JPH11122408A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely perform sorting processing by performing image forming processing by a 1st image forming device until it is decided that image data storage memory is memory over and on the other hand, switching it to image forming processing by a 2nd image forming means when it is decided that the image data storage memory is memory over. SOLUTION: Sorting processing is usually performed by an electronic sort system, and if image data storage memory is overflowed, image data stored in the memory is outputted to perform image formation such as a copy and a residual document which can not be stored in the memory is just copied without the invention of the memory. It is different from the sorting processing of a bin sorting system and does not need to mount many bins. Further, because sorting processing is performed by the electronic sort system, document is effectively prevented from repeatedly being carried many times.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a circulation type ADF.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine having an (Auto Document Feeder) function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art It is well known that a conventional copying machine is capable of performing a sorting process so that a plurality of copies of a plurality of documents are discharged in a state where recording sheets are arranged in the order corresponding to the documents. It is.

As a method for performing such a sorting process, a bin sorting method in which recording sheets are sequentially discharged one by one onto a number of shelves (bins), images of all originals are temporarily stored in a memory, An electronic sort method that repeats the work of outputting and printing the image data in the memory in page order, and furthermore, copying the copied original,
A circulation type ADF system has been proposed in which a document is repeatedly copied by returning to a position where re-copying is possible.

[0004]

However, in the bin sorting method among the above sorting methods, the number of copies is limited by the number of bins, so that there is a problem that a desired number of copies cannot be made at once. . Further, since it is necessary to mount a large number of bottles, there is a problem that the size of the apparatus increases and the installation area increases, and the price also increases.

In the electronic sorting system, if there are many originals, the memory overflows, so that the sorting process cannot be performed.
The problem of rising prices arises.

Further, the circulation type ADF system has a problem that the original may be damaged due to excessive transport since the original is repeatedly transported from the original placing position to the reading position many times.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and can reliably perform a sorting process irrespective of the number of originals and the number of copies. It is intended to provide a device.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image reading means for reading image information of a document set at a document reading position to generate image data; A plurality of originals set at the placement position, in order to sequentially feed the original to the original reading position, and return the original from which image information has been read at the reading position to the original placement position; An image data storage memory for sequentially storing image data read by the image reading means; and a first image forming apparatus for sequentially forming an image on a recording medium such as a recording paper based on the image data output from the image data storage memory. An image forming unit and, based on image data output from the image reading unit without passing through the image data storage memory, the image data is sequentially stored in a recording medium. A second image forming unit for forming an image, a memory over detecting unit for detecting a memory over of the image data storage memory, and an image forming by the first image forming unit based on an output signal of the memory over detecting unit And a switching unit for switching between image processing and image forming processing by the second image forming unit, and the first image forming process is performed until it is determined that the memory of the image data storage memory is over. While the image forming process is performed by the means, when the image data storage memory is determined to be out of memory, the configuration is configured to switch to the image forming process by the second image forming unit.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention,
Normally, while the sorting process is performed by the electronic sort method, if the image data storage memory overflows, the image data stored in the memory is output to perform image formation such as copying, and the image data is stored in the memory. The remaining originals for which image information could not be stored can be copied as they are without going through the memory, and further, can be copied by the circulating ADF method according to the required number of copies.

Therefore, when the number of originals and the number of copies are small, it is needless to say that the sorting process can be reliably performed even if the number of originals and the number of copies are large.

Further, in the present invention, unlike the sorting process of the bin sorting system, it is not necessary to mount a large number of bins. In addition, since the sorting process is usually performed by the electronic sort method, it is possible to effectively prevent the document from being transported repeatedly, and to reliably prevent the document from being damaged due to excessive transport. . Further, even if the memory is over, the sorting process can be performed without any trouble, so that it is not necessary to particularly add a memory.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the first image forming means performs image forming processing on a predetermined number of originals among a plurality of originals, and the second image forming means applies the remaining originals to the remaining originals. By performing the image forming process, the first image forming process is performed on a plurality of originals, and based on the image data output from the image reading unit without passing through the image data storage memory, a recording medium The second and subsequent image forming processes are performed on the plurality of originals, and immediately after the image forming process by the first image forming unit is completed, the image data is stored in the image data storage memory. It is preferable that the image data be erased.

That is, in this case, during the copying process,
The memory can be used for other work.

In the present invention, the first image forming means performs image forming processing on a predetermined number of documents among a plurality of documents, and the second image forming means performs image forming on the remaining documents. While the forming process is performed, the image forming process by the first image forming unit and the image forming process by the second image forming unit are alternately and repeatedly performed, so that a plurality of images are formed on the plurality of documents. It is desirable to configure so that the forming process is performed.

That is, in this case, since the image data once stored can be used each time it is copied, reading by the scanner can be omitted for the image data stored in the memory.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine includes a scanning system (10) for reading a document and converting the image into an image signal, an image signal processing unit (20) for processing an image signal sent from the scanning system (10), A memory unit (30) for switching between outputting the image data input from the image signal processing unit (20) as it is to the printer device (PRT) or storing it in a memory, and a memory unit (3)
0) a print processing unit (40) for driving a semiconductor laser (62) based on image data input thereto, and an optical system for guiding laser light from the semiconductor laser (62) to an exposure position on a photosensitive drum (71). System (60), an image forming system (70) for developing a latent image formed by exposure, transferring the image to recording paper, and fixing the image to form an image, and an operation panel (OP) provided on the upper surface of the main body (See FIG. 2), and a document transport section (500) for transporting the document, turning over the front and back as necessary, and returning the document to its original position.

The reading device (IR) includes a scanning system (10) and an image signal processing unit (20), and the printer device (PRT) includes a print processing unit (40) and an optical system (60). ) And an image forming system (70).

The printer (PRT) has an automatic duplexer (not shown) for guiding paper printed on one side again into the printer (PRT) for duplex printing.
In addition, a finisher device (not shown) for stapling printed sheets in a set unit or punching a punch hole can be mounted.

<Structure of Each Part> The scanning system (10) moves below the contact glass (18) and exposes the exposure lamp (1).
A scanner (19) in which 1) and a first mirror (2) are assembled, and second and third mirrors (13a) (13b)
, A condenser lens (14), a photoelectric conversion element (17) using a CCD array or the like, a scan motor (M2), and the like.

The image signal output from the photoelectric conversion element (17) is sent to the image signal processing section (20),
The image signal is processed, and the processed image data is output to the memory unit (30).

Further, the image data output from the memory unit (30) is sent to the semiconductor laser (62) via the print processing unit (40).

The optical system (60) includes a polygon mirror (65) for deflecting a laser beam, a main lens (69), and reflection mirrors (67a) (67b) (68).

The image forming system (70) includes a development transfer system (70).
A), a transport system (70B) and a fixing system (70C).

The development transfer system (70A) includes a photosensitive drum (71) which is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, a charging charger (72a) arranged around the photosensitive drum in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction, and a developing device. (73), transfer charger (7
4), separation charger (75), cleaning unit (7)
6) and the like. The developing device (73) includes:
A two-component developer including a black toner and a carrier is stored.

The transport system (70B) includes cassettes (80a) (80b) for storing recording paper, and size detection sensors (SE11) (SE1) for detecting the size of recording paper.
2) In addition to a recording paper guide (81) for guiding recording paper sent from the cassettes (80a) and (80b) in a predetermined direction, a timing roller (82), a conveyance belt (83), and the like are provided. .

The fixing system (70C) further includes a fixing roller (84) for transporting the recording paper on which the toner image is formed while thermocompressing the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper sent from the fixing roller (84) to a predetermined location. And a discharge sensor (SE62) for detecting the discharge of the recording paper.

Then, a laser beam corresponding to the image data from the print processing section (40) is irradiated from the semiconductor laser (62) to the photosensitive drum (71) and exposed, and the latent image formed thereby is developed. Developed by (73),
The toner image is transferred to a recording paper conveyed by a conveyance system (70B) and is fixed, and then the recording paper is discharged to a predetermined location.

On the other hand, the document transport section (500) has a document feed tray (510) and a document discharge section (511).
The document set on the document feed tray (510) is automatically conveyed onto the contact glass (18), and the document read by the scanner (19) there is automatically transferred to the document discharge unit (511). ).

Further, the original transport section (500) is provided with an original transfer lever (512) near the original discharge section (511), and all the originals are discharged to the original discharge section (511). Then, the document transfer lever (512) moves to the document feed tray (510) side as shown by the arrow, and the discharged document returns to the tray (510).

<Operation Panel (OP)> FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel (OP) provided in the copying machine of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the operation panel (OP)
LCD touch panel (OP1), numeric keypad (OP) for inputting numbers such as the number of copies, copy magnification, etc., clear key (OP3) for resetting the numbers etc. to standard value "1", and settings set inside the copying machine A panel reset key (OP4) for resetting the value to a standard value, a stop key (OP5) for stopping the operation during copying or the like, a start key (OP6) for starting the operation, and an interrupt during the operation to perform another operation And an end key (OP) for selecting whether the state of discharging the recording paper is sorted or non-sorted.

The liquid crystal touch panel (OP1) is used for various movements such as an exposure level, a copy magnification, a recording paper size, a copy operation state of a copying machine, occurrence of a jam, a serviceman call, and occurrence of a paper empty. In addition to the state, various kinds of information are displayed and an input for designating an operation mode can be performed.

<Control Unit (100)> FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams of the control unit (100) provided for controlling the operation of the copying machine of the present embodiment. As shown in these figures, the control unit (100) includes CPUs (1) to (6)
Each of the CPUs (1) to (6) has a ROM (11) storing a predetermined program.
1) to (116) and RAMs (121) to (126) serving as work areas for program execution are provided.

The CPU (1) has an I / O (131a) (1
Through 31b), input from various operation keys of the operation panel (OP) and output to the display unit are controlled. Reference numeral 127 denotes an NVRAM for storing an initial mode, a user mode setting of the operation panel (OP), a total counter, an item counter, and the like.

The CPU (2) includes an image signal processing unit (20)
And the drive control of the scanning system (10).

That is, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
Based on the command from U (2), the timing control unit (2
From 1), an image reading synchronization signal is supplied to each block. Thus, the CCD (16) scans the original set on the contact glass (18) in the main scanning direction, and generates an original reading signal. The generated signal is converted into a digital signal in the A / D converter (22), and is converted into image information as described above in the image processor (2).
It is sent to 3). In the image processing unit (23),
The information is subjected to image quality correction such as shading correction, MTF correction, and gamma correction, and processing such as scaling processing and image editing, and is processed as image data (D2) in the memory unit (30) or the printer (PRT). Is output to

The image monitor memory unit (24) has a CP
A predetermined amount of image data is stored based on the instruction of U (2).

The CPU (2) further includes an image processing unit (2).
It performs the overall control of the reading device (IR) such as parameter setting to 3), scan control by driving in the scanner mode, and communication with the host CPU (5).

The CPU (3) has a memory unit (3
0) is performed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
U (3) stores image data read from the image signal processing unit (20) in a memory (image memory 304, code memory 30).
6), and store the data in the operation panel (OP).
The print processing unit (4)
0). Here, the operation instruction information includes a copy mode such as the number of copies input from the operation panel (OP), document size / paper size information, a data format, and the like.

The memory unit (30) controlled by the CPU (3) includes a switching unit (301)
A binarization processing unit (302) for creating binary data based on the parameter settings from (3), and A3 at 400 dpi
A multi-port image memory (304) having a capacity of one page, a code processing unit (305) having a compressor (311) and a decompressor (312) that can operate independently, and a code having a multi-port Memory (30
6) and a multi-value processing section (308) for generating multi-value data based on parameter settings from the CPU (3).

When the image data (D2) is written into the image memory (304) via the switching unit (301) and the binarization processing unit (302), the data is written based on a command from the CPU (3). Are compressed by the compressor (311) and written into the code memory (306). The image data thus written into the code memory (306) is C
Based on a command from the PU (3), the code processing unit (30
5), image memory (304), multi-value processing section (308)
The image data (D3) is transmitted to the print processing unit (40) via the switching unit (301).

The compressor (311) and the decompressor (31)
2) are configured to be operable independently and in parallel with each other, and are configured such that data are transferred between them and the code memory (306) by direct memory access (DMA). Switching unit (301)
Transmitting a captured image data to the image memory (304) based on a command from the CPU (3);
It is configured to be able to switch between processing for directly transmitting to the print processing unit (40) without going through the image memory (304) or the code memory (306).

As shown in FIG. 7, the code memory (306) is managed by a management table (MT1) stored in the RAM (121).

That is, the code memory (306) stores 32K
Code (image) data is stored in each memory area in consideration of enabling simultaneous control of writing (reading) and reading (printing). The management table (MT1) for each page includes a number indicating a region of the code memory (306), a page number, a number of a connected region,
Various information necessary for compression and decompression such as a compression method and a data length are stored, and the code memory (306) is dynamically managed based on the information.

Then, the CPU (3) has the image memory (30).
When the image data is read from 4) and compressed, the compressor (311) creates the information of the management table (MT1) while creating the information.
Is stored in the code memory (306). Further, when outputting image data, the code data is read from the code memory (306) by performing the reverse operation. Information in the management table (MT1) is as follows:
The information is deleted when all the required number of copies of the information of the corresponding page have been normally discharged.

In FIG. 7A, the column of "previous link" indicates the forward connection of the area of every 32 Kbytes in the page and whether or not the area is the first area. "Indicates the first area number, and the others indicate the previous area number. Further, the same applies to "post-connection", where "FF" indicates the last area, and other areas indicate the subsequent area numbers.

As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU (4)
O (134a) (131b), the print processing unit (4
0), the optical system (60) and the image forming system (70) are controlled. Further, the CPU (4) is provided with the size detection sensor (SE
11) The paper size is determined based on the signal from (SE12).

The CPU (5) performs processing for adjusting the overall timing of the control unit (100) and setting the operation mode.

The CPU (6), as shown in FIG.
The control of the document feeder (500) is performed via O (136b). In this control, a plurality of documents placed on the document tray (510) are conveyed one by one to a predetermined position of the contact glass (18) at a predetermined timing based on a command from the CPU (5). The original on the contact glass (18) is transferred to the original discharge tray (511).
Transport to When a document is conveyed and set on the contact glass (18), the CPU (6) performs I / O based on a signal from a document conveyance sensor (not shown).
O (136a), information about the document size is obtained, and the information is used as operation instruction information as described above.
Send to U (3).

<Normal (when memory is not over) sorting operation> First, a plurality of originals are transferred to the original transport unit (50).
The document is placed on the original tray (510) of (0), the desired number of copies is set via the operation panel (OP), and the start key (OP6) is pressed.

After the first document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the contact glass (18), image information of the document is read by the reading device (IR), and the image information is appropriately read as described above. Is processed,
As shown in step S1 of FIG. 7, the image data (D2)
Is taken into the memory unit (30).

After the image data (D2) is subjected to the binarization processing (step S2) and the compression processing (step S3) in the memory unit (30), the data is stored in the code memory (306). (Step S4).

On the other hand, as shown in step S5, whether the address of the code memory (306) has reached an address arbitrarily set in advance is periodically checked by the CPU (3). If the address of (306) has not reached the preset address, that is, if there is free space in the code memory (306), the first document is transferred from the contact glass (18) to the document discharge unit (511). ), The next (second) original is sent to the contact glass (18), and the image data (D2) corresponding to the original is input.
The same processing as described above is performed and stored in the code memory (306). These operations are repeated, and when all the image data (D2) corresponding to all the originals are stored in the code memory (306), the print processing of steps S7 to S11 is performed.

That is, in the printing process, first, the code data of the first page stored in the code memory (306) is expanded (step S8), multi-valued (step S9), and the image data (D3) is output. (Step S1
0) Based on the output data, as described above, the transfer to the photosensitive drum (71) by the semiconductor laser (62) and the transfer from the photosensitive drum (71) to the recording paper are performed. Is printed on recording paper, and the printed recording paper is discharged to a predetermined location.

Similarly, the image data (D
3) are sequentially output and printed on recording paper (steps S8 to S11), thereby completing printing for one set.

This one set of processing is repeatedly performed for a preset number of copies (N1) (steps S7 to S11), and the copying operation is completed. As a result, a predetermined number of sets of recording papers are collectively discharged to a predetermined location in a state where they are collated for each set.

<Sorting operation 1 when memory is over> As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the copy operation is started and the image data (D2) corresponding to the image of the original is sequentially converted into binary data for each page. Code memory (30
6) (steps S1 to S6). During the process, the code memory (306) overflows and if all the image data (D2) cannot be stored in the code memory (306), As shown in FIG. 9, after printing based on the data stored in the code memory (306), the remaining images that could not be stored in the code memory (306) are output from the document reading device (IR). Print based on image data.

That is, the image data (D2) is inputted for each page and stored in the code memory (306). If there is no free space in the code memory (306) during the process, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG. As shown, the CPU (3)
, The reading operation of the reading device (IR) stops.

Thereafter, if there is one or more pages of data in the code memory (306) (step S22), for example, FIG.
As shown in (b), the compressed data 1 of page 1 stored first is expanded and multi-valued (steps S23 and S2).
4). Then, this image data is output as image data (D3) (step S25).

Further, FIG. 7 (b) is stored in the code memory (306).
., If the compressed data 2 of the page 1 and the compressed data 1 of the page 2 are stored following the compressed data 1 of the page 1 shown in FIG. (Steps S23 to S23)
26).

The data stored in the code memory (306) is sequentially output as image data (D3) one page at a time. Based on the data, exposure transfer is performed and printed on a recording sheet, and the recording sheet is copied. It is discharged sequentially to a predetermined location of the machine.

Subsequently, after all data in the code memory (306) has been erased (step S27), the CPU
Based on the command from (3), the input image data (D
The state is switched to a state in which 2) is directly output as image data (D3) (step S28).

When there is a document which has not been read by the reading device (IR), the reading device (IR) operates (steps S29 and S3).
0), the image information of the original is read, and the image data (D2) is directly output as image data (D3) (step S31) and printed on recording paper.

Thus, all the remaining originals are read and output (steps S29 to S31), and one set of prints is performed.

If the number of copies (N2) to be copied remains, the original transport unit (5) is issued based on a command from the CPU (3).
00), all originals discharged to the original discharge unit (511) are reset on the original feed tray (510) (steps S32 and S33).

Then, the re-set originals are sequentially read by the reading device (IR), and the data is directly output as image data (D3) and printed on recording paper.

In this way, copies of a predetermined number of copies are made, whereby a predetermined number of sets of recording papers are collectively discharged to a predetermined location in a state where each set is collated.

As described above, in this embodiment,
For example, when the number of documents is large and the code memory (306) for storing image data overflows, the image data stored in the memory (306) is output and printed, and the remaining documents are stored in the memory (306). Since the original is copied without going through (306) and the original is circulated according to the required number of copies, the sorting process can be performed reliably even if the number of originals and the number of copies are both large. .

Further, in the copying machine according to the present embodiment, unlike the sorting process of the bin sorting system, there is no need to mount a large number of bins, so that the apparatus can be reduced in size and the installation area can be reduced. Not only can it be done, but the price can be kept low.

Further, in the copying machine of the present embodiment, after outputting the data in the code memory (306) and immediately copying the data by the ADF, the image data in the code memory (306) is immediately deleted. Even during the ADF copy process, the code memory (306) can be used for other work. For this reason, when functions such as a printer and a facsimile are added to the copying machine, the
The data from the AX can be quickly loaded into the memory (306) to take immediate action.

<Sorting Operation 2 at the Time of Memory Over> Next, a sorting operation in another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, when the code memory (306) does not run out of memory, copy processing of the electronic sort method is performed in the same manner as described above.

Further, the image data (D2) is inputted for each page and stored in the code memory (306). In the middle of the process, when the code memory (306) runs out of free space, as shown in FIG. The reading device (IR) is stopped. If there is one or more pages of data in the code memory (306) (step S42), the data in the code memory (306) is sequentially expanded and multi-valued and output as in FIG. Steps S43 to S46).

The data stored in the code memory (306) is output as image data (D3) one page at a time, printed on recording paper, and sequentially discharged to a predetermined location of the copying machine.

Subsequently, based on a command from the CPU (3), the state is switched to a state in which the input image data (D2) is directly output as image data (D3) (step S47).

When there is a document which has not been read by the reading device (IR), the reading device (IR) is activated (steps S48 and S4).
9) The image of the document is read, and the image data (D2) is directly output as image data (D3) (step S50) and printed on recording paper.

In this manner, all the remaining originals are read and output (steps S48 to S49), and printing for one set is performed.

If the number of copies (N2) to be copied remains, the original transport unit (5) is issued based on a command from the CPU (3).
00), all the originals discharged to the original discharge unit (511) are reset on the original feed tray (510) (steps S51 and S52).

Thereafter, the original corresponding to the data stored in the code memory (306) is fed in an idle manner and discharged to the original discharge section (511) (step S53).

Subsequently, the code memory (30
The images stored in 6) are copied by the electronic sorting method, and the remaining images are copied by the ADF method to perform one set of copying.

In this way, the electronic sort system copy and AD
When the copy of the F method is repeatedly and alternately performed, and the copy for the preset number of copies is performed, the process proceeds to step S
As shown at 54, the data in the code memory (306) is erased, and the copy operation ends. As a result, a predetermined number of sets of recording papers are collectively discharged to a predetermined location in a state where they are collated for each set.

In this embodiment, when memory is over, copying is performed by switching to the circulating ADF method, so that the sorting process can be performed reliably even if the number of originals and the number of copies are both large, as described above. The size of the copying machine can be further reduced, the installation area can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image data once stored is used every time copying is performed. Therefore, if the transfer time by the photosensitive member is shorter than the read time by the scanner, the read time is reduced. Since copying can be shortened, copying can be performed efficiently. Even when the moving speed of the scanner is the same as the rotation speed of the photoconductor, the reading time of the scanner is generally longer than in the case of performing the same-size copy in the case of performing the reduced copy. This is particularly effective when performing such operations.

[0084]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, while the sorting processing is usually performed by the electronic sort method, when the image data storage memory overflows, the data is stored in the memory. The image data is output to form an image such as a copy, and the remaining originals for which image information could not be stored in the memory are copied as they are without going through the memory. , So if the number of originals and the number of copies are small, it goes without saying that
Even if the number of originals and the number of copies are large, the sorting process can be performed reliably. Further, unlike the sorting process of the bin sorting system, the present invention does not require the installation of a large number of bins, so that the apparatus can be reduced in size, the installation area can be reduced, and the price can be reduced. be able to. In addition, since the sorting process is usually performed by the electronic sort method, it is possible to effectively prevent the document from being transported repeatedly, and to reliably prevent the document from being damaged due to excessive transport. . Furthermore, even if the memory is over, the sorting process can be performed without any trouble. Therefore, there is no need to particularly add a memory, and in this respect, there is an effect that the price can be reduced.

On the other hand, in the present invention, when the data in the memory is output at the time of the first copy and the data is immediately deleted, the memory can be used for other work during the copy processing. Therefore, when functions such as a printer and a facsimile are added to the image forming apparatus,
Despite the copying process, printer or fax
There is an advantage that data from the Internet can be quickly taken in and quickly dealt with.

In the present invention, when image data once stored is used each time copying is performed, reading by a scanner can be omitted because data is stored, so that copying can be performed efficiently. There is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a copying machine to which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the copying machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in the copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of another control unit in the copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reading device in the copying machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory unit in the copying machine of the embodiment.

7A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management table of a memory unit in the copying machine according to the embodiment; FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a code memory of the memory unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a normal sorting operation in the copying machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a sorting operation when memory is over in the copying machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sorting operation when a memory is over in a copying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 301 switching unit (switching means) 306 code memory (image data storage memory) 500 document transport unit 510 document feed tray (document placement position) IR document reading device (document reading means)

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading image information of a document set at a document reading position to generate image data, and a plurality of documents set at a document placing position are sequentially sent to the document reading position. A circulating automatic document feeder for returning a document whose image information has been read at the reading position to the document placement position; and an image data storage memory for sequentially storing image data read by the image reading means. A first image forming unit for sequentially forming an image on a recording medium such as a recording paper based on image data output from the image data storage memory; and without passing through the image data storage memory from the image reading unit. A second image forming means for sequentially forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data output to the image data storage memory; A memory over detection unit for detecting a memory over; a process between an image forming process by the first image forming unit and an image forming process by the second image forming unit based on an output signal of the memory over detecting unit. A switching unit for performing switching, wherein the image forming process is performed by the first image forming unit until it is determined that the image data storage memory is out of memory, while the image data storage memory is out of memory. An image forming apparatus configured to switch to an image forming process by the second image forming unit when it is determined that there is the image forming apparatus; 2. An image forming process is performed on a predetermined number of documents among a plurality of documents by the first image forming unit, and an image forming process is performed on the remaining documents by the second image forming unit. As a result, the first image forming process is performed on a plurality of originals, and images are sequentially formed on a recording medium based on image data output from the image reading unit without passing through the image data storage memory. The second and subsequent image forming processes are performed on the plurality of originals, and immediately after the image forming process by the first image forming unit is completed, the image data in the image data storage memory is deleted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to: 3. An image forming process is performed on a predetermined number of documents among a plurality of documents by the first image forming unit, and an image forming process is performed on the remaining documents by the second image forming unit. On the other hand, the image forming process by the first image forming unit and the image forming process by the second image forming unit are alternately and repeatedly performed, so that the image forming process is performed a plurality of times on the plurality of documents. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to perform the operation.