JPH09224151A - Image forming copying method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming copying device and its method obtaining an optimum both-face outputting result corresponding to a use. SOLUTION: After an original image is arranged in each recording area of a recording paper in a both-face mode, when an upper stitch margin preparing mode is set (step S901), an image stored in areas (c) and (d) within an image memory equivalent to the back surface area of a recording paper is turned by 180 deg. as one body (step S902) and a stitching margin is prepared (step S903) to output to the both-faces (steps S904).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention reads an image,
The present invention relates to an image forming / copying method and apparatus for outputting a read image to a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a read image is not directly output to a recording medium such as a recording sheet, but the read image is temporarily stored in an image memory and the images read from a plurality of originals are the same. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image forming / copying apparatus having functions such as a layout mode for laying out on a recording surface and a double-sided mode for outputting on both sides of a recording medium. Further, an image forming / copying apparatus having functions such as a binding margin mode in which a binding margin is provided on one side of each recording medium and a staple mode in which recording media are fastened to each other is already known.

[0003]

However, in the above conventional image forming / copying apparatus, when an image is copied in the double-sided mode, the image is always output in the same manner on both the front and back sides of the recording medium. If the mode is set at the same time as the binding margin mode or the staple mode, or if the layout mode is additionally set, the output result may be difficult to see depending on the binding margin direction or the staple direction. It was For example, when the output result is viewed with the recording medium bound at the top, the recording medium is turned over, so that the output image is viewed upside down on the back surface of the recording medium, and the output result is difficult to see. As described above, there is a problem that the double-sided mode function is not effectively utilized.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming / copying method and apparatus capable of obtaining an optimum double-sided output result according to the application. It is in.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the image forming and copying method according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a reading step for reading an image of an original and an image read in the reading step on a recording surface. In an image forming / copying method including an output step of outputting, an acquisition step of acquiring information related to a direction set on the recording surface, the information according to the set direction and the type of the recording surface And a rotating step of rotating the read image.

In order to achieve the same object, the image forming and copying method according to a second aspect of the present invention is the method according to the first aspect, wherein in the rotating step, an area of an image to be arranged is left on the recording surface. If the area of the image to be arranged is larger than the area left on the recording surface, the image to be arranged is arranged on the other recording surface. It is characterized by including an arranging step of arranging the power image.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises a reading means for reading an image of a document and an output means for outputting the image read by the reading means on a recording surface. In an image forming / copying device provided, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the direction set on the recording surface, and the read image according to the information related to the set direction and the type of the recording surface. And rotating means for rotating.

In order to achieve the same object, the image forming and copying apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming and copying apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the rotating means leaves an area of an image to be arranged on the recording surface. If the area of the image to be arranged is larger than the area left on the recording surface, the image to be arranged is arranged on the other recording surface. It is characterized in that it comprises an arrangement means for arranging an image to be displayed.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the structure according to the fourth aspect, wherein the arranging means is arranged to print the read image according to the size of the original. It is characterized in that a scaling means for changing the size is provided.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the structure according to the fifth aspect, a detecting means for detecting the size of the original is provided.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming / copying apparatus according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the rotation is arranged on the recording surface. It is characterized in that the image is made as one.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention has the structure according to any one of the above third to seventh aspects, in which the type of the recording surface is a recording paper. It is characterized by being a front surface and a back surface.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming / copying apparatus according to any one of the third to eighth aspects, in which the recording surface is different from the recording surface in the direction. It is characterized in that it is in the direction of the side for binding with the recording surface.

In order to achieve the same object, the image forming and copying apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention has the structure according to any one of the third to ninth aspects, in which the rotation of the rotating means is prohibited. It is characterized in that a setting means is provided.

In order to achieve the same object, an image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention has the structure according to any one of claims 3 to 10 in which the reading is performed on the last page of the original. It is performed from.

[0016]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of an image forming / copying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 107 denotes a CPU (central control unit) circuit unit, and the CPU 107 includes an image reading unit 10.
1, an image processing unit 102, an image data selector 103, an image recording unit 104, an image memory 105, an operation unit 106, and a feeder unit 108 are connected. The operation of all of these elements is controlled by the CPU 107.

The image reading unit 101, the image processing unit 102 and the image data selector 103 are connected in series.
An image memory 105 and an image recording unit 104 are connected to the image data selector 103 by a data bus.
The image recording unit 104 and the image memory 105 are connected via an image rotating unit 109.

The image reading unit 101 is an optical system for inputting reflected light of an image of an original, a CCD (charge coupled device) for converting the reflected light obtained by the optical system into an analog signal, and this CCD. It is composed of an A / D converter (not shown) for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, reads an original image, and sends the read image information to the image processing unit 102.

The image processing unit 102 is based on a shading correction circuit, a light color density conversion circuit, and an operator's instruction.
It is composed of an image editing circuit or the like for editing the image magnification, movement, decoration, etc., corrects and edits the image information input from the image reading unit 101, and sends it to the image data selector 103.

The image data selector 103 is composed of a data bus switching circuit, an image information switching / synthesizing circuit, etc. (none of which are shown). In the data bus switching circuit, the image information input from the image processing unit 102 is
Whether the image is sent to the image recording unit 104 or the image memory 105 is determined by a CPU circuit unit 107 described later.
It is switched by the instruction of. Further, in the image information switching / combining circuit, the image information input from the image processing unit 102 is switched or combined.

The image recording unit 104 copies / outputs an image on a recording paper (not shown) as a recording medium based on the density signal relating to the image information input from the image data selector 103. The image rotation unit 109 is connected to the data bus between the image data selector 103 and the image recording unit 104 and the image memory 105, reads out the image information input from the image data selector 103, and gives instructions to the CPU circuit unit 107 described later. Based on the rotation of the image, the information related to the rotated image is stored again in the image memory 105 or sent to the image recording unit 104.

The image memory 105 stores the image information input from the image data selector 103 and the image information input from the image rotation unit 109.

The CPU circuit section 107 includes a control program,
ROM (read-only memory) 111 for storing an error processing program, a layout method determination program, etc.,
It includes a RAM (random access memory) 110 used as a work area or the like when executing various programs, and various timer control units (not shown). The CPU circuit unit 107 determines the layout of the image on the recording paper by the process described later, and calculates the rotation angle of the image by the image rotating unit 109 when the image recording unit 104 outputs the image to each recording surface.

The operation unit 106 sends instruction information relating to image copy operations such as the content of image editing, the number of copies to be made, and a scaling factor to the image processing unit 102 by the operation of various keys to be described later by the operator. To do. In addition, the operation unit 106
Has a display unit (not shown) for displaying the contents during operation.

The feeder unit 108 feeds a document, counts the number of documents, and feeds a document when a feeder copy command is selected.
The original size is detected and the detection signal is sent to the CPU circuit unit 1.
It is sent to 07. Information on the detected document size is temporarily stored in a buffer in the RAM 110.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the outline of the arrangement of the image forming / copying apparatus according to this embodiment. The image copying operation will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when a copy start key, which will be described later, is pressed, a document (not shown) placed on a document feeder (not shown) is fed onto the surface of the document glass 1 and the scanner 2 is scanned. The lamp is turned on and the scanner unit 3 moves, so that the document is illuminated. The reflected light of the document due to the reflection of the emitted light passes through the lens 7 via the mirrors 4, 5, 6 and is input to the image sensor unit 8.

The image information relating to the reflected light input to the image sensor unit 8 is processed by a signal controlled by the CPU circuit unit 107 and directly input to the exposure control unit 9 or in an image memory (not shown). It is stored once, processed, read again, and input to the exposure controller 9. Then, the image information relating to the input reflected light is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 9, modulated, and applied to the photoconductor 10. By this irradiation, a latent image is formed on the photoconductor 10 and is developed by the developing device 11 or the developing device 12. The developed image is transferred to the transfer paper to form a toner image, which is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 13 and then ejected as a recording paper from the paper ejection unit 14 to the outside of the apparatus. When performing double-sided printing, the flapper 15 conveys the sheets to the double-sided conveying units 15, 16 and 17.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the operation unit 106 in the image forming / copying apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The power switch 5001 is used to control the power supply to the image forming and copying apparatus 100. The reset key 5002 is used when returning from the standby state to the standard mode. Copy start key 5003
Is used when starting the copying operation. A clear key 5004 is used when clearing the set and calculated numerical values.

The ID key 5005 is a key for prohibiting a copying operation by a person other than a specific operator, and is configured so that the copying operation cannot be performed unless predetermined identification information is input. The stop key 5006 is used when interrupting / stopping the copy operation. Guide key 500
7 is used when it is desired to know information about each function.

The up cursor key 5008 is used to move the pointer upward in each function setting screen. The down cursor key 5009 is used to move the pointer downward on each function setting screen.
Similarly, a right cursor key 5010 and a left cursor key 5011 for moving the pointer left and right are provided.

An OK key 5012 is used to confirm the function setting on each function setting screen. The key 5013 is used to instruct execution of items output and displayed at the lower right of the screen 5052 on each function setting screen. The standard size reduction key 5014 is used to reduce a standard size to another standard size during copying. A key 5015 is used when selecting the same size copy mode. The standard enlargement key 5016 is used to enlarge a standard size to another standard size during copying. The cassette selection key 5017 is used when selecting a cassette stage used for copying. The copy density adjustment key 5018 and the copy density 5020 are used to adjust the copy density. The AE key 5019 is used to automatically adjust the copy density with respect to the original density. The key 5021 is used to specify the sorter operation and set sort, staple sort, group, and the like. Preheat key 5022 is for turning on / off the preheat mode.
Used when performing FF. The interrupt key 5023 is
Used when interrupting during copying and wanting to copy. The numeric keypad 5024 is used to input various numerical values.

The marker processing key 5025 is used when setting trimming, masking, and partial processing (contour processing, mesh processing, shadowing processing, negative / positive processing). The patterning processing key 5026 is used when a color is expressed by patterning or a density difference is expressed. The color delete key 5027 is used when deleting a specific color. The image quality key 5028 is used when setting the image quality. The negative / positive key 5029 is used when performing negative / positive processing. Image create key 5030
Is used when performing contour processing, shadowing processing, halftone processing, italic processing, mirror processing, and repeat processing. A trimming key 5031 is used when designating an area and trimming. A masking key 5032 is used when designating an area and masking. The partial processing key 5033 is used when designating an area and then setting the partial processing. Frame erase key 5034
Is used to erase the frame according to the mode.
In the mode, erase the sheet frame (create a frame for the sheet size), erase the document frame (create a frame according to the document size), erase the book frame (blank in the frame and center according to the book spread size) There is a book spread size specified, punch hole eraser (hole eraser width is set), etc.

The binding margin key 5035 is used to output an image so that a binding margin is provided at one end (one of the upper, lower, left and right sides) of the recording paper. The move key 5036 is used to move an image. The movement includes parallel movement (up and down, left and right) center movement, corner movement, and designated movement (point movement).

The zoom key 5037 is used when setting the copy magnification, and can be set from 25% to 400% in 1% increments, and can be set independently in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The auto scaling key 5038 is used when automatically enlarging / reducing the output image according to the size of the recording paper. Further, automatic scaling can be performed independently in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. The magnifying continuous shooting key 5039 is used when magnifying one image and copying to a plurality of recording surfaces.

The reduction layout key 5040 is used when performing copying so that a plurality of images are reduced and stored on one recording surface. The mode using this reduced layout key is referred to as a “reduced layout mode”. In the reduced layout mode, for example, when the images of four originals are copied on one recording surface (hereinafter referred to as “4 in 1”),
There are cases where the images of two originals are copied onto one recording surface (hereinafter referred to as “2in1”), but the number of originals is not particularly limited.

A continuous shooting key 5043 is used when the copying area on the platen glass surface 1 is divided into two right and left and automatic copying is performed (two continuous copying is performed).
Both sides continuous shooting). The double-sided key 5044 is used when outputting the contents of both sides (single-sided double-sided, page continuous shooting both-sided, both-sided both-sided, etc.). The multiplex key 5045 is used when performing multiplex (multiplexing, page continuous shooting multiplex, etc.). Memory key 5
Reference numeral 046 is used when performing a copying operation in a mode using a memory (memory combination, area combination, watermark combination, etc.). The projector key 5047 is used when using the projector. Printer key 504
The number 8 is used when setting the output. The original mixed loading key 5050 is used when the originals have the same width but different lengths when copying is performed using the feeder. The mode memory key 5051 is used to call the registered copy mode in order to register the set copy mode. The display screen 5052 is used to display the state of the apparatus, the number of copies, the copy magnification, the copy paper size, and the like, and to display the set contents during the copy mode setting.

4 and 5 are flow charts showing the procedure of the document number counting process in the present embodiment. In this process, the counting procedure in the case of the “2 in 1” duplex mode is shown. Further, the original is fed from the last page by the lower paper feeding method, and this processing is executed by the CPU circuit unit 107.

In the "2 in 1" duplex mode, each recording surface of the recording paper is divided into two areas, and the read original image is sequentially arranged in each of the divided areas. Then, when all the document images are laid out, the total number of areas spent for arrangement (hereinafter referred to as “total sum”) is obtained. Here, the blank area is also counted.
Further, it is assumed that the size of the original used in this processing is of two types, A3 and A4, and the size of the recording paper is A3. Therefore, the recording area of the recording paper is divided into two A4 size areas on one side.

First, a buffer (hereinafter referred to as a "size buffer") in the RAM 110, which stores the size information of the document read the last time and the time before the last time, is initialized (step S401). In this initialization, the large size (A3 version) is used for both the previous time and the time before last. It should be noted that it is not always necessary to use the large size for the last time.

Next, the total sum when all the read original images are laid out on the recording surface of the recording paper is sum.
Is initialized by setting 0 to 0 (step S
402).

Then, one original is fed from the last page (step S403). The size of the fed document is detected (step S404), and the margin creation flag flag is set to "0". Here, the margin creation flag is
"The size of the original that has already been scanned is the large size (A
3rd edition) and small size (A4 edition), and if the size of the document read next is large size, leave the next recording area blank (no image is arranged). " This condition is set by "1", and is a flag for processing such that the image of the large-sized original is arranged on the same recording surface without being divided.

Next, it is judged whether or not the size of the document read last time is the small size (step S4).
06), if not a small size, step S409
On the other hand, if the size is small, it is determined whether or not the size of the document read two times before is the large size (step S407). As a result of the determination, if it is not the large size, the process immediately proceeds to step S409, while if it is the large size, the margin creation flag f
After lag is set to "1" (step S40
8) Proceed to step S409.

As a result, after the processing of step S408,
Alternatively, in step S407, if the previous size is not the large size, or if the previous size is not the small size in step S406, the process proceeds to step S409.

In a succeeding step S409, it is determined whether or not the size of the document read this time is the large size. If it is not the large size, "1" is added to the total sum to obtain a new total sum. On the other hand (step S
410), when the size is large, the total number sum is set to the set value (1 or 0) of the margin creation flag flag,
"2" is added to make a new total sum (step S411).

Next, moving to the flow chart of FIG. 5, the size information of the manuscript read two times before stored in the size buffer is updated to the size information of the manuscript read last time (step S412), and the size information of the manuscript read last time is read. The size information of the read original is updated to the size information of the original read this time (step S413), and the original read by the image reading unit 101 is discharged (step S41).
4) Then, it is judged whether or not the original is the last (first page) (step S415).

If the result of determination in step S415 is that the document is not the final one, the process returns to step S403, while if it is the final document, the size of the previously read document updated in step S413 is small. It is determined whether or not it is the size (step S416).
As a result of the determination, when the size is the small size, it is determined whether or not the size of the document read in the previous two times updated in step S412 is the large size (step S417). As a result, the process proceeds to step S418 only when the previous time is the small size and the last time before is the large size, and otherwise the process immediately proceeds to step S418.
Proceed to 419.

In step S418, "1" is added to the total number sum to obtain a new total number sum. As a result, the placement area of the final page is appropriately determined.

In the following step S419, the total number sum is determined, and this processing ends.

By this processing, a blank is appropriately created so that the large-sized original image is not divided into separate recording surfaces, and the number of areas that would be necessary if the blank is finally output on the recording paper. (Total sum) is appropriately calculated according to the document size.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a recording area of recording paper used in the image forming / copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. This recording paper has two recording surfaces, a front surface and a back surface, and each recording surface is divided into two recording areas in view of image arrangement in this apparatus. Therefore, the recording areas in the image memory 105 corresponding to the recording areas of the recording paper (two for the front and the back) are referred to as areas a, b, c, d.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing the image layout processing procedure in the image forming / copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. This processing is executed by the CPU circuit unit 107.

In this processing, the total number sum obtained in the processing of FIGS. 4 and 5 is used to arrange the recording paper in the recording area in order from the last page of the document. This process is also executed under the condition of the "2 in 1" double-sided mode similar to the case of the processes of FIGS. 4 and 5 described above, and two recording areas are provided on each of the front surface and the back surface of the recording paper. The image is divided and the images are arranged in these areas.

First, the already determined total number sum is read (step S701), the original is fed from the last page by the lower feed method, and the original image is read.
(Step S702), the size of the document is detected (step S703), and the remainder number adrs is calculated (step S704). The remainder number adrs is the total number sum
Is obtained as a remainder obtained by dividing 4 by the number of recording areas existing on both sides of one sheet of recording paper, and the arrangement area is determined based on the number of remainders adrs and the size of the document to be arranged.

Next, it is judged whether or not the size of the read document is a large size (step S705),
If the result of the determination is that the size is large, the remainder number adrs is determined in steps S718 to S734 below.
Different processing is performed depending on the value of.

First, it is determined whether or not adrs = 0 holds (step S718). If not, addr
It is determined whether or not rs = 2 holds (step S72).
1) If this is also not true, it is determined whether or not adrs = 3 is true (step S724).

As a result, in step S718, adrs =
When 0 is satisfied, the original image is stored in the areas c and d (step S719), and an output buffer (R
(Provided in the AM 110), the fact that "large size images have been stored in the areas c and d" is stored (step S720), and the process proceeds to step S730.

In this process, the arrangement position is determined from the last page, and when the remainder number adrs is 0, if the size of the original document is the small size, it can be stored in the area d, but here, it is large. Because of the size, it does not fit in the area d. For this reason, the area to be stored is expanded to the area c immediately before.

When adrs = 2 is satisfied in step S721, the document image of large size is stored in the areas a and b (step S722), and the fact is stored in the output buffer (step S72).
3) and proceeds to step S730.

When adrs = 3 is satisfied in step S724, the original image of the large size is stored in the areas a and b (step S725).
The fact is stored in the output buffer (step S72).
6), the margin information for blanking the recording area is stored in the area c (step S727). Where adr
When s = 3, the image should be originally stored in the area c, but the size of the original image is large, and the original image cannot be stored in the area c.
If the storage area is simply expanded, the original image is separated, which is not preferable. Therefore, the margin information is stored in the area c, and the image is stored in the areas a and b which are continuous areas immediately before.

As described above, since the margin is provided in the area c in step S727, the total number su is set in subsequent step S728.
"1" is subtracted from m to obtain a new total sum, and the image is moved to the area c only when the small size image is stored in the area d (step S72).
9). As a result, the image is properly packed in the direction of the first page in the order of the original. Then, the process proceeds to step S730.

In step S730, "2" is subtracted from the total number sum to obtain a new total number sum, and the process proceeds to step S735 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the discrimination in the step S724, when adrs = 3 is not established, that is, adrs
When = 1, originally, the original image should be stored in the area a, but since the original image has a large size and cannot be stored in the area a, it is processed as follows. .

First, "1" is subtracted from the total number sum to obtain a new total number sum (step S731), and the area a
Blank information is stored so that the recording area is blank (step S732), and the image in the area bcd is moved to the area a side (step S733).
This movement is performed as follows.

First, when the small size image is stored in the area b and the large size image is stored across the areas c and d, the image in the area b is moved to the area a. Further, when the small size image is stored in each of the areas b, c and d, the image is moved to the front by one area, that is, moved in parallel to the areas a, b and c.
This makes it possible to avoid the unnaturalness in which the first area of each recording paper corresponding to the area a becomes blank when output to the recording paper.

Next, in step S734, since the original image cannot be output this time, an image stored before the original image (the image which is the object of movement determination in step S733) will be described later. After that, the document is output to the recording paper, and the original document is not discharged, and the process directly returns to step S704.

When the size of the read original is the small size as a result of the determination in step S705, different processes are performed in the following steps S706 to S717 depending on the value of the remainder number adrs.

First, it is determined whether or not adrs = 0 holds (step S706). If not, addr
It is determined whether or not rs = 1 is satisfied (step S70).
9) If this also does not hold, it is determined whether or not adrs = 2 holds (step S712).

As a result, in step S706, adrs =
When 0 is satisfied, the document image of the small size is stored in the area d (step S70).
7) The fact is stored in the output buffer (step S708), and the process proceeds to step S717.

When adrs = 1 is satisfied in step S709, the original image of the small size is stored in the area a (step S710), and the fact is stored in the output buffer (step S711). It proceeds to step S717.

When adrs = 2 is satisfied in step S712, the original image of the small size is stored in the area b (step S713), and the fact is stored in the output buffer (step S714). It proceeds to step S717.

On the other hand, in step S712, adrs = 2
Is not satisfied, that is, when adrs = 3, the document image of the small size is stored in the area c (step S715), and the fact is stored in the output buffer (step S716). Proceed to S717.

In the following step S717, "1" is subtracted from the total number sum to obtain a new total number sum, and the flow proceeds to step S735.

The processing from step S735 is executed similarly regardless of the size of the read original.

First, the document is ejected (step S7).
35), the steps S728, S730, S731,
It is determined whether the newly calculated remainder number adrs based on the total number sum updated in S717 is 0 (step S736). As a result of the determination, when the new remainder number adrs is not 0, the process immediately proceeds to step S738, while when it is 0, the recording paper including the recording area in which the image of the original document is arranged is subjected to the image processing through the processing described later. Is output (step S737), step S73
Proceed to 8.

In step S738, it is determined whether or not the original is the final original, that is, the first page. If the original is not the final original, the process returns to step S702 (FIG. 7). The process ends.

FIG. 9 shows steps S734 and S737.
6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image output processing executed in step S1.

First, it is determined whether or not the top binding margin creating mode is set (step S901). If not, the process immediately proceeds to step S904. In the present embodiment, since the top binding margin creation mode is set, step S902 is followed by step S902.
The image stored in the areas c and d is integrally rotated by 180 degrees by the image rotating unit 109 to form a binding margin on the upper side of the recording paper (step S903). Images are output on both sides (step S904), and this processing ends.

By the processing of FIGS. 7 and 8, a blank is appropriately provided so that the original images are not separated on different recording surfaces even when the originals of two different sizes are mixedly mounted, and the recording paper is Are arranged on both sides of the recording sheet, and each time the arrangement on the recording sheet is completed, the recording sheet is output and the recording sheet is discharged. Further, according to the processing of FIG. 9, when the top binding margin creating mode is set, the image on the back surface of the recording paper is rotated and output as a unit, so that the image can be easily viewed in the state where the recording paper is bound. So that it can output optimally.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image output mode by the image forming / copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. The manuscripts are manuscripts 201, 202, 203, 20 from the first page.
The size of the originals 201, 202, and 204 is A.
The fourth edition and the original 203 are A3 editions. In the figure, A, B,
C and D represent the image content of each document.

For these originals, under the condition of the 2-in-1 duplex mode and the binding margin (upper binding) creation mode,
When the image is copied and output, the output result when the image rotation process is not performed is shown in FIG. 9A, and the output result when the image is rotated is shown in FIG.
It was shown to. The rightmost figures in FIGS. 3A and 3B show the case where the output recording sheets are bound at the binding margin.

In FIG. 10A, images A and B of the original 201 and the original 202 are output on the front surface of the recording paper 205, and an image C of the original 203 is output on the back surface. Also, recording paper 2
The image D of the document 204 is output to the left side area of the surface of 06, and the right side area is blank. When the recording paper 205 and the recording paper 206 are turned over at the binding margin, the back surface of the recording paper 205 corresponding to the second page is turned upside down, and the image C is turned upside down, making it difficult to see.

However, in FIG.
Since the image C is rotated by 180 ° when the image is output to the back surface of the sheet, the inversion of the image C is eliminated and the output result is easy to see when the bound recording paper 205 is turned over.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of an image output mode by the image forming / copying apparatus according to the present embodiment. In this example, the sizes of the originals 211 and 214 are A3 size,
The size of the originals 212 and 213 is A4 size, and as in the case of FIG. 10, the output mode under the condition of the 2 in 1 double-sided mode and the binding margin (upper stitch) creating mode is shown.

11 (a), (b), and (c), the output mode to the front surface of the recording paper 215 and the output mode to the front surface of the recording paper 216 are the same, but the back surface of the recording paper 215 is the same. The output mode to each is different.

That is, in FIG. 9A, the image is not rotated, and in FIG. 9B, the image is rotated.
The recording areas are individually rotated. In FIG. 7C, the images in the two areas on the recording surface are integrally rotated.

Since the processing is performed in this manner, when the recording sheet bound at the binding margin is flipped over and viewed, the image on the back surface of the recording sheet 215 is reversed in FIG. In b), the top and bottom have been corrected, making it easier to see. However, the left-right relationship between the image B and the image C in FIG. 11B is reversed, which is not preferable. On the other hand, in the same figure (c), both the top and bottom of the image B and the image C and the left-right relationship are normally output, which is the easiest to see and is an appropriate output mode.

Image forming / copying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment
According to 0, when two kinds of large and small originals are mixedly mounted and copying is performed in the double-sided mode and the binding margin creating mode, the original images are appropriately separated so as not to be separated on different recording surfaces. Since blanks are provided, original images are sequentially arranged on both sides of each recording surface, and the provided blanks are appropriately filled, and the arranged images are rotated with one recording surface as a unit. , Bind the printed recording paper,
It is possible to obtain the output result that is most easily seen when flipping over. Therefore, the functions of the double-sided mode and the binding margin creation mode can be utilized more effectively.

(Second Embodiment) An image forming and copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This apparatus is different from the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in image output processing (step S734 in FIG. 7 and step S7 in FIG. 8).
9) showing a detailed processing procedure of 37, and other configurations are the same. Therefore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and FIG. 12 is used instead of FIG.
Instead of 1, the different parts will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of image output executed in steps S734 and S737 of FIG. 7 in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the 2-in-1 double-sided mode and the staple mode are set.

First, it is determined whether or not the staple mode is set (step S1201). If not set, the process immediately proceeds to step S1204. In the present embodiment, since the staple mode is set, after step S1201, step S12 is performed.
The image stored in the regions a and b is rotated by the image rotating unit 109 by -90 degrees (rotated to the left) as a unit, and the image stored in the regions c and d is stored. However, it is rotated as a unit by 90 degrees (rotated to the right) (step S1203), the images on both sides of the recording paper are output (step S1204), and this processing ends.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image output mode in the present embodiment. In this example, the original 221,
The output mode is shown under the condition that the size of 224 is A3 originals 222, 223 is A4 and the size is 2 in 1 duplex mode and staple mode.

FIG. 9A shows the case where the image is not rotated, and FIG. 9B shows the case where the image is rotated.

In general, the position of the stapler for stapling is fixed, and the output recording paper is output 180 degrees from the direction of the document placing machine for the mechanical reason that it is inverted and discharged. Is as shown in FIG. That is, when the left staple is opened laterally and the stapled recording paper is turned over, the recording paper 225
The images B and C on the back surface of are upside down, and the output result is difficult to see.

Therefore, in order to set the staple position to the upper side, as shown in FIG.
The images A and D on the front surface of the sheet 5, 226 are each rotated by -90 degrees (rotated to the left), and the images B and C on the back surface of the recording paper 225 are rotated together by 90 degrees (rotated to the right). Let As a result, when the recording paper stapled on the upper side is turned over, the top and bottom of the images B and C become normal and are easy to see.

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of this embodiment, even when the staple mode is set, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the functions of the double-sided mode and the staple mode are obtained. Can be used more effectively.

In the first and second embodiments, the process of counting the number of documents and arranging the document images is performed from the last page by the lower paper feeding method. You may make it start from the first page.

In the first and second embodiments, the size of the original is two, but the size is not limited to this.
It is also possible to mix originals of a plurality of sizes and appropriately divide the recording area of the recording paper into a plurality of recording areas. At that time,
The magnification may be appropriately set according to the document size, and the process of enlarging or reducing the document image may be performed at the same time.

In the first and second embodiments, the binding margins and stapling directions are not limited to those shown in the example, and the image is optimized so that the binding margins and staples in all directions are optimal. You may make it rotate.

[0102]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention.
According to the image forming / copying method of the present invention or the image forming / copying apparatus of the third aspect, the image of the original is read, the information on the direction set on the recording surface is acquired, and the information on the set direction is acquired. Also, since the read image is rotated according to the type of the recording surface and the rotated image is output to the recording surface, an optimum double-sided output result can be obtained according to the application. For example, even when the recording medium is bound and viewed, it is possible to output in the direction that is the most legible depending on the binding direction.

According to the image forming / copying method of the second aspect of the present invention or the image forming / copying apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the area of the image to be arranged is smaller than the area left on the recording surface, While the image to be arranged is arranged on the recording surface, if the area of the image to be arranged is larger than the area left on the recording surface, the image to be arranged is arranged on another recording surface. Even when originals of a plurality of sizes are mixed, the layout can be optimally arranged on each recording surface, and the output can be made in a format that is easy to see.

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the size of the read image is changed according to the size of the original, the usability can be further improved.

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the size of the original is detected, the usability can be further improved.

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the rotation is performed integrally with the image arranged on the recording surface, so that the positional relationship of the rotated image such as right and left is normal. Can be maintained at

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the prohibition of the rotation is set, the usability can be further improved.

According to the image forming / copying apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the reading is performed from the last page of the original, the usability can be further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming / copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an operation unit of the device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document number counting processing in the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a document number counting process in the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a recording area of recording paper used in the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image layout processing procedure in the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image layout processing procedure in the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of image output processing in the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image output mode by the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image output mode by the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of image output processing in the image forming / copying apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image output mode by the apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 image reading unit 102 image processing unit 104 image recording unit 105 image memory 106 operation unit 107 CPU circuit unit 108 feeder unit 109 image rotating unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A reading process for reading an image of a document,
In an image forming / copying method including an output step of outputting an image read in the reading step onto a recording surface, an acquisition step of acquiring information on a direction set on the recording surface, and an acquisition step in the set direction And a rotating step of rotating the read image according to the information and the type of the recording surface. 2. The rotating step arranges the image to be arranged on the recording surface when the area of the image to be arranged is smaller than the area left on the recording surface, and 2. The image forming copying method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of arranging the image to be arranged on another recording surface when the area is larger than the area left on the recording surface. 3. A reading unit for reading an image of a document,
In an image forming copying apparatus provided with an output unit that outputs an image read by the reading unit to a recording surface, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to a direction set on the recording surface, and the set direction. An image forming and copying apparatus, comprising: a rotating unit configured to rotate the read image in accordance with the information related to the information and the type of the recording surface. 4. The rotating means arranges the image to be arranged on the recording surface when the area of the image to be arranged is smaller than the area left on the recording surface, and 4. The image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising arranging means for arranging the image to be arranged on another recording surface when the area is larger than the area left on the recording surface. 5. The image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the arranging unit includes a scaling unit that changes the size of the read image according to the size of the original. 6. The image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising detection means for detecting the size of the original. 7. The rotation is performed integrally with an image arranged on the recording surface.
2. The image forming / copying apparatus according to any one of 1 above. 8. The type of the recording surface is a front surface or a back surface of a recording sheet, according to claim 3.
The image forming / copying apparatus according to the item. 9. The image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the direction is a direction of a side for binding the recording surface to another recording surface. . 10. The image forming and copying apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising setting means for setting prohibition of rotation by the rotating means. 11. The image forming / copying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reading is performed from the last page of the document.