JP4574704B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus suitable for application to a digital multi-function peripheral that receives a plurality of jobs and forms an image on a sheet, and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, it has a plurality of functions such as an image reading function, an image forming function, a facsimile (FAX) function and the like, and is equipped with a large-capacity storage medium, reads an image from a document, copies it to a sheet, and transmits the image to the outside. Digital multi-function peripherals that perform various outputs such as FAX transmission output and print output for forming an image on a sheet have become widespread. In addition, it is connected to a digital multi-function peripheral and equipped with a paper discharge tray, and bundle offset sorting (each paper bundle is distinguished so that a plurality of paper bundles on which image formation has been performed are stacked on the paper discharge tray. Sheets that can be subjected to various sheet post-processing such as staggered stacking in a predetermined direction, stapling for binding sheets, Z-folding for folding sheets into three, and saddle stitching for folding sheets in the middle Post-processing devices (hereinafter referred to as finishers) have also been developed.

  In this finisher, in order to form and output a large amount of image data stored in the large-capacity storage medium on a sheet, the digital multifunction peripheral increases the number of sheets that can be stacked on one sheet discharge tray and outputs the sheet. A tray equipped with a plurality of trays (for example, 2 to 3) has been developed. Accordingly, the finisher uses the above-described bundle offset to distinguish each bundle of paper ejected on the paper ejection tray when the paper bundle of a plurality of jobs is ejected on a single paper ejection tray. Functions such as sorting are provided.

  However, when the bundle offset sort is executed by the finisher, if applied to one page per job (when one job is composed of one sheet), the operator can remove the sheet from the discharge tray. The output result is difficult to handle. In order to cope with such a case, when outputting each sheet bundle corresponding to a plurality of jobs to the finisher's discharge tray, the job and the job are separated (the sheet constituting the job and the next job are configured. Colored paper is being output (between the paper to be printed). That is, there is an increasing demand for job partition sheets for making it possible to understand the separation between jobs.

  However, the above prior art has the following problems. In a state where the finisher is connected to the digital multi-function peripheral, for example, when executing a saddle stitching process in which a sheet is folded in the middle by the finisher, the two-fold mechanism used in the saddle stitching process folds the sheet in a vertical conveyance path. Therefore, there is a limit to the paper size that can be saddle-stitched, and the mechanism does not allow mixed paper sizes (for example, mixed A3 and A4).

  When such a two-fold mechanism is to be used to output a job divider sheet to delimit a sheet (the last sheet of the job and the first sheet of the next job) to be folded in two by the two-fold mechanism. Since the two-fold mechanism is a mechanism that does not allow a mixture of paper sizes as described above, it is set so that only the job partition paper having the same paper size as the image forming paper can be selected. Therefore, if the user feeds a desired job partition paper having a paper size different from that of the image forming paper (for example, paper having a different paper size such as colored paper), a paper jam occurs. The prior art has a problem of wanting to prevent such a paper jam.

  However, there is a limit to the number of sheets that can be folded in the saddle stitching process, and if the number of output sheets of image forming paper exceeds the limit number, the saddle stitching process is not executed and the output is directly output to the discharge tray. Is going. At this time, a job partition sheet is required.

  In addition, when punching is performed on punched paper with a finisher or Z-folding is performed to fold the paper into three on paper that has been image-formed by the digital multifunction peripheral, punching or Z-folding is also performed on the job partition paper. For this reason, this has been a factor in reducing the throughput associated with the output of the image forming paper and the job partition paper.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral, it is possible to register various paper types as paper types, and the user uses papers of a desired paper type according to usage. For example, if a paper type such as thick paper is mistakenly set where the paper type of the job divider paper to be fed is set to colored paper, conventionally, the job divider paper set with the wrong paper type is output as it is. It was. However, the output of the job partition paper in which the paper type is set incorrectly is not the output result desired by the user, and the color paper to be output as the job partition paper may not be output, and is a wasteful output.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of improving paper output performance, preventing paper jams, and preventing wasteful paper output, and a control method thereof. And

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus capable of discharging a partition sheet for indicating a separation between a sheet of a preceding job and a sheet of a succeeding job to a sheet discharge unit from which the sheet of the preceding job is discharged, wherein the image is formed First setting means for setting the post-processing for paper, and second setting means for setting discharge of the partition paper to the paper discharge unit from which the paper of the preceding job has been discharged; When the post-processing is set by the first setting means, and when the partition paper is set to be discharged by the second setting means, the post-processing is performed on the partition paper. The post-processing means is not allowed to be applied. While, characterized in that a control means for controlling said post-processing means so as to perform the post-processing on a sheet of the succeeding job.

  The present invention further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit. A control method of an image forming apparatus capable of ejecting a partition sheet for indicating a separation from a sheet of a succeeding job to a sheet ejecting unit from which the sheet of the preceding job is ejected, wherein the sheet on which the image is formed A first setting step for setting the post-processing to be performed, a second setting step for setting discharge of the partition paper to the paper discharge unit from which the paper of the preceding job has been discharged, When the post-processing is set in the first setting step and the partition paper is set to be discharged in the second setting step, the post-processing is not performed on the partition paper. While controlling the processing means, Characterized by a control step of controlling said post-processing means so as to perform the post-processing on a sheet of continued job.

  According to the present invention, the output of the partition paper indicating the job separation is controlled according to the paper post-processing executed by the post-processing device for the paper image formed by the image forming device of the image forming apparatus. Since no paper post-processing is performed, the paper output performance can be improved.

  In addition, since the output of the partition paper is controlled in accordance with the paper type of the partition paper, the paper jam that occurs when the partition paper is output regardless of the paper type of the partition paper set by the operator as in the past. In addition to being able to prevent this, it is possible to eliminate the need for unnecessary paper output that occurs when the operator mistakenly sets the paper type of the partition paper as in the prior art.

  First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiment of the present invention, a sheet post-processing apparatus is attached to an image forming apparatus, and a job is performed between image formation and sheet post-processing (between a sheet constituting the job and a sheet constituting the next job. Or, when outputting a job divider sheet indicating a separation between the last sheet of the sheet bundle constituting the job and the first sheet of the sheet bundle constituting the next job, the job divider sheet is output according to the sheet post-processing. Perform output control. Further, when the paper type of the job partition paper is not the paper type intended by the operator, control is performed to stop the output of the job partition paper. As a result, improvement of paper output performance, prevention of paper jams, and prevention of useless paper output are realized. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus and sheet post-processing apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the internal structure of an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus is configured as, for example, a multi-function peripheral having an image reading function, an image forming function, and a facsimile function, and has a function of controlling output of job partition sheets indicating a separation between jobs. A reader unit (image reading unit) 1 that reads an image and a printer unit (image forming unit) 2 that forms an image on a sheet are roughly configured. The image forming apparatus includes a sheet post-processing device, that is, a Z-folding unit 260 that performs Z-folding processing to fold a sheet into three, a punch unit 250 that performs punching processing to punch holes in the sheet, a stapling process that binds sheets, and a sheet A staple sorter 230 is provided for performing a saddle stitching process.

  The reader unit 1 includes a document feeder 101, a document table glass 102, a scanner unit 104, mirrors 106 and 107, a lens 108, a CCD image sensor unit (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 109, a connector 121, a CPU circuit unit 122, and the like. . The printer unit 2 includes an exposure control unit 201, a mirror 207, a photosensitive member 211, a developing device 212, transfer paper stacking units 214, 215, 225, and 226, a transfer unit 216, a fixing unit 217, a paper discharge unit 218, and a discharge roller. 219, a conveyance direction switching member 220, a reverse conveyance path (transfer paper stacking unit for refeeding) 221 and the like.

  In the reader unit 1, the document feeder 101 conveys a stacked document to the upper surface of the document table glass 102. A document to be read is conveyed on the platen glass 102. The scanner unit 104 irradiates the original with the lamp 103, and reflects the reflected light from the original with the mirror 105. The mirrors 106 and 107 guide the reflected light from the mirror 105 to the lens 108. The lens 108 focuses the reflected light on the CCD 109. The CCD 109 performs photoelectric conversion for converting the reflected light from the document into an electric signal.

  Documents loaded on the document feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed onto the document table glass 102 one by one. When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the original table glass 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is turned on and the scanner unit 104 is moved to irradiate the original. The reflected light of the document is input to the CCD 109 via the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108. The reader unit 1 outputs an image signal based on photoelectric conversion by the CCD 109 to the printer unit 2.

  In the printer unit 2, the exposure control unit 201 converts the image signal into a modulated optical signal. The mirror 207 reflects the laser beam and irradiates the photosensitive member 211. A latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 211 by the irradiation light. The developing device 212 develops the latent image on the photoconductor 211. The transfer paper stacking units 214, 215, 225, and 226 each store a plurality of transfer papers (hereinafter referred to as papers) in a stacked state. The transfer unit 216 transfers the developed image on the photoconductor 211 to a sheet. The fixing unit 217 fixes the image on the paper by heating and pressing. The paper discharge unit 218 discharges the paper on which the image is fixed to the outside of the image forming apparatus by a discharge roller 219 (can be discharged). The conveyance direction switching member 220 reverses the conveyance direction of the sheet on which an image is formed on one side. The reverse conveyance path 221 refeeds the reversed paper to the transfer unit side when image formation is performed on both sides of the paper.

  An image signal input from the reader unit 1 to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 211. The latent image created on the photosensitive member 211 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 212. The paper is conveyed from one of the transfer paper stacking sections 214, 215, 225, and 226 in synchronization with the development leading edge, and the developed image is transferred to the paper in the transfer section 216. The image transferred onto the sheet is fixed on the sheet by the fixing unit 217, and then the sheet is discharged by the sheet discharge unit 218 through the discharge roller 219 to the Z-fold unit 260 provided outside the image forming apparatus.

  The sheet discharged by the discharge roller 219 of the image forming apparatus is sent to the Z-folding unit 260, and when the Z-folding process by the Z-folding unit 260 is set, the Z-folding unit described later of the Z-folding unit 260 performs Z-folding. Is done. Thereafter, the sheet is fed into the punch unit 250, and when punching by the punch unit 250 is set, punch holes are punched by the punch unit 250. Thereafter, the sheet is delivered to the staple sorter 230, and when the sort process by the staple sorter 230 is set, the sheet is discharged to each bin of the staple sorter 230, and when the sort process by the staple sorter 230 is not set. When the staple sort process is set by the staple sorter 230, one staple unit is selected from a plurality of staple units provided in the sort bin and stapled. Is done.

  In this embodiment, the staple position for binding sheets is changed by selecting one staple unit from a plurality of staple units provided in the sort bin of the staple sorter 230. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The change of the staple position may be realized by moving one staple unit.

  When the saddle stitching process for folding the sheet in the middle by the staple sorter 230 is set, the sheet conveyed from the punch unit 250 via the conveying roller 231 is sent to the saddle path 234 by the operation of the direction changing member 232. It is. In order to stack sheets on the saddle stack unit 235, the saddle roller 236 rotates forward by a predetermined amount and then reverses, and conveys the sheet to the saddle stack unit 235. This operation is repeated to stack sheets on the saddle stack unit 235 up to the set output number. After all the sheets are stacked on the saddle stack section 235, the saddle roller 236 rotates forward by a predetermined amount and rotates until the saddle folding member 239 comes to the middle of the sheet.

  When the rotation of the saddle roller 236 stops, the saddle folding member 239 starts operating, and when the sheet reaches the folding roller 237, the folding roller 237 starts rotating. Since the folding roller 237 rotates so as to discharge the paper in the direction of the discharge roller 238, the saddle folding member 239 can make a firm crease. Thereafter, the stapler (not shown) staples the two folded portions of the sheet, and discharges the sheet on which the saddle stitching process is completed to the bin 242 outside the staple sorter 230.

  As described above, in the saddle stitching process in which the sheet is folded in the middle, the normal rotation and the reverse rotation timing of the saddle roller 236 can be determined based on the length of the sheet, so that sheets having different sheet sizes are supplied to the staple sorter 230. When the sheets to be mixed are loaded, the sheets cannot be correctly conveyed in the staple sorter 230, and a paper jam occurs. In this embodiment, therefore, paper jamming is prevented by performing output control of job partition paper as described later.

  Next, the Z-folding unit that performs the Z-folding process for folding the paper into three in the Z-folding unit 260 will be described. A sheet that is conveyed from the image forming apparatus to the Z-folding section of the Z-folding unit 260 and matches a predetermined sheet size is sent to the Z-folding section path 261 by the operation of the direction changing member 268. The folding rollers 262 and 263 rotate to advance the paper to the intermediate folding path 265 at the timing when ¼ of the paper passes the folding roller 262. A quarter of the sheet is folded by this rotation operation.

  The folding rollers 263 and 264 rotate so as to advance the paper to the final path 267 at the timing when the paper advances to 1/4 in the intermediate folding path 265 as it is. For this reason, 1/4 of the paper is folded and the paper is Z-folded. The Z-folded sheet is conveyed as it is and is conveyed to the punch unit 250. This Z-folding process in the Z-folding unit 260 is applied only to large-size (for example, A3) paper, and the direction changing unit 268 does not operate for small-size (for example, A4) paper. It is conveyed to the punch unit 250 as it is.

<Signal processing configuration of reader unit>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 of the image forming apparatus. The reader unit 1 includes a CCD 109, amplifiers 110R, 110G, and 110B, an A / D converter 111, a shading circuit 112, a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113, a scaling / repeat circuit 114, a contour / edge enhancement circuit 115, a marker area. Determination / contour generation circuit 116, patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117, image data selector 118, laser driver circuit 119, image memory 120, connector 121, CPU circuit unit 122, operation unit 123, image data reduction circuit 126 It has.

  The reflected light of the original image formed on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 109 and converted into electric signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The color information (R, G, B) output from the CCD 109 is amplified in accordance with the input signal level of the A / D converter 111 by the amplifiers 110R, 110G, 110B in the next stage. An output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, and the shading circuit 112 corrects uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD 109. An output signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and an external interface switching circuit (not shown).

  The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has a Y signal generation function, and performs an operation on the output signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following formula to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B
Further, the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 has a color detection function that separates seven colors based on the R, G, and B signals and outputs a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Depending on the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed, and scaling in the main scanning direction is performed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. A plurality of identical images can be output by the scaling / repeat circuit 114.

  The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis information and contour information by emphasizing the high-frequency component of the output signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The output signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117. The marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 reads a portion of a document written with a marker pen of a specified color, and generates marker contour information. Next, the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs thickening, masking or trimming from the contour information. Further, the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 performs patterning based on the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

  When the output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the printer unit 2, it is selected by the image data selector 118 described later and input to the laser driver circuit 119. The laser driver circuit 119 converts the various processed signals into signals for driving the laser. The output signal of the laser driver circuit 119 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image. The image memory 120 writes and reads out the image data sent from the image data selector 118 to a designated position of the image memory 120 according to an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 122 by a method described later, and performs image rotation processing. It has a function and a function for synthesizing images on an image memory.

  The CPU circuit unit 122 controls the reader unit 1 and each unit shown in FIG. 3 to be described later, and is used for a ROM 124 for storing a control program, an error processing program, and a work area for executing various programs. It consists of a RAM 125 to be used, various timer control units, and the like. Note that image data stored in an image storable RAM (not shown) can be developed on the image memory 120 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 122. The connector 121 is provided for connecting a device (for example, an additional memory) other than that shown in FIG.

<Connection to CPU circuit section>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration centering on the CPU circuit unit 122 of the image forming apparatus. The CPU circuit unit 122 includes a reader unit (image reading unit) 1 that controls the CPU circuit unit in FIG. 1 and a printer unit (image forming unit) 2 that controls the CPU circuit unit in FIG. An image processing unit 22 that performs image processing on an image to be formed on a target portion, paper, an image data selector 118 shown in FIG. 2, a connector 121, an operation unit 123 having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and characters / characters used in the image forming apparatus A character data memory 130 for storing character data such as numbers and symbols is connected.

<Configuration of operation unit>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 123 is composed of various key groups for instructing image forming operations such as image editing contents and the number of copies for the image reading process of the reader unit 1, and a dot matrix including a liquid crystal display device that displays the contents at the time of operation. A liquid crystal display unit 438 and the like are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 438 displays the state of the image forming apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, the selected sheet, and various operation screens, and is operated by a control key or the like. A start key 403 is a key for causing the image forming apparatus to start a copying operation, and a return (reset) key 402 is a key for returning the setting mode to the standard state.

  The key group 405 includes a numeric keypad from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. The density key 407 is a key for increasing / decreasing the density from a dark setting to a light setting, and the density adjusted thereby is displayed on the density display unit 441. The automatic density adjustment key 437 includes a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function and a display unit for displaying the automatic density adjustment function. A paper selection key 406 is a key for selecting a paper feed port (transfer paper stacking unit in FIG. 1) for feeding paper and auto paper selection, and this selection state is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438.

  Keys 408, 409, and 410 are keys for setting standard size reduction, equal magnification, and standard size enlargement, respectively, at the time of copying. The zoom key 418 includes a key for setting the auto scaling mode and a display unit indicating a selection state. The selection state is also displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. A double-sided key 442 is a key for instructing double-sided copying for copying an image on both sides of a sheet. The user mode key 440 is a key for instructing the liquid crystal display unit 438 to display an operation screen shown in FIGS. 7 (1) to (6) described later.

<How to set the paper slot for the job divider and the paper type>
Next, a method for setting a sheet feeding port for job partition sheets and a method for setting a sheet type for the sheet feeding port in the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, the four transfer paper stacking units shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as paper feed ports. For example, it is assumed that B4 size is stored in the paper feed port 1, A4 size is stored in the paper feed port 2, A4 size is stored in the paper feed port 3, and A4 size paper is stored in the paper feed port 4. The CPU circuit unit 122 stores the following various settings via the operation unit 123 by the operator as set values.

  When the operator presses the user mode key 440 of the operation unit 123, an operation screen shown in FIG. 7A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. In the operation screen of FIG. 7A, a key 701 is a key for setting a predetermined common function for the image forming apparatus. When the key 701 is pressed, the common function can be set. A key 702 is a key for setting the copy function of the image forming apparatus. When the key 702 is pressed, ON / OFF of an automatic rotation function for automatically performing an image rotation process can be set. A key 703 is a key for adjustment cleaning. When the key 703 is pressed, zoom adjustment or the like can be set. A key 704 is a key related to a timer. When the key 704 is pressed, a date and time can be set.

  When the key 701 is pressed on the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 7A, the operation screen illustrated in FIG. 7B is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. In the operation screen of FIG. 7 (2), a key 708 is a key for setting job partition sheets. When the key 708 is pressed, the operation screen shown in FIG. 7 (3) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 438. The In the operation screen of FIG. 7 (3), the keys 708-1 and 708-6 are keys for turning ON and OFF the setting of the job partition paper, respectively. When one of the keys is pressed, the other key is invalidated. It has become a toggle key. The key 708-2, key 708-3, key 708-4, and key 708-5 are valid when the mode for outputting the job divider paper is ON, and the paper supply for feeding the job divider paper is performed. A paper tray (paper feed port) can be set.

  Again, in the operation screen of FIG. 7 (2), the key 706 is a key for setting the paper type (paper type). When the key 706 is pressed, the operation screen shown in FIG. Displayed on the part 438. By pressing keys 707-2 to 707-5 on the operation screen shown in FIG. 7 (4), the paper type for each paper feed slot can be set. For example, assume that the paper type of the paper feed slot 1 is set to plain paper. Similarly, assume that the paper type of the paper feed port 2 is set to colored paper, the paper type of the paper feed port 3 is set to recycled paper, and the paper type of the paper feed port 4 is set to plain paper. A key 707-6 is a key for setting the priority order of paper types. On the operation screen shown in FIG. 7 (4), it is possible to set a priority order in automatic paper feed selection that automatically selects a paper feed port corresponding to each type of paper.

  The operation screen of FIG. 7 (5) is a display prompting selection of the paper type of the paper feed slot 1, for example. The illustrated example is an example in which selection is possible from plain paper, recycled paper, thick paper, colored paper, punch paper, OHP paper, label paper, second original drawing paper, and letterhead. In addition to the example shown in the figure, it is possible to select pre-printed paper or the like. The operation screen of FIG. 7 (6) is a display prompting the user to set the priority of the paper type (paper type). In the illustrated example, the priority of plain paper is 1, the priority of recycled paper is 1, the priority of colored paper is 2, the priority of punched paper is 3, the priority of label paper is 4, the priority of thick paper is 4, In this example, the priority of OHP paper is 4, the priority of letterhead is 4, and the priority of second original drawing paper is 4.

<Image Data Writing Method and Reading Method>
Next, a method for writing and reading image data to and from the image memory 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (1) to (5) and FIG. FIG. 5 (1) shows the concept of storage capacity in one storage area of the image memory 120. In the present embodiment, image data corresponding to A3 size can be stored in one storage area of the image memory 120 on the basis of 600 dpi, and the storage area is composed of 7015 vertical × 9920 horizontal bits. As shown in FIG. 6, the entire storage area of the image memory 120 is configured to store, for example, 100 image data as an image layout area, a character data area, and an image data storage area ( Storage memory 1 to storage memory 100).

  Next, FIG. 5B shows an example in which the image data read from the document is written in the image memory 120. Documents placed as shown in (2a) of FIG. 5 (2) are sequentially read in the direction of the arrow as shown. As shown in (2b) of FIG. 5 (2), the (0, 0) address is used as the start position, and the X direction counter is incremented and the Y direction counter is incremented. When the line is read, the counter in the Y direction is counted up and written in the image memory 120 in order in the (0, 7015) address direction.

  Next, when the second line of the original is read, the counter in the X direction is counted up and written in the image memory 120 in order from the (1, 0) address to the (1, 7015) address direction. Next, when the third line of the original is read, the counter in the X direction is incremented, and the addresses (2, 0) to (2, 7015) are written in the image memory 120. As described above, the reading of the document image and the writing of the image data are repeated, so that the image memory 120 is written up to (4960, 7015) addresses.

  Next, a process for reading the image data written in the image memory 120 in the procedure of FIG. 5 (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (3) and 5 (4). In FIG. 5 (3), as shown in (3a) of FIG. 5 (3), first, the image data of the first line of the document among the image data written in the image memory 120 has a (4960, 0) address. Is designated as the start position, the X direction counter is counted down, the Y direction counter is designated as count up, and the X direction counter is sequentially counted down in the (0, 0) address direction. Next, the image data of the second line of the document is counted up from the (4960, 1) address to the (0, 1) address by counting up the counter in the Y direction. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this way, the image data can be read as shown in (3b) of FIG.

  In FIG. 5 (4), as shown in (4b) of FIG. 5 (4), first, the image data of the first line of the document among the image data written in the image memory 120 is (0, 0). The address is set as the start position, the X-direction counter is counted up, the Y-direction counter is designated as count-down, and the Y-direction counter is sequentially incremented in the address direction (0, 7015) and read. Next, the image data of the second line of the document is read up from the (1, 0) address to the (1, 7015) address direction by counting up the counter in the X direction. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this way, the image data can be read as shown in (4b) of FIG.

  Therefore, by reading the A4 width original shown in (2a) of FIG. 5 (2) in the direction of FIG. 5 (3), the image can be read without rotating.

  Further, as shown in (4c) of FIG. 5 (4), first, the image data of the first line of the document among the image data written in the image memory 120 has the (4960, 7015) address as the start position, The counter in the Y direction is counted down and sequentially read up to the (4960, 0) address. The image data of the second line of the original is sequentially read out from the (4959, 7015) address by counting down the X direction counter and counting down the Y direction counter from the (4959, 7015) address. By sequentially reading the image data of each line of the document from the image memory 120 in this manner, an image rotated by 180 degrees can be read as shown in (4d) of FIG.

  Next, the image layout memory of FIG. 6 will be described. As described above, by reading the image data individually stored in the image memory 120 as shown in (5a) and (5b) of FIG. 5 (5), and writing the image data at a desired position in the image layout memory. Separate document image data can be combined on the image memory 120 as shown in (5c) of FIG.

<Double-sided output method>
Next, a double-sided output method for forming image data sequentially read from the image memory 120 of the image forming apparatus on both sides of one sheet will be described with reference to FIG. The paper on which the image has been fixed by the fixing unit 217 of the image forming apparatus is once transported to the paper discharge unit 218, and then the paper transport direction is reversed by the transport direction switching member 220 to reverse the transport path (re-feeding transfer target). (Paper stacking unit) 221. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the paper for transferring the original image is fed from the reverse conveyance path (transfer paper stacking portion for refeeding) 221. As a result, two original images can be formed on both the front and back surfaces of the same sheet.

<Job partition output control>
Next, job partitioning when sheet post-processing is performed by a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) attached to the image forming apparatus (Z folding processing setting, punch processing setting, stapling processing setting, saddle stitching processing setting, first setting) The operation when outputting paper will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIG. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the CPU circuit unit 122 of the image forming apparatus based on a program stored in the ROM 124.

(1) Case of Z-Fold Processing Setting First, the case where Z-fold processing is set for an image forming sheet will be described. In this example, among the four-stage transfer paper stacking sections (sheet feeding ports) shown in FIG. 1 equipped in the image forming apparatus, A4 plain paper is used as the first sheet feeding port, and the second sheet feeding port is used. Further, it is assumed that A4 color paper is stored in A3 plain paper in the third sheet feed slot, and A3 thick paper is stored in the fourth sheet feed slot. Assume that the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. In addition, a Z-folding process in which the sheet is folded in three by the Z-folding unit 260 is specified as a setting of sheet post-processing by the finisher, and a job indicating a separation between the current job (subsequent job) and the previous job (previous job) Assume that A3 thick paper stored in the fourth-stage paper feed slot is designated as the partition paper. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job is discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.

  When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, this processing is started in step S801. In step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 sets the output of the job partition sheet (second setting). Judge whether or not. In this example, since the A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed slot is set as the job partition paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S <b> 803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for a sheet on which an image is formed. In this example, post-sheet processing (Z-folding processing for folding the paper into three) is set, and the process advances to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process is set. In this example, since the Z-folding process is set, the process proceeds to step S808, and for the A3 thick paper that is the job partition paper, The Z-folding process is set not to be performed. Next, proceeding to step S813, the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting (third setting) of the paper type (type) of the job partition sheet. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. In step S812, the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message as shown in FIG. 10 (“partition paper media type is not applicable”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123, and outputs the job partition paper. (If the paper type of the job divider paper matches plain paper, recycled paper, or colored paper, the job divider paper is output).

  Here, if the operator changes A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job divider paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 sets the paper type for which the setting of the job divider paper is changed in advance. It is determined that the type matches, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether or not there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image is formed in the current job). Since there is a recording sheet in this example, the process advances to step S815 to output an A3 plain paper job separation sheet from the third-stage sheet feeding port in order to indicate a separation between the current job and the previous job.

  In step S808, since it is set not to perform the Z-folding process on the job partition sheet, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the Z-folding process on the job partition sheet by the Z-folding unit 260, so The image is discharged onto the image forming paper related to the previous job. Since the discharge of the job partition sheets is completed, the process proceeds to step S817, where the CPU circuit unit 122 uses the Z-folding unit 260 to form an A4 image on which the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. , A3, A4, A3, Z-folding processing is performed on Z-foldable A3 paper, and this processing ends.

(2) Case of Punch Processing Setting Next, a case where punch processing is set for image forming paper will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. In addition, the punch unit 250 designates punch processing for punching a sheet as a post-sheet processing setting by the finisher, and a fourth-stage sheet feeding port is used as a job partition sheet indicating a separation between the current job and the previous job. The A3 cardboard stored in is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job is discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.

  When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, this processing is started in step S801, and in step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition sheet is set. to decide. In this example, since the A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed slot is set as the job partition paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S <b> 803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for a sheet on which an image is formed. In this example, post-sheet processing (punch processing for punching a sheet of paper) is set, and the process advances to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process is set. In this example, since the Z-folding process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not punching processing is set. In this example, since punching processing is set, the process proceeds to step S809, and punching is performed on A3 thick paper that is a job partition paper. Set to not process.

  Next, proceeding to step S813, the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type of the job divider paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. In step S812, the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message as shown in FIG. 10 (“partition paper media type is not applicable”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123, and outputs the job partition paper. To stop.

  Here, if the operator changes A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job divider paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 sets the paper type for which the setting of the job divider paper is changed in advance. It is determined that the type matches, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether or not there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image is formed in the current job). Since there is a recording sheet in this example, the process advances to step S815 to output an A3 plain paper job separation sheet from the third-stage sheet feeding port in order to indicate a separation between the current job and the previous job.

  In step S809, since it is set not to punch the job partition paper, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not punch the job partition paper by the punch unit 250, and the staple bin of the staple sorter 230 is discharged to the predetermined bin. On the image forming paper related to the previous job. Since the discharge of the job divider paper is completed, the process proceeds to step S817, where the CPU circuit 122 uses the punch unit 250 to read A4 on which the document image is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. Punch processing is performed on A3, A4, and A3 sheets, and this processing ends.

(3) In the case of stapling processing setting Next, a case where stapling processing is set for an image forming sheet will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the document size is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. In addition, the stapler 230 specifies a staple process for binding sheets as a sheet post-processing setting by the finisher, and is stored in the fourth-stage sheet feeding slot as a job partition sheet indicating a separation between the current job and the previous job. Suppose that the specified A3 card is specified. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job is discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.

  When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, this processing is started in step S801, and in step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition sheet is set. to decide. In this example, since the A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed slot is set as the job partition paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S <b> 803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for a sheet on which an image is formed. In this example, post-sheet processing (stapling processing for binding sheets) is set, and the process advances to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process is set. In this example, since the Z-folding process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether punch processing is set. In this example, since the punch processing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not stapling processing is set. In this example, since stapling processing is set, the process proceeds to step S810, and stapling is performed on the A3 thick paper that is the job partition paper. Set to not process.

  Next, proceeding to step S813, the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type of the job divider paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. In step S812, the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message as shown in FIG. 10 (“partition paper media type is not applicable”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123, and outputs the job partition paper. To stop.

  Here, if the operator changes A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job divider paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 sets the paper type for which the setting of the job divider paper is changed in advance. It is determined that the type matches, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether or not there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image is formed in the current job). Since there is a recording sheet in this example, the process advances to step S815 to output an A3 plain paper job separation sheet from the third-stage sheet feeding port in order to indicate a separation between the current job and the previous job.

  Since the stapling process is set not to be performed on the job partition sheet in step S810, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the stapling process on the job partition sheet by the staple sorter 230, and the predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230 is discharged to the predetermined bin. On the image forming paper related to the previous job. Since the discharge of the job partition paper has been completed, the process proceeds to step S817, where the CPU circuit unit 122 causes the staple sorter 230 to read A4 on which the document image is read in the order of A4 → A3 → A4 → A3. The stapling process is performed on the A3, A4, and A3 sheets, and this process ends.

(4) When the saddle stitching process is set (4 originals)
Next, a case where the saddle stitching process is set for the image forming sheet and the number of documents is four will be described. In this example, it is assumed that the document size is read in the order of A3 → A3 → A3 → A3. In addition, as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, the saddle stitcher 230 designates the saddle stitching process in which the sheet is folded in the middle, and the fourth-stage sheet feed as a job partition sheet indicating a separation between the current job and the previous job. Assume that the A3 cardboard stored in the mouth is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job is discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.

  When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, this processing is started in step S801, and in step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition sheet is set. to decide. In this example, since the A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed slot is set as the job partition paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S <b> 803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for a sheet on which an image is formed. In this example, sheet post-processing (saddle-stitching processing in which the sheet is folded in the middle) is set, and thus the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process is set. In this example, since the Z-folding process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether punch processing is set. In this example, since the punch processing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the stapling process is set. In this example, since the stapling process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the saddle stitching process is set. In this example, since the saddle stitching process is set, the process proceeds to step S811, and the sheet on which image formation (printing) has been performed is performed. The number of prints that is the number of prints is counted. In this example, since the number of documents is 4, the number of saddle stitchable sheets (for example, 15 sheets) that can be subjected to the saddle stitching process by the staple sorter 230 is satisfied. In step S816, the CPU circuit unit 122 performs control so as not to output the job partition sheets, performs the saddle stitching process on the four sheets by the staple sorter 230, and ends the present process.

(5) When the saddle stitching process is set (16 originals)
Next, a case where the saddle stitching process is set for the image forming paper and the number of originals is 16 will be described. In this example, as the setting of the sheet post-processing by the finisher, the staple sorter 230 designates saddle stitching processing in which the sheet is folded in the middle, and the fourth stage is used as a job partition sheet indicating a separation between the current job and the previous job. Assume that A3 thick paper stored in the paper feed slot is designated. In this example, it is assumed that the image forming paper relating to the previous job is discharged to a predetermined bin of the staple sorter 230.

  When the operator presses the start key 403 of the operation unit 123 of the image forming apparatus, this processing is started in step S801, and in step S802, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the output of the job partition sheet is set. to decide. In this example, since the A3 thick paper of the fourth-stage paper feed slot is set as the job partition paper, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S <b> 803, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether sheet post-processing (finishing) is set for a sheet on which an image is formed. In this example, sheet post-processing (saddle-stitching processing in which the sheet is folded in the middle) is set, and thus the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether or not the Z-folding process is set. In this example, since the Z-folding process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether punch processing is set. In this example, since the punch processing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the stapling process is set. In this example, since the stapling process is not performed, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the CPU circuit unit 122 determines whether the saddle stitching process is set. In this example, since the saddle stitching process is set, the process proceeds to step S811, and image formation (printing) is performed. The number of printed sheets, which is the number of sheets, is counted. In this example, since the number of originals is 16, it does not satisfy the saddle stitchable number of sheets (for example, 15 sheets) that can be subjected to the saddle stitching process by the staple sorter 230. In step S820, the CPU circuit unit 122 performs setting so that image forming sheets other than the job partition sheets on which the 16 originals are read and image-formed are not subjected to the saddle stitching process.

  Next, proceeding to step S813, the CPU circuit unit 122 refers to the setting of the paper type of the job divider paper. In this example, the paper type of the job partition paper is set to thick paper. The paper type (thick paper) of the job partition paper does not match the predetermined paper types of plain paper, recycled paper, and colored paper. In step S812, the CPU circuit unit 122 displays a warning message as shown in FIG. 10 (“partition paper media type is not applicable”) on the liquid crystal display unit 438 of the operation unit 123, and outputs the job partition paper. To stop.

  Here, if the operator changes A3 thick paper to A3 plain paper as the job divider paper, the process proceeds to step S813, and the CPU circuit unit 122 sets the paper type for which the setting of the job divider paper is changed in advance. It is determined that the type matches, and the process advances to step S814 to determine whether or not there is a recording sheet (a sheet on which an image is formed in the current job). Since there is a recording sheet in this example, the process advances to step S815 to output an A3 plain paper job separation sheet from the third-stage sheet feeding port in order to indicate a separation between the current job and the previous job.

  In step S820, since it is set that the saddle stitching process is not performed on the job divider sheet, the CPU circuit unit 122 does not perform the saddle stitching process on the job divider sheet in the staple sorter 230, and the above-described predetermined bin (discharged to the predetermined bin) of the staple sorter 230 is performed. The image is discharged onto the image forming paper related to the previous job. Since the job partition paper has been discharged, the process proceeds to step S817, where it is set that the saddle stitching processing is not performed in step S820 for the 16 image forming papers (printing papers) on which image formation has been performed. However, the saddle stitching process is performed without performing the saddle stitching process, and this process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output of the job partition paper indicating the job separation is controlled according to the sheet post-processing executed by the sheet post-processing device for the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus. In addition, since the sheet post-processing is not performed on the job divider paper, there is an effect that the performance of paper output can be improved.

  In addition, since the output of job divider paper is controlled according to the type of job divider paper, it occurs when job divider paper is output regardless of the job divider paper type set by the operator as in the past. This makes it possible to prevent paper jams that occur, and eliminates unnecessary paper output that occurs when the operator sets the paper type of the job partition paper by mistake, as in the prior art. Play.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the case where a Z-folding unit, a punch unit, and a staple sorter are attached to the image forming apparatus as a sheet post-processing apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image forming apparatus The type and number of sheet post-processing devices attached to the can be arbitrary.

  In the above embodiment, the output control of the job partition paper in the image forming apparatus (multifunction machine) having the image reading function, the image forming function, and the facsimile function is given as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to output control of job partition sheets in an image forming apparatus (copier) having an image reading function and an image forming function and an image forming apparatus (printer) having an image forming function.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A medium such as a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the medium in the storage medium or the like. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the medium such as a storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the medium such as the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. . As a medium such as a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD- RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or download via a network can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus and a sheet post-processing apparatus (finisher) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing system of a reader unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration centering on a CPU circuit unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. (1) is a diagram illustrating one storage capacity of the image memory, and (2) to (5) are diagrams illustrating examples of writing and reading of image data. It is a figure which shows an image layout memory. (1)-(6) is a figure which shows the operation screen for a job partition paper setting. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the output of a job partition paper. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the warning display screen regarding a job partition paper.

Explanation of symbols

1 Reader unit (image reading means)
2 Printer section (image forming means)
122 CPU circuit section (control means, setting means, paper type setting means)
123 Operation unit (setting means, paper type setting means)
230 Staple sorter (post-processing means, saddle stitching means, staple means)
250 punch unit (post-processing means, punch means)
260 Z-folding unit (post-processing means, folding means)

Claims (12)

Image forming means for forming an image on paper;
Post-processing means for performing post-processing on the paper image-formed by the image forming means,
An image forming apparatus capable of discharging a partition sheet for indicating a separation between a sheet of a preceding job and a sheet of a succeeding job to a sheet discharge unit from which the sheet of the preceding job is discharged,
First setting means for setting the post-processing for the image-formed paper;
A second setting unit configured to set the partition paper to be discharged to the paper discharge unit from which the paper of the preceding job has been discharged;
When the post-processing is set to be performed by the first setting means, and the partition paper is set to be discharged by the second setting means, the post-processing is applied to the partition paper. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the post-processing unit to control the post-processing unit so that the post-processing unit performs the post-processing on the sheet of the subsequent job. A third setting means for setting a paper type of the partition paper;
When the paper type set by the third setting unit does not match a predetermined paper type, the control unit is configured to discharge the partition paper by the second setting unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus controls the sheet type partition sheet set by the third setting unit not to be discharged to the sheet discharge unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that displays a warning message when the paper type set by the third setting unit does not match a predetermined paper type.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit performs a folding process on the image-formed sheet as the post-processing.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit performs punch processing on the paper on which the image has been formed as the post-processing. 5.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit performs a stapling process on the paper on which the image has been formed as the post-processing. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit. A control method of an image forming apparatus capable of discharging a partition sheet for indicating a separation to a sheet discharge unit from which the sheet of the preceding job is discharged,
A first setting step for setting the post-processing for the image-formed paper;
A second setting step for setting discharge of the partition paper to the paper discharge unit from which the paper of the preceding job has been discharged;
If the post-processing is set in the first setting step and the partition paper is set to be discharged in the second setting step, the post-processing is not performed on the partition paper. And a control step of controlling the post-processing means so as to perform the post-processing on the sheet of the subsequent job while controlling the post-processing means. A third setting step of setting a paper type of the partition paper;
In the case where the control step is set to eject the partition paper in the second setting step when the paper type set in the third setting step does not match a predetermined paper type. 8. The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein control is performed so that the paper type partition sheet set in the third setting step is not discharged to the paper discharge unit. 9.   9. The image formation according to claim 8, further comprising a display step of displaying a warning message on a display unit when the paper type set in the third setting step does not match a predetermined paper type. Control method of the device.   The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein the post-processing unit performs a folding process on the image-formed sheet as the post-processing.   The image forming apparatus control method according to claim 7, wherein the post-processing unit performs punch processing on the image-formed paper as the post-processing.   10. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the post-processing unit performs a stapling process on the image-formed sheet as the post-processing.