JP3126444B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming images input from a plurality of image generating means on a sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, a copier has a facsimile function, a printer function for printing output data from a computer or a word processor, and an image file function for storing image data on a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or a magneto-optical disk. There are functional image processing devices.

[0003]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional image processing apparatus as described above, for example, when a fax is received during copying, the copying operation is automatically suspended temporarily during copying, the faxed image data is printed, and the copied paper is printed. Since the received recording paper is discharged to the discharge tray to be discharged, there is a drawback that the copied paper and the recording paper received by fax are mixed.

In an image processing apparatus which does not print a fax reception during copying, there is a drawback that the print of the image data received by the fax cannot be seen immediately.

[0005] These drawbacks have occurred not only in the copier function and the fax function but also in the printer function and the file function. For example, in an image processing apparatus that does not accept a new request even if a use request of another function is received while using a certain function, reception of facsimile communication during a large amount of copying, output request from a computer, etc. When there is a problem, it is necessary to store the received contents in a buffer memory or the like until the copy is completed. In addition, the buffer memory may overflow. Further, in an image processing apparatus that outputs in response to an interrupt function use request, there is also a problem that output sheets of both functions are mixed in a paper discharge unit and new sorting is required. In order to solve this, a method of dividing the paper discharge portion into two has been adopted. However, this has a problem that the cost is increased by the configuration and a problem that the configuration is complicated.

Another problem is that it is not possible to discriminate whether the printed paper is a record of fax reception, a copy, or a record of output from a file section.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus for forming an image efficiently and easily even if a plurality of image generating means respectively generate images arbitrarily.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an input means capable of inputting a series of plural images.
Forming an image input by the input means on a sheet
Image forming means for performing image formation by the image forming means
Loading means for loading the loaded sheet and the sheet
Transport means that can be transported to storage means for temporarily storing
Discharging all the sheets of the series of images to the loading means;
Another series of images that is different from the series before
Depending on the execution of the image formation, the subsequent series of images
The sheet of image is transported to the storage means and temporarily stored in the storage means.
All the sheets of the preceding series of images
After being discharged to the loading means, it is stored in the storage means.
To transfer the subsequent series of sheets to the stacking means.
And a control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, there is provided an input unit for inputting an image from a plurality of image generating units, an image forming unit for forming an image input from the image generating unit on a sheet, and an image formed by the image forming unit. Loading means for loading the sheet, a storage means for temporarily storing the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means, and a transport means for transporting the sheet to any one of the loading means and the storage means,
When forming an image from another image generating unit during the formation of an image from the image generating unit, the sheet on which the image from each image generating unit is formed is transported to the stacking unit and the storage unit, respectively. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control the transport unit.

[0010]

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a platen glass on which a document is placed when reading the document, 1 denotes a document loading portion for loading the document, 25 denotes a document for feeding the document loaded on the document loading portion 1 to the platen glass. It is a feeding device. Reference numeral 31 denotes a reader for reading a document, 4 denotes a scanner unit which moves by irradiating light when reading an image of a document placed on the document table glass 2, and 3 denotes a light provided in the scanner unit 4. A lamp for irradiating 5 is a mirror provided in the scanner unit 4 for guiding an image, 6 and 7 are mirrors for guiding an image, 8 is a lens, and 9 is illuminated by the lamp 3. 7 is an image sensor that converts an original image through a lens 8 into an electric signal.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a printer for printing an image, reference numeral 10 denotes a light generating unit for converting an electric signal of the image into an optical signal, and irradiating light corresponding to the image signal, and reference numeral 11 denotes a light from the light generating unit via a mirror. A photoreceptor for forming an electric latent image corresponding to the irradiated light; a developing device 13 for developing the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 11; and a transfer paper loading portion 14 and 15 for loading a transfer paper Reference numeral 21 denotes a transfer path for transferring the transfer paper from the transfer paper stacking section, 16 a transfer section for transferring the image developed on the photoreceptor 11 to the transfer paper, and 17 a transfer section 16 for transferring the transfer paper to the transfer paper. A fixing unit for fixing the transferred image; 18, a discharge unit for discharging the transfer paper; 19, a switching unit for switching the transfer path of the transfer paper; 20, a transfer unit for transferring the transferred transfer paper to the transfer unit 16 again This is a transfer sheet stacking section for re-feeding the sheet for conveyance.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 31 is a reader for reading an original, 34 is an external device for outputting image data, 32 is a reader 31,
An image signal control circuit for controlling the image signal from the external device 34, a printer 33 for printing the image signal from the image signal control circuit 32, and a reference numeral 30 for controlling the external device 34, the image signal control circuit 32, and the printer 33 from the operation unit 35 Is a CPU that controls in accordance with the input of.

A basic copying operation in this configuration will be described. The originals stacked on the original placing portion 2 on one original feeding device 25 are sequentially conveyed onto the original platen glass 2 one by one. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 3 in the scanner 4 is turned on, and the scanner unit 4 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original image passes through a lens 8 via mirrors 5, 6, and 7, and is input to an image sensor unit 9. The image signal input to the image sensor unit 9, that is, the input signal from the reader 31 shown in FIG.
Processing is performed by an image signal control circuit 32 controlled by 30 and the processing reaches the printer unit 33. Printer 33
Is converted into an optical signal by the exposure controller 10 and irradiates the photoconductor 11 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor by the irradiation light is developed by 13. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking unit 14 or 15, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 16 in synchronization with the latent image. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer sheet by the fixing unit 17, and then discharged from the sheet discharging unit 18 to the outside of the apparatus.

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one sheet of transfer paper will be described. After the transfer sheet fixed by the fixing unit 17 is once conveyed to the sheet discharging unit 18,
The transport direction is reversed, and the switching unit 19 guides the transported paper to the transfer paper stacking unit 20 for refeeding. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-described process, the transfer paper is fed from the re-feeding transfer paper stacking unit 20, the image is transferred by the transfer unit 16, and the image is fixed. The image is fixed and discharged by the unit 17.
As a result, two original images can be output on the front surface and the back surface of the same transfer sheet.

Next, a case where a document image is reduced and output on a receiving paper will be described. In this configuration, the timing of reading the image signal from the reader 31 is constant. Therefore, by increasing the moving speed of the scanner 4 that irradiates the original, the image information input to the reader unit 31 per unit time can be increased.
Image signal can be reduced. The image signal control circuit 3 shown in FIG.
By controlling the input / output of the image signal via the second unit 2, enlargement and reduction can be performed.

The case of reducing to x / (x + y)% will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the same magnification, the actual output position in FIG. 3 corresponds to the actual reading position. When reducing the image, an image signal is input at a virtual reading position. If the image data read at this position is output to the actual output position, the image is reduced. Then, from the density value of the image signal input at the actual reading position, the image density at the virtual reading position is interpolated and predicted based on the following equation.

02 = {R3 · y + R2 · (xy)} / x

An external device 34 is connected to the image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 24 in FIG. 1 denotes a data input / output device for a removable recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk, which converts an image signal input to the image sensor unit 9 into a structure conforming to the format of the magneto-optical disk. Thus, recording and reading are performed. The external device 34 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2 is a facsimile communication device using the data input / output device or the communication line, or a printer interface device that receives an instruction from a computer and outputs data from the printer unit 33 of the main body. It is included. Reference numeral 22 denotes a display unit for displaying a search for desired image data from image data recorded on a recording medium.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the operation unit 35 of the image forming apparatus main body. 41 is a display unit for displaying operation guidance.
42 is a start key for starting copying and faxing,
40 is a file key for selecting an image file, 50 is a fax key for selecting a fax, and 60 is a remote key for selecting a computer connected to the outside. Hereinafter, an operation example of the image forming apparatus with respect to the external device 34 will be described.

First, an operation for an image on a removable recording medium will be described. In the figure, when the file key 40 for designating this operation is pressed, a screen as shown in the figure is displayed on the display unit 41.
The user selects a desired process from 1) image search, 2) image input, and 3) image deletion according to instructions on the screen. For example, when 1) image search is selected, the screen of FIG. 5 is displayed. Further, at the time of retrieval, it is also possible to assist the user's selection by simultaneously displaying keywords attached to each image data in advance. When the user selects a desired image from the image data list on the screen, the corresponding image data is displayed on the display unit 22. After the user confirms that the displayed image is acceptable, pressing the start key 42 causes the printer 33 to output the selected image data.

Next, the operation of the facsimile communication device in the external device 34 will be described. When using the facsimile communication device, the user presses the fax key 50 in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a display screen at this time. A screen for inputting the facsimile number of the transmission destination is displayed, and the user inputs the facsimile number using the ten keys of the operation unit 35 according to the instructions on the screen. After entering the number, confirm with the “#” key.
The user places the original to be transmitted on the original platen glass 2 of the image forming apparatus main body as shown in FIG.
When 2 is pressed, the original is read by the reader 31,
The read image data is transmitted to the input destination via the communication line.

Further, an operation for outputting data transmitted from the computer will be described. Normally, when the remote key 60 is pressed, the mode is set to a standby mode for receiving data input from the outside. At this time, the screen of the display unit 41 on the operation unit is as shown in FIG. As described later, when output data is transmitted from the computer, the output data is printed by the printer 33.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the external device 34. 1
Reference numeral 002 denotes a selector for selecting whether to take image data from the reader 31 into the external device 34 or to send image data from the external device 34 to the printer 33. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a rotation processing circuit that performs rotation processing on image data to be sent to the printer 33 or image data from the reader 31. 1004 indicates whether to output image data from the rotation processing circuit 1003 or to output image data that does not pass through the rotation processing circuit 1003;
A selector for selecting whether to output no image data. An input selector 1008 selects whether to input the image data from the selector 1004 to one of the file circuit unit 1005, the FAX circuit unit 1006, the LBP circuit unit 1007, or a plurality of circuit units. 1005
File the image data from the input selector 1008 or output the filed image data to the output selector 1
File circuit unit to output to 009. File circuit unit 10
05 includes a data input / output device 24 of a recording medium and an external display unit 22. 1006 is an input selector 1008
A facsimile circuit unit for transmitting image data from the MFP or outputting received image data to the output selector 1009. 1
Reference numeral 007 denotes an LBP circuit unit that expands image data from the input selector 1008 and outputs the expanded image data to the output selector 1009. 1009 denotes a file circuit unit 100
5 or image data from fax circuit 1006
An output selector for outputting either the image data from the LBP circuit unit 1007 or the image data from the LBP circuit unit 1007 to the selector 1004, the rotation processing unit 1003, or the selector 1002. Reference numeral 1010 denotes a reader 31, a printer 33, a file circuit unit 1005, and a fax circuit unit 1.
006, the LBP circuit unit 1007, the selector 1002, the selector 1004, the input selector 1008, the output selector 1009,
A CPU that communicates with an external device (not shown) through 11 and controls the entire external device 34. 1012 is a CPU 10
10 is a ROM / RAM storing a control program and a work memory to be performed by the control unit 10. A dotted line 1013 indicates a CPU bus, and a solid line 1014 indicates an image data line.

Next, the operation of the external device 34 shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

First, the case of filing a document will be described. At this time, the file key 4 of the operation unit 35
After pressing “0” and making various settings, a desired original is placed on the original platen glass 2. Next, when the start key 42 is pressed, various settings are made via the communication line 1013.
Sent to PU 1010. Further, the setting data is stored in the CPU 10
10 from the file circuit unit 1 via the communication line 1013
005. The file circuit unit 1005 performs setting according to the sent setting data, and transmits a signal indicating that the preparation is completed to the CPU 1010. The CPU 1010 that has received the signal indicating that the preparation is completed controls the selector 1002 so that the direction of the image data flows from the reader 31 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Further, the selector 1004 and the input selector 1008 are controlled so as to flow from the rotation processing circuit 1003 to the file circuit unit 1005 through the selector 1004 and the input selector 1005. Thus, a route of a series of image data is determined. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits to the reader 31 a signal indicating completion of preparation for image capture. As described above, the reader 31 that has received the signal indicating the completion of the image capture preparation turns on the lamp 3 of the scanner 4 and moves the scanner unit 4 to start the operation of irradiating the entire surface of the document. The input signal from the reader 31 is processed by the CPU 30 and is input to the selector 1002 through the image data line 1014. Then, the rotation processing circuit 1003, the selector 1004, the input selector 1008
Is input to the file circuit unit 1005 via the. At the time of image input, when the entire image data needs to be rotated, the rotation is controlled by a rotation processing circuit 1003, and when no rotation is necessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the image data without any processing. The file circuit unit 1005 converts the image data into a structure that matches the format of the magneto-optical disk and records the converted data on the magneto-optical disk. When the reading is completed, a signal indicating the completion of the reading is transmitted from the file circuit unit 1005 to the CPU 1010.
Upon receiving the signal indicating the end of reading, the CPU 1010 causes the selector 1002 to disconnect the image data line with the reader 31. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits a reading end to the reader 31 to
The reader 31 returns to the original state.

Next, when a document is transmitted by facsimile, only image data is input to the facsimile circuit unit 1006 instead of the file circuit unit 1005, and the other cases are the same as those in the case where filing is selected.

Next, a case where a filed original is printed will be described. The user presses the operation unit 35 and the file key 40 to make print settings. Next, by pressing the start key 42, print settings are sent to the CPU 1010 via the communication line 1013. The print setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit unit 1005 via the communication line 1013. The file circuit unit 1005 performs settings according to the transmitted print setting data, and transmits a signal indicating completion of preparation to the CPU 1010. The CPU 1010 that has received the signal indicating the completion of preparation controls the output selector 1009 so that the image data flows from the file circuit unit 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Further, the rotation processing circuit 1003 passes through the selector 1002 to the printer 33.
The selector 1002 is shut off and the selector 1002 is controlled so as to flow to the selector 1004. Thus, a route of a series of image data is determined. Next, the CPU 1010
Transmits a signal indicating completion of image output preparation to the printer 33. Printer 33 receiving a signal indicating completion of image output preparation
Starts the printing operation of the image data from the file circuit unit 1005. The image data is input to the image signal control circuit 32 of FIG. The signal input to the printer 33 is printed by the operation described above. At this time, if the entire image data needs to be rotated, the rotation processing circuit 100
When the rotation is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the signal without any processing. When the printing is completed, a signal indicating the end of the printing is transmitted from the printer 33 to the CPU 1010.
Upon receiving the signal indicating the end of printing, the CPU 1010 causes the selector 1002 to disconnect the image data line with the printer 33. Next, the CPU 1010
Sends a signal indicating the end of printing to the file circuit unit 1005, so that the file circuit unit 1005 returns to the original state.

Next, in printing the image data received from the line or printing the data received from the computer, the image data is replaced by the fax circuit unit 1006 or the LBP instead of the file circuit unit 1005.
Only the output from the circuit section is the same as the output from the file circuit section 1005 except for the above.

Next, a case where a filed original is transmitted will be described. At this time, the user presses the file key 40 and the fax key 50 described above to make settings for the file and the fax. Next, by pressing the start key 42, the file and fax settings are sent to the CPU 1010 via the communication line 1013. This setting data is transmitted from the CPU 1010 to the communication line 1.
The data is sent to the file circuit unit 1005 and the fax circuit unit 1006 via the line 013. The file circuit unit 1005 and the fax circuit unit 1006 make settings according to the sent setting data, and send a signal indicating completion of preparation to the CPU 1010.
Send to CPU 101 that has received a signal indicating completion of preparation
0 is the output selector 10 so that the image data direction flows from the file circuit unit 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003.
09 is controlled. Further, the selector 1004 and the input selector 100 are set so as to flow from the rotation processing circuit 1003 through the selector 1004 to the fax circuit unit 1006.
6 is controlled. Thus, a route of a series of image data is determined. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits a signal indicating completion of image output preparation to the file circuit unit 1005. CPU 101 receiving a signal indicating completion of image output preparation
0 starts the image data transmission operation. At this time, when it is necessary to rotate the entire image data, the rotation processing circuit 1003
When the rotation is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit unit 1003 outputs the data without any processing. When the transmission ends, a signal indicating the end of the transmission is transmitted from the file circuit unit 1005 to the CPU 1010.
Upon receiving the transmission end, the CPU 1010 outputs
9, the image data line is set to the disconnect state. Next, the CPU 1010 operates the fax circuit unit 1006.
By transmitting the transmission end to the fax circuit unit 1005, the fax circuit unit 1005 returns to the original state.

Next, when filing image data received from a line, filing data received from a computer, or transmitting data received from a computer, filing is performed only by changing the flow of image data. This is the same as when transmitting an original.

FIG. 10 is a detailed block diagram of the CPU 30 of FIG. An operation unit 35 can set the priority of a plurality of functions. A command unit 2001 issues an operation command for each function according to the priority set by the operation unit 35;
Reference numeral 2010 denotes a storage unit that stores the priority set by the operation unit 35 and the like. Reference numeral 2011 denotes a CPU that controls an input operation and a display operation of the operation unit 35 and a storage operation of the storage unit 2010 based on a command from the command unit 2001. .

A method for setting priorities of a plurality of functions in the image processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of setting the priorities of a plurality of functions. When the * key of the operation unit 35 is pressed, the display unit 41 displays FIG.
1 is displayed (S1). This shows that the image processing apparatus has four functions. At this time, the operation unit 35
By moving the mark> to the number of the function to be set as the first priority with the ↑ and ↓ keys (S2) and pressing the # key, the fax function is set as the first priority as shown in FIG. Is displayed (S3). Next, to set the second priority, move the> mark to the number of the function to be set as the second priority by using the ↑ key and the ↓ key (S
4) By pressing the # key, a screen is displayed indicating that the copy function has been set as the second priority as shown in FIG. 13 (S5). Next, in the same manner, in order to set the third and fourth priorities, move the mark> to the number of the function to be set as the third and fourth priority using the ↑ key and the ↓ key (S6), and press the # key. Thus, a screen indicating that the printer function and the file function are set as the third and fourth priorities is displayed as shown in FIG. 14 (S7 to S8). If this setting is acceptable, the # key is pressed (S9), and this setting order is sent from the operation unit 35 to the CPU 2011 and stored in the storage unit 2010 (S10).

Next, the operation based on the command of the command unit 2001 for issuing the operation command of each function according to the set priority order will be described. For example, a case where a fax is received during copying will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When a copying operation is being performed by the reader 31 and the printer 33, the CP is transmitted through the communication line 1013.
The fact that copying is in progress is transmitted to U1010. At this time, when a fax is received from a telephone line (not shown) to the fax circuit unit 1006, the fact that the fax has been received is notified by the communication line 1013 to the CPU 1.
010 is transmitted to the CPU 30, that is, the CPU 2011 (S11). The CPU 2011 reads out the priority order stored in the storage unit 2010 and compares which of the copy function and the fax function has the higher priority. If the fax function is high, a message to the effect that the copying operation is temporarily interrupted is displayed on the operation unit 35 as shown in FIG.
The received data from 006 is output to the printer 33 along the flow of the image data described above. At this time, it is displayed as shown in FIG. When the output of the facsimile reception is completed, it is displayed as shown in FIG. 18, and a signal indicating the end of the facsimile output is transmitted via the CPU 1010 to the facsimile circuit unit 100.
Send to 6. Thus, after the CPU 2011 confirms that the entire system has returned to the original state, the display shown in FIG. 19 is performed, and the interrupted copy operation is resumed.

Further, in addition to the setting of the priority order by the operation of the operation unit 35, the external interface 101 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to set a priority order from an external facsimile machine which communicates with a computer or a facsimile circuit unit 1006 (not shown) connected to the PC 1.

A method of setting priorities of respective functions of the image processing apparatus from a computer (not shown) connected to the external interface 1011 will be described with reference to FIGS. A command and parameters are input from the computer (not shown) to the external interface 1011 via the RS232C (not shown) using the start-stop synchronization half-duplex method. Commands and parameters transmitted from a computer (not shown) are configured as shown in FIG. 21. The transfer speed is 9600 baud, the data length is 8 bits, the parity is odd, and the stop bits are 2 bits. As shown in FIG. 24, a command C indicating that priority is set first
(See FIG. 22), and then the first priority parameter P1, the second priority parameter P2, the third priority parameter P3, and the fourth priority parameter P4 are transmitted.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing parameters of each function.
For example, to set the priority in the order of fax, copy, LBP, and file, C is 03H, P1 is 13H,
The transmission may be performed with P2 set to 03H, P3 set to 23H, and P4 set to 33H. Commands and parameters transmitted from a computer (not shown) are stored in an external interface 1011.
Is input to the CPU 1010 via the. The data is input to the CPU 2011 via the communication line 1013. CPU
2011 determines the priority based on the input command and parameters, and stores the priority in the storage unit 2010. Subsequent steps are the same as the setting of the priority order by the input from the operation unit 35 described above.

As described above, the priority of each function is set by the user. For example, when the fax is received during copying, when the priority of the fax is higher than the priority of the copy, the image received by the fax is received. After the data is printed and fax printing is completed, copying is resumed. Conversely, if the priority of the fax is lower than the priority of the copy, the image data received by fax is automatically printed after the copy is completed. As a result, the user himself / herself can avoid mixing the output of the copy and the output of the fax print on the output tray, and can immediately see the print of the image data received by fax.

FIG. 5 is a continuation of the operation unit 35 of the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG. Each time the duplex mode designation key 43 is pressed, the LED 44 indicating the selected mode is sequentially turned on. In FIG. 25, the LED 44 corresponding to the mode in which two single-sided originals are output on both sides of one sheet is lit.

In this manner, the duplex mode can be set, and when the duplex mode is set, images are formed on both sides of the transfer sheet by the method described above.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of the image forming operation for duplex copying. When the start key 42 is pressed while the original is set on the original feeding device 25 in the duplex mode, the flow of FIG. 26 is executed. The original is fed onto the original platen glass 2 by the original feeding device 25, and the front side is copied (S21). Then, it is checked whether or not the number of front side copies has reached the set number (S22).
In step S23, it is checked whether there is a reception (S23). If the data is received in step S23, the copying operation is temporarily interrupted while the transfer paper on which the front side copy has been performed is loaded on the re-feed transfer paper stacking unit 20 (S24), and the data received by the facsimile circuit unit 1006 is Printing is performed (S25).
When the printing of the received data is completed, the process returns to step S21, and the front side copy of the duplex copy is restarted. Step S2
If there is no reception in step 3, the process proceeds to step S21.

If the number of front side copies reaches the set number in step S22, the original is exchanged by the original feeder 25 (S26), and the back side copy is performed (S27). Then, it is checked whether the number of back side copies has reached the set number (S28). If the number has not reached the set number, the process proceeds to step S27. If the number has reached the set number, the double-sided copy operation ends.

Such an interrupt operation can be applied to the case where the priorities are set as described above and the priority of the interrupting function is high. This interrupt operation is interrupted during front side copying and interrupted during back side copying, but this is to prevent the copied paper and the paper received and recorded by fax from intermingling. That's why.

As a result, the transfer paper on which the facsimile is received and recorded and the transfer paper on which double-side copying has been performed can be stacked for each function, even if the discharge destination cannot be sorted. Therefore, there is no need to force the user to perform extra sorting work. Also, if you give priority to fax reception,
This eliminates the need for a large reception buffer, and can reduce the occurrence of overflow in the reception buffer during fax reception or the like.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the normal copy image forming operation. Document feeder 25 in normal copy mode
27 is executed when the start key 42 is pressed in a state where a document is set on the document. The original is fed onto the original glass 2 by the original feeder 25, and the original is copied (S31). Then, it is checked whether the number of copies has reached the set number (S32). If the number has not reached the set number, the facsimile circuit unit 10
It is checked whether or not there is a reception at 06 (S33). If there is a reception in step S33, the copying operation is temporarily suspended (S34), the received data is printed, and the switching unit 19 re-feeds the transferred paper stacking unit 20 (intermediate tray).
Is temporarily stored (S35). When the printing of the received data is completed, the process returns to step S31, and the copy operation is restarted. If there is no reception in step S33, step S31
Proceed to.

If the number of copies made in step S32 has reached the set number, it is checked whether or not the fax reception recording sheet stored in step S35 is present in the refeeding transfer stacking section 20 (intermediate tray) (step S35). S36) If there is a recording sheet, the re-feeding transfer stacking section 20 (intermediate tray)
Then, the recording is discharged to the discharge unit 18 and the copying operation is terminated (S37). If no recording paper is stored in the intermediate tray in step 36, the copying operation is terminated.

As described above, the transfer paper on which the facsimile is received and recorded and the copied transfer paper can be stacked for each function, even if the discharge destination cannot be sorted. Therefore, it is not necessary to force the user to perform the sorting operation. or,
If the fax reception is given the first priority, a large reception buffer is not required, and it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a reception buffer overflow in fax reception or the like.

As described above, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, image data from the reader 31, the file circuit unit 1005, the fax circuit unit 1006, and the LBP circuit unit 1007 can be printed by the printer 33.
When printing each image data, the CPU 30 prints a mark indicating what function has been printed on the upper right portion of the transfer receiving paper according to the selected function and the state of the image processing apparatus. For example, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing that an image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 is printed by the printer 33. 1200 is a receiving paper,
Reference numeral 1201 denotes a mark indicating that the image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 has been printed by the printer 33. As shown in FIG. 30, a display indicating that the data has been printed out from the printer 33, a display indicating that the data is output from the LBP circuit unit 1007, and a recording medium of the file circuit unit 1005 recorded on a magneto-optical disk (MOD). Display indicating data, fax circuit section 100
A display indicating that the data is from No. 6 is performed.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing that the image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 has been printed by the printer 33 and is recorded in the file circuit unit 1005. Reference numeral 1300 denotes a sheet to be transferred, and 1301 denotes a mark indicating that the image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 has been printed by the printer 33, and that the image has been recorded in the file circuit unit 1005.

As described above, an original document such as a fax text can be identified. Also, it is possible to manage which part of the system the output sentence is in and what route it has taken.

Next, an image processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 31 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 301 denotes a reader that converts a document image into image data, 302 denotes a printer that prints image data as visible images on recording paper fed from a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes according to a print command, and 303 electrically connects to the reader 301. The external device has various functions. The external device 303 includes a facsimile unit 304 for transmitting and receiving image data, a file unit 305 for storing image data, a man-machine interface unit 306 connected to the file unit 305, an external computer (a personal computer (PC), Station (WS) 311, a formatter unit 308 for converting information from the computer 311 into a visible image, a reader 3
01, an image memory unit 309 for temporarily storing information sent from the computer 311 and a core unit 310 for controlling the above functions.
Consists of

Hereinafter, the function of each unit will be described in detail.

[Reader 301] The reader 301 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Documents stacked on the document feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the glass platen surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is
Passing through the lens 108 via 5, 106, 107,
It is input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD).

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the reader 301. The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and is converted into an electric signal. The color information from the CCD 109 is transmitted to the following amplifiers 110R, 110G, 110
The signal is amplified by G in accordance with the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. An output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to a shading circuit 112, where a lamp 103
And the sensitivity unevenness of the CCD are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to the Y signal / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B

Further, R, G, and B signals are separated into seven colors, and signals for each color are output. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is output to the scaling / repeat circuit 1
14 is input. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scaling circuit 114 in accordance with the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the magnification is changed in the main scanning direction. Further, a plurality of identical images can be output by the repeat circuit 114. Contour
The edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit. A signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to a marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and a patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a designated color, generates contour information of a marker, and uses the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to thicken, mask, or trim the contour information. I do.
Further, patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit and converted into various signals for driving a laser. The signal of the laser driver is input to the printer 302 and an image is formed as a visible image.

Next, an external I / F for performing I / F with an external device
The F switching circuit 119 will be described. The external I / F switching circuit transmits image information from the reader 1 to the external device 303.
, The image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the connector 120. Further, the image information from the external device 3 is transmitted to the reader 1.
Is input, the external switching circuit 119 outputs image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.
To enter.

Each of the above-described image processing is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 122, and the area generating circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above-mentioned image processing from the values set by the CPU 122. The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the CPU 122. The SUB CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and performs communication with the external device 303 using a communication function built in the SUB CPU.

[Printer 302] The printer 302 will be described with reference to FIG. The signal input to the printer 302 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202 according to the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is transported from the transfer paper stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the latent image and the transfer unit 206 transfers the developed image. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer receiving paper by the fixing unit 207,
The paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. Paper output unit 208
Is output to each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or to the top bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working.

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one transfer sheet will be described. Fixing unit 20
After the transfer sheet fixed in step 7 is conveyed once to the sheet discharge unit 208, the transfer direction switching member 20
9, the sheet is conveyed to the transfer sheet stacking section 210 for re-feeding.
When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-described process. Two original images can be output on the front and back sides.

The external device 303 is connected to the reader 301 by a cable, and the core unit 310 in the external device 303 controls signals and controls each function. In the external device 303,
A fax unit 304 for transmitting and receiving faxes, a file unit 305 for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing them, a formatter unit 308 for expanding code information from the computer 311 into image information, and a computer interface unit for interfacing with the computer 311 307, an image memory unit 309 for storing information from the reader 301 and temporarily storing information sent from the computer 311 and a core unit 310 for controlling the above functions.

Hereinafter, the function of each section will be described in detail.

[Core Section 310] The core section will be described with reference to FIG. The connector 3001 of the core unit 310 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader 301 by a cable.

The connector 3001 contains three types of signals, and the signal 3054 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal and a video control signal. The signal 3051 communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader 301. Signal 3052
Communicates with the SUB CPU 123 in the reader 301. The signal 3052 and the signal 3053 correspond to the communication IC 300
The communication information is transmitted to the CPU 3003 via the CPU bus 3053 after the communication protocol processing in 2.

The signal 3054 is a bidirectional signal line, and is capable of receiving information from the reader 301 by the core unit 310 and outputting information from the core unit 10 to the reader 301. The signal 3054 is output to the binarizing circuit 30
04, a connector 3010, and a connector 3013. The connector 3010 is connected to the file unit 305, and the connector 3013 is connected to the image memory unit 3
09.

The binarization circuit 3004 outputs the signal 3054
It has a function of converting a bit multi-level signal into a binary signal.
The binarization circuit 3004 has a simple binarization function of binarizing the multi-level signal 3054 at a fixed slice level, and binarization by a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from the values of pixels around the pixel of interest. It has a function and a binarization function by an error diffusion method. The output signal 3055 of the binarization circuit 3004 is input to the rotation circuit 3005 and the selector 3008.

The rotation circuit 1005 functions together with the memory 3006 to transfer information output from the reader 1 to the connector 300.
After being converted into a binary signal by the binarizing circuit 3004 via 1, information from the reader is stored in the memory 3006 under the control of the rotating circuit 3005. Next, in response to an instruction from the CPU 3003, the rotation circuit 3005 rotates and reads information from the memory 3006. Output signal 3 of rotation circuit 3005
056 is input to the enlargement circuit 3007.

The enlargement circuit 3007 first converts the binary signal 3056 into a multi-level signal. When the signal 3056 is 0, it is converted to 00hex, and when the signal 3056 is 1, it is converted to FFhex. The enlargement circuit 3007 can set the enlargement magnification independently in the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 3003. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 3054 of the enlargement circuit 3007 is
003 is input to the connector 3001, the connector 3010, or the connector 3013.

The output signal 3055 of the binarization circuit 3004 and the output signal 3056 of the rotation circuit 3005 are
8 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 3003.
The output signal 3058 of the selector 3008 is
09, connector 3010, and connector 3012.

The CPU bus 3053 includes a CPU 3003,
Communication IC 3002, connector 3009, connector 301
0, connector 3011, connector 3012, connector 3
013. CPU 3003 is a communication IC
Communication with the reader 301 is performed via 3002. Also,
The CPU 3003 communicates with the fax unit 304 via the connector 3009. Similarly, the file unit 305 via the connector 3010, the computer interface unit 307 via the connector 3011, the connector 30
12, the formatter unit 308 and the connector 3013
And communicates with the image memory unit 309 via the.

Hereinafter, the flow of signals in the core section 310 and each section will be described.

[Operation of Core Unit Based on Information of Fax Unit]
A case where information is output to the fax unit 304 will be described. The CPU 3003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 301 via the communication IC 3002, and issues a document scan command. The reader 301 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader 301 and the external device 303 are connected by a cable.
Is input to the connector 3001 of the core unit 310. The image information input to the connector 3001 is passed through the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 3054 to the binarization circuit 3.
Enter 004. The binarization circuit 3004 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 3054 into a binary signal. Binary signal 30
55 is input to the selector 3008 or the rotation circuit 3005. The output signal 3056 of the rotation circuit 3005 is also input to the selector 3008, and the selector 3008
055 or the signal 3056 is selected. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 3003 communicating with the fax unit 4 via the data bus 3053. The binarized signal 3058 from the selector 3008 is
09 to the fax unit 304.

Next, a case where information is received from the fax unit 304 will be described. Image information from the fax unit 304 is transmitted to the signal line 3058 via the connector 3009 as a binary signal. The selector 3008 selects C
The signal 3058 is changed to the signal 3055 by the instruction of the PU 3003.
Or output to a signal 3056. If the signal 3055 is selected, the binarized signal from the fax unit 304 is subjected to rotation processing by the rotation circuit 3005 and then to the next enlargement circuit 3
007. When the signal 3056 is selected as an output signal from the selector 3008, the signal is directly input to the enlargement circuit 3007 without undergoing rotation processing. Expansion circuit 300
7 converts the binary signal into an 8-bit multi-value, and then performs an enlargement process by a primary linear interpolation method. The 8-bit multilevel signal from the enlargement circuit 3007 is sent to the reader 301 via the connector 3001. The reader 301 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120. The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs a signal from the fax unit 304 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. After the output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, it is output to the printer 302 to form an image on output paper.

[Operation of Core Unit Based on Information of File Unit]
A case where information is output to the file unit 305 will be described. The CPU 3003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 301 via the communication IC 3002, and issues a document scan command. The reader 301 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. The reader 301 and the external device 303 are connected by a cable.
1 is input to the connector 3001 of the core unit 310. The image information input to the connector 3001 is passed through a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 3054 to the connector 301.
10 or input to the binarization circuit 3004. When the file unit 305 compresses and filing the 8-bit multivalued information, the information of the signal 1054 is sent to the file unit 305 via the connector 3010. When the file unit 305 compresses the binary information for filing, the binarizing circuit 3
004 performs binarization. The binarization processing and the rotation processing are the same as in the case of the above-described fax. The binarized signal 3058 from the selector 3008
0 to the file unit 305.

Next, a case where information from the file unit 305 is received will be described. Image information from the file unit 305 is transmitted via a connector 3010 to a signal line 3054 in the case of an 8-bit multilevel signal and to a signal line 3058 in the case of a binary signal. Signal line 3054
Is sent to the reader 301 via the connector 3001. The signal 3058 is input to the selector 3008.
The selector 3008 outputs a signal 3058 as a signal 3055 or a signal 3056 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 3003.
When the signal 3055 is selected, after the rotation processing,
It is input to the next enlargement circuit 3007. Selector 3008
When the signal 3056 is selected as an output signal from the, the signal is directly input to the enlargement circuit 3007 without undergoing rotation processing.
The 8-bit multilevel signal from the enlargement circuit 3007 is sent to the reader 301 via the connector 3001. Reader 30
The information of the file portion sent to the printer 1 is output to the printer 302 and an image is formed on an output sheet, similarly to the above-described fax.

[Operation of Core Unit Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit] The computer interface unit 307 interfaces with a computer 311 connected to the external device 303. Computer·
Interfaces include SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 307 has the above three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 3003 via the connector 3011 and the data bus 3053. CP
U3003 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents.

[Operation of Core Unit Based on Information of Formatter Unit] The formatter unit 308 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file transmitted from the computer interface unit 307 into image data.
When the CPU 3003 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 307 via the data bus 3053 is data relating to the formatter unit, the CPU 3003 transfers the data to the formatter unit via the connector 3012. The formatter unit 308 develops a visible image from the transferred data in a memory. Next, the formatter unit 30
The procedure for receiving information from the printer 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described. Image information from the formatter unit 308 is transmitted via a connector 3012 to a signal line 3058.
Is transmitted as a binary signal. The signal 3058 is input to the selector 3008. The selector 3008 selects the CP
The signal 3058 is changed to the signal 3055 by the instruction of U3003.
Or output to a signal 3056. When the signal 3055 is selected, the signal 3055 is subjected to a rotation process and then input to the next enlarging circuit 3007. When the signal 3056 is selected as an output signal from the selector 3008, the signal is directly input to the enlargement circuit 3007 without undergoing rotation processing. The 8-bit multilevel signal from the enlargement circuit 3007 is sent to the reader 301 via the connector 3001. The information of the formatter unit 308 sent to the reader 301 is output to the printer 302 and an image is formed on an output sheet, similarly to the above-described fax.

[Operation of Core Unit Based on Information in Image Memory Unit] A case where information is output to the image memory unit 309 will be described. The CPU 3003 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 301 via the communication IC 3002, and issues a document scan command. The reader 301 outputs image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command. Reader 30
1 and the external device 303 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader 301 is transmitted to the connector 300 of the core unit 310.
1 is input. The image information input to the connector 3001 is sent to the image memory unit 309 via the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 3054 and the connector 3013. The image information stored in the image memory unit 309 is
CPU 3003 via data bus of connector 3013
Sent to The CPU 3003 includes an image memory unit 309 in the computer interface unit 307 described above.
Transfer the data sent from. The computer interface unit 307 transfers a desired interface among the above three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics) to the computer.

Next, a case where information is received from the image memory unit 309 will be described. First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 310 via the computer interface unit 307. CPU of core unit 310
Reference numeral 3003 denotes data transmitted from the computer interface unit 307 via the data bus 3053,
If it is determined that the data is related to the image memory unit 309, the image memory unit 309 is connected via the connector 3013.
Transfer to Next, the image memory unit 309 transmits the 8-bit multilevel signal 3054 via the connector 3013. The signal line 3054 is sent to the reader 301 via the connector 3001. The information of the image memory unit 309 sent to the reader 1 is, like the above-described fax,
The image is output to the printer 302 and an image is formed on an output sheet.

[Operation of Core Unit 310 for Plurality of Information] As described above, various types of information are concentrated on the core unit 310. A method of outputting these pieces of information to the printer 2 will be described.

As information to be input to the core unit 310, data received from the fax unit 304 is transmitted from the connector 3009, and data from the external storage device of the file unit 305 is transmitted to the connector 3.
010, a formatter unit 30 for expanding the code information sent from the computer 311 connected to the computer interface unit 307 into image information.
8 is input from the connector 3012, and data from the image memory unit 309 is input to the connector 3013. When the plurality of data are input almost simultaneously, the core unit 310 outputs image information to the printer 302 in three modes.

In the first mode, when information from the reader unit 301 is directly image-formed by the printer 302, that is, when copying a document, the core unit 310 includes the facsimile unit 304, the file unit 305, and the formatter. Part 30
8. The data from the image memory unit 309 is temporarily put on standby, and the core unit 310 receives the data of each unit from the time when the copying of the original is completed.

The second mode is a mode in which the output is performed in accordance with the input order regardless of the copying of the original.

In the third mode, the output bin of the sorter 220 for each output image is designated, and the sorter 220
In this mode, the order of output to the printer 302 is determined in consideration of the movement time of the output bin. The first of the sorters 220
The bin is used for normal document copying, and the second bin is used for the fax unit 304.
, The third bin for output from the file unit 305, the fourth bin for output from the formatter unit 308, and the fifth bin for output from the image memory unit 309. If the bin is in the second bin,
When the data from the formatter unit 308 arrives first at the core unit 310 and the data from the fax unit 304 arrives later,
The core unit 310 calculates the moving time of the sorter 220 from the second bin to the fourth bin by the CPU 3003, and when the moving time is faster than the data input from the fax unit 304, the data of the formatter unit 308 is transmitted to the printer 302. Output. If it takes longer to move the bin of the sorter 220 than to input data from the fax unit 304, the data from the fax unit 304 is output first, and then the data from the formatter unit 308 is output to the printer 302.

The above three modes can be set by the operation unit (not shown) of the reader 301. In addition, the setting of the output bin of the sorter 220 for various outputs can be set by the operation unit.

[Fax Unit 304] The fax unit 304 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The fax unit 304 is connected to the core unit 310 via the connector 400 and exchanges various signals. The signal 451 is a bidirectional binary image signal,
Connected to 1. The buffer 401 includes a bidirectional signal 451
Output signal 452 from the fax unit 4 and the fax unit 30
4 to the input signal 453. Signal 452 and signal 4
53 is input to the selector 402 and the selector 402
Is selected according to an instruction from the CPU 412. Core part 3
The binary information from 10 is stored in memory A405 to memory D408.
, The selector 402 selects the signal 453. In addition, one memory (A405 to A405)
When data is transferred from any one of D408 to another memory, the selector 402 selects the signal 452. The output signal 453 of the selector 402 is input to the scaling circuit 403 and undergoes scaling processing. Magnification circuit 403
Converts the resolution according to the fax on the receiving side when the reader 301 transmits a fax with a reading resolution of 400 dpi. The output signal 454 of the scaling circuit 403 is input to the memory controller, and under the control of the memory controller, the memory A 405, the memory B 406, and the memory C 40
7, stored in one of the memories D 408 or in a cascade connection of two sets of memories. The memory controller 404 operates the memory A4
05, memory B406, memory C407, memory D40
8 and a mode for exchanging data with the CPU bus 462, and C of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function.
A mode in which data is exchanged with the ODEC bus 463, a mode in which binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409, and a mode in which the binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408. Has four functions of a mode of reading out the memory contents from the memory and outputting to the signal line 452. The memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 each have a capacity of 2 Mbytes and have a capacity of 4 Mbytes.
An image equivalent to A4 is stored at a resolution of 00 dpi. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 by a signal line 459, is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) from the core unit 310, and generates a signal for achieving the following two functions. Generate. One is that the image signal from the core unit 310 is stored in the memory A
The function of storing data in any one of the memories 405 to D408 or two memories,
5 to a function of reading from any one of the memories D 408 and transmitting it to the signal line 452. The dual port memory 410 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 310 via a signal line 461 and the CPU 412 of the fax unit 4 via a signal line 462. Each CPU
Commands are exchanged via the dual port memory 410. The SCSI controller 413 is configured as shown in FIG.
Interface with the hard disk connected to the facsimile unit 304. Stores data when sending a fax or receiving a fax. CODEC411
Reads the image information stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 and reads MH, MR, MMR
After encoding in the desired format, the memory A40
5 to be stored as encoded information in one of the memories D408. After reading the encoded information stored in the memory A405 to the memory D408 and decoding it by a desired method of the MH, MR, and MMR,
It is stored as decoding information, that is, image information, in one of the memories D408. MODEM 414 is CODEC4
11 or a function to modulate the encoded information from the hard disk connected to the SCSI controller 413 for transmission over the telephone line, and to demodulate and convert the information sent from the NCU 415 into decoded information.
1 or transfers the encoded information to a hard disk connected to the SCSI controller 413. NCU41
Reference numeral 5 is used to exchange information with a switch directly connected to a telephone line and installed at a telephone office or the like by a predetermined procedure.

An example of fax transmission will be described. Reader 301
Are input from the connector 400 and are input to the buffer 401 through the signal line 451. The buffer 401 controls the signal 451 according to the setting of the CPU 412.
Is output to the signal line 453. The signal 453 reaches the scaling circuit 403 after being input to the selector 402. The scaling circuit 403 converts the resolution of the reader 1 from 400 dpi to the fax transmission resolution. The output signal 454 from the scaling circuit 403 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is the timing signal 459 from the reader 301.
Is generated by the timing generation circuit 409. CP
U412 is a memory A40 of the memory controller 404.
5 and the memory B 406 are connected to the bus line 463 of the CODEC 411. The CODEC 411 is a memory A4
The image information is read out from the memory device 05, encoded by the MR method, and the encoded information is written into the memory B406. When the CODEC 411 encodes the A4 size image information, the CPU 412 connects the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. CPU 41
2 sequentially reads the encoded information from the memory B 406 and transfers it to the MODEM 414. MODEM414
Modulates the encoded information and transmits the fax information over the telephone line via the NCU 415.

Next, an example of fax reception will be described. The information sent from the telephone line is input to NCU 415,
UC 415 connects to a telephone line in a predetermined procedure. NCU
Information from 415 enters MODEM 414 and is demodulated. The CPU 412 receives the MOD via the CPU bus 462.
The information from the EM 414 is stored in the memory C407. 1
When the screen information is stored in the memory C407, the CPU 412
Controls the memory controller 404 to connect the data line 457 of the memory C 407 to the CODEC 411.
To the line 463. The CODEC 411 sequentially reads and decodes the encoded information in the memory C 407 and stores the decoded information in the memory D 408 as image information. CPU 41
2 is the core unit 31 via the dual port memory 410
The CPU 3003 communicates with the CPU 3003, and makes settings for printing out an image from the memory D408 to the printer 302 through the core unit 310. When the setting is completed, the CPU 4
12 starts the timing generation circuit 409 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 460 to the memory controller. The memory controller 404 synchronizes the signal from the timing generation circuit 409 with the memory D4.
The image information is read from 08 and transmitted to the signal line 452. The signal 452 is input to the buffer 401 and output to the connector 400 via the signal line 451. The process from the output of the connector 400 to the printer 303 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 310.

[File unit 305] The file unit 305 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. File part 305
Is connected to the core unit 310 by the connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The signal 551 is a bidirectional 8-bit multi-level image signal and is input to the buffer 501. The buffer 501 separates the bidirectional signal 551 into a multi-level output signal 556 from the file section 305 and a multi-level input signal 555 to the file section 305. The multi-level input signal 555 is input to the compression circuit 503, where the multi-level input signal 555 is converted from multi-level image information into binary compression information and output to the selector 505. The signal 552 is
This is a bidirectional binary image signal and is connected to the buffer 502. The buffer 502 converts the bidirectional binary signal 552 into a binary output signal 558 from the file unit 305 and the file unit 3
05 into a binary input signal 557. The binary input signal 557 is input to the selector 505. Selector 50
5 is an output signal 561 from the compression circuit 503 and an output signal 5 from the buffer 502 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 516.
57, select from three types of signals, output signal 562 from buffer 512, and input to memory controller 510.
The output signal 563 of the selector 505 is also input to the selector 511. When the compressed information obtained by compressing the 8-bit multi-valued information from the core unit 310 is stored in any of the memories A506 to D509, the selector 505 outputs the signal 5
Select 61. When storing the binary information in the memory, the selector 505 selects the signal 557. Also,
When storing information from the man-machine interface unit 306 shown in FIG. 31 in the memory, the selector 505
Select the signal 562. Output signal 56 of selector 505
3 is a memory A5 under the control of the memory controller 510.
06, memory B507, memory C508, memory D50
9 or two sets of memories connected in cascade. The memory controller 510 uses C
Memory A 506, memory B5
07, memory C508, memory D509 and CPU bus 5
A mode for exchanging data with the CODEC 60, a mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 570 of the CODEC 517 for encoding / decoding, and a timing generation circuit 5
The signal 563 is stored in the memory A 506 to the memory D
509 and a mode for storing in any one of the memories A 506
To read out the memory contents from any one of the memory D509 and output it to the signal line 558. Memory A506, memory B507, memory C50
8. The memory D509 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and stores an image corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 dpi. The timing generation circuit 514 is connected to the connector 500 by a signal line 553, and receives control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VE) from the core unit 310.
N) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. One is a function of storing information from the core unit 310 in any one of the memories A506 to D509 or two memories, and the other is a signal read from any one of the memories A506 to D509. This is a function of transmitting data to the line 558. Connector 5
13 is a man-machine interface unit 3 shown in FIG.
06 and exchange signals. Image information is stored in buffer 5
At 12, the command is connected to the communication circuit 518. The signal 569 is a bidirectional image signal,
Outputs the signal line 562 when receiving the image information from the man-machine interface 306. Also, from the file unit 305 to the man-machine interface unit 3
When image information is output to the signal line 06, the information of the signal line 568 is transferred via the buffer 512 and the connector 513. The dual port memory 515 includes a signal line 554
Through the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 and the signal line 5
The CPU 516 of the file unit 305 is connected via the control unit 60. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 515. The SCSI controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 520 connected to the file unit 305 in FIG. The external storage device 520 is specifically composed of a magneto-optical disk, and stores data such as image information. C
The ODEC 517 reads out image information stored in one of the memories A 506 to D 509 and reads M
After encoding is performed by a desired method of the H, MR, and MMR methods, it is stored as encoded information in any of the memories A506 to D509. Also, it reads out the encoded information stored in the memories A506 to D509 and reads MH,
After decoding by the desired method of MR, MMR method,
The information is stored as decoding information, that is, image information, in one of the memories A506 to D509.

An example of storing file information in the external storage device 520 will be described. An 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader 301 is input from the connector 500 and the signal line 55
1 and input to the buffer 501. Buffer 501
Outputs the signal 551 to the signal line 555 according to the setting of the CPU 516. The signal 555 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into binary compression information 561. The compression information 561 reaches the memory controller 510 after being input to the selector 505. The signal 563 is input to the memory controller 510 and the selector 511,
The data is also input to the man-machine interface unit 306 via the buffer 512 and the connector 513. The memory controller 510 generates a timing signal 559 in the timing generation circuit 559 in accordance with the signal 553 from the core unit 310, and in accordance with this signal, converts the compressed signal 563 into the memory A50.
6 is stored. The CPU 516 is a memory controller 5
CODEC 10 memory A506 and memory B507
517 is connected to the bus line 570. CODEC51
7 reads compressed information from the memory A 506 and reads M
Encoding is performed by the R method, and the encoded information is written to the memory B507. When the CODEC 517 finishes encoding, C
The PU 516 is connected to the memory B5 of the memory controller 510.
07 is connected to the CPU bus 560. The CPU 516
The encoded information is sequentially read from the memory B 507 and S
Transfer to CSI controller 519. The SCSI controller 519 stores the encoded information 572 in the external storage device 520.

Next, an embodiment for extracting information from the external storage device 520 and outputting it to the printer 302 will be described. Upon receiving an information search / print instruction from the man-machine interface unit 306, the CPU 516
The encoded information is received from the external storage device 520 via the controller 519, and the encoded information is stored in the memory C5.
08. At this time, the memory controller 510
Connects the CPU bus 560 to the bus 566 of the memory C 508 according to an instruction from the CPU 516. When the transfer of the encoded information to the memory C 508 is completed, the CPU 516 controls the memory controller 510 to transfer the memory C 508 and the memory D 509 from the bus 5 of the CODEC 517.
Connect to 70. The CODEC 517 is a memory C508
From the memory D after reading the encoded information from the
509. The CPU 516 communicates with the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 via the dual port memory 515, and performs settings for printing out an image from the memory D509 through the core unit 310 to the printer 302. When the setting is completed, the CPU 516 activates the timing generation circuit 514 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 559 to the memory controller 510. The memory controller 510 reads the decoding information from the memory D519 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514, and transmits the decoding information to the signal line 558. The signal line 558 is input to a decompression circuit 504, where the decoding information is decompressed and converted into image information. Extension circuit 50
4 is input to the buffer 501 and output to the connector 500 via the signal line 551. Until output from the connector 500 to the printer 303, the core unit 3
10 is omitted here.

[Man-machine interface unit 306]
The description of the man-machine interface unit 306 will be made with reference to the drawings. An example in which image information from the file unit 305 is received and displayed on a display will be described. Connector 600
Is connected to the connector 513 of the file unit 305 by a cable. The CPU 615 communicates with the CPU 516 of the file section by the communication circuit 610 via the CPU bus 660 and sets the image input mode. The bidirectional image signal 651 from the connector 600 is separated into one-way signals by the buffer 601. The signal from the file unit 305 becomes a one-way signal 652 in the buffer 601,
Enter 2 The reduction circuit 602 reduces the input image signal according to the display size of the FLC display (high dielectric display) 608. The output signal 654 of the reduction circuit 602 is input to the dual port memory 605 through the buffer 603. The writing of the dual port memory 605 is performed by the signal 658 from the timing generation circuit 604.
Done by The timing generation circuit 604 is activated by a timing signal 657 from the file unit 305. When one line of image information is written to the dual port memory 605, a DMA (direct memory access) request is issued to the CPU 615 by a signal 666 from the timing generation circuit 604. CPU 615 is C
The dual port memory 60 is controlled by a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) built in the PU 615.
5 transfers the image information to a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 612 via a CPU bus 660. By repeating the above operation, image information of one screen is stored in the DRAM 612. FLC display 608
Is connected to the connector 607 via the cable 662 and inputs an image request signal (hereinafter, FHSYNC) 665 to the timing generation circuit 609. The timing generation circuit 609 calculates F
Upon receiving HSYNC 665, it outputs a DMA request signal 667 to CPU 615. When the CPU 615 receives the DMA request signal 667, the D
The MAC is activated, and the line address to be displayed on the FLC display 608 from the DRAM 612 and the image information for one line are DMA-transferred to the FIFO 606 via the CPU bus 660.
Forward. Next, the timing generation circuit 609 outputs a timing signal 663, reads out one line of image information from the FIFO 606, and transfers it to the FLC display 608 via the connector 607. FLC display 60
Reference numeral 8 determines an image display position from a line address to be displayed, and displays one line of image information on the FLC display. By repeating the above operation, image information of one screen is displayed on the entire surface of the FLC.

An embodiment in which image information in the man-machine interface unit 306 is transferred to the file unit 305 will be described. The CPU 615 communicates with the CPU 516 of the file unit 305 via the communication circuit 610 to set the image output mode. The image information of the man-machine interface unit 306 is stored in the DRAM 612,
15 receives the DMA request signal 666 from the timing generation circuit 604 and transfers one line of image information from the DRAM 612 to the dual port memory 605. Next, the image information 656 is read from the dual port memory 605 according to the read timing signal 658 from the timing generation circuit 604. Dual port memory 605
The output signal 656 from the buffer 603 and the buffer 6
The image signal 651 is output to the connector 600 via the “01”. The operation in the file unit 305 is the same as the above-described operation, and thus the description is omitted.

Keyboard I / F 618 and Mouse I / F
616 communicates with a keyboard and a mouse, and instructs the man-machine interface unit 306 to perform an operation.

[Computer Interface Unit 307] The computer interface unit 307 will be described with reference to FIG. Connector A700 and connector B701 are S
Connector for CSI interface. Connector C702 is a Centronics interface connector. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector E707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 310.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A700 and connector B701).
When connecting a device having a plurality of SCSI interfaces, cascade connection is performed using the connector A700 and the connector B701. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected on a one-to-one basis, the connector A700 and the computer are connected by a cable, the terminator is connected to the connector B701, or the connector B701 and the computer are connected by a cable. To the terminator. Connector A700
Alternatively, information input from the connector B 701 is input to the SCSI I / F 704 via the signal line 51.
The SCSI I / F 704 outputs data to the connector 707E via the signal line 754 after performing a procedure according to the SCSI protocol. Connector E707 is
Connected to the CPU bus 3053 of the core unit 310,
The CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 sends a SCSI I / F connector (connector A700,
The information input to the connector B 701) is received. When outputting data from the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 to the SCSI connector (connector A 700, connector B 701), the procedure is reversed.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702, and is input to the Centronics I / F 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics I / F 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the core unit 3
10 CPU buses 3053 and the core unit 3
The ten CPUs 3003 receive information input to the Centronics I / F connector (connector C702) from the CPU bus 3053.

The RS232C interface is connected to the connector D703, and the RS232C
232C I / F 706. RS232C ・
The I / F 706 receives data according to the determined protocol procedure, and connects the connector E via the signal line 754.
707. The connector E707 is connected to the core 310
Of the core unit 310
The CPU 3003 receives the RS2 from the CPU bus 3053.
The information input to the 32C I / F connector (connector D703) is received. When outputting data from the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 to the RS232C I / F connector (connector D703), the procedure is reversed.

[Formatter Unit 308] The formatter unit 308 will be described with reference to FIG.

The data from the computer interface unit 307 described above is determined by the core unit 310. If the data is related to the formatter unit 308, the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 Data from the computer is transferred to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 800 of the unit 309. Formatter unit 308
CPU 809 receives the code data sent from the computer from the dual port memory 803.
The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the image data to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 via the memory controller 808. The memory A 806 and the memory B 807 each have 2M
Bytes capacity and one memory (memory A80
6 or the memory B 807) can support up to an A4 paper size at a resolution of 400 dpi. When the resolution of 400 dpi corresponds to A3 paper, the memory A80
6 and the memory B 807 are cascaded to develop image data. The above memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809. When the image data needs to be rotated when the image data is expanded, it is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and then transferred to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807. When the development of the image data in the memory A 806 or the memory B is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to control the data bus line 8 of the memory A 806.
58 or the data bus line 859 of the memory B 807
To the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 809 sets the dual port memory 80
The communication mode is set to a mode in which image data is output from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 by communicating with the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 via the CPU 3. CPU 300 of core unit 310
3 sets the CPU 122 to a print output mode using a communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader 301 via a communication circuit 3002 in the core unit 310. The CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 activates the timing generation circuit 802 via the connector 3013 and the connector 800 of the formatter unit 308. The timing generation circuit 802 sends the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 to the memory controller 808 in response to a signal from the core unit 310.
, And generates a timing signal for reading image information. Image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is input to the scaling circuit 801 through signal lines 858 and 855. The scaling circuit 801 includes a CPU 809
After performing the magnification change according to the instruction, the data is transferred to the core unit 310 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. Regarding the output of the printer 302 from the core unit 310, the core unit 3
10 has been described, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Image Memory Unit 309] The image memory unit 309 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image memory unit 309 includes a connector 90
At 0, it is connected to the core unit 310 and exchanges various signals. The signal 951 is a bidirectional 8-bit multilevel image signal and is input to the buffer 901. The buffer 901 converts the bidirectional signal 951 into a multilevel output signal 955 from the image memory section 309 and a multilevel input signal 9 from the image memory section 309.
Separated into 54. The multi-level input signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the memory controller 905. The memory controller 905 transmits data to and from the memory 904 and the CPU bus 957 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 906, stores a signal 954 in the memory 904 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902, and outputs memory contents from the memory 904. It has three functions of a mode of outputting to the read signal line 955. Memory 904
Has a capacity of 32 Mbytes, stores an image equivalent to A3 with a resolution of 400 dpi and 256 gradations.
The timing generation circuit 902 is connected to the connector 900 via a signal line 952, is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) from the core unit 310, and generates a signal for achieving the following two functions. Generate. One is that information from the core unit 310 is stored in the memory 9.
The function of storing the data in the memory 04 and the function of transmitting the data from the memory 904 to the signal line 955 are described. The dual port memory 903 is connected to the CPU 3003 of the core unit 310 via a signal line 953 and the CPU 906 of the image memory unit 309 via a signal line 957. Each CPU has a dual port memory 903
Exchange commands via.

An embodiment in which image information is stored in the image memory unit 309 and this information is transferred to a computer will be described. An 8-bit multi-valued image signal from the reader 301 is input from the connector 900 and is input to the buffer 901 through the signal line 951. The buffer 901 is a CPU 906
The signal 951 is output to the signal line 954 by setting. The memory controller 905 generates a timing signal 956 in the timing generation circuit 902 according to the signal 952 from the core unit 310, and according to this signal, the signal 954
Is stored in the memory 904. The CPU 906 connects the memory 904 of the memory controller 905 to the CPU bus 957. The CPU 906 sequentially reads out image information from the memory 904 and transfers it to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003 of the core section 310 reads the image information of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory section 309 via the signal line 953 and the connector 900, and reads this information.
Transfer to 7. Computer interface unit 30
The transfer of information from 7 to the computer has been described above and will not be described.

Next, an example of outputting the image information sent from the computer to the printer 2 will be described. The image information sent from the computer is sent to the core unit 310 via the computer interface unit 307. The CPU 30003 of the core unit 310 transfers image information to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 309 via the CPU bus 3053 and the connector 3013.

At this time, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the CPU bus 957 to the bus of the memory 904. The CPU 906 transfers image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory controller 905
Through the memory 904. After transferring the image information to the memory 904, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the data line of the memory 904 to the signal 955. The CPU 906 is connected to the CPU 300 of the core unit 310 via the dual port memory 903.
3 and performs settings for printing an image from the memory 904 through the core unit 310 to the printer 302. When the setting is completed, the CPU 906 activates the timing generation circuit 902 and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. The memory controller 905 reads image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 902 and transmits the image information to a signal line 955. The signal line 955 is input to the buffer 901 and
1 to the connector 900. The description from the connector 900 to the output to the printer 3 is omitted because it has been described in the core section 310.

[0112]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, all sheets of a series of images are loaded on the loading means.
Before discharging, another image different from the series of images
In response to performing the formation of a series of images,
Conveys a series of image sheets to storage means and temporarily stores them
Means to store all sheets of the preceding series of images.
Is discharged to the loading means, and then stored in the storage means.
Conveyed subsequent series of sheets to the loading means
Control so that, for example, the output operation of a certain job is completed.
Before starting the output operation of another job
Can also be used on the loading means without increasing the loading means.
Each sheet is loaded without each sheet being mixed
Sheet sorting becomes easy. According to the third aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a storage means for temporarily storing a sheet on which an image has been formed, the image forming apparatus receives a signal from another image generating means during image formation from the image generating means. When an image is formed, the conveyance unit is controlled to convey the sheet on which the image is formed from each image generation unit to the stacking unit and the storage unit, so that all the image formation from a certain image generation unit is completed. Even if an image is formed from another image generating unit before, the sheets are not mixed without increasing the number of stacking units, and sorting is facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image reduction operation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a part of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display on an operation unit 35;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an external device of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a CPU 30.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of priority setting.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display on the operation unit 35.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart when a fax is received during copying.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a data configuration of commands and parameters for setting a priority order.

FIG. 22 illustrates a priority setting command.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing priority setting parameters.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a data transmission format when setting a priority order from a computer.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a part of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an image forming operation for duplex copying.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of an image forming operation for normal copying.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing that an image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 has been printed by the printer 33.

29 shows that an image received from the fax circuit unit 1006 has been printed by the printer 33 and is recorded in the file circuit unit 1005. FIG.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing marks indicating that each device has been used.

FIG. 31 is an overall view of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a reader unit 1 and a printer unit 2;

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an image processing unit in the reader unit 2.

34 is a block diagram of the core unit 10. FIG.

35 is a block diagram of the facsimile unit 4. FIG.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a file unit 5;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of the man-machine interface unit 6.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a computer interface unit 7;

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of the formatter unit 8;

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of the image memory unit 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 30 CPU 31 reader 32 image signal control circuit 33 printer 34 external device 35 operation unit 220 sorter 301 reader 302 printer 303 external device 304 fax unit 305 file unit 307 computer interface unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hideto Koya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Kento Utsunomiya 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Koichi Umino 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hideyuki Makiya 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In-house (56) References JP-A-3-103466 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 B41J 29/00-29 / 70 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/36 G03G 15/00 510-534

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An input means capable of inputting a plurality of series of images.
When, to form an image inputted by said input means on a sheet
An image forming unit, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
Loading means for temporarily loading sheets and storage for temporarily storing sheets.
A transporting means capable of transporting to the retaining means, and discharging all the sheets of the series of images to the loading means.
Another series of images that is different from the series before
Depending on the execution of the image formation, the subsequent series of images
The sheet of image is transported to the storage means and temporarily stored in the storage means.
All the sheets of the preceding series of images
After being discharged to the loading means, it is stored in the storage means.
To transfer the subsequent series of sheets to the stacking means.
Control means for controlling the image forming apparatus. 2. The step of inputting a plurality of series of images.
When the image input and forming on a sheet, a sheet on which an image is formed, the stacking means for stacking sheets
Discharging the sheet, and transporting the sheet on which the image is formed to a storage unit for temporarily storing the sheet.
Sending the sheets of the series of images to the loading means.
Another series of images that is different from the series before
Depending on the execution of the image formation, the subsequent series of images
The sheet of image is transported to the storage means and temporarily stored in the storage means.
All the sheets of the preceding series of images
After being discharged to the loading means, it is stored in the storage means.
To transfer the subsequent series of sheets to the stacking means.
Controlling the image forming method. 3. An input unit for inputting an image from a plurality of image generating units, an image forming unit for forming an image input from the image generating unit on a sheet, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is stacked. Loading means, storing means for temporarily storing the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means, transport means for transporting the sheet to any of the loading means and the storing means, and When forming an image from another image generating unit during the formation of the image, the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the sheet on which the image is formed from each image generating unit to the stacking unit and the storage unit, respectively. An image forming apparatus comprising: