JPH04274259A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To form an image, edited from plural documents, on a recording medium by controlling the conveyance of these documents in a direction orthogonal with the conveying direction of the recording medium to be conveyed and the paper feed timing of the recording medium. CONSTITUTION:Plural documents are conveyed successively in a direction orthogonal with the recording medium conveying direction from a document feeding means, and these documents are stopped at a desired position by a first document mount position control means 50a, while paper feed timing of each recording medium multiply conveyed in order is controlled by a first timing control means 48, through which multiple images based on these plural documents is made so as to be secured at the desired position on the recording medium, as the main feature.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an analog image on a recording medium by optically scanning a document.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses have been put into practical use that combine analog image formation in which an image is formed by optically scanning a document, and an automatic document feeder disposed on the top surface of a main body.

[0003] Furthermore, as copying processing functions become more multifunctional, when copying originals containing text and images, there are cases where a copying process is required to form an image from multiple originals onto a single sheet of paper. . In such a case, if a digital copying device is used, a desired composite or inset image can be easily obtained by selecting a function such as reduced continuous copying or inset composition.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in an analog copying device that scans an original using an optical system and forms a reflected image on a photoreceptor, it is difficult to form an image from multiple originals onto a single sheet of paper as described above. There was nothing to do.

Specifically, analog copying machines optically scan a document to expose an image, form an image on a photoreceptor, and then transfer the image to output paper. There were the following problems (1) and (2).

(1) By changing the timing of optically scanning a document to expose an image and the timing of transporting an output sheet on which an image is formed to an image forming point on a photosensitive drum, it is possible to achieve, for example, continuous page copying. Although it is possible to divide two originals into two images in the paper conveyance direction (x direction) of the output paper and form each image on two sheets of paper as in the function, image in the paper transport direction of one sheet of paper (
x direction).

(2) Since the automatic document feeder normally feeds the document in the same direction as the paper conveyance direction, the document image is moved in the direction (y direction) perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the output paper. It is not possible to form images on a photosensitive drum, and it is not possible to form images of two original sheets in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction of one sheet of paper.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to place a document at a desired position in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction, and to adjust the feeding timing of multiple conveyed sheets. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can output a plurality of original images to arbitrary positions on one sheet of paper by analog copying processing by controlling the image forming apparatus.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a document feeding device that automatically feeds a document in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of a recording medium, and a document feeding device that automatically feeds a document in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of a recording medium. a first document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of a plurality of documents; A first timing control means for controlling the conveyance timing, and a first multiplex control means for controlling multiple conveyance of the recording medium through multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the document feeding means. It is something.

[0010] Also, there is provided an area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the original to be sequentially fed by the original feeding means, and an area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the original to be sequentially fed by the original feeding means based on the area information specified by the area specifying means. A second document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of a plurality of documents, and a recording medium conveyance based on each document placement position controlled by the second document placement position control device. A second timing control means for controlling the timing, and a second multiplex control means for controlling multiple conveyance of recording media through multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the original feeding means. It is.

[0011]

[Operation] In the present invention, when the document feeding means starts feeding the set documents in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium, the first document placement position control means sequentially feeds the set documents. control the placement positions of multiple sheets of originals and place them at desired positions. Here, the first timing control means controls the conveyance timing of the recording medium based on each document placement position controlled by the first document placement position control means, and transfers each document image to an arbitrary position on the recording medium. At the same time, the first multiplex control means controls multiple conveyance of the recording medium through multiple passes according to the number of document sheets sequentially fed by the document feeding means, and conveys each of the plurality of document images. It is possible to form the recording medium in the sheet conveyance direction of one sheet of recording medium and at a desired position perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction.

Further, when the area specifying means specifies a desired area of the original to be sequentially fed by the original feeding means, the second original placing position control means feeds the original based on the specified area information. The second timing control means controls each placement position of the plurality of documents sequentially fed by the means, and the second timing control means controls each placement position of the document controlled by the second document placement position control means. Controlling the conveyance timing of the recording medium, forming each original image at an arbitrary position on the recording medium, and using the second multiplex control means to pass through multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the original feeding means. By controlling multiple conveyance of recording media, it is possible to form a desired image in each of a plurality of original images in a sheet conveyance direction of one conveyed recording medium and at a desired position perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. .

[0013]

Embodiment FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a main body of the apparatus, including a document scanning section 2, a paper feeding section 3, an image forming section 4, and the like. , intermediate tray
Consists of part 5 etc.

First, the configuration of the document scanning section 2 will be explained.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a controller section, which is composed of a control board into which control elements for comprehensively controlling the copying sequence are integrated. Note that the controller section 2a
is equipped with hardware serving as copy control means, multiple composite copy control means, etc. according to the present invention.

Reference numeral 2b represents a power switch, and 2c represents an original exposure lamp, which together with a scanning mirror constitutes an optical scanning system, which scans and moves at a predetermined speed. 2d is an imaging lens,
The light reflected from the original is formed into an image on the photosensitive drum 11 of the image forming section 4. Reference numeral 2e denotes a buzzer which notifies the user of a copying mode error, etc. set on the operating section, which will be described later. 2f is the optical system drive mode
The optical motor drives the optical scanning system etc. with high precision.

Next, the paper feed section 3 will be explained.

Reference numerals 3a and 3b are paper feed rollers, and the cut sheet SH is fed into the image forming section 4 by driving these paper feed rollers 3a and 3b.

Next, the configuration of the image forming section 4 corresponding to the image forming means of the present invention will be explained. A registration roller 12 temporarily stops the cut sheet SH fed by the drive of the paper feed rollers 3a and 3b, synchronizes the alignment of the leading edge of the image, and then feeds the cut sheet SH again. .

Reference numerals 13a and 13b designate developing units that contain different color developers (red and black), and one of the developing units 13a and 13b can be selectively connected to the photosensitive drum 11 by driving solenoids 14a and 14b. The photosensitive drum 11 is placed close to the photosensitive drum 11, and the other is placed away from the photosensitive drum 11. Note that when the second recording mode is set from the operation section described later, the controller section 2a performs red/black color-separate development only on the recording material (cut sheet SH) for a specific document. As shown, the controller part 2a is connected to the solenoid 14.
a and 14b are controlled. A transfer charger 15 transfers the toner image developed by the developing units 13a and 13b onto the cut sheet SH, and a post-transfer separation charger 16 separates the cut sheet SH from the photosensitive drum 11. A pre-exposure lamp 17 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and prepares for primary charging. A cleaning device 18 is composed of a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11. A fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet SH by heat and pressure. 20 is a transport roller;
21 is a flapper that removes the cut sheet after the fixing process.
The conveyance direction of the sheet SH is switched to the direction of the intermediate tray section 5 via the sheet discharge roller 23 or the conveyance path 22. Reference numeral 24 represents a paper discharge tray, and 25 represents a scanner motor which rotates a polygon mirror at a predetermined speed to deflect a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser 26. A digital scanning unit is composed of a scanner motor 25, a semiconductor laser 26, etc., and emits a laser beam according to the font information corresponding to the input add-on information, and combines the document image and the add-on information. A superimposed image is formed, and the latent image area formed on the photosensitive drum 11 is irradiated with a laser beam to selectively erase the latent image. An exposure shutter 27 blocks part or all of the reflected image light to prevent latent image formation. 28 is a primary charger. MM is a main drive motor. Note that 22a is the conveyance direction.

Next, the structure of the intermediate tray section 5 will be explained. Reference numeral 30 is an intermediate tray that temporarily stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance rollers 34, and transfers them to the feed rollers 33,
35 drives the image forming unit 4 again via the conveyance path 31.
Resend to. Note that 32 is a flapper, and 36 is a conveyance path. Note that S1 to S15 and S19 to S23 in the figure are sensors, and sensor S1 detects the home position of the optical system serving as an analog scanning unit, and the optical system is stopped at this position during standby. The sensor S2 detects that the optical system has moved to a position corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and controls the timing of the copy sequence based on the sensor output. Sensor S3 is the limiter position (inverted position) at maximum scanning
It is. The optical system reciprocates with a scanner length according to a cassette size and magnification inputted via an operation section, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 shows the controller section 2a shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 1, in which the same components as in FIG.

In this figure, reference numeral 41 denotes an operation section, which controls the copying process.
Keys for setting the copy mode (single-sided, duplex, multiplex, etc.) and copy mode (magnification, paper size, etc.), as well as for all originals fed from the automatic document feeder (ADF). a first mode setting means for setting a first recording mode in which digital information stored in advance is superimposed on the digital scanning unit; Second mode setting means is provided for setting a second recording mode in which more pre-stored digital information is superimposed.

42 is a control unit (controller), which is a CPU
42a, ROM 42b, RAM 42c, etc., and performs overall control of the copying sequence based on a control program stored in ROM 42b. Reference numeral 43 denotes an editor for inputting area designation for a predetermined area of the document. 4
Reference numeral 4 denotes a shutter section, which is composed of an exposure shutter 27 and a solenoid. Reference numeral 45 denotes a laser section, which is composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a scanner motor 25, and the like. An AC driver 46 supplies AC power to an AC load 47 such as the document exposure lamp 2c. A motor control section 48 controls the drive of the motor section. 49 is a DC load control section, and solenoid 14
a, 14b, clutch, fan, etc. 50a is a feeder control section that controls driving of the document feeding section. Reference numeral 50b denotes a sorter which discharges the cut sheets SH discharged by the drive of the paper discharge roller 23 into a designated paper discharge bin. The HVT is a high voltage unit that applies a voltage of a predetermined potential to the charging system and the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b. DCP is a DC power supply that supplies a control potential of +5V to the controller section 2a and the like. A.C.
is an AC power source.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, the heater in the fixing device 19 is first energized and waits (wait time) for the fixing roller to reach a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed. When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor MM is driven for a certain period of time to drive the photosensitive drum 11, the fixing device 19, etc., and setting the roller in the fixing device 19 to a uniform temperature. (weight release rotation). After that, the main drive motor M
M is stopped and stands by in a copyable state (standby state). Here, the main drive motor MM is connected to the photosensitive drum 11.
, fixing device 19, developing units 13a, 13b, and various transfer paper conveyance rollers. And the operation section 4
When a copy command is input from 1, the copy sequence (
copy sequence) is started. [Explanation of image formation] The main drive motor M is activated by a copy command.
M rotates and the photosensitive drum 11 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow, and high voltage is supplied to the primary charger 28 from the high voltage unit HTV to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 11. Next, the original exposure lamp 2c is turned on, and the optical motor 2f is turned on.
is driven to expose and scan the original placed on the original table in the direction of the arrow, and project it onto the photosensitive drum 11. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

Next, this latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b, transferred to the cut sheet SH at the transfer charger 15, and separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at the separation charger 16. .

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is removed by the pre-exposure lamp 17.
After the static electricity is uniformly removed, the copy cycle is repeated again. At this time, unnecessary charges outside the image area are erased by a laser unit composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a rotating polygon mirror, and the like.

Furthermore, the laser unit can irradiate a laser beam to any location in the image to erase a part of the image, and can also erase a part of the image (first add-on information input from the operation section 41).
A laser beam is irradiated according to the stamp information (for example, page number, date, header) and second add-on information (Important, Urgent, Circulation, Copy Prohibited, Confidential, etc.) to create a cut sheet.
It is possible to make overlapping copies of all original documents or a specific original document on the main part of the document SH.

Depending on the selection command from the operating section 41, one of the developing units 13a and 13b is connected to the photosensitive drum 11.
is brought into contact with. In this embodiment, the developing unit 13
Color toner (for example, red toner) is stored in the developing unit 13b, and black toner is stored in the developing unit 13b.
Evacuation takes place. Note that the developing units 13a and 13b
A developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeve from a high voltage unit HVT.

Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment,
Not only normal single-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying are possible, but once the cut sheet SH has passed through the fixing device 19, the state of the paper resistance value etc. has changed compared to when copying the first side. To cope with this, a transfer charger 15 and a separation charger 16 are provided.
The conditions for the high voltage applied to the first side are different from those for both sides or the second side during multiple copying. These developing biases, transfer, and separation high voltage values are controlled by a high voltage unit HVT. The optical system is reciprocally controlled by rotating the optical motor 2f forward or reverse via the motor control section 48 in accordance with commands from the control section 42. [Control of cut sheet SH] Sensors S9 and S1 in Fig. 1
Sensors S10 and S12 detect the lifting state of paper feed rollers 3a and 3b, respectively. In addition, sensors S22, S
23 detects the cassette size. Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, control of the cut sheet SH will be explained using the upper stage sheet feeding operation as an example.

First, when the upper cassette is inserted, the size is read by the sensor S22, the size of the cassette is identified, and the out-of-paper indicator of the operation section 41 is turned off.
Selectively lights up the cassette size. Next, when the copy operation is started by a copy command, the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) is turned ON to raise the middle plate in the cassette.
Raise the cut sheet SH. As a result, the cut sheet SH rises, contacts the paper feed roller 3a, and when it reaches a predetermined height, the sensor S10 outputs an output, turns off the clutch, and drives the paper feed roller 3a. , feed the cut sheet SH into the machine.

As mentioned above, by the middle plate rising clutch,
The cassette sheet SH in the cassette is raised and thereafter held at the raised position, and the above-mentioned raising operation is not performed at the next copy start. Further, when the number of cassette sheets SH decreases during continuous copying operation and the upper surface of the cut sheet SH falls below a predetermined position, the clutch is similarly turned on to raise it to a predetermined height. The cut sheet SH supplied into the machine reaches the sensor S7, and since the registration roller 12 is stopped, it forms an appropriate loop and stops. Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 11, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the optical system, and after aligning the leading edge, the image on the photosensitive drum 11 is After being transferred onto the cut sheet SH, the cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 by the separation charger 16 and sent to the fixing device 19 by the transport mechanism.

In the fixing device, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor (not shown) placed on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater, and the image is formed on the cut sheet SH here. After being fixed, the sensor S4 detects the paper discharge, and the paper discharge roller 23 discharges the paper to the outside of the machine.

Next, in the case of multiple copying, the flapper 21
is switched to the position shown by the dotted line by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the fed, transferred, separated, and fixed cut sheet SH passes through the transport path 22 and is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a. After the paper is detected by sensor S5, it is detected by sensors S6, S8, etc., and horizontal registration is performed by a solenoid for horizontal registration.

Next, the registration roller 12 is driven by a multiple copy command from the operation section 41, and the cut sheet SH is sent to the position of the registration roller 12. Thereafter, the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway by the paper ejection roller 23 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned normal copying operation, but the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH is After passing through the flapper 21, the paper discharge roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction, and the cut sheet SH is guided by the flapper 21 and introduced into the conveyance path 22. This reverse rotation drive is performed by a solenoid that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above. In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the paper is once removed from the machine from the discharge roller 23, and
By driving the discharge roller 23 in the reverse direction, the cut sheet SH is turned upside down and sent in the transport direction 22a. In the above, multiple copies of one sheet and double-sided copies have been explained. However, in the case of multiple copies of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copies, the intermediate tray section 5 has cut sheets on the conveyance path 31.
An intermediate tray 30 is provided for temporarily storing the tray SH. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fused cut sheet SH is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 23 under the same control as in the case of double-sided copying of one sheet, and then ejected. By driving the paper roller 23 in reverse, the intermediate tray 30 is moved through the conveyance path 22, flapper 32, and conveyance path 36.
will be stored in.

After repeating this operation and storing all of the first side in the intermediate tray 30, the next copy command drives the feeding roller 33 to transfer the second side through the conveyance path 36.
Face copy is executed.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies,
Under the same control as in the case of multiple sheet copying, the flapper 21 causes the sheet to pass from the fixing device 19 through the transport paths 22 and 36, and is stored in the intermediate tray 30. The subsequent operation is the multiple copy described above.
This is the same as in the case of , so it is omitted.

[0039] In the case of an apparatus in which an intermediate tray is provided in the image forming section 4, there is a limit to the length of the cut sheet SH that can be temporarily stored as shown in FIG. The cut sheets SH that can be accommodated are half-size or smaller.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder disposed on the top surface of the apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. be. The structure and operation will be explained below.

The automatic document feeder 51 is disposed facing the platen glass 52 of the document scanning section 2, and includes a conveyor belt 53 wound around a drive roller 54 and a subordinate roller 62. A document stacking table 55 is arranged above the conveyor belt 53 on which a document bundle consisting of a plurality of documents S constituting the document placing table 55 can be stacked. -56 is disposed, and the recycle lever 56 divides the original S stacked on the original stacking table 55 into an unprocessed original and a processed original. Further, a half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 57 is disposed at the base end 55a of this document stacking table 55, and further downstream of this paper feed roller 57 is a separation unit transport roller.
A separation section consisting of a roller 59 and a separation belt 60 is provided, and the document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 is directed to the separation section transport roller 59 and separation belt 60 by a paper feed roller 57. The separation belt 60 rotates in the document feeding direction.
The documents are separated and fed one by one starting from the lowest document S. Further, a paper feed stopper 61 is disposed between the paper feed roller 57, the separation section transport roller 59, and the separation belt 60, and when the document S is set, it is located at the solid line position and stops the leading edge of the document. When positioning and feeding the document, the stopper solenoid is energized to move to the position shown by the broken line. moreover,
A paper feed path 63 is provided from the downstream side of the separation unit conveyance roller 59 and the separation belt 60 to the conveyance belt 53, and the document S sent out from the separation unit conveyance roller 59 and the separation belt 60 is The paper is fed between the conveyor belt 53 and the platen glass 52 through this paper feed path 63, and placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52. A paper ejection path 66 is provided near the paper feed path 63 and extends along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 65 to the document stacking table 55. S is conveyed again, passes through the paper ejection path 66, and passes through the paper ejection roller 67 provided at the downstream end of this paper ejection path 66.
The document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 is discharged onto the top. Further, from this paper ejection path 66, a reversing roller 65
A reversing path 69 that branches at the top and merges with the paper feed path 63
A flapper 70 for switching the conveyance path of the document S is arranged at the branching point between the reversing path 69 and the paper ejection path 66.
is provided, and when the document is ejected, the document S is placed at the solid line position.
When the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid is energized to displace the document S to the position shown by the broken line.
is guided along a reversing path 69 toward the platen glass 52. Further, a conveyance roller 71a is disposed downstream of the confluence of the paper feed path 63 and the reversing path 69, and the paper feed path 63
Alternatively, the document S guided to the reversing path 69 is conveyed toward the platen glass 52.

Note that the automatic document feeding device 51 in this embodiment feeds the document in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction of the device main body 1, so that the front side in the figure is on the right side with respect to the device main body 1. It is arranged so that it forms a surface.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the document feeding means (in this embodiment, the automatic document feeding device 51
) starts feeding the document set in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium, the first document placement position control means (in this embodiment, the feeder control section 50a shown in FIG. 2
) controls each placement position of a plurality of documents that are sequentially fed and places them at desired positions. Here, the first timing control means (motor control section 48 in this embodiment) controls the conveyance timing of the recording medium based on each document placement position controlled by the first document placement position control means. control to form each original image at an arbitrary position on the recording medium, and sequentially feed the originals by the original feeding means by the first multiplex control means (also served by the motor control section 48 in this embodiment). Multiple conveyance of recording media through multiple passes is controlled according to the number of sheets, and each document image of a plurality of sheets is formed in a sheet conveyance direction of one conveyed recording medium and at a desired position perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. Further, when the area specifying means (editor 43 in this embodiment) specifies a desired area of the document to be sequentially fed by the document feeding means, the second document placement position control means uses the specified area information. Based on the timing control means, the second timing control means (in this embodiment, the mode
The feeder control unit 48) controls the recording medium based on each document placement position controlled by the second document placement position control unit (in this embodiment, the feeder control unit 50a shown in FIG. 2 also serves). The conveyance timing of the document is controlled to form each document image at an arbitrary position on the recording medium, and the document is sequentially fed by the document feeder by the second multiplex control means (also served by the motor control section 48 in this embodiment). Multiple conveyance of the recording medium through multiple passes is controlled according to the number of original documents to be conveyed, and a desired image in each of the plurality of document images is conveyed in the paper conveyance direction and paper conveyance direction of one recording medium to be conveyed. Form at desired orthogonal positions.

The first multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. [First multi-original editing process] FIGS. 5 to 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the first multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG.
Two originals of 97 x 210 mm), A3 size (297 mm)
A case of printing on a single sheet of copy paper (420 mm x 420 mm) will be explained.

[0046] Original 1001 at the same size as copy paper 100
Print in the area ■ of 5 and copy the original 1002 at the same size.
When printing in area ■ of paper 1005, among two originals 1001 and 1002, the original is placed in the direction perpendicular to the paper feeding direction of the copy paper (y direction) so that original 1001 is on top when loaded on the original table. The document is placed in the automatic document feeder 51, which is arranged to feed the document. Normally, the automatic document feeder 51 first conveys the lower document (in this embodiment, since there are two documents, the document 1002 corresponds to the document) onto the platen glass 52.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In order to copy an image from the image to the area ■ of the copy paper 1005, the automatic document feeder 51 feeds the original
002 is conveyed onto the platen glass 52 and stopped at the position shown in FIG. At this time, the copy paper 1005 is conveyed between the positions where the registration rollers 12 are arranged, and is on standby for synchronization with the optical scanning of the original. This copy paper 1005 is scanned in the registration register in synchronization with normal optical scanning.
A predetermined period of time (
(Details will be described later) By transporting the sheet early, an image such as the area 2 (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) of the copy sheet 1005 shown in FIG. 6 is formed.

For example, if the transport speed of the copy paper 1005 is set to 1
If the speed is 50 mm/sec, the copy paper 1005 is A3
The length in the paper feeding direction is 420 mm, and the area ■
(420/2)mm/150m to form an image on
m/sec, it is transported 1.4 seconds earlier than usual. Subsequently, in order to form an image from the original 1001 shown in FIG. 5 in area (3) of the copy paper 1005, the original 1001 is conveyed onto the platen glass 52 by the automatic original feeding device 51 and stopped at the position shown in FIG. . At this time, the copy paper 1005 on which the image in area (3) has been formed passes through the conveyance path 22, is conveyed in the conveyance direction 22a, and is detected by the sensor S5, and then transferred to the registration roller. 12 is on standby for optical scanning and synchronization. Here, the copy paper 1005 is conveyed by the registration roller 12 at a timing synchronized with normal optical scanning, and as shown in FIG. An image is formed. As a result, an image is obtained in which originals 1001 and 1002 are divided into areas (1) and (2) at the same size, such as a copy sheet 1005 shown in FIG.

The second multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12. [Second multi-original editing process] FIGS. 8 to 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating the second multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

For example, as shown in FIG.
Four sheets of original (10 x 148.5 mm) in A4 size (2
When printing on a single sheet of copy paper (97 x 210 mm), reduce the original 1001 to 70.7% and print on area ■ of the copy paper 1007.
04 to 70.7% and copy each.
When performing automatic placement printing in areas ■ to ■ on the paper 1007, it is possible to obtain reduced continuous images on the copy paper 1007 by adjusting the document feeding position and paper transport timing as described later. .

Specifically, 4 of manuscripts 1001 to 1004
the original 1002, so that the original 1001 is on top,
Copy sheets 1003 and 1004 are set in the order of automatic document feeder 51, which is arranged to feed the documents in a direction (y direction) perpendicular to the paper feeding direction of copy paper 1007. Normally, the automatic document feeder 51 first conveys the lower document (in this embodiment, there are four documents, so the document 1004 corresponds to the document) onto the platen glass 52.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In order to obtain an image of area (■) on copy paper 1007 from
4 is conveyed onto the platen glass 52 and stopped at the position shown in FIG. At this time, the copy paper 1007 is conveyed to the registration roller 12 and is on standby for synchronization with the optical scanning of the original. This copy paper 1007 is conveyed earlier than the timing at which it is conveyed by the registration roller 12 in synchronization with normal optical scanning. An image "D" (an image in which the document 1004 is reduced by 70%) is formed on the image "D" (as shown in FIG. 1).

For example, if the transport speed of the copy paper 1007 is set to 1
If the speed is 50 mm/sec, the copy paper 1007 is A4
The length in the paper feeding direction is 210 mm, and the area ■
To form an image on (210/2) mm/150 m
m/sec, it is transported 0.7 sec earlier than usual. Next, from the original 1003 in FIG. 8, an image “C” for the original 1003 is written in area
In order to obtain a document 1003, the automatic document feeder 51
is conveyed onto the platen glass 52 and stopped at the position shown in FIG. At this time, the copy on which the image of area
Similar to the multiple copy operation, the sheet 1007 passes through the conveyance path 22, is conveyed in the conveyance direction 22a, and is detected by the sensor S5, after which it waits at the registration roller 12 for optical scanning and synchronization. ing. Here, the copy paper 1007 is conveyed by the registration roller 12 at a timing synchronized with normal optical scanning, and an image "C" is placed in the area 2 (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) of the copy paper 1007 shown in FIG. is formed.

Subsequently, in order to obtain an image of area (2) of the copy paper 1007 from the original 1002 shown in FIG. Original abutment mark 10
It is stopped at a position moved 210 mm in the y direction from 06. At this time, the copy paper 10 on which the images of areas ■ and ■ are formed
07 passes through the conveyance path 22, is conveyed in the conveyance direction 22a, and is detected by the sensor S5, as in the multiple copy operation, and then waits at the registration roller 12 for optical scanning and synchronization. are doing. Here, copy
The copy paper 1007 shown in FIG.
An image "B" such as the area (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) is formed. Subsequently, in order to obtain an image "A" in area (3) of the copy paper 1007 from the original 1001 shown in FIG.
Convey the document upward and place it at the position shown in FIG.
It is stopped at a position 210 mm forward from 006 in the y direction. At this time, the copy paper 1007 on which the images of areas ■ to ■ have been formed passes through the conveyance path 22 in the same way as in the multiple copy operation, is conveyed in the conveyance direction 22a, is detected by the sensor S5, and then is transferred to the registration register. - Waiting for optical scanning and synchronization at 12. Here, the copy paper 1007 is conveyed by the registration roller 12 at the timing of synchronization with normal optical scanning, and an image "A" such as the area of the copy paper 1007 in FIG.
” is formed. This completes the copying operation, and an image like the copy paper 1007 shown in FIG. 8 is obtained.

The reduction continuous shooting control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a reduction continuous shooting control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (18) indicate each step.

First, after the copy command, the automatic document feeder 5
Count the number of originals S set in 1 (1),
From the counted number of originals, original size, copy magnification, and copy paper size, the number of images formed in the x direction of the copy paper nx and the number of images formed in the y direction ny
Find (2). Next, place the set original 1
A sheet is fed from the automatic document feeder 51 (3), and the image forming counter iy in the y direction is initially cleared to "0" (4). Next, it is determined whether the number ny of images formed in the y direction is 1 or more (5), and if NO, it is determined whether the number nx of images formed in the x direction is 1 or more (6), N
If O (when the number of images formed in the x and y directions is both 1)
, it is determined that it is a normal copy, and normal image forming processing is performed (7
), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, if the number of images formed in the y direction ny is 2 or more,
The number of image formation ny is the image formation counter iy in the y direction.
(8) If YES (if the image formation in the y direction has not been completed), the image formation counter iy in the y direction is incremented by "1" (
9) Clear the x-direction image forming counter ix to "0" (10). Next, the number of images formed in the x direction nx
is larger than the value of the image forming counter ix in the x direction (11), and if NO, step (8)
If the answer is YES (unless the image formation in the x direction has been completed), the image formation counter ix in the x direction is incremented (12). Next, copy paper {x0
(Length of document in x direction) x mx (Magnification in x direction/10
0)×(nx −ix)}/vp (process speed
The driving timing of the registration roller 12 is advanced by the time calculated in (1), that is, the transport timing is advanced by (1).
3), start image forming processing (14). Next, the number of originals n0 is determined to determine whether all images have been formed for the number of originals.
>iy ・ix holds true (15
), if NO (images of all originals have been formed), the copy paper is ejected, the original is removed from the platen glass 52, and a series of copy processing is completed; if YES (unprocessed ), the copy paper performs a multiple operation (16), and after removing the previous document, the next document is fed (17), and the document is moved to the document abutment mark 10.
From 06, it is fed in the y direction by the calculated value (y0 x (iy -1)) (18), and the process returns to step (11).

The third multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. [Third multi-original editing process] FIGS. 14 to 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the third multi-original editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[0060] Below, the manuscripts 1010 and 101 shown in FIG.
An example will be explained in which an edited image shown on copy paper 1008 is output from two sheets of copy paper 1008. Note that the dashed line area of the manuscript 1010, that is, the area ■, is the editor 43 shown in FIG.
Specify the area and insert the image. Next, manuscript 1
Similarly, specify the area ■ of 011 using the editor 43,
The process to specify the image to be embedded is the preprocessing.
When this preprocessing is completed, the inset synthesis process is started.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, in response to a copy command, the automatic document feeder 51 transports a document 1011 with an area to be fitted onto the platen glass 52, stops at the position shown, and places the document 1011 on the platen glass 52. placed. With this document placed, mask the specified area ■ and perform the masking exposure process.
When the image is copied onto an A4 size copy paper in the usual manner, an image is formed in which the area 2 (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) of the copy paper 1008 is masked (the area 2 is masked).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16, the automatic document feeder 51 transports the document 1010 with the area ■ to be fitted onto the platen glass 52, and the area ■ is positioned at the position ■ of the copy paper 1008. The region (2) to be fitted from the document abutment mark 1006 is moved to y1 and stopped at the position such that the region (2) is formed. At this time, the copy paper 1008 on which the image of area (1) has been formed is on standby for optical scanning and synchronization at the position where the registration roller 12 is disposed, by an operation similar to the multiple copy operation. With this document in its original state, normal optical scanning and copy paper 1008 are carried out through the registration process.
The timing of conveyance by the copy paper 1008 is set earlier or later by a predetermined time according to the relationship based on the following equation (1), so that the image shown in the area ■ (hatched area in FIG. 16) of the copy paper 1008 is is inlaid and formed. This completes the copying operation, and the designated areas of the two originals are fitted and combined to form a composite image on one copy sheet.

[0063] When delaying the paper feeding timing (x1
/v0 )+α>x2 /vp holds (x1 /v0
-x2 /vp) Time delay...(1
) When advancing the paper feed timing, (x1 /v0)+α<x2 /vp holds true (x1
/v0 -x2 /vp) Advance the time. However, α in Equation 1 is the time from when the optical system starts moving to when the copy paper is transported by the registration roller 12 to the document abutment mark 1006. This is the difference in time it takes to reach the point where an image is formed.

In the above embodiment, the editor 43 specifies a certain area on a document, and the necessary portions of a plurality of documents are combined and output on a single sheet of copy paper. The area specifying means is not limited to the editor 43, but may be input of numerical values of coordinates.

[0065]

As explained above, the present invention provides a document feeding means that automatically feeds a document in a direction perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of a recording medium, and a document feeder that automatically feeds a document in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of a recording medium, and a document feeder that automatically feeds a document in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of a recording medium. A first document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of the document, and controlling the conveyance timing of the recording medium based on each document placement position controlled by the first document placement position control device. The first timing control means for controlling the number of originals sequentially fed by the original feeding means, and the first multiplex control means for controlling the multiple conveyance of recording media through multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the original feeding means. Images of a plurality of original documents can be formed multiplexed at desired positions in the transport direction and/or in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction on the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to sequentially shift and arrange images of a plurality of originals in a desired direction, or to obtain edited images and reduced consecutively shot images in a dispersed arrangement by analog copying processing.

[0066] Also, an area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the original to be sequentially fed by the original feeding means, and an area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the original to be sequentially fed by the original feeding means based on area information specified by the area specifying means A second document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of a plurality of documents, and a recording medium conveyance based on each document placement position controlled by the second document placement position control device. A second timing control means for controlling the timing and a second multiplex control means for controlling multiple conveyance of recording media through multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the original feeding means are provided. It is possible to easily obtain a composite image by editing and inserting images of desired areas in each document into a desired position on the same recording medium by analog copying processing. Therefore, the analog copying processing function can be further multifunctionalized, and various image copying processes can be performed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a controller section shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed enlarged sectional view illustrating main parts of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an automatic document feeding device disposed on the top surface of the apparatus main body shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a reduction continuous shooting control procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third multi-document editing and output operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2a Controller part 12 Registration controller 42 Controller 42a CPU 42b ROM 42c RAM 43 Editor 48 Motor control section 50a Feeder control section 51 Automatic document feeder

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An analog scanning system that optically scans a document, and an image formation system that can multiplex images formed on a photoreceptor through exposure by this analog scanning system onto a recording medium that is conveyed through multiple passes. The apparatus includes a document feeder that automatically feeds the document in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium, and a document feeder that controls the placement positions of the plurality of documents sequentially fed by the document feeder. a first document placement position control means; a first timing control means for controlling the conveyance timing of the recording medium based on each document placement position controlled by the first document placement position control means; An image forming apparatus comprising: a first multiplex control unit that controls multiple conveyance of the recording medium through the multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the original document feeding unit. 2. Area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the document to be sequentially fed by the document feeder; and area specifying means for specifying a desired area of the document to be sequentially fed by the document feeder based on area information specified by the area specifyer. a second document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of a plurality of original documents; and a second document placement position control means for controlling each placement position of a plurality of documents; a second timing control means for controlling conveyance timing; and a second multiplex control means for controlling multiple conveyance of the recording medium through the multiple passes according to the number of originals sequentially fed by the document feeding means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the following.