JPH1084469A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save recording paper more, in comparison with the recording in the unit of communication by merging a plurality of image data and recording the merged data onto one recording paper sheet as to image data resulting from a plurality of number of times of communication. SOLUTION: This recorder is constituted of a CPU 101 for controlling the entire system, an image memory 104 consisting of a DRAM or the like and storing image data, and a resolution conversion processing section 105 for conducting resolution conversion control such as millimeter-inch resolution conversion for raster data or the like. After number (n) of merged image data has been initialized, optimum recording paper for recording image data of n-th page is selected. Then recording paper for image data merging image data from 1st to n-th pages is selected. Then the subscanning length of the recording paper merging the data is selected. When the subscanning length of the recording paper set to the device is followed, so long as the subscanning length of the merged images does not exceed the subscanning length of the recording paper set to the recorder, image data are merged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus having a function of combining a plurality of image data and recording them on one recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a facsimile apparatus, when recording received image data, a function of combining image data of a plurality of pages in the same communication and recording the data on one fixed recording paper (cut paper). (Nin1 recording function) is provided.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since the connection is performed only for the image data in the same communication, there is only one page in each of a plurality of continuous communication, and each information When the amount is small, a small amount of the received image is recorded on each recording paper, and a large margin is generated on each recording paper, and there is a problem that the recording paper is wasted.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional example, since it is only possible to select whether the Nin1 recording function is always operated or always stopped, for example, when it is desired to use the Nin1 recording function day and night, one day is required. There is an annoyance that the user has to perform the setting switching operation twice.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus that can effectively utilize the Nin1 recording function for a plurality of communications and according to time zones.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a function of combining a plurality of image data according to the size of an image to be recorded and recording the same on one sheet of recording paper. , A plurality of image data are combined and recorded on one recording sheet.

Further, the present invention has a function of combining a plurality of image data according to the size of an image to be recorded and recording the combined image data on one sheet of recording paper, and combining a plurality of image data for an arbitrary period. And recording on a single sheet of recording paper.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example of a recording apparatus provided in a facsimile machine will be described as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the facsimile apparatus of the present embodiment.

The CPU 101 is a system control unit.
Controls the entire device. The ROM 102 stores a control program for the CPU 101. RAM103
Is composed of an SRAM or the like, and stores program control variables and the like. In the RAM 103, setting values registered by the operator, management data of the apparatus, and various work buffers are also stored in the RAM. The image memory 104 includes a DRAM or the like, and stores image data.

A resolution conversion processing unit 105 performs resolution conversion control such as millimeter-inch resolution conversion of raster data.
Communication coding / decoding processing unit (communication codec) 10
6, and an encoding / decoding processing unit for reading / recording (reading / recording)
A recording codec 107 performs encoding and decoding of image data handled by the facsimile machine.

A communication control unit (CCU) 108 controls a facsimile communication protocol.
The unit 109 is an interface for an i / f for a communication line 117 such as an integrated digital communication network (ISDN) or a public switched telephone network (PSTN).
And controls the communication line.

DMAC (Direct Memory Access Control)
ler) 110 performs data transfer directly between memories or between communication lines and memories without going through the processing of the CPU 101.

The scanner 112 is a CS image sensor,
It is composed of a document transport mechanism or the like, which reads a document optically and converts it into electrical image data. This image data is subjected to correction processing by the image processing unit 111 and outputs high-definition image data.

The operation unit 113 includes an LCD, a keyboard, and the like, and is used for displaying various messages and performing various input operations by an operator. Line buffer 114
Is a line buffer used for controlling transfer of image data.

The printer 115 is a recording device that records received images and file data on recording paper. The printer formatter 116 analyzes a printer description language and converts it into image data when printing file data from a workstation or the like.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing a combined recording operation of image data in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of selecting a sub-scanning length of recording paper in combined recording in each of the following embodiments.

In the following description, the image data combination number n is a parameter for storing the number of data combinations when image data is combined as a parameter in FIGS. The recording paper selection result Xn is a parameter for storing the result of selecting the optimal recording paper for recording the image data of the nth page. The recording paper selection result Yn is from page 1 to page n. Is a parameter for storing the result of selecting the recording paper of the image data obtained by combining the image data.

In FIG. 2, first, the number of image data combinations n
Is initialized (set to 1) (S201). Next, S20
In step 2, the most suitable recording paper for recording the image data of the n-th page is selected (hereinafter referred to as recording paper selection), and the selection result is set to Xn. Further, in S203, the recording paper selection of the image data obtained by combining the image data from the first page to the nth page is executed, and the selection result is set to Y.
Set to n.

Next, in step S204, the sub-scanning length of the recording paper to be combined-recorded is selected. The selection result here is either according to the sub-scanning length of the recording paper by the recording paper selection of the image data (selection result 1) or according to the sub-scanning length of the recording paper set in the apparatus (selection result 2). become.

That is, the selection result 1 is for judging whether or not to perform the combined recording in consideration of the recording paper selected for each image data. When the selected recording paper size differs for each image data, Does not record the combination. On the other hand, the selection result 2 is for determining whether or not to perform combined recording in consideration of each image data and the recording paper set in the apparatus, and does not consider recording paper selection for each image data. It is.

If the selection result in S204 is selection result 1, Yn and Xn are compared, and 1 is determined.
If none of them is the same, the combined recording is not performed, and the recording paper indicated by Xn is selected for recording. That is, Xn is more important than Yn. Even if the same recording paper selection result is found, if the paper is divided or if the maximum number of combined pages is exceeded, the combined recording is not performed (see FIG. 4).

If the selection result in S204 is selection result 2, the images are combined unless the sub-scanning length of the combined image exceeds the sub-scanning length of the recording paper set in the apparatus. That is, Yn is more important than Xn (see FIG. 4).

Next, when the selection result in S204 is selection result 1 (S205), the process proceeds to S206, and the loop variable i is initialized (set to 1). here,
The loop variable i is a variable for storing the number of pages at that time in order to continuously select recording paper for image data of pages 1 to n.

Thereafter, in S207, the result (Xi) of executing the recording paper selection of the image data of the i-th page and Yn
Is compared with the result of selecting the recording paper to determine whether they are the same.

If the comparison result in S207 is the same selection result, the process proceeds to S208.

If the comparison result in S207 is a different selection result, i and n are compared to determine whether or not the processing has been completed for all pages (S
216).

If the comparison result in S216 is a different value, the loop variable i is increased by 1 (S21
8) Continue the processing from S207.

If the result of the comparison in S216 is the same value, i such that Xi and Yn are the same is 1
It is determined whether there is more than one (S217).

Then, as a result of the judgment in S217, X
If i exists such that i and Yn are the same, 1
The images from page to page n are recorded on one recording sheet (S219, S220), and the process ends.

As a result of the judgment in S217, Xi
And if there is no i such that Yn is the same, 1
The images from the page to the page (n-1) are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S221, S220), and the process ends.

If the comparison result in S207 is the same selection result, it is determined whether there is an (n + 1) th page (S208).

Then, as a result of the judgment in S208,
If there is no (n + 1) -th page, it is determined whether there is a next communication of the same classification (S214). Here, the communication of the same classification means that the communication is stored in a memory box of the same ITU-T standard (the sub-address is the same).
A plurality of communications, or a plurality of communications that are considered to be the same originator based on a calling telephone number notification signal or a called terminal identification signal in a facsimile protocol. For example, a case where a plurality of communications are stored in the same memory box is a setting in which a time is determined (for example, once a week), or a setting in which the communication is not output until an operator performs an output operation. Is the case.

If the result of determination in S214 is that there is no next communication of the same classification, images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S219, S22).
0), end.

If the result of determination in S214 is that there is a next communication of the same classification, the first page of the next communication is changed to (n +
1) As the page, the processing from S209 is continued (S215).

Also, as a result of the determination in S208,
If there is an (n + 1) th page, it is determined whether the main scanning length of the nth page is the same as the main scanning length of the (n + 1) th page (S209).

If the result of determination in S209 is that the main scanning lengths are not the same, images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one recording sheet (S219, S22).
0), end.

If the result of determination in S 209 is that the main scanning lengths are the same, the image data of the (n + 1) th page is combined, and whether the combined data exceeds the sub-scanning length of the sub-scanning length Yn A determination is made (S210).

If the result of the determination in S210 exceeds the sub-scanning length, images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S219, S220).
finish.

If the result of the determination in S210 does not exceed the sub-scanning length, does the number of pages (n + 1) of the combined image data exceed the maximum number of pages of the combined image data registered in the apparatus? Is determined (S2
11, S212).

If the result of the determination in S212 exceeds the maximum number of pages of the image data to be combined, the images from the first page to the nth page are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S219, S220), and the processing ends. I do.

If the result of the determination in S212 does not exceed the maximum number of pages of the image data to be combined, the number n of image data to be combined is increased by 1 (S213), and the process proceeds to S2.
Continue from 02.

Next, in S205 described above, the case where the selection result of the sub-scanning length of the recording paper to be combined-recorded follows the sub-scanning length of the recording paper by the selection of the recording paper of the image data will be described with reference to FIGS. A specific case of combined recording will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows that the recording paper size set in the apparatus is only A4, and the image data to be recorded belongs to the first communication and the second communication of the same classification, and the first communication is A5 short. The × 2 page and the second communication show the flow of combined recording in the case of A5 short × 1 page.

First, in step (401), the image data of the first page of the first communication is extracted, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the first page, A4 is obtained and X1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 1 is A4, and Y1 is A
It becomes 4.

From the result in (401), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (402).

In step (403), the image data of the second page of the first communication is extracted, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the second page, A4 is obtained and X2 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.
It becomes 4.

From the result of (403), X1 = Y2 holds, so that the image of the second page can be combined.
At this time, a dotted boundary indicating that image data of different pages within the same communication is recorded on the same page is inserted between the image data of the first page and the second page (404).

Next, at (405), the image data of the first page of the second communication is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the third page, A4 is obtained and X3 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 3 is A4, and Y3 is A
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (405), X1 = Y3 holds, so that the image of the third page can be combined.
At this time, between the image data of the second page and the third page, a dashed-dotted line different from the dotted line indicating that image data of different communication is recorded on the same page is inserted (406). .

Thus, three-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 6 shows that the recording paper size set in the apparatus is only A4, the image data to be recorded belongs to the first communication and the second communication of the same classification, and the first communication is A5 short. × 1 page, and the second communication shows the flow of combined recording in the case of A5 short × 2 page.

First, in (501), the image data of the first page of the first communication is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the first page, A4 is obtained and X1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 1 is A4, and Y1 is A
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (501), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (502).

Next, in (503), the image data of the first page of the second communication is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the second page, A4 is obtained and X2 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (503), X1 = Y2 holds, so that the image of the second page can be combined.
At this time, a dashed-dotted line indicating that image data of different communication is recorded on the same page is inserted between the image data of the first page and the image data of the second page (50).
4).

When the image data of the second page of the second communication is taken out in (505) and the recording paper is selected as the image data of the third page, A4 is obtained and X3 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 3 is A4 long, and Y3
Is A4 long.

Then, from the result in (505), X1 ≠ Y3 holds, so that the image of the third page cannot be combined (506).

Accordingly, two-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 7 shows that the recording paper sizes set in the apparatus are A5 and A4, and the image data to be recorded belongs to the first communication and the second communication of the same classification, and the first communication is A4 and A4. It is short × 1 page, and the second communication is A5 short × 1
9 shows the flow of a combined record in the case of a page.

First, in step (601), the image data of the first page of the first communication is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the first page, A4 is obtained and X1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 1 is A4, and Y1 is A
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (601), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (602).

When the image data of the first page of the second communication is taken out in (603) and the recording paper is selected as the image data of the second page, A5 is obtained and X2 becomes A5. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (603), X1 = Y2 holds, so that the image of the second page can be combined.
At this time, a dashed-dotted line indicating that image data of different communication is recorded on the same page is inserted between the image data of the first page and the image data of the second page (60).
4).

Accordingly, two-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 8 shows that the recording paper sizes set in the apparatus are A5 and A4, and the image data to be recorded belongs to the first communication and the second communication of the same classification, and the first communication is A5 and A4. It is short × 1 page, and the second communication is A5 short × 1
9 shows the flow of a combined record in the case of a page.

First, in step (701), the image data of the first page of the first communication is extracted, and when the recording paper is selected as the image data of the first page, A5 is obtained and X1 becomes A5. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 1 is A5, and Y1 is A
It becomes 5.

From the result in (701), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (702).

When the image data of the first page of the second communication is extracted in (703) and the recording paper is selected as the image data of the second page, A5 is obtained and X2 becomes A5. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.
It becomes 4.

Then, from the result in (703), X1 ≠ Y2 and X2 ≠ Y2 hold, so that the image of the second page cannot be combined (704).

Accordingly, the combined recording is not performed, and normal recording is performed.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the device is common to that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and thus description thereof is omitted.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the combined recording operation of image data in the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the number n of combined image data is initialized (set to 1) (S801). Next, in S802, it is determined whether or not it is a period for combining images. If it is not a period for combining images, the image combining routine shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is ended.

If it is a period for combining images, S8
In step 03, the n-th page of the recording paper is selected, and the selection result is set to Xn. In step S804, a recording sheet is selected for image data obtained by combining the image data from page 1 to page n, and the selection result is set to Yn.

Next, in step S805, the sub-scanning length of the recording paper to be combined-recorded is selected. The selection result here is either according to the sub-scanning length of the recording paper by the recording paper selection of the image data (selection result 1) or according to the sub-scanning length of the recording paper set in the apparatus (selection result 2). become.

If the selection result in S805 is selection result 1, Yn and Xn are compared, and
If none of them is the same, the combined recording is not performed, and the recording paper indicated by Xn is selected for recording. Also, even if the same recording paper selection result exists, if paper division occurs, or if the maximum number of combined pages is exceeded,
No combined recording is performed (see FIG. 4).

If the selection result in S805 is selection result 2, the images are combined unless the sub-scanning length of the combined image exceeds the sub-scanning length of the recording paper set in the apparatus (FIG. 9). 4).

Next, if the selection result in S805 is the selection result 1 (S806), the process proceeds to S807, where the loop variable i is initialized (set to 1). here,
The loop variable i is a variable for storing the number of pages at that time in order to continuously select recording paper for image data of pages 1 to n.

Thereafter, in S808, the result (Xi) of executing the recording paper selection of the image data of the i-th page and Yn
Is compared with the result of selecting the recording paper to determine whether they are the same.

If the comparison result in S808 is a different selection result, i and n are compared to determine whether or not the processing on all pages has been completed (S814).

If the comparison result in S814 is the same value, the images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S816, S817), and the process ends.

If the comparison result in S814 is a different value, the loop variable i is incremented by 1 (S81
5) Continue the processing from S808.

If the comparison result in S808 is the same selection result, the main scanning length of the n-th page and (n
+1) It is determined whether or not the main scanning length of the page is the same (S809).

If the result of determination in S809 is that the main scanning lengths are not the same, images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S816, S81).
7), end.

If the result of determination in S809 is that the main scanning lengths are the same, the image data of the (n + 1) th page is combined, and whether the combined image data exceeds the sub-scanning length of the sub-scanning length Yn A determination is made (S810).

If the result of the determination in S810 exceeds the sub-scanning length, the images from page 1 to page n are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S816, S817), and
finish.

If the determination result in S810 does not exceed the sub-scanning length, the number of pages (n + 1) of the combined image data does not exceed the maximum number of pages of combined image data registered in the apparatus. (S8)
11, S812).

If the result of the determination in S812 exceeds the maximum number of pages of the image data to be combined, the images from the first page to the nth page are recorded on one sheet of recording paper (S816, S817), and the processing is terminated. I do.

If the result of the determination in S812 does not exceed the maximum number of pages of the image data to be combined, the number n of image data to be combined is increased by 1 (S813), and the process is repeated in S8.
Continue from 03.

Next, in S806 described above, the case where the selection result of the sub-scanning length of the recording paper to be combined and recorded follows the sub-scanning length of the recording paper by the selection of the recording paper of the image data will be described with reference to FIGS. A specific case of combined recording will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the flow of combined recording when the recording paper size set in the apparatus is only A4 and the image data to be recorded is A5 short × 3 pages.

First, the image data of the first page is fetched in (901), and when the recording paper selection is executed, it becomes A4 and X
1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining one page to one page is A4, and Y1 is A4.

Then, from the result in (901), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (902).

When the image data of the second page is fetched in (903) and the recording paper is selected, A4 is obtained, and X
2 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.

Then, from the result in (903), X1 = Y2 holds, so that the image of the second page can be combined (904).

Next, at step (905), the image data of the third page is taken out, and when the recording paper selection is executed, it becomes A4 and X
3 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 3 is A4, and Y3 is A4.

Then, from the result in (905), X1 = Y3 holds, so that the image of the third page can be combined (906).

Thus, three-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 12 shows that the recording paper size set in the apparatus is only A4, and the image data to be recorded is A4.
It shows the flow of combined recording in the case of 5 short × 3 pages.

First, in step (1001), the image data of the first page is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected, A4 is obtained.
X1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining one page to one page is A4, and Y1 is A4.

Then, from the result in (1001), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (1002).

Next, in step (1003), the image data of the second page is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected, A4 is obtained.
X2 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.

From the result in (1003), X1 = Y2 holds, so that the image of the second page can be combined (1004).

Further, when the image data of the third page is fetched in (1005) and the recording paper is selected, A4 is obtained.
X3 becomes A4. In addition, the recording paper selection result for image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 3 is A4 long, and Y3 is A4 long.

Then, from the result in (1005), X1 ≠ Y3 holds, so that the image on the third page cannot be combined (1006).

Therefore, two-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 13 shows that the recording paper sizes set in the apparatus are A5 and A4, and the image data to be recorded is A5 and A4.
It shows the flow of combined recording in the case of 4 short x 1 page and A5 short x 1 page.

First, in step (1101), the image data of the first page is taken out, and when the recording paper is selected, A4 is obtained.
X1 becomes A4. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining one page to one page is A4, and Y1 is A4.

Then, from the result in (1101), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (1102).

When the image data of the second page is fetched in (1103) and the recording paper is selected, the result is A5,
X2 becomes A5. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.

Since X1 = Y2 is established from the result in (1103), the image of the second page can be combined (1104).

Thus, two-page combination recording is performed.

FIG. 14 shows that the recording paper sizes set in the apparatus are A5 and A4, and the image data to be recorded is A5 and A4.
It shows the flow of combined recording in the case of 5 short x 2 pages.

First, the image data of the first page is fetched in (1201), and when the recording paper selection is executed, the result is A5,
X1 becomes A5. Further, the recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining one page to one page is A5, and Y1 is A5.

From the result in (1201), X1 = Y1 holds, so that the image of the first page can be combined (1202).

When the image data of the second page is taken out in (1203) and the recording paper is selected, the result is A5,
X2 becomes A5. The recording paper selection result for the image data obtained by combining pages 1 to 2 is A4, and Y2 is A4.

Then, from the result in (1203), X1２Y2 and X2 ≠ Y2 hold, so that the image of the second page cannot be combined (1204).

Accordingly, the combined recording is not performed, and normal recording is performed.

Next, FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the recording paper selection process in each of the above embodiments.

As parameters in FIGS. 15 and 16, Dm stores the main scanning length of the image data to be recorded, and Ds stores the sub-scanning length of the image data to be recorded. Further, Pm stores the recording paper size used when selecting the recording paper size, and Ps stores the sub-scanning length of the recording paper. Further, Pt is used for temporarily storing the main scanning length of the recording paper, and P stores the recording paper size, which is the processing result at the time of execution of the main recording paper selection, and its recording state. These are notified to the host process after the process returns.

In FIG. 15, first, in step S1301, the main scanning length of the image data to be recorded is stored in Dm.
In step 2, the sub-scanning length of the image data to be recorded is stored in Ds. In step S1303, the size of the recording sheet having the same sub-scanning length as that of Dm is stored in Pm.

Next, in S1304, it is determined whether or not the recording paper size stored in Pm is empty, and it is determined whether or not recording paper having the same main scanning length as the image data is set in the apparatus.

As a result of the determination in S1304,
If Pm is empty, it means that a recording sheet having the same main scanning length as the image data has not been set in the apparatus, and the process proceeds to S1.
Go to 401.

First, in S1401, a search is made for a recording sheet having a main scanning length that is not the same as the image data.
It is determined whether a recording sheet having a main scanning length longer than the main scanning length set in Dm is set in the apparatus.

Then, as a result of the determination in S1402,
When a recording sheet having a main scanning length longer than the main scanning length set in Dm is set in the apparatus, the recording paper size is output to P and the recording paper is longer than the main scanning length of the image data. The (margin output) state is stored, and the process returns from the recording paper selection process.

Also, as a result of the determination in S1402, D
If the recording paper having a main scanning length longer than the main scanning length set to m is not set in the apparatus, the process proceeds to S1404.
It is determined whether or not a recording sheet having a main scanning length smaller than the main scanning length set in is set in the apparatus.

Then, as a result of the determination in S1404,
When a recording sheet having a main scanning length smaller than the main scanning length set to Dm is set in the apparatus, the recording size and the image data are reduced and output (reduced output) state is stored in P. Then, the process returns from the recording paper selection process.

Further, as a result of the determination in S1404, D
If no recording paper having a main scanning length smaller than the main scanning length set to m is set in the apparatus, no recording paper is set in P, and the process returns from the recording paper selection process.

If the result of determination in S1304 is that Pm is not empty, the sub-scanning length of Pm is stored in Ps (S1305), and the magnitude of Ps and Ds is determined (S1306).

Then, as a result of the determination in S1306,
If Ps is equal to or greater than Ds, that is, if the sub-scanning length of the recording paper size is equal to or greater than the sub-scanning length of the image data, Pm is stored in P (S1311), and the process returns from the recording paper selection process.

Also, as a result of the determination in S1306, P
If s is smaller than Ds, that is, if the sub-scanning length of the recording paper size is smaller than the sub-scanning length of the image data, S1307
Then, the size of the recording paper having the next shorter sub-scanning among the recording papers having the same main scanning length as Dm is stored in Pt.

Next, in S1308, it is determined whether or not the recording paper size stored in Pt is empty, and it is determined whether another recording paper having the same main scanning length as the image data is set in the apparatus. .

As a result of the determination in S1308,
If Pt is empty, there is no recording paper to be compared next, and Pm and the state where recording is not possible on one recording sheet (recording sheet division occurred) are stored in P. The process returns from the recording paper selection process.

Further, as a result of the determination in S1308, P
If t is not empty, Pt is set to Pm, and the processing from S1305 is continued.

In each of the embodiments described above, the facsimile apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The same effects can be obtained by performing the same processing when outputting data.

[0137]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
According to (5), since the process of combining and recording a plurality of short image data on a single sheet of recording is performed over a plurality of different communications, the effect that the recording paper can be saved more than in the case of performing in a communication unit. is there.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image data are combined and recorded on one recording sheet only for a plurality of specific classifiable communications. There is an effect that can be done. For example, if you want to combine and record only a short document of a specific format sent from a fixed source, you can register the source as a classification or receive it in the memory box in a predetermined manner, and perform other communication. Combined recording can be performed without affecting the time.

According to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, by recording a boundary line as appropriate in each image partition, images in the same communication and images in different communication can be effectively distinguished, which is convenient for management. It is.

According to the sixth to ninth aspects of the present invention, the above-described combined recording can be automatically performed only for an arbitrary period, and the operation for switching the use mode between daytime and nighttime is unnecessary. There is an effect that a user-friendly device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a combined recording operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a combined recording operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing conditions for selecting a sub-scanning length of recording paper in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a combined recording operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a combined recording operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a combined recording operation in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating recording paper selection processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating recording paper selection processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101: CPU, 102: ROM, 103: RAM, 104: Image memory, 105: Resolution conversion processing unit, 106: Coding / decoding processing unit for communication, 107: Coding / decoding processing unit for reading / recording, 108 ... Communication control unit, 109: line i / f unit, 110: DMAC, 111: image processing unit, 112: scanner, 113: operation unit, 114: line buffer, 115: printer, 116: printer formatter, 117: communication line.

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shinichiro Gun, 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Toru Maeda 3- 30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A function of combining a plurality of image data according to the size of an image to be recorded and recording the image data on one sheet of recording paper, and combining a plurality of image data for a plurality of communication image data. A recording apparatus for performing recording on one sheet of recording paper. Recording paper selecting means for selecting an optimum recording paper according to the size of an image to be recorded; and sub-scanning the previous image data and the next image data when the next image to be recorded exists. Image data combining means for combining in the direction; image data combining continuation means for continuing to combine the image data by the image data combining means within a range not exceeding the sub-scanning length of the recording paper; Control means for continuing to combine image data for image data in a plurality of communications. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of image data are combined and recorded on one recording sheet only for a plurality of specific classifiable communications. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a boundary is recorded between image data related to different communications. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein different boundary lines are recorded between image data items related to the same communication and between image data items related to different communication. 6. A function of combining a plurality of image data according to the size of an image to be recorded and recording the combined image data on one sheet of recording paper, and combining a plurality of image data for one period for an arbitrary period. A recording apparatus for recording on a recording paper. 7. A first recording paper selecting means for selecting an optimal first recording paper in accordance with the size of an image to be recorded; when there is an image to be recorded next, the previous image data and the next Image data combining means for combining the image data with the image data in the sub-scanning direction; and selecting a second optimum recording paper newly for the image data combined by the image data combining means;
When the first recording paper and the second recording paper are equal and recording is possible within the range of one recording paper, the image data is combined by the image data combining means, and one recording paper is combined. And an image data combination recording unit for controlling an operation of recording a plurality of images, and a control unit for performing recording by the image data combination recording unit for an arbitrary period. 8. A first recording sheet selecting means for selecting an optimum first recording sheet according to the size of an image to be recorded; and when there is an image to be recorded, the previous image data and the next Image data combining means for combining image data in the sub-scanning direction; combining the image data by the image data combining means within a range not exceeding the sub-scanning length of the recording paper set in the apparatus; A recording apparatus comprising: image data combination recording means for controlling an operation of recording a plurality of images on recording paper; and control means for performing recording by the image data combination recording means for an arbitrary period. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for registering a plurality of the arbitrary periods.