JPH09194127A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a copy bundle from being mistaken in a sorter. SOLUTION: It is judged according to the input from a paper existence detection sensor S407 whether or not a sheet bundle has been taken out. When the sheet bundle has been taken out, (the pin position of the job number is stored in a buffer area on a RAM 1003, and it is determined according to the information in the RAM 1003 whether or not all the sheet bundles of the job number have been taken out. When next sheet bundle has been taken out, it is determined whether or not the job number of the sheet bundle is identical with the job number stored in the buffer on the RAM 1003. When the job number is different, it means that a sheet bundle of different job was taken out during extraction of a job, so the warning that a mistake has been occurred is made to an operator by a buzzer and a display.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system provided with an image forming apparatus and a collating apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a sorter) for collating and sorting sheet materials, and a sheet bundle storing means attached to the sorter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming system including a sorter that stacks a plurality of copy bundle groups (jobs) at a time, empty spaces that are not stacked between the copy bundle groups in order to separate each job in the sorter. Some have set bins to spatially separate jobs.

[0003]

However, in the image forming system based on the above-mentioned technique, although the mistakes in taking out the copy bundle from the sorter are spatially separated, the operator's attention is paid. I had to rely on. Therefore, there is a problem that even if a mistake is made, the person does not notice it.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is given in view of the above points,
An object is to provide an image forming system that prevents mistaking.

Another object of the present invention is to store the number of bins used in each job and to detect the take-out of the sheet bundle of another job while the take-out of the sheet bundle of one job is being taken out sequentially. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that detects an error in taking a wrong order and gives a warning to prevent the mistake.

Still another object of the present invention is to store the number of bins used in each job, and to detect the taking out of the sheet bundle of another job within a certain time after taking out the sheet bundle of a certain job. Thus, it is to provide an image forming system that detects an error in taking a job when another job is taken out at the same time and gives a warning to prevent the error.

Still another object of the present invention is, for example, when a single user performs a plurality of print jobs in the case of a complex system including an image forming apparatus having a FAX function and a print function in addition to the copy function. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that limits the error between functions so as to avoid the possibility of issuing a warning even if the error is not wrong.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 provides an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a sorter connected to the image forming apparatus for classifying sheet bundles. Equipped with a take-error detecting means for detecting an error in taking the sheet bundle based on the take-out information of the sheet bundle from each bin of the sorter, and a means for issuing a warning when the take-error detecting means detects the take error. It is characterized by

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the picking error detecting means stores the bins used for each job of the sorter, and the sheet bundle on each bin of the sorter. Based on the sheet bundle detecting means for detecting, the bin position information stored in the storage means, and the detection information of the sheet bundle detecting means, when taking out the sheet bundle from the bin, sheet bundles of different jobs are detected. And means for detecting that it has been taken out.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, in claim 1, the picking error detecting means stores a bin used for each job of the sorter, and a sheet bundle on each bin of the sorter. Sheet bundle detecting means for detecting, counting means for counting a fixed time every time the sheet bundle is pulled out from each bin according to the detection result of the sheet bundle detecting means, and the storing means when the counting means counts up. Means for detecting that a sheet bundle of a different job is taken out when the sheet bundle is taken out of the bin based on the bin position information stored in the bin and the detection information of the sheet bundle detecting means. Is characterized by.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions, and the error-taking detection means uses the plurality of functions in units of jobs. It is characterized in that it has a function storing means for storing the above-mentioned function, and by referring to the storage information of the function storing means, the mistaken operation is detected only when the mistaken operation occurs between the respective functions.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

A sectional view of the entire system of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, a main body (reader unit (100), printer unit (200)), a circulating automatic document feeder (30
0) and a sorter (400).

The details will be described later.

A. Main body (reader unit 100, printer unit 2
00) In FIG. 1, 100 is an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) for converting a document into image data, and 200 is a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, and image data is visualized on a recording paper by a print command. An image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) 250 for outputting as an external device is an external device electrically connected to a reader unit 100. The external device has various functions, and includes a fax unit, a file unit, an external storage device connected to the file unit, a computer interface unit for connecting to a computer, and a formatter for converting information from the computer into a visible image. Unit, an image memory unit for accumulating information from the reader unit, and an information memory for temporarily transmitting information sent from a computer, and a core unit for controlling the above functions (details will be described later). .

The configurations and operations of the reader unit 100 and the printer unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

Documents accumulated on a circulating automatic document feeder (RDF) 300 as shown in FIG. 2 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the platen glass surface 102 (the operation will be described later). When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the glass surface 102, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit lights up and the scanner
The unit 104 moves to illuminate the document. The reflected light of the document is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 via the mirrors 105, 106 and 107 and the lens 108.
Then, the reflected light of the document with which the CCD 109 is irradiated is subjected to electrical processing such as photoelectric conversion, and is subjected to normal digital processing. After that, these signals are sent to the printer unit 20.
Input to 0.

The image signal input to the printer section 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control section 201 and illuminates 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 provided at the same timing as 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 discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. Then, the paper output unit 20
The transfer paper output from 8 is sorted and bound according to the operation mode designated in advance by the sorter 400.

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

After the output paper sheet fixed by the fixing section 207 is once conveyed to the paper discharge section 208, the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed and the re-transferred transfer paper 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-feeding receiving paper stacking section 210, so that two original images are output on the front and back surfaces of the same output paper. can do.

C. RDF (recycling automatic document feeder)
(300) As shown in detail in FIG.
Stacking tray 31 as a first document tray for setting
0 is equipped.

Further, the stacking tray 310 is equipped with a feeding means which constitutes one part of the document feeding means.
This feeding means includes a half-moon roller 331, a separation / conveyance roller 332, a separation motor SPRMTR (not shown), a registration roller 335, a full belt 336, a belt
A motor BELTMTR (not shown) and a large conveyance roller 33
7, a conveyance motor FEEDMTR (not shown), a paper discharge roller 340, a flapper 341, and a recycle lever 3
42, a paper feed sensor ENTS, a reversal sensor TRNS, a paper discharge sensor EJTS (not shown), and the like.

Here, the half-moon roller 331 and the separation conveyance roller 332 are rotated by the separation motor SPRMTR,
The originals are separated one by one from the bottom of the original stack S on the stacking tray 310.

Further, the registration roller 335 and the whole surface belt 336 rotate the original separated by the belt motor BELTMTR to the exposure position (sheet path c) on the original table glass 101 via the sheet paths a and b. Transport. Further, the conveyance large roller 337 is a conveyance motor FEEDM.
The document on the platen glass 101 is rotated by TR and is conveyed from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The original conveyed along the sheet path e is returned to the original bundle S on the stacking tray 310 by the discharge rollers 340.

Further, the recycle lever 342 detects one circulation of the original, and when the original feeding starts, the recycle lever 342 is placed on the upper part of the original bundle S, the originals are sequentially fed, and the trailing edge of the final original is placed. When the recycle lever 342 exits, it falls due to its own weight to detect the circulation of the document.

In the feeding means 330, when a two-sided original is used,
The original is once guided from the sheet paths a, b to c, then the conveyance large roller 337 is rotated, and the flapper 341 is switched to guide the leading edge of the original to the sheet path d, and then the registration roller 335 passes the sheet path b. The original is inverted by being conveyed by the rear entire surface belt 336 onto the original table glass 101 and stopped. That is, the original is reversed on the sheet paths c to d and b.

The originals of the original bundle S are passed through the sheet paths a to b to c to d one by one, and the recycle lever 34 is used.
By transporting the document until it is detected that one cycle has been performed by 2, the number of documents can be counted.

D. Sorter (400) Next, the sorter will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, the sorter 400 comprises a machine body 402 and a bin unit 403, and the machine body 402 is provided with a pair of carry-in rollers 405 near the carry-in entrance 404. A flapper 409 for switching the sheet conveyance direction to the conveyance path 406 or 407 is disposed downstream of the carry-in roller pair 405. One of the transport paths 406 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and the transport roller pair 408 is disposed downstream thereof, and the other transport path 406 extends in the downward direction, and the transport roller pair 411 is located downstream thereof. The stapler 412 (a,
412b) is provided.

A pair of carry-in rollers 405 and a pair of carry rollers 40
8, 411 are driven by a conveyance motor 413 (shown in FIG. 10). A non-sort path sensor S410 for detecting the passage of a sheet is arranged on the conveyance path 406, and a sort path sensor S402 is arranged on the conveyance path 407. Further, the bin unit 4 including a large number of bins B is provided on the downstream side of the pair of transport rollers 408 and 411.
No. 03 is arranged, and one end of the bin unit 403 is engaged with the hook of the bin unit 403, and the other end of the bin unit 403 is supported by a spring fixed to the machine body 402 to hold the weight of the bin unit 403.

Guide rollers 417 and 419 are rotatably supported on the upper and lower portions of the base side of the bin unit 403, and the guide rollers 417 and 419 are connected to the machine body 4 described above.
02 and a guide groove 420 provided to extend in the vertical direction.
It is configured to roll inside and guide the bin unit 403. Further, the shift motor 4
21 are provided. A lead cam 423 is fixed to a rotary shaft 422 pivotally supported by the machine body 402. A chain 426 is stretched around the output shaft of the shift motor 421, whereby the rotation of the motor 421 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 422 via the chain 426.

Further, the bottle unit 403 is supported by a bottom frame 427 composed of an inclined portion and a vertical portion, and a pair of frames 429 and 429 vertically provided on the front side and the rear side of the front end of the bottom frame 427. Unit body 4 constituted by the covered cover 430
31. On the front side of the unit main body 431, a reference plate capable of contacting and aligning with the sheet S is provided.

A lower arm that is rotated by a matching motor a (shown in FIG. 10) is rotatably supported on the inner side of the base end of the bottom frame 427. And cover 4
The upper arm a at a position facing the lower arm a of 30
It is fixed to a shaft a rotatably supported by the cover 430, and the rotation center of the upper arm a and the lower arm a are fixed.
An axis a is installed at the center of rotation of the. Lower arm a
Of the alignment rod 439a between the tip of the upper arm a and the tip of the upper arm a.
The alignment rod 439a is installed on the alignment motor a.
The sheet S on the bin B is aligned to the front side.

Similarly, a lower arm b which is rotated by a matching motor b (shown in FIG. 10) is rotatably supported on the front side of the bottom frame 427 at the base end. Further, an upper arm b is fixed to a position of the cover 430 facing the lower arm b on a shaft b rotatably supported by the cover 430. A matching rod 439b is installed between the tip of the lower arm b and the tip of the upper arm b. The aligning rod 439b is configured to be rotated by the aligning motor b, and the sheet S on the bin B is rotated. Is aligned to the back side.

The alignment motors a and b are stepping motors, and the positions of the alignment rods 439a and 439b can be accurately controlled by the number of pulses given to the stepping motor.
Further, reference numerals S403a and S403b (shown in FIG. 10).
Is a matching rod home sensor for detecting the positions of the matching rods 439a and 439b.
The position of b can be controlled by the number of pulses given to the matching rod home sensor and the matching motors a and b.

The bin B has engaging plates formed on the front side and the rear side thereof, respectively.
By engaging with a support plate provided inside 29,
The bin B is configured to be supported on the tip side. Further, in the bin B, a long hole 443a which is longer than the rotation distance of the alignment rod 439a at a predetermined distance from the axis a and is sufficiently wider than the width of the alignment rod 439a, and the rotation of the alignment rod 439b at a predetermined distance from the axis b. Matching rod 439b longer than the distance
A long hole 443b that is sufficiently wider than the width of the hole is opened.
The base end Ba of the bin B rises perpendicularly to the sheet storage surface Bb. The tip of the bin B is inclined upward with respect to the machine body 402 by a predetermined angle, and due to this inclination, the sheet P
Slides on the sheet storage surface Bb so that the rear end is brought into contact with the base end portion Ba so that the front-back direction is aligned.

Further, the bin B is provided with a notch at a portion where the stapler 412 enters, and the stapler 412 is provided with a notch.
And does not interfere.

The long holes 443a of the bottles B1, B2 ...
The aligning rod 439a is inserted into the sheet, and the aligning rod 439a is configured to rotate in the elongated hole 443a to align the sheet S on the bin B to the front side. Similarly,
The alignment rods 439 are provided in the long holes 443b of the bottles B1, B2 ....
b is inserted, and the alignment rod 439b is
b, the sheet S on the bin B is aligned to the back side.

Further, the lead cam 423 is engaged with a part of the bin, and the rotation of the lead cam 423 causes the bin unit to move up and down along the groove 423a. One rotation of the lead cam 423 is detected by a lead cam sensor S404 arranged near the lead cam 423. The position of the bin unit 403 is detected by the bin home position sensor S405.

The presence of the sheet S on the sort bin B can be detected by a sort tray sheet presence / absence detecting sensor (sheet post-processing position selecting means) S407.

An electric stapler 4 for binding the sheets S accommodated in the bin B is fixed in the vicinity of the lower discharge roller pair 411.
12 is disposed in a position orthogonal to the carrying-in direction of the sheet S so as to be able to advance and retreat by the driving means, and is normally retracted to the position B so as not to interfere with the vertical movement of the bin B.
When binding the bundle of sheets S on the upper side, the stack of sheets S is moved to the position B to bind the bundle of sheets S. After completion of the binding, the electric stapler returns to the position A by a driving unit (not shown).

Further, the electric stapler 412 performs a stapling operation by the rotation of a motor (not shown), and when binding the sheets S of a plurality of bins B ... After finishing the stapling operation of the sheets S of one bin B, the bin unit 40
3 moves to a predetermined bin position to bind the sheets S stored in the bin B.

Note that S406 is a manual stapling key. When the manual stapling key S406 is pressed after the sorting is completed, the stapling operation is performed.

Further, a matching rod 439 on the back side of the sorter 400 is provided.
The position of the sheet bundle on the bin can be pushed to the front by the rotating operation of a.

Reference numeral 450 in FIG. 3 is a buzzer as a warning means which is a characteristic part of the present invention. Also, 451 in FIG.
Is a warning display means and is displayed by the light emission of the LED. The buzzer and display alert the operator audibly and visually.

F. Operation Unit, Display Unit (500) FIG. 5 shows an arrangement configuration example of the operation / display panel provided in the main body 100 described above. The operation / display panel has keys and an LCD display capable of key / display.

Reference numeral 503 denotes a copy start key (copy start key) which is pressed when copying is started. A clear / stop key 504 has the function of a clear key when pressed during standby (standby) and a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Reference numeral 502 is a ten-key pad which is pressed to set the number of copies. A copy density key 505 is pressed to manually adjust the copy density. An AE key 506 is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual. 50
Reference numeral 8 is a cassette selection key, which is pressed to select the upper cassette, the interrupted cassette, or the lower paper deck. When a document is placed on 300, this key 50
8 allows selection of ASP (automatic paper selection). ASP
When is selected, a transfer paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 509 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when making a copy of the same size (actual size). A zoom key 511 is pressed to specify an arbitrary magnification between 64% and 142%. Reference numerals 510 and 512 denote fixed-size variable keys, which are pressed to specify reduction / enlargement of fixed-size.

Reference numeral 515 denotes a key for selecting the operation mode of the sorter, which is a staple mode when a sheet discharge method (staple, sort, group) and a stapler capable of stapling recorded sheets by staples are connected. / Sort mode, folding of recorded paper (Z section / V section)
Shape), can be selected and released.

Further, various processing can be set by 513 and 514. For example, double-sided mode, binding margin setting, photo mode, multiplex processing, page continuous shooting, 2 in 1 mode, and the like.

Reference numeral 501 denotes an LC displaying various messages
The D display is for displaying information regarding copying.

<< Explanation of Overall Block Diagram >> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system. 1 is a reader unit, 2 is a printer unit, 3 is an external device, 900 is RDF, and 1000.
Indicates the respective control units of the sorter, and exchanges data by bus or serial communication,
In sync. Here, the data transmitted from the main body to the DH includes a paper ejection signal for prompting the feeding of the originals stacked on the DH, a paper ejection signal for prompting the ejection of the originals on the platen glass, and the original feeding / ejection mode. Is a paper feed / discharge mode that determines
The data transmitted from the main body to the sorter includes an image forming mode, a mode for storing in the sorter, a sheet size to be stored, a timing signal, and the like. Then, when the operation is performed, data indicating which function of the external device is used is DH,
Communicated to Sorter using communications.

The external device 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 by a cable, and the core unit in the external device 3 controls signals and functions. In the external device 3, a fax unit 4 for transmitting and receiving a fax, a file unit 5 for converting various document information into electric signals and storing the signals on a magneto-optical disk, a format unit 8 for developing code information from a computer into image information, and a computer. A computer interface section 7 for interfacing with a computer, an image memory section 9 for accumulating information from the reader section 1 and temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer, and a core for controlling the above-mentioned functions. It consists of part 10.

G. Reader Unit (1) FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram showing the signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 described above, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

The reflected light of the original document irradiated on the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here, and converted into electric signals similar to red, green and blue colors. The color information from the CCD 109 is amplified by the next amplifiers 110R, 110G and 110B according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, where uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is the Y signal / color detection circuit 11
3 and the external I / F switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to obtain the Y signal.

[0055]

## EQU1 ## 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. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed by the scaling circuit / repeat circuit 114. Further, the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images. The contour / edge enhancement circuit 115
Edge emphasis and contour information are obtained by emphasizing the high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The signal from the Rina phrase / edge enhancement 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 and generates the 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 a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to the laser driver circuit 118 and variously processed signals are converted into signals for driving a laser. The output signal of the laser driver 118 is input to the printer 2 and an image is formed as a visible image.

Next, an external I / F for performing I / F with an external device
The F switching circuit 119 will be described.

When the reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120. When inputting image information from the external device 3 to the reader unit 1, the external switching circuit 119 inputs image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above-mentioned image processings is performed according to the instruction of the CPU 122, and the area generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above-mentioned image processing according to the value set by the CPU 122. Further CPU 122
Communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the. The SUB CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 using a communication function built in the SUB CPU 123.

H. Core Unit (10) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 described above.

The connector 131 of the core section 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader section 1 by a cable. The connector 131 contains four types of signals.
Is an 8-bit multilevel video signal. The signal 185 is
It is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 181 is
It communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader 1. Signal 182
Communicates with the SUB / CPU 123 in the reader 1.
The signal 181 and the signal 182 are subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC 132 and the CPU 13 via the CPU bus 183.
Communication information is transmitted to 3.

The signal 187 is a bidirectional video signal line, and it is possible for the core unit 10 to receive the information from the reader unit 1 and to output the information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1.

Signal 187 is connected to buffer 140 where bidirectional to unidirectional signals 188 and 170.
Is separated into The signal 188 is an 8-bit multivalued video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the LUT 141 in the next stage. The LUT 141 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value by using a look-up table. L
The output signal 189 from the UT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 or the selector 143. Binarization circuit 142
Includes a simple binarization function that binarizes a multi-valued signal 189 at a fixed slice level, a binarization function that varies the slice level from the values of pixels around a target pixel, and an error diffusion. It has a binarization function by the method. Binarized information is 00H when 0 and FFH when 1
Is converted into a multi-valued signal and input to the selector 143 at the next stage.

The selector 143 selects either the signal from the LUT 141 or the output signal of the binarization circuit 142. The output signal 190 from the selector 143 is input to the selector 144. The selector 144 outputs the output video signals from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the format unit 8 and the image memory unit 9 to the connectors 135, 136 and 13, respectively.
The signal 194 input to the core unit 10 via 7, 138, 139 and the output signal 190 of the selector 143 are sent to the CPU.
133 is selected according to the instruction. The output signal 191 of the selector 144 is input to the rotation circuit 145 or the selector 146. The rotation circuit 145 adds +9 to the input image signal.
It has the function of rotating 0 degrees, -90 degrees, and +180 degrees.
The rotation circuit 145 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 142, and then the rotation circuit 1
The information from the reader unit 1 is stored in 45.

Next, in response to an instruction from the CPU 133, the rotation circuit 145 rotates and reads the stored information. The selector 146 selects either the output signal 192 of the rotating circuit 145 or the input signal 191 of the rotating circuit 145, and as the signal 193, the connector 135 with the fax unit 4, the connector 136 with the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit. 7, a connector 137 with the formatter unit 8, a connector 138 with the formatter unit 8, and a connector 139 with the image memory unit
Is output to the selector 147.

The signal 193 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. . The signal 194 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. It is the video control circuit 134 that controls the synchronous bus of the signal 193 and the signal 194, and the control is performed by the output signal 186 from the video control circuit 134. Other signals 184 are connected to the connectors 135 to 139, respectively. The signal 184 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges data commands asynchronously. Information can be transferred between the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9 and the core unit 10 by the above two video buses 193 and 194 and the CPU bus 184. .

The signal 194 from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. The selector 144 is the CPU 1
According to the instruction of 33, the signal 194 is input to the rotation circuit 145 of the next stage.

The selector 147 has signals 193 and 19
4 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 133. Selector 14
The output signal 195 of No. 7 is input to the pattern matching 148 and the selector 149. Pattern matching 148
Pattern-matches the input signal 195 with a predetermined pattern and outputs a predetermined multilevel signal to the signal line 196 when the patterns match. If the patterns do not match, the input signal 19
5 is output as the signal 196.

The selector 149 outputs signals 195 and 196.
Is selected by the instruction of the CPU 133. Selector 149
The output signal 197 of 1 is input to the LUT 150 of the next stage.

The LUT 150 uses the input signal 19 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting the image information to the printer unit 2.
7 is converted.

The selector 151 selects the output signal 198 and the signal 195 of the LUT 150 according to an instruction from the CPU 133. The output signal of the selector 151 is the expansion circuit 1 of the next stage.
52 is input.

The enlarging circuit 152 can set the enlarging magnification independently in the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 133. The expansion method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 170 of the expansion circuit 152 is output to the buffer 14
Input to 0.

The signal 170 input to the buffer 140
Becomes a bidirectional signal 187 according to the instruction of the CPU 133, is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 131, and is printed out.

The signal flow between the core section 10 and each section will be described below.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Fax Unit 4] A case of outputting information to the fax unit 4 will be described. The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are
The information from the reader unit 1 is
It is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. Further, the image information input to the connector 131 is input to the buffer 140 through the signal line 187 having the 8-bit value.
The buffer circuit 140 outputs the bidirectional signal 1 according to the instruction from the CPU.
87 as a one-way signal via the signal line 188
Input to T141.

The LUT 141 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value by using a look-up table. For example, it is possible to skip the background of a document. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 at the next stage. The binarization circuit 142 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 189 into a binarized signal. Binarization circuit 142
Is 00H when the binarized signal is 0 and FF when it is 1.
H and two multilevel signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 142 is input to the rotation circuit 145 or the selector 146 via the selector 143 and the selector 144. The output signal 192 of the rotation circuit 145 is also input to the selector 146, and the selector 146 selects either the signal 191 or the signal 192.

The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 133 communicating with the fax unit 4 via the CPU bus 184. The output signal 193 from the selector 146 is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 135.

Next, the case of receiving information from the fax unit 4 will be described.

The image information from the fax unit 4 is the connector 1
It is transmitted to the signal line 194 via 35. Signal 19
4 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147.
In the case of rotating and outputting the image at the time of fax reception to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 133, the selector 144
The rotation circuit 145 rotates the signal 194 input to The output signal 192 from the rotation circuit 145 is the selector 1
46, pattern matching 14 via selector 147
8 is input.

When the image at the time of fax reception is directly output to the printer 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 133, the signal 194 input to the selector 147 is input to the pattern matching 148.

The pattern matching 148 has a function of smoothing the rattling of the image when the fax is received. The pattern-matched signal is sent to the selector 149.
Is input to the LUT 150 via. LUT150 is
In order to output the image received by Faus at the desired density to the printer unit 2, the table of the LUT 150 is the CPU 13
It can be polarized at 3. Output signal 1 of LUT150
98 is input to the expansion circuit 152 via the selector 151. The expansion circuit 152 uses two values (00H, FF
The 8-bit multivalue having H) is enlarged by the linear interpolation method of the first order. The 8-bit multi-valued signal with many values from the expansion circuit 152 is stored in the buffer 140 and the connector 13.
1 to the reader unit 1. The reader unit 1 sends this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 1 via the connector 120.
Enter in 19. The external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the signal Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 from the fax unit 4. After the output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, it is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on output paper.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of File Unit 5] A case of outputting information to the file unit 5 will be described.

The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 to issue a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 131 is stored in the buffer 140.
Is a one-way signal 188. The signal 188, which is a multi-valued 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 141. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the connector 136 via the selector 143, the selector 144, and the selector 146.

That is, without using the functions of the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 145, the 8-bit multi-value data is transferred to the file unit 5 as it is. When filing a binarized signal by communication with the file unit 5 via the CPU bus 184 of the CPU 133, the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 145.
Use the function of. The binarization process and the rotation process are omitted because they are the same as the case of the above-mentioned fax.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file section 5 will be described.

Image information from the file section 5 is the connector 1
A signal 194 is input to the selector 144 or the selector 147 via 36. In the case of 8-bit multi-value filing, it is possible to input it to the select 147, and in the case of binary filing, it is possible to input it to the selector 144 or 147. In the case of binary filing, the description is omitted because it is the same processing as fax.

Selector 147 for multi-valued filing
Output signal 195 from the LUT via selector 149
Enter in 150. The LUT 150 creates a look-up table according to the instruction of the CPU 133 according to the desired print density. Output signal 1 from LUT150
98 is input to the expansion circuit 152 via the selector 151. The 8-bit multi-level signal 170 enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by the enlargement circuit 152 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 140 and the connector 131. Reader unit 1
The information of the file portion sent to the printer is output to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed on the output paper, similarly to the above-mentioned fax.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. The computer interface unit 7 has a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7 has the above-described three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 133 via the connector 137 and the data bus 184. The CPU 133 performs various controls based on the sent contents.

[Core part 1 based on information from the formatter part 8]
Operation of 0] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 described above into image data. When the CPU 133 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the data bus 184 is the data regarding the formatter unit 8, the CPU 133 transfers the data to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 138. The formatter unit 8 develops from the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a figure.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.
The image information from the formatter unit 8 has two values (00H, FFH) on the signal line 194 via the connector 138.
Is transmitted as a multivalued signal. The signal 194 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. CPU1
33 controls the selectors 144 and 147. Hereafter, the description is omitted because it is similar to the case of the above-mentioned fax.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Image Memory Unit 9] A case of outputting information to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 131 is sent to the LUT 14 via the multi-level 8-bit signal line 187 and the buffer 140.
Sent to 1. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 transfers the multi-valued image information to the image memory unit 9 via the selectors 143, 14, 146 and the connector 139. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is stored in the connector 139.
Is sent to the CPU 133 via the CPU bus 184 of the.
The CPU 133 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. The computer interface unit 7 includes three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS23
2C, Centronics) and transfer it to the computer with the desired interface.

Next, the case of receiving information from the image memory unit 9 will be described.

First, the computer interface section 7
Image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the. When the CPU 133 of the core unit 10 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 184 is the data related to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 133 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 139. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multilevel signal 194 to the selector 144 and the selector 147 via the connector 139. The output signal from the selector 144 or the selector 147 is sent to the CPU 133.
In the same manner as the above-described fax, the image is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is formed on the output paper.

I. RDF Control Device (900) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control device 900 of a circulation type automatic document feeder (RDF) of this example, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 901 and a read-only memory (ROM). 902, random access memory (RAM)
The controller 900 includes a control unit 903, an output port 904, an input port 905, and the like. The ROM 902 stores a control program, and the RAM 903 stores input data and work data. Also output port 904
Is connected to various motors such as the above-described separation motor and solenoid driving means, a paper feed sensor is connected to the input port 905, and the CPU 901 connects each unit connected via a bus according to a control program stored in the ROM 902. Control. Further, the CPU 901 has a serial interface function, performs serial communication with the CPU of the reader unit, and exchanges control data with the reader unit. The data transmitted from the RDF to the reader unit is a paper feed completion signal or the like indicating the completion of feeding the original onto the platen glass.

J. Sorter Control Device (1000) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the sorter control device (1000) of the present embodiment, including a central processing unit (CPU) 1001 and a read-only memory (ROM) 1.
002, random access memory (RAM) 1003,
A control device 1000 including an output port 1004, an input port 1005, and the like is provided, and a control program (shown in FIGS. 11 to 21) is stored in the ROM 1002 and RA
Input data and work data are stored in the M1003. Further, various motors such as the shift motor 416 described above are connected to the output port 1004, and the input port 1004
5, sensors and switches from S401 to S413 such as the non-sorted path sensor S401 are connected, and C
PU1001 controls each part connected via the bus according to the control program stored in ROM1002.
Further, the CPU 1001 has a serial interface function, performs serial communication with the CPU of the printer, and controls each unit by a signal from the printer unit.

The control flow of the sorter in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 11 to 21.

[Mode] First, the mode processing, which is the overall processing of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. st
In ep101, it is determined whether or not there is a "sort start signal" indicating that the sheet discharge from the copying machine main body is started. If yes, the process proceeds to step102. step10
If there is no "sorter start signal" in step 1, step 12
Check if the manual staple key is turned on in step 5, and if it is turned on, perform manual stapling (step80
0: described later) is performed, and if it is off, a loading state monitoring process of step 900 (described later) is performed, and then the process is returned to step 101.

At step 102, a job number is set in order to separate jobs (described later). step103 ~
In step 107, the mode relating to the storage of the sheets discharged from the copying machine is determined, and the process proceeds to each process described later. That is, in the non-sort mode, non-sort processing (step 103, step 200) described later, and in the sort mode, later-described sort processing (step 10).
7, step 400), and in cases other than the above, the process proceeds to a stack process (step 500) described later. After each of the above processes, only when the staple mode is set (st
ep117) staple processing described later (step600)
Then, the process is returned to step 101.

[Nonsort] Next, the operation of the above-described nonsort mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, in order to store the sheets in the uppermost bin, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position for initialization of the bin (step 201). Then, the flapper 409 is switched to select the transport path 406 as the sheet transport path inside the sorter (step 203). The flapper 409 has a drive solenoid (not shown) for switching the flapper 409. When the flapper 409 is normally off, the conveyance path 40
7 is at a position to be selected, and the transport path 406 is selected by turning it on. step20
After 3, the conveyance motor for conveying the sheet is turned on in step 205, and the pass sensor S401 is checked for on / off (steps 207 and 209).
The process proceeds to the stored number counting process (described later). In other words, this is to count the number of sheets that will be stored in the bin after passing through the transport path. Then, after carrying out overload monitoring processing (step 1100: described later), the presence or absence of a "sorter start signal" is checked (step 211). When the "sort start signal" is on, step2
Returning to 07, when it is off, the conveyance motor is stopped at step 213, and the flapper is turned off at step 215.
End the non-sort processing.

[Sort] Next, the operation of the sort mode described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether the bin position to start the operation is designated (step 32
7) If specified, move to that position (s
(Step 329). If there is no designation, the presence or absence of the "bin initial signal" for storing the sheets from the uppermost bin is checked (step 301). If there is no "bin initial signal", step 305; if there is, step 305
Proceed to 303. In step 303, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position for bin initialization. In step 305, the carry motor is turned on, and then the pass sensor is checked to be turned on (step 307). If the pass sensor is not turned on at step 307, s
When it is turned on in step 323, in step 309, the aligning unit is retracted because the aligning operation is performed later on the discharged sheet. After that, when it is detected that the pass sensor is off, the alignment operation with respect to the storage sheet is performed (s
(step 313), the number counting process (step 100)
0), the overload monitoring process (step 1100) is performed. Then, in step 315, the matching portions are saved (step 317) depending on the presence / absence of the shift direction inversion signal.
Bin shift (step 319) and inversion processing (step 3)
Perform 21). Here, the reversal process is a process of reversing the subsequent bin shift direction, and does not perform the bin shift operation. Then, at step 323, "sorter start signal"
If is turned on, the process is returned to step 307, and if the "sort start signal" is turned off, step 3
At 25, the carry motor is stopped and the sorting process is ended.

[Group] Next, the operation of the above-mentioned group mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is judged whether the bin position to start the operation is designated (step 4
27), if specified, move to that position (step 429). If there is no designation, it is checked whether or not there is a "bin initial signal" for storing sheets from the uppermost bin (step 401). If there is no "bin initial signal", step 405, and if there is, st
Proceed to ep403. In step 403, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position for bin initialization. At step 405, the conveyance motor is turned on,
Next, the pass sensor is checked to be turned on (step 407). If the pass sensor is not turned on in step 407, the process proceeds to step 423, and if it is turned on, step 409 is performed.
In step 3, the aligning portion is retracted because the aligning operation is performed later on the discharged sheet. After that, when it is detected that the pass sensor is off, the alignment operation to the sheet is performed (st
ep413), number counting process (step100
0), the overload monitoring process (step 1100) is performed. Then, in step 415, if there is a bin shift signal, the matching unit is saved (step 417) and shifted by 1 bin (step 419). If not, step 415 is performed.
Go to p423. Then, if the "sorter start signal" is turned on in step 423, the process is returned to step 407, and if the "sorter start signal" is turned off, the carry motor is stopped in step 425 and the sorting process is ended.

[Stack] Next, the operation in the above-mentioned stack mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is judged whether the bin position to start the operation is designated (step 5
27), if specified, move to that position (step 529). If there is no designation, first, it is checked whether or not there is a "bin initial signal" for storing sheets from the uppermost bin (step 501). If there is no "bin initial signal", step 505, and if there is, the process proceeds to step 503. . In step 503, the bin unit is lowered to the non-sort home position for bin initialization. In step 505, the conveyance motor is turned on, and then the pass sensor is checked to be turned on (step 50
Perform 7). If the pass sensor is not turned on in step 507, the process proceeds to step 523, and if it is turned on, step is performed.
In 509, the aligning unit is retracted to perform the aligning operation on the discharged sheet later. After that, when it is detected that the pass sensor is turned off (step 511), the alignment operation to the sheet is performed (step 513), the number of sheets is counted (step 1000), and the overload monitoring process (st).
ep1100) is performed. If the number of stored bins stored in step 515 has not reached the upper limit, s
Step 523, and if it has reached, save the matching unit (step
p517) and 1-bin shift (step 519).
If the "sorter start signal" is turned on in step 523, the process is returned to step 507, and if the "sorter start signal" is turned off, step 52
At 5, the transport motor is stopped and the stack process is completed.

[Stapling] Next, the stapling process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stapling process. First, in step 601, the bin position is initialized for a series of stapling processes. The bin position initialized is the position of the uppermost or lowermost bin in use. When the movement is completed, the shift direction is set downward when the position is at the upper side, and the shift direction is set upward when the position is at the lower side. Then, the process proceeds to step 700 to perform the stapling operation process. Staple operation processing st
Details of ep700 will be described later. Upon completion of the stapling operation process, the program proceeds to step 609 to determine whether the stapled bundle is the final bundle in the series of staple processing. If it is the final bundle, the stapling process is ended, but if it is not the final bundle, one bin shift is performed in step 611, and then the process returns to step 700 to continue the process.

Details of the stapling operation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step 901, it is determined whether or not the stapler has staples for stapling. If there is a needle, the program proceeds to step 903, and the bundle is held by the aligning rod so that the bundle does not shift. Next, the process proceeds to step 905, stapling is performed, and st
At ep907, the aligning rod is retracted, and the stapling process at one place is completed. When it is determined that there is no needle in step 901, the process proceeds to step 913, the needleless alarm is output to the main body, and the process ends.

[Manual Stapling] Next, the manual stapling operation will be described with reference to FIG. Manual stapling is a mode for stapling an already stacked sheet bundle on the bin or a sheet bundle inserted by the user in the bin, and staples only one bin. First, step8
01 moves the stapler to the stapling position. When the movement is completed, it is determined by the staple paper sensor a (S413a) near the stapler whether or not there is paper in the stapler portion (step 803). If there is paper, the program proceeds to step 805 and staples with stapler a. If it is determined in step 803 that there is no paper in the stapler a portion, or after stapling with the stapler a is completed in step 805, the program is executed
Proceed to ep811. Then, the stapler is moved to the retracted position, and the process ends.

[Others] Next, the stacking state monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the counter on the program: i is cleared (step 901). Then, in step 903, the counter is incremented by 1, the sheet detection sensor in the i-th bin from the highest bin is checked (step 905), and if there is no paper, the process is skipped.
In step 909, if there is no paper, the stacking sheet number counter Ni set for each bin is cleared to 0 (step 9).
07). After that, the same processing is performed for all the bins (step 903 to step 909), and after the end of the final bin (step 909), the processing is inertialized.

Next, the number-of-stored-sheet counting process will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1001, the counter on the program: i is set to the bin number from which sheets are to be discharged, and in step 1003, the stacking sheet counter: Ni corresponding to the i is incremented by 1, and the process ends. Further, in step 1005, the job number for separating the sheet bundle stored in each bin for each job is stored in the job memory: Ji corresponding to the counter i, similarly to the number of stored sheets described above. Also, step1
In 007, the function type (copy function, printer function, etc.) of the sheet bundle stored in each bin is stored in the function memory: Fi corresponding to the counter i, similarly to the number of stored sheets. This functional memory is provided on the RAM 1003 of the sorter controller described above.

Next, the job update determination process will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1101, it is determined whether or not the initial signal from the copying machine main body is received. If it has been received, it is judged that it is a new job, and s
Proceed to step 1105. If the initial signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step 1103 to determine whether or not the storage start bin designation signal has been received. If it has been received, it is determined that it is a new job, and the process proceeds to step 1105. In step 1105, the job number, which is an identification number for separating jobs, is incremented by one. This job number is a counter stored in the RAM 1003 on the controller of the sorter, and is composed of an 8-bit counter. When it exceeds 255, which is the maximum value of 8 bits, it overflows and counts from 0 again. step
When 1105 is ended, or when it is determined in step 1103 that the storage start bin designation signal is not received, the job update determination ends.

Next, the overload monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. In step 1203, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets currently stored in the bin is larger than the preset maximum number of sheets to be stacked. If the number of stacked sheets is not more than the upper limit, the processing is terminated, and if the number of stacked sheets is more than the upper limit, an overload alarm is output to the printer body (step 1205).
This overload alarm is communication data that informs the printer that more than the set number of sheets have been stored in the sorter. When the printer receives this data, the sheet for image formation is promptly sent. To stop the sheet feeding to the sorter (to continue the operation after releasing the alarm).

Next, referring to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25, the wrong-take prevention warning, which is the most characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a wrong-take warning process for detecting a wrong take according to the sheet take-out order. First, in step 1301, the paper presence detection sensor S
Based on the input from 407, it is determined whether the sheet bundle has been taken out. The number (position) of the bin used for each job is stored in the RAM 1003. If the sheet bundle has not been taken out, a loop is made at step 1301. When the sheet bundle is taken out, the job number (the bin position thereof) is stored in the buffer area on the RAM 1003 (step 1303), and it is determined whether all the sheet bundles having the job number are taken out based on the information in the RAM 1003 ( (Step 1305). If all the sheet bundles of the corresponding job number have been taken out, the program returns to step 1301 and stands by for taking out the next job. If it is determined in step 1305 that all the sheet bundles of the corresponding job have not been removed yet, it is determined whether the next sheet bundle has been taken out (s
(step 1307), when the next sheet bundle is taken out, st
The job number of the sheet bundle is RAM10 in ep1309.
It is determined whether or not the job number is the same as the job number stored in the buffer on 03. If the job numbers are different, it means that the sheet bundle of a different job was taken out during the taking out of a certain job, so the operator is warned by the buzzer and display that the mistake was made (step 1311). step130
If the job number of the sheet bundle extracted in step 9 is the same as the number stored in the buffer, the program is step13.
Returning to 05, this operation is repeated until all the sheet bundles of the corresponding job are taken out.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a wrong-take warning process for detecting a wrong take depending on the time from taking out a sheet bundle to taking out the next sheet bundle. First,
In step 1401, it is determined whether the sheet bundle has been taken out. If the sheet bundle has not been taken out, step
A loop is made at 1401. When the sheet bundle is taken out, the job number is stored in the buffer area on the RAM 1003 (step 1403), and the timer for determining whether the next sheet bundle is taken out is set (step).
p1405). When the sheet bundles of different jobs are taken out, the operator is usually exchanged, so that it takes a sufficiently long time as compared with the case where the sheet bundles are taken out continuously. Therefore, the timer for detecting an error in picking is set to, for example, 1.5 seconds. Then
The program is waiting for the timer to count up step
Proceed to 1407. If it is determined in step 1407 that the timer has counted up, the program proceeds to step 1
Return to 401 and wait for the next fetch. ste
When it is determined in p1407 that the timer has not counted up, it is determined whether or not the next sheet bundle is taken out (step 1409). When the next sheet bundle is taken out, the job number of the sheet bundle is R in step 1411.
It is determined whether the job number is the same as the job number stored in the buffer on the AM 1003. If the job number is different, it means that the sheet bundle of the different job has been taken out within the specified time, so the buzzer and display warn the operator that the sheet is wrong (step 1413). step1413
After completion, or if the job number of the sheet bundle picked up at step 1411 is the same as the number stored in the buffer, the program proceeds to step 1415, and the timer is set in the same manner as step 1405 to detect the mistaken removal of the next sheet bundle. set. After that, the process returns to step 1407, and this operation is repeated until all the sheet bundles of the corresponding job are taken out.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a wrong-take warning process in a multi-function peripheral system including an image forming apparatus (hereinafter, multi-function peripheral) having a printer function and a FAX function. Remote control of print jobs and FA
Although X jobs are performed, the exact same operator often performs a plurality of jobs at once. Here, if the error-taking prevention function is activated for each job, a warning is issued at an unnecessary place. Therefore, it is desirable to detect the error-taking not for each job but for each function type only in the multi-function peripheral. In this embodiment, a mistake in taking out is warned by the time between the bundles taking out. First, step150
At 1, it is determined whether the sheet bundle has been taken out. If the sheet bundle has not been taken out, loop at step 1501. When the sheet bundle is taken out, its function type is R
Stored in the buffer area on AM1003 (step1
503), a timer for determining whether or not the next sheet bundle has been taken out is set (step 1505). Then, the program waits for the timer to count up.
Proceed to step 1507. If it is determined in step 1507 that the timer has counted up, the program will execute st
Return to ep1501 and wait for the next fetch.
If it is determined in step 1507 that the timer has not counted up, it is determined whether or not the next sheet bundle is taken out (step 1509). When the next sheet bundle is taken out, in step 1511 the function type of the sheet bundle is stored in the RAM 1003. It is determined whether the job number is the same as the job number stored in the buffer. If the job numbers are different, it means that the sheet bundle of the different jobs has been taken out within the specified time. Therefore, the operator is warned by the buzzer and the display (step 1513). step15
After completion of step 13, or if the job number of the sheet bundle taken out in step 1511 is the same as the number stored in the buffer, the program proceeds to step 1515, and step 150 is executed to detect an error in taking out the next sheet bundle.
Set the timer as in 5. Then step150
Returning to step 7, this operation is repeated until all the sheet bundles of the corresponding job are taken out.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to prevent mistaking.

Further, the number of bins used in each job is stored, and when the sheet bundle of a certain job is being taken out sequentially, the taking-out of the sheet bundle of another job is detected, so that an error in the taking order can be detected. Then, a warning is given and it is possible to prevent the mistaken taking.

Furthermore, by storing the number of bins used in each job and detecting the take-out of the sheet bundle of another job until a certain time elapses after the take-out of the sheet bundle of a certain job is detected. It is possible to prevent an error in taking a wrong product such as when the product is taken out and to warn the user.

Furthermore, in the case of a complex system including an image forming apparatus having a FAX function and a print function in addition to the copy function, one user may perform a plurality of print jobs due to the nature of the function. It is possible to provide a copying system that is easier to use by detecting an error in taking a function depending on the function type.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a document feeder according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a sorter according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sorter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation unit / display unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the entire system of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a reader unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a core unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the document feeder of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the sorter of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the same.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing still another example.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing still another example.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM S407 Paper presence / absence detection sensor

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Satoru Eda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Nao Suzuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Incorporated (72) Inventor Satoshi Kaneko, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor, Tsuyoshi Huang Matsu, 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Suzuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Suzuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Invention Hirohiko Tashiro 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Minor Nada 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. Within Co., Ltd. (72) inventor Akiyoshi Kimura Ohta-ku, Tokyo Shimomaruko 3-chome No. 30 No. 2 Canon within Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a sorter which is connected to the image forming apparatus and classifies the sheet bundle, wherein the sheet bundle is extracted based on information of taking out the sheet bundle from each bin of the sorter. An image forming system comprising: a wrong-taken detecting means for detecting a wrong-taken and a means for issuing a warning when the wrong-taken detecting means detects the wrong-taken. 2. The pick-up error detection means according to claim 1, wherein the storage means stores a bin used for each job of the sorter, and the sheet bundle detection means detects each sheet bundle on each bin of the sorter. And that when the sheet bundle is taken out from the bin, it is detected that the sheet bundles of different jobs are taken out based on the bin position information stored in the storage means and the detection information of the sheet bundle detection means. And an image forming system. 3. The pick-up error detecting unit according to claim 1, wherein the bins used for each job of the sorter are stored in the storage unit, and the sheet bundle detecting unit that detects sheet bundles on each bin of the sorter. A counting means for counting a fixed time each time a sheet bundle is pulled out from each bin according to the detection result of the sheet bundle detecting means; and a bin position stored in the storage means when the counting means counts up. An image forming method, comprising means for detecting that a sheet bundle of a different job is taken out when the sheet bundle is taken out from the bin based on the information and the detection information of the sheet bundle detecting means. system. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions, and the mistaking detection unit has a function storage unit that stores a function used for each job with respect to the plurality of functions, and refers to storage information of the function storage unit. By doing so, the image forming system is characterized in that the error is detected only when an error occurs between the functions.