JP5631472B2 - Sheet processing apparatus, sheet processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, a control method for the sheet processing apparatus, a control apparatus, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a sheet processing apparatus that performs a saddle stitch bookbinding process in which a center of a plurality of sheets is bound, and then the bound sheets are folded in two and output in a book shape (see Patent Document 1). ).

  When the saddle stitch bookbinding process is executed by such a sheet processing apparatus, after folding a plurality of sheets, the folded sheets are conveyed by a conveyance roller and discharged. Here, since the plurality of sheets to be conveyed are bound, the sheets are not greatly displaced during conveyance.

  Further, by using the same mechanism as the saddle stitch bookbinding process, it is also possible to execute a saddle stitch bookbinding process in which a plurality of sheets are conveyed without being bound.

JP 2008-013275 A

  However, when the half-fold bookbinding process is performed, a plurality of sheets to be conveyed are not bound, and therefore, the number of sheets that can be conveyed in a stable state is smaller than when the saddle stitch bookbinding process is performed. This is because when the number of sheets is large, the force for sandwiching the sheets by the conveyance rollers is weak, and the sheets cannot be stably conveyed in a folded state.

  For this reason, when control is performed so that the center folding bookbinding process is executed for the same number of sheets as the predetermined number of sheets that can be simply subjected to the saddle stitching bookbinding process, the center folding bookbinding process is executed and discharged. There is a risk of the sheet being displaced during conveyance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a sheet processing apparatus capable of executing a folding process , a first value indicating the number of sheets that can be folded at a time and a time set according to a user instruction. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can suitably execute folding processing based on a second value indicating the number of sheets to be folded .

The present invention includes a folding processing unit that performs a folding process on a sheet on which an image is printed, a storage unit that stores a first value indicating the number of sheets that can be folded at a time by the folding processing unit, A setting unit that sets a second value that indicates the number of sheets to be folded at one time by the folding processing unit and does not exceed the first value, and a second value that is set by the setting unit. Is set, the folding processing means is controlled to execute folding processing in a plurality of times based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the second value, and the setting means If the second value is not set, the folding processing means is controlled to execute the folding process in a plurality of times based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the first value. characterized in that it comprises a control means, the To.

According to the present invention, in a sheet processing apparatus capable of executing folding processing, the first value indicating the number of sheets that can be folded at one time and the number of sheets to be folded at one time set according to a user instruction are shown. The folding process can be suitably executed based on the second value .

1 is a diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the finisher which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation part 501 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the layout method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the layout method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the layout method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the display part 505 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the layout method which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which concerns on this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus that is an example of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described by taking a multifunction device having functions such as a copy, a printer, and a facsimile as an example. However, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a single function apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner 301, a document feeder (DF) 302, a print engine 313 having a color four-color drum, a paper feed deck 314, and a finisher 315.

First, a reading operation performed mainly by the scanner 301 will be described.
When a reading operation is performed with a document set on the document table, the user sets the document on the document table 307 and closes the DF 302. When the open / close sensor detects that the DF 302 is closed, a reflection type document size detection sensor in the housing of the scanner 301 detects the set document size. When the document size is detected, the light source 310 irradiates the document, and the irradiated light enters the CCD 343 via the reflection plate 311 and the lens 312. The CCD 343 converts the incident light into a digital signal and sends it to the controller of the scanner 301. The controller performs desired image processing on the sent digital signal to convert it into a laser recording signal, and stores it in a memory as image data.

  When a document is set on the DF 302 and read, the user places the document face up on the tray of the document setting unit 303 of the DF 302. When a document is placed, document presence / absence sensor 304 detects that the document has been set. When the controller detects that a document has been set by the document presence / absence detection sensor 304, the controller rotates the document feed roller 305 and the transport belt 306 to transport the document to a predetermined position on the document table 307. When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position, the controller performs a reading operation similar to reading on the document table, and stores the image data in the memory. Then, the document for which the reading operation has been completed is discharged to the document discharge tray 309 via the conveyance roller 308. When there are a plurality of originals set on the DF 302, the controller discharges the original whose reading operation has been completed, and simultaneously feeds the next original via the paper supply roller 305, and reads the next original. Perform the action. In this way, a plurality of document reading operations are performed.

  Next, a printing operation performed by the printer 313 will be described.

  The recording signal (print image data) once stored in the memory in the controller is transferred to the printer 313 and converted into recording laser light for each color of Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black by the laser recording unit. Then, the recording laser light is applied to the photosensitive members 316 of the respective colors, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive members. Then, toner development is performed with the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 317, and the visualized image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 321. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 321 rotates in the clockwise direction. When the recording paper fed from the paper cassette 318 or the paper feed deck 314 through the paper feed conveyance path 319 reaches the secondary transfer position 320, the intermediate transfer belt 321 is rotated. The image is transferred from the belt 321 to the recording paper. The recording paper onto which the image has been transferred is fixed with toner by pressurization and heat in a fixing device 322, and is conveyed through a paper discharge conveyance path. Then, the recording sheet is discharged to the face-down center tray 323, switched back and discharged to the finisher discharge port 324, or the face-up side tray 325. The flappers 326 and 327 are for switching the transport path in order to switch these discharge ports. In the case of double-sided printing, after passing through the fixing device 322, the flapper 327 switches the conveyance path, and then the paper is switched back and sent downward, and is fed again to the secondary transfer position 320 via the double-sided printing paper conveyance path 330. The two-sided operation is realized.

  The double-sided circulation control is performed using the inside of the conveyance path including the double-sided printing paper conveyance path 330, the secondary transfer position 320, and the fixing device 322. Five sheet circulation control is performed for A4 size and LTR size, and three sheet circulation control is performed for larger paper sizes.

  Next, operations performed by the finisher 315 will be described. The finisher 315 performs post-processing on the sheet according to the setting designated by the user. Specifically, it has functions such as stapling (one-place and two-point binding), punching (two holes and three holes), and saddle stitch bookbinding. The finisher 315 of FIG. 1 includes two paper discharge trays 328, and the paper that has passed through the paper discharge port 324 to the finisher 315 is sorted according to user settings, for example, for each function of a copy / printer / fax. It is done. When used as a printer, various settings such as monochrome / color print, paper size, 2UP / 4UP printing / N-UP printing, duplex, staple, punch, saddle stitching, slip sheet, front cover, back cover, etc. are set by the driver. Is possible.

(Explanation of bookbinding operation)
Next, the configuration and operation of the finisher 315 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The finisher 315 includes conveying rollers 31 to 39, sheet material leading edge detection sensors 50 and 53, a stapler 42, a thrust plate 43, a stopper 44, folding rollers 45 and 46, and a discharge tray 49. The finisher 315 may be operated by a command from the controller unit of the image forming apparatus 100 or may be operated by a unique controller.

  The sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 is discharged to one of the discharge trays 328 to 330 according to the type of sheet processing set by the user.

  For example, when the sheet processing is not executed, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 328. When the normal stapling process is executed, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 329, and when the saddle stitch bookbinding process or the half-fold bookbinding process described later is executed, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 330.

  The sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed by the conveying rollers 31 to 38 until the leading edge of the sheet reaches the leading edge detection sensor 50. When the leading edge detection sensor 50 detects the leading edge of the sheet, the conveyance roller 38 that holds the sheet decelerates, and the leading edge of the sheet abuts against the nip of the skew correction roller 51 (FIG. 3).

  Even after the leading edge of the sheet hits the nip of the skew correction roller 51, the conveying roller 38 continues to rotate for a while. Then, after the sheet forms a loop in the loop space 52, the conveyance roller 38 stops.

  Next, the skew feeding correction roller 51 starts to rotate. When the sheet is skewed, the skew is corrected by the skew correction roller 51. Then, the sheet whose skew has been corrected is conveyed in the direction of the conveyance roller 39. When the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 53, the sheet is conveyed by a predetermined amount from that time, and the leading edge of the sheet is abutted against the stopper 44a (FIG. 4).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet is positioned by the stopper 44a so that the binding position by the stapler 42 is at the center of the sheet. The above operation is repeated, and a plurality of sheets are sequentially conveyed into the conveyance path 41.

  When all the sheets constituting the booklet are conveyed into the conveyance path 41, the sheets are aligned in the width direction by a width direction alignment plate (not shown) to form a sheet bundle 101 inside the conveyance path 41.

  At this time, the sheets conveyed into the conveyance path 41 are sequentially conveyed from the sheet material located inside the booklet, and are conveyed so that the cover of the booklet is the last.

  If it is set to perform the saddle stitch binding process, the stapler 42 performs the binding process on the sheet bundle 101. When the sheet bundle 101 is bound by the stapler 42, the stopper 44a supporting the sheet bundle 101 moves to the downstream side in the transport direction and enters the state 44b (FIG. 5). Accordingly, the sheet bundle 101 moves downstream in the conveyance direction. On the other hand, when it is not set to perform the saddle stitch bookbinding process and is set to perform the saddle folding bookbinding process (also referred to as saddle folding process), the stopper is positioned at the position of the stopper 44b from the beginning, and the stapler is set. The stapling process by 42 is omitted.

  The stopper 44b positions the sheet bundle 101 so that the central portion of the sheet bundle 101 comes to the position of the pushing plate 43. Then, the tip of the pushing plate 43 comes into contact with the portion where the fold of the sheet bundle 101 positioned by the stopper 44b is formed, and the sheet bundle is pushed into the nip of the folding rollers 45 and 46 to form a crease in the sheet material ( FIG. 6).

  The sheet bundle 101 in which the folds are formed by the folding rollers 45 and 46 is discharged to the discharge tray 330 by the bundle conveying roller pair 47 and 48 (FIG. 7).

  When a sheet bundle is conveyed by the bundle conveying roller pairs 47 and 48, if the binding process is executed, the sheet bundle is bound, and thus the sheet bundle is stably conveyed. However, when the binding process is not performed, when a plurality of sheets are conveyed in a folded state, if the number of sheets is large, the sheet bundle is conveyed more than when the binding process is performed. Stability is reduced. As the number of sheets included in the sheet bundle increases, the stability of the conveyed sheet decreases, and the possibility of jamming due to jammed misaligned sheets in the conveyance path increases.

  Next, details of a hardware configuration of a controller that controls the scanner unit, the printer unit, and the network interface unit of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main controller 401 mainly includes a CPU 402, a bus controller 403, and various I / F controller circuits.

  The CPU 402 and the bus controller 403 control the operation of the entire device, and the CPU 402 operates based on a program read from the ROM 404 via the ROM I / F 405. The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from an external PC and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 403 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and controls bus arbitration and DMA data transfer.

  The DRAM 406 is connected to the main controller 401 by a DRAM I / F 407 and is used as a work area for the CPU 402 to operate and an area for storing image data.

  The codec 408 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406 using a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and conversely decompresses the code data compressed and stored into raster image data.

  The SRAM 409 is used as a temporary work area for the codec 408. The codec 408 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F 410, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and is DMA-transferred.

  The graphic processor 424 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization on the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406, respectively.

  The SRAM 425 is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 424. The graphic processor 424 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and is DMA-transferred.

  The network controller 411 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F 413 and connected to an external network via the connector 412. The network is generally Ethernet (registered trademark). Print data received from an external PC is controlled by the network controller 411 and sent to the CPU 402. The CPU 402 stores the sent print data in the DRAM 406 or the HD 440 and processes it.

  An expansion connector 414 and an I / O control unit 416 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 415. In the present embodiment, transmission / reception of commands with the finisher 315 is performed through the general-purpose high-speed bus 415. The I / O control unit 416 is equipped with two channels of asynchronous serial communication controllers 417 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the scanner unit 201 and printer unit 203. The I / O control unit 416 is connected to the scanner I / F circuit 426 and the printer I / F circuit 430 through an I / O bus 418.

  The panel I / F 421 is connected to the LCD controller 420 and is used for displaying on the liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 501 shown in FIG. 5 and for key input I / F for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. F.

  An operation unit 501 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached to the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or hard key is transmitted to the CPU 402 via the panel I / F 421 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 421. The liquid crystal display unit displays function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 501 will be described later.

  The real-time clock module 422 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 423.

  The E-IDE I / F 439 is for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, the CPU 402 is connected to the hard disk drive 438 via the E-IDE I / F 439 and stores image data in the hard disk 440 or reads image data from the hard disk 440. The connectors 427 and 432 are connected to the scanner unit and the printer unit, respectively, and are composed of a synchronous step-synchronous serial I / F (428, 433) and a video I / F (429, 434).

  The scanner I / F 426 is connected to the scanner unit via the connector 427 and is connected to the main controller 401 via the scanner bus 441, and has a function of performing predetermined processing on an image received from the scanner unit. Further, the scanner I / F 426 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on a video control signal sent from the scanner unit to the scanner bus 429. Data transfer from the scanner bus 429 to the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403.

  The printer I / F 430 is connected to the printer unit via the connector 432, and is connected to the main controller 401 via the printer bus 431. The printer I / F 430 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 401 and outputting the processed data to the printer unit. Further, the printer I / F 430 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit to the printer bus 431. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 406 to the printer unit is controlled by the bus controller 403 and DMA-transferred to the printer unit 203 via the printer bus 431 and the video I / F 434.

  The SRAM 436 is a memory configured to retain stored contents even when the entire apparatus is powered off by the power supplied from the backup battery, and is connected to the I / O control unit via the bus 435. . Similarly, the EEPROM 437 is a memory connected to the I / O control unit via the bus 435.

  Next, the operation unit 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user performs various print settings via the operation unit 501.

  A reset key 502 is a key for canceling a setting value set by the user. A stop key 503 is a key for canceling an active job. A numeric keypad 504 is a key for inputting numerical values such as numeric values.

  The display unit 505 includes a touch panel and a liquid crystal display unit, and displays various screens on the liquid crystal display unit based on instructions from the CPU 402, and receives instructions from the user via the touch panel.

  A start key 506 is a key for starting a job such as reading a document. A clear key 507 is a key for clearing settings and the like. The lamp 508 is turned on when a job is being executed or when an error has occurred in the image forming apparatus 100 or the finisher 315 to notify the user of the state of the apparatus.

  Next, a screen displayed on the display unit 505 of the operation unit 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a standard screen displayed on the display unit 505.

  The tag displayed at the top of the screen is a tag for selecting each function that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 100. From left to right, a copy function (simple), a copy function (quick), a transmission / fax function, and a box function are shown.

  The copy function (simple) and copy function (quick) print the image data of the original read by the scanner unit on the printer unit, and perform sheet processing such as stapling, saddle stitching, and center folding as necessary. It is a function. The user can make settings related to the copy function while the copy function (simple) and the copy function (quick) are selected. The copy function (quick) is a function that can set more settings on a single screen than the copy function (simple).

  The transmission / fax function is a transmission function such as FAX transmission, e-mail transmission, or transmission to a file server.

  The box function is a function for storing image data read by the scanner unit in the HD 440, or a function for operating or printing data stored in the HD 440.

  When a tag for each function is selected, a screen for making detailed settings for each function is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 10 is a copy setting screen in which the copy function (simple) is selected, and accepts various settings relating to copying from the user. The copy setting screen shown in FIG. 10 includes, for example, a button for selecting color / monochrome / auto, a button for specifying single-sided / double-sided, a button for specifying copy magnification, and sheet processing. Buttons are included. There are two types of buttons for performing sheet processing. The first type is a finishing button. The finishing button is a button for displaying a screen for accepting a setting for executing a stapling process in which the end of the sheet is bound by a stapler. The second type is an application mode button. The application mode button is a button for displaying a screen for accepting settings for executing sheet processing such as saddle stitch bookbinding processing and center folding bookbinding processing by the finisher 315 connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

  When the user wants to obtain a bookbinding product that has undergone saddle stitch binding processing or saddle folding bookbinding processing, the screen shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 is displayed in order to cause the image forming apparatus 100 and the finisher 315 to execute bookbinding processing. Set up via Note that the bookbinding process in this case includes a saddle stitch bookbinding process for saddle stitching a sheet and a center folding bookbinding process for folding a sheet in half. When the setting for executing the bookbinding process is performed by the user, the image forming apparatus 100 generates an image in which the layout (arrangement) of pages to be printed is generated based on the setting, and executes printing according to the generated image. . The finisher 315 performs appropriate sheet processing based on the setting.

  First, the user presses the application mode button on the screen shown in FIG.

  When the application mode button is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation unit. Then, when the bookbinding button on the screen shown in FIG. 11 is pressed, a screen for setting the bookbinding process as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. The user designates the size of the original to be read via the screen shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, an A4 size sheet is designated as the size of the bookbinding sheet. When the next button shown in FIG. 12 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The user sets whether the bookbinding product is left-opened or right-opened via the screen of FIG. Then, when the next button of the screen in FIG. 13 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The user selects the size of the bookbinding sheet via the screen shown in FIG. The user can also set whether or not to attach a cover to the bookbinding product via the screen of FIG.

  When the next button is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 14, the screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 15 is a screen for setting the finished product. The bookbinding finish has the following three forms.

Form 1: Saddle stitch (executes saddle stitch bookbinding)
Form 2: Saddle folding (execution of the middle folding bookbinding process)
Form 3: No saddle stitching.

  In the case of Form 1, the sheet printed by the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed to the finisher 315 and accumulated at the position shown in FIG. 4 inside the finisher 315 by the stopper 44a. When a predetermined number of printed sheets are prepared, a binding process is performed in which the center of the sheets is bound by a stapler. Thereafter, the stopper 44a is moved to the state of the stopper 45b shown in FIG. Then, the sheet that has been subjected to the binding process is folded in two by the pushing plate 43 and the folding rollers 45 and 46, conveyed by the bundle conveying roller pair 47 and 48, and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 330. The

  In the case of Form 2, the sheet printed by the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed to the finisher 315 and accumulated in the position shown in FIG. Then, when a predetermined number of printed sheets have been prepared, folding processing is performed in which the sheet is folded in two by the abutting plate 43 and the folding rollers 45 and 46, conveyed by the bundle conveying roller pair 47 and 48, and discharged by the paper discharge tray 330. The paper is discharged. In this case, the binding process is not executed.

  In the case of Form 3, page images are arranged in a bookbinding layout, but the sheets are discharged without performing binding processing or folding processing. In this case, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 328 instead of the paper discharge tray 330.

  When the finished product is set on the screen shown in FIG. 15 and the OK key is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The CPU 402 holds the settings received via the screens shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 in the DRAM 406. Then, when displaying the screen shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 402 displays on the screen that bookbinding is set. When the close key is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 402 displays the screen shown in FIG.

  When the start key 506 is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, the CPU 402 starts a document reading operation by the scanner unit and a printing operation by the printer unit in accordance with the settings stored in the DRAM 406.

  By performing the operation as described above, the user can obtain a bookbinding product on which the saddle stitch bookbinding process or the half-fold bookbinding process has been executed.

  However, there is an upper limit to the number of sheets that can be processed at one time due to the ability of the finisher 315 (capability of binding sheets and folding ability of sheets). For example, because the capacity of the folding rollers 45 and 46 is limited, only 25 sheets can be folded at a time. When a user copies 200 pages of an image of an original, the image forming apparatus discharges a total of 50 sheets in order to place and output two pages of images on each of the front and back surfaces of one sheet. . If the user is set to perform saddle stitch binding processing, the CPU 402 causes the finisher 315 to execute and output saddle stitch binding processing for every 25 sheets.

  On the other hand, even when the center folding bookbinding process is set, there is an upper limit on the number of sheets that can be processed at one time due to the ability of the finisher 315 (the ability to fold a sheet). In this case, according to the capability of the folding rollers 45 and 46, it is possible to fold up to 25 sheets at a time. However, when executing the middle folding bookbinding process, the folded sheets are not bound and the bundle conveying rollers 47, 48 is conveyed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the sheet being conveyed is shifted, which causes a jam. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the CPU 402 executes the center folding bookbinding process for the sheet, for example, even when the finisher 315 can fold up to 25 sheets at a time, the sheet is folded every 5 sheets. Bookbinding processing and paper discharge. Thereby, the folded sheet can be stably conveyed, and the possibility of jamming can be reduced.

  The user can also use the split bookbinding function (separate booklet function) when executing the saddle stitch bookbinding process and the half-fold bookbinding process. The split bookbinding function is a function for executing a saddle stitch bookbinding process or a center folding bookbinding process for each predetermined number of sheets to be output as one book, and separating and outputting as a bookbinding product. It is. The predetermined number may be a value set in advance for the sheet processing apparatus, or may be set by the user. In this embodiment, a case where it can be set by a user will be described as an example. Note that when the split bookbinding function is used, the layout method is different from when the split bookbinding function is not used, and each page is arranged as indicated by 1203 in FIG.

  When setting the bookbinding process using FIGS. 11 to 16, the user can use the split bookbinding function by pressing the split bookbinding button included in the screen shown in FIG. 15. For example, when the split bookbinding button on the screen in FIG. 15 is pressed in a state where the “saddle stitching” button is selected to perform the saddle stitch bookbinding processing, the screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. The user can set the number of sheets to be divided and output on the screen shown in FIG. Here, since it is an upper limit value when the saddle stitch bookbinding process is executed, the CPU 402 accepts a setting within a range of 1 to 25 sheets. When split bookbinding is selected, the pages of the original are laid out and output so that the pages are arranged in the correct order by stacking the output products divided and bound so as to be adjacent to each other.

  The layout and output result when the split bookbinding function is used and when it is not used will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a layout method of each page of the document image when the saddle stitch binding process is executed. When the saddle stitch binding process is executed, the image of each page of the document indicated by 801 is laid out and held on the DRAM 406 as indicated by 802. When the layout is completed, the image is printed from the sheet image that is inside the folded sheet. When the layout of the images after the layout is as shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 402 first determines 9 (front of the first sheet), 10 (back of the first sheet), 7 (front of the second sheet), 8 (2 Print the back of the first sheet). And CPU402 is 5 (front of 3rd sheet), 6 (back of 3rd sheet), 3 (front of 4th sheet), 4 (back of 4th sheet), 1 (front of 5th sheet), Print in the order of 2 (the back of the 5th sheet). Note that the numbers shown here correspond to the large size numbers shown in 802. Then, after the printed sheets are switched back at 323, the sheets are sequentially accumulated in the conveyance path 41, the binding process is performed, the folding process is performed, and the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 330. The output result of the discharged paper is as shown in FIG. If it is not set to perform split bookbinding and the number of sheets necessary for printing the retained image is 25 or less, the CPU 402 performs the binding process and the folding process with the layout method shown in FIG. Execute and discharge. In this case, the user can obtain the printed result as a bookbinding product without overlapping it with another output product. On the other hand, if the number of sheets necessary for printing a retained image is greater than 25 when the setting is not set to perform split bookbinding, the CPU 402 executes both binding processing and folding processing for each sheet. Without discharging, the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 328. In this case, the user separately obtains a bookbinding product by performing a binding process and a folding process on the sheet by using an apparatus dedicated to bookbinding called an offline finisher. Alternatively, if the number of sheets necessary for printing a retained image is not set to be divided and booked exceeds 25 sheets, the binding process is not executed for every 25 sheets. Alternatively, it may be controlled to execute the folding process and discharge the sheet.

  On the other hand, when it is set to execute the saddle stitch bookbinding process and the split bookbinding button shown in FIG. 15 is set to perform split bookbinding every two sheets, the CPU 402 displays an image of each page of the document shown in 901. Are arranged as shown at 902 in FIG. In this case, the CPU 402 prints in the order of 4 (front side of the first sheet), 3 (back side of the first sheet), 1 (front side of the second sheet), 2 (back side of the second sheet). It should be noted that the numbers shown here correspond to the large size numbers shown in 902. Then, after the printed sheets are switched back at 323, the sheets are sequentially accumulated in the conveyance path 41, the binding process is performed, the folding process is performed, and the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 330.

  Next, the CPU 402 also applies the following pages in the order of 7 (front of the first sheet), 8 (back of the first sheet), 5 (front of the second sheet), and 6 (back of the second sheet). Print. Then, after the printed sheets are switched back at 323, the sheets are sequentially accumulated in the conveyance path 41, the binding process is performed, the folding process is performed, and the sheet is discharged onto the discharge tray 330.

  Finally, the CPU 402 prints 9 (front side of the first sheet) and 10 (back side of the first sheet), switches back at 323, transports it to the transport path 41, and executes the folding process. Then, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 330. Since the last sheet is one, the CPU 402 controls not to execute the binding process. The discharged output result is as shown in FIG. In the case of split bookbinding, the sheet order of each sheet bundle is aligned by overlapping the last page of the first bundle and the first page of the second bundle so as to be adjacent to each other. Similarly, in the second bundle and the third bundle, the last page of the second bundle and the first page of the third bundle are overlapped so that they are adjacent to each other. The user can obtain a bookbinding product in which all pages of the document image are printed in the correct order by combining the first to third sheet bundles.

  On the other hand, when executing the half-fold bookbinding process in which only the folding process is executed and output without executing the binding process, the user selects a “saddle folding” button as shown in FIG.

  When the middle folding bookbinding process is executed and output, the output result is as shown in FIG. When performing the middle folding bookbinding process at one time and outputting, the number of sheets that can be folded at a time is five, so the relationship between the number of sheets included in one copy and the output result is shown in FIG. It becomes like this. When the number of sheets included in one copy exceeds five, the user can combine a sheet bundle by combining the sheet bundle so that the sheet bundle output first is sandwiched in the center of the sheet bundle output later. You can get it. Note that the CPU 402 automatically outputs the sheet bundle separately even if the user is not set to output the sheet bundle separately, so the user may not know that the output sheet bundle is separated. There is sex. Therefore, the CPU 402 may display a screen as shown in FIG. 24 on the display unit 505 in order to notify the user when the output results are output in separate sheet bundles. At that time, the CPU 402 may provide guidance to the user by displaying how to combine sheet bundles as a diagram described in the column 20 of FIG. As a result, the user can easily know that the output sheet bundle has been output separately and how to combine the separately output sheet bundles.

  The user can also use the split bookbinding function when executing the half-fold bookbinding process. In this case, the CPU 402 performs the document image as shown at 902 in FIG. The CPU 402 performs printing in the same printing order as the saddle stitch bookbinding process, executes the folding process without executing the binding process, and discharges the sheet. In this case, the print result is as shown in FIG. The user can obtain a bookbinding product in which pages are continuous by stacking the sheet bundles that have been divided and bound so as to be adjacent to each other.

As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, when the folding bookbinding process is executed, when the split bookbinding function is used or not used, and when the number of sheets necessary for printing exceeds five, the booklet is divided and bound. Is done.
In such a case, the user may want to select how to combine the plurality of output sheet bundles (booklets) to obtain a bookbinding product. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the output bookbinding product is obtained by combining the sheet bundles so that the sheet bundle output first is sandwiched in the center of the sheet bundle output later. You may want to get On the other hand, there are cases where the user wants to be able to make a bookbinding product by stacking the output sheet bundles adjacent to each other.

  In this embodiment, when it is set not to use the split bookbinding function, the bookbinding product is manually combined by combining the sheet bundles so that the sheet bundle output first is sandwiched in the center of the sheet bundle output later. Can be put in. On the other hand, when it is set not to use the split bookbinding function, a bookbinding product can be obtained by stacking the output sheet bundles so as to be adjacent to each other.

  As described above, when the split bookbinding function is used, the finisher 315 can execute up to 25 sheets of saddle stitch bookbinding. However, even in the case of half-fold bookbinding, the following problems arise when it is possible to accept up to 25 sheets per bundle that are simply divided by the split bookbinding function. Specifically, the output bookbinding product may be in a form different from that intended by the user.

  If the user is set to divide and output every 25 sheets, and the sheet is output after being subjected to half-fold binding processing for every 25 sheets, the sheet is folded due to the conveyance ability of the bundle conveyance rollers 47 and 48. The sheet may slip and jam may occur. Even if the CPU 402 divides and outputs five sheets, the output result is not intended by the user.

  The reason will be described with reference to FIG. The left figure of FIG. 25 is a bookbinding product after the saddle stitch bookbinding process is executed when the user sets to divide every 7 sheets by split bookbinding on the screen shown in FIG.

  In this case, each sheet bundle is output to the outside as 1102, 1103 in order from the lower bundle 1101 in the left figure. When the saddle stitch bookbinding process is executed, up to 25 sheets can be output normally. Therefore, when the book is divided into 7 sheets, the booklet is output without any problem. The user can obtain a bookbinding product in the correct page order by stacking the output sheet bundles adjacent to each other.

  However, when the user selects to execute the middle folding bookbinding process and sets to perform split bookbinding every seven sheets, the CPU 402 sets the layout of each page to the left in FIG. 25 as in the case of the saddle stitch bookbinding process. Run as shown. Then, the CPU 402 controls to fold and output the sheet every five sheets in order to stably convey the sheet. Therefore, the output sheet bundle is as shown on the right side of FIG. In this case, for example, the sheet bundle accumulated in the finisher 315 has pages arranged as in 1101, and is discharged to the discharge tray 330 when five sheets are accumulated from the inner sheet. As a result, the output product is discharged as 1104. Then, the next two bundles 1102 (outer two) and the next three bundles 1102 are combined, and the next bundle is ejected in a bundle as shown in 1105. The Similarly, the remaining four sheets of 1102 and the inner sheet 1103 are combined, and the remaining sheets are discharged together in a bundle of 1106. An intermediate five-sheet bundle 1103 becomes 1107, and the remaining one 1103 is finally discharged.

As a result, even if the user stacks the output products divided and bound and stacks the bundles of 1104 to 1108 so as to be adjacent to each other, the page order is 1, 2, 27, 28, 3, 4,. 11, 12, 17, 18,..., 25, 26, 13, 14. In this case, the user needs to divide each sheet bundle once in order to set the page order of the output products in the correct order, which is very time-consuming.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when performing split bookbinding by executing a half-fold bookbinding process without binding sheets, the CPU 402 limits the number of sheets that can be received via the screen illustrated in FIG. 20 to 1 to 5. . Thereby, the user can obtain a normal output result.
Next, a control procedure by the CPU 402 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 402 executes each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 26 by executing a program stored in the ROM 404.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 is control by the CPU 402 when the split bookbinding button on the screen of FIG. 15 is pressed.

  First, in step S4001, the CPU 402 determines whether the split bookbinding button has been pressed. If the split bookbinding button has not been pressed, the process of S4001 is repeated. If it has been pressed, the CPU 402 advances the process to S4002.

  In step S <b> 4002, the CPU 402 determines whether the saddle stitch bookbinding process is selected with the “saddle stitch” button on the screen of FIG. 15. If the saddle stitch bookbinding process is selected, the CPU 402 advances the process to step S4004. If the saddle stitch bookbinding process is not selected, the process advances to step S4003.

  In step S <b> 4004, the CPU 402 causes the display unit 505 to display a screen as illustrated in FIG. 18 indicating that the number of sheets per bundle that can be received is 1 to 25 for the sheet bundle to be divided.

  In step S4005, the CPU 402 receives the number setting from the user. At this time, the CPU 402 accepts the setting of the number of sheets using the numeric keypad 504 or the “+/−” key shown in FIG. Then, when a number other than 1 to 25 is designated, the CPU 402 restricts designation of the number. As a limiting method, for example, when 28 is designated by the numeric keypad 504, the CPU 402 invalidates the designation of the number other than 1 to 25 so as to set the upper limit value of 25 as the number of sheets. . In addition, even when a number exceeding 25 sheets is designated by the “+/−” key, there is a method of invalidating the input of numbers exceeding 25 sheets and leaving it at 25 sheets. Similarly, when the lower limit value of 1 is designated by the numeric keypad 504 or the “+/−” key, the CPU 402 may invalidate the designation. Further, when the number of sheets that can be set is limited by the above-described method, a message for notifying the user of that fact may be displayed.

  If the OK key is pressed after inputting 1 to 25 sheets, the received number is stored in the DRAM 406 and the process is terminated. Then, the CPU 402 performs the bookbinding process according to the value stored in the DRAM 406 when the bookbinding process is executed in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the processing has proceeded to S4003, the CPU 402 determines that the middle folding bookbinding processing has been selected by the “saddle folding” button shown in FIG. If it is determined that the half-fold bookbinding process is selected, the CPU 402 advances the process to step S4006. If it is determined that the center-fold bookbinding process is not selected, the CPU 402 advances the process to step S4008.

  When the processing proceeds to step S4006, the CPU 402 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 20 indicating that the number of sheets per sheet that can be received is 1 to 5 for the sheet bundle to be divided. To display.

  In step S4007, the CPU 402 accepts the setting of the number of sheets from the user. At this time, the CPU 402 accepts the setting of the number of sheets using the numeric keypad 504 or the “+/−” key shown in FIG. When the number of sheets other than 1 to 5 is designated, the CPU 402 restricts the designation of the number. As a limiting method, for example, when 7 is designated by the numeric keypad 504, the CPU 402 invalidates the designation of the number other than 1 to 5 so as to set 5 as the upper limit value as the number of sheets. . In addition, even when a number exceeding 5 sheets is designated by the “+/−” key, there is a method of invalidating the input of a number exceeding 5 sheets and leaving 5 sheets. Similarly, when the lower limit value of 1 is designated by the numeric keypad 504 or the “+/−” key, the CPU 402 may invalidate the designation. Further, when the designation of the number of sheets is restricted, a message for notifying the user of that fact may be displayed.

  If the OK key is pressed after inputting 1 to 5 sheets, the accepted number is stored in the DRAM 406 and the process is terminated. Then, the CPU 402 performs the bookbinding process according to the value stored in the DRAM 406 when the bookbinding process is executed in FIG.

  When the process has proceeded to S4008, the CPU 402 issues an error notification. The case where the process proceeds to S4008 is a state where neither the “saddle stitch” button nor the “saddle folding” button is selected. This includes the state where the “Do not bind” button is selected. In this case, since the sheet is not folded in the first place, there is no point in setting the division bookbinding. In addition to the method of displaying an error message, when neither the “saddle stitch” button nor the “saddle fold” button is selected, the CPU 402 displays the split bookbinding button in a non-selectable state such as graying out. May be.

  Next, a control procedure by the CPU 402 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 402 executes the steps stored in the flowchart of FIG. 27 by executing the program stored in the ROM 404.

  First, when the CPU 402 receives a job execution request with the start key 506, the CPU 402 starts the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. For example, when a request for executing a copy job for printing an image of a document read by the scanner unit is received by the printer unit, the CPU 402 lays out and prints the image of the document, and executes the flowchart for the printed sheet. Perform the process. When receiving a print job execution request for printing an image received from an external PC at the printer unit, the CPU 402 lays out and prints the image received from the PC, and executes the flowchart for the printed sheet. Perform the process.

  In step S <b> 5001, the CPU 402 determines whether it is set to execute bookbinding processing. If it is set to execute the bookbinding process, the CPU 402 advances the process to S5002, and if not set, advances the process to S5006.

  When the process has proceeded to S5006, the CPU 402 executes the process based on settings other than the bookbinding process received from the user. For example, this corresponds to a case in which the post-processing by the finisher 315 is not executed, the printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 100, and the sheet is discharged.

  When the process has proceeded to S5002, the CPU 402 determines whether or not it is set to execute the saddle stitch binding process. If it is set to execute the saddle stitch bookbinding process, the process proceeds to S5003. If it is not set, the process proceeds to S5004.

  In step S5003, the CPU 402 determines whether the split bookbinding button is set to execute split bookbinding or the split bookbinding function is not set to be executed.

  If it is set not to execute the split bookbinding function, the process advances to step S5007. In step S5007, the CPU 402 performs layout of each page by a method as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 402 executes the binding process at the position of the stopper 44a every 25 sheets, and controls to fold and output the sheet at the position of the stopper 44b.

  On the other hand, if it is set to execute the split bookbinding function, the process advances to step S5008. In S5008, the CPU 402 performs layout of each page by a method as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 402 performs a binding process at the position of the stopper 44a for each number of sheets set by the user in S4005, and controls to fold and output the sheet at the position of the stopper 44b.

  When the process has proceeded to S5004, the CPU 402 determines whether or not it is set to execute the half-fold bookbinding process. If it is set to execute the half-fold bookbinding process, the process proceeds to S5005. If it is not set, the process proceeds to S5011.

  In step S5005, the CPU 402 determines whether the split bookbinding button is set to execute split bookbinding or the split bookbinding function is set not to be executed.

  If it is set not to execute the split bookbinding function, the process advances to step S5009. In step S5009, the CPU 402 performs the layout of each page by a method similar to the method shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 402 performs control so that every five sheets are folded and output at the position of the stopper 44b. As a result, the output bookbinding product is as shown in FIG. In this case, the binding process is not executed at the position of the stopper 44a.

  On the other hand, if it is set to execute the split bookbinding function, the process proceeds to S5010. In step S5010, the CPU 402 performs layout of each page by a method shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 402 performs a binding process at the position of the stopper 44a for each number of sheets set by the user in S4007, and controls to fold and output the sheet at the position of the stopper 44b. In this case, the binding process is not executed at the position of the stopper 44a.

  When the processing proceeds to step S5011, the CPU 402 performs a bookbinding layout, and controls to discharge the sheet without executing the binding processing and the folding processing. In this case, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 328 instead of the discharge tray 330.

  By performing the control as described above, a device capable of performing the saddle stitch bookbinding process and the half-fold bookbinding process is configured to fold the sheets by five when performing the middle-fold bookbinding process. The possibility of jamming can be reduced. In other words, when the saddle stitch bookbinding process is performed, the number of processing sheets permitted at a time when executing the half-fold bookbinding process is smaller than the number of processes permitted at a time. As described above, even when the apparatus has a mechanism for folding a predetermined number of sheets, when the sheet is output without being bound, the apparatus outputs a sheet for each number smaller than the predetermined number. Control. Accordingly, the possibility that the folded sheet is displaced during conveyance and the sheet is jammed can be reduced.

  In addition, the user can select one of the two layout methods when executing the half-fold bookbinding process. The first layout method lays out a book so that a book in the correct page order can be obtained by sandwiching a book in a plurality of books to be separated into another book in the books. Is the method. The second layout method is a method of laying out a plurality of bookbinding products separated so as to obtain bookbinding products in the correct page order by adjoining each other. By selecting the layout of either of these two types of methods, the user can obtain a bookbinding product output in a desired format.

  Further, by the control as described above, even when the user executes the half-fold bookbinding process and uses the split bookbinding function, the bookbinding is output in the correct page order with the same layout as when the saddle stitch bookbinding process is executed. You can get things. Specifically, it is not necessary for the user to perform a cumbersome operation such as once dividing sheets output in the same layout as when executing the saddle stitch bookbinding processing and rearranging the sheets so as to have a correct page order.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the sheet processing apparatus is the image forming apparatus 100 including the finisher 315 has been described. However, the sheet processing apparatus may include only a finisher that does not have a printing function and that can execute a half-fold bookbinding process and a saddle stitch bookbinding process on a sheet. In this case, the finisher has a control unit, a sheet feeding unit that feeds the sheet, and an operation unit that accepts an operation from the user. The finisher is designated by the user for the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit. It is preferable to execute a half-fold bookbinding process or a saddle stitch bookbinding process.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of saddle stitch bookbinding processes that can be executed at one time is 25 and the number of saddle stitch bookbinding processes that can be executed at one time is five has been described. It is not limited to these values. In addition, when the split bookbinding function is executed, the upper limit value that can be received from the user is not limited to 25 sheets in the case of saddle stitch bookbinding processing and 5 sheets in the case of center folding bookbinding processing.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. The present invention may also be a storage medium that stores a data processing program. In that case, the storage medium may also store information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like. The storage medium may also store information depending on the OS on the program reading side, such as an icon for identifying and displaying the program.

  Further, the storage medium also manages data depending on various programs in a directory. In addition, the storage medium may store a program for installing various programs in a computer, a program to be decompressed when the program to be installed is compressed, and the like.

  The functions shown in the flowchart in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a computer-readable storage medium that records a program code of software that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied to the system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved when a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible 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, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not limited to being realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, an OS (operating system) running on a computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by the processing. Needless to say, it is included.

402 CPU
404 ROM
406 DRAM

Claims (7)

A folding unit images to perform the folding processing with respect to the printed sheets,
Storage means for storing a first value indicating the number of sheets that can be folded at once by the folding processing means;
Setting means for setting a second value that indicates the number of sheets to be folded at once by the folding processing means and does not exceed the first value according to a user instruction;
When the second value is set by the setting unit, the folding processing unit performs the folding process in a plurality of times based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the second value. If the second value is not set by the setting means, the folding process is executed in multiple steps based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the first value. Control means for controlling the folding processing means ;
Sheet processing apparatus comprising: a. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a binding processing unit that executes a binding process on a plurality of sheets on which the folding process is performed by the folding processing unit. Selection means for selecting whether to perform the folding processing by the folding processing means together with the binding processing by the binding processing means, or to execute the folding processing by the folding processing means without executing the binding processing by the binding processing means. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet processing apparatus. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints an image on a plurality of sheets on which folding processing by the folding processing unit is executed. 5. The sheet processing according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit receives the second value from a user together with an instruction to divide a processing target sheet into a plurality of booklets and bookbinding. apparatus. Sheet processing comprising: folding processing means for executing folding processing on a sheet on which an image is printed; and storage means for storing a first value indicating the number of sheets that can be folded at one time by the folding processing means. An apparatus control method comprising:
A setting step for setting, according to a user instruction, a second value that is a value indicating the number of sheets to be folded at once by the folding processing means and does not exceed the first value;
When the second value is set in the setting step, the folding processing unit is configured to execute the folding processing in a plurality of times based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the second value. If the second value is not set in the setting step, the folding process is executed in a plurality of times based on the fact that the number of sheets to be processed is larger than the first value. A control step of controlling the folding processing means;
A control method for a sheet processing apparatus, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images