JPH0891667A - Automatic recycle document feeding device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To effectively utilize image memory, simply and surely call out desired conditions, and again execute the job conducted in the past with no documents. CONSTITUTION: This image forming device is provided with a recycle automatic document feeding device having a document mount base 350 for mounting documents and a conveyance belt 381 conveying the documents mounted on the document mount 350 to the document reading position and conveying the documents carried into the document reading position to the document mount 350 again. During the recycling operation, the conveyance belt 381 is reversed to convey and return the documents carried into the document reading position to the document mount 350 side. During the operation other than the recycling operation, the conveyance belt 381 is rotated forward to move the documents carried into the document reading position to the second discharge roller 386 side, and the documents are discharged to a document discharge dedicated tray 385 different from the document mount 350.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a document feeder, a digital image forming apparatus and a digital image forming apparatus equipped with the document feeder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art JP-A-61-265965 discloses
By outputting image data for a plurality of originals stored in the image memory and forming a composite image on one transfer sheet,
A technique for speeding up the image forming process is disclosed.

[0003]

However, recent digital copying machines have been further multifunctionalized and added in value. For example, a series of image forming operations for one document group (hereinafter referred to as one job). It is known that a plurality of image forming conditions are stored and the stored plurality of image forming conditions are arbitrarily called and set.

Therefore, it is desired to improve the usability such that desired conditions can be called easily and surely.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a document feeder which can effectively use an image memory of an image forming apparatus.

A second object is to provide an image forming apparatus which can easily and surely call a desired condition from a plurality of stored image forming conditions to form an image.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can re-execute a job performed in the past without preparing a document.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, a recycling automatic document feeder according to the first means is an original placing table for placing an original, and an original placing table on the original placing table. A document carry-in path for transporting the placed document to the document reading position, a document recycling carry-out route for transporting the document carried at the document reading position to the document placing table again, and a document carry-in route for carrying the document. It is characterized in that it is provided with a conveyance belt for conveying the document to a document reading position and carrying it out, and a document discharge path for discharging the document carried in the document reading position to a place other than the document table.

In order to achieve the second object, the image forming apparatus according to the second means stores a reading means for reading a document placed at a document reading position and a plurality of image data output from the reading means. Image storage means capable of
A composite output unit that combines and outputs a plurality of image data in order to combine the plurality of image data stored in the image storage unit on one transfer sheet, and an image is transferred based on the output of the composite output unit. An image forming unit formed on paper,
Image forming condition storing means for storing a plurality of image forming conditions relating to a series of image forming operations for one document group, and image condition setting means for arbitrarily calling and setting a plurality of image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition storing means. A control unit for storing an arbitrary one sheet of the original document group in the image storage unit for each series of image forming operations for the one original document group, and for performing a composite output by the composite output unit; and a composite output unit. A selection means for selecting any one image from the composite output images, and the image condition setting means selectively calls the image forming conditions for forming the image selected by the selection means, and the called image It is characterized in that the image is formed by the image forming means according to the forming conditions. In this case, the recycling automatic document feeder according to the first means may be introduced as a means for conveying the document read by the reading means.

In order to achieve the third object, the image forming apparatus according to the third means stores a reading means for reading a document placed at a document reading position and a plurality of image data output from the reading means. Image storage means capable of
Output means for outputting the image data stored in the image storage means, image forming means for forming an image on a transfer sheet based on the output of the output means, and image forming conditions for a series of image forming operations for one original group. Image forming condition storing means for storing image forming conditions, image condition setting means for arbitrarily calling and setting the image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition storing means, and one original document in the past by the image condition setting means. When an image forming condition relating to a series of image forming operations for a group is called and the image forming operation is executed, the image stored in the series of image forming operations for the one original group is output from the image storage unit, and the image forming unit is formed. And a control means for forming an image according to the above. In this case, the recycling automatic document feeder according to the first means may be introduced as a means for conveying the document read by the reading means.

In the second and third means, the image forming conditions relating to a series of image forming operations for one document group are stored in association with numbers, and the image forming conditions are called by inputting the numbers. It is good to configure as follows.

[0012]

In the first means, the original placed on the original placing table is conveyed to the original reading position of the image forming apparatus through the original feeding path, and when the reading is completed, the original is discharged from the position by the conveying belt. . At that time, the originals corresponding to the images read by the image forming apparatus and stored in the memory are discharged from the original discharge path to a place other than the original placing table, and only the unstorable originals are returned to the original placing table for recycling. Thus, it becomes possible to prepare for another document conveyance and to carry out the recycling operation for the second time and thereafter.

In the second means, the reading means reads the original placed at the original reading position, and the image storage means stores a plurality of image data read. The image forming condition storage means stores a plurality of image forming conditions relating to a series of image forming operations (hereinafter, also referred to as “1 job”) for one document group, and the image condition setting means (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming condition”).
Also referred to as "job recall means". ), The image forming condition can be called. This call can be executed by being associated with a number, for example. On the other hand, the control means stores, for each job, an arbitrary one of the jobs in the image storage means, synthesizes it by the synthesis output means, and outputs it. The selecting means selects any one image from the images output by the synthesizing output means, and the image forming condition calling means sets the image forming conditions for forming the image selected by the selecting means from the image condition setting means. The calling and image forming means forms an image in accordance with the called image forming conditions.
This makes it possible to easily call a desired condition from among a plurality of image forming conditions to form an image.

In the third means, the document placed at the document reading position is read by the reading means, and the image data read by the image storage means is stored. The image forming condition storage means stores the image forming condition for one job, and the job recalling means can call the image forming condition. This call can be executed by being associated with a number, for example. The control unit causes the image storage unit to output the image stored in the job when the image condition setting unit calls the image forming condition for one past job to form an image, and causes the image forming unit to form the image. This makes it possible to obtain exactly the same output as the called job without resetting the original.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the digital copying machine according to the embodiment includes a copying machine body 301 and a recycle automatic document feeder (RDH) 30.
2, sorter 303, double-sided reversing device (DPX) 304
It consists of and.

The copying machine main body 301 includes a scanner section 305,
Optical writing unit 306, photoconductor and image forming unit 30 around the photoconductor
7, a developing unit 308, a paper feeding unit 309, and the like.

The scanner unit 305 is a contact glass 310 made of transparent glass on which a document (not shown) is placed.
An exposure lamp 311 using a fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp for illuminating the original on the contact glass 310, and a reflector 312 for reflecting the light of the exposure lamp 311 to the original.
A first reflection mirror 313 that refracts the reflected light of the document and guides it to the second reflection mirror 314; and a second reflection mirror 314 that guides the reflected light from the first reflection mirror 313 to the next third reflection mirror 315. A third reflection mirror 315 which receives the reflected light from the second reflection mirror 314 and guides it to the color filter 316;
A color filter 316 that transmits light of a required color, and an imaging lens 3 that forms an image of the reflected light on the next CCD image sensor 318.
17 and C for photoelectrically converting the reflected light of the document into an electric signal
Image processing for performing predetermined image processing (shading correction, MTF correction, binarization processing, multi-value processing, gradation processing, scaling processing, image editing processing, etc.) on the CD image sensor 318 And a substrate 319.

The optical writing unit 306 is provided with a mirror on the side surface of a regular polyhedron, and a polygon mirror 320 that rotates at a high speed to scan a laser beam, and a polygon motor 321 that serves as a drive source for rotating the polygon mirror 320 at a high speed. And a laser beam polarized at an equal angular pitch to the photosensitive drum 3
Fθ lens 322 that performs conversion correction so as to perform linear scanning at an equal linear pitch on the 07 surface, and a reflection mirror 32 that guides the laser beam that has passed through the fθ lens 322 to the photosensitive drum 307.
3 and a dustproof glass 324 for preventing foreign matter from entering the optical writing unit 306.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 307 is a charging charger 3.
After being charged by 25, the optical writing unit 306 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 307 with a laser beam, so that the potential of the irradiated portion decreases. As a result, the ground potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307 is -750 to -800.
V, the potential of the image portion becomes a value of about −500 V, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 307.

The developing section 308 comprises a first developing device 326 for black toner and a second developing device 327 for color toner. In the figure, 328 is a black toner cartridge for containing and supplying black toner, and 329 is a color toner cartridge for containing and supplying color toner.

Around the photoconductor drum 307, a transfer charger 330 for transferring the visible image on the photoconductor drum 307 to the conveyed recording paper (transfer paper), and a transfer charger 330 are integrally formed, A separation charger 331 that separates the recording paper that is in close contact with the photoconductor drum 307 by AC neutralization, and a cleaning blade 332 that removes the residual toner after the transfer process on the surface of the photoconductor drum 307.
A collection tank 333 that collects and stores the waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 332, a static elimination lamp 334 that removes the residual potential of the photoconductor drum 307 by light irradiation, and the photoconductor drum 307 is contacted with a small force. A separation claw 355 that assists the separation of the recording paper and a density sensor 336 that detects the image density are provided.

The paper feed unit 309 stores paper sheets of different sizes and sets the paper feed cassettes 337a, 337b, 3
37c and a paper feed roller 33 for feeding recording paper one by one
8a, 338b, 338c, and a registration roller 33 that conveys the fed recording paper to the transfer portion at a predetermined timing.
9 and a conveyor belt 34 for conveying the recording paper after transfer / separation
0, a fixing roller 341 which has a built-in heater and heats it to a predetermined temperature, and a pressure roller 342 which is arranged so as to face the fixing roller 341 and be biased to have a predetermined pressure.

Photoreceptor drum 30 constructed as described above
The operations of the image forming unit and the paper feeding unit 309 in the vicinity of 7 are as follows. The copying machine main body 301 includes a paper feed cassette 337a,
337b and 337c are detachably loaded. The recording paper fed by the paper feed rollers 338a, 338b, 338c is conveyed by the registration roller 339 to the photosensitive drum 307 at a predetermined timing.

The photosensitive drum 307 is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction, and at that time, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 307 is transferred onto the recording sheet conveyed to the photosensitive drum 307 by the transfer charger 330. The recording paper that has been transferred (transfer processing) and is in close contact with the photosensitive drum 307 is electrostatically separated by the separation charger 331. After that, the recording paper is conveyed to the nip between the fixing roller 341 and the pressure roller 342 by the conveyor belt 340, so that the unfixed toner is fixed on the recording paper (fixing process). On the other hand, after the transfer processing, the photosensitive drum 307 is subjected to the cleaning blade 332 to remove the residual toner, and the static elimination lamp 334 to neutralize the residual electric charges, and the standby state is prepared for the next copying process.

In FIG. 1, 343 is a switching claw for switching the conveying direction of the recording sheet after the fixing process, 344 is a switching claw for advancing the recording sheet into the double-sided reversing device 304, 345 is recording on the side of the re-feed unit 346. Switching claw for entering paper,
Reference numeral 346 denotes a sheet re-feeding unit for re-feeding a recording sheet on which recording has been performed, 347 a tray for reversing the recording sheet, 348 conveys the recording sheet to the tray 347, and then reversely rotates from the rear end of the recording sheet. A conveyance roller for re-feeding.

In the above configuration, when performing double-sided copying, the recording paper guided downward by the switching claw 343 is
Further, it is guided downward by the switching claw 344, and the next switching claw 345.
And is sent to the transport roller 348. The conveyance roller 348 conveys the recording paper onto the tray 347, and when the recording paper reaches the rear end portion of the recording paper, the recording paper is fed again in the reverse direction, and the switching claw 34
It is sent to the re-feeding unit 346 by switching the number 5. After that, the recording paper is fed to the registration roller 339.

Recycle Automatic Document Feeder (RDH) 3
In No. 02, the fed document is discharged again onto the remaining document set on the document table, and the document can be fed any number of times. Further, it is also possible to convey the original document to the discharge tray only by changing the carry-out path. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 349 denotes a recycle lever for determining that one cycle of the document has finished. After the document is set on the document table 350, the recycle lever 349 feeds the final sheet when the document feeding of the first sheet is started. The document is placed on the document by driving the motor 349a. The first discharged original is stacked on the recycle lever 349, and subsequent originals are sequentially discharged onto this.

Therefore, the position where the recycle lever 349 is located serves as a section of the document, and when the final document is fed, the recycle lever 3 is provided in a notch below the document.
Since 49 falls under its own weight, it is possible to detect that one cycle of the final document has been fed by detecting this with a sensor (not shown).

When one cycle is sufficient, the process ends there. When operating for several cycles, the paper feeding operation is continued until the number of scheduled cycles is reached, and the operation of placing the recycle lever 349 dropped in the notch due to the feeding of the final document on the document again is repeated as many times as the scheduled number of times of recycling. It will be.

When the original is fed and returned to the recycle tray, the original set on the original table 350 is first separated by a half-moon roller 351 and separated by a separation belt 352. Next, the conveyance roller 353 and the drive roller 380 feed the conveyance belt 381, and the conveyance belt 381 rotates to convey the conveyance belt 381 to a predetermined position on the contact glass 310 and stop the conveyance. After that, the exposure operation is performed and the image formation is performed as described above. When the copying process for the predetermined number of sheets is completed in this way, the original document on the contact glass 310 is sent to the carrying roller 353 again by rotating the carrying belt 381 in the opposite direction to that at the time of paper feeding, passes through the paper discharging roller 383, and then the discharging roller. Document platen 35 by 384
The paper is discharged to 0, and the paper discharge operation ends. When the original is discharged to the original discharge tray 385, as described above, the original is conveyed onto the contact glass 310 and the exposure operation is performed, and then the conveyance belt 381 is moved in the same direction as when the sheet is fed. By rotating the document to the second discharge roller 3
The document is conveyed in the 86 direction, and the second discharge roller 386 discharges the document onto the document discharge tray 385.

The sorter 303 is composed of bins 354a to 354x for ejecting the recording paper after the copying process in page order, page by page or at a preset position, and a drive motor 355 for rotationally driving a plurality of conveying rollers. , Copier body 3
Selectable according to the method of ejecting the recording paper ejected from No. 01 in page order (sort), page by page (stack), or preset bins 354a to 354x (mailbox). Recording paper in bin 354
A to 354x are discharged. The recording paper is sent by a plurality of transport rollers rotated by a drive motor 355,
Switching of the claws near the entrance of 54 leads to the selected bin 354.

The double-sided reversing device 304 is a copying machine main body 301.
Conveying rollers 356 for accumulating recording sheets sent from the tray, and tray 3 for accumulating recording sheets sent from the conveying rollers 356.
57 and an alignment guide 358 for aligning the recording paper.
A transport roller 359 for aligning and transporting the recording paper,
And a re-feed roller 360 for re-feeding the recording paper. In this double-sided reversing device 304, when a plurality of sheets are collectively copied for double-sided copying, the recording paper is sent to the double-sided reversing device 304 by switching the switching claw 343. The fed recording sheets are stacked on the tray 357 by the transport rollers 356.
At this time, the conveyance roller 359 and the alignment guide 358 align the side faces in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the recording paper. The recording sheets accumulated on the tray 357 are re-fed by the re-feed roller 360.
Is sent to the re-feed unit 346 and sent to the registration roller 339 as described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper.

In this way, the refeed unit 3 of the copying machine main body 301
In the case of 46, double-sided copying can be performed only one by one, but by mounting this double-sided reversing device 304, it is possible to collectively perform a plurality of double-sided copying.

Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 361 indicates a main motor for rotationally driving each roller and the like of the copying machine main body, and reference numeral 362 is a fan motor for maintaining the temperature inside the copying machine main body 301 within a certain value. Indicates.

2 and 3 are circuit diagrams showing the electrical equipment control section of the digital copying machine according to the present invention. The electrical equipment control unit
A CPU (a) 601 that controls sequence-related operations, and a CPU (b) 6 that executes overall control of operation-related operations.
02 and CPU (a) 601 and C
PU (b) 602 is a serial interface (RS23
2C).

The CPU (a) 610 has a paper size sensor 60 for detecting the size of the recording paper in the paper feeding unit 309.
3, sensors such as registration sensor and paper discharge sensor 60
4 and each condition setting (for example, registration roller 339
RAM connected to the DIP switch 605 provided for the amount of recording paper loops, the amount of blank space at the leading edge of recording paper, etc.
614, an I / O port 615 for the double-sided reversing device 304 and the high-voltage power supply 606, and an I / O for the relay driver 607, the solenoid driver 608, and the motor driver 609.
An O port 616, a USARP 617 connected to the sorter 303 via a serial interface, an A / D converter 618 for converting analog data into digital data and outputting the digital data to the optical writing unit 306, and processing based on each set time width Timer counters 619a to 61 for executing
9c and the address latch 620 via a bus, and the timer counters 619a to 619c are further connected to the image processing board 319. The reference numeral 614 is R
It is a non-volatile memory for backing up the AMI / O timer 614. The high-voltage power supply 606 applies high-voltage power to the charging charger 325, the transfer charger 330, the separation charger 331 and the developing bias electrode (not shown), and the relay driver 607 drives and controls the power relay, and the solenoid driver 608. Controls driving of a toner replenishing solenoid, a solenoid such as a sheet feeding clutch, and clutches. A motor driver 609 controls the main motor 3
A motor such as 61 or a fan motor 362 is driven.

Further, the CPU (a) 610 has an analog input section 610 to which the fixing temperature of the fixing roller 341, the photosensor input of the density sensor 336, the monitor input of the semiconductor laser, and the reference voltage of the semiconductor laser are input, and the operator. A key card unit 611 for reading a key card for each usage management and a ROM 612 storing programs such as control conditions are connected, and each of the above parts is connected to an address decoder 613 for the CPU (a) 601. It is connected.

Reference numeral 621 denotes a gate array 622 which outputs three-direction image data (DATA0 to DATA7) of the image processing substrate 319, the scanner control circuit 623, and the application circuit 624 and a synchronizing signal in response to a select signal from the CPU (b) 602. Is an address decoder for the CPU (b) 602, and 624 is an external device (facsimile device,
The application circuit described above is an interface between the printer (or the like) and the CPU (b) 602 and outputs a signal based on preset information.

[0039]

The CPU (b) 602 includes a communication interface unit (PI) for connecting to a communication control device for controlling communication with an external management device and a copying machine for connecting the communication control device and a plurality of copying machines. USARP630 connected to the address setting switch 626 that sets a unique address via a serial interface
, A scanner 631 connected to the scanner control circuit 623 via a serial interface, and a USARP connected to the application circuit 624 via a serial interface.
632, a USARP 633 connected to the operation unit 625 via a serial interface, and an address latch 634 for the calendar IC 627 are bus-connected. Operation part 6
A calendar IC 25 includes a key input section for inputting a copy mode and the like and a display section for displaying the status of the copying machine. The calendar IC stores the date and time and outputs them to the CPU (b) 602 at any time.
627, a ROM 628 that stores a program for the CPU (b) 602, and a RAM 62 for the CPU (b) 602.
9 is connected to the CPU (b) via a bus. Note that 635 is a non-volatile battery for backing up the RAM 629.

In the electrical equipment control unit of the digital copying machine configured as described above, the sequence-related control is performed by the CPU (a).
This is performed by 601 and control of paper conveyance, image forming conditions and the like is performed. For example, the size and feed direction of the recording paper set in the paper feed cassette 337 are detected by the paper size sensor 603, and paper conveyance, image control, etc. are performed based on the detection signal. In addition to these signals, signals of sensors 604 such as a registration sensor and a paper discharge sensor and the DIP switch 60 are also provided.
The setting condition of No. 5 is input to the CPU (a) 601, and jam detection, paper interval control and image forming control are performed.

The double-sided reversing device 304 includes a motor for aligning the width of the recording paper, a paper feed clutch, a solenoid for switching the paper conveying path, a solenoid for vertically moving a roller for bringing the recording paper to the leading end, a paper presence sensor, and a paper width. The operation is performed based on the input / output by the home position sensor of the side fence for aligning the sheets and the sensor related to the recording sheet conveyance.

The sorter 303 is connected by a serial interface, and conveys the recording paper at a predetermined timing by the control signal of the CPU (a) 601 and discharges the recording paper to each bin 354. The analog input unit 610 includes a fixing roller 34.
1 fixing temperature, photo sensor input of density sensor 336,
The monitor input of the semiconductor laser and the reference voltage of the semiconductor laser are input. The fixing temperature is the thermistor (not shown) arranged in contact with or close to the surface of the fixing roller 341.
The heater in the fixing roller 341 is controlled to be turned on and off so that the temperature of the fixing roller 341 falls within a certain range by the input from.

Next, operation-related control will be described below. CPU (a) 602 (main CPU)
Controls a plurality of serial ports and the calendar IC 627. A sequence control CPU (a) 601 is connected to the plurality of serial ports, and an operation unit 62 is also provided.
5, scanner control circuit 623, application circuit 6
24, a communication interface unit (PI) 626, etc. are connected.

In the operation unit 625, the key input information by the operator is serially communicated to the CPU (b) 602, and the CP
The display is turned on by serial reception from the U (b) 602. The scanner control circuit 623 performs drive control of the scanner servo motor, serial transmission processing of information regarding image processing and image reading to the CPU (b) 602, and interface processing between the RDH 302 and the CPU (b) 602.

The application circuit 624 exchanges preset information through an interface with an external device (facsimile device, printer device). In addition, the calendar IC 627 reads the stored date and time by the CPU (b) 602 at any time, and as a result,
The current time is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 625, timer control by setting the on time and the off time of the copying machine, and the like are executed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the control system in the digital copying machine according to the present invention. This control system includes a main control board 701 that controls the entire digital copying machine, an RDH control board 702 that controls the RDH 302 connected to the main control board 701, a sorter control board 703 that controls the sorter 303, and a double-sided control board. A double-sided control plate 704 that controls the reversing device 304, a paper feed control plate 705 that performs various controls of the paper feed unit 309, and an application system 706.
And a scanner control circuit 623.

The main control plate 701 includes sensors 707 such as a fixing sensor, a density sensor 336 or a registration sensor, and fans 70 such as an APL fan and an exhaust fan.
8, a counter 709 such as a total counter and a key counter, and a fixing thermistor 710 that detects the surface temperature of the fixing roller 341 are connected. Sorter control board 7
Reference numeral 03 denotes a sensor 723 of the sorter 303 and a drive motor 724 that rotationally drives each roller of the sorter 303.
And a solenoid 725 for switching the recording paper entry to each bin 354 of the sorter 303 are connected, and the double-sided control plate 7
04 includes solenoids 726 of the double-sided reversing device 304.
And the clutches 727 of the double-sided reversing device 304 and the jogger motor 72 for aligning the paper of the double-sided reversing device 304.
8 and the sensors 729 of the double-sided reversing device 304 are connected. Further, the RDH control plate 702 has an RDH
Each sensor 730 of 302, each solenoid 731 of the RDH 302, motors 732 that rotationally drive each transport roller of the RDH 302, a switch that detects the set state of the RDH 302 and a switch 733 that switches the paper thickness of the document, and the RDH 302 Is connected to the display unit 734 for displaying the number of originals and the jam status, and the scanner control circuit 6
23, an IPP741 and a MEM744 are connected,
An IPU 743 and an external storage device 745 are further connected to the MEM 744.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a memory system. In the figure, 1101 to 1103 are multiplexers MUX for selecting and switching a plurality of input data.
1, MUX2, MUX3, and EXTIN in the figure is
Indicates an image data input signal from the outside, EXTOU
T indicates an output signal to the outside.

In the memory system configured as described above, for example, when outputting a copy in which the parameters of a plurality of image process units (IPU) 743 are changed by one exposure scan of the scanner unit 305, first, , When scanning the scanner, MUX1 is A, MUX2 is B, MUX3
Is set to A and one copy is output. The raw data at this time is sent to the memory device (MEM) 74 via the MUX2.
4 is input. Next, for the second and subsequent sheets, MUX1 is set to B, and the data from the memory device (MEM) 744 is input to the image process unit (IPU) 743,
Output to the printer (PR) via MUX3. At this time, the parameter of the image process unit (IPU) 743 is changed every time one copy is made. When holding compact data such as 1-bit data, the MUX 2 is set to A and the output of the image process unit (IPU) 743 is output to the memory device (MEM) 74.
Take in 4. At this time, the printer (PR) switches to the binary data (1 bit) mode and executes the copying process.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the flow of the image signal according to the present invention, and shows the data flow by the processing described in FIG. In this way, both the data processed by the image processing unit (IPU) 743 and the raw data can be loaded into the memory device (MEM) 744.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the memory device (MEM) 744. In the figure,
Reference numeral 1301 denotes a compressor (COM that performs data compression processing.
P) 1302 is an image process unit (IPU)
Multiplexers MUX4, 1 for selecting and switching data input from the H.743 and the compressor (COMP) 1301
Reference numeral 303 denotes a memory unit that stores compressed data processed by a compressor (COMP) 1301 in addition to actual data, and 13
Reference numeral 04 designates a decompressor (EXP) for decompressing data, 13
05 is a memory unit 1303 and an expander (EXP) 13
Multiplexers MUX5 and 1306 that select and switch the data input from 04 are error detectors that monitor the error signals of the compressor (COMP) and the decompressor (EXP) 1304.

The memory device (ME
M) 744 has a compressor (COMP) 1301 placed in front of the memory unit 1303 and an expander (EXP) 130.
4 is arranged after the memory unit 1303, and the multiplexer MUX4 and the multiplexer MUX5 are provided so as to be connected to the memory unit 1303, respectively, so that the actual data and the compressed data can be selectively stored.
That is, when storing the actual data in the memory unit 1303, the multiplexer MUX4 and the multiplexer MUX are used.
Set 5 to A respectively.

When the data processed by the compressor (COMP) 1301 is stored in the memory unit 1303, the multiplexers MUX4 and MUX5 are provided.
To B respectively. In the above configuration, the compressor (COMP) 1301 performs memory processing according to the scan speed of the scanner unit 305, and the decompressor (EXP).
1304 executes processing according to the speed of the printer (PR).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the memory unit 1303. In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 401 is an input data width converter for processing image data and code data which is compressed data, 1402 is a memory block which stores the number of packed data, and 1403 is an output data width which processes image data and code data which is compressed data. A converter 1404 is a direct memory controller (DMC1) for writing and reading data at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 corresponding to the number of data packed by the input data width converter 1401 and the memory data width, and 1405 is an output. It is a direct memory controller (DMC2) that writes and reads data at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402 corresponding to the number of data packed by the data width converter 1403 and the memory data width.

Memory unit 1 configured as described above
The 303 includes an input data width converter 1401 and an output data width converter 1403 on the input side and the output side of the memory block 1402, respectively, and three image data types (see FIG. 9 described later) and a compressor (COMP). The code data which is the compressed data from 1301 is processed. The direct memory controller (DMC1) 1404 and the direct memory controller (DMC2) 1405 have an input data width converter 1401 and an output data width converter 140, respectively.
According to the number of data packed by 3 and the memory data width, data writing and reading processing is performed at a predetermined address of the memory block 1402. It is also possible to load a plurality of image data on one recording sheet by reading and outputting a plurality of data at once.

FIG. 9 shows the memory unit 13 shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the format of the image data processed by 03. (A) Type 1 shows 1-bit data, (b) Type 2 shows 4-bit data, and (c) Type 3 shows 8-bit data. The speed of image data from a scanner or the speed of image data to a printer in a normal case is constant regardless of 8-bit data, 4-bit data, or 1-bit data because the period of 1 pixel is fixed in the apparatus.

Further, in the present embodiment, MBS (Most SIGNIFICANT) of eight data lines is used.
Bit: the most significant bit of data) is defined as 1-bit data, 4-bit data, 8-bit data and MBS justification. This data is stored in the memory block 140
The blocks to be packed and unpacked to the data width of 2 (16 bits) are the input data width converter 1401 and the output data width converter 1403, and the memory can be used according to the data depth by performing the pack processing. , The memory device (MEM) 744 can be effectively used.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit (PPU) is connected to the memory unit 1303. In the figure, 1601 is a logical operation between image data (for example, AND, OR, EOR, N
Pixel process unit (PP) that performs OT
U) and 1602 are image process units (IPU)
743 and Pixel Process Unit (PPU) 1601
The multiplexers MUX6 and 1603 for selecting and switching the data input from are multiplexers MU for selecting and switching the data input from the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 and the memory unit 1303.
It is X7.

As described above, the memory device 74 shown in FIG.
4, the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 is replaced by the memory unit 130 instead of the compressor (COMP) 1301 and the decompressor (EXP) 1304.
It is arranged to be disposed outside the No. 3.

In such a configuration, the pixel process unit (PPU) 1601 logically operates the memory output data and the input data and outputs the result to the printer (PR). Further, the memory output data and the input data (for example, the data from the scanner unit 305) can be logically calculated and stored again in the memory unit 1303. Also,
Switching between the output destination printer (PR) and the memory unit 1303 is performed by the multiplexers MUX6 and MUX7. Such a function is generally used for image synthesis processing, for example, for performing image synthesis such as overlaying scanner data with an overlay.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the external storage device 745 for executing the image data storage process. In the figure, 1701 is an interface (I / F) that controls input / output of image data, 1702 is a floppy disk controller (FDC) that controls a floppy disk driver (FDD) 1703, and 1703 is a floppy disk (FD) that is a storage medium. A floppy disk driver (FDD) for driving a hard disk drive (FDD), a hard disk controller (HDC) 1704 for writing and reading a hard disk (HDD) 1705, a hard disk (HDD) 1705 for writing and reading,
Reference numeral 1706 is a file controller (FC) that controls the floppy disk controller (FDC) and hard disk controller (HDC), and 1707 is a line drawer (LD) that controls the interface (I / F) 1701.

In the above configuration, when the image data is stored in the external storage device 745, when the image data is stored in the floppy disk (FD), the interface (I / F) from the EXTOUT shown in FIG.
The file controller (FC) 17 via the 1701
Floppy disk controller (FD) controlled by 06
C) Outputs to 1702, and the floppy disk driver (F
DD) 1703 on a floppy disk (FD). In addition, a hard disk controller (HDC) 17
04, under the control of the file controller (FC) 1706, writes to and reads from the hard disk (HDD) 1705. A hard disk (HDD) 1705 stores format data and overlay data that are used for general purposes and can be used as needed.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of enabling recovery when the processing speed of image data compression and expansion is not in time. In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 801 denotes a memory management unit (MMU) for controlling memory by enabling input / output of two input data and one output data to / from the memory unit 1804 at the same time.
Is a memory unit 1804 and an expander (EXP) 1805.
A multiplexer (MUX8) for selecting and switching the data input from the, 1803 is a compressor (COMP) for compressing the data, and 1804 is not only the actual data but also the compressed data processed by the compressor (COMP) 1803. The above-mentioned memory unit for storing, 1805 is an expander (EXP) for expanding data, and 1806 is an error detector for monitoring error signals of the compressor (COMP) 1803 and the expander (EXP) 1805.

In the above configuration, the memory unit 18
A compressor (COMP) 18 is provided at the same time as the scanner scanning 04.
The data compressed by 03 and the image data are input. The data input to the memory unit 1804 is stored in different memory areas, and the compressed data is input to the decompressor (EXP) 1805 as it is for decompression processing. Memory unit 180 for all data for one page
Compressor (COMP) 1 by the time input to 4 is completed
When the processing time by the 803 and the decompressor (EXP) 1805 is in time and the processing is completed normally, the memory area of the compressed data is left and the raw data area is released.

Here, the error detector 1806 causes the compressor (COMP) 1803 or the decompressor (EXP) 18 to operate.
When the error signal from 06 is detected, the data area of the compressed data is immediately canceled and the raw data is adopted. In this way, the compressor (COMP) 1803 and the expander (EXP) 1
By performing the verification process 805, high-speed and reliable data processing and effective use of the memory area can be realized.

As described above, the memory management unit (MMU) 1801 enables dynamic allocation of the memory area. However, as another method, two memory units for raw data and compressed data are allocated. The same processing can be performed even if it is installed. When such a configuration is used for applications such as electronic sorting, in which a plurality of pages are stored and the number of pages to be stored and the print speed must be satisfied, such as outputting to a printer (PR) in real time. It is effective.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the application system according to the present invention.
This application system has a base unit 20.
01 and APL (1) 2002 of the file unit,
FAX unit APL (2) 2003, ON / OFF printer unit APL (3) 2004, LAN APL (4) 2005, T / S (touch switch)
And an operation unit unit 2006 including an LCD (liquid crystal display) and the like. The detailed configurations and operations of these units will be described below.

[Base Unit] In FIG.
Is an engine I / F, 2008 is a page memory, 2009
Is an SCI (Small Communication Interface), 2010 is an image bus, 2011 is a system bus, 2012 is a CPU, 2013 is a scaling circuit using DRAM, 2014 is a bus arbiter, 2015 is a timer having a function of generating a predetermined clock, 2016 Is an RTC for generating the current time, 2018 is a ROM in which basic function programs such as OS are stored, 2019 is a RAM mainly used as a working memory, and 2020 is D
A MAC, 2021 is a rotation control unit, and 2022 is a CEP.

This base unit 2001 is a unit that executes the basic control of this system. Engine I / F
Since image data is transmitted as serial data in 2007, the parallel data from the page memory 2008 is converted into serial data by the engine I / F 2007 and the EX data is converted into parallel data.
Send to TIN. Since the control signal is serial, it is connected to the system bus 2011 from the engine I / F 2007 via the SCI 2009.

In addition, the page memory 2008 has a capacity for storing size data of 10 pages in A3 in the present embodiment, where it is converted into a bit image and EX
The arbitration between the data speed of TIN and EXTOUT and the processing speed of the CPU 2012 is also executed. In addition, the scaling circuit 2013
Uses the DMAC 2020 to execute high-speed enlargement or reduction processing of data on the page memory 2008 without going through the CPU 2012.

Further, the rotation control unit 2021 uses, for example, FA
When the transmission original by X transmission is A4 portrait and the receiving side is A4 horizontal, the transmitting side automatically reduces the image by 71% and the image is hard to see on the receiving side.
Rotate it once to convert it to A4 landscape and send it at the same size. Further, the rotation control unit 2021 rotates the output image by 90 degrees and outputs it by changing it to A4 portrait when the reception size is A4 landscape and the cassette size is A4 portrait when performing reception output. No need to distinguish between vertical and horizontal.

The CEP 2022 executes image data compression, decompression, and through processing. The bus arbiter 2014 transfers the data from the AGDC to the image bus 2
010 and system bus 2011 are executed.
Further, the timer 2015 generates a predetermined clock,
TC generates the current time.

[APL (1)] This APL (1) 200
2 is a file unit. In FIG. 13, 202
3 is SCSI, HDD (hard disk) 202
4, I / F for ODD (optical disk) 2025 and FDD (floppy disk) 2026. Also, 2027
Is a ROM, and the HDD2 via the SCSI2023
The control program of the filing system which controls 024, ODD2025, and FDD2026 is stored.

[APL (2)] This APL (2) 200
Reference numeral 3 is a FAX control unit. In FIG.
Reference numeral 2030 is a G4 FAX controller, which is a unit that controls a protocol for G4 and supports class 1, class 2, and class 3 of G4. In addition, G4 FAX
Controller 2030 also supports ISDN, NE
At T64, 2B + 1D (64KBx2p + 16K
B) line, so G4 / G4, G4 / G3, G3
/ G3, G4 alone, or G3 alone is a selectable unit.

Reference numeral 2031 is a G3FAX controller, which is also equipped with a G3FAX protocol for controlling the G3 protocol and a modem for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. 2032 is an NCU (network control unit),
It is equipped with a dial function, etc. when receiving a call from the other party when connecting to the other party using an exchange.

Reference numeral 2033 denotes a SAF (store and forward), which stores semiconductor image data (including image data, code data, etc.) at the time of executing FAX transmission and reception, a semiconductor memory, an HDD, ODD or the like is used. Also, 2034 is a ROM 2, 203 in which a program for controlling the APL (2) is stored.
5 is a RAM used as a working memory,
A non-volatile battery is connected as a backup power source,
The other party's telephone number, the other party's name, the data for controlling the FAX function, etc. are stored.
It can be easily set using S and LCD.

[APL (3)] This APL (3) 200
Reference numeral 4 is a control unit for an online printer and an offline printer. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 2040 denotes an FDC (floppy disk controller) that executes control of the floppy disk 2041. Some recent floppy disks support SCSI, and here,
Supports SCSI and ST506 interfaces.
Further, 2042 is an SCI (serial communication interface) used for connection with the HOST computer, and 2043 is similarly a Centro I / F used for connection with the HOST computer.

Reference numeral 2044 is an emulation card, which has the following functions. That is, HOST
Looking at the specifications of the printer from the computer, for example, many manufacturers such as NEC, EPSON, etc. are currently selling them, and since the specifications are different, the functions of these printers will be the same when viewed from the HOST computer. Otherwise, the software used in the HOST computer will not work.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the emulation card 2044 is mounted, and the software stored in the emulation card 2044 causes it to operate as a printer of each manufacturer when viewed from the HOST computer in appearance.

Further, 2015 is, as described above, AGD.
It is a C (advanced graphic display controller), and the code data sent from the HOST computer is CGROM 2046, CG card 2
FONT image in 047 page memory 20 at high speed
It will be expanded to 08. Further, 2048 is a ROM 3 in which these control programs are stored. CGROM (character generator ROM) 2
The 046 stores FONT data corresponding to the code data, and the CG card 2047 is an external CG.
It is a FONT, and the content is the same as that of the CGROM 2046.

[APL (4)] This APL (4) 200
Reference numeral 5 is a unit for controlling the LAN. In the figure, 2
050 is a LAN controller, which is currently in operation
It controls N, which is Ethernet, Omni, Star Run, etc. In addition, the APL (2) 2003 FAX, APL
The LAN of (4) works in the background even when another APL is operating.

[Operation Unit Unit] This operation unit unit 2
At 006, the LCD and the touch switch are controlled. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 2064 denotes a ROM in which a program and data for controlling the operation unit unit 2006 are stored, and similarly, 2065 denotes a nonvolatile memory with a backup battery for storing control data for the operation unit unit 2006 and an updatable control program. RAM, 2060 is an LCD, which can display graphics and characters.
The G2061 stores the second-level code of ANK and Kanji.

Further, 2062 is a TSC (touch switch controller), which executes control of T / S 2063. The T / S 2063 is divided into an X and Y grid,
The size of the switch when used by the operator is TSC2
According to 062, it can be freely set by determining the number of grids for one key. Also, L
The CD 2060 and the T / S 2063 have a two-layer structure, and the key size corresponds to the key frame of the LCD 2060.

Next, the job recall function will be described.

In the job recall, the image forming conditions set in the jobs performed in the past are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 629, and this condition is called by the job recall key provided in the operation unit (reflected in the image forming condition setting at the time of calling). Function).

RDH having two carry-out paths in FIGS. 14 and 15.
A processing procedure for increasing productivity by using a memory unit for storing images will be shown.

FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart for the first one-cycle image forming operation when the originals are recycled a plurality of times. In FIG. 14, the original set on the original table 350 on the RDH 302 is the contact glass 310.
The sheet is conveyed to a predetermined position above (S1), and an image reading operation is performed (S2). At this time, the MUX shown in FIG.
1 is set to A, MUX2 is set to B, and MUX3 is set to A, image data is output to a printer, and an image is formed on a recording sheet. At this time, it is determined whether or not there is a free area for storing image data in the memory device 744 (S3), and if there is a free area, raw data is input via the MUX 2 and stored (S4). Then, the original document on the contact glass 310 is conveyed to the original document discharge tray 385 (S5). At this time, a counter (CNT) provided on the RAM 629 for counting the number of documents stored in the memory. DO
C) is incremented (S6).

On the other hand, when it is determined in S3 that the memory device 744 does not have a sufficient empty area for storing image data, the document on the contact glass 310 is discharged to the recyclable document table 350 (S7). . S4
When any of the steps S6 to S7 is passed, it is judged whether or not there is a next original (S8), and if there is a next original, the next paper feeding operation is started. If there is no next original, the image forming operation of the first cycle is performed. finish.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the second and subsequent image forming operations corresponding to the operation in the first cycle shown in FIG. Here, in the first image forming operation, the number of originals stored in the memory device 744 (C
NT DOC) and the number of image forming operations in that cycle are compared (S11), and CNT If DOC or less,
The image is formed by outputting from the memory device 744 (S
12).

Further, in the subsequent image forming operation, it is first judged whether or not the original of the cycle is completed (S13), and if there is the next original, the original on the original table 350 is contacted by the contact glass as in the first cycle. This is performed by feeding the sheet onto 310 and performing an image reading operation (S14). The destination of the original document is determined by whether or not the image forming operation for the planned cycle is completed (S15). If not, the original document is ejected to the recycling original table 350 (S16), and if it is completed, the original document is ejected. The original is discharged to the paper tray 385 (S1
Because of 7), when one job is completed, all the originals are discharged to the original discharge tray 385. By performing the above operation for the scheduled cycle, all the image forming operations for one job are completed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a storage process of an image forming condition and an original image for realizing a job recall function performed first when a job is executed when an arbitrary condition is called from the image forming conditions for a plurality of stored jobs. As can be seen from the flowchart in FIG. 16, when the job is started, the image forming conditions (recording paper size, copy magnification, image density, sort mode, etc.) that are initially set at that time are stored in the nonvolatile RAM 629 ( S21). afterwards,
When the first image forming operation is performed (S22), the image content of the first original is stored in the job recall image data storage area provided on the memory device 744 (S2).
3). After that, the normal image forming operation is performed until one job is completed.

In the output processing of the image forming condition corresponding image, which is performed when the image forming condition corresponding image output request key (not shown) provided on the operation unit is pressed, as shown in FIG. A process of outputting the image of the first original of the job previously executed, which is already stored in the job recall image data storage area, to the recording paper is performed. At this time, if a plurality of image data are stored, they are all output so as to be arranged side by side on one recording sheet.
The output from these memory devices 744 is once sent to the IPU743 by setting MUX1 to B, where processing such as reduction is performed so that the image data is output side by side on one recording sheet, and further image processing is performed. A number for distinguishing each data is given to each (refer to the output result image diagram shown in FIG. 18). The image data processed by the IPU743 is output to the printer by setting the MUX3 in B.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart showing a series of operations of the job recall process. In this operation, first, when the image output corresponding to the image forming condition described above is performed in S31, the job number is waited for (S32). When the operator presses the job number using the ten keys on the operation unit 625, the image forming condition corresponding to the pressed job number is called and reflected in the current setting (S33). The job number here is
Since the numbers are the same as the numbers assigned to the image data previously output by the image forming condition corresponding image output processing, the operator selects the image of the original used in the job performed in the past from the image forming condition corresponding images. By inputting the number, the image forming condition corresponding to the job performed at that time can be called.

Next, when the image data at that time is also called and output in response to the job recall, as can be seen from FIG. 5, when the execution of the job is started, the image forming condition at that time is first set. The image is stored in the non-volatile RAM 629, and then a normal image forming operation is performed first. At this time, by setting MUX2 to B and MUX3 to A, image output to the printer and image data to the memory device 744 are performed. Are stored at the same time. The image data is stored for all the originals read by the job, and is kept stored until a new job is executed.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the job recall operation. In this operation, when a job recall key (not shown) is pressed on the operation unit 625 (S41), the image forming condition when the image forming operation is last performed is set to the nonvolatile RA.
Call from M629 to reflect the current settings (S
42). Next, the image forming operation is automatically started, and at this time, the image data is obtained by sequentially outputting the image data stored in the previous image forming operation from the memory device 744 (S43). This enables the same output as the last job to be performed without resetting the document.

[0097]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the original placing table for recycling and the original document discharge tray are provided,
Documents corresponding to the images that can be stored in the memory are discharged to the document discharge tray, only the documents that could not be stored are returned to the document stacking table for recycling, and the second and subsequent recycling operations can be performed. Therefore, even if the memory cannot store all the image data for the set original, the operation is not interrupted, and an image forming operation with higher productivity can be performed as compared with the case where only RDH is used.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming condition calling unit calls the image forming condition when the image selected by the selecting unit is formed from the image condition setting unit, so that it is executed and stored in the past. A desired image forming condition for a given job can be easily and surely called from a plurality of image forming conditions to form an image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image forming condition setting means calls the image forming condition, and the control means is stored by the image forming condition setting means, and the image is formed according to the called image forming condition. By reading out the stored image forming condition, it becomes possible to re-execute the stored output of the same job as the previously executed job without preparing the original.

According to the inventions of claims 4 and 5, while the originals are fed by the recycle automatic document feeder, necessary image forming information is stored for a desired original group and the image processing of claim 2 or 3 is executed. can do.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the image forming conditions are stored in association with the numeral, the desired image formation corresponding to the numeral can be executed only by inputting the numeral. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an electrical equipment control unit of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an electric component control unit of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control system of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a memory system.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of an image signal according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a memory device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a memory unit.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of image data processed by a memory unit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a pixel process unit is connected to a memory unit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an external storage device for executing a storage process of image data.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a compression / decompression processing circuit that enables recovery of image data.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an application system.

FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart of the first one cycle in the case of performing document recycling a plurality of times.

FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart of the second and subsequent times when the document is recycled a plurality of times.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart for realizing a job recall function performed first when a job is executed.

FIG. 17 is a series of operation flowcharts of job recall processing.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of an output result of image data.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a job recall operation.

[Explanation of Codes] 302 Recycle Automatic Document Feeder 319 Image Processing Board 350 Document Platen (Document Platen) 381 Conveyor Belt 385 Original Document Dedicated Tray 601 CPU (a) 602 CPU (b) 623 Scanner Control Circuit 624 Application Circuit 625 Operation board 701 Main control board 702 RDH control board 703 Sorter control board 704 Double-sided control board 705 Paper feed control board 743 Image processor unit (IPU) 744 Memory device (MEM) 1303 Memory unit 1404, 1405 Direct memory controller (DMC) 1801 Memory Management unit (MMU) 1804 Memory unit

Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI Technical display area H04N 1/21

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A document placing table for placing a document, a document carry-in path for conveying a document placed on the document placing table to a document reading position, and a document carried in the document reading position. A document recycling carry-out path for transporting again to the document placing table, a conveyor belt for carrying a document carried in from the document carry-in path to a document reading position and carrying it out, and a document carried in the document reading position A recycling automatic document feeder, comprising: a document discharge path for discharging the document to a place other than the document table. 2. A reading unit for reading a document placed at a document reading position, an image storage unit capable of storing a plurality of image data output from the reading unit, and a plurality of image storage units stored in the image storage unit. A composite output unit that composites and outputs a plurality of image data in order to composite the image data on one transfer sheet, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the transfer paper based on the output of the composite output unit. Image forming condition storing means for storing a plurality of image forming conditions relating to a series of image forming operations for a document group; and image condition setting means for arbitrarily calling and setting a plurality of image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition storing means, Every time a series of image forming operations is performed on the one original document group, an arbitrary one of the original document groups is stored in the image storage means and is combined by the synthesis output means. The image forming condition includes the control means for producing and outputting, and the selecting means for selecting any one image from the images synthesized and outputted by the synthesizing and outputting means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the condition forming means selectively calls and the image forming means forms an image according to the called image forming condition. 3. A reading unit for reading a document placed at a document reading position, an image storing unit capable of storing a plurality of image data output from the reading unit, and image data stored in the image storing unit. Output means for outputting the image forming means, image forming means for forming an image on a transfer sheet based on the output of the output means, and image forming condition storage means for storing image forming conditions relating to a series of image forming operations for one document group. An image condition setting means for arbitrarily calling and setting the image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition storage means, and an image forming condition relating to a series of image forming operations for one past document group by the image condition setting means. When calling and executing the image forming operation, the images stored in the series of image forming operations for the one original document group are stored in the image storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that outputs the image and causes the image forming unit to form an image. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising the recycle automatic document feeder according to claim 1. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising the recycle automatic document feeder according to claim 1. 6. An image forming condition relating to a series of image forming operations for the one document group is stored in association with a numeral, and the calling of the condition is executed by inputting the numeral. Or the image forming apparatus described in 3.