, the system control unit 123 sets the margin d of A5 size on the back side as a distribution target.

(Step S107)
The system control unit 123 distributes the reusable printed paper 134.
Here, for example, the sheet feeding cassette 131a is set as a sheet discharging destination of the printed sheet 134 having the margin a of the business card size, and the sheet feeding cassette 131 b is a sheet discharging destination of the printed sheet 134 having the margin b of L size. Paper feed cassette 131c is set as a discharge destination of printed sheet 134 having a postcard size margin c, and sheet feed cassette 131d is set as a discharge destination of a printed sheet 134 having an A5 size margin d. It is assumed that the sheet feeding cassette 131e is set as a discharge destination of the printed sheet 134 having a margin over the entire back surface.
In this case, the system control unit 123 instructs the mail box 180 to set the paper feed cassette 131a as the discharge destination when the target of distribution is the margin a of the business card size shown in FIG. 4A. The system control unit 123 instructs the mail box 180 to use the sheet feeding cassette 131b as the discharge destination when the target of distribution is the margin b of the L size shown in FIG. 4B. Further, when the target of distribution is the postcard size margin c shown in FIG. 4C, the system control unit 123 instructs the mail box 180 to set the sheet discharge cassette 131c as the discharge destination. The system control unit 123 also instructs the mail box 180 to use the paper feed cassette 131d as the discharge destination when the target of distribution is the A5 size margin d shown in FIG. 4D or 4E. Put out. The system control unit 123 also instructs the mail box 180 to set the discharge destination to the sheet feeding cassette 131e when the entire area on the back surface shown in FIG. 4F is a margin.
As a result, the mailbox 180 transports the printed sheet 134 received via the second transport path 162 by the transport paths 168 and 169, and the feed specified by switching of any of the path switching units 168a to 168f. Paper cassettes 131a to 131g The paper cassettes 131a are discharged to the paper feed cassette 131a.

(Step S108)
The system control unit 123 causes the mail box 180 to distribute the non-reusable printed paper 134.
Here, for example, it is assumed that the paper feed cassette 131 f is set as a discharge destination of the non-reusable printed sheet 134.
In this case, the system control unit 123 instructs the mail box 180 to use the sheet feeding cassette 131f as the discharge destination.
Thus, the mailbox 180 transports the printed sheet 134 received via the second transport path 162 through the transport paths 168 and 169, and discharges the designated sheet cassette 131f by switching of the path switching unit 168f. Let

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the process of feeding the printed sheet 134 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the document 200 is set on the paper feed tray 171 of the ADF 170. Further, reading of the original 200 is single-sided reading. Further, the printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is the business card size is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 131a, and the printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is the L size is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 131b. A sheet of printed paper 134 stored in the sheet feeding cassette 131c is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 131c, and a sheet of printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is A5 is stored in the sheet feeding cassette 131d. It is assumed that the printed sheet 134 is stored and the paper feed cassette 131 e has a blank on the back side.

(Step S201)
The system control unit 123 instructs reading of the document 200.
In this case, the system control unit 123 instructs the ADF 170 to feed the document 200. The system control unit 123 also confirms that the single-sided reading setting is designated, and instructs the ADF 170 to perform single-sided reading. The system control unit 123 also instructs the scanner control unit 111 to read by the scanner unit 101.
Here, when the single-sided reading is performed in the ADF 170, as shown in FIG. 2A, the conveyance roller 172 is pulled into the inside of the original 200 on the sheet feeding tray 171. In addition, when the transport rollers 173 and 174 send the document 200 to the scanner unit 101, the scanner unit 101 reads an image on the front side of the document 200. Then, the transport rollers 175 and 176 discharge the original 200 from the discharge port 179 to the upper surface side of the cover 107C.

(Step S202)
The system control unit 123 determines whether the reading of the document 200 is completed.
In this case, the system control unit 123 determines that the reading of the document 200 is not completed if there is no notification from the scanner control unit 111 indicating that the reading of the document 200 has been completed (step S202: No).
On the other hand, if there is a notification from the scanner control unit 111 indicating that the reading of the document 200 has been completed, the system control unit 123 determines that the reading of the document 200 is completed (step S202: Yes), and step S203. Migrate to

(Step S203)
The system control unit 123 instructs detection of the size of the image of the document 200.
In this case, the system control unit 123 instructs the image detection unit 119 to detect the size of the image of the document 200.
At this time, the image detection unit 119 detects an area having black data, for example, based on the image data read by the scanner unit 101. Thus, the system control unit 123 can determine whether the size of the image is, for example, a size of a business card size, a size of L size, a size of postcard size, or a size of A5 size .

(Step S204)
The system control unit 123 instructs to feed the printed sheet 134 from the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g.
At this time, when the image detection unit 119 detects an image having a business card size, the system control unit 123 starts from the paper feed cassette 131a containing the printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is the business card size. Direct the paper feed of In addition, when the image detection unit 119 detects an image having a size of L size, the system control unit 123 supplies the paper feed cassette 131 b containing the printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is L size. Direct the paper feed from. In addition, when the image detection unit 119 detects an image having a postcard size, the system control unit 123 receives from the paper feed cassette 131 c containing the printed paper 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is the postcard size. Indicate the paper feed. In addition, when the image detection unit 119 detects an image of about A5 size, the system control unit 123 receives from the paper feed cassette 131 d storing the printed sheet 134 in which the maximum size of the margin is A5 size. Indicate the paper feed. In addition, when the image detection unit 119 detects an image exceeding A5 size, the system control unit 123 feeds a sheet from the paper feed cassette 131 e containing the printed sheet 134 in which the entire area on the back side is a margin. To indicate.
At this time, the sheet feeding roller 132 of the sheet feeding cassette 131 g sends out the printed sheet 134 from any of the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 e to the first conveyance path 161 of the conveyance unit 160.

(Step S205)
The system control unit 123 instructs printing of the printed sheets 134 in the margins a to d.
Here, when the image detected by the image detection unit 119 is about the size of a business card, the system control unit 123 prints the printed sheet 134 fed from the paper feed cassette 131 a along the first conveyance path 161 and the printer unit Transport to 140 Then, the system control unit 123 causes the printer unit 140 to print the image in the margin a of the printed sheet 134, and then conveys the image to the mailbox 180 along the second conveyance path 162.
In addition, when the image detected by the image detection unit 119 has a size of L size, the system control unit 123 causes the printed sheet 134 fed from the sheet feeding cassette 131 b to be a printer unit along the first conveyance path 161. Transport to 140 Then, the system control unit 123 causes the printer unit 140 to print the image in the margin b of the printed sheet 134 and then convey the image to the mailbox 180 along the second conveyance path 162.
In addition, when the image detected by the image detection unit 119 has a postcard size, the system control unit 123 causes the printed unit 134 fed from the paper feed cassette 131 c to run along the first conveyance path 161 and the printer unit 140. Transport to Then, the system control unit 123 causes the printer unit 140 to print the image in the margin c of the printed sheet 134 and then convey the image to the mailbox 180 along the second conveyance path 162.
Further, when the image detected by the image detection unit 119 is about A5 size, the system control unit 123 causes the printed unit 134 fed from the paper feed cassette 131 d to be along the first conveyance path 161 and the printer unit 140. Transport to Then, the system control unit 123 causes the printer unit 140 to print the image in the margin d of the printed sheet 134 and then convey the image to the mailbox 180 along the second conveyance path 162.
Further, when the image detected by the image detection unit 119 exceeds the A5 size, the system control unit 123 causes the printed unit 134 fed from the sheet feeding cassette 131 e to run along the first conveyance path 161 and the printer unit 140. Transport to Then, the system control unit 123 causes the printer unit 140 to print the image in the margin of the entire area of the printed sheet 134 and then transports the image to the mailbox 180 along the second transport path 162. Note that when the margin of the printed sheet 134 is downward, the printed sheet 134 is reversed by the third conveyance path 163 used in double-sided printing, and then, along the first conveyance path 161 to the printer unit 140 Transport it.

(Step S206)
The system control unit 123 instructs the mail box 180 to discharge the paper to the paper discharge trays (A) 181 to (G) 187.
At this time, for example, it is assumed that the discharge destination of the printed sheet 134 on which the image is printed in any of the margins a to d is designated as the paper discharge tray (A) 181. At this time, when the mail box 180 receives the printed sheet 134 conveyed along the second conveyance path 162, the mailbox 180 operates the path switching unit 168a on the conveyance path 168 to discharge the printed sheet 134 from the discharge tray (A ) Discharge to 181.

(Step S207)
The system control unit 123 determines whether the reading of all the originals 200 is completed.
In this case, if there is no notification from the ADF 170 indicating that the reading of all the originals 200 has been completed, the system control unit 123 determines that the reading of all the originals 200 has not been completed (step S207: No). It transfers to S201.
On the other hand, if there is a notification from the ADF 170 indicating that the reading of all the originals 200 has been completed, the system control unit 123 determines that the reading of all the originals 200 has been completed (step S207: Yes). Finish.

  Note that, in accordance with the feeding of the printed sheets 134 from the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131e, the sorted printed sheets 134 may be lost in any or all of the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131e. In this case, for example, the printed sheets 134 before sorting of the lower-stage sheet feeding cassette 131g may be accommodated, and the printed sheets 134 may be fed from the sheet feeding cassette 131g. At this time, both sides of the printed sheet 134 are read by the duplex reading sensor 167 disposed on the upstream side of the first conveyance path 161, and the margins a to d of the printed sheet 134 are detected by the margin detection unit 120. Here, when the size of the margins a to d detected by the margin detection unit 120 is smaller than the size of the image detected by the image detection unit 119, the printed sheet 134 is idled as described above. Then, if there are margins a to d of the printed sheet 134, for example, which is blank-fed and has a size equal to or larger than the business card size, the maximum size of the margin may be targeted and returned to the corresponding sheet cassettes 131a to 131e.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image of the printed sheet 134 or the document 200 is read by the scanner unit 101 (reading device), and the image detection unit 119 uses the image data read by the scanner unit 101 (reading device) as the original. The size of the image of the original 200 is detected, and the margin detection unit 120 detects the size of the margins a to d of the printed paper 134 based on the image data read by the scanner unit 101 (reading device). The control unit 123 controls the sorting process of the printed paper 134 and the printing process of the image on the margins a to d of the printed paper 134. Further, in the distribution process, the system control unit 123 distributes the printed sheet 134 to the designated paper feed cassettes 131a to 131g (discharge destination) according to the size of the margins a to d detected by the margin detection unit 120. In the printing process, the printed sheet 134 having the margins a to d capable of printing the size of the image of the document 200 detected by the image detection unit 119 is fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g (discharge destination), The printer unit 140 causes the image of the document 200 to be printed in the margins a to d of the printed sheet 134 fed.

  Thus, in the sorting process, the printed sheets 134 can be sorted into the sheet feeding cassettes 131a to 131g (discharge destination) designated according to the size of the margins a to d. It can be set arbitrarily. Further, in the printing process, the printed sheet 134 having the margins a to d capable of printing the size of the image of the document 200 detected by the image detection unit 119 is fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 131 a to 131 g (discharge destination). Therefore, the distribution process and the print process can be executed in a series of flows. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately and quickly reuse the printed paper 134.

100 MFP
101 Scanner unit 101A Main unit 101B Document table 102 Fax unit 103 I / F
104 panel unit 105 HDD
107C cover 110 control unit 111 scanner control unit 112 printer control unit 113 FAX control unit 114 communication control unit 115 RAM
116 EEPROM
117 sensor control unit 118 image processing unit 119 image detection unit 120 margin detection unit 121 panel operation control unit 122 HDD control unit 123 system control unit 124 data bus 130 paper feed units 131 a to 131 g paper feed cassette 132 paper feed roller 132 a drawing roller 133 Paper 134 Printed paper 140 Printer unit 141 Image forming unit 142 Primary transfer roller 143 Drive roller 144 Driven roller 145 Intermediate transfer belt 146 Secondary transfer roller 150 Fixing unit 151 Heating roller 152 Pressure roller 160 Conveyance unit 161 First conveyance path 162 second conveyance path 163 third conveyance path 164 branch point 166 fourth conveyance path 167 double-sided reading sensor 168, 169 conveyance paths 168a to 168g, 169a to 169f path switching unit 170 ADF
170A Switchback mechanism 170B Main body 170a to 170c Conveying path 171 Paper feed trays 172 to 177 Conveying roller 178 Paper feed port 179 Discharge port 180 Mail box 181 Paper ejection tray (A)
182 Output tray (B)
183 Output tray (C)
184 Output tray (D)
185 Output tray (E)
186 Output tray (F)
187 Output tray (G)
200 original a to d margins

Claims (3)

The printer unit,
A reading device for reading an image of a printed sheet or an original;
An image detection unit that detects the size of the image of the document based on the image data read by the reading device;
A margin detection unit configured to detect the size of the margin of the printed sheet based on the image data read by the reading device;
A system control unit configured to control distribution processing of the printed sheets and print processing of the image on a margin of the printed sheets;
The system control unit
In the distribution process, the printed paper is distributed to a designated discharge destination according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit.
In the printing process of the image, the printed sheet having a margin capable of printing the size of the image of the document detected by the image detection unit is fed from the discharge destination, and the document is transmitted to the printer unit. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit configured to print an image according to an embodiment of the present invention in a margin of the fed printed sheet.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system control unit is configured to assign the maximum size of the margins as a distribution target when the margins detected by the margin detection unit are plural. An image forming program to be executed by a computer that controls an image forming apparatus, comprising:
Reading an image of a printed sheet or an original by a reading device;
Detecting the size of the image of the document based on the image data read by the reading device by the image detection unit;
Detecting the size of the margin of the printed sheet based on the image data read by the reading device by the margin detection unit;
The system control unit controls the distribution processing of the printed sheet and the print processing of the image on the margin of the printed sheet.
The system control unit
In the distribution process, the printed paper is distributed to a designated discharge destination according to the size of the margin detected by the margin detection unit.
In the printing process of the image, the printed sheet having a margin capable of printing the size of the image of the document detected by the image detection unit is fed from the discharge destination, and the printer unit An image forming program comprising: printing an image in a margin of the printed sheet fed.

Images