JP6550031B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of inserting a partition sheet for indicating a break at an arbitrary position designated in a set unit among a plurality of recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged, and a control method thereof.

  In many business establishments (company, office, etc.), an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) for forming an image on recording paper has been introduced as one type of image processing apparatus which is an electronic apparatus. In such business establishments, there are many cases where a plurality of image forming apparatuses provided with a copy function and a printer function are connected to a network and these are shared by a plurality of users. A multifunction peripheral (MultiFunction Peripheral), which is one type of such an image forming apparatus, has a plurality of basic functions such as a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter, also referred to as a facsimile as a facsimile), a printer mode compatible with a network, and a scanner mode. Operation mode.

  The image forming apparatus has a function for facilitating the handling of the printed matter by the user, in addition to the function of image formation (copy and print) itself. As one of the functions, a function of inserting a partition sheet is known so that the division of printed matter can be easily recognized. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a school-oriented image forming apparatus that facilitates post-discharge processing. In this image forming apparatus, it is described that, when the partition paper mode is selected, a predetermined sheet of paper is inserted at the gap between the parts, that is, every time when one copy of the printed matter is discharged.

JP, 2001-75431, A

  As described above, the conventional partition paper can be set to be inserted into each copy of a copy or inserted into a designated page, but is set to be inserted to distinguish the designated number of copies It is not possible. Therefore, in the case of distributing copies of different number of copies for each department, it is necessary for the user to count the required number of copies and divide the copies of multiple copies, which are discharged by inserting the dividing sheet, which is troublesome for the user. There is a problem. In addition, the partition paper may be inserted to an unnecessary position, and there is also a problem that the paper is wasted.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of inserting a partition sheet for indicating a break in an arbitrary position designated in a set unit in a plurality of recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged, and a control method thereof Intended to provide.

  The above objective can be achieved by the following.

  That is, the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a partition sheet for showing a break is inserted between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface. . The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet, an input unit that specifies an insertion position to insert the partition sheet, a recording sheet on which the image is formed, and a discharge unit that discharges the partition sheet, And a control unit that controls the unit. The insertion position is designated in units of copies, in which a set of recording sheets on which all the images included in the job for instructing image formation on recording sheets are formed is taken as one set, and the control section generates an image in the discharge section. After discharging the determined number of copies from the insertion position, the recording sheet is shifted in a predetermined direction to discharge the partition sheet. The input unit displays information representing each of the set of the instructed number of images in a distinguishable manner, in the order in which the sets are discharged, and information representing two sets which are continuously discharged. And an insertion designation unit for designating an insertion position by designating whether or not to insert the partition sheet.

  Preferably, the image forming unit forms an image on a portion of the peripheral edge portion of the partition paper which does not overlap with the recording paper being discharged when the partition paper is discharged in a predetermined direction by the discharge unit. .

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a character input unit for inputting characters. An image formed on a portion of the peripheral edge of the partition sheet before being discharged that does not overlap with the recording sheet being discharged is an image of a character input by the character input unit.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a calculation unit that calculates the number of sets discharged before the separation sheet is discharged. The image formed on the portion of the peripheral edge of the partition sheet before being discharged that does not overlap with the recording sheet being discharged is a number image that represents a value that is one greater than the number of sets calculated by the calculation unit. is there.

  Preferably, the image forming unit further includes a partition sheet designation unit that designates a sheet feeding tray to which the partition sheet is supplied. The control unit causes the discharge unit to take out and discharge the partition sheet from the sheet feeding tray designated by the partition sheet designation unit.

  More preferably, the image forming unit further includes a size designation unit that designates the size of the partition sheet. The control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether it is possible to discharge the partition sheet of the size designated by the size designation unit to the same discharge destination as the recording sheet on which the image is formed. The control unit causes the determination unit to determine that the partition sheet can not be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording sheet on which the image is to be formed. Control the discharge unit to take out and discharge instead of the divider paper.

  Furthermore, preferably, the input unit is arranged in front of and behind all the recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged by the job, and in front of and behind each of the recording sheets on which a predetermined number of copies are formed and discharged. This position is specified as the insertion position.

  Preferably, the image forming unit is specified by the input unit in response to at least one of the front and back of all the recording sheets discharged and formed by the job being specified as the insertion position. An image of characters is formed on the partition sheet inserted into the insertion position.

  More preferably, the image forming unit is designated by the input unit in response to designation of at least one of the front and back of the recording sheet for each predetermined number of copies on which an image is formed and ejected as the insertion position. An image of a numeral representing a value larger by one than the number of sets calculated by the calculation unit is formed on the partition sheet inserted into the insertion position.

  A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method of an image forming apparatus in which a partition sheet for showing a break is inserted between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface. . The control method includes an image forming step of forming an image on a recording sheet, an input step of designating an insertion position for inserting the partition sheet, and a discharging step of discharging the recording sheet on which the image is formed and the partition sheet. The insertion position is designated in units of sets including one set of recording sheets on which all the images included in the job instructing image formation on the recording sheets are formed. The discharging step includes the step of discharging the dividing sheet in a predetermined direction after discharging the recording sheet on which the image has been formed from the insertion position determined from the insertion position. The input step is a display step for displaying the information representing each of the set of the instructed number of images in the order of discharge of the set in a distinguishable manner from each other, and information representing two sets to be continuously discharged. And an insertion designation step of designating an insertion position by designating whether or not to insert the partition sheet.

  According to the present invention, in the case of printing a plurality of copies, it is possible to insert a divider sheet according to the number of copies designated by the user. Since the partition sheet is inserted at the position designated by the set unit, the user can easily divide a plurality of copies of printed matter. Further, since the partition sheet is not inserted at an unnecessary position, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of the sheet.

  In addition, since the number of copies or designated characters are printed on each partition, the user does not have to count the number of copies, and it is only necessary to divide the printed matter before and after the partition.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper is inserted in the copy. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program for implement | achieving the insertion function of a partition paper performed in the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the basic screen of the copy mode displayed on an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the conditions of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the conditions of partition paper. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the insertion position of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the insertion position of partition paper. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper is inserted in the copy. 7 is a flow chart showing a control structure of a program for setting a paper feed tray containing partition sheets. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a screen for setting a paper feed tray. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the size of a partition. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the size of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which inputs the size of partition paper directly. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the type of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets the type of partition paper. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen in the state to which the size and type of partition paper were set. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program which sets the conditions regarding the character printed on a partition paper. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a screen for setting characters to be printed on a partition sheet. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper is inserted in the copy. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the shifted partition paper was inserted in the copy. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a partition sheet and a recording sheet subsequently discharged are alternately shifted. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen which sets several conditions regarding partition paper simultaneously. It is a figure which shows the example of another screen which sets the conditions regarding partition paper. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper is inserted in front of the whole printed matter, and back. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper was inserted in front of the printed matter of every two copies. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the partition paper is inserted behind the printed matter of every two copies. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state in which a partition sheet is inserted according to the settings of FIG. 26.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, detailed description about them will not be repeated.

  The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is a digital multi-functional peripheral provided with a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 100 and a read only memory (ROM) for storing programs and the like. ), A volatile storage device RAM (Random Access Memory) 106, and a non-volatile storage device HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 for retaining data even when power is cut off. . The ROM 104 stores programs and data necessary to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a network interface card (NIC) 110, a document reading unit 120, an image forming unit 122, an image processing unit 124, a partition sheet data generating unit 126, an operation unit 130, and a bus 112.

  The CPU 102, the ROM 104, the RAM 106, the HDD 108, the NIC 110, the document reading unit 120, the image forming unit 122, the image processing unit 124, the partition sheet data generating unit 126, the recording sheet conveyance unit 128, and the operation unit 130 are connected to the bus 112. There is. The exchange of data (including control information) between the units is performed via the bus 112. The CPU 102 reads a program from the ROM 104 onto the RAM 106 via the bus 112, and executes the program using a part of the RAM 106 as a work area. That is, the CPU 102 controls each part constituting the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the ROM 104 to realize each function of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In addition to the above, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a sheet feeding unit storing a recording sheet for forming an image, a sheet discharging unit (sheet discharging tray) for discharging the recording sheet on which the image is formed, and a telephone line. A fax modem (not shown) for fax communication, a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to each part, and the like are provided.

  The document reading unit 120 reads a document by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and generates image data (digital signal) as described later. The image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 106. The image processing unit 124 performs various image processing on the read image data. Image data is stored in the HDD 108 as needed.

  The partition sheet data generation unit 126 generates, on the RAM 106, image data (such as character image data) to be formed on the partition sheet, as described later. The generated image data is stored in the HDD 108 as needed. The "partition sheet" means a sheet inserted between the recording sheets to be discharged in order to make it easy to distinguish the separation of the recording sheets to be printed and discharged.

  The image forming unit 122 forms an image on recording paper or partition paper conveyed by the recording paper conveyance unit 128 based on the image data (including the image data formed on the partition paper) on the RAM 106. FIG. 2 shows a state in which two partition sheets 160 and 162 shown by oblique lines are inserted between six sheets of recording sheets on which an image is formed. On the partition paper 160, a character image of "1" representing that it is the first copy is formed. On the partition paper 162, a character image of "4" indicating that it is the fourth copy is formed.

  Referring to FIG. 3, operation unit 130 includes touch panel display 132 and operation key unit 134. Touch panel display 132 includes a display panel configured of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel disposed on the display panel for detecting a touched position. In FIG. 3, a home screen of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed on the touch panel display 132 (display panel) of the operation unit 130. On the home screen, keys for instructing various functions such as copying and printing are displayed.

  The operation key unit 134 includes a home key 136 as a hardware key, a power key 138 for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 100, a transition of the image forming apparatus 100 to a power saving state, or a power saving state A power saving key 140 for returning to the state and an LED lamp 142 which lights up when the power is on are disposed. The screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 changes variously (screen transition) in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus 100. The home key 136 is a key for returning the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132 to the home screen. That is, when the home key 136 is pressed, the home screen is displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  Operation unit 130 receives an input such as an instruction to image forming apparatus 100 by the user. The user confirms the status of the image forming apparatus 100, the processing status of the job, and the like on the screen displayed on the touch panel display 132. By selecting a key displayed on touch panel display 132 on the touch panel superimposed on the display panel (touching the corresponding portion on the touch panel), function setting, operation instruction and the like of image forming apparatus 100 can be performed. .

  The NIC 110 is connected to an external network 190, and is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with the external apparatus via the network 190. The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an external telephone line (not shown) and includes a fax modem (not shown) which is an interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to perform FAX communication with an external device via the telephone line. There is.

  The conveyance of the recording sheet in the image forming apparatus 100 and the image formation on the recording sheet will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, although the formation of an image on a recording sheet will be described, the same applies to the formation of an image on a partition sheet.

  The document reading unit 120 includes an image reading device 90 and an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 150.

  The image reading apparatus 90 includes a document placement table 92 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed, and a light source unit 93 for holding a light source and a first mirror, and a mirror unit 94 for holding a second and third mirror. This is an image reading device of a reduction optical system configured of a lens and a CCD 95.

  An automatic document feeder 150 is mounted on the document table 92. The automatic document feeder 150 automatically conveys the document onto the document placement table 92. The automatic document feeder 150 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and by opening the top of the document placement table 92, a document can be placed by hand.

  The image forming unit 122 includes the light scanning device 1, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the cleaner unit 4, the charger 5, the intermediate transfer belt unit 6, the fixing unit 116, the paper feed trays 81 to 85, and the paper discharge tray 91. And 96 are configured. The paper feed tray 85 is a tray for manual feeding.

Image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100 is black (BLACK, hereinafter “K
Color image using each color of cyan (CYAN, hereinafter also described as "C"), magenta (MAGENTA, hereinafter described as "M") and yellow (YELLOW, hereinafter described also as "Y") It is data, that is, image data separated into these four color components. Therefore, four developing units 2, four photosensitive drums 3, four chargers 5, and four cleaner units 4 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors. Four imaging stations are configured to process magenta and yellow.

  The charger 5 is a device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. The light scanning device 1 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like. In the light scanning device 1, a polygon mirror for scanning a laser beam, and an optical element such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3 are disposed.

  The light scanning device 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data to form an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface thereof. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toners of four colors (YMCK). The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  An intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. Have. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color of YMCK.

  The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 stretch the intermediate transfer belt 61 and drive it to rotate. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 supplies a transfer bias described later to transfer the toner image of the corresponding photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. A color toner image (multicolor toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially overlapping and transferring the toner image of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 3 on the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 64 in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. To the intermediate transfer roller 64, a high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage opposite in polarity (+) to the charging polarity (−) of the toner) is applied to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller based on a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm, and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, etc.). A high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by the conductive elastic material.

  As described above, the electrostatic images developed according to the respective colors on the respective photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The image information (toner density distribution) thus stacked is transferred onto the recording sheet by the transfer roller 10 disposed at the contact position between the recording sheet and the intermediate transfer belt 61 as the intermediate transfer belt 61 is rotated. .

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are in pressure contact with each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner to the recording paper is applied to the transfer roller 10 (the charging polarity (-) of the toner) Reverse polarity (+) high voltage). Furthermore, in order to obtain the above-mentioned nip regularly, a hard material (metal or the like) is used for one of the transfer roller 10 and the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, and a soft material (elastic rubber roller or the like is used for the other. , Foamable resin rollers, etc.) are used.

  As described above, the toner attached to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contacting the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 10 is The toner is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 in order to cause color mixture of toner. In the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65, as a cleaning member, for example, a cleaning blade in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61 is disposed, and the intermediate transfer belt 61 in contact with the cleaning blade is supported by the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. It is done.

  The paper feed trays 81 to 84 are trays for accumulating recording paper used for image formation, and are provided below the light scanning device 1. Also, recording sheets used for image formation can be placed on the manual feed tray 85 as well. Further, the paper discharge trays 91 and 96 are trays for stacking printed recording sheets face-down, that is, with the printing surface down.

  In order to feed the recording paper of the paper feed trays 81 to 84 and the manual paper feed tray 85 to the paper discharge tray 91 or 96 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 116, the recording paper is conveyed inside the image forming unit 122. Paths S1 and S2 are formed. In the vicinity of the recording sheet conveyance paths S1 and S2 from the sheet feed trays 81 to 84 or the manual sheet feed tray 85 to the sheet discharge tray 91 or 96, pickup rollers 11a to 11e, conveyance rollers 12a to 12e, registration rollers 13, transfer The roller 10, the fixing unit 116, and the like are disposed.

  The paper feed trays 81 to 84, the manual paper feed tray 85, the pickup rollers 11a to 11e, the conveyance rollers 12a to 12e, and the registration roller 13 constitute the recording paper conveyance unit 128 shown in FIG.

  The conveyance rollers 12a to 12e are small rollers for promoting and assisting the conveyance of the recording paper, and a plurality of the conveyance rollers 12a to 12e are provided along the recording paper conveyance paths S1 and S2. For example, the pickup rollers 11a to 11d are disposed in the vicinity of respective end portions of the sheet feeding trays 81 to 84, pick up the recording sheets one by one from the sheet feeding trays 81 to 84 and supply the recording sheets to the recording sheet conveyance path S1. Similarly, the pickup roller 11e is disposed in the vicinity of the end portion of the manual feed tray 85, picks up the recording sheets one by one from the manual feed tray 85, and supplies the recording sheet to the recording sheet conveyance path S1.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the recording sheet conveyed on the recording sheet conveyance path S1. Then, the recording sheet is conveyed to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading end of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 and the leading end of the recording sheet coincide with each other.

  The fixing unit 116 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 rotate while sandwiching the recording sheet. Further, the heat roller 71 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by the CPU 102 based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown), and the toner is thermocompression-bonded to the recording paper together with the pressure roller 72. The multicolor toner image transferred onto the recording sheet is melted, mixed, and pressed, and has a function of heat-fixing the recording sheet. Further, an external heating belt 73 for heating the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

  The respective modes for executing the functions (the copy function, the printer function, the scanner function, and the facsimile function) installed in the image forming apparatus 100 will be briefly described below.

(Copy mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a copying machine, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 120 is output from the image forming unit 122 as a copy.

  Image data read by the CCD 95 of the image reading apparatus 90 provided in the document reading unit 120 is stored as output data (data for printing) on the RAM 106 and then stored in the HDD 108. If there are a plurality of originals, this reading operation and storage operation are repeated. Thereafter, based on the processing mode instructed from the operation unit 130, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read at an appropriate timing and sent to the RAM 106.

  In the sheet feeding unit, the recording sheet is pulled out by the pickup roller, and is conveyed to the image forming unit 122 by the plurality of conveying rollers 12 a to 12 e. The image forming unit 122 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data to form an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3. After toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image portion on the photosensitive drum 3, the image by the toner is transferred to the conveyed recording sheet via the intermediate transfer belt 61. Thereafter, the recording sheet is heated and pressed (this fixes the image on the recording sheet), and is discharged to the discharge tray.

  Similarly, when printing a plurality of copies of the read image data, it is stored as output data in page units in the HDD 108 in page units, sent from the HDD 108 to the RAM 106, and repeated by the number of output copies, in accordance with the image formation timing. It is transmitted to 122.

(Printer mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a printer, image data received via the NIC 110 is output from the image forming unit 122 via the RAM 106 and the like. For example, when the terminal apparatus instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to print, the NIC 110 receives image data from a terminal apparatus connected to the network 190. The received image data is sent to the RAM 106 page by page as output image data and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data stored in the HDD 108 is sequentially read out at an appropriate timing and sent to the RAM 106. Then, similarly to the above-described copy mode, the image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 122, and image formation is performed.

(Scanner mode)
When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as, for example, a network scanner, image data of a document read by the document reading unit 120 is transmitted from the NIC 110 to a computer or the like via the network 190. Also in this case, the document is electronically read by the CCD 95 provided in the document reading unit 120. Then, the image data of the read original is completed as output data on the RAM 106 and then stored in the HDD 108. Thereafter, the image data is sent from the HDD 108 to the RAM 106 again, and after establishing communication with the designated destination via the operation unit 130, the image data is transmitted from the NIC 110 to the designated destination.

(Facsimile mode)
The image forming apparatus 100 can perform FAX transmission / reception with an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone network. When the image forming apparatus 100 is used as a facsimile apparatus, data received by facsimile from the facsimile apparatus is formed on the RAM 106 as image data, and storage in the HDD 108 and printing by the image forming unit 122 are performed as described above. Can. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 can read out image data from the HDD 108, convert it into a data format for FAX communication, and transmit it to an external facsimile apparatus via a FAX modem and a telephone network.

  Hereinafter, the insertion function of the partition sheet in the image forming apparatus 100 will be specifically described. Here, it is assumed that the copy key 144 is touched by the user on the home screen (see FIG. 3) displayed on the touch panel display 132.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in step 700 of the program control structure for realizing the partition sheet insertion function executed in image forming apparatus 100, CPU 102 causes touch panel display 132 to display a basic screen in the copy mode. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data from the ROM 104 or the HDD 108, and based on this, generates, for example, image data of the screen 200 shown in FIG. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 6, in the system area 210 of the screen 200, the character "copy" indicating that it is in the copy mode is displayed at the left end, and a key for displaying the job execution status is displayed at the right end. In the function setting area 220, keys (a key for setting a color mode, copy density, copy magnification, and the like) for performing settings relating to the copy function are displayed. The set contents are displayed on some keys. The other function keys 222 are keys for displaying keys for setting other than the displayed keys. A ten key area 252 is an area for setting the number of copies for forming an image. When the keys “0” to “9” are touched, the numerical values input continuously are displayed as the number of copies. When the "C" key is touched, the input number of copies is canceled (the number of copies returns to "0"). In FIG. 6, six copies are set as the number of copies. Below the numeric keypad area 252, a schematic view of the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed, and numerals “1” to “5” are displayed to distinguish the sheet feeding tray. The action panel area 240 displays information on assistance, advice, suggestions, and the like for the operation. For example, when a certain user selects a particular function, the function associated with that function is displayed. In the task trigger area 230, setting is completed, and a trigger key operated by the user to actually operate the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the task trigger area 230 scans the original once by using the black and white start key 232 for starting the black and white copying of the original, the color start key 234 for starting the color copying, and A scan-in key 236 for starting the loading process and a clear all (CA) key 238 for clearing all the settings are displayed.

  In step 702, the CPU 102 determines whether any key is operated while the basic screen 200 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise, step 702 is repeated.

  In step 704, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is another function key 222. If it is determined that the function key 222 is the other function key, the control proceeds to step 704. Otherwise, control transfers to step 716.

  In step 716, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is the start key (black and white start key 232 or color start key 234). If it is determined that the key is the start key, the control proceeds to step 720, where a copying process is performed as described later. If not, the control proceeds to step 718, and in step 718, the CPU 102 executes a process corresponding to the operated key. When the user touches the color mode key or the copy density key or the like in the function setting area 220, step 718 is executed to make settings relating to the copy function.

  At step 706, the CPU 102 displays settable items on the touch panel display 132. Items to be displayed are also keys for displaying the setting screen of the item. The items to be displayed include setting of conditions relating to the partition sheet (hereinafter, also referred to as “setting of partition sheet”).

  In step 708, the CPU 102 determines whether any item has been operated (whether the item has been touched) while the settable item is displayed. If it is determined that it is operated (touched), the control proceeds to step 710. Otherwise, step 708 is repeated.

  In step 710, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 702 is a setting key for partition paper. If it is determined that it is the setting key of the partition sheet, the control proceeds to step 712. Otherwise, control transfers to step 718.

  At step 718, the CPU 102 executes a process corresponding to the operated key. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 714.

  In step 714, CPU 102 determines whether or not an instruction to end is given. If there is no instruction to end, CPU returns to step 700. The end instruction is, for example, that the power key 138 is pressed. If it is determined that the end instruction has been received, the program ends. Otherwise, control returns to step 700.

  At step 712, the CPU 102 executes condition setting processing of the partition sheet. Step 712 is specifically the process of steps 750 to 776 shown in FIG. 7.

  In step 750, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen of partition paper on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, as in step 700, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, and generates image data of, for example, the screen 300 shown in FIG. 8 based thereon. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed. In FIG. 8, a system area 210 is displayed at the top and a plurality of keys 302 to 314 are displayed.

  In step 752, the CPU 102 determines whether any key is operated while the screen 300 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 754. Otherwise, step 752 is repeated.

  In step 754, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the insertion position key 302. If it is determined that the insertion position key 302 is selected, the control proceeds to step 756 where an insertion position setting process is performed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control transfers to step 758.

  At step 758, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated at step 752 is the tray key 304 or not. If it is determined that the tray key 304 is selected, the control proceeds to step 760, where the tray setting process is performed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control transfers to step 762.

  In step 762, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the size key 306. If it is determined that the key is the size key 306, the control proceeds to step 764 to execute size setting processing. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control transfers to step 766.

  In step 766, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the type key 308. If it is determined that it is the type key 308, the control proceeds to step 768 where a type setting process is performed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control transfers to step 770.

  At step 770, CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated at step 752 is print character setting key 310 or not. If it is determined that the setting key is the print character setting key 310, the control proceeds to step 772 where the print character setting process is performed. Control then returns to step 750. Otherwise, control transfers to step 774.

  In step 774, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 776. In step 776, the CPU 102 finally determines the set conditions. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 714 (see FIG. 5). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 752 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set conditions, and then the control proceeds to step 714.

  As described above, the user can touch the keys 302 to 310 displayed on the screen 300 to set the conditions of the dividing sheet. The setting of each condition will be specifically described below.

  Specifically, the process of setting the insertion position in step 756 is the process of steps 800 to 810 shown in FIG. In step 800, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen of the insertion position of the partition sheet on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, as in step 700, and generates image data of, for example, the screen 320 shown in FIG. 10 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 10, the system area 210 is displayed at the top, and in the area 322, characters representing the set number of print copies are displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, six copies are set as the number of copies, so the characters “first copy” to “sixth copy” are displayed. In the area 324, a character indicating whether or not to insert a partition, and a radio button are displayed. These characters and radio buttons are disposed between characters representing each part of the number of print copies so that the position where the dividing sheet is inserted can be known. The selected radio button is displayed in black in the center. In the initial state in which the screen 320 is initially displayed, radio buttons corresponding to all “don't enter” are in the selected state.

  In step 802, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated while the screen 320 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 804. Otherwise, step 802 is repeated.

  In step 804, the CPU 102 determines whether the operation in step 802 is a touch on a radio button. If it is determined that the touch is on the radio button, the control proceeds to step 806. Otherwise, control transfers to step 808.

  In step 806, the CPU 102 selects the display of the touched radio button. At the same time, the display of another radio button located on the same line as the touched radio button is deselected. Control then returns to step 802.

  In step 808, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 802 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 810. In step 810, the CPU 102 temporarily sets the set insertion position, and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. . Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 802 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set conditions, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, it is set by the processing of step 800 to step 810 whether or not the partition sheet is to be inserted between each part. For example, in the setting state of the radio button shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, three partition sheets 330 to 334 are inserted onto the first, third and fifth copies of the copy. Be done.

  Specifically, the tray setting process of step 760 of FIG. 7 is the process of steps 820 to 834, steps 764 and 768 shown in FIG. In step 820, the CPU 102 displays, on the touch panel display 132, a setting screen of a tray accommodating the partition sheet. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data, as in step 700, and generates image data of, for example, the screen 340 shown in FIG. 13 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 13, the system area 210 is displayed at the top and a plurality of keys 342 to 354 are displayed. In the schematic view of the image forming apparatus displayed at the center of the screen 340, numerals “1” to “5” are displayed corresponding to the paper feed trays 81 to 85. The numerals “1” to “5” displayed on the keys 342 to 350 correspond to the numerals displayed on the schematic view of the image forming apparatus, that is, the paper feed trays 81 to 85. Information on the recording sheets stored in the corresponding paper feed trays 81 to 84 is displayed on the keys 342 to 348. The OK key 312 and the cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 822, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated while the screen 340 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 824. Otherwise, step 822 is repeated.

  At step 824, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated at step 822 is any of the keys 342 to 350 for designating the paper feed trays 81 to 85. If it is determined that the touch on any of the keys 342 to 350 is performed, the control proceeds to step 826. Otherwise, control transfers to step 828.

  In step 826, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key is selected. Control then returns to step 822. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the manual feed tray key 350 is touched and selected.

  In step 828, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the partition paper size setting key 352 or not. If it is determined that the setting key 352 for the partition sheet size is set, the control proceeds to step 764, and the setting process of the size described later is executed. Control then returns to step 822. Otherwise, control transfers to step 830.

  In step 830, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the setting key 354 for the partition sheet type. If it is determined that the setting key is the partition paper type setting key, the control proceeds to step 768, and the setting processing of the type to be described later is executed. Control then returns to step 822. Otherwise, control transfers to step 832.

  In step 832, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 822 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 834. In step 834, the CPU 102 provisionally determines the set paper feed tray, and stores information for specifying it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Do. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to be operated in step 822 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set conditions, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the processing of steps 820 to 832, steps 764, and 768 sets the paper feed tray containing the partition sheet. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 13, the sheet placed on the manual sheet feeding tray 85 is used as a partition sheet.

  Specifically, the size setting process of step 764 in FIGS. 7 and 12 is the process of steps 850 to 864 shown in FIG. 14. In step 850, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen of the size of the partition sheet on the touch panel display 132. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data as in step 700, and generates image data of, for example, the screen 360 shown in FIG. 15 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 15, the system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 362 to 347 are displayed. The keys 362 to 372 display the size of the recording sheet defined in advance. The OK key 312 and the cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 852, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated with the screen 360 shown in FIG. 15 being displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 854. Otherwise, step 852 is repeated.

  In step 854, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to be operated in step 852 is any one of the keys 362 to 372. If it is determined that a touch on any of the keys 362 to 372, then control transfers to step 856. Otherwise, control transfers to step 858.

  In step 856, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key is selected. Control then returns to step 852. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the key 366 for designating the A4 size is touched and selected.

  In step 858, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the key 374 for directly setting the size. If so, control transfers to step 860. Otherwise, control transfers to step 862.

  In step 860, CPU 102 displays a screen including a ten key for directly inputting the vertical and horizontal sizes of the partition sheet, and stores the size input by the user's operation of the ten key in RAM 106. For example, a screen 370 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The user can directly input the dividing paper size by the ten key 372. Control then returns to step 852.

  In step 862, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 864. In step 864, the CPU 102 provisionally determines the set recording paper size, and sets information for specifying it to a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 852 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set conditions, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the size of the partition sheet is set by the processing of steps 850 to 864. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 15, 210 mm × 297 mm (A4 size) is set as the size of the partition sheet.

  Specifically, the setting processing of the type of step 768 in FIG. 7 and FIG. 12 is the processing of step 870 to step 880 shown in FIG. In step 870, CPU 102 causes touch panel display 132 to display a setting screen of the type of partition sheet. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data and generates image data of, for example, a screen 380 shown in FIG. 18 based on the predetermined graphics data, as in step 700. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 18, the system area 210 is displayed at the top, and a plurality of keys 382 to 396 for specifying the type of recording paper are displayed. The OK key 312 and the cancel key 314 are keys having the same functions as those in FIG.

  In step 872, the CPU 102 determines whether any key has been operated while the screen 380 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the control proceeds to step 874. Otherwise, step 872 is repeated.

  In step 874, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is any one of the keys 382 to 396 indicating a predetermined paper type. If it is determined that a touch on any of the keys 382 to 396, the control proceeds to step 876. Otherwise, control transfers to step 878.

  At step 876, the CPU 102 inverts the display of the touched key to indicate that the touched key has been selected. Thereafter, control returns to step 872. In FIG. 18, the tab paper key 386 is selected.

  In step 878, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 880. In step 880, the CPU 102 provisionally determines the type of recording sheet set, and sets information for identifying it as, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 106. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the processing of step 870 to step 880 sets the type of partition sheet. For example, in the setting state shown in FIG. 18, a tab sheet is set as the type of partition sheet.

  In the screen 340 shown in FIG. 19, step 760 (tray setting processing), step 764 (size setting processing), and step 768 (type setting processing) are executed and are shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 and FIG. As described above, after the conditions for the partition sheet are set, step 750 (see FIG. 7) is executed and a screen displayed is displayed. The key 352 indicates that the size of the set dividing paper is 220 mm × 297 mm. The key 354 indicates that the set type of divider sheet is tab sheet.

  Specifically, the print character setting process of step 772 of FIG. 7 is the process of step 890 to step 910 shown in FIG. In step 890, CPU 102 causes touch panel display 132 to display a setting screen for characters to be printed on the partition sheet. Specifically, the CPU 102 reads predetermined graphics data as in step 700, and generates image data of, for example, the screen 400 shown in FIG. 21 based on this. The generated image data is transmitted to the touch panel display 132 and displayed.

  In FIG. 21, the system area 210 is displayed at the top, and in the cell at the left end of the table area 402 (hereinafter referred to as “partition paper specifying cell”), character information for specifying the partition is displayed, and the partition In the cell to the right of the specific cell (hereinafter referred to as "character display cell"), characters to be printed on the corresponding partition sheet are displayed. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, it is set to insert three sheets of partition paper, so the characters “first sheet” to “third sheet” are displayed in the partition sheet specification cell. When the number of sheets of the partition sheet is large, the display of the table area 402 is scrolled by operating the scroll bar 404 on the right side of the table area 402 to display the partition sheet specifying cell and the character display cell which are not displayed. it can.

  In step 892, the CPU 102 determines whether any one of a plurality of keys and cells is operated while the screen 400 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. If it is determined that it is operated (touched), the control proceeds to step 894. Otherwise, step 892 is repeated.

  In step 894, the CPU 102 determines in step 892 whether or not either the partition sheet specifying cell or the character display cell has been operated. If it is determined that the operation (touch) is one of the partition sheet specification cell and the character display cell, the control proceeds to step 896. If not, control transfers to step 898.

  At step 896, the CPU 102 displays a character input screen. On the character input screen, character input keys (keys and keys on which alphabets and the like are displayed) and conversion keys (kanji conversion keys and the like) and the like similar to computer keyboards are displayed. Can be entered.

  When the character input is completed (for example, when the OK key displayed on the character input screen is touched), in step 898, the CPU 102 determines a cell determined to be touched in step 892 (a character display cell is touched. In this case, the separation sheet specific cell on the left side of the cell is displayed in reverse, and the character input in step 896 is displayed on the character display cell on the right side. If one of the partition sheet specifying cells is already displayed in reverse, the partition sheet specifying cell is returned to the normal display. Control then returns to step 892.

  In step 900, the CPU 102 determines whether the character position key 406 is determined to have been operated in step 892. If it is determined that the character position key 406 is touched, the control proceeds to step 902. Otherwise, control transfers to step 908.

  In step 902, the CPU 102 determines whether any partition sheet is in the selected state. That is, the CPU 102 determines whether or not any partition sheet specifying cell is displayed in reverse. If it is determined that any of the partition sheets is in the selected state, the control proceeds to step 904. If not, control returns to step 892. That is, if any partition sheet is not selected, the display on the screen does not change even if the character position key 406 is touched. If one of the partition sheets is in the selected state, the control proceeds to step 904 even if nothing is displayed on the character display cell. This is to make it possible to specify the position of the number, since the number representing the number of copies is printed on the dividing sheet if the character is not input, as described later.

  In step S904, the CPU 102 displays a setting screen of the position of characters to be printed on the partition sheet. The setting screen of the character position is a screen for inputting the XY coordinates of the rectangular area on which the character is printed, and for example, to input two numerical values (X coordinate and Y coordinate) similar to the screen shown in FIG. Is a screen including a ten key. The input XY coordinates are, for example, position coordinates of the upper left vertex of the rectangular area on which the character string is printed with the upper left vertex of the partition sheet as the origin. In addition, as for a character position, it is preferable that the default position is preset. That is, even if the character position key 406 is not touched, if a character is displayed on the character display cell, it is preferable that the character be printed at the default position when execution of image formation is instructed. . For example, the default position is the center of the upper and lower sides separated by a predetermined distance from the upper and lower sides of the partition sheet. The position coordinates of the top left corner of the rectangular area for printing the character string can be determined from the length of the character being input.

  When the input is completed (for example, when the OK key displayed on the character position setting screen is touched), in step 906, the CPU 102 sets a print character setting screen when the character position key 406 was last touched. Display That is, the setting screen of the print character in which any of the partition sheet specifying cells is displayed in reverse is displayed. Control then returns to step 892.

  In step 908, the CPU 102 determines whether the key determined to have been operated in step 892 is the OK key 312. If it is determined that the OK key 312 is selected, the control proceeds to step 910. In step 910, the CPU 102 provisionally determines the condition relating to the set printing character, and specifies the information to specify it in a predetermined area of the RAM 106, for example. Remember. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 750 (see FIG. 7). Otherwise, that is, if the key determined to have been operated in step 872 is the cancel key 314, the CPU 102 discards the set condition, and then the control proceeds to step 750.

  As described above, the characters to be printed on the partition sheet and the printing position thereof are set by the processing of step 890 to step 910. For example, if printing characters are set as shown in FIG. 21 and the insertion position of the partition sheet is set as shown in FIG. 10, the partition sheet on which the characters are printed is inserted as shown in FIG.

  As described above, after the condition regarding the partition sheet is set, the key (black and white start key 232 or color start key 234) instructing copy execution is touched in a state where the basic screen 200 of the copy mode is displayed. If so, control proceeds to step 702, step 704, step 716 and step 720 in this order.

  In step 720, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the partition sheet specified by the tray setting process 760 can be discharged to the same tray as the tray from which the copy is discharged. If it is determined that the same tray can be discharged, the control proceeds to step 724. Otherwise, control passes to step 722.

  At step 722, the CPU 102 changes the designated partition sheet to a recording sheet that can be discharged to the same tray as the tray from which the copy is discharged. When the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of sheet discharge trays, the size of recording sheets that can be discharged by the sheet discharge tray may be limited by physical limitations such as dimensions and mechanism of the image forming apparatus. For example, when copying an original onto an A4 size recording sheet, if the A3 size is set as a partition sheet and the A3 size sheet can not be discharged to a tray for discharging a copy, the CPU 102 forms an image in the copying process. A tray containing recording sheets of the same size (A4 size) as the recording sheet is set as a tray containing partition sheets.

  In step 724, the CPU 102 scans the document as described above, generates image data corresponding to the document on the RAM 106, and then stores the image data in the HDD 108.

  In step 726, the CPU 102 controls the partition paper data generation unit 126 to generate image data of the partition paper. Specifically, when a character to be printed on the partition sheet is designated in step 772 (see FIG. 7), the partition sheet data generation unit 126 generates image data including the designated character at the designated position, After being generated on the RAM 106, it is stored in the HDD 108. If the character to be printed on the partition sheet is not specified in step 772, the partition sheet data generation unit 126 generates image data including a number representing the number of copies in a predetermined position. Since the CPU 102 can determine the number representing the number of copies from the setting regarding the insertion position of the partition (see FIG. 10), the CPU 102 transmits the determined number to the partition data generation unit 126 to At 126, image data to be printed on the partition sheet is generated. That is, the CPU 102 calculates the number of copies of the copy to be output before the partition sheet is inserted, from the information of the position where the partition sheet is inserted, and divides the number representing the value larger by one than the number of copies. Determined as numbers printed on paper.

  In step 728, as described above, the CPU 102 starts image formation on the recording sheet taken out and conveyed from the designated sheet feeding tray.

  In step 730, the CPU 102 controls the image forming unit 122 to count the number of copies of the recording sheet discharged to the discharge tray 91 or 96, and whether the predetermined number of copies to be discharged before discharging the partition sheet has been reached? It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the predetermined number of copies has been reached, control proceeds to step 734. Otherwise, control transfers to step 732.

  The number of discharged recording sheets can be detected by a sensor disposed in the vicinity of the transport rollers 12b or 12e. Therefore, since the number of scanned originals and the printing conditions (the number of originals on which image formation is performed on one side of one original and the number of printing sides of one original) are known to CPU 102, CPU 102 The number of discharged copies can be calculated from the number of discharged recording sheets, taking these conditions into consideration.

  At step 732, the CPU 102 forms an image on a recording sheet.

  At step 734, the CPU 102 forms an image on the partition sheet. Specifically, the partition sheet is taken out from the designated tray and conveyed, and an image is formed on the partition sheet based on the image data generated in step 726. The image data used at this time is image data including the designated character when the character to be printed on the partition sheet is designated in step 772. If the character to be printed on the partition sheet is not specified in step 772, the image data includes a number representing the number of copies. In any case, the CPU 102 can determine the image data to be used for printing on the partition sheet from the number of copies already discharged.

  At step 736, the CPU 102 determines whether printing of the designated number of copies is completed. If it is determined that the process is completed, the control proceeds to step 714. Otherwise, control returns to step 730.

  As described above, the printed matter of the designated number of copies in which the partition sheet is inserted according to the condition of the partition sheet set in step 712 is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 91 or 96. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the insertion position of the partition sheet is set and the character to be printed on the partition sheet is not set in step 772, the copy result as shown in FIG. 11 is obtained. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the insertion position of the partition sheet is set, and the characters to be printed on the partition sheet in step 772 are set as shown in FIG. 21, a copy result as shown in FIG. 22 is obtained. . Therefore, the user can easily sort the print results when copying a plurality of copies of the document. That is, since the partition sheet is inserted at the position designated in copies and the number of copies or designated characters is printed on each partition sheet, the user does not have to count the number of copies, and the printed matter is before and after the partition sheet You just need to divide by.

  When the partition sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 91 or 96, the partition sheet may be shifted and discharged. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, even if only the partition sheet is shifted, as shown in FIG. 24, even if the partition sheet and the recording sheet discharged to the partition sheet discharged next are shifted. Good.

  Although the case where the image forming apparatus 100 is used in the copy mode has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when image forming apparatus 100 is used in the printer mode, that is, image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job from an external terminal device (such as a computer) via network 190 and executes printing. , As well as can be inserted partition paper. In that case, when the user designates a file to be printed on the terminal device, a screen for setting the conditions regarding the partition sheet on the display device of the terminal device (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, FIG. 13, FIG. 16, and 18 and 21) may be displayed.

  Specifically, the CPU of the terminal device displays the setting screen of the partition sheet on the display device of the terminal device, and accepts the user's operation of the mouse or the keyboard equipped on the terminal device. The CPU of the terminal device sets the conditions relating to the dividing sheet in the same manner as in step 712 (see FIG. 5) by the user's operation, and generates a print job including the conditions. The CPU of the terminal device transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 190. Image forming apparatus 100 executes steps 726 to 736 of FIG. 5 in accordance with the received print job. This makes it possible to obtain the same print result as that of FIG. 11 or FIG. When the CPU of the terminal device generates a print job including character information to be printed on the partition sheet and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 100, the process of step 726 (image to be printed on the partition sheet) Generate data). However, when the CPU of the terminal device generates the image data to be printed on the partition sheet and transmits the print job including it to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 needs to perform the process of step 726. Absent.

  The conditions relating to the divider may include at least the insertion position of the divider, the tray for storing the divider, and information specifying the size of the divider. Information regarding the type of partition and the characters printed on the partition is optional.

  Further, conditions other than the above may be set as conditions relating to the characters to be printed on the partition sheet. For example, the font, size, and color of characters may be settable.

  Further, the setting screen of the partition sheet is not limited to FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 21. It may be a screen in which a plurality of conditions regarding the partition sheet can be set on one screen. For example, as in a screen 410 shown in FIG. 25, a screen on which conditions regarding partition paper can be set by using a pull-down menu 412 as a user interface and selecting from preset options may be used.

  In addition, before the entire printed matter by a job for printing a plurality of copies, after the entire printed matter for a job printing a plurality of copies, before the predetermined number of copies, or at a position after the predetermined number of copies In this case, the screen 450 shown in FIG. 26 can efficiently set the conditions related to the partition sheet. On the screen 450, the check boxes 452 on the left side of each of the words “insert before copy”, “insert after copy”, “insert before job”, and “insert after job” are touched. When this is done, a check mark is displayed and each setting is enabled. When the divider sheet is inserted for each predetermined number of copies, the number of copies between the divider sheets can be input in the range of 1 to 9999 by the up-down key 456. The input value is displayed in the number of copies display field 458.

  A paper feed tray key 454 is a key for setting a paper feed tray for supplying a partition paper to be inserted into each position. When the sheet feed tray key 454 is touched, a screen (for example, FIG. 13) for selecting from among the sheet feed trays 81 to 85 equipped in the image forming apparatus 100 is displayed. In the screen 450, the selected paper feed tray is displayed on the left side of the paper feed tray key 454. In FIG. 26, the partition sheet inserted behind the job is supplied from tray 1 (paper feed tray 81), and the other partition sheets are set to be supplied from the manual feed tray (paper feed tray 85). .

  The process when the OK key 312 and the cancel key 314 are touched is similar to that described above. The screen 450 is an example of a screen displayed as a sub screen displayed on a part of the touch panel display 132, and the screen 450 is closed when the “x” key 460 on the upper right is touched. When the “x” key 460 is touched and the screen 450 is closed, a confirmation screen may be displayed as to whether or not the setting content is saved, discarded, or saved.

  The user can perform the process of setting the insertion position in step 756 of FIG. 7 and the process of setting the tray in step 760 by operating the screen 450. For example, in the case of copying four pages of a two-page document, if it is set to insert the dividing sheet before the job and after the job, as shown in FIG. And, the separators 500 and 502 are inserted in the back. In FIG. 27, characters for identifying a job (for example, the name of the job) are printed on the partition sheets 500 and 502.

  In the case of copying four copies of a two-page original, if the divider is set to be inserted before every two copies, dividers 504 and 506 are inserted as shown in FIG. Further, if it is set to be inserted behind every two copies, as shown in FIG. 29, the partition sheets 508 and 510 are inserted. In FIG. 28 and FIG. 29, as described above, numbers indicating the set of printed matter next to the partition sheet are printed on the partition sheets 504 to 510. Therefore, the user can easily know the number of output copies up to the front of the partition sheet. Moreover, when it sets as shown in FIG. 26, as shown in FIG. 30, a total of six partition sheets 500-510 will be inserted.

  By setting to insert the dividing sheet before and after the entire job in this manner, the print job received almost simultaneously from different terminals is executed, and the printed matter is continuously discharged to the same discharge tray. , It becomes easy to determine the break of printed matter by each job. Even when the partition sheet is inserted as shown in FIGS. 27 to 30, characters to be printed on the partition sheet may be arbitrarily settable via the screen as shown in FIG.

  In addition, it is preferable to set in advance in the image forming apparatus 100 the setting content regarding the insertion of the partition sheet as the default setting. For example, if the administrator makes settings relating to the insertion of the dividing sheet in advance via the screen 450 and registers the contents in the image forming apparatus 100 as default settings, each user may simply perform the operation on the screen 450 without performing any operation. Only by enabling the insertion function of the partition (for example, touching the key for enabling insertion of the partition), it is possible to obtain the printed matter in which the partition is inserted.

  Also, the information for specifying the insertion position of the partition sheet is optional, and the number of copies (including “0”) of the copy to be discharged before the partition sheet is first discharged, and 2 continuously discharged Any information may be used as long as it can calculate the number of copies of a copy to be discharged between sheets of partition sheets. These copies may be specified directly.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus can execute post-processing such as punching and stapling on the recording sheet on which the image is formed, post-processing is performed on the partition paper even if the post-processing is specified. It is preferable not to

  The present invention has been described above by describing the embodiment, but the above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made. be able to.

100 image forming apparatus 102 CPU
104 ROM
106 RAM
108 HDD
110 NIC
112 bus 120 document reading unit 122 image forming unit 124 image processing unit 126 partition sheet data generating unit 128 recording sheet conveyance unit 130 operation unit 190 network

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on a surface;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet and a partition sheet;
An input unit for specifying an insertion position for inserting the partition paper and a forming condition of an image to be formed on the partition paper;
Size specification means for specifying the size of the partition sheet;
The recording paper on which an image is formed, and a discharge unit for discharging the partition paper;
And control means for controlling the discharging means.
The insertion position is specified in units of sets, each set of recording paper on which all the images included in the job instructing image formation on the recording paper are formed,
The control means includes determination means for determining whether or not the partition sheet of the size designated by the size designation means can be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording sheet on which an image is formed, the determination means accordingly, the partition sheet, the image in response to a determination that no Deki out discharge the same discharge destination and the recording paper is formed, taken out recording paper from the tray the recording paper is housed an image is formed Control the discharging means so as to discharge instead of the partition paper,
The control means further causes the discharge means to discharge the recording sheet on which the image has been formed, the number of copies determined from the insertion position, and then to discharge the partition paper in a predetermined direction and discharge it.
The input means is
Display means for displaying information representing each of the set of the number instructed to form an image in a distinguishable manner in the order in which the set is discharged;
An insertion designating means for designating the insertion position by designating whether or not the partition sheet is inserted between the pieces of information representing two sets continuously discharged;
It is characterized by further comprising setting means for individually setting characters formed on the dividing paper and the kind of the characters as forming conditions of the image for each of the dividing paper for which the insertion position is specified by the insertion specifying means. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming unit forms an image on a portion of the peripheral edge portion of the partition sheet which does not overlap with the recording sheet being discharged when the partition sheet is discharged in the predetermined direction by the discharging unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The setting means includes character input means for inputting characters;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image formed on the portion of the partition paper is an image of a character input by the character input unit. Further comprising a calculating means for calculating the number of the set of the partition paper Ru are discharged before being discharged,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image formed on the portion of the partition paper is an image of a numeral representing a value one larger than the number of sets calculated by the calculating means. apparatus.   An image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on a surface;
  An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet and a partition sheet;
  An input unit for specifying an insertion position for inserting the partition paper and a forming condition of an image to be formed on the partition paper;
  The recording paper on which an image is formed, and a discharge unit for discharging the partition paper;
  Calculating means for calculating the number of sets to be discharged before the partition sheet is discharged;
  And control means for controlling the discharging means.
  The image formed on the portion of the dividing paper is calculated by the calculating unit. It is an image of a number representing a value one greater than the number of sets.
  The insertion position is specified in units of sets, each set of recording paper on which all the images included in the job instructing image formation on the recording paper are formed,
  The control unit causes the discharge unit to discharge the recording sheet on which the image has been formed, the number of copies determined from the insertion position, and then shift and discharge the partition paper in a predetermined direction.
  The input means is
    Display means for displaying information representing each of the set of the number instructed to form an image in a distinguishable manner in the order in which the set is discharged;
    An insertion designating means for designating the insertion position by designating whether or not the partition sheet is inserted between the pieces of information representing two sets continuously discharged;
    For each of the partition sheets for which the insertion position has been designated by the insertion designation means, a character to be formed on the partition sheet and a setting means for individually setting the type of the character as a forming condition of the image are provided. ,
The image forming unit is configured such that, in the peripheral portion of the partition sheet, the partition Part that does not overlap with the recording paper being discharged when it is discharged in the predetermined direction Form an image onAn image forming apparatus characterized by The setting means includes character input means for inputting characters;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the image formed on the portion of the partition paper is an image of a character input by the character input unit. The image forming apparatus further comprises partition sheet designation means for specifying a sheet feed tray to which the partition sheet is supplied
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the control means causes the discharge means to take out and discharge the partition paper from the sheet feeding tray specified by the partition paper specifying means. Forming device. The input means is positioned either in front of or behind all the recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged by the job, and in front of or behind each of the recording sheets on which a predetermined number of copies are formed and discharged. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising: a unit that designates as the insertion position. The input means is positioned either in front of or behind all the recording sheets on which an image is formed and discharged by the job, and in front of or behind each of the recording sheets on which a predetermined number of copies are formed and discharged. Means for specifying as the insertion position,
The image forming unit is designated by the input unit in response to designation of at least one of the front and back of all the recording sheets to be ejected and formed by the job as the insertion position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image of the character is formed on a partition sheet inserted into the insertion position. It further comprises calculation means for calculating the number of sets discharged before the separation paper is discharged,
The image forming means is designated according to the fact that at least one of the front and back of the recording sheet for each predetermined number of sheets to be formed and discharged is designated as the insertion position by the input means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , characterized in that an image of a numeral representing a value which is one greater than the number of sets calculated by the calculating means is formed on a partition sheet inserted into an insertion position. A control method of an image forming apparatus, in which a partition sheet for indicating a division is inserted between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface,
An input step of designating an insertion position for inserting the dividing sheet and a forming condition of an image to be formed on the dividing sheet;
A size specification step of specifying the size of the partition sheet;
An image forming step of forming an image on a recording sheet and a partition sheet;
Discharging the recording paper on which an image is formed, and discharging the partition paper;
The insertion position is specified in units of sets, each set of recording paper on which all the images included in the job instructing image formation on the recording paper are formed,
The discharge step, the specification paper cutting of said designated size in the size specification step includes a determining step whether it is possible to discharge the same discharge destination and the recording paper on which the image has been formed, the When it is determined in the determination step that the partition sheet can not be discharged to the same discharge destination as the recording sheet on which the image is formed, the recording sheet is stored from the tray in which the recording sheet on which the image is formed is stored. Take it out and discharge it instead of the partition paper,
The discharging step further includes the step of discharging the partition sheet in a predetermined direction after discharging the recording sheet on which the image is formed, which has been determined from the insertion position.
The input step is
Displaying information representing each of the set of the instructed number of image formations in a distinguishable manner in the order in which the sets are ejected;
An insertion designating step of designating the insertion position by designating whether or not the partition sheet is to be inserted between the pieces of information representing two sets which are continuously discharged;
A control step of setting a character to be formed on the partition sheet and a type of the character individually as an image forming condition for each of the partition sheets for which the insertion position is designated in the insertion designation step Method. A control method of an image forming apparatus, in which a partition sheet for indicating a division is inserted between a plurality of recording sheets discharged after an image is formed on the surface,
An input step of designating an insertion position for inserting the dividing sheet and a forming condition of an image to be formed on the dividing sheet;
An image forming step of forming an image on a recording sheet and a partition sheet;
Discharging the recording paper on which an image is formed and the partition paper;
Calculating the number of sets to be discharged before the partition sheet is discharged ;
The formed on the portion of the partition sheet image is an image of numbers representing the value one greater than the number of pre-Symbol set calculated by the calculation means,
The insertion position is specified in units of sets, each set of recording paper on which all the images included in the job instructing image formation on the recording paper are formed,
The discharging step includes a step of discharging the partition sheet in a predetermined direction and discharging the recording sheet having the image formed thereon after discharging the determined number of copies from the insertion position,
The input step is
Displaying information representing each of the set of the instructed number of image formations in a distinguishable manner in the order in which the sets are ejected;
An insertion designating step of designating the insertion position by designating whether or not the partition sheet is to be inserted between the pieces of information representing two sets which are continuously discharged;
A setting step of individually setting a character to be formed on the partition sheet and a type of the character as an image forming condition for each of the partition sheets for which the insertion position is designated in the insertion designation step;
Wherein the image forming step, of the peripheral edge of the partition sheet, when the partition sheet is discharged shifted in the predetermined direction in the discharge stearyl-up, overlap with et without the recording sheet being discharged portion And forming an image on the image .

Images