JP5020709B2 - Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is stored a plurality of types of sheets of the image forming apparatus available in the printing by the printing means, Help program to execute the control method and the control method on a computer that includes a sheet that is pre-drilled process is performed The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium .

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image input / output device such as a digital multi-function peripheral, the output result is rotated 180 degrees as viewed from the user by outputting image data read by a scanner or the like without changing the direction of the image data. performs image output in the state, by this, performs image processing quickly, control is performed in the processing position of punching or stearyl Lee pull processing, and the like associated with the image processing.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state from scanning of a document on the document table to outputting to a recording sheet.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), a document on which the letter "A" is drawn is placed on the document table so that the lower side in the drawing is the front side of the document table and the upper side in the drawing is the back side of the document table. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14B, the document is scanned in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow m and the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow s to read the image data (document reading). Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, the arrow m ′ is recorded in the image memory with the main direction and the arrow s ′ as the sub writing direction.

  In addition, since the conveyance direction of the recording sheet and the writing direction to the recording sheet are usually reversed in the sub-scanning direction of the document, the reading from the image memory is the writing of the image data shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14 (d), the output to the recording paper is 180 ° with respect to the input image as viewed from the user, with the main scanning direction as arrow m ″ and the sub-scanning direction as arrow s ″. The output image is obtained in the rotated state.

  As described above, in the conventional image input / output device, the image data can be output quickly by matching the writing direction of the image data to the image memory with the reading direction of the image data from the image memory.

  By the way, in the above-described image input / output device, the recording paper has directionality as in the case where another image data is already printed on the recording paper in advance or when the recording paper is previously punched. In such a case, if the input image is output as it is, the direction of the output image output by the current image processing is different from the direction of the image data previously formed on the recording paper, or the punching process is performed. There is a possibility that the position of the punch hole may be formed at a position different from the desired position. For this reason, the output result intended by the user may not be obtained.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, when printing is performed on output paper in advance, the user himself / herself considers the device configuration and feeds the recording paper in a predetermined direction. It is necessary to perform an operation such as setting an image on the screen or performing output after the user intentionally rotates the output image.

  However, the above-described operations are very troublesome for the user, and it is not preferable in terms of product specifications to cause the user to perform such troublesome work, and a setting error is likely to occur. There was a problem that an output image could not be obtained.

  In particular, in an image input / output device having a punching function, as shown in FIG. 15A, when an image is output on a recording sheet on which punch holes 51 are already formed, the user mistakenly punches again. 15B, as shown in FIG. 15B, a punch hole 52 is further formed on the recording paper on which the punch hole 51 is previously formed, or the direction of the output image and the direction of the punch hole are This causes a problem that the desired filing cannot be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a trouble such as a stapling process being performed on a sheet that has been previously punched, and its control It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a method and a program for causing the computer to execute the control method .

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image recording unit that performs a printing process for recording image data on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding stage, and a user for each of the plurality of sheet feeding stages in advance. When a storage unit that stores information regarding the type of sheet stored in each of the sheet feeding stages and a sheet feeding stage that stores a sheet on which the printing process is performed is selected, the storage unit stores the information. Control means for reading out information relating to the type of sheet stored in each of the paper feed stages and determining the type of sheet stored in the selected paper feed stage, the control means comprising a stapling process It is determined whether or not the mode is instructed to be selected. If the determined sheet type is pre-punch paper and the staple processing mode is instructed to be selected, it is determined that the mode is pre-punch paper. And inhibits the execution of the stapling process for the sheet that has been.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image recording step for performing a printing process for recording image data on a sheet fed from a sheet feeding stage, and a plurality of the above-described feeding processes. A storage step for storing information on the type of sheets stored in each of the paper feed stages, which is set by the user for each paper stage, in the storage unit, and a paper feed stage for storing the sheets on which the printing process is performed are selected. A control step of reading out information on the type of sheet stored in each of the sheet feed stages stored from the storage unit and determining the type of sheet stored in the selected sheet feed stage. In the control step, it is determined whether or not a staple processing mode is instructed to be selected, the determined sheet type is pre-punch paper, and the staple processing mode is instructed to be selected. If, and inhibits the execution of the stapling process for the sheet that has been determined to be Purepanchi paper.

  Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of the embodiments of the present invention below.

According to the present invention can be adapted not to cause trouble such as scan Teipuru processing is performed relative to the seat, which pre-drilled process is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image input / output apparatus according to the present invention. The image input / output apparatus 1 is connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 2 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Connected to a plurality of electronic devices (in this embodiment, a network printer 3, a first personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 4, a first facsimile device 5, a workstation 6 and a network scanner 7); The second personal computer 11 is connected to the second facsimile apparatus 9 via the public line network 8 and further via a dedicated I / F cable 10 such as RS232C, Centronics interface (I / F), IEEE1284, or SCSI. It is connected to the.

  The image input / output apparatus 1 includes a reader unit 12 that performs image data reading processing, a printer unit 13 that performs image data output processing, a liquid crystal panel that displays image data and various functions, and the input / output of image data. In order to perform the operation, the operation unit 14 includes a touch panel and a keyboard attached to the liquid crystal panel, and a controller unit 15 that is connected to these components and controls the entire apparatus.

The reader unit 12 includes a document feeding unit 16 that transports a document sheet, and a scanner unit 17 that optically reads a document image and converts it into image data as an electrical signal. a finisher portion 18 formed on the recording sheet subjected to sorting processing and stearyl Lee pull processing, transfers the image data to the recording paper, and an image forming process unit 19 for fixing.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the reader unit 12. The reader unit 12 employs a document feeding method of a document fixing method.

  That is, the reader unit 12 feeds original sheets stacked on the document feeding unit 20 one by one on the platen glass 21 sequentially from the top in accordance with the stacking order, and the scanner unit 22 completes a predetermined reading operation. Thereafter, the read original paper is discharged from the platen glass 21 to the original feeding unit 20.

  In the scanner unit 22, when the original paper is conveyed onto the platen glass 21, the lamp 23 is turned on, and then the movement of the optical unit 24 is started, and the original paper is irradiated and scanned from below. The reflected light from the document sheet is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as “CCD”) 29 via a plurality of mirrors 25 to 27 and a lens 28, and the scanned document image is scanned by the CCD 29. Read. Then, the image data read by the CCD 29 is subjected to predetermined processing and then transferred to the controller unit 15.

  When feeding a document from the document feeding unit 20, a plurality of documents may be conveyed onto the platen glass 21 at a time and then the lamp 23 may be turned on to perform a document reading process.

  Further, although the case where the document feeding method is the document fixing method has been described in the present embodiment, the document moving method may be adopted. In this case, the lamp 23 of the scanner unit 17 is turned on, and the optical unit 24 moves to a predetermined position and stops. Then, the documents stacked on the document feeder 20 while the optical unit 24 moves are sequentially conveyed onto the platen glass 21 one by one and discharged. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 23 stopped at a predetermined position is turned on to irradiate the moving document. Then, the reflected light from the document is guided to the CCD 29 through the plurality of mirrors 25 to 27 and the lens 28.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the scanner unit 17. The signal processing system amplifies amplifiers 30R and 30G for amplifying R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color input information. , 30B, an A / D converter 31 that converts the analog electrical signal amplified by the amplifiers 30R, 30G, and 30B into a digital electrical signal, and image data converted into a digital electrical signal by the A / D converter 31 Drive timing of the optical unit 24, a shading circuit 32 that performs a predetermined shading process, a first connector 33 that includes a bidirectional asynchronous serial I / F and a video I / F, and is connected to the controller unit 15. An NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) for storing timing information to be controlled, a second connector 35 connected to the document feeder 16, status information of the reader unit 12, etc. Memory) 36, a ROM 37 in which a predetermined control program is stored, a RAM 38 for temporarily storing calculation results and used as a work area, and a scanner connected to each of these components to execute the control program and the scanner And a CPU 39 for controlling the entire unit.

  In the scanner unit 17 configured with such a signal processing system, the color image data converted into the analog electric signal by the CCD 29 is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifiers 30R, 30G, and 30B, and then the A / D converter. The image data converted into a digital electric signal at 31 is input to the shading circuit 32. In the shading circuit 32, uneven light distribution of the lamp 23, uneven sensitivity of the CCD 29, and the like are corrected. Whether or not the light distribution unevenness and the sensitivity unevenness can be corrected is determined by the controller unit 15, and the determination result is supplied to the CPU 39. Therefore, the operation of the shading circuit 32 is controlled by the CPU 39.

  The first connector 33 transmits / receives various control commands to / from the controller unit 15, transmits / receives status information, and transfers images. That is, the controller unit 15 issues a status request and image transfer request for the scanner unit 17 to the CPU 39 via the first connector 33, and the scanner unit 17 receives the status information of the reader unit 12 and the storage information stored in the NVRAM 36. It transmits to the controller unit 15.

  The CPU 39 requests the document feeding unit 16 to feed a document via the second connector 35. The document feeding unit 16 executes control of a feeding motor (not shown) according to a request from the CPU 39, and the like. Execute the document feeding operation. Further, the document feeding unit 16 transmits the status information of the document feeding unit 16 and the storage information stored in the memory in the document feeding unit 16 to the scanner unit 17.

  The timing generation circuit 34 described above is activated by a control signal (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) from the controller unit 15 and operates a motor driver (not shown) that operates the optical unit 24 based on a request from the controller unit 15. The drive timing is controlled.

  FIG. 4 is an internal structure diagram of the printer unit 13.

  That is, in the printer unit 13, laser light corresponding to the image data output from the controller unit 15 is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 41 driven by the laser driver 40, and the laser light is transmitted through the mirror 42 to the photosensitive drum 43. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 43, and the developer adheres to the portion of the electrostatic latent image by the developing device 44.

  On the other hand, the recording paper is fed from the paper feed unit 45 (first and second paper feed cassettes 45 a, 45 b) and conveyed to the transfer unit 46 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, and is transferred to the photosensitive drum 43. The adhering developer is transferred to the recording paper. The recording sheet on which the image data is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 47, and the image data is fixed on the recording sheet by the heating / pressurizing process in the fixing unit 47.

When image data is recorded on one side on a recording sheet, the recording sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 47 is discharged as it is to the finisher unit 18 by the discharge roller 48, and the finisher unit 18 bundles the discharged recording sheets to form a recording sheet or the sorting, performing a stearyl Lee pull of sorted recording paper.

  Also, when recording image data on both sides of a recording sheet, after the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller 48, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 48 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 50 by the flapper 49, The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 50 is conveyed to the transfer unit 46 in the same manner as described above.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the controller unit 15.

  That is, the main controller 51 includes a CPU 52 and a RIP (Raster Image Processing) unit 53, and is connected to a ROM 54, an SDRAM 55, a codec 56, and the like.

  The ROM 54 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 52 of the main controller 51 and calculation data. The SDRAM 55 is used as a work area for operating the CPU 52 and an area for accumulating image data, and various setting values and image data necessary for the operation of the controller unit 15 are appropriately stored. The SDRAM 55 is connected to a backup circuit 58 that is backed up by a secondary battery 57. Even if the power supply to the controller unit 15 is cut off, the stored contents of the SDRAM 55 are backed up via the backup circuit 58 and the secondary battery 57. The stored contents of the SDRAM 55 are configured not to be lost.

  The codec 56 performs image data compression / decompression processing using the RAM 59 as a work area. That is, the codec 56 exchanges image data with the SDRAM 55 via the main controller 51, compresses the raster image data stored in the SDRAM 55 by a known compression method such as JPEG or JBIG, and is compressed. Decompress the compressed data into raster image data. Further, the codec 56 has not only the compression / decompression function described above but also a rotation processing function of image data. For example, the binarized image data is rotated 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 27 degrees clockwise. It can be performed.

  Further, the RIP unit 53 of the main controller 51 develops PDL formats such as PS and PCL input to the controller unit 15 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 52, and can output an image format that can be output by the printer unit 13 connected to the controller unit 15 ( Bitmap data).

  The main controller 51 is connected to a network connector 62 such as a MACROM 61 and 10 / 100BASE-T via an intermediate connector 60. The MACROM 61 stores a physical address on the network, and the network connector 62 is connected to the LAN 2 so that data can be transmitted to and received from various electronic devices on the LAN 2.

  The main controller 51 is connected to the operation unit I / F 63, the scan image processing circuit 64, and the print image processing circuit 65, and further includes an expansion connector 67 for connecting an expansion board via a PCI bus 66, a PCI arbiter 68, and the like. It is connected to an input / output control unit (I / O control unit) 69.

  The operation unit I / F 63 is connected to the operation unit 14, and input information from the operation unit 14 is supplied to the CPU 52 via the operation unit I / F 63, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel on the operation unit 14 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52. Displays data and displays various operation functions.

  In the I / O control unit 69, the scan image processing circuit 64 and the print are connected to the image processing circuit 65, and the scan image processing circuit 64 and the print exchange control commands with the image processing circuit 65.

  The PCI bus 66 is controlled by executing arbitration at the time of bus contention by the PCI arbiter 68 and transferring data onto the PCI bus 66 via a PCI controller (not shown) built in the CPU 52. Thus, the I / O control unit 69 is accessed, and communication with other peripheral devices connected to the expansion connector 67 is possible (data communication is possible).

  Further, a dedicated I / F 70 is connected to the main controller 51, and the dedicated I / F 70 is further connected to the second facsimile machine 9.

  The scan image processing circuit 64 is connected to the scanner connector 71, and the print image processing circuit 65 is connected to the printer connector 72.

  The scanner connector 71 and the printer connector 72 have bidirectional asynchronous serial I / F and video I / F. The scanner connector 71 is connected to the scanner unit 17, and the printer connector 72 is connected to the image forming processing unit 19. Yes. The CPU 52 transmits a control command to the scanner unit 17 via the scanner connector 71 to request transfer of image data, receives image data from the scanner unit 17, and receives an image data from the scanner connector 72. Control commands are sent to and received, and image data is transmitted.

  The scan image processing circuit 64 has images such as an RGB phase correction function, a background removal function, a character determination function, an image processing function, a chromatic color determination / count function, a main scanning scaling function, a binarization function, a contour, and an edge enhancement function. It has a processing function and performs the above-described image processing on the image data transferred from the scanner unit 17 under the control of the I / O control unit 69. The scan image processing circuit 64 can perform mirror image processing of image data in the main scanning direction and / or sub-scanning direction, and can perform 180 degree image processing by performing mirror image processing in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction. Can be rotated.

  Here, the RGB phase correction function corrects a reading phase (sub-scanning position) shift between the respective color components of the scanner unit 17, and the background removal function removes the background color in the input image from the scanner unit 17. The character determination function determines the edge area of the character / thin line portion. In addition, as an image processing function, an italic function that converts a corresponding portion in an image determined to be a character by the character determination function into an italic function, a mirror image function that inverts an image to a mirror image, and outputs a plurality of identical images. Possible repeat function etc. are installed. Further, the chromatic color determination / counting function separates color characters and black characters to control the character signal, and determines whether the image data read by the scanner unit 17 is a monochrome image or a color image. The main scanning scaling function is for scaling the main scanning direction of the input image from the scanner unit 17, and the binarization function is a simple binarizing function for binarizing a multi-level signal at a fixed slice level. Are equipped with a binarization function based on a varying slice level and a binarization function based on an error diffusion method.

  The print image processing circuit 65 has image processing functions such as a main scanning scaling function, a sub-scanning scaling function, a smoothing function, and a thickening function. The print image processing circuit 65 performs image processing under the control of the I / O control unit 69, and The image data is transferred to the image formation processing unit 19 via the connector 72. That is, the printer image processing circuit 65 processes the image into an optimum image that can be output by the image formation processing unit 19, requests the image formation processing unit 19 to output image data, and transfers the image data to obtain desired image data. Can be printed out. As with the scan image processing circuit 64, the print image processing circuit 65 can also perform mirror image processing in the main scanning direction and / or sub-scanning direction of image data, and perform mirror image processing in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction. As a result, the image data can be rotated 180 degrees.

  The I / O control unit 69 is connected to an LCD controller 73, and a color liquid crystal display device 74 can be connected to the LCD controller 73, and an image is printed on the color liquid crystal display device 74 by a print image processing circuit 65. The processed image data can be displayed.

  The I / O control unit 69 is connected to the HDD 76 via an E-IDE connector 75, and is further connected to a real-time clock module 77 that updates / stores the date and time managed in the device. The HDD 76 is a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, and stores a plurality of applications or image data when the CPU 52 operates.

  Next, for example, a sheet on which a certain image is formed in a predetermined position (hereinafter, “pre-printed”, such as a sheet in which a company logo or the like is printed in a predetermined direction in a predetermined position (for example, upper right of the sheet)). A process for forming image data input from an image generation source such as the scanner 7, the PC 6, or the facsimile 5, for example, on a “print paper” will be described. In this embodiment, the image from the image generation source is formed in a print area different from the predetermined position.

  Various processes of the present embodiment including the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 8, 11, etc. are executed by the CPU 52 of the controller unit 15, and the ROM 54 in which program codes for executing the various processes are stored. The program is read from and executed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the media type (recording paper type). In step S1, the user selects a paper feed stage in which recording paper is set. That is, first, the user selects and sets one of the paper feed cassettes among the paper feed units 45 of the image forming processing unit 19 (in this embodiment, the user selects the first paper feed cassette 45a). ).

  The preprinted paper is normally stored in the first paper feed cassette 45a so that the upper side of the preprinted paper is the back side.

  Further, since the printer unit 13 (image forming processing unit 19) normally performs printing processing on the back side of the recording paper fed from the first paper feed cassette 45a, the printing surface side of the preprint paper becomes the back side. Preprinted paper is set in the first paper feed cassette 45a.

  Next, in step S2, the media type is selected and the media type is set. That is, before starting the printing process, various media types are displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit 14 as shown in FIG. 7, and the user selects “preprint paper” on the liquid crystal panel (indicated by A in the figure). Is pressed, pre-printed paper is selected as the media type, and the media type setting process ends.

  In this embodiment, the user can designate the sheet type (referred to as a media type in this embodiment) for each paper feed cassette on the operation screen shown in FIG. In this way, the user performs an input operation such as designating the sheet type for each sheet feeding port on the operation screen as shown in FIG. Is acquired for each sheet cassette, and information regarding the sheet type for each sheet cassette is stored and managed in a memory (for example, SDRAM 55) of the controller unit 15, and the CPU 52 of the controller unit 15 The sheet type can be discriminated for each paper feed cassette by appropriately reading and referring to the sheet type information stored for each paper feed cassette. Also, for example, a reflection type optical sensor (not shown) is provided for each sheet feeding port, and the type of sheet is determined using the sensor, such as determining the type of sheet according to the reflectance detected by the sensor. It may be configured to discriminate. Further, the size information of the sheet set in the sheet feeding cassette may be acquired by user input information from the operation unit, or may be acquired by detecting the size by a sensor.

  In the present embodiment, an image can be formed on various types of sheets including a special sheet as shown in FIG. Referring to the operation screen of FIG. 7, for example, “thick paper” is a sheet having a thickness higher than that of a normal sheet used for a cover or interleaf for bookbinding, and “pre-punch paper” "Is a sheet that has been punched (punched) in a predetermined position (binding position) in advance and does not require punching in an apparatus such as a punch unit. A colored sheet used to clarify the separation between Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 during bookbinding. Pre-printed paper has an image formed in advance at a predetermined position as described above. It is a sheet. In the present embodiment, the CPU 52 of the controller unit 15 causes the CPU 52 of the controller unit 15 to input an image by setting these various sheets in the sheet feeding cassette and specifying and inputting the type of sheet set in the sheet feeding cassette on the operation screen. The type of sheet to be formed is discriminated and optimum processing is executed. This will be described using the processing shown in the flowchart described later.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image data output control method.

  In step S11, the user operates the operation unit 14 to select a paper feed stage when printing processing is performed (in the present embodiment, the first paper feed cassette 45a on which preprint paper is set is selected). .

  Next, in step S12, the user operates the operation unit 14 to instruct the image input / output device 1 to start copying, and in the subsequent step S13, whether the 180-degree rotation mode for rotating the image data by 180 degrees is set, and / or Alternatively, it is determined whether the recording sheet is a preprinted sheet. That is, the media type setting of the first paper feed cassette 45a is read from the SDRAM 55, and it is determined whether or not the 180-degree rotation mode has already been instructed by another mode selection. Here, the 180-degree rotation mode is also referred to as an image orientation priority mode, and the user explicitly operates the operation unit 14 when it is desired to prevent the output result from rotating 180 degrees with respect to the orientation of the original when viewed from the user. The image is instructed to rotate 180 degrees. In other words, in the image forming apparatus, in a normal image forming mode, a document image having a 180 degree orientation different from the orientation of the document placed on the document table is formed on the sheet (the output result is relative to the orientation of the document). 180 degree rotated state). In this way, the 180-degree rotation mode prohibits the formation of an image different in orientation from the input original image on the sheet, that is, the original image in the same direction as the original image set on the original table. In order to form the image on the sheet (the output result is in the same direction as the original), the image input from an image generation source such as a scanner is rotated 180 degrees to form a rotated image on the sheet. Image forming mode. In this embodiment, an instruction for selecting such a mode can be input by the user via an operation screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 14.

  In addition to the settings as described above, on the operation screen (not shown) displayed on the operation unit 14, the user performs stapling on the sheet with a stapler included in a sheet processing apparatus such as a finisher. A sheet processing mode, such as a processing mode or a punching mode for punching a sheet by a punch unit, can be selected and instructed.

  If the answer to step S13 is negative (No), the process proceeds to step S15, and the normal setting is output. On the other hand, if the answer to step S13 is affirmative (Yes), that is, the media type setting is preprinted paper. If this is the case, and / or in the case of the 180-degree rotation mode, the process proceeds to step S14, where the image data is rotated 180 degrees and output, and the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, an image is formed in advance on the preprinted paper (that is, the preprinted paper can be said to be a directional sheet), which is different from the orientation of the image formed in advance. In order not to form the orientation image on the preprint paper, the image formation direction of the input image to be formed on the preprint paper is determined based on the direction of the image previously formed on the preprint paper, The image is rotated according to the determination result, and the rotated image is formed on the sheet (that is, in this embodiment, if the image is formed on the sheet after the rotation process of 180 degrees is performed, pre-printing is performed. The orientation of the image pre-formed on the paper and the orientation of the input image can be aligned in the same direction).

  Accordingly, the user may input an instruction to execute a mode for performing image rotation processing prior to image formation processing for a sheet, such as the 180-degree rotation mode, for example, as in the present embodiment, via the operation unit 14. Regardless of whether or not the type of the sheet to be imaged is preprinted paper, image rotation processing according to the orientation of the image preliminarily formed on the preprinted paper is automatically performed on the input image. The control is executed so that the rotated image is formed on the sheet.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to output an image from an external device such as the PC 6 and form the image on a sheet. Accordingly, the user inputs an instruction for specifying the sheet type for each paper feed cassette and an instruction for executing an image rotation mode such as the 180 degree rotation mode via an operation screen displayed on the CRT of an external device such as a PC. The image forming apparatus may be configured to perform various settings based on these instruction data from the outside. Even in such a case, whether or not the instruction to execute the image rotation mode is input to the external device according to the type of the sheet on which the image from the external device is to be formed is preprinted paper is not input. Regardless of whether or not the image is rotated on the input image according to the orientation of the image formed in advance on the preprinted paper, control is performed so that the rotated image is formed on the sheet.

  The rotation processing of the image data can be performed by the codec 56, the scan image processing circuit 64, or the print image processing circuit 65.

  Hereinafter, a method of rotating and outputting an image using the codec 56 in the case where the character “A” is printed on the preprinted paper on which the character “Confidential” has already been printed at the bottom of the recording paper will be described.

  First, the CPU 52 instructs the reader unit 12 to read a document image via the scanner connector 71. The reader unit 12 receives such a reading instruction, scans the document, and executes image input. The input image data is read into the SDRAM 55 through the scan image processing circuit 64 under the control of the CPU 52.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9A, the document is placed on the platen glass 21 so that the upper part of the character “A” is positioned on the upper side (back side) of the platen glass 21.

  When the document feeding method is the document fixing method, or when the document image is read while pressing the document with the pressure plate without the document feeding unit 20, the arrow M as shown in FIG. Since the image is scanned in the scanning direction with the arrow S as the main scanning direction, as shown in FIG. 9C, the input image is directly written into the SDRAM 55 (in the figure, M ′ is the main scanning direction of the memory writing). , S ′ indicates the sub-scanning direction of memory writing).

  When the document feeding method is the document moving method, as shown in FIG. 9D, unlike the document fixing method, the sub-scanning direction S is read in the reverse direction. The image processing circuit 64 converts the sub-scanning direction into a mirror image, and the sub-scanning direction S ′ is written in the SDRAM 55 in the reverse direction as shown in FIG.

  The image data thus read is stored in the SDRAM 55 in the same writing direction with respect to the original regardless of the type of the original feeding method.

  Next, the CPU 52 confirms that the image data has been completely read into the SDRAM 55, and performs image rotation processing based on the hardware algorithm specifications. The rotation processing algorithm may be any algorithm. In this embodiment, the image is rotated only 180 degrees.

  On the other hand, the output of the image data is started when the CPU 52 instructs the image forming processing unit 19 via the printer connector 72.

  That is, first, the image forming processor 19 conveys preprinted paper as shown in FIG. 10A from the first paper feed cassette 45a in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52.

  In the image forming processing unit 19, since the laser beam performs image drawing on the photosensitive drum 43 from the front, the image is usually as shown in FIG. 10C, and the contents printed on the preprinted paper and the image are displayed. The direction is reversed 180 degrees.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 52 recognizes in advance that the output is preprinted paper, and is rotated 180 degrees on the SDRAM 55 using the codec 56 as described above, as shown in FIG. Image data in various formats.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the read image is rotated by 180 degrees, so that the image printed in advance when the image is output to the recording paper having the directionality such as the preprint paper. The image output corresponding to the direction and the image direction to be newly printed is obtained.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the image data output control method. In the second embodiment, paper that has been previously punched (hereinafter referred to as “pre-punch paper”). Fig. 5 shows a case where image data is further printed.

  First, the user sets pre-punch paper in the paper feed unit 45, for example, the first paper feed cassette 45a, selects pre-punch paper (indicated by B in the figure) displayed on the liquid crystal panel in FIG. As in the first embodiment, paper feed stage selection processing (step S11) and copy start instruction (step S12) are executed, and then in step S17, the 180-degree rotation mode is set and / or It is determined whether or not the sheet is pre-punch paper, and whether or not the punch processing mode is set is also determined. Here, the punch processing mode is a functional mode for instructing the finisher 18 to perform punch processing.

  If the answer to step S17 is negative (No), the normal setting is output. On the other hand, if the answer is affirmative (Yes), the punch processing mode is designated regardless of the pre-punch paper. 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a warning message “Punch processing is not performed because it is pre-punched paper” is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the operation unit 14 (warning display), and then the process proceeds to step S <b> 18. The image data is output without being punched and rotated 180 degrees, and the process is terminated.

  That is, as in the first embodiment, the image data is rotated 180 degrees using the codec 56. Since the CPU 52 recognizes that the punch hole is output without punching, the image forming processing unit 19 does not instruct the punch hole to be punched. Therefore, as described in the conventional example (see FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 13B, a desired image output can be obtained without forming an excessive punch hole.

In the above the second embodiment as described, since Purepanchi paper advance punching process is performed, performing sheet processing of punching processing, etc. with respect to the Purepanchi paper (including stearyl Lee pull process) (For example, the function button corresponding to the sheet processing displayed on the operation unit is disabled. In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can execute the sheet processing as described above.) processor because it is connectable to a (sheet processing units) (may be incorporated), for example, as to inhibit the operation of the operation and stearyl Lee plug of the punch unit.) the Purepanchi paper directional by punching Therefore, the relationship between the punch hole (that is, the binding position) on the pre-punch paper and the arrangement position of the input image is not appropriate as in the conventional case. Therefore, the pre-punched paper is formed on the pre-punch paper based on the arrangement position (the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the right side of the sheet) of the binding position previously formed on the pre-punch paper. The image forming direction (image orientation) of the power input image is determined, the image is rotated according to the determination result, and the rotated image is formed on the sheet (that is, in this embodiment, 180 degrees If an image is formed on a sheet after being subjected to rotation processing, an input image can be formed in an optimum orientation according to the position of a punch hole previously formed on the pre-punched paper).

  Accordingly, the user may input an instruction to execute a mode for performing image rotation processing prior to image formation processing for a sheet, such as the 180-degree rotation mode, for example, as in the present embodiment, via the operation unit 14. Regardless of whether or not the type of the sheet to be imaged is pre-punch paper, image rotation processing corresponding to the position of the punch hole previously made in the pre-punch paper on the pre-punch paper is performed on the input image. It is automatically executed on the sheet and controlled to form a rotated image on the sheet.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to output an image from an external device such as the PC 6 and form the image on a sheet. Therefore, through an operation screen displayed on the CRT of an external device such as a PC, an instruction to specify the sheet type for each paper feed cassette, an instruction to execute an image rotation mode such as the 180 degree rotation mode, stapling processing, An instruction to execute a mode for performing sheet processing such as punching can be input by the user, and the image forming apparatus may perform various settings based on the instruction data from the outside. Even in such a case, in response to the fact that the type of sheet on which an image from the external device is to be formed is pre-punched paper, an instruction for executing a mode for performing sheet processing processing by the user in the external device Regardless of whether it is input or not, it is prohibited to perform sheet processing on the pre-punch paper, and the user inputs an instruction for executing the above-described image rotation mode in the external device. Regardless of whether the input is made or not, the image is rotated on the input image according to the position of the punch hole previously made on the pre-punch paper on the pre-punch paper, and the rotated image is displayed on the sheet. Control to form.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, since the read image is output in a state rotated by 180 degrees, the image data is output on a recording sheet having directionality such as pre-punched paper. However, the pre-punched paper with punch holes already formed is not double punched, and the direction of the image data and the position of the punch holes are output in a form suitable for the user's intention, and the desired output image Can be obtained.

  A program for realizing the processing (function) described in the present embodiment is stored as a program code in the ROM 54, and the CPU 52 reads the code and executes the function. The storage medium in which the program code of the software realizing the above is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium, Needless to say, this is achieved.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the 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 block configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image input / output device according to the present invention. It is an internal block diagram which shows the detail of a reader part. It is a block block diagram which shows the signal processing system of a scanner. It is an internal block diagram which shows the detail of a printer part. It is a block block diagram which shows the detail of a controller part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a media type setting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the liquid crystal panel of an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a printing process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation process of image data. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state in which the image data by which the rotation process was output to a preprint paper. It is a flowchart which shows other embodiment of the process sequence of a printing process. It is a figure which shows an example of the warning message displayed on the liquid crystal panel of an operation part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state in which the image data by which the rotation process was output to a pre punch paper. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the conventional problem. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the conventional problem.

Explanation of symbols

12 Reader unit (image input means)
13 Printer section (image output means)
14 Operation part (paper type setting means, punching instruction means)
18 Finisher (perforation processing means)
52 CPU (determination means, output control means)
55 SDRAM (storage means)
56 Codec (image rotation means)
64 Scan image processing circuit (image rotation means)
65 Print image processing circuit (image rotation means)

Claims (3)

Image recording means for performing a printing process for recording image data on a sheet fed from a paper feed stage;
Storage means for storing information on the types of sheets stored in each of the paper feed stages, which is set in advance by a user for each of the plurality of paper feed stages;
When a paper feed stage that accommodates the sheet on which the printing process is performed is selected, information on the type of sheet stored in each of the paper feed stages stored from the storage unit is read out, and the selected paper feed stage is read out. Control means for determining the type of sheet accommodated in the stage,
The control means determines whether or not a staple processing mode is instructed to be selected, and if the determined sheet type is pre-punch paper and the staple processing mode is instructed to be selected, the control means is pre-punch paper. An image forming apparatus , wherein execution of a stapling process on the sheet determined to be prohibited is prohibited . An image recording process for performing a printing process for recording image data on a sheet fed from a paper feed stage;
A storage step of storing in the storage means information relating to the types of sheets stored in each of the paper feed stages, which is set in advance by the user for each of the plurality of paper feed stages;
When a paper feed stage that accommodates the sheet on which the printing process is performed is selected, information on the type of sheet stored in each of the paper feed stages stored from the storage unit is read out, and the selected paper feed stage is read out. A control process for determining the type of sheet accommodated in the stage,
In the control step, it is determined whether or not a staple processing mode is instructed to be selected. If the determined sheet type is pre-punch paper, and if the staple processing mode is instructed to be selected, it is pre-punch paper. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the stapling process is prohibited from being performed on the sheet determined to be . A computer-readable storage medium of Help program to execute the method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to the computer is stored in claim 2.

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