JP2006239896A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can surely form an image at a suitable position of a windowed recording material regardless of a placement state of the windowed recording material placed on a predetermined tray. <P>SOLUTION: A device controlling part 8 detects a length in a transfer direction of a windowed envelope and a position of a window part on the basis of detected signals from a sensor. Envelope patterns showing sizes of windowed envelopes, and using states of windowed envelopes such as window positions and using directions are stored beforehand in an HD 12. The device controlling part 8 reads out the envelope pattern corresponding to the length in the transfer direction of the detected windowed envelope and the window part position from the HD 12, and judges whether reversing of the windowed envelope is necessary so as to make the envelope agree with the read envelope pattern and whether predetermined image processing is necessary. The device controlling part 8 transfers the windowed envelope to a printing part 6b after reversing the envelope if necessary, and also transfers image data passed through image processing according to the necessity from a memory 6a to the printing part 6b, thereby carrying out a printing process. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material based on acquired image data. Specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording material with a window such as a commercially available envelope with a window.

  Document creation devices (word processors) are widespread, and document creation processing is actively performed using word processors. In addition, a printer connected to a word processor for printing a document created by the word processor is used. Such a printer is configured to be able to print characters having an appropriate content at an appropriate location on a standard paper such as a postcard and an envelope (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, such a printer has a simple structure that allows the user to understand the relationship between the printing surface of the paper and the print head unit, and when the user prints a document created by a word processor, By setting the paper up to the platen portion of the printer, the printer is ready for printing, and then information input in advance is designated to start printing. Thereby, a predetermined content can be printed at a predetermined location on the sheet.

  On the other hand, in recent years, a word processor has been replaced with a personal computer, and the word processor function is used as one of various application software installed in a personal computer instead of a single word processor. In addition, a system in which a plurality of personal computers and a plurality of printers are connected via a network and a printer as a hardware resource is shared among a plurality of users is constructed and used.

There are various types of printers connected to the network, such as laser printers, inkjet printers, LED line printers, and the like. Each printer has a different printing speed and an internal structure such as a paper transport mechanism. Therefore, the user selects a printer that matches his or her intended purpose, sets paper on a predetermined tray of the selected printer, and then designates a pre-created document using the application software of the personal computer. To start printing. Thereby, a predetermined content can be printed at a predetermined location on the sheet.
JP-A 64-9744 JP-A-1-161524

  Here, in an environment where a plurality of printers can be used from one personal computer, the user needs to accurately grasp the handling method of each printer. Specifically, for example, when printing on an envelope with a window, whether it should be placed on a predetermined tray so that the surface having the window is on top or on the bottom, etc. Since the method of use differs depending on each printer, each user uses the printer while feeling uneasy about whether or not the loaded state of the paper loaded by the user is correct.

  In addition, misprinting occurs when the loaded state is incorrect, but misprinting on standard paper such as postcards and envelopes is lossy and the burden on the user is greater than when image formation is performed on plain paper. Has the problem of becoming.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to form an image on a predetermined tray by performing image formation after performing processing according to the conveyance state of the recording material with a window. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably forming an image at an appropriate position of a recording material with a window regardless of the orientation of the recording material with a window and a mounting state such as a window position. .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a misprint by ensuring a processing time for detecting a conveyance state of a recording material with a window and a processing time for image processing performed on image data in accordance with the detected conveyance state. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the occurrence of image formation and reliably form an image at an appropriate position of a recording material with a window.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus including a forming unit that forms an image on a recording material based on received image data, a conveying unit that conveys a recording material with a window to the forming unit, and the conveying unit. Detecting means for detecting the length and window position of the recording material with window conveyed by the section, and processing for performing image processing on the image data according to the length and window position of the conveying direction detected by the detecting means And the forming means is configured to form an image on the recording material with a window based on image data on which the processing means has performed image processing.

  According to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording material based on the received image data conveys the recording material with a window, the length and the window position of the recording material with the window are conveyed. The image data is subjected to image processing according to the detected length in the conveying direction and the window position, and an image is formed on the recording material with a window based on the image data subjected to the image processing. Therefore, it is possible to detect the conveyance state of the recording material with window based on the length in the conveyance direction of the recording material with window and the window position, and by performing image processing according to the conveyance state, recording with window An image can be formed at an appropriate position on the material.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the recording material with a window is an envelope with a window, and the detection unit is configured to detect a window position on the front and back surfaces of the envelope with a window, The envelope with the window is configured to be turned upside down according to the window position detected by the detecting means.

  According to the present invention, when the envelope with a window, which is a recording material with a window, is conveyed, the window position on each of the front and back surfaces is detected together with the length in the conveyance direction of the envelope with the window, and the window position is determined according to the detected window position. Turn the envelope with the window upside down. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect the conveyance state including the orientation of the front and back surfaces of the envelope with window, and the image with certainty is formed at an appropriate position of the envelope with window by inverting the front and back of the envelope as necessary. It becomes possible.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection means is a light source that irradiates light to the window portion and the recording material main body portion of the recording material with window, and a light receiving device that acquires reflected light from the window portion and the recording material main body portion. And detecting the length of the recording material with the window and the window position based on the reflectance of the reflected light acquired by the light receiving unit from the window and the recording material main body. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, the light receiving unit includes a light source that irradiates light to the window part of the recording material with a window and the recording material main body part, and a light receiving part that acquires reflected light from the window part and the recording material main body part. The length of the recording material with the window and the window position are detected based on the reflectance of the reflected light acquired from the window and the recording material main body. Therefore, the window position of the envelope with window can be detected with high accuracy based on the difference in reflectance with respect to the material of the window portion of the envelope with window and the material of the envelope itself.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores recording material information indicating a size, a window position, and a use direction of a recording material with a window, and the processing unit has a length in a conveyance direction detected by the detection unit. The image data is subjected to image processing for matching the window position with the recording material information stored in the storage means.

  According to the present invention, recording material information indicating the size of the recording material with window, the window position and the direction of use is stored in the storage means, and the detected length and window position of the recording material with window in the conveying direction are Image processing that matches the recording material information is performed on the image data. Therefore, it is possible to form an image at a position corresponding to the window position and the use direction of the recording material with a window registered in advance.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage processing unit that causes the storage unit to store the length in the conveyance direction and the window position detected by the detection unit.

  According to the present invention, since the length in the conveyance direction and the window position detected from the recording material with a window can be stored in the recording means, the invention is not limited to a standard envelope with a window, but with a window created by the user. Even when a recording material is used, an image can be formed at a position registered in advance.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the storage processing unit is configured to erase the length in the conveyance direction and the window position stored in the storage unit.

  According to the present invention, since the length in the transport direction and the window position stored in the storage unit can be deleted, the storage area in the storage unit can be deleted by deleting unnecessary information depending on the use frequency of the user. Can be reduced.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit is provided at a position spaced apart from a conveyance position of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit to the forming unit at a distance longer than a length in the conveyance direction of the recording material. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when the recording material with a window is conveyed, the detection means for detecting the length and the window position of the recording material with the window is detected. It is provided at a position spaced apart from the transport position by a distance longer than the length of the recording material with window in the transport direction. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a processing time for detecting the conveyance state of the recording material with the window and a processing time for image processing performed on the image data according to the detected conveyance state, thereby reducing the occurrence of misprinting. It becomes possible.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the detection unit includes a length detection unit that detects a length in the conveyance direction of the recording material with a window, and a window position detection unit that detects the window position of the recording material with the window. The length detection means is provided with a distance longer than the distance from the conveyance position of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance section to the forming means to the window position detection means. Features.

  According to the present invention, comprising: a length detection means for detecting the length of the recording material with a window in the conveying direction; and a window position detection means for detecting the window position of the recording material with a window, the length detection means, An interval longer than the interval from the conveyance position of the recording material with a window to the forming unit for forming an image to the window position detection unit is provided apart from the conveyance position. This makes it possible to detect the length of the recording material with a window in the conveyance direction earlier, and when the window position is detected using the detection of the length in the conveyance direction as a trigger, the conveyance of the recording material with a window is performed. Control for detecting the state becomes easy, and the conveyance state of the recording material with the window can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the conveyance unit includes a regulation unit that regulates a position in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the recording material with the window to be conveyed, and the detection unit corresponds to a position of the regulation unit. The position of the recording material with a window and the position of the window are detected at the position.

  According to the present invention, it is provided with the restricting portion that restricts the position in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording material with window, and the length in the conveying direction of the recording material with window and the window position at a position according to the position of the restricting portion. Therefore, the detection location can be appropriately changed according to the width in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording material with a window, and the detection accuracy of the conveyance state of the recording material with a window can be improved. Become.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for restricting execution of processing by the processing means and the forming means when the detecting means cannot detect the window position of the recording material with window.

  According to the present invention, when the window position of a recording material with a window cannot be detected, by restricting the execution of various processes, image formation on an erroneously set recording material is prohibited and the occurrence of misprinting is prevented. It becomes possible.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for discharging the windowed recording material without forming an image when the detection means cannot detect the window position of the windowed recording material.

  According to the present invention, when the window position of the recording material with a window cannot be detected, the recording material with the window is discharged without forming an image to notify the outside that an incorrect recording material has been set. Is possible.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the recording material with a window is conveyed, the conveyance state of the recording material with a window is detected by detecting the length in the conveying direction of the recording material with the window and the window position. Can do. Further, an image can be formed at an appropriate position of the recording material with window by performing image processing according to the detected conveyance state and forming an image on the recording material with window. This allows the user to place the recording material with a window on a predetermined tray without being conscious of the orientation and the window position, thereby improving operability and preventing misprinting.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention forms an image by detecting the window positions on the front and back surfaces together with the length in the conveying direction of the envelope with a window when conveying the envelope with a window, which is a recording material with a window. It is possible to detect a conveyance state including whether or not the power surface is in an appropriate direction. In addition, by inverting the front and back of the envelope with the window according to the detected window position, an image can be reliably formed at an appropriate position of the envelope with window. This allows the user to place the recording material with a window on a predetermined tray without being aware of the direction of the front and back surfaces of the recording material, and can improve the operability and reliably prevent misprinting.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, light is applied to the window portion and the recording material main body portion of the recording material with window, and the reflected light from the window portion and the recording material main body portion is acquired. The window position of the recording material with the window is accurately detected by detecting the length and the window position of the recording material with the window based on the reflectance of the acquired reflected light from the window portion and the recording material main body. Can be detected well. Thereby, the conveyance state of the recording material with a window can be detected accurately.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, recording material information indicating the size, window position, and direction of use of a recording material with a window is stored in a storage means, and the detected length and window position of the recording material with a window are detected. Then, the image data is subjected to image processing that matches the recording material information. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately form an image at a position corresponding to the window position and usage direction of the recording material with a window registered in advance.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the length in the conveying direction and the window position detected from the recording material with a window can be stored in the recording means. Therefore, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a standard envelope with a window, and is created by the user. Even when a recording material with a window is used, an image can be formed at a previously registered position, and versatility can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the length in the transport direction and the window position stored in the storage unit can be deleted. The storage area can be reduced, and versatility can be further improved.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the recording material with a window is transported, the detection means for detecting the length and the window position of the recording material with the window is used for the recording with the window to the forming means for forming an image. It is provided at a position that is spaced from the conveyance position of the material by a distance longer than the length of the recording material with window in the conveyance direction. As a result, the processing time for detecting the conveyance state of the recording material with the window and the processing time for image processing performed on the image data according to the detected conveyance state can be secured, thereby reducing the occurrence of misprinting. Can be made.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a length detection unit that detects the length of the recording material with a window in the conveyance direction, and a window position detection unit that detects a window position of the recording material with a window, and the length detection unit. Are spaced apart from the conveyance position by a distance longer than the distance from the conveyance position of the recording material with window to the forming means for forming an image to the window position detection means. As a result, the length in the conveyance direction of the recording material with the window can be detected earlier, and when the window position is detected with the detection of the length in the conveyance direction as a trigger, the conveyance state of the recording material with the window And the conveyance state of the recording material with a window can be detected with high accuracy.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a restricting portion that restricts a position in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the recording material with a window, Detect window position. Thereby, a detection location can be changed appropriately according to the width in the direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the recording material with window, and the detection accuracy of the conveyance state of the recording material with window can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the window position of the recording material with a window cannot be detected, by restricting the execution of various processes thereafter, image formation on a recording material set in error is prohibited, and misprinting is performed. Occurrence can be prevented. Further, when the user is notified that the set recording material is not a windowed recording material, it is possible to confirm whether or not image formation on an incorrect recording material may be performed.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the window position of the recording material with window cannot be detected, the recording material with window is discharged without forming an image to notify the outside that an incorrect recording material has been set. can do.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings showing an embodiment applied to a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment has a scanner function for reading an image of an original, and a copy that forms an image on a recording material (hereinafter simply referred to as paper) such as copy paper or OHP film based on the read image. Functions, printer function to receive print data sent from outside and form an image on paper, filing function to temporarily store input image data, image transmission function to send image data to the outside, etc. Have.

  The digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes an image reading unit 2, an operation panel 4, an image forming unit 6, a device control unit 8, a communication unit 10 that is an interface for communicating with the outside, and a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as a non-volatile storage device). HD) 12, a management unit 14 and the like as main components.

  The management unit 14 is connected to the device control unit 8. The ROM stores a control program executed by the device control unit 8, the setting information set on the operation panel 4, and each component of the digital multifunction device 1. It consists of RAM etc. for memorizing setting information etc. regarding the operation. However, it may be a rewritable nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory or an EEPROM.

  The operation panel 4 is connected to the device control unit 8 and includes an input unit 4a that receives an operation instruction from the user and a display unit 4b that displays information to be notified to the user. The input unit 4a includes various operation keys for receiving an operation instruction by the user, and receives a function switching operation, setting value input for each function, a process execution start instruction, and the like. The display unit 4b includes a liquid crystal display, and displays the operation status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, various setting values input through the input unit 4a, information to be notified to the user, and the like. In addition, a touch panel type software button configured to accept various selection operations is arranged in a part of the display unit 4b.

  The image reading unit 2 is connected to the image forming unit 6, and an image of the original is read by an optical image reading mechanism such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor 2 a (abbreviated as CCD in FIG. 1). read. The image data read from the document by the image reading unit 2 is sequentially stored in the memory 6a, which is a volatile storage device such as a RAM, for example, under the control of the device control unit 8, and is stored in the HD 12 in units of pages (units of one document). Remembered. Further, the number of pages (number of pages) read by the image reading unit 2 is stored in the management unit 14.

  The communication unit 10 is connected to the device control unit 8 and is connected to external devices PC1 and PC2 such as a personal computer via a network NW such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) as a communication line. Data communication is performed between the apparatuses PC1 and PC2, for example, image data is transmitted and received. Although not shown, the communication unit 10 includes a modem and an NCU (Network Control Unit), and is configured to be capable of facsimile communication. The modem is connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN via the NCU. The NCU is hardware for performing line control operations for closing and opening a line with the analog public telephone exchange network PSTN, and connects a modem to the public telephone exchange network PSTN as necessary.

  The image forming unit 6 temporarily stores image data acquired by the image reading unit 2, image data developed from print data received by the communication unit 10, and the like, and images stored in the memory 6a. A printing unit (LSU: Laser Scanning Unit) 6b, which is a forming unit that forms an image based on data on a sheet, is provided. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 6b is configured by an LSU (laser scanning unit), but may be a printer device such as an ink jet system. The image data stored in the memory 6a is transferred to a transfer destination according to the purpose in accordance with an instruction from the device control unit 8. Specifically, when the image data is stored by the filing function, it is transferred to the HD 12, and when the printing process is performed, it is transferred to the printing unit 6b.

  The device control unit 8 includes a CPU that executes various arithmetic processes, a ROM that stores a control program, a RAM that temporarily holds data generated during the calculation of the CPU, and the like. The CPU of the device control unit 8 loads each control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby executing hardware components such as the operation panel 4, the image forming unit 6, the communication unit 10, the HD 12, and the management unit 14. To control the operation.

  In addition, the device control unit 8 controls each hardware unit according to instructions or information input by the user by operating each key of the input unit 4a of the operation panel 4 to cause the entire apparatus to function as the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The information about the state of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the information to be notified to the user are output to the display unit 4b. Further, the device control unit 8 controls the input of image data from the image reading unit 2, the input control of image data from the outside via the communication unit 10, and the input / output control of the input image data to the memory 6a and the HD 12. Then, output control of image data from the image forming unit 6 or the communication unit 10 is performed.

  The HD 12 is connected to the device control unit 8 and the image forming unit 6. The HD 12 is input from the image reading unit 2 or the communication unit 10 and image data to be formed by the image forming unit 6. Then, image data to be transmitted to the outside by facsimile communication or data communication is stored. In the present embodiment, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 having the HD 12 as a storage device for storing image data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is removed from the main body, the power is shut off. Even in the case of a non-volatile memory that can hold image data stored before that, a memory having a backup function, and other storage media using magnetic storage media, the same applies. can do.

  The operation of each part of the hardware when the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 configured as described above is used as a copying machine, a printer, a network scanner, and a facsimile machine will be described below. First, when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is used as a copying machine, the device control unit 8 temporarily stores image data sequentially read from the original by the image reading unit 2 in the memory 6a, and reading of the image data for one page is completed. If so, it is stored in the HD 12. When a plurality of (multiple pages) originals are read by the image reading unit 2, the device control unit 8 repeats the same reading and storing process by the number of originals (number of pages).

  Thereafter, the device control unit 8 sequentially reads out the image data stored in the HD 12, temporarily stores it in the memory 6a, transfers it to the printing unit 6b, and sets the density and paper set in advance by operating the operation panel 4. Printing processing is performed based on information such as size. Further, when printing a plurality of (multiple pages) image data stored in the HD 12, the device control unit 8 repeats the same reading and printing process for the number of originals to be imaged.

  Next, when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 is used as a printer, the device control unit 8 temporarily stores image data received from the external devices PC1 and PC2 connected to the network NW via the communication unit 10 in the memory 6a. This is stored in HD12. Further, the device control unit 8 sequentially reads out the image data stored in the HD 12 and temporarily stores it in the memory 6a, and then transfers it to the printing unit 6b. Printing processing is performed based on information such as size.

  When the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is used as a network scanner, the device control unit 8 temporarily stores image data sequentially read from an original by the image reading unit 2 in the memory 6a, and reading of image data for one page is completed. If so, it is stored in the HD 12. The device control unit 8 sequentially reads out the image data stored in the HD 12 and temporarily stores the image data in the memory 6a, transfers the image data to the communication unit 10, and sets the destination to a destination set in advance by operating the operation panel 4. After establishing communication via the network NW, the data is transmitted to the destination.

  Further, when performing facsimile transmission using the digital multi-function peripheral 1 as a facsimile apparatus, the device control unit 8 receives image data read from a document by the image reading unit 2 or image data received from the outside via the communication unit 10. Once stored in the memory 6a, it is stored in the HD 12. Further, the device control unit 8 sequentially reads out the image data stored in the HD 12, temporarily stores it in the memory 6a, transfers it to the communication unit 10, and makes a public telephone call with the destination facsimile apparatus set from the operation panel 4. After establishing a connection via the switching network PSTN, the transmission is made to the destination.

  Further, when facsimile reception is performed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1, image data received from an external facsimile apparatus connected to the public switched telephone network PSTN via the communication unit 10 is temporarily stored in the memory 6a and then stored in the HD 12. Let Further, the device control unit 8 sequentially reads out the image data stored in the HD 12 and temporarily stores it in the memory 6a, and then transfers it to the printing unit 6b. Printing processing is performed based on information such as size.

  Hereinafter, the internal configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment. The digital multifunction device 1 is provided with a document reading unit 2 and an operation panel 4 (not shown in FIG. 2) at the top, and a printing unit 6b and a paper feeding unit (conveying unit) 5 are arranged below the document reading unit 2. Yes.

  The image reading unit 2 includes a document placing table 20 on which a document is placed face down, and a document pressing cover 21 attached to the document placing table 20 so as to be freely opened and closed. The image reading unit 2 opens the document pressing cover 21 and places the document on the document placing table 20, and then closes the document pressing cover 21 and reads the image data while the document is stationary on the document placing table 20. Do. The document pressing cover 21 may be provided with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) type scanner so that the document is automatically conveyed and read.

  An image reading mechanism including a CCD line sensor 2 a is arranged below the document placing table 20 in order to read an image of the document set at a predetermined position on the document placing table 20. In order to read an image recorded on the lower surface of the document, the image reading mechanism includes a light source unit 22 and a mirror unit 23 that reciprocally move in parallel along the lower surface of the document table 20, and an imaging lens 24 and a CCD line sensor 2a. Etc.

  The light source unit 22 includes an exposure lamp 22 a and a mirror 22 b, and condenses the reading illumination light emitted from the exposure lamp 22 a at an appropriate reading position on the document table 20. Further, the light source unit 22 is configured to change the optical path of the reflected light from the original by 90 ° by a mirror 22 b having a reflection surface set at 45 ° with respect to the original placing table 20 and to guide the light to the mirror unit 23.

  The mirror unit 23 includes a pair of mirrors arranged so that the reflecting surfaces are orthogonal to each other in order to further change the optical path of the light whose optical path is changed by 90 ° by the mirror 22b of the light source unit 22. . The light whose optical path is changed by the mirror unit 23 is imaged on the CCD line sensor 2 a by the action of the imaging lens 24. The CCD line sensor 2a converts the input light into an analog electric signal corresponding to the amount of light and outputs it.

  Further, the analog electrical signal output from the CCD line sensor 2a is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter (not shown), and corrections such as light distribution characteristics of the light source when reading a document and sensitivity unevenness of the CCD line sensor 2a are performed. And generated as image data. Further, the generated image data is output to and stored in the memory 6a of the image forming unit 6.

  The printing unit 6b includes a photosensitive drum 63 that is rotationally driven, a charger 65 that charges the photosensitive drum 63 to a predetermined potential, and an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 63 that is charged by emitting laser light in accordance with image data. A laser beam scanner unit 61 that writes an image, a developing device 62 that supplies toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 63 and develops the toner, and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 63 is transferred onto a sheet. And an electrophotographic process unit including a cleaning unit 64 that removes toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 63, and an image is formed by conveying the sheet to the process unit.

  The laser beam scanner unit 61 includes a semiconductor laser element that emits dot light modulated according to image data, a deflecting device for deflecting laser light from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction, and laser light deflected by the deflecting device. Is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 63. The laser beam scanner unit 61 receives image data stored in the memory 6a in units of pixel signals.

  The paper feeding unit 5 is disposed upstream of the printing unit 6b as described above, and includes a paper feeding cassette 51 that accommodates recording materials (paper) such as recording paper or OHP (Over Head Projector) film, 52, 53. The paper feed cassettes 51, 52, and 53 have call-in rollers 51a, 52a, and 53a in the vicinity of the leading ends of the stacked sheets, and the sheets separated one by one by the call-in rollers 51a, 52a, and 53a. It is taken into the conveyance path 50.

  Further, the paper feed unit 5 includes a manual feed tray 54 on the right side surface of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and paper that cannot be set in the paper feed cassettes 51, 52, 53, such as paper, cardboard, postcards, envelopes, or envelopes with windows ( Window recording material) is set. The manual feed tray 54 is also provided with a drawing roller 54a for separating and feeding the stacked sheets one by one. The sheets separated one by one by each of the attracting rollers 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers provided at appropriate positions in the conveying path 50 and taken into the printing unit 6b.

  The sheet conveyed through the conveyance path 50 is temporarily held by a registration roller 55 provided at an upstream position of the transfer device 66. The registration roller 55 aligns the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 63 with the leading edge of the image forming area of the sheet to be conveyed, and then starts rotating at a predetermined timing to rotate the photosensitive drum 63. At the same time, the paper is conveyed to the process section. A toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 63 is transferred by the transfer device 66 to the sheet conveyed to the position facing the photosensitive drum 63.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit 66 is conveyed to the fixing unit 67 by the conveyance belt 56. The fixing device 67 includes a heat roller and a pressure roller. The fixing roller 67 is rotated by sandwiching the sheet on which the toner image is transferred by these two rollers, and the toner image is heated and fixed on the sheet by the heat of the heat roller. The sheet on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 67 is conveyed to the switching gate 57, switched in two directions by the switching gate 57, and conveyed to the switchback conveying path 58 or the discharge roller 59. The sheet conveyed to the discharge roller 59 is discharged onto the discharge trays 60 and 60 attached to the left side surface of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by the discharge roller 59.

  The switchback conveyance path 58 is a conveyance path used when performing duplex printing. The paper taken in from the switching gate 57 to the switchback conveyance path 58 is conveyed to the switchback roller 58a, once gripped by the switchback roller 58a, and then turned upside down by the switchback roller 58a rotated in the reverse direction. Then, it is conveyed to the conveyance path 50 through the conveyance path 58b. The sheet that is turned upside down by the switchback transport path 58 is transported to the registration roller 55 again, and image formation is performed on the back side of the sheet in the printing unit 6b.

  Here, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of the present embodiment can also form an image on a commercially available envelope with a window. When an image is formed on an envelope with a window, the user appropriately operates the input unit 4a of the operation panel 4 to select an envelope with a window as a sheet on which image formation is performed. 52, 53 is placed on the manual feed tray 54. It should be noted that the direction and orientation of the loading surface of the envelope with window on the manual feed tray 54 are not particular. This is because the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the present embodiment detects the orientation of the envelope with a window placed on the manual feed tray 54, and performs reverse processing of the envelope with a window and image processing on image data as necessary. It is because it is comprised so that it may perform.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of an envelope with a window. 3 (a), 3 (b), and 3 (c), for example, window portions of a predetermined shape are hollowed out at predetermined locations of an envelope of No. 3, for example, and each window portion is transparent. A sheet is pasted. Specifically, the envelope with a window shown in FIG. 3A has a window portion of 45 mm × 80 mm, and the envelope with a window shown in FIG. 3B has a window portion of 45 mm × 90 mm. The envelope with a window shown in FIG. 3C has a window portion of 55 mm × 90 mm. By using such an envelope with a window, information such as an address and a sender name written on a sheet inserted inside the envelope can be seen from the outside of the envelope.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration around the manual feed tray 54. On the manual feed tray 54, movable guide members (regulators) 71 and 71 for regulating the position in the direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper 70 to be placed are provided. As a result, when the paper 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is taken into the conveyance path 50 by the calling roller 54a (not shown in FIG. 4), it is prevented from being conveyed in an inclined state with respect to the conveyance direction. can do.

  Further, five light reflecting sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 are provided between the manual feed tray 54 and the calling roller 54a. These sensors 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, and 73 each have a light emitting unit (light source) that emits light to the paper 70 that is placed on the manual feed tray 54 and conveyed to the conveyance path 50, and the light emitting unit A light receiving unit that acquires reflected light from the paper 70 of the irradiated light. The sensors 72a, 72b, and 73 are arranged so as to irradiate light on the upper surface of the sheet 70 to be conveyed (the surface on the side having the window portion 70a in the envelope with window 70 in FIG. 4). 72d is arranged to irradiate the lower surface of the conveyed paper 70 with light.

  The sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d are configured to move according to the movement of the guide members 71, 71, and the scanning position is changed according to the width of the paper 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54. The Thereby, regardless of the width of the paper 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54, any of the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d can appropriately scan the window portion 70a. The sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, and 73 may perform predetermined processing when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 forms an image on the envelope with window 70. For example, the user can input the input unit 4a of the operation panel 4. Is operated when the envelope with window 70 is selected as a sheet for image formation.

  The sensors 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, and 73 are connected to the device control unit 8 and output detection signals corresponding to the reflected light acquired by the respective light receiving units to the device control unit 8. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of detection signals output from the sensors 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, and 73. FIG. 5A shows detection signals from the sensors 72a, 72b, 73 provided on the upper surface side of the envelope 70 with the window conveyed in the conveying direction indicated by the white arrow. b) shows detection signals from the sensors 72c and 72d provided on the lower surface side of the envelope with window 70 conveyed in the conveying direction indicated by the white arrow, and broken lines in the figure indicate the sensors 72a and 72b. , 72c, 72d, 73 are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the sensor 73 continues to output a predetermined signal while the paper 70 passes through the light irradiation position by the light emitting unit. As a result, the device control unit 8 operates as a length detection unit that detects the length of the paper 70 in the transport direction based on the time during which the predetermined signal is continuously acquired from the sensor 73. Specifically, the device control unit 8 determines the length of the sheet 70 in the conveyance direction based on the time when the predetermined signal is acquired from the sensor 73 and the conveyance speed of the sheet 70 conveyed to the conveyance path 50 by the calling roller 54a. Can be detected.

  It should be noted that by preparing a table in which the time for acquiring the predetermined signal from the sensor 73 and the length corresponding to each time are prepared in advance, the length of the sheet 70 can be easily specified by the table reference process. it can. Further, the sensor 73 is not limited to the light reflection type, and for example, a sensor with an actuator or a sensor combining a reduction optical system and a color CCD can be used.

  Further, since the paper material of the main body part of the envelope 70 with window and the transparent sheet of the window part 70a have different reflectances of the irradiated light, the device control unit 8 detects from the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d. Based on the signal, it can operate as a window position detecting means for detecting the position of the window portion 70a with respect to the envelope 70 with a window. In addition, in order to detect the position of the window part 70a of the envelope 70 with a window, as shown to Fig.5 (a), it is necessary to provide the sensor 72b which scans the window part 70a, When a several sensor is provided Can detect the position of the window portion 70a with higher accuracy. Moreover, the window part 70a of each upper and lower surfaces of the envelope 70 with a window can be detected by providing a some sensor so that the upper and lower surfaces of the envelope 70 with a window may be scanned.

  Moreover, the position of the window part 70a in the envelope 70 with a window is prepared by preparing in advance a table in which the material of the transparent sheet pasted on the window part 70a is associated with the detection signal corresponding to the reflected light from each material. In addition, the material and transparency of the transparent sheet pasted on the window 70a can be specified. Furthermore, the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c and 72d are not limited to the light reflection type, and for example, a sensor combining a reduction optical system and a color CCD can be used.

  Here, the HD (storage means) 12 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stores an envelope pattern (recording material information) indicating the use state such as the size, the window position, and the use direction of the envelope with window 70. And the apparatus control part 8 is the position of the conveyance direction length of the envelope 70 with a window to be processed detected based on the detection signal from the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 and the position of the window part 70a as described above. Are operated as processing means for performing image processing so as to match the envelope pattern stored in the HD 12.

  Specifically, the device control unit 8 performs image processing on the image data stored in the memory 6a so as to form an image on the envelope with window 70 as necessary, and switches the paper supply unit 5 The envelope with window 70 is turned upside down via the back conveyance path 58. Below, the process which the apparatus control part 8 performs according to the mounting state of the envelope 70 with a window mounted on the manual feed tray 54 is demonstrated. In the following, a case where the placement state of the envelope with window 70 shown in FIG. 4 is an appropriate placement state will be described as an example.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the windowed envelope 70 is placed on the manual feed tray 54. The white arrows in the figure indicate the conveyance direction of the envelope 70 with a window, and the drawings show the envelope 70 with a window placed on the manual feed tray 54 as viewed from above. When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the device control unit 8 executes normal printing processing, transfers the image data stored in the memory 6a to the printing unit 6b, and The windowed envelope 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is conveyed to the printing unit 6b.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when the windowed envelope 70 shown in FIG. 6A is rotated 180 degrees and the windowed envelope 70 is conveyed, the device control unit 8 is stored in the memory 6a. Then, the image data is rotated 180 ° and transferred to the printing unit 6b, and the windowed envelope 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is conveyed to the printing unit 6b as it is. When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6C, the device control unit 8 transfers the image data stored in the memory 6 a to the printing unit 6 b and places it on the manual feed tray 54. The windowed envelope 70 is once turned upside down via the switchback conveying path 58 and then conveyed to the printing unit 6b.

  When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6D, the device control unit 8 performs image processing for rotating the image data stored in the memory 6a by 180 ° and then proceeds to the printing unit 6b. At the same time, the envelope with window 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is once reversed over the switchback conveyance path 58 and then conveyed to the printing unit 6b. When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6E, the device control unit 8 performs image processing for rotating the image data stored in the memory 6a by 90 ° counterclockwise. After that, it is transferred to the printing unit 6b, and the envelope with window 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is conveyed to the printing unit 6b as it is.

  When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6F, the device control unit 8 performs printing after performing image processing for rotating the image data stored in the memory 6a by 90 ° clockwise. At the same time, the envelope 70 with a window placed on the manual feed tray 54 is conveyed to the printing unit 6b as it is. When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6G, the device control unit 8 performs image processing for rotating the image data stored in the memory 6a by 90 ° clockwise. The paper is then transferred to the printing unit 6b, and the envelope with window 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is once turned upside down via the switchback conveyance path 58 and then conveyed to the printing unit 6b.

  When the envelope with window 70 is conveyed in the state shown in FIG. 6 (h), the device control unit 8 performs image processing for rotating the image data stored in the memory 6a by 90 ° counterclockwise. At the same time as being transferred to the printing unit 6b, the windowed envelope 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 is once turned upside down via the switchback conveyance path 58 and then conveyed to the printing unit 6b. As described above, by performing appropriate processing according to the conveyance direction of the envelope with window 70 specified based on the detection signals from the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, and 73 and the position of the window portion 70a, the envelope with window 70 is obtained. No matter what state is placed on the manual feed tray 54, an image can be formed at an appropriate location of the envelope 70 with a window.

  Moreover, the envelope 70 with a window is marketed over various sizes, and also is produced and used according to a user's use and purpose. Accordingly, the enlargement process or the reduction process may be performed on the image data for image formation according to the size of the envelope with window 70 specified based on the detection signals from the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, and 73. Good. Since the small-size windowed envelope 70 has a narrower image forming area than the large-size windowed envelope 70, it is possible to reliably form an image by reducing part or all of the image data. Misprinting can be prevented. Further, when an image is formed on a large envelope 70 with a window, an image that is easier to see can be formed by enlarging part or all of the image data.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a special envelope 70 with a window having a plurality of windows. When an image is formed on a special envelope 70 with a window by the digital multi-function peripheral 1, an envelope pattern indicating the length in the conveyance direction, the window position, and the use direction of the envelope 70 with a window is registered in advance in the HD 12. Specifically, the device control unit 8 once transports the windowed envelope 70 to be image-formed on the transport path 50 by the paper feeding unit 5 and also uses the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 to move the windowed envelope 70. Let it scan. And the apparatus control part 8 memorize | stores the length and window position of the conveyance direction of special envelope 70 with a window detected based on the detection signal from sensor 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 in HD12. Works as.

  Accordingly, an image can be formed at an appropriate position according to the registered envelope pattern, and versatility can be further improved. When a new envelope pattern is registered in the HD 12, each envelope pattern can be easily identified by inputting the name of the envelope pattern to be registered, registration information, and the like from the operation panel 4. Such input processing can also be performed from the external devices PC1 and PC2 connected via the communication unit 10.

  Further, the device control unit 8 can erase the envelope pattern once registered in the HD 12 according to an instruction from the user via the operation panel 4. Thereby, unnecessary information can be erased depending on the frequency of use by the user, so that versatility is improved and a memory area of the HD 12 can be secured.

  Here, in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment, the sensor 72a, 72b, 72c, and the sensor 72a, 72b, 72c, etc. When the device control unit 8 cannot detect the position of the window 70a based on the detection signals from 72d and 73, the subsequent processing is limited. Specifically, the device control unit 8 does not perform the printing process by the image forming unit 6 and operates a message such as “The presence or absence of the window of the envelope with the window cannot be detected. Execution of the printing process is stopped.” It is displayed on the display unit 4b of the panel 4. Note that this message may be transmitted to the external apparatus that has requested the printing process via the network NW and displayed on the display unit of the external apparatus.

  Further, the device control unit 8 executes only the carrying process of the envelope with window 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 by the sheet feeding unit 5, does not perform the printing process with the image forming unit 6, and is a blank envelope with window 70. Is discharged to the discharge tray 60. As described above, during the execution of the image processing on the envelope with window 70, when it is detected that the paper set on the manual feed tray 54 is not the envelope with window 70, the image processing is interrupted, thereby Occurrence can be suppressed. In addition, the user can be notified at an early stage that the printing process on the envelope with window 70 has failed.

  Hereinafter, an image forming process on the envelope with window 70 by the digital multi-functional peripheral 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image forming processing by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment. Note that the following processing is executed by the device control unit 8 controlling the above-described hardware units in accordance with the ROM built in the device control unit 8 and the control program stored in the management unit 14.

  When the user prints a document edited by the external device PC1 onto the envelope with window 70 using the digital multifunction peripheral 1, the user sets the envelope with window on the manual feed tray 54 and transfers the document from the external device PC1 to the envelope with window 70. Instructs execution of image forming processing. It should be noted that the user need not consider the orientation of the envelope with window 70 when setting the envelope with window on the manual feed tray.

  When the apparatus control unit 8 receives an execution instruction for image forming processing via the network NW, the image data to be formed is temporarily stored in the memory 6a (S1), and the envelope with window 70 set on the manual feed tray 54 is stored. Is started by the sheet feeding unit 5 (S2). The scanning process by the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 is started simultaneously with the start of the conveyance process by the paper feeding unit 5, and the device control unit 8 is based on the detection signals from the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73. Then, the length of the envelope with window 70 in the transport direction and the position of the window part 70a are detected (S3).

  The device control unit 8 determines whether or not the window part 70a of the envelope 70 with a window has been detected in step S3 (S4), and if detected (S4: YES), the detected envelope 70 with a window is conveyed. It is determined whether or not the envelope pattern corresponding to the length of the direction and the position of the window portion 70a is stored in the HD 12 (S5). Here, when the device control unit 8 determines that there is a corresponding envelope pattern (S5: YES), the detected length in the conveyance direction of the envelope with window 70 and the position of the window portion 70a are matched with the envelope pattern. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the front and back of the envelope with window 70 needs to be reversed (S6). If necessary (S6: YES), the envelope with window is set via the switchback conveyance path 58 of the sheet feeding unit 5. 70 is reversed (S7). If not necessary (S6: NO), the device control unit 8 skips the process of step S7.

  Further, the device control unit 8 performs image processing on the image data stored in the memory 6a in order to match the detected length in the conveyance direction of the envelope with window 70 and the position of the window portion 70a with the envelope pattern. It is determined whether or not it is necessary (S8), and if necessary (S8: YES), the corresponding image processing is executed (S9). Specifically, image processing such as 90 ° clockwise, 180 °, or 90 ° counterclockwise is performed on the image data stored in the memory 6a. If it is not necessary to execute the image processing (S8: NO), the device control unit 8 skips the process of step S9.

  As described above, the device control unit 8 conveys the envelope 70 with the window turned upside down as necessary in step S7 to the printing unit 6b, and the image data subjected to image processing as necessary in step S9. Is transferred from the memory 6a to the printing unit 6b, and the printing process is executed (S10). Thereby, an image based on appropriate image data can be formed at an appropriate location of the envelope with window 70 placed on the manual feed tray 54 without considering the placement direction and the like.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S4 that the window part 70a of the envelope with window 70 cannot be detected (S4: NO), or when it is determined in step S5 that there is no corresponding envelope pattern (S5: NO), the device control unit 8 Interrupts the subsequent process, that is, the printing process (S11). In addition, the device control unit 8 notifies the user by displaying a message indicating that the printing process is interrupted on the display unit 4b (S12), and performs the printing process on the envelope 70 with the window set on the manual feed tray 54. It carries out to the discharge tray 60 as it is, without performing (S13). Thereby, when the image formation process to the envelope 70 with a window fails, it can be notified to a user.

  In the embodiment described above, the position of the sensor 73 for detecting the length in the transport direction of the paper (envelope 70 with window) placed on the manual feed tray 54 and transported, and the position of the window portion 70a of the envelope 70 with window. Although the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d for detecting are arranged at the locations shown in FIG. 4, the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the configuration from the manual feed tray 54 to the photosensitive drum 63, and shows a part of FIG. 2 in an enlarged manner. As shown in FIG. 8, the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 may be provided inside the digital multi-function peripheral 1 main body rather than the attracting roller 54a, and may be provided outside, as necessary. It can be changed accordingly.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 are provided with the windowed envelope 70 on the manual feed tray 54 (not shown in FIG. 8) to the photosensitive drum 63. Provided upstream from the registration roller 55 to be conveyed, the length in the conveyance direction from the registration roller 55 to the envelope with window 70 is L, and the distance from the registration roller 55 to the sensors 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d is S, When the distance from the roller 55 to the sensor 73 is Q, it is necessary to arrange at a position where L <S and L <Q. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a processing time for detecting the length of the envelope 70 with the window being conveyed to the registration roller 55 in the conveyance direction and the position of the window portion 70a, and to reduce the occurrence of misprinting. it can.

  Furthermore, when L <S <Q, the length in the conveyance direction of the envelope 70 with the window can be detected earlier, and the window position is detected by using the detection of the length in the conveyance direction as a trigger. In this case, the control for detecting the conveyance state of the envelope with window 70 is facilitated, and the conveyance state of the recording material with window can be detected with high accuracy. Therefore, the sensors 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 73 may be disposed at any location between the manual feed tray 54 and the registration rollers 55 as long as the above-described conditions are satisfied.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of an envelope with a window. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration around a manual feed tray. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the detection signal from a sensor. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the mounting state of the envelope with a window on a manual feed tray. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image formation processing by the digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the configuration from the manual feed tray to the photosensitive drum.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital MFP (image forming device)
2 Image reading unit 4 Operation panel 5 Paper feed unit (conveyance unit)
6 Image forming section 6a Memory 6b Printing section (forming means)
8 Device control unit (processing means, storage processing means, length detection means, window position detection means)
10 communication unit 12 HD (storage means)
14 Manager 71 Guide member (Regulator)

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus including a forming unit that forms an image on a recording material based on received image data,
A transport unit for transporting the recording material with a window to the forming unit;
Detecting means for detecting the length and window position of the recording material with a window conveyed by the conveying unit in the conveying direction;
Processing means for performing image processing on the image data in accordance with the length in the conveying direction and the window position detected by the detection means,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the forming unit is configured to form an image on the recording material with a window based on image data on which the processing unit has performed image processing. The recording material with a window is an envelope with a window,
The detection means is configured to detect the window positions on the front and back surfaces of the envelope with window,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is configured to reverse the front and back of the envelope with the window according to the window position detected by the detection unit.   The detection means includes a light source that irradiates light to a window portion of the recording material with a window and a recording material main body portion, and a light receiving portion that acquires reflected light from the window portion and the recording material main body portion. The length of the recording direction with the window and the window position are detected based on the reflectance of the acquired reflected light from the window and the recording material main body. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. Comprising storage means for storing recording material information indicating the size of the recording material with a window, the window position and the direction of use;
The processing means is configured to perform image processing on the image data so as to match the length in the conveyance direction and the window position detected by the detection means with the recording material information stored in the storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a storage processing unit that stores the length in the conveyance direction and the window position detected by the detection unit in the storage unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage processing unit is configured to erase the length in the conveyance direction and the window position stored in the storage unit.   The detection unit is provided at a position spaced apart from a conveyance position of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit to the forming unit at an interval longer than a length in the conveyance direction of the recording material. Item 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The detection means includes
A length detection means for detecting the length of the recording material with window in the conveyance direction;
Window position detecting means for detecting the window position of the recording material with a window,
The length detection unit is provided with a distance longer than the interval from the conveyance position of the recording material conveyed by the conveyance unit to the forming unit to the window position detection unit, separated from the conveyance position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The transport unit includes a regulation unit that regulates a position in a direction intersecting a transport direction of the recording material with a window to be transported,
7. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a length in a conveyance direction of the recording material with a window and a window position at a position corresponding to the position of the restricting portion. The image forming apparatus according to one.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising means for restricting execution of processing by the processing means and the forming means when the detection means cannot detect the window position of the recording material with window. Forming equipment.   11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that discharges the recording material with a window without forming an image when the detection unit cannot detect the window position of the recording material with a window. Image forming apparatus.

Images