JPH0826586A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To store output paper sheets by allotting bins to prevent mix-up. CONSTITUTION:A control unit 12 performs tray allocation of a sorter unit 14, which places and stores recorded paper sheets on which image is formed by a printer unit 2, by detecting continuous trays of required quantity or more based on a data table having in the memory the individual record medium accumulation status of a plurality of trays and allocation status of trays on which record medium is stored and accumulated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine, a printer, which forms and outputs an image on a recording medium based on an image electric signal.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a FAX function and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A copying machine, which is an example of a conventional image forming apparatus, places an original on a glass plate on which the original is placed, illuminates the image of the original with a fluorescent lamp, and moves the original placing glass plate or moves the fluorescent lamp. The original image is scanned by the movement of the irradiation light from, and the reflected light from the original image is imaged on the surface of the photoconductor by a reflecting mirror, an imaging lens, or the like. Alternatively, the reflected light from the original image is input to the sensor, photoelectrically converted to perform image processing to form an electric image signal, and the photosensitive member is irradiated with the electric image signal to form an image on the surface.

By forming an image on the surface of the photoconductor, an electrostatic image is formed on the photoconductor. Then, the image is developed by a developing device, transferred to a recording sheet such as a recording medium, and the image is fixed and output.

Further, as a structure for accommodating the recording paper output from the image forming unit having the above-mentioned structure, a plurality of trays (hereinafter referred to as bins) for accommodating and accommodating the recording paper to be output are disposed at appropriate intervals. An image forming apparatus configured to be sorted and housed in a processing device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter) is used.

That is, conventionally, when a plurality of copies of a document are output in an image forming apparatus, particularly a copying machine, the copied document is output to each output bin by using a paper discharge processing device having a plurality of output bins. A paper discharge process has been performed in which one copy is output or each page is output.

Further, in a multi-function copying machine having a facsimile printer function, even if the facsimile, printer, and copy operations are performed at the same time, the output bins for each function can be designated so that the output sheets for each function are not mixed. Things have been proposed.

[0007]

However, when a copying operation of a plurality of copies is performed by the conventional copying apparatus, the paper is discharged in accordance with a predetermined order in the paper discharge processing apparatus.
The paper discharge operation is performed by the sort operation.

Further, when the number of copies is large and the load capacity per output bin is exceeded, the output bins are sequentially switched and the sheets are discharged. Therefore, when interrupt processing (processing that interrupts the copy operation during operation to perform copying) is performed, the output bin that outputs the copy document of the interrupt processing is also determined in advance, so the output bin that already contains the copy document is interrupt processed. However, there is a problem that the copy documents are output and the copy documents are mixed.

If the number of copies is larger than the number of output bins of the sheet discharge placement device even in one copy operation, the copy operation is divided into a plurality of times according to the number of output bins of the sheet discharge process. There was a problem that it had to be done and an operator had to be attached.

Furthermore, in the multi-function copying machine in which the output bins of the paper discharge processing device are set for each function, the number of output bins assigned to each function is smaller than in the normal case, so the number of output copies is reduced. There is a drawback that the number of output bins assigned to the function becomes larger than that in the usual case, and the operator's labor is troublesome.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and in an image forming apparatus having a composite function, it is possible to effectively utilize a paper discharge processing device without mixing output sheets. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of sorting and accommodating as intended.

[0012]

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image signal inputting means for inputting a plurality of image signals and the image signal processing means for processing the input image signals in a form of forming an image. An image forming means for inputting from the image signal processing means to form an image on a recording medium, an output processing means having a plurality of trays for accumulating and accommodating the image formed recording medium, and an image formed recording medium. Tray switching means for switching the transport path to the tray so as to store and store in the tray, detection means for detecting the recording medium storage state of each of the plurality of trays, and storage and storage of the detection result by the detection means and the recording medium Storage means for storing the allocation status of the trays as a data table, display means for displaying the storage medium storage status of each of the plurality of trays, and operation of each means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling a storage medium, wherein the control unit allocates a tray for accommodating and accumulating a recording medium to be output based on the stored data table when an image forming request is generated. With the above-mentioned structure, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

The control means searches the data table in ascending or descending order to detect continuous trays that have not been allocated yet and allocate trays for accommodating and storing recording media for output. The above-mentioned object is to be achieved by such a constitution.

[0014]

With the above-described structure, for example, from different inputs, by selective allocation of trays based on the data table storing the recording medium storage status of each of the plurality of trays detected by the detection means and the allocation state of the trays accommodating and storing the recording media. The recording media to be output can be sequentially stored in different continuous trays, and can be sorted and stored as desired without mixing output sheets. Moreover, a plurality of trays can be used more effectively than before, and the function of the image forming apparatus having a composite function can be effectively exhibited.

[0015]

EXAMPLES The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to examples.

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the configuration of a copying machine having a composite function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment comprises a main unit 15 and an external unit 3. The main device 15 includes an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 1 for converting a document into image data, and 2
Is an image output device (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) that has a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputs image data as a visible image on the recording paper in response to a print command.
A sorter unit having a plurality of bins for sorting and accumulating recording sheets printed by, a control unit 12 for operating the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 and a sorter unit 14, and a reference numeral 13 for copying and faxing. The operation unit is an input unit for selecting and setting a function and a display unit for confirmation.

The external device 3 is electrically connected to the control unit 12, and is connected to the facsimile unit 4, the hard disk 11 for storing the image transmitted or received by fax, the file unit 5, and the external unit connected to the file unit 5. The storage device 6, the computer interface unit 7 for connecting to the computer, the formatter unit 8 for converting the information from the computer into a visible image, the image information from the reader unit 1, and the sending from the computer. An image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing image information, a core unit 10 for controlling the above functions, and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the construction of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The originals stacked on the original feeding device 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original table glass surface 102. When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102,
The lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to illuminate the document. The reflected light of the document is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter referred to as CCD) via the mirrors 105, 106 and 107 and the lens 108.

FIG. 3 shows the signal processing unit 1 of the reader unit 1 described above.
FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of 10. The configuration and operation will be described below.

The reflected light of the document irradiated on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and converted into electric signals of R, G and B colors. The color information from the CCD 109 is output to the next amplifier 1
The signals are amplified by 10R, 110G, and 110B according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. A / D converter 11
The output signal from 1 is input to the shading circuit 112, where light distribution unevenness of the lamp 103 and sensitivity unevenness of the CCD are corrected.

The signal from the shading circuit 112 and the signal from the external device 3 are selected by the external I / F switching circuit 119 according to an instruction from the control unit 12 and sent to the luminance signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The luminance signal generating / color detecting circuit 113 obtains a luminance signal Y by performing the following calculation from the R, G, B color signals from the shading circuit 112.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B Further, it has a color detection circuit for separating the R, G, B signals into seven colors and outputting the signals for the respective colors. The output signal from the luminance signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the image rotation circuit of the scaling / repeat / rotation circuit 114. The image rotation circuit is composed of an image storage unit, a coordinate conversion unit, and an interpolation unit, and an angle of rotation is designated by the control unit 12. The signal input from the luminance signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is stored in the image storage unit, and the coordinate conversion unit successively transfers the contents of the image storage unit to the interpolation unit according to the angle designated by the control unit 12 and rotates the contents. Get image information. The output signal from the image rotation circuit is input to the scaling circuit, and scaling in the main scanning direction is performed. Scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by the scanner unit 10
It is performed at a scanning speed of 4. Moreover, a plurality of the same images can be output by the repeat circuit.

The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing a high frequency component of the signal from the scaling / repeat / rotation circuit 114. The signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads the portion of the manuscript written with a marker pen of a specified color to generate contour information of the marker, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 thickens, masks or trims the contour information. I do.
Further, patterning is performed by the color detection signal from the luminance signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to the external I / F switching circuit 119 and sent to the laser driver circuit 118 or the external device 3.

The laser driver circuit 118 converts various processed signals into signals for driving the laser. The output signal of the laser driver 118 is input to the printer 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image.

Input / output of image information to / from the external device 3
This is performed via the external I / F switching circuit 119. When the image information is output from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is output to the I / F connector 120 with the external device, and the external device 3 outputs the image information. When inputting image information to 1, the external switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the I / F connector 120 of the external device to the luminance signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above image processes is selected and set in the control unit 12 based on the information input from the operation unit 13,
The control unit 12 gives an instruction to each functional block. Then, the area generation circuit generates various timing signals necessary for the image processing according to the set value from the control unit 12.

The control unit 12 is the core unit 10 of the external device 3.
It communicates with the printer, exchanges information relating to input from the operation unit 13 and image information, and performs fax input / output and printer output.

The configuration and operation of the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper stacking unit 20 is timed with the leading edge of the developed image.
4 or 205, the transfer paper is conveyed, and the transfer unit 20
At 6, the developed image is transferred. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, and then the paper discharge unit 2
It is discharged to outside the device from 08.

The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is placed in each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220 or in the highest bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. Is discharged.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of the sorter unit 14. The transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 is taken into the sorter by the paper feed roller 221 of the sorter 220. The transfer paper taken in is discharged to a desired output bin by driving the flappers 222 to 227. 228 to 2
Reference numeral 34 is a paper discharge roller of the sorter 220.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described with reference to FIG.

The output paper sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the discharged paper sheet 208, then the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed, and the re-transferred transfer paper sheet stacking section 210 is conveyed through the conveyance direction switching member 209. Transport to. When the next manuscript is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section 210, so that two original images on the front and back of the same output paper are eventually output. Can be output.

The core unit 10 in the external device 3 controls signals inside the external device 3 and controls each function while communicating with the control unit 12. In the external device 3, a fax section 4 for sending and receiving a fax, a formatter section 8 for developing code information from a computer into image information, a computer interface section 7 for interfacing with a computer, and information from a reader section 1 are stored. In addition, there are functional blocks such as an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing information sent from a computer, and a core unit 10 for controlling the above-mentioned functions.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the display panel of the operation unit 13. Reference numerals 401 and 402 denote a display unit for operating conditions, messages and various settings, and a touch panel whose surface is formed of transparent electrodes in a matrix. It is the input part of the method. Reference numeral 403 is a switch for selecting each function, 404 is a ten-key for inputting numbers, and 405 is a start key for starting the operation of each function. Four
The display / input unit 01 is used particularly for making detailed settings for each setting item.

Here, the priority setting performed for each output bin of the paper discharge processing apparatus will be described.

When the priority output bin setting mode is selected, the screen shown at 401 in FIG. 4 is displayed. The picture of the sorter unit 14 is displayed even during the normal operation, and the circle display beside the output bin lights, blinks, or turns off to indicate that the paper is being discharged during the normal operation.
The operator is informed of empty / discharged end, and selection / non-registration / registration in the setting mode. The up and down arrow keys are used to select an output bin, the function keys to select a function for prioritized sheet discharge, and the OK key to register. To cancel registration, select "No function" or "No priority" in the selection items of the function key
This is done by pressing the K key. The registered contents are stored in the output bin usage status data table, which will be described later, and are used to control each output process.

Next, the operation of the control unit of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. However, the description regarding the communication between the control unit 12 and the core unit 10 is omitted.

When the power is turned on, the internal flag of the control unit 12 itself, the display of the operation unit 13 to be controlled, the reader unit 1 are displayed.
Scanner unit, image processing unit, printer unit 2, sorter unit 1
4 initialization and the initialization operation are performed, a data table showing the usage status of the output bins of the sorter unit 14 is created, and the system is initialized (S501), and the process enters a standby state. In the standby state, the operation unit 13
Setting changes and function start requests from the core unit 10
And the computer interface unit 7 obtains information as to whether the command is received, and the processing after S502 is activated according to the result.

When a mode setting change request is issued (S50
2) If it is for the copy function (S50)
3) Input processing such as a copy ratio and numerical values for various copy functions (S504), and if it is for a fax function (S505), set a transmission mode and settings such as taking out confidentially received documents (S506). If it is a printer function (S507), settings such as page layout and typeface are made (S508), if it is for a scanner (S509), settings such as resolution and magnification are made (S510), and if it is for a file function (S510). S
511) Make settings such as the file format (S51
2) If it is for paper discharge processing (S513), set functions such as sorting and stapling (S514),
If none of the items apply, the mode is canceled (S
515). Then, the control operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

When there is a start request from the operation unit 13 (S601), if the start request is for the copy mode (S602), it is determined whether or not the copy function can be activated in the copy start processing. After requesting the allocation, the copy operation is activated (S60
5) If the operation cannot be started, the operation unit 13 is caused to display an error. If it is in the fax transmission mode (S604), the fax transmission processing is started by performing the preprocessing of the fax transmission corresponding to the set mode such as the simultaneous transmission and the memory transmission, and the line is busy or the memory has a free space. If there is not, an error is displayed on the operation unit 13 (S60
6). In the fax reception mode, that is, in the case of reading a confidentially received document, the process of reading the corresponding document from the hard disk 11 and printing it out is requested after requesting the allocation of the output bin (S607). Further, in the file mode (S620), in the file write mode, the process for storing the image read from the reader unit 1 in the external storage device 6 is started, and in the file read mode, the output bin allocation is requested. Then, a process of reading the designated file data stored in the external storage device 6 and outputting it to the printer is started (S62).
1).

When a command is received via the computer interface unit 7 (S608), if the command is a print command (S609), after requesting the allocation of output bins, the control command following the command is interpreted and the description language of the received data. The print-related mode such as page layout and page layout is reset and the print process is started (S61).
0), if it is a scanner command (S611), the control command following the command is interpreted, the mode relating to the scanner such as resolution is reset, and the scanner process is started (S61).
2) If it is a file input command (S613), interpret the control command following the command, reset the storage file name, the description language of the received file data, etc., and activate the file input process (S614). If so (S615), the control command following the command is interpreted, and the process of printing out the file data in which the storage file name is designated from the external storage device 6 is started (S61).
6) If there is another command, for example, a command for error analysis for a service, the command is processed (S617).

When an output bin allocation request is issued from a process involving printing (S618), the output bin allocation process of the present invention, which will be described in detail later, is performed (S619). Then, the control operation shown in FIG. 7 is performed.

When the copy processing operation is started (S70)
1) A document handler (hereinafter referred to as DH) 101 which is a document feeding device feeds a document to a document table and activates a reader unit 1 to read the document and activate a printer unit 2 and a sorter unit 14 to copy a document. Is assigned by the output bin assignment process (S619).
The output bin is designated and the sheet is discharged to the output bin. At this time, the sorter unit 14 drives the flapper in the sorter so that the sheets can be discharged to the output bin designated by the control unit 12. The above operation is sequentially repeated to copy all the originals set in DH. When copying a plurality of originals by sorting, the control unit 12 sequentially performs the copy operation while instructing the output bin to the sorter unit 14 for each discharge (S702).

When the fax transmission processing operation is activated (S703), the facsimile section 4 is connected to a telephone line and a telephone number designated by the operation section 13 or a telephone number storage means (not shown) (inside the facsimile section 4) is called. The number is read out and sent to the telephone line, and when the receiving party is ready to receive, the document sequentially read from the reader unit 1 or the document stored in the fax hard disk 11 is transmitted (S704).

When the fax reception processing operation is activated (when the fax reception operation is activated by the operation unit 13 when the confidential operation reception document is requested to be taken out or when the facsimile unit 4 receives a normal fax document, the core unit 10 is activated.
(S705, S707), the received document is read from the hard disk connected to the facsimile unit 4, the printer unit 2 and the sorter unit 14 are activated, and the printed received document is output bin allocation processing (S).
619), the output bin of the sorter unit 14 assigned is designated, and the output bin is ejected (S706, S7).
08).

When the print processing operation is started (S70)
9), the printer unit 2 and the sorter unit 14 are activated, the file received through the computer interface unit 7 is expanded by the formatter unit 8, and the print document which becomes the image data of one page is assigned to the output bin (S).
The output bin of the sorter unit 14 assigned in step 619) is designated and the sheet is discharged to the output bin. At this time, the sorter unit 14 drives the flapper in the sorter so that the sheets can be discharged to the output bin designated by the control unit 12. The above operation is sequentially repeated to copy all the originals set in the DH 101. When copying a plurality of copies of the originals by sorting, the control unit 12 sequentially performs the copy operation while instructing the sorter unit 14 to output bins for each discharge (S710).

When the scanner processing operation is started (S71
1) The document handler (DH) 101 feeds a document to the document table or the operator sets the document on the document table, and the reader unit 1 is activated to read the document. The read original image is temporarily stored in the image memory unit 9 and is changed to a format according to the set mode in the formatter unit 8 and then transmitted to the host computer (not shown) through the computer interface unit 7.

When the transmission operation to the host computer is started via the computer interface unit 7 (FIG. 8, S801), the physical interface is controlled to transmit only the designated data from the resource of the designated address. Yes (S802). That is, S802 is a transmission module for an interface that is activated by processing such as scanner processing.

When the operation of the reader unit 1 is activated (S80
3) For the scanner unit of the reader unit 1, an image processing mode corresponding to the operation of driving the optical system to read the original image and the process of activating the reader unit 1 to the image processing unit is set and read. The operation until the image processing is performed on the original image is performed (S804). That is, S804 is a module for driving the reader unit 1 by starting it from the copying process or the like.

When the operation of the printer unit 2 is activated (S8)
05), drive control of drive of the writing laser of the printer unit 2, drive of paper feed / conveyance system of print paper, control of fixing device, and the like. That is, S806 is a module for driving the printer unit 2 from processing such as copy processing.

When the sorter unit 14 is activated (S80
7), control for driving the flapper provided on the conveying path of the sorter unit 14 to output the paper to a predetermined output bin (S808). That is, it is a module for performing paper discharge processing in cooperation with the printer unit 2 from processing such as copy processing.

The respective processes, which have been outlined above, are configured to be capable of operating in real time. That is, it is possible to send or receive faxes during the copy operation,
Further, the printing operation is possible during the operation of the scanner.

Next, FIG. 9 shows an example of an output bin usage status data table created by the control unit 12 for controlling the sorter unit 14.

The data table is arranged in the order of the output bin numbers and comprises a flag indicating used / unused, an assigned flag, a guard output bin flag, and a processing number to be used. The used / unused flag is set to 1 when there is a sheet discharged in the output bin and 0 when there is no sheet. The allocated flag is set to 1 when the sorter output bin is allocated by the allocation processing S619,
If it is not allocated, it becomes 0. The guard output bin flag is assigned in the assigning step S619, but is not actually ejected and 1 is set in an output bin provided to separate it from an adjacent ejection output bin. As the process number to be used, the number of the assigned process is stored, and the process using the sorter unit 14 such as the copy process and the print process is stored in the output bin assigned to its own process by referring to the stored number. It is intended to allow the paper to be ejected.

The data table shown in FIG. 9 is created by detecting the status of each output bin of the sorter section 14 by the sensor provided in each output bin when the system is started. However, at this point, the number of the process being used is unknown, so a number indicating that the system is using is set. After that, the state of this data table is updated in the output bin allocation process S619 and the sorter unit 14 drive process S807.

Next, the output bin allocation processing S619 of the sorter unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the output bin allocation processing is started, FIG.
The output bin usage data table shown in (4) is searched to check the positions of unused output bins that are continuous in two or more bins (S12).
01). When there are no unused output bins (S1202), and when there is no output bin that has already been allocated but has not yet ejected two or more continuous bins (S120).
3) Waiting for the process (copy process, print process, etc.) for which an allocation request is made until the discharge operation to the output bin is completed and the discharged transfer sheet is removed (S120).
4). Further, when there is a continuous output bin having two or more output bins that have already been allocated but have not yet discharged (S120
3), the output bin usage data so that the lower three stages of the detected allocated unused bins are reallocated, and the third stage from the bottom is the guard output bin and the second stage from the bottom is assigned to the requested processing. The output bin usage status data table is re-registered so that the second stage of the table is allocated to the processing that requested the allocation (S1205).

When there is an unused output bin (S120
2) Further, it is checked whether there are more consecutive unused output bins than the number of required output bins of the process that requested allocation, and if there is no consecutive unused output bin (S1206), the most consecutive consecutive unused output bins. A large number is selected and assigned to the requested processing (S1207), and a flag or process number is set in the output bin usage status data table corresponding to the assigned output bin. Of the output bins assigned at this time, the lowest output bin is registered as a guard output bin so that it is not used for the actual paper discharge operation.

When there are more continuous unused output bins than the number of output bins required for the process that requested allocation (S120)
6) Among the continuous unused output bins, the range of the number of continuous unused output bins that is closest to the one that is larger than the required number of output bins by one is selected and assigned to the process for which the allocation request is made (S1
208), a flag and a process number are set in the output bin usage status data table corresponding to the assigned output bin.
Of the output bins assigned at this time, the lowest output bin is registered as a guard output bin so that it is not used for the actual paper discharge operation. Then, the allocation request is notified to the allocation requesting process. The information on the output bins of the assigned sorter unit 14 is displayed by the color of light emitted from the LED mounted on the operation unit 13 or the output bins so that the operator can easily recognize which output bin the paper is ejected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the output bin use status data table is configured to be preferentially allocated, and by utilizing this information, the position of the output bin is undefined in the above embodiment. The items can be discharged to the designated output bin with priority. The priority designation of the output bin can be changed by the operation unit 13.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for performing the above-mentioned allocation processing.

When the output bin allocation process is started, FIG.
The output bin usage data table shown in (1) is searched to check the positions of unused output bins that are continuous for two or more bins (S13).
01). When there are no unused output bins (S1302), and when there is no output bin that has already been allocated but has not yet ejected two or more continuous bins (S130).
3) Waiting for the process (copy process, print process, etc.) for which an allocation request is made until the discharge operation to the output bin is completed and the discharged transfer sheet is removed (S130).
4). Further, when there is a continuous output bin having two or more output bins which have already been allocated but not yet discharged (S13).
03), reallocate the lower 3 stages of the detected allocated unused bins, and use the 3rd stage from the bottom as a guard output bin so that the 2nd stage from the bottom is assigned to the requested processing. The data table is re-registered (S1305).

When there is an unused output bin (S130
2) If the priority-designated range is within the range of the unused output bin (S1306), the range following the priority-designated unused output bin is selected and assigned (S130).
7). If the priority-specified range is not within the range of the unused output bins, that is, if the priority-specified output bin is already used or not set (S130).
6) Furthermore, it is checked whether there are more consecutive unused output bins than the number of required output bins of the processing that requested allocation, and if there are no consecutive unused output bins (S1308), the number of consecutive unused output bins is the highest. The one with the largest number is selected and assigned to the process that requested the assignment (S1309), and a flag or process number is set in the output bin usage status data table corresponding to the assigned output bin. Of the output bins assigned at this time, the lowest output bin is registered as a guard output bin so that it is not used for the actual paper discharge operation.

When there are more continuous unused output bins than the number of output bins required for the process that requested allocation (S130).
8) Of the consecutive unused output bins, the range of the number of consecutive unused output bins that is closest to the one that is larger than the required output bin number by one is selected and assigned to the process for which the assignment request is made (S1).
310), a flag or process number is set in the output bin usage status data table corresponding to the assigned output bin.
Of the output bins assigned at this time, the lowest output bin is registered as a guard output bin so that it is not used for the actual paper discharge operation. Then, the allocation request is notified to the allocation requesting process. The information on the output bins of the assigned sorter unit 14 is displayed in the emission color of the LED attached to the operation unit 13 or the output bins, so that the operator can easily recognize which output bin the paper is discharged to.

Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, a discharge output bin allocation process S619 is configured.

When an output bin allocation request is made, if the number of paper discharge processes that are discharging paper to the sorter unit 14 at that time is less than two (S1401), the process is currently performed. Check whether the allocation was made from the upper side or the lower side of the output bin. If it is allocated from the upper side (S1402), the output bin usage data table is searched from the lower side (S1405), and if it is allocated from the lower side (S1402), the output bin usage data table is searched from the upper side. Then (S
1403) Search for an output bin that can be discharged. In the search, when the number of output bins required by the allocation request process is larger or smaller than the required number of output bins, the range of the most continuous unused output bins is searched. As a result, when a dischargeable output bin is detected (S1404, S1406), the output bin is allocated, registered in the output bin usage status data table, and the allocation completion notification is sent to the allocation requesting process (S1407). . If an output bin that can be ejected is not detected (S1404, S1406), the process for which allocation is requested is made to wait until output bin allocation becomes possible (S1408).

In the allocation process S619, the output bins of the sortable paper output section 14 are allocated to each requested process, but if the number of output bins allocated is smaller than the number of output copies, one copy is assigned to the allocated output bins. The operator's labor is not reduced if the operation is interrupted at the time when the discharged sheets are completed and the operator restarts the processing after removing the discharged transfer sheet. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the image rotation circuit of the reader unit 1 or the output bin shift function of the sorter unit 14 is used so that the switching of the units can be seen on the transfer paper already discharged to the output bin. Is controlled to do.

The above description has been made for the case where a dedicated output bin is not provided for each process, but there is a problem with a paper discharge processing device having a dedicated output bin in addition to the general-purpose output bin as described above. It is possible to apply without.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, the required number of output bins of the sorter, which is the paper discharge processing device, is allocated in a timely manner, so that the sorter output bins can be effectively used even if a plurality of output processes overlap. It becomes possible. Also, by not allowing a specific one of the assigned output bins to discharge, it becomes possible to easily distinguish the output bins from other processes. Further, since the priority paper discharge process can be set, the output bin to be discharged can be fixed to some extent, and the operator's time and effort for finding the paper discharge position can be reduced. Further, by reallocating the output bins that have not been discharged yet among the output bins that have already been allocated to the process during the discharge standby, it is possible to reduce the annoyance during the standby.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reader unit and a printer unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing circuit of a reader unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the layout of the operation unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart (continuation of FIG. 5) showing the operation of the control unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart (continuation of FIG. 6) showing the operation of the control unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (continuation of FIG. 7) showing the operation of the control unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output bin usage status data table.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an output bin usage status data table.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sorter section.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an output bin allocation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an output bin allocation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of output bin allocation processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Reader Unit 2 Printer Unit 12 Control Unit 13 Operation Unit 14 Sorter Unit 114 Magnification / Repeat / Rotation Circuit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kimura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Satoru Eda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Within the corporation

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image signal inputting means for inputting a plurality of image signals, an image signal processing means for processing the inputted image signals into a form for forming an image, and an image forming means for inputting from the image signal processing means to form an image on a recording medium. An image forming unit, an output processing unit having a plurality of trays for accommodating and storing the image-formed recording medium, and a tray for switching a conveyance path to the tray so that the image-formed recording medium is accumulatively accommodated in the assigned tray. Switching means, detection means for detecting the recording medium storage status of each of the plurality of trays, storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means and the allocation state of trays accommodating and storing recording media as a data table, Display means for displaying the storage status of each tray,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of each unit, wherein the control unit is a tray that accommodates and stores a recording medium that is output based on the stored data table when an image formation request occurs. An image forming apparatus characterized by allocating. 2. The control means searches the data table in ascending or descending order to detect trays that have not been allocated yet and allocate trays for accommodating and storing recording media for output. Claim 1
The image forming apparatus described. 3. The control means sets a mode of allocation for accumulating and accommodating in each of the plurality of trays, preferentially searches based on the mode, detects and outputs continuous trays that are not yet allocated. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a tray for accommodating and accumulating the recording medium is allocated. 4. The recording medium is searched for in a direction opposite to the tray assigned to the process during image formation to detect a tray which is not yet assigned continuously and outputs a recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein trays for accommodating and accumulating are assigned. 5. The control means detects a number of continuous trays larger than the number of continuous trays required for image formation output requested, and allocates trays for accommodating and accumulating recording media to be output. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 6. When the number of consecutive trays that cannot be detected is greater than the number of consecutive trays required for the required image forming output, the control means continuously determines the largest number of consecutive tray groups not assigned. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray is detected and the tray for accommodating and storing the recording medium to be output is allocated. 7. When the control means cannot detect a continuous tray that has not been assigned yet, one of the trays assigned to the output during image formation, in which the recording medium is not yet stored, is stored. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the units are reassigned to trays for storing and accumulating recording media output by requested image formation. 8. The control means does not store and store a recording medium in some trays among the applied continuous trays in order to separate the trays from other assigned trays. 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. The control unit rotates the recording medium or translates the tray for accommodating and accommodating the recording medium in parallel when the number of consecutive trays cannot be detected more than the number of continuous trays required for the required image forming output. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a required number of images are formed and output separately from the recording medium that has already been stored and accommodated.