JP3466930B2 - 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 having image storage means for storing image data such as copy jobs or print jobs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art By providing an image storage device such as a hard disk, that is, an image server, it is possible to perform one image input process for all original images without performing the image input process for the number of copies unlike the former copying machines and printers. There are copiers and printers that can print multiple copies.

This type of copying machine and printer has been provided as an analog copying machine by having an image server and a page memory which is expanded after processing such as combining images stored in the image server. It is possible to provide more image forming modes than the image forming modes.

The provision of this more imaging mode is
On the other hand, the more difficult it is for the user to visualize the output bundle finish, the more various output patterns will be provided, and as a means to help the user in such situations, once when outputting multiple copies, After outputting only a part and checking the finished state,
An increasing number of copiers and printers provide a proof print function for starting output of the remaining number of copies.

[0005]

However, the proof print function in the above-mentioned conventional example can provide its effect only in the sort mode output in which the output bundle consisting of the print sheet of a part unit is repeatedly output for the number of copies. It does not make sense in the non-sort mode in which the same number of sheets on which the same image is formed are output sheet by sheet. It also makes no sense when the number of copies is set to a part.

In such a case, if the user sets the proof print function, there is a drawback that the user may be confused without obtaining a desired result.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and when the proof print mode is set to make no sense, by not displaying the proof print mode setting key on the operation unit, It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent operational errors and prevent users from being confused.

[0008]

The present invention can solve the above-mentioned problems by providing the following constitutions.

(1) Image data is input, an image is formed on a cut sheet based on this image data, a job for outputting is executed, and an image storage means for storing the input image data is provided. together can output a plurality of portions in one of the image data input, sometimes printed sheet output of the first part units is completed, and means for temporarily stopped state image imaging processing, the top first partial unit A plurality of image forming modes including a proof print mode and a sorting mode are provided to notify the user that the output has finished.
In the image forming apparatus and a setting means for the constant, and the proof printing mode setting means which is displayed in the operation unit, the sorting mode is set by said setting means
If you do not have, the previous Symbol proof print mode setting means
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls so as not to display .

(2) The control means has a sorting mode.
The image forming apparatus of the preceding paragraph (1), wherein the control to Turkey <br/> and so as to display the proof print mode setting means when a plurality portions output is constant is set.

(3) The sorting mode is the image storage.
Output a plurality of image data accumulated in the means in order,
Claim and repeating several times the output 1 or
2. The image forming apparatus according to 2 .

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an image processing section. Block diagram, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of an image memory unit, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external I / F processing unit, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit, and FIG. 7 is various application modes. Explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen, FIG.
FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a proof print mode setting screen, and FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the copying operation. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 is an image forming apparatus main body, and 180 is an automatic document feeder (DF). Reference numeral 101 is a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 is a scanner, which includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner 102 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is scanned by the scanning mirrors 104 to 104.
6 through the lens 108, CCD sensor 109
Image on. An exposure control unit 120 including a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like is a laser that is converted into an electric signal by an image sensor unit (CCD sensor) 109 and is modulated based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described below is performed. The light 129 is applied to the photosensitive drum 110. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121,
A transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the laser light from the exposure controller 120 is emitted. 129 is irradiated and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is the developing device 12
1 is developed and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136, and is fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137. The visualized toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 118.
Is transferred to the transfer paper. Photoconductor drum 11 after transfer
In the case of 0, the residual toner is cleaned by the cleaner device 116, and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.
The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner images are recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and the toner images are sent to the fixer 141 and fixed by pressing and heating, and the main body 100 is discharged by the discharge roller 142. Is discharged to the outside. The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Further, a multi-purpose manual feed 153 capable of accommodating 100 sheets of transfer paper is provided. Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 154 is a paper ejection flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side, the multiplex recording side and the paper ejection side. The transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 is
By the paper discharge flapper 154, the side is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side. Further, reference numeral 158 denotes a lower conveyance path, which transfers the transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 through the reversing path 155 to turn over the transfer paper and re-feed the tray 156.
Lead to. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiplex recording paths. By tilting the flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reverse path 155. A sheet feeding roller 159 feeds the transfer sheet to the photoconductor drum 110 side through the path 160.
A discharge roller 161 is disposed near the discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the machine. Paper ejection flapper 1 for double-sided recording (duplex copying) or multiplex recording (multiplexing)
54 is moved upward to transfer the copied transfer paper to the conveying path 15
5 and 158 to store in the re-feed tray 156. At this time, the double flapper 157 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left during multiple recording. The transfer papers stored in the re-feed tray 156 are routed one by one from the bottom by the paper feed roller 159.
Through the registration roller 137 of the main body. When reversing and ejecting the transfer paper from the main body, eject paper flapper 1
54 is moved upward, the flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 155 side, and after the trailing end of the transfer paper passes the first feed roller 162, the reverse roller 163 moves The sheet is conveyed to the side of the second feed roller, and the discharge roller 161 reverses the transfer sheet and discharges it to the outside of the machine.

Reference numeral 190 is a paper discharge processing device that aligns and closes the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. If the sheet bundle post-processing operations such as sorting and stapling are not set in the operation unit 172, which will be described later, the sheets are discharged to the sheet discharge tray 191 one by one through the conveyance path 194 and not through the processing tray 193. It When the sheet discharge bundle post-processing operation is set, the transfer sheets discharged one by one through the transport path 195 are stacked and aligned on the processing tray 193. When the discharge of a part of the image formation is completed, the transfer sheet bundle is stapled and discharged as a bundle to the sheet discharge tray 191 or 192. When the paper ejection bundle post-processing operation is set, basically, the paper ejection tray 192
However, the stack is discharged, but control is performed to switch to the discharge tray 191 depending on conditions such as a full load state. Output tray 191,
The motor 192 is controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown) so that the tray to be stacked before the start of the image forming operation is moved to the processing tray position.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 171 denotes a CPU that performs basic control of the image forming apparatus 100, and includes a ROM 174 in which a control program is written and a work RAM 17 for performing processing.
5, the input / output port 173 is connected by an address bus and a data bus. Various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch that control the image forming apparatus 100, and an input unit (not shown) such as a sensor that detects the position of the paper are connected to the input / output port 173. CPU171 is a ROM
According to the contents of 174, input / output is sequentially controlled through the input / output port 173 to execute the image forming operation. Also, C
An operation unit 172 is connected to the PU 171, and controls the display unit and the key input unit of the operation unit 172. The operator uses the key input means to instruct the CPU 171 to switch the image forming operation mode and display, and the CPU 171 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation mode setting by key input. The CPU 171 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and an image memory unit 3 that stores a processed image.

Next, based on FIG. 3, the image processing unit 1
70 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit 170. The original image formed on the CCD sensor 109, which is the image sensor unit, via the lens 108 shown in FIG. 1 is input as data of the brightness of Black, The CCD sensor 109 converts the analog electric signal. The converted image information is input to an analog signal processing unit (not shown), and after sample and hold and dark level correction are performed, analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) is performed by the A / D conversion unit 501. Then, the digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (variation in the sensor for reading the original and correction of the light distribution characteristic of the original illumination lamp). After that, it is sent to the log conversion unit 502. l
The og conversion unit 502 stores an LUT for converting the input brightness data into density data, and converts the brightness data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data. Then, the scaling processing unit 503 scales the image to a desired magnification, and the image is input to the γ correction unit 504. When outputting the density data, the γ correction unit 504 performs conversion by the LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer and adjusts the output according to the density value set by the operation unit. Then, it is sent to the binarization unit 505.
The binarization unit 505 binarizes the multivalued density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. The 8-bit image data is binarized and converted into 1-bit image data of "0" or "1", and the amount of image data stored in the memory becomes small. However, when an image is binarized, the number of gradations of the image changes from 256 gradations to 2 gradations. Therefore, when image data with many halftones such as a photographic image is binarized, the deterioration of the image is generally remarkable. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, the error diffusion method is used as a method for performing pseudo halftone expression with binary data. In this method, if the density of a certain image is larger than a certain threshold value, it is assumed that the density data is “255”, and if it is less than a certain threshold value, it is the density data of “0”. In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is used as an error signal and distributed to surrounding pixels. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying the weighting coefficient on a matrix prepared in advance with the error generated by the binarization and adding it to the surrounding pixels. As a result, the average value of the densities of the entire image is saved, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner. The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored as an image. The image data from the computer, which is input from the external I / F processing unit 4, has been processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit 4, and therefore is sent to the image memory unit 3 as it is. The image memory unit 3 has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of accumulating a plurality of page image data. The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk is stored in the image forming apparatus 10.
The output is 0 in the order corresponding to the edit mode designated by the operation unit 172. For example, in the case of sorting, the images of the document bundle read from the DF 180 are sequentially output. The image data of the document once stored is read from the hard disk, and this is repeated a plurality of times for output. This allows it to play the same role as a sorter with multiple bins. The image data output from the image memory unit 3 is sent to the smoothing unit 506 in the printer unit 2. Smoothing part 50
In 6, the data is interpolated so that the line ends of the binarized image are smoothed, and the image data is output to the exposure controller 120 shown in FIG. The exposure control unit 120 forms the image data on the transfer paper by the above-mentioned processing.

Next, details of the image memory unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the image memory unit, a page memory 301 configured by a memory such as a DRAM is provided to the external I / F processing unit 4 and the image processing unit 1 via a memory controller unit 302.
Writing a binary image from 70, reading an image to the printer unit 2, and a hard disk 30 which is a large-capacity storage device.
4 is used to access image input / output. The memory controller unit 302 generates a DRAM refresh signal for the page memory 301, and the external I / F processing unit 4,
Arbitration of access to the page memory 301 from the image processing unit 170 and the hard disk 304 is performed. Furthermore, CPU
According to the instruction of 171, the write address to the page memory 301, the read address from the page memory 301, the read direction, etc. are controlled. Thereby, CP
U 171 has a function of arranging a plurality of original images in the page memory 301 for layout and outputting the images to the printer unit 2.
It controls the function to cut out and output only part of the image and the image rotation function.

The configuration of the external I / F processing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The external I / F processing unit 4, as described above,
The binary image data of the reader unit 1 is taken into the external I / F processing unit 4 via the image memory unit 3, and the binary image data from the external I / F processing unit 4 is also passed via the image memory unit 3. Is output to the printer unit 2 to form an image. External I / F
The processing unit 4 includes a core unit 406, a facsimile unit 401, a hard disk 402 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit 401, a computer interface unit 403 connected to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 404, and an image memory unit 405. There is. Facsimile unit 401 is connected to a telephone line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the telephone line and transmits facsimile communication data to the telephone line. The facsimile unit 401 has a facsimile function, performs fax transmission at a designated time, transmits image data in response to an inquiry of a designated password from the other party, and stores a fax image in the hard disk 402 for processing. Thus, once the image is transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 401 and the hard disk 402 for the facsimile unit 401 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are not used for the facsimile function. In addition, fax communication can be performed. The computer interface unit 403 is an interface for performing data communication with an external computer, and is a local area network (hereinafter, LA).
N), serial I / F, SCSII / F, and centro I / F for data input of the printer. Via this I / F, the states of the printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1 are notified to the external computer 11, or the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to an instruction from the external computer 11. It also receives print image data from the external computer 11. From the external computer 11 to the computer interface unit 403
Since the print data notified via the printer code is described by a dedicated printer code, the formatter section 404 converts the code into raster image data for forming an image in the printer section 2 via the image memory section 3. The formatter unit 404 expands raster image data in the image memory unit 405. Image memory unit 405
In this way, the formatter unit 404 can be used as a memory for expanding raster image data as described above, and the image of the reader unit 1 can be used by the computer interface unit 40.
3 to the external computer 11 (image scanner function), the image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once expanded in the image memory unit 405, converted into the format of the data to be sent to the external computer 11, and converted to the computer interface. It is also used when data is transmitted from the unit 403. The core unit 406 includes a facsimile unit 401, a computer interface unit 403,
It controls and manages data transfer among the formatter unit 404, the image memory unit 405, and the image memory unit 3. As a result, even if the external I / F processing unit 4 has a plurality of image output units, or even if there is only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3, under the management of the core unit 406, exclusive control, Image output is performed with priority control.

Next, the operation unit for setting the copying operation of the image forming apparatus described in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 621 is a power lamp indicating that the power is on.

The power switch 613 turns on the power
In accordance with the switching of N / OFF, 621 turns on and off. Numeral 622 is a ten-key pad, which is used for setting the number of image formations and inputting numerical values for mode setting. It is also used to enter a telephone number on the facsimile setting screen. Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which is used to clear the setting input by the ten keys. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key, which is used to return the set number of image formations, the operation mode, the selected paper feed mode, and the like to default values. A start key 614 starts the image forming operation by pressing the start key 614. In the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether the start is possible,
When the start is not possible, the red LED is lit, and when the start is possible, the green LED is lit. 6
A stop key 15 is used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When this key is pressed and then another key is pressed, a description of the function that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel. To cancel the guide display, the guide key 617 is pressed again. 618 is a user setting key,
By pressing this key, the user can change the settings of the image forming apparatus. The settings that can be changed by the user are, for example, the time until the settings are automatically cleared, the setting of the default value of the mode when the reset key is pressed, and the like.
Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during the image forming operation, other image forming operations can be stopped and copying can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 180. 620 is a display panel including a liquid crystal,
In order to facilitate detailed mode setting, the display content changes according to the setting mode. The surface of the display panel is a touch sensor. The example of FIG. 6 shows an example of the setting screen of the copy operation mode. In FIG. 6, the display panel 620
Keys 624 to 632 are displayed inside, and by touching the display position of this key, the depression of the key is determined, and the mode is set. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper selection key. When this key is pressed, a display for setting which of the cassettes 131 and 132 is to be used for paper feeding is displayed on the display panel 620. 6
28 to 631 are keys for setting the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key is pressed, multiple operation, reduced layout mode, cover /
A setting screen for an application function mode such as a slip sheet mode is displayed on the display panel, and setting keys for each application function mode are displayed as shown in FIG. 7, for example, to enable setting of the application mode. Numeral 624 is a setting key for double-sided operation, for example, "single-both mode" in which double-sided output is performed from a single-sided original, "double-sided mode" in which double-sided output is performed from a double-sided original, and two single-sided output is performed from a double-sided original Three types of double-sided modes, "double-sided mode", are set. A sort key 625 is pressed to set the operation mode of the paper discharge processing device 190 and the output paper sorting mode using the image memory.

Reference numeral 632 is a proof print mode key (trial copy key), which is used when the sorting mode is set by the sort key 625, and when a plurality of copies are output, the printing operation is temporarily stopped when a partial output is completed. Then, let the user confirm the finish, if OK, continue.
If it is NG, the proof print mode is set so that cancellation can be selected.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a setting screen display when the proof print mode is set. (A) shows the state before the printing is started by setting the proof print mode. (B) shows a state in which the printing operation is stopped in order to allow the user to confirm the finish at the end of the partial output and select whether or not to continue.

In addition to the normal display of the keys on the display panel, if the display key mode cannot be set, the keys cannot be operated by making the display lines dotted (shaded). Is to be represented. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the contents set for the copy operation and the current operation state are displayed above the display panel 620. Further, on the upper left of the screen, there is a display indicating which screen of each function mode described later this display screen is, and in the example of FIG. 6, the setting screen of copy A is shown. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the characters are shown, but the symbols may be used. Further, below the display panel 620, the operating states of other functional modes, which will be described later, are displayed within a range in which one line can be displayed. The example of FIG. 6 indicates that the output operation of the copy B to the printer unit 2 is in progress. Next to the application mode key 626 in the display panel 620, there is a key that can be changed by the user, and up to two function keys that can be set on the application mode setting screen can be registered. By displaying the application mode setting key at the position shown in the figure, the registered mode can be set more easily.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 601 to 612 are keys and LED displays for switching the display of the operation unit for setting the functions of the copying operation and the system operation using the image forming apparatus 100. 601, 604, 607, 610
Is a key to switch each function. This key is composed of a semi-transparent key button, and there is a display lamp (not shown) such as an LED inside the key. When the operation screen is selected by pressing these keys, the lamp inside the key lights up. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamp inside the key of the selected operation function screen is turned on, and the lamp inside the other keys is turned off. Also, to the right of each key is a green LE
D is arranged (603, 606, 609, 612), and this LED represents the operation status of each function by LED lighting control. For example, the LED 606 of copy B is copy B
Is controlled to be turned off during standby, and is controlled to blink when copy B is in output operation as in the example of FIG. Also,
When the image of copy B is stored in the hard disk 304 of the image memory unit 3 and the print operation of copy B is not performed, the lighting control is performed. Similarly, for example, the fax LED 609 is controlled to blink during the communication operation, the print operation, and the read operation, and the facsimile unit 40 is controlled.
When there is a fax image on the first hard disk 402, the lighting is controlled. Red LED is placed on the left of each key (602, 605, 608, 611).
D indicates that an abnormal situation of each function has occurred by LED lighting control. For example, the LED 605 of the copy B is controlled to blink when the copy B is out of paper or when an abnormality such as JAM occurs. At this time, by pressing the copy B function key 604 and switching the display of the operation unit 172 to copy B, copy B is displayed on the display panel 620.
The status of is displayed, and you can check the details of the abnormal status. These function switching keys can be pressed at any time regardless of the operating status of each function, and the operation unit 172 can be switched. When the copy A function and the copy B function can be switched as in the present embodiment, the keys other than the keys in the display panel such as the stop key, the start key and the reset key described above are the function switching keys 601 and 60.
The function selected by 4 is operated. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, even if the stop key is pressed while the copy A operation screen is displayed, the copy operation cannot be stopped with respect to the output operation of copy B. Copy B
Copy B function key 604
By pressing the stop key 615 after pressing, the output of copy B is stopped. Also, user setting key 618
The data set by has data on each of the screens where the operation units of copy A and copy B are selected, and the setting operation can be performed independently on each screen.

FIG. 9 is a control flow chart of the copying operation. The operation flow of the control system will be described based on this flowchart.

In step S1001, a setting screen for each function by the function switching keys 601, 604, 607, and 610 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

In step S1002, the operation unit 17
It is checked whether any one of keys 2 is pressed to change the print mode. If it is determined in step S1002 that the print mode has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S1007 and subsequent steps, which will be described later.

In step S1003, if the print mode was changed in step S1002 of the previous stage, it is checked whether the print mode is the non-sort mode. When it is determined in step S1003 that the non-sort mode is set, the process of step S1006 described below is performed. Step S10
If it is determined in 03 that the non-sort mode is not set, it is checked in step S1004 whether the number of copies setting is 1.

If the number of copies setting is 1 in step S1004, the display of the proof print mode key is deleted from the operation panel 620 in step S1006.
Prevent users from setting it.

If it is determined in step S1004 that the number of copies setting is not 1 and a plurality of copies is set, the proof print mode key is displayed in step S1005 to allow the user's setting.

Steps S1005 and S1006
After the processing of step S1007, it is checked in step S1007 whether the copy key is pressed.

When it is determined in step S1007 that the copy key is turned on, the copy operation is started in step S1008.

If it is determined in step S1007 that the copy key is not turned on, step S10
Return to the process of 02.

The above is the control flow of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the proof print mode,
When the non-sort mode is set, or when the image forming mode is set such that the proof print mode is not valid, such as when the number of copies is 1, the user is confused by not displaying the proof print mode setting key and not setting it. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of an image memory unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an external I / F processing unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of various application mode setting screens.

8A and 8B are explanatory views showing an example of a proof print mode setting screen.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of the copying operation.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 Reader section 2 Printer section 3 Image memory section 4 External I / F processing unit 109 Image sensor unit (CCD) 120 Exposure control unit 170 Image processing unit 171 CPU 172 Operation unit 173 I / O 174 ROM 175 RAM

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/00 303 B41J 29/00-29/70 H04N 1/00-1 / 00 108

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image storage unit for inputting image data, forming an image on a cut sheet based on the image data, executing a job for outputting the image data, and further storing the input image data, It is possible to output multiple copies by inputting the image data of, and at the end of the first partial print sheet output ,
Including means for the temporarily stopped state image imaging processing, and the proof printing mode by means notify the user that the output of The first part of the unit is completed, the sorting mode
In the image forming apparatus having a <br/> and setting means for setting a non plurality of image forming modes, and the proof printing mode setting means which is displayed in the operation unit, sorting mode is set by said setting means Na
If have, display the previous Symbol proof print mode setting means
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls in a different manner . 2. The sorting mode is set in the control means.
Re image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the benzalkonium controls so as to display the proof print mode setting means when a plurality portions output is set. 3. The sorting mode is the image storage means.
Output multiple image data stored in
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the process is repeated a plurality of times .