JP3399735B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital copying machine or printer comprising an information processing apparatus for processing information such as characters and images, and recording means for recording an image on a recording material according to the image information. The present invention relates to an image forming system including a digital image forming apparatus such as the above, and an image transfer unit for transferring image information between the information processing apparatus and the digital image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, to obtain a certain image output, P
When the image data is transferred from C to an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine and is output, and the same contents are to be output in a different form, the output form setting is changed and the image data is again reproduced from the beginning. The data is output after the data is transferred again, and it is impossible to output the image data transferred once in a plurality of different forms.

In the FAX, there has been invented a FAX in which the received data can be designated to be printed, deleted, retransmitted, or the like for each page (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei.
No. 159856, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-123662), the entire image data of a plurality of pages is treated as one group and is not output in a plurality of different forms.

[0004]

When it is desired to output the same image information in different output modes, the image information is transferred and output once, the output mode setting is changed, and then the image information is transferred again from the beginning. Therefore, the transfer time is wasted twice and it is wasteful.

If a plurality of different output forms can be designated for one transfer of image information, the waste of retransfer can be eliminated.
The user operates the output from the PC side, and the usability becomes inconvenient only by the designation by the setting means of the image forming apparatus.

For example, an image and an image are combined by a PC, which is generally used. However, when the image information is combined using this, the original image information and the combined image information are combined. It is necessary to store both of the image information in a memory such as a hard disk of a PC. Especially, since some image information requires a large storage capacity, the memory capacity for storing both image information becomes insufficient. There are cases. In addition, it takes time and labor for the user to perform the image composition work page by page.

[0007] For example, application software that operates on a PC creates texts and creates pictures, which are generally used. When a user wants to attach a cover sheet, the user creates the desired image information by pasting the image of the picture onto the image information of the sentence by operating the PC. In this case, both the original separate image information and the combined image information need to be stored in the memory such as the hard disk of the PC, but especially the image information requires a large storage capacity. In some cases, the memory capacity for storing both image information may run out. In addition, it takes time and effort for the user to paste the image.

Alternatively, although different image information may be individually output and replaced by the user later, the work becomes complicated when a large number of copies are output, and the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus is used. You cannot use the staple function of.

When it is desired to attach a front cover and a back cover, it is convenient because it can be realized by a simple operation, but it is not possible to meet the demand for inserting a picture other than the front and the back.

In order to output a plurality of different forms, the problem that the same image information must be transferred a plurality of times cannot be solved.

If a plurality of different output forms can be designated for one transfer of image information, waste of retransfer can be eliminated.
The user operates the output from the PC side, and the usability becomes inconvenient only by the designation by the setting means of the image forming apparatus.

When the image information and the output form information are transferred from the PC side and a plurality of outputs are obtained and further different forms of output are desired, the image information and the output form information are again sent to the PC.
Must be transferred from, which wastes transfer time.

[0013]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the system is set by a setting means capable of setting a plurality of image information stored in the image information storage means in different output forms in the digital image forming apparatus, and by this setting means. A unit for outputting image information from the image information storage unit to the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in a plurality of different output forms in accordance with the plurality of image output forms and recording the image.

Image information is formed from the image information storage means in accordance with the plurality of image output modes set by the setting means capable of setting a plurality of image information stored in the image information storage means in different output modes. In the recording means of the device
By providing means for outputting in a plurality of different output forms, even if the same image information is desired to be output in different output forms, it is possible to transfer the image information once.

The information processing apparatus is provided with a setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the image information to be transferred, and a means for transferring the output form information together with the image information, and transferred to the digital image forming apparatus. Characters, images
Comprising an image information storage means for receiving and storing the image information, in accordance with a plurality of image output form set by the setting means, means for outputting the image information from the image information storage unit in the recording means of the image forming apparatus.

By providing the information processing apparatus with a setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the image information to be transferred and a means for transferring the output form information together with the image information, a plurality of different print execution instructions from the print execution instruction can be obtained. The output form can be set on the PC side, improving usability.

A means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means when the information is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus through the image transfer means, and the image is already confirmed by this confirming means. When it is confirmed that the information is stored, the recording control unit that records the image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in the predetermined positional relationship of the image information that has been transferred and the image information that has been transferred later. With.

The digital image forming apparatus is provided with recording control means for recording an image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in a predetermined positional relationship of the image information stored later on the image information transferred later. By PC
There is no need to worry about the lack of memory capacity of the hard disk or the like, or the user has to perform the image composition work page by page.

A means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means when the information is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus through the image transfer means, and the image is already recorded by this checking means. When it is confirmed that the information is stored, there is provided means for recording the image information transferred later as an image of the page image before or after the image information already stored.

The image information transferred later to the digital image forming apparatus is preceded by the image information already stored,
Alternatively, by providing a means for recording an image as a subsequent page image, it is possible to easily obtain a printed matter with a cover inserted, and the user may be worried about the lack of memory capacity of the hard disk of the PC, or the user may insert an image for one page There is no need to do it every time.

A means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means when the information is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus through the image transfer means, and the image is already confirmed by this confirming means. When it is confirmed that the information is stored, a means for setting in what positional (order) relationship the image information transferred later is output with respect to the already stored image information, The image forming apparatus further includes a unit for recording an image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in the image position (order) relationship set by the setting unit.

A means for setting in what position (order) relationship the image information transferred later is output to the image information already stored in the digital image forming apparatus, and the setting means By providing a unit for recording an image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in the relationship of the defined image positions (order), it becomes possible to meet the demand for inserting a picture at an arbitrary position.

When information is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus via the setting means capable of setting a plurality of image information stored in the image information storage means in different output forms and the image transfer means, the image is transferred. A means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the information storage means, and when it is confirmed by this confirmation means that the image information is already stored, the image information transferred later is already stored. The image information is output from the image information storage means to the recording means of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the predetermined positional relationship of the image information stored therein, and in accordance with the plurality of image output forms set by the setting means. A means for recording is provided.

The image information transferred later to the digital image forming apparatus is in a predetermined positional relationship with the image information already stored, and the image information stored in the image information storage means is output in different output modes. By providing the recording control means for recording the image information from the recording unit in accordance with the plurality of image output modes set by the setting means capable of setting a plurality, the capacity of the memory such as the hard disk of the PC is insufficient. There is no need to worry and the user has to perform image composition work page by page, and even if you want to output the same image information in different output formats, you can do it by transferring the image information once. .

The information processing apparatus is provided with a setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the image information and a means for transferring the output form information together with the image information through the image communication means. The means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means when the information is transferred through the image transfer means, and the image information is already stored by the confirmation means. When confirmed, the image information transferred later is displayed in the above-mentioned image information in a predetermined positional relationship of the already stored image information and in accordance with a plurality of image output modes set by the setting means. Output from the image information storage means to the recording means of the image forming apparatus in a plurality of different output modes
Comprising means for recording an image by the.

The image information transferred later is recorded in the digital image forming apparatus in a predetermined positional relationship with the image information already stored and in accordance with a plurality of set image output modes. A recording control unit for recording an image from a unit, and further, the information processing unit includes a unit for transferring the information of the image output form together with the image information, so that the memory capacity of the hard disk of the PC may be insufficient, Even if the user does not have to perform the image composition work page by page, and even if he / she wants to output the same image information in different output formats, this can be done by transferring the image information once. The operation associated with the operation can be performed on the PC side, which is more convenient for the user.

To the information processing apparatus , setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the image information, means for transferring the output form information together with the image information via the image communication means, and transferring only the output form information. Image information from the image information storage means according to a plurality of image output modes set by the setting means when the information is transferred to the digital image forming apparatus through the image transfer means. There is a unit for outputting an image to the recording unit of the forming apparatus to record an image, a unit for determining whether or not there is stored image information when only the output form information is transferred, and a stored image information. If records the image <br/> image by the output of a plurality of different output form in the recording means of the image forming apparatus from the image information storage means in accordance with image information to the new output mode information Equipped with a stage.

Means for transferring only the output form information to the information processing device , and if there is image information stored when only the output form information is transferred to the image forming device, store it. By providing a means for outputting the image information corresponding to the output form information, even if the output of the image information once transferred is completed and the output of a different form is desired, the image information and the output form information are output again. Even if it is not transferred, it is possible to transfer only the output form information which is possible with a significantly smaller data amount than the image information.

[0029]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic construction of a digital copying machine as one embodiment for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention. This digital copying machine is provided with SCSI input / output means as information input / output means for image information and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital copying machine 10 includes a scanner unit 11,
A laser printer unit 12, a multi-stage paper feeding unit 13, and a sorter 14 are provided.

A double-sided automatic document feeder (ADF) 15 is installed above the scanner unit 11. The scanner unit 11 includes a document placing table 16 made of transparent glass, a movable scanner unit 17, and the scanner unit 1.
7 is composed of a position control device (not shown) for controlling the position.

The scanner unit 17 includes a lamp reflector 21 for exposing an original and a CCD linear image sensor 2.
2 includes a plurality of reflecting mirrors 23 for guiding the reflected light image from the document and a lens 24 for forming a reflected light image from the document on the CCD linear image sensor 22.

When scanning a document placed on the document table 16, the scanner section 11 reads the document image while the scanner unit 17 moves along the lower surface of the document table 16 and uses the ADF 15. In case, ADF15
Is configured to read an image of a document conveyed by.

The image data obtained by reading the original image with the scanner unit 17 is used as the digital copying machine 1.
After each processing is performed by an image processing control unit, which will be described later, included in 0, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing control unit, and the image data in the memory is stored in the memory according to the output instruction. A plurality of images are formed on a sheet by giving them to the unit 12.

The multi-stage paper feeding unit 13 has a plurality of cassette units 28 to 31 for accommodating a plurality of sizes of paper, and the papers are conveyed from the cassettes one by one to the laser printer unit 12. .

The laser printer unit 12 also includes a manual feed tray 25, a laser writing unit 26, and an electrophotographic process unit 27 for forming an image. The laser writing unit 26 irradiates the electrophotographic process unit 27 with laser light according to the image data from the above-mentioned memory. In addition, the electrophotographic process unit 27, in accordance with a well-known mode, has a charger, a transfer device,
A peeling device, a cleaning device, a static eliminator, and a fixing device are arranged.

Therefore, in the laser writing unit 26 and the electrophotographic process section 27, the print data read from the above-mentioned memory is the laser writing unit 2.
6 scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 27a with a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image, and this electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image, and is statically placed on the surface of the sheet conveyed from the multi-stage sheet feeding unit 13. It is printed out by being electrotransferred and fixed.

Next, the operation panel provided on the digital copying machine 10 will be described. The operation panel 50 as shown in FIG. 2 has a display section 5a which also serves as an input section in its substantially central portion and a print switch 5 at the right end.
b and clear key 5c and numeric keys 5d of 0 to 9
Is provided. The display unit 5a can be configured by laminating a transparent touch panel on the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit, for example. The display unit 5a of the operation panel 50 allows the operator to input an operation instruction for the digital copying machine 10.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the digital copying machine 10. The digital copying machine 10 mainly includes an image input unit 6a for inputting data from the CCD linear image sensor 22, an image data processing unit 6b, a memory 6d, and a CPU 6e as a management unit.
And a hard disk 6f and an image data output unit 6c. The digital copying machine 10
Handles not only image data read by the CCD linear image sensor 22, but also print data transferred from a host device which is an external device via the SCSI board 6g.

Example 1 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, the output form is set in the digital copying machine. FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a display screen for setting a plurality of output forms on the operation panel 50a of the digital copying machine. Here, for example, it is assumed that five types of output forms can be set. Output form setting 1 selection key 7
Select setting 1 by a. A desired form is set by the form setting keys 7f to 7k, and the setting is finished by the end key 7n. To cancel the settings once set,
It can be done with the release key 7m.

In this example, the output form setting 1 is set to nothing, the setting key 7b of the output form setting 2 is used to select the setting 2, and the setting key 7g is used to combine two surfaces into one. Is set. This output form information is shown in FIG.
It is stored in the output form information table as shown in (b). This work corresponds to S ₂ in FIG.

Next, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 6A are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. The digital copying machine receives the image information, repeated reception of the image information to the reception, as indicated by S _4, S ₅ in FIG. 4 is completed. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned.

When the reception is completed, the process proceeds to S ₆ in FIG.
The page editing process is performed according to the information in the output form information table as shown in FIG. First, editing is performed according to the first output form. Since the first setting is a setting with no editing process, the output information table as shown in FIG. 5C is created. Explaining this table, the numbers in the print paper column indicate the order of paper to be output.
The output is executed in order from 1. The number in the column of the image information 1 indicates what number of the image information previously received is output to the paper corresponding to the line. The column of image information 2 shows the number of image information to be combined. The edit function column shows information on the edit function set on the operation panel described above. Usually, the image information is transferred from the host device in order from the first page, and in the digital copying machine, the normal printing surface is ejected upward.
Therefore, the output may be performed in the reverse order of the received order. Therefore, the image information 1 of the output information table
Is written in the reverse order of the received order.

When the editing process is completed, the process proceeds to S ₇ of FIG. 4 and the output process is executed. In S ₇ , the outputs are sequentially performed according to the output information table as shown in FIG. 5C, and the output as shown in FIG. 6C is performed. A transition to S ₈ when the output is completed, in this case, it is determined whether there is setting of another output form. In this example, since the second output form has been set, the process transitions to S ₆ again. S ₆
Then, this time, the editing by the second output form is performed. Since the second setting is a setting for combining two surfaces into one, FIG.
An output information table as shown by is created.

Similar to the above, transition to S ₇ in FIG.
Output processing is executed according to the output information table of FIG. 6D, and output as shown in FIG. 6D is performed. After the end, since the next output mode is not set in S _{8 of} FIG. 4, the process proceeds to S ₉ and ends.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d), it is possible to obtain two different output forms by simply transferring the four original document information from the host device to the digital copying machine once. Become.

Example 2 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 10A and output form information as shown in FIG. 10B are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine.
In the present example, it is assumed that the first output form is set to normal output and the second output form is set to composite output in which two sheets are set to one sheet. The digital copying machine receives the image information, repeated reception of the image information to the reception, as shown in S _13, S ₁₄ in FIG. 8 ends. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned. The output form information received at the same time is shown in FIG.
It is stored in the output form information table as shown in (b). Here, since the normal output is set, information without editing is written.

[0051] When receiving is completed, a transition to S ₁₅ in FIG. 8,
The page editing process is performed according to the information in the output form information table of FIG. First, editing is performed according to the first output form. Since the first setting is a setting with no editing process,
An output information table as shown in FIG. 9C is created. This table is the same as that described in claim 1.

When the editing process is completed, the process proceeds to S ₁₆ in FIG. 8 and the output process is executed. In S ₁₆ , the output is sequentially performed according to the output information table of FIG.
The output is as shown in. When output is finished, S
Transition to ₁₇ is performed, and here it is determined whether or not there is another output mode setting. In this embodiment, since the second output mode is set, the process proceeds to S ₁₅ again. In S _15, in turn performs editing by the second output mode. Since the second setting is a setting for combining two surfaces into one, an output information table as shown in FIG. 9D is created.

Similar to the above, the transition output is made to S ₁₆ of FIG.
Output processing is executed according to the output information table of (d), and the output as shown in FIG. After the end, since the next output form is not set in S _{17 of} FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S ₁₈ and ends.

As can be seen from FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (d),
Information on four originals from the host device is sent to the digital copier 1
Only one transfer will result in two different output formats.

Example 3 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

In the following description, it is assumed that there is no image information stored in advance.

In this example, overwrite processing is used as an example of output in a predetermined positional relationship.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting image information.

First, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 13A are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. In this example, it is assumed that the digital copying machine selects the mode for storing images on the digital copying machine side before receiving the image information.

[0060] The digital copying machine receives the image information, repeated reception of the image information to the reception, as shown in S _23, S ₂₄ in FIG. 11 ends. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in an image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four image data are received, there are four image information,
They are numbered 1 to 4.

[0061] When receiving is completed, a transition to S ₂₅ in FIG. 11. Here, it is determined whether or not there is stored image information. At this point, since there is no image information stored in advance, a transition to S _27, then performs one of determination not to store the image. Since the mode for storing the image is selected on the digital copying machine side, Y is selected in S _27.
The state transitions to es, and four pieces of image information are stored. Figure 1 at the same time
The existing information is written in the storage state column of the image information table 2 (a). When the storage process is completed, the received transitions to S ₃₀ is ended. If the mode is not the storage mode in S ₂₇ , the process proceeds to S ₂₈ , in which the normal output operation is performed and the output ends.

Next, when transferring the image information as shown in FIG. 13 (b) from the host device, the digital copying machine, received as indicated by S _23, S ₂₄ from S ₂₂ of FIG. 11 ends To receive. When the reception ends, in this example,
As shown in FIG. 12 (b), with the number 5 attached,
The image information table different from the previous image information table is stored. In S ₂₅ in FIG. 11, since the image information stored in the above is present, performs an editing process of the image in S _26, to create the output information table shown in FIG. 12 (c). The description of this table is the same as that described in the embodiment of claim 1. In the output information table of FIG. 12C, the column of image information 1 is the number of previously stored image information, and the column of image information 2 is the number of image information received later. It will be overwritten.

When the editing is completed, the process proceeds to S ₂₈ in FIG. 11, and when the output is performed according to the output information table in FIG. 12C, the image information of number 1 and the image information of number 5 are printed on the first sheet. Is overwritten and output. Similarly 2, 3, 4
The second sheet is also overwritten and output as shown in FIG. 13 (d).

Next, when the image shown in FIG. 13C is transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine without erasing the previously stored four image information, the same processing as described above is executed. are, numbered 6 to the image information shown in FIG. 13 (c) as shown in FIG. 12 (d), S ₂₆ in FIG. 11
In FIG 12 outputs information table as shown by (e) is created, performs output transitions to S _28, FIG. 13 (e)
The output is as shown in. After the output completion, and exit transitions to S _30.

In this case, the image information with the numbers 1 to 4 is stored once, and only the image information to be overwritten needs to be transferred until it is erased.

Example 4 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

In the following description, it is assumed that there is no image information stored in advance.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, the output form is set in the digital copying machine. 50 of the operation panel 50 of the digital copying machine
In a, in this example, it is assumed that the image information is stored and the image information to be received later is set to be inserted at the beginning. This information is stored in an insertion position information table as shown in FIG. 15B, and information such as front and / or back is written in this table. This work corresponds to S ₃₂ in FIG.

Next, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 16A are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. The digital copying machine receives the image information, repeated reception of the image information to the reception, as shown in S _34, S ₃₅ in FIG. 14 ends. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in an image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data are received, there are four pieces of image information, and 1 to 4
Are numbered. As shown in S ₃₆ of FIG. 32, when the reception is completed, it is first determined whether or not there is stored image information. At this point, since there is no image information stored in advance, a transition to S _38, then performs one of determination not to store the image. On the digital copying machine side, since the mode of inserting the image information received later into the beginning of the image information received earlier and outputting it is selected,
Transition to Yes in S _38, stores the four image information.
At the same time, the existing information is written in the storage state column of the image information table shown in FIG. When the storage process ends, the process _proceeds to S41, and the reception ends. At S _38, if it is not a mode for storing transitions to S _39, performs normal output operation ends at output ends.

Next, when the image information as shown in FIG. 16B is transferred from the host device, the digital copying machine finishes the reception as shown at S ₃₃ to S ₃₄ and S ₃₅ in FIG. To receive. When the reception ends, in this example,
Number 5 is assigned and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. When the reception is completed, the process proceeds to _S36 of FIG. Here, since there is the image information stored previously, the process proceeds to S ₃₇ and the image insertion processing is performed. In this process, an output information table as shown in FIG. 15 (d) is created. In the table of FIG. 15D, 1
By sequentially outputting from the number, the image of number 5 is output at the very end and is inserted into the front page.
When the editing process is completed, the process _proceeds to S37 of FIG.
Output is performed according to the output information table as shown in (c). The output as shown in FIG. 16 (c) is made,
When the output is completed, the process proceeds to S ₄₁ and ends.

According to the above arrangement, the image forming apparatus side can easily perform the inserting process of the image information at an arbitrary position. In addition, it is easy to insert different image information created by different image information creating applications into arbitrary positions, and work efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the insertion position arbitrarily, it is possible to meet a wider range of user needs. If different image information can be printed as one image information group, for example, one image information is printed, another image information to be inserted is further printed, and it is rearranged together with the previous printed matter, and stapled manually. The work that has been performed can be automatically performed by using the staple of the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus.

Example 5 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the following description, it is assumed that there is no image information stored in advance.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting image information.

First, the insertion page is set by the digital copying machine. Operation panel 50 of the digital copying machine
FIG. 20 shows a plan view of the display screen for designating the insertion page of the display screen for setting the output form in 5a.
Explaining an operation example, the value to be set is selected by the selection key 20d. First, the display section 20d is selected, and the numerical value of the page is input with the ten keys of 5d in FIG. Next, similarly, the display units 20b and 20c are selected and input is performed. The setting ends with the end key 20g. The set state is the confirmation key 20f
Can be confirmed with, and can be deleted with the delete key 20e. The information for specifying the insertion page is stored in the insertion page information table as shown in FIG.

Next, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 19A are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. When the digital copying machine receives the image information,
As shown in S ₅₄ and S ₅₅ of FIG. 17, the image information is repeatedly received until the reception is completed. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned.

[0078] When receiving is completed, a transition to S ₅₆ in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or no the image information stored there. At this point, since there is no image information stored in advance, the process _proceeds to S58. Here, it is determined whether or not the image is stored. The digital copier, the mode to output the inserted image information received image information ahead of receiving is selected later, the S ₅₈ Yes
And the four pieces of image information are stored. At the same time, FIG.
The existing information is written in the storage state column of the image information table of (a). When the storage process ends, the process _proceeds to S61, and the reception ends. At S _58, if it is not a mode to store transitions to S _59, performs normal output operation ends at the output end.

Next, when the image information as shown in FIG. 19B is transferred from the host device, the digital copying machine finishes the reception as shown at S ₅₃ to S ₅₄ and S ₅₅ in FIG. To receive. When the reception ends, in this example,
Number 5 is assigned and stored in an image information table different from the previous image information table as shown in FIG. When the reception is completed, the process _proceeds to S56 in FIG. Here, since there is the image information stored previously, the process proceeds to 17g, and the page insertion process of the image information is performed according to the insertion page information as shown in FIG.
An output information table as shown in (c) is created.
Since the description of the output information table is the same as that of claim 1, the description thereof is omitted. Here, as described above, the order of reception and the order of output are reversed, so that the image information of the number 5 designated to be inserted in the first page becomes the final seventh output. After the editing is completed, the process _proceeds to S60 of FIG. 17, where the output is performed according to the output information table as shown in FIG. 18 (d), and the output as shown in FIG. 19 (d) is performed. When the output ends, the state transitions to 17k and ends.

Example 6 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the following description, it is assumed that there is no image information stored in advance.

In this example, overwrite processing is used as an example of output in a predetermined positional relationship.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, the output form is set on the digital copying machine side. 5 of the operation panel 50 of the digital copying machine
FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a display screen for setting a plurality of output modes in a. Here, for example, it is assumed that five types of output forms can be set. The setting 1 is selected by the selection data 7a of the output form setting 1. Form setting key 7f
To 7k to set the desired form, and exit key 7n
Finish setting with. When canceling the setting once set, it can be done with the release key 7m. In this example,
It is assumed that the output form setting 1 sets overwrite on all pages by the 7i setting key, and the output form setting 2 sets no overwrite. This output form information is stored in the output form information table as shown in FIG. This work corresponds to S ₇₂ in FIG.

Next, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 23A are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. When the digital copying machine receives the image information,
Received as indicated by S _74, S ₇₅ in FIG. 21 repeatedly performs the reception of the image information until the end. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned. When reception ends, S in FIG.
Transition to ₇₆ . In _S76 , it is determined whether or not there is stored image information. At this point, since there is no image information stored in advance, a transition to S _80, then performs one of determination not to store the image. In the digital copier, the mode for editing and storing the image is selected, transition to Yes in S _80, stores the four image information. At the same time, the existing information is written in the storage state column of the image information table of FIG. When the storage process ends, the process _proceeds to S78 and the reception ends. At S _80, if it is not a mode for storing transitions to S _81, performs normal output operation ends at output ends.

Next, when the image information as shown in FIG. 23 (b) is transferred from the host device, the digital copying machine finishes the reception as shown at _S73 to _S74 and _S75 in FIG. To receive. When the reception ends, in this example,
As shown in FIG. 22 (c), with the number 5 attached,
The image information table different from the previous image information table is stored.

[0087] transitions to S ₇₆ of the receiving ends 21. In S _76, since the image information stored in the above there is, S
Transition to ₇₇ . Here, according to the output form information table of FIG. 22B, the page editing process of the image is performed, and further, the presence / absence of overwriting is determined in S ₇₈ . If the overwrite is set, the process _proceeds to S79 and the image overwrite edit process is performed. Through these processes, the output information table as shown in FIG. 22D is created. This output information table can store three pieces of image information of image information 1, image information 2, and image information 3 for one sheet. The number of the column of the image information 1 is the number of the image information to be output on the paper, the number of the column of the image information 2 is the image information to be combined and output, and the number of the column of the image information 3 is the image information to be overwritten. Since the first output mode is a setting for overwriting all pages without synthesizing, there is no information in the image information 2 column, and all overwriting information is written in the editing function column.

[0088] When editing is completed, a transition to S ₈₁ in FIG. 21, performed sequentially output according to the output information table in Fig. 22 (d), the output as shown in Figure 23 (d) is performed. When the output is completed, it is determined in _S82 of FIG. 21 whether or not there is another output form setting. In the present example, since the second setting has been made, the processing transits to S ₇₇ again. In S ₇₇ , the output information table is created according to the information of the second output form setting stored in the table of FIG. Second
The output form of No. is no composition and is not overwritten. Therefore, the image information 2 column has no information, and no information is written in the edit function column, and a table as shown in FIG. Created. After the editing is completed, the process _proceeds to S81 of FIG. 21, and the output is sequentially performed according to the output information table of FIG. 22 (e), and the output as shown in FIG. 23 (e) is performed. When the output is completed, it is determined in _S82 of FIG. 21 whether or not there is another output form. In this example, since there is no other output form, S
Transition to ₈₃ and end.

Next, the output form information is set on the digital copying machine side without erasing the previously stored four image information. As in the previous case, it is assumed that the output form setting 1 sets overwrite on all pages, and the output form setting 2 combines two pages into one and sets overwrite. This output form information is stored in the table as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, when an image as shown in FIG. 23 (f) is transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine, as shown in FIG.
The number 6 is assigned to the image information of 3 and 6 is written in the image information table of FIG. S ₇₇ of FIG. 21, S _78, S ₇₉
Then, the output information table as shown in FIG. 22 (g) is created for the output form setting 1, and the output as shown in FIG. 23 (h) is performed. Furthermore, output form setting 2
On the other hand, an output information table as shown in FIG. 22 (h) is created by similar processing, and an output as shown in FIG. 23 (i) is made. When the output ends, S in FIG.
_{At 82} , it is determined whether or not there is another output form. In this example, since there is no other output form, the process proceeds to _S83 and ends.

According to the above arrangement, the image forming apparatus can easily perform the inserting process of the image information at the arbitrary position. In addition, it is easy to insert different image information created by different image information creating applications into arbitrary positions, and work efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the insertion position can be arbitrarily set, so that it is possible to meet a wider range of user needs. If different image information can be printed as one image information group, for example, one image information is printed, another image information to be inserted is further printed, and it is rearranged together with the previous printed matter, and stapled manually. The work that has been performed can be automatically performed by using the staple of the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus.

Example 7 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the following, description will be made assuming that there is no image information stored in advance.

In this example, overwrite processing is used as an example of output in a predetermined positional relationship.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 26A and output information for storing these pieces of image information are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. When the digital copying machine receives the image and the output information, the digital copying machine shown in FIG.
As shown in S ₉₃ and S ₉₄ in 4, the image information is repeatedly received until the reception is completed. The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned. When the reception is completed, the process _proceeds to S95 in FIG. In _S95 , it is determined whether or not there is stored image information. At this point, since there is no image information stored in advance, a transition to S _96, then performs one of determination not to store the image. The above digital copying machine
Together with the reception of the image information, since receiving information that stores an image from a host apparatus, a transition to Yes in S _96, stores the four image information. At the same time, FIG. 25 (a)
The existing information is written in the storage state column of the image information table. When the storage process ends, the process proceeds to _S102 , and the reception ends. In _S96 , if it is not the mode to be stored,
Transition to S _100, performs normal output operation ends at output ends.

Next, when the image information as shown in FIG. 26B and the output form information as shown in FIG. 26C are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine, the digital copying machine produces performs reception from S ₉₂ of FIG. 24 until the reception is finished as shown by S _93, S _94. When the reception is completed, in the present example, the image information is numbered as No. 5 in FIG.
An image information table different from the previous image information table as shown in (b) is stored, and the output form information received at the same time is stored in the output form information table as shown in FIG. 25 (c). .

When the reception is completed, the flow goes to S ₉₅ in FIG. In S ₉₅ , since there is the image information previously stored, S
Transition to ₉₇ . Here, in accordance with the output form information table in Fig. 25 (c), performs page editing process of the image, further, it is determined whether the overwritten with S _98. If overwrite is set, the process proceeds to S ₉₇ to perform image overwrite edit processing. Through these processes, the output information table as shown in FIG. 22D is created. This output information table is the same as that described in the sixth embodiment. First
Since the output form is set to overwrite all pages without synthesizing, there is no information in the image information 2 column, and all overwrite information is written in the edit function column.

[0099] When editing is completed, a transition to S ₁₀₀ in FIG. 24, performed sequentially output according to the output information table in Fig. 25 (d), the output as shown in Figure 26 (d) is performed. When the output is completed, it is determined in _S101 of FIG. 24 whether or not there is another output form setting. In the present example, since the second setting has been made, the processing transits to S ₉₇ again. In S ₉₇ ,
An output information table is created according to the information of the second output form setting stored in the table of FIG. 25 (c). The second output mode is a setting that overwrites only one page without synthesizing, so there is no information in the image information 2 column, and the edit function column overwrites the first page, that is, the fourth output, and other The information without overwriting is written in
A table as shown in (e) is created. After editing end, a transition to S ₁₀₀ in FIG. 24, performed sequentially output according to the output information table in Fig. 25 (e), the output as shown in Figure 26 (e) is performed. When the output is completed,
In S ₁₀₁ of 4, it is determined whether or not there is another output form. In this example, since there is no other output form, the process proceeds to S ₁₀₂ and ends.

Next, the image information as shown in FIG. 26 (f) and the output form information as shown in S ₉₇ are transferred from the host device to the above without deleting the previously stored four image information. When transferred to the digital copying machine, the number 6 is added to the image information of FIG. 26 (f), and 6 is written in the image information table of FIG. 25 (b). The output form information received at the same time is written in the output form information table as before, as shown in FIG. In S ₉₇ , S ₉₈ , and S _{99 of} FIG. 24, the output information table as shown in FIG. 25 (g) is created for the output form setting 1, and the output as shown in FIG. 26 (h) is made. It Further, for the output form setting 2, the output information table as shown in FIG. 25 (h) is created by similar processing, and the output as shown in FIG. 26 (i) is made. When the output ends, S ₁₀₁ in FIG.
Then, it is determined whether or not there is another output form. In this example, since there is no other output form, the process proceeds to _S102 and ends.

According to the above configuration, the image information can be easily combined on the image forming apparatus side, and a plurality of different output modes can be output by one transfer of the image information. Can be set on the PC side.
Therefore, conventionally, for example, when a user wants a printed matter in which distribution destination information is added to the beginning of the same large amount of material, and a printed matter of material in which distribution destination information is not matched, the distribution destination information is printed at the beginning of the material page on the PC side. The operation of pasting is repeated by the number of distribution destinations, the output form is set up to the place where the image forming device is located, and then all the created pages are returned to the place where the PC is located in the image forming device. Transfer and print, and then transfer the image information of the material to which the distribution destination information has not been pasted to the image forming device for printing, but bother to go to the place where the image forming device is and output it. All operations from creation to printing can be performed in the same place without setting the form. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency and the operability by shortening the transfer time.

Example 8 An example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the entire processing from receiving to outputting of image information.

First, four pieces of image information as shown in FIG. 29A and output form information as shown in FIG. 29B are transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine.
In this example, it is assumed that the first output mode is set to normal output.

When the digital copying machine receives the image information or the output form information, S ₁₁₂ to S ₁₁₃ in FIG.
The process _proceeds to S114, and the reception is repeated until the information ends.

The received image information is numbered page by page and stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. 28 (a). Here, since four pieces of image data have been received, there are four pieces of image information, and the numbers 1 to 4 are assigned. The output form information received at the same time is stored in the output form information table as shown in FIG. Here, since the normal output is set, information without editing is written.

[0107] When receiving is completed, a transition to S ₁₁₅ in FIG. 27, it is determined whether there is reception of the image information. Here, since the image information has been received, the process proceeds to _S117 of FIG. 27, and the page editing process is performed according to the information of the output form information table of FIG. 28 (b). Since the editing process is set to none, an output information table as shown in FIG. 28C is created. This table is the same as that described in claim 1.

[0108] When the editing process is completed, the transition to the output processing in S ₁₁₈ of FIG. 27 is executed. In S ₁₁₈ , FIG.
Outputs are sequentially performed according to the output information table as shown in (c), and output as shown in FIG. 29 (c). When the output is completed, the process _proceeds to S119, where
It is determined whether or not there is another output form setting. In this example, since no other output form setting has been made, the flow _proceeds to S119 and ends.

Then, the output form information as shown in FIG. 29D is transferred from the host device to the digital copying machine. The digital copying machine transits from S ₁₁₂ to S ₁₁₃ and S ₁₁₄ in FIG. 27 and receives the output form information. The received output form information is written in the previous output form information table, as shown in FIG. 28 (d).

[0110] When receiving is completed, a transition to S ₁₁₅ in FIG. 27, it is determined whether there is reception of the image information. Here, since there is no image information but only output form information, S ₁₁₆
Then, it is determined whether or not there is stored image information. Here, since the previously received image information as shown in FIG. 29A is stored, the process _proceeds to S117. In _S117 , an output information table is created according to the output form information of FIG. In this case, since the setting is such that two faces are combined into one, an information table as shown in FIG. 28E is created.

When the editing process is completed, the process transits to FIG. 27H and the output process is executed. In FIG. 27 (h), FIG.
Output is sequentially performed according to the output information table as shown in (e), and output as shown in FIG. 29 (e) is made. When the output is completed, the process proceeds to FIG. 27I, and it is determined whether or not there is another output form setting. In this example, no other output form setting is made, so that FIG.
Transition to (i) and end.

[0112]

According to the image forming system of the first aspect, it is possible to output in a plurality of different output modes by one transfer of image information. Therefore, in the conventional art, for example, when one-sided printing of 10-page image information and one-sided printing of image information are desired, the image forming apparatus is set to single-sided printing.
The image information of a page is transferred and printed, then the image forming apparatus is set to double-sided printing, and the image information of 10 pages is transferred and printed again. If both single-sided printing and double-sided printing are set in and the image information of 10 pages is transferred, both single-sided and double-sided printed matter can be obtained. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved by shortening the transfer time of image information.

According to the image forming system of the second aspect, it is possible to output in a plurality of different output forms by transferring the image information once, and the output form can be set on the PC side. Therefore, conventionally, when the image information is created and printed on the PC, the output form is set by going to a location of the image forming apparatus, and the printing is performed by returning to the location of the PC. Things don't have to bother with the location of the image forming apparatus. Image forming device is PC
Since it is often placed in a place apart from, it is possible to improve work efficiency by reducing the traveling time of the user. Further, on the PC side, the output form can be set with a display that is easier to understand than the display means of the image forming apparatus, so that the operability can be improved.

According to the image forming system of the third aspect, the image information synthesizing process can be easily performed on the image forming apparatus side. Conventionally, for example, if you want a printed matter that has distribution destination information at the beginning of the same amount of material, repeat the work of pasting the distribution destination information on the PC side at the beginning of the material page for each distribution destination. All of the created pages were transferred to the image forming device for printing, but a large amount of material could be transferred only once at a time, and later only the distribution destination information could be repeatedly transferred. , You will be able to obtain the desired printed matter. Therefore, the transfer time can be shortened and the work efficiency can be improved.

According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect, the process of inserting the image information into an arbitrary position can be easily performed on the image forming apparatus side. Further, it is easy to insert different image information created by different image information creating applications into arbitrary positions, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the insertion position can be set arbitrarily,
It can meet a wider range of user needs. If you can print different image information as one image information group,
For example, one image information is printed, another image information to be inserted is further printed, rearranged according to the previous printed matter, and manually stapled. You will be able to do it automatically using.

According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to output in a plurality of different output forms by transferring image information once, and the output form can be set on the PC side. Further, by transferring only the output form information to the image information that has been transferred once, it is possible to perform output according to the form. Therefore, in the conventional art, when the output in a different form is desired after the output is completed once, the image information and the output form information are transferred again from the PC side and output, Even if it is not transferred, the output in the form set by the information can be obtained by transferring only the output form information. Since the output form information requires a significantly smaller amount of information than the image information, work efficiency can be improved by shortening the transfer time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the process of the first embodiment of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which image information created by a host device is processed by the first embodiment and output by the digital copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of one setting screen of an operation panel included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the second embodiment of the digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which image information and output form information created by the host device are processed by the second embodiment and output by the digital copying machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the third embodiment of the digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating image information created by a host device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing according to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the fourth embodiment of the digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating image information created by a host device according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing according to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a table storing image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the fifth embodiment of the digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing image information created by the host device according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing according to FIG.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing one setting screen of an operation panel included in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the process of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the sixth embodiment of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating image information created by a host device according to the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the processing according to FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the process of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the processing of the seventh embodiment of the digital copying machine as one embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which the image information and the output form information created by the host device are processed by the seventh embodiment and output by the digital copying machine.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the process of the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a table that stores image information, output form information, and output information for performing the process of the eighth embodiment of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example in which the image information and the output form information created by the host device are processed by the embodiment 8 and output by the digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

6a Image data input section 6b Image data processing unit 6c Image data output section 6d memory 6e CPU 10 Digital copier 11 Scanner section 12 Laser printer section

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A digital image forming apparatus comprising an information processing apparatus for processing information such as characters and images, and a recording means for recording an image on a recording material according to image information, and the information processing apparatus. In an image forming system including image transfer means for transferring image information to and from the digital image forming apparatus, the digital image forming apparatus can transfer characters and image information transferred via the image transferring means. Image information storage means for receiving and storing, setting means capable of setting a plurality of image information stored in the image information storage means in different output modes, and a plurality of image output modes set by the setting means depending on the image information of a plurality of output forms that are different in the recording means of the digital image <br/> image forming apparatus from the image information storage means
Image forming system characterized by comprising a recording control means for by the output record an image. 2. The image processing apparatus comprises: setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the information; and means for transferring the output form information together with the information via an image communication means. Characters and image information transferred through the means
The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an image information storage means for receiving and storing broadcast. 3. When information is transferred through the image transfer means, means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means, and image information already stored by the confirmation means. When it is confirmed that the image information is not stored, the recording control means further confirms that the image information is already stored by the confirming means. in has been time, predetermined positional relationship between the image information already stored image information transferred later, the image of claim 1, wherein the recording the image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus Forming system. 4. A digital image forming apparatus comprising an information processing apparatus for processing information such as characters and images, and a recording means for recording an image on a recording material according to image information, and the information processing apparatus. In an image forming system including image transfer means for transferring image information to and from the digital image forming apparatus, the digital image forming apparatus can transfer characters and image information transferred via the image transferring means. When information is transferred through the image information storage means for receiving and storing and the image transfer means,
A means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means, and when it is confirmed by the confirmation means that the image information is already stored, the image information transferred later is displayed. Means for setting in what positional relationship the image information already stored is output, and recording control for recording an image from the recording unit of the image forming apparatus in the image positional relationship set by the setting means. And an image forming system. 5. A digital image forming apparatus comprising an information processing apparatus for processing information such as characters and images, and a recording means for recording an image on a recording material according to image information, and the information processing apparatus. In an image forming system including image transfer means for transferring image information to and from the digital image forming apparatus, the information processing apparatus includes setting means capable of setting a plurality of output form information for the information, The digital image forming apparatus includes a unit for transferring output form information together with information via the image communication unit , and a unit for transferring only output form information via the image communication unit. Characters and image information transferred
An image information storage means for receiving and storing broadcast, according to the set image output mode by said setting means,
The image information output by a plurality of output forms that are different in the recording means of the digital image forming apparatus from the image information storage means
And a recording control means for recording an image, and a means for confirming whether or not other information is already stored in the image information storage means when only the output form information is transferred through the image transfer means. Further, the recording control means, when it is confirmed by the confirming means that the image information has already been stored , the recording control means stores the previously stored image information in accordance with the output form information. image forming system, characterized in that output from the image information storage means to said <br/> recording means of the digital image forming apparatus for recording an image.