JPH11338315A - Device and method for forming image, and recording medium recording image forming control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform output in a sort mode when a cover and interleaf mode, etc., are set by providing a controlling means which sets a non-sort mode when a specified operation mode is set or which performs output in the sort mode even though a printing output mode is not set. SOLUTION: When an erasing button 701 displayed inside a display panel 620 with a touch panel is pressed, the panel 620 is returned to an initial picture without processing. When a deciding button 702 is pressed after a group mode set button 703 which is for a preparing step to set a group sort mode is pressed, an output mode is set to the group sort mode. Next, when a sort mode set button 704 which is for the preparing step to set the sort mode is pressed, the output is set in the sort mode. By such operation, the output is entirely performed in the sort mode in the case of a pamphlet mode or the cover and interleaf mode, so that efficient action can be provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, an image forming method, and a recording medium on which an image forming control program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, not only image formation (copying or printing), but also post-processing after image formation according to various setting modes, such as collating and bookbinding work. And the like, output processing methods are also diversifying. For example, in a copier or the like having a sorter connected or having a sort function, when printing a large number of copies and many pages, a non-sort mode in which the number of copies is printed for each page, the number of copies in the page order and the output are output. A print output mode such as a sort mode to be performed can be selectively designated.

[0003] Also, with respect to pamphlet creation, a so-called brochure mode in which printing and output are performed in an order suitable for the pamphlet, a cover for organizing materials, a cover / insert mode in which a specific sheet is inserted for each fixed page, and the like. The number of models having an operation mode is increasing, and it is becoming possible to easily realize print output according to the needs of the operator.

[0004]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus as described above, if the operator selects the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode as the operation mode, for example, It is normal to output one set at a time.However, if the above non-sort mode is selected as the print output mode at that time, the printout is performed for each copy, and the operator is It was later rearranged in page order, which was very troublesome and inefficient for the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to set a specific operation mode, particularly when a pamphlet mode or a cover / insert mode is set.
Ignore print output mode settings such as non-sort mode,
Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a recording medium on which an image forming control program is recorded, in which the above-mentioned problems are solved by outputting in sort mode without accepting.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage device for storing image data, and an image on a sheet material based on the image data read from the storage device. Image forming means for forming, an operation mode setting means for selectively setting an operation mode relating to the image forming operation, a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming means in page order, and non-sorting Output mode setting means for selectively setting a print output mode including at least a mode or a normal mode; and a non-sort mode is set by the output mode setting means when a specific operation mode is set by the operation mode setting means. Output, or even if the print output mode is not set by the output mode setting means, Characterized by comprising a control means for the operation of the sort mode.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage device for storing image data, and an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet material based on the image data read from the storage device. An operation mode setting means for selectively setting an operation mode relating to the image forming operation; a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming means in page order; and a non-sort mode or a normal mode. Output mode setting means for selectively setting a print output mode including: when the specific mode is set by the operation mode setting means, the setting by the output mode setting means is invalidated, and the control for performing the sort mode operation is performed. Means.

Preferably, the specific operation mode is a cover / insert mode in which a cover is inserted or a slip is inserted every predetermined number of prints, or a pamphlet which performs printing in an order suitable for pamphlet production. One of the modes.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for setting an operation mode for selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation, the method comprising: A sort mode for sequentially outputting, and an output mode setting step for selectively setting a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode; and, when a specific operation mode is set in the operation mode setting step, the output mode Even if the non-sort mode is set in the setting step or the print output mode is not set in the output mode setting step, the output includes a control step of performing the operation in the sort mode. .

To achieve the above object, a method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention provides an operation mode setting step of selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation, and a method of setting a sheet material on which an image is formed by an image forming means as a page. A sort mode for sequentially outputting, and an output mode setting step for selectively setting a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode, and the output mode setting step when a specific mode is set by the operation mode setting step. And the control step of performing the operation in the sort mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing a control program for forming an image, wherein the control program includes an operation related to an image forming operation. An operation mode setting step of selectively setting a mode; a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming unit in a page order; and a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode. When a specific operation mode is set in the output mode setting step, the non-sort mode is set in the output mode setting step, or the print output mode is set in the output mode setting step. Even if not set, the output will be in the sort mode. Characterized by a control step of performing the operation.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, an invention of a recording medium according to claim 11 is a computer-readable recording medium recording a control program for image formation, wherein the control program is an operation relating to an image forming operation. An operation mode setting step of selectively setting a mode; a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming unit in a page order; and a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode. Output mode setting step, and when the specific mode is set in the operation mode setting step, a setting step of invalidating the setting in the output mode setting step and performing the sort mode operation. .

[0013]

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

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus main body;
Denotes an automatic document feeder (DF).

The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a platen glass 101 as a document table, a scanner 102, a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. Scanner 1 by motor (not shown)
02 is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction, and the reflected light of the original is transmitted through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 to CC.
An image is formed on the D sensor 109. An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 converts the laser light 129 into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulates the electric signal based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described later has been performed. Is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 110.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming section 126, the photoconductor drum 110 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 1, and is charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112. Is irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper (sheet material) fed by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 having the paper presence / absence sensor is sent to the apparatus main body by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136. The toner image fed to the transfer belt by the registration roller 137 and visualized is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118.

Photosensitive drum 110 after transfer of toner image
The residual toner is cleaned by the cleaner device 116 and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.

The transfer paper after the transfer of the toner image is separated from the transfer belt 130 and the pre-fixing chargers 139, 14
0, the toner image is recharged, sent to the fixing device 141, where the toner image is fixed by pressurization and heating, and discharged by the discharge roller 142 to the outside of the apparatus main body 100.

The apparatus main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152.
In addition, a multi-bypass 1 that can accommodate 100 transfer papers
53 is provided in the apparatus main body 100.

Further, in the apparatus body 100, 154
Reference numeral denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches a transport path to one of a double-sided recording side or a multiple recording side and a paper discharge side. The transfer paper sent out from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched by the paper discharge flapper 154 to either the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side transport path. Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower transport path, which reverses the transfer sheet sent from the paper discharge roller 142 via a reversing path 155 and lowers the transfer paper.
It is led to the re-feed tray 156 through 58. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiplex flapper for switching the conveyance path for double-sided recording and multiplex recording.
7 is tilted to the left so that the transfer paper is
Directly to the lower transport path 158 without passing through. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 through the transport path 160.

A discharge roller 161 is disposed near the discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the discharge flapper 154 is raised upward and the copied transfer paper is stored in the re-feed tray 156 via the transport paths 155 and 158. At this time, at the time of double-sided recording, the multiple flapper 1
The multiplex flapper 157 is tilted to the left in the multiplex recording mode. The transfer paper stored in the re-feed tray 156 is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the feed roller 159 one by one from below.

When the transfer paper is to be inverted and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the flapper 157 is discharged.
Is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is transported to the transport path 155 side, and after the rear end of the transfer paper passes through the first feed roller 162, it is transported by the reversing roller 163 to the second feed roller side. The transfer paper is turned over by the discharge rollers 161 and discharged outside the apparatus.

Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing device for aligning and binding transfer papers discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100. Transfer papers discharged one by one from the discharge rollers 161 are stacked and aligned on a processing tray 193. . When the discharge of the image formation of one copy (one copy) of the designated number of copies is completed, the transfer paper bundle is stapled and discharged as a bundle to the discharge tray 191 or 192. The discharge trays 191 and 192 are controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and move so that the tray to be stacked is at the position of the processing tray before the start of the image forming operation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a control board (control board) 200 in the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 171 denotes the image forming apparatus 100.
(Central Processing Unit) for performing basic control of the above, a ROM 174 in which a control procedure according to the present invention is written in a program form, and a RAM 175 used as a work area (work area) for performing various processes. ,
An input / output port (I / O) 173 is connected via an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 173 includes an image forming apparatus 100 to be controlled by the CPU 171.
Various loads such as various motors and clutches (not shown)
Also, an input device (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of a sheet required for image formation control by the CPU 171 is connected.

The CPU 171 sequentially controls input / output to various loads and sensors via the input / output port 173 in accordance with the contents of the control program as shown in FIG. 12 or 14 stored in the ROM 174 in advance. To execute the image forming operation. An operation unit 172 is also connected to the CPU 171, and a display unit and a key input unit (not shown) of the operation unit 172 are controlled by the CPU 172. The operator operates keys of key input means on the operation unit 172,
Using the buttons, switches, and the like, the CPU 171 is instructed to switch the image forming operation mode and display, and in response to the instruction input, the CPU 171 sets the state of the image forming apparatus 100,
The operation mode is set and displayed on a display device (not shown). The CPU 171 is also connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes an image signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 in FIG. 1 and the image memory unit 4 that stores an image processed by the image processing unit 170. ing.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an image processing system of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG.
0 will be described in detail.

A CCD sensor 109 via a lens 108
Is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109 as luminance data of Black (black). The image data (luminance data) converted into the analog electric signal is supplied to an analog signal processing unit (A / D
(SH unit) 301, after sample-and-hold, dark level correction, etc., are subjected to analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion), and this digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (reading a document) Correction of sensor variations and light distribution characteristics of the document illumination lamp)
After that, it is sent to the log converter 302.

The log conversion unit 302 stores an LUT (lookup table) for converting the input luminance data into density data, and outputs a table value corresponding to the input data, thereby obtaining the luminance. Convert the data to concentration data. The density data is then scaled up to a desired magnification by the scaling unit 303 and input to the γ correction unit 304. When outputting the density data, the γ correction unit 304 performs conversion using an LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer unit 2 and adjusts the output according to the density value set by the operation unit 172 in FIG.

Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarizing unit 305. The binarization unit 305 binarizes the multi-valued density data. That is, the 8-bit image data whose density value is “0” or “255” is binarized to be 1 bit of “0” or “1”. , And the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced. But,
When the image data is binarized, the number of gradations of the image is changed from 256 gradations to two gradations. Therefore, binarization of image data having a large number of halftones such as a photographic image generally causes significant deterioration of the image.
Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, as an example, an error diffusion method is used as a method for pseudo-halftone expression using binary data.

As is well known, the error diffusion method uses 8 bi
If the density of a certain image represented by t is larger than a predetermined threshold, the density data is converted into 1-bit image data of “1” as density data of “255”. After binarizing by converting it to 1-bit image data of “0” as density data of “0”,
In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is distributed as an error signal to surrounding pixels. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying a weight coefficient on a matrix prepared in advance by the error generated by the binarization and adding the result to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner.

The image data binarized by the binarization unit 305 as described above is sent to the image memory unit 4 and accumulated. Further, image data input from an external computer (not shown) through the external I / F (interface) processing unit 5 is processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit. Sent to the section 4.

The image memory section 4 has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of storing a plurality of page image data. The plurality of image data stored on the hard disk is
Are read out in the order corresponding to the edit mode specified by the operation unit 172. For example, in the case of the sort mode, the image data of the document bundle read from the automatic document feeder (DF) 180 is sequentially output from the image memory unit 4. That is, the image data of the document once stored in the hard disk of the image memory unit 4 is read from the hard disk, and this read operation is repeated a plurality of times in accordance with the number of copies, and the read image data is output to the printer unit 2. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins.

The image data output from the image memory unit 4 is sent to a smoothing unit 306 in the printer unit 2.
The smoothing unit 306 performs data interpolation so that the line ends (edge portions) of the binarized image are smooth, and outputs the interpolated image data to the exposure control unit 120. The exposure controller 120 forms an image corresponding to the image data on the transfer paper via the photosensitive drum 110 shown in FIG. 1 by the above-described exposure processing using the laser beam.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image memory according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, FIG.
The details of the image memory unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
The image memory unit 4 includes a page memory unit 401 including a memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and a hard disk (HD) 404 as a large-capacity storage device.
The binary image from the processing unit 5 or the image processing unit 170 into the page memory unit 401,
The image readout from the printer unit 2 to the printer unit 2 and the input / output access of the image to the hard disk 404 are performed.
The memory controller unit 402 also includes a page memory unit 4
01 DRAM refresh signal, and
It arbitrates access from the external I / F processing unit 5, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 404 to the page memory unit 401.

The memory controller 402 further includes
The CPU 171 controls the write address to the page memory unit 401, the read address from the page memory unit 401, the read direction, and the like according to the instruction of the CPU 171. Accordingly, the CPU 171 performs a layout by arranging a plurality of document images in the page memory unit 401 via the memory controller unit 402 and outputting the layout to the printer unit 2,
It is possible to control the function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image and the function of rotating the image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the configuration of the external I / F processing unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The binary image data of the reader unit 1 is taken into the external I / F processing unit 5 via the image memory unit 4, and the external I / F processing unit 5
Can be output to the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 4 to form an image. External I
The / F processing unit 5 includes a core unit 506 and a facsimile unit 50.
1, a hard disk 502 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit 501, a computer interface unit 503 for connecting to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 504, and an image memory unit 505.

The facsimile unit 501 is connected to a public telephone line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public telephone line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public telephone line. The facsimile unit 501 stores a facsimile image on the hard disk 502 by performing processing such as performing facsimile transmission at a specified time or transmitting image data in response to an inquiry about a specified password from a partner. Do it. Thus, after an image is once transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 501 and the facsimile hard disk 502 via the image memory unit 4, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 4 are not used for the facsimile function. Fax transmission can be performed.

Computer interface unit 503
Is an interface unit for performing data communication with an external computer 11 such as a personal computer, and includes a local area network (hereinafter, LAN),
It has a serial I / F, a SCSII / F, a centro I / F for data input of a printer, and the like. Via this computer interface unit 503, the status of the printer unit 2 or the reader unit 1 is notified to the external computer 11, and the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to the instruction of the external computer 11. Or you can. Further, print image data can be received from the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503.

Since the print data transmitted from the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503 is described in a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 504 transmits the code via the image memory unit 4 to the printer unit 2. Is converted into raster image data that can form an image. At this time, the formatter unit 504 develops the raster image data in the image memory unit 505.

As described above, the image memory unit 505 uses the formatter unit 504 as a memory for expanding raster image data, and also transfers the image data of the reader unit 1 to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503. It is also used for sending (generally called an image scanner function). That is, the image data sent from the image memory unit 4 is stored in the image memory unit 50.
5, the converted data is converted into a predetermined data format that can be sent to the external computer 11, and the converted data is sent from the computer interface unit 503. Is used.

The core unit 506 includes a facsimile unit 501,
It controls and manages data transfer among the computer interface unit 503, the formatter unit 504, the image memory unit 505, and the image memory unit 4. With this transfer management, even if the external I / F processing unit 5 has a plurality of image output units or has only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 4, exclusive control is performed under the management of the core unit 506. , Priority is controlled, and image output is performed appropriately.

FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration example of the operation unit 172 of FIG. Next, the operation unit 172 for setting the copying operation of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, a power lamp 621 is lit to indicate that the power is on. More specifically, the power lamp 621 is turned on, in response to switching of the power ON / OFF (turning on / off) by the power switch 613.
Turn off the light. A numeric keypad 622 is used to set the number of images to be formed (or to set the number of copies) and to input numerical values for mode setting. On the facsimile setting screen, the ten keys 622 are used for inputting a telephone number. A clear key 623 is used to clear the settings input by the ten keys 622. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key, which is used to reset the set number of images to be formed, the operation mode, the selected paper feed stage, and other modes to default values.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a start key, and when the start key 614 is pressed, an image forming operation is started.
In the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (light emitting diodes) indicating whether or not the start is possible.
The red LED is lit when starting is not possible, and the green LED is lit when starting is possible. 615
Is a stop key used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When another key is pressed after the guide key 617 is pressed, a description of a function which can be set by the key (other keys) is displayed on the display panel. To cancel this guide display,
This is performed by pressing the guide key 617 again. An operator setting key 618 allows the operator to change settings of the image forming apparatus when the key 618 is pressed. Here, the settings that can be changed by the operator include, for example, the time until the settings are automatically cleared, the setting of the default value of the mode when the reset key 616 is pressed, and the like. Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key.
When the user presses 9, other image forming operations are stopped, and copying (or printing) can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 180.

Reference numeral 620 denotes a display panel composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display content changes according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. In addition, the display panel 620
Is a touch sensor. FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen for the copy operation mode. In FIG.
The keys 624 to 631 are displayed in the display panel 620, and when the operator touches the display position of the key with a finger, the touch sensor determines whether the touched key is pressed and sets a corresponding mode. I do.

The keys 624 to 631 will be specifically described. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper stage selection key. When this key is pressed, a display for setting which one of the cassettes 131 and 132 is to feed paper is displayed. Performed on panel 620.
Keys 628 to 631 are used to set the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key 626 is pressed, a screen for setting an application function mode such as a multiplex operation, a reduced layout mode, and a cover / insert mode is displayed on the display panel 620. Is displayed on the display panel 620.
Above is to enable the setting of the application mode.

Reference numeral 624 denotes a setting key for double-sided operation. For example, when the key 624 is depressed, a "single-two-side mode" for performing double-sided output from a single-sided original, a "two-sided mode" for performing double-sided output from a double-sided original, Three types of two-sided mode, that is, “two-sided mode” for outputting two single-sided images from a two-sided original, are set. Reference numeral 625 denotes a sort button.
By pressing the button, the operation mode of the sheet discharge processing apparatus 190 is set, and the output sheet sorting mode using the image memory is set. The display of the keys in the display panel 620 is not limited to the normal display.
By making the display line a broken line (or shaded), it indicates that the key of the broken line display cannot be operated.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the contents of the copy operation are displayed above the display panel 620, and the current operation state is displayed. In addition, at the upper left of the screen, there is a display indicating which screen of this function screen is in each of the function modes described later. In the example of FIG. 6, a setting screen of copy A is shown. In the example of FIG. 6, the characters are indicated by characters, but of course, symbols indicating the respective characters may be used. Further, below the display panel 620, the operation state of another function mode described later is displayed in a range that can be displayed in one line. The example of FIG. 6 indicates that the copy B is being output to the printer unit. There are keys that can be changed by the operator next to the application mode key 626 in the display panel 620, and up to two function keys that can be set on the application mode setting screen can be registered. By displaying the setting key of the applied mode at the position shown in the figure, the registered mode can be set more easily. These keys are collectively called a favorite function key, and the setting of the favorite function key will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8A shows a window screen (menu screen) for setting the item of the favorite function key 1. This screen is displayed by pressing the operator setting key 618 and then selecting the setting of the favorite function key 1 in the setting item. By selecting an item on the screen of FIG. 8A and pressing an OK key on the same screen, a function key displayed by the favorite function key 1 can be selected. By selecting this key,
A new key (in this example, a pamphlet mode key) is newly displayed on the display screen 620 as in the example of FIG.

Referring again to FIG. 6, reference numerals 601 to 612 denote keys and LED displays for switching the display of the operation unit 172 for setting each function of the copying operation and the system operation using the image forming apparatus 100. is there. 601, 604,
607 and 610 are keys for switching each function. These keys are composed of translucent key buttons, and inside the keys are display lamps (not shown) such as LEDs. When the operation screen is selected by pressing these keys, the lamps inside the keys are turned on. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamps inside the keys of the selected operation function screen are turned on, and the lamps inside the other keys are turned off.

Green LEDs 603, 606, 609 and 61 are located to the right of each of the keys 601, 604, 607 and 610.
2 are arranged, and these LEDs represent the operation status of each function by lighting control of the LEDs. For example, the right LED 606 of the copy B key 604 is controlled to be turned off when the copy B is in the standby state, and is controlled to blink when the copy B is in the output operation as in the example of FIG. When the image of the copy B is stored in the hard disk 404 of the image memory 4 and the print operation of the copy B is not performed, the light is controlled to be turned on. Similarly, for example, the right LED 609 of the facsimile key 607 is controlled to blink during a communication operation, during a printing operation, or during a reading operation, and is controlled to be lit when a hard disk 502 of the facsimile unit 501 has a fax image. You.

Each of the keys 601, 604, 607, 6
To the left of 10, red LEDs 602, 605, 608,
611 are arranged, and these LEDs indicate that an abnormal situation of each function has occurred by controlling the lighting of the LEDs. For example, the left LED 605 of the copy B key 604 is controlled to blink when the copy B has an abnormality such as a paper-out interruption or a jam (paper jam). At this time, the copy B function key 604 is pressed, and the display of the operation unit 172 is copied B
By switching to, the status of copy B is displayed on the display panel 620, and the details of the abnormal status can be confirmed. These function switching keys 601, 604, 60
The buttons 7 and 610 can be pressed at any time regardless of the operation status of each function, and the display of the operation unit 172 can be switched.

As exemplified in the present embodiment, when the function of copy A and the function of copy B can be switched, the display panel 620 such as the above-described stop key 615, start key 614, reset key 616, etc. Keys (soft keys) are function switching keys 601 and 604
Is operated for the function selected by. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, even if the stop key 615 is pressed while the copy A operation screen is displayed, the copy operation cannot be stopped for the copy B output operation. To stop the copy operation of copy B, the user presses the function key 604 of copy B and then presses the stop key 615 to stop the output of copy B. The data set by the operator setting key 618 is valid on each of the screens where the copy A and copy B operation units are selected, and the setting operation can be performed independently on each screen.

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus when the pamphlet mode is selected by the operation unit 172 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 9 are papers (printed matter) printed together in the brochure mode.
FIG. 9 shows that the inside of these two folded sheets is approximately 90
Shows the state when opened about the degree. The printing order of the image data at this time will be described. In the pamphlet mode, printing is performed in an order suitable for creating a pamphlet. FIG. 9 shows an example in which a pamphlet of an A4 size image of eight pages is created on two sheets of A3 size paper. As shown in FIG. 9, the image having eight pages is the image (1) of the first page.
, The back of the left side of the sheet 92 that becomes the outside when the book is bound, and the image (2) of the second page becomes the left side table of the sheet 92 and the sheet 91 that becomes the inside when the image (3) of the third page is bound The image (4) of the fourth page is the left table of the sheet 91, and the image (5) of the fifth page is the right table of the sheet 91.
The image (6) of the sixth page is the right back of the sheet 91, and the image (7) of the seventh page is the right table (8) on the outside of the sheet 92.
The image (8) of the page is printed so as to be in the reverse order on the right side of the sheet 92.

In the actual operation of the copying machine, the image memory unit 4
From the image data stored in the page memory 401, the images (1) and (8) of the image pages 1 and 8 are placed on the back side of the sheet 92 on the outside, and the images (2) and (7) of the image pages 2 and 7 are placed.
On the front side of the sheet 92, the images (3) and (6) of the image pages 3 and 6 on the back side of the inner sheet 91, and the images (4) and (5) of the image pages 4 and 5 on the sheet 91. Are sequentially printed on the front side of the printer and output as shown in the right diagram of FIG. FIG.
Exemplifies two sheets, but in the case of creating three or more pamphlets, images are sequentially printed in the same manner as described above.

As described above, since the printing operation in the pamphlet mode is performed in the order suitable for bookbinding type documents such as pamphlets as described above, it is effective for preparing pamphlets and the like.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an output result when the cover sheet interleaving mode is selected by the operation unit 172. FIG.
In the case of (3), when the cover insert mode is set, insert cover is selected, and the insert is set on the second and fourth pages.
This is an example when a page image is printed. In this case,
As shown in FIG. 10, the output is the cover, the image of the image page 1 (1), the image of the image page 2 (2), the first slip sheet (A), the image of the image page 3 (3), and the image page 4 Image (4), second interleaving sheet (B), image (5) of image page 5, image (6) of image page 6, and image (7) of image page 7.

In the case of operating in the cover and slip sheet mode, an output suitable for the case where the operator distinguishes an image by a certain section based on the cover sheet and the slip sheet is provided.

Next, an example of a display on the operation unit 172 when the sort button 625 in FIG. 6 is pressed by the operator is shown in FIG.
1 (a) and FIG. 11 (b).

FIG. 11A shows a sort button 6 for a copying machine to which a sorter (not shown) is connected at normal times.
It is an example of a display when 25 was pressed. Here, 701 displayed in display panel 620 with a touch panel is displayed.
Is a cancel button. When this button 701 is pressed, no processing is performed, and the display panel 620 returns to the initial screen shown in FIG. Reference numeral 702 denotes a decision button. When this button 702 is pressed, the output mode is set to the mode selected on this screen.

Reference numeral 703 denotes a group mode setting button. When the button 703 is pressed, a preparation stage for setting a mode for group sorting is performed. When the enter button 702 is pressed after the button 703 is pressed, the output mode is set. Is set to group sort mode. Here, the group sword mode is a mode in which printing and output are performed for each page.

Reference numeral 704 denotes a sort mode setting button.
When the button 704 is pressed, a preparation stage for setting the sort mode is performed. When the enter button 702 is pressed after the button 704 is pressed, the output mode is set to the sort mode. Here, the sort mode is a mode for printing and outputting in page order.

FIG. 11B shows a screen on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. 6 etc. after the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode is selected on the operation mode setting screen (see FIGS. 7 and 8). In the sort button 625
13 shows an example of a screen display state of the display panel 620 when is pressed. In this case, the selectable setting buttons are only the sort mode setting button 704. As a result, when the operator selects the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode, the output sorting mode is only the sorting mode, and therefore the printing is performed in consideration of the order, so that the operation can be performed efficiently. Become.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a control operation relating to the setting of the above-mentioned sword mode and group sword mode.

First, when the sort button 625 is pressed (step 1201), it is determined whether a pamphlet mode or a display / insert mode has been selected, and if those modes have not been selected (step 1201).
2) Display the screen of FIG. 11A and wait for the button to be pressed (step 1203). Thereafter, when the sort mode setting button 704 is pressed (step 120).
4) After waiting for the depression of the enter button 702 (step 1205), printing is performed by operation control in the sort mode (step 1206). Sort mode setting button 704
If the cancel button 701 is pressed after is pressed (step 1207), the screen returns to the screen display of FIG. 6 (step 1).
208).

After the screen shown in FIG. 11A is displayed, if the group mode setting button 703 is pressed (step 1209), the system waits for the determination button 702 to be pressed down (step 1210), and operates in the group sort mode. Printing is performed under control (step 1211). If the cancel button 701 is pressed after the group mode setting button 703 is pressed (step 1212), the screen returns to the screen display of FIG. 6 (step 1208).

On the other hand, when the sort button 625 is pressed (step 1201), if the pamphlet mode or the display / interleaf mode is selected (step 12).
02), the screen shown in FIG. 11B is displayed, and the sort mode setting button 1214 is pressed down (step 12).
13). Thereafter, when the sort mode setting button 704 is pressed (step 1214), the printing is performed by operation control in the sort mode (step 1206) after waiting for the pressing of the enter button 702 (step 1215). After the sort mode setting button 704 is pressed, a cancel button 701
If is pressed (step 1216), the screen returns to the screen display of FIG. 6 (step 1208).

According to the above control operation, when the brochure mode or the cover / interleaf mode is set, the group sort mode cannot be set, and the output is performed only in the sort mode. Therefore, the trouble of the operator is eliminated.
And work becomes more efficient.

[Second Embodiment] An image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention has basically the same contents as the first embodiment, but differs only in the method of setting the sort mode. I have. Hereinafter, a method of setting the sort mode which is different from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11A shows an example of a display screen when the sort button 625 is normally pressed for a copying machine having a sorter (not shown).

First, the operation when the operation mode is not the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode will be described. When the cancel button 701 is pressed, no processing is performed, and the screen returns to the screen in FIG. When the enter button 702 is pressed, the output mode is set to the mode selected on this screen. When the group mode setting button 703 is pressed, a preparatory stage for setting the mode for group sorting is performed. When this button is pressed and the enter button 702 is pressed, the output mode is set to the group sort mode. When the sort mode setting button 704 is pressed, a preparation stage for setting the sort mode mode is performed.
When the enter button 702 is pressed, the output mode is set to the sort mode. The above operation is the same as in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation when the operation mode is the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode will be described. In the second embodiment, the sword button 625 is pressed,
Even in the case of the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode at that time, the same display as that of FIG. 11A is performed without displaying the screen of FIG. 11B. However, when the pamphlet mode or the cover / insert mode is selected, the output is almost certainly a unit of one copy, and it is considered better to output them in page order.
When the output is performed in the group mode, the operator needs to rearrange the pages in the page order later, so that the output in the group mode is inefficient and inappropriate. Therefore, in this case, even if the group mode setting button 703 is pressed, the preparation mode for setting the mode for group sorting is not performed.
Even if 2 is pressed, the group sort mode is not set again. After that, when the sort mode setting button 704 is pressed, a preparation stage for setting the sort mode is performed. When this button is pressed and the enter button 702 is pressed, the output mode is set to the sort mode.

That is, in the second embodiment, when the mode is the brochure mode or the cover / interleaf mode, the input of the group mode setting button 703 is ignored, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. It should be noted that the control procedure in this case is as shown in FIG.
It is sufficient to change the content of the program 13 to "display the screen of FIG. 11A".

[Third Embodiment] The basic contents of the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present invention, except for the method of setting the sort mode. It is. Hereinafter, a method of setting the sort mode which is different from the first embodiment will be described.

In the third embodiment, the brochure mode or the cover. The display screen when the slip sheet mode is not set is the same as that in FIG. 11A, and the operation is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

However, in the operation mode setting screen, the pamphlet mode or the cover. In the third embodiment, the basic screen when the slip sheet mode is set is as shown in FIG. When the basic screen of FIG. 13 is compared with the basic screen of FIG. 6, the sort button 625 is not displayed in FIG. This is because when the brochure mode or the cover / insert mode is selected, the output is almost certainly in units of one copy, and it is considered better to output them in page order. This is because the output is automatically set to the sort mode when the brochure mode or the cover / insert mode is set on the setting screen, and the other sort modes cannot be selected.

According to such operation control, in the ban fret mode or the cover / interleaf mode, all outputs are in the sort mode, so that an efficient operation can be provided.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control procedure according to the third embodiment of the present invention. First, when the pamphlet mode or the display / interleaf mode is selected (step 1401), the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed (step 1413), and printing in the sort mode operation is performed immediately after the predetermined preparation is completed. (Step 1406).

On the other hand, pamphlet mode or display
When the slip sheet mode is not selected, the sort button 6
When 25 is pressed (step 1402), the screen of FIG. 11A is displayed (step 1403), and the processing of steps 1404 to 1412 is executed. Steps 1404 to 1412 correspond to step 120 in FIG.
4 to 1212, the description is omitted.

[Other Embodiments] In each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the sort mode is a sorter, but it goes without saying that the present invention is also effective in a so-called electronic sort in which a sort is performed by operating a memory. No.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention described above, a copying machine is exemplified as an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various printer devices such as an ink jet printer and a printer mechanism are built in. The present invention can be similarly applied to a facsimile device, a terminal device, and the like.

In each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, as the specific operation mode in which the sort mode is forcibly executed, a cover sheet or a cover sheet for inserting a cover sheet for every predetermined number of prints is set. Although the mode and the brochure mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for creating a brochure have been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to other operation modes in which the sort mode is always executed. It is.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer).
The present invention may be applied to a device including two devices (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile device, and the like).

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium (storage medium) recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer for the system or the apparatus. Needless to say, the present invention is also achieved when the CPU (or the CPU or the MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the recording medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

As a recording medium for recording the program code and variable data such as a table, for example, a floppy disk (FD), hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, A nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), a ROM, or the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS (Operating System) running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. It goes without saying that an operating system) may perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In the brochure mode or the cover / interleaf mode, all outputs are in the sort mode, so that an efficient operation can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an image processing system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an image memory unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an external I / F processing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a detailed configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an operation mode setting screen of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a screen example of a setting operation of a copy operation / favorable function key of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an output in a pamphlet mode of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a concept of a cover / insert mode of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an example of a sort setting screen of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an example of a basic screen when a pamphlet mode or a cover / insert mode is set in the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 4 Image memory part 5 External I / F processing part 100 Image forming apparatus 108 Lens 109 Image sensor part (CCD sensor) 120 Exposure control part 170 Image processing part 171 CPU 172 Operation part 173 Input / output port (I / O) 174 ROM 175 RAM 180 Automatic document feeder 306 Smoothing unit 401 Page memory unit 402 Memory controller unit 404 Hard disk 501 Facsimile unit 502 Hard disk 503 Computer interface unit 504 Formatter unit 505 Image memory unit 601 604 607 610 Key 614 Start key 615 Stop key 616 Reset key 617 Guide key 618 Operator setting key 619 Interruption key 620 Table Panel 621 Power lamp 622 Numeric keypad 623 Clear key 624 Duplex operation setting key 625 Sort button 626 Application mode setting key 627 Paper stage selection key 628-631 Copy magnification setting key 701 Cancel button 702 Enter button 703 Group mode setting button 704 Sort mode setting button

Claims (12)

[Claims] A storage unit configured to store image data; an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet material based on the image data read from the storage unit; and an operation mode related to the image forming operation. An operation mode setting means for setting, a sort mode for outputting a sheet material on which an image is formed by the image forming means in a page order, and an output mode setting for selectively setting a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode Means, a specific operation mode is set by the operation mode setting means, a non-sort mode is set by the output mode setting means, or the print output mode is not set by the output mode setting means. In this case, the output is provided with control means for performing the operation in the sort mode. An image forming apparatus. 2. The specific operation mode is any one of a cover / insert mode in which a cover is inserted, a slip is inserted every predetermined number of prints, and a brochure mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for creating a brochure. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A storage unit for storing the image data; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet material based on the image data read from the storage unit; and an operation mode for the image forming operation. An operation mode setting means for setting, a sort mode for outputting a sheet material on which an image is formed by the image forming means in a page order, and an output mode setting for selectively setting a print output mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode Means, when the specific mode is set by the operation mode setting means, invalidates the setting in the output mode setting means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs an operation in the sort mode. 4. The specific operation mode is any one of a cover / insert mode in which a cover sheet is inserted, a slip sheet is inserted every predetermined number of prints, and a brochure mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for pamphlet creation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 5. An operation mode setting step for selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation, a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming means in a page order, and a non-sort mode or a normal mode. An output mode setting step of selectively setting a print output mode including at least: when a specific operation mode is set in the operation mode setting step, a non-sort mode is set in the output mode setting step, or A control step of performing the operation in the sort mode even if the print output mode is not set in the output mode setting step. 6. The specific operation mode is one of a cover / insert mode in which a cover sheet is inserted, a slip sheet is inserted every predetermined number of prints, and a brochure mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for creating a pamphlet. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein 7. An operation mode setting step for selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation, a sort mode for outputting sheet materials on which images are formed by the image forming means in a page order, and a non-sort mode or a normal mode. An output mode setting step of selectively setting a print output mode including at least: when a specific mode is set by the operation mode setting step, the setting in the output mode setting step is invalidated, and the operation of the sort mode is performed. Controlling the image forming method. 8. The specific operation mode is any one of a cover / insert mode in which a cover sheet is inserted, a slip sheet is inserted every predetermined number of prints, and a brochure mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for pamphlet creation. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein 9. A computer-readable recording medium recording a control program for forming an image, the control program comprising: an operation mode setting step of selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation; An output mode setting step of selectively setting a print mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode, and a sort mode for outputting a sheet material on which an image is formed in a page order, and a specific mode in the operation mode setting step. When the operation mode is set, when the non-sort mode is set in the output mode setting step, or when the print output mode is not set in the output mode setting step, the output is performed in the sort mode. And a control step to perform. Recording medium storing an image forming control program to be executed. 10. The specific operation mode includes inserting a cover or inserting a slip sheet for every fixed number of prints.
The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium is in one of a slip sheet mode and a pamphlet mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for pamphlet creation. 11. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image forming control program, the control program comprising: an operation mode setting step for selectively setting an operation mode relating to an image forming operation; An output mode setting step for selectively setting a print mode including at least a non-sort mode or a normal mode, and a sort mode for outputting a sheet material on which an image is formed in a page order, and a specific mode by the operation mode setting step. A setting step of invalidating the setting in the output mode setting step and performing a sort mode operation when the image forming control program is set. 12. The specific operation mode includes inserting a cover or inserting a slip sheet for every fixed number of prints.
12. The recording medium storing the image forming control program according to claim 11, wherein the mode is one of a slip sheet mode and a pamphlet mode in which printing is performed in an order suitable for pamphlet creation.