U.S. patent application number 09/740009 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for digital image forming apparatus.
Invention is credited to Atsumi, Tomoyuki, Ikeda, Hiroaki, Ito, Hiroyasu, Nakata, Hironobu, Tada, Kaoru.
Application Number | 20010014229 09/740009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26581160 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010014229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakata, Hironobu ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
Digital image forming apparatus
Abstract
A digital image forming apparatus is equipped with image input
means, image signal storage means and image forming means. The
image signal storage means stores image data of a plurality of
documents per page. The image forming means forms images on copy
paper sheets based on the image data read from the image signal
storage means. The digital image forming apparatus is also provided
with a saddle stitching mode wherein the image data stored in the
image signal storage means is transmitted in sequence to the image
forming means so that images are formed on the copy paper sheets in
a page order indicated by a page array of saddle stitching
corresponding to a total page number of the documents. The digital
image forming apparatus is further equipped with mode specification
means which make it possible to specify a mode for the spread page
that is different from that for the remaining pages. Thus, the
digital image forming apparatus creates saddle stitch type prints
having the spread page printed in a mode different from that of the
remaining pages in easy operation with high reliability.
Inventors: |
Nakata, Hironobu;
(Toyokawa-Shi, JP) ; Ikeda, Hiroaki;
(Toyokawa-Shi, JP) ; Tada, Kaoru; (Aichi-Ken,
JP) ; Atsumi, Tomoyuki; (Toyohashi-Shi, JP) ;
Ito, Hiroyasu; (Okazaki-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Barry E. Bretschneider
Morrison & Foerster LLP
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006-1888
US
|
Family ID: |
26581160 |
Appl. No.: |
09/740009 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/82 ; 270/37;
399/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/32358 20130101;
H04N 1/32464 20130101; H04N 2201/3288 20130101; H04N 1/00639
20130101; H04N 2201/0081 20130101; H04N 2201/0082 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/82 ; 399/408;
270/37 |
International
Class: |
B41L 043/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 1999 |
JP |
11-360848 |
Oct 27, 2000 |
JP |
2000-328917 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital image forming apparatus, comprising: image input means
for inputting image data of a plurality of documents; image signal
storage means for storing the image data inputted by the image
input means per page; image forming means for forming an image on a
copy paper sheet based on the image data read out from the image
signal storage means; a saddle stitching mode for transmitting the
image data stored in the image signal storage means in sequence to
the image forming means so that images are formed, corresponding to
an inputted total page number of the documents, on copy paper
sheets respectively in a page order indicated by a page array for
saddle stitching of the copy paper sheets; and mode specification
means for specifying a mode for a spread page different from a mode
for the remaining pages.
2. A digital image forming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein
the mode for the spread page specified by the mode specification
means is a color mode different from a color mode for the remaining
pages.
3. A digital image forming apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein
the mode for the spread page specified by the mode specification
means is a sheet type mode different from a sheet type mode for the
remaining pages.
Description
[0001] This application is based on application No. 10-13656 filed
in Japan, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a digital image forming
apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
digital image forming apparatus having a functionality of saddle
stitching, in which a plurality of prints generated by image
forming are stacked and stitched at a center of a spread page as in
the case of weekly magazines.
[0003] The term "spread page" refers to the innermost sheet of
saddle stitch type prints when they are gathered, and the term
"saddle stitch type prints" refer to printed paper sheets that are
produced for saddle stitching but not stitched yet.
[0004] A conventional copy machine having this type of saddle
stitching functionality is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,251.
With this copy machine, in order to allocate images of e.g. the
third and fourth pages to a spread page of saddle stitch type
prints, printing is conducted with fourth page replaced with the
fifth page or with a white paper sheet inserted before the third
page.
[0005] Also, the conventional copy machine is not capable of
automatic creation of saddle stitch type prints having the spread
page printed in a mode different from that of the remaining pages,
for example, the spread page in full color and the remaining pages
in monochrome. To obtain such prints with the conventional copy
machine, an operator first needs to select from the documents two
pages to be arranged on the front side of the spread page and
another two pages to be arranged on the back side of the spread
page. These four pages are then color-copied in the saddle
stitching mode while the remaining pages are copied in monochrome
in the saddle stitching mode. Finally, these two sets of prints are
combined and bound at the center of the spread page to gather
saddle stitch type prints. Thus, the saddle stitch type prints with
the conventional copy machine requires an operator to carry out
bothersome and complicated operations because two kinds of prints
obtained by two separate copying processes should be combined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a digital image forming apparatus that produces saddle
stitch type prints having a spread page printed in a mode different
from that of the remaining pages in easy operation with high
reliability.
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a digital
image forming apparatus, comprising: image input means for
inputting image data of a plurality of documents;
[0008] image signal storage means for storing the image data
inputted by the image input means per page; image forming means for
forming an image on a copy paper sheet based on the image data read
out from the image signal storage means; a saddle stitching mode
for transmitting the image data stored in the image signal storage
means in sequence to the image forming means so that images are
formed, corresponding to an inputted total page number of the
documents, on copy paper sheets respectively in a page order
indicated by a page array for saddle stitching of the copy paper
sheets; and mode specification means for specifying a mode for a
spread page different from a mode for the remaining pages.
[0009] The digital image forming apparatus according to the first
aspect of the present invention provides the mode specification
means that make it possible to specify a mode for a spread page
that is different from that for the remaining pages. An operator
inputs the mode specification through the mode specification means
and obtains the saddle stitch type prints with the spread page
printed in a mode different from that of the remaining pages in
easy operation with high reliability.
[0010] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present
invention, the mode for the spread page specified by the mode
specification means is a color mode different from a color mode for
the remaining pages.
[0011] The term "color mode" is used herein in a comprehensive
sense to include modes in which images are formed not only with a
plurality of colors such as full colors or multi-colors, but also
with a single color such as a black color.
[0012] In the digital image forming apparatus of this embodiment,
the mode specified by the mode specification means for the spread
page is a color mode different from modes for the remaining pages.
Therefore, the digital image forming apparatus produces the saddle
stitch type prints having the spread page printed in a color mode
different from the color mode of the remaining pages in easy
operation with high reliability.
[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present
invention, the mode for the spread page specified by the mode
specification means is a sheet type mode different from a sheet
type mode for the remaining pages.
[0014] In the digital image forming apparatus of this embodiment,
the sheet type mode specified by the mode specification means for
the spread page is different from the sheet type mode specified for
the remaining papers.
[0015] Besides, the digital image forming apparatus produces the
saddle stitch type prints having the spread page printed on a paper
sheet different in type from the remaining pages in easy operation
with high reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an internal structure of
a digital copy machine according to the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are views illustrating paper foldings,
where FIG. 2A shows a print folded in two at the center thereof,
FIG. 2B shows a print folded in a Z shape, and FIG. 2C shows a
print expanded after folded in two for saddle stitching;
[0019] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are views illustrating staplings, where
FIG. 3A shows a corner stapling for binding prints with a staple
applied to a corner of the prints, FIG. 3B shows a side stapling
for binding prints with two staples applied to one side of the
prints, FIG. 3C shows a central stapling for binding prints with
two staples applied to a crease at the centerline of the print;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a view showing an operation panel mounted on the
copy machine;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a view showing a structure of a control unit of
the copy machine;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a view showing a structure of a memory unit of the
copy machine;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a main routine executed by CPU
101 in the control unit;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a main routine executed by CPU
105 in the control unit;
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of a main routine executed by CPU
106 in the control unit;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a first section of a flow of input operation
executed by CPU 101 in response to operator's input to the
operation panel to specify various copy modes;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows a second section of the flow of input
operation executed by CPU 101 in response to operator's input to
the operation panel to specify various copy modes;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a third section of the flow of input operation
executed by CPU 101 in response to operator's input to the
operation panel to specify various copy modes;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a first section of a detailed flow of saddle
stitching mode setting shown in S527 of FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows of a second section of the detailed flow of
saddle stitching mode setting shown in S527 of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 15 shows a third section of the detailed flow of saddle
stitching mode setting shown in S527 of FIG. 12;
[0032] FIG. 16 shows a forth section of the detailed flow of saddle
stitching mode setting shown in S527 of FIG. 12;
[0033] FIG. 17 shows a detailed flow of page number specification
shown in S613 of FIG. 14;
[0034] FIG. 18 shows a detailed flow of additional printing setting
shown in S627 of FIG. 16;
[0035] FIG. 19 shows a processing flow relating to specification of
a spread page, executed by the copy machine when a saddle stitching
mode is specified;
[0036] FIG. 20 shows a detailed flow of command setting processing
shown in S65 of FIG. 8 when the processing flow shown in FIG. 19 is
executed;
[0037] FIG. 21 shows a detailed flow of a spread page setting
processing shown in S125 of FIG. 20;
[0038] FIG. 22 shows a detailed flow of readout of saddle stitching
mode shown in S126 of FIG. 20;
[0039] FIG. 23 shows a processing flow relating to a spread page
copy mode, executed by the copy machine when the saddle stitching
mode is specified;
[0040] FIG. 24 shows a detailed flow of mode setting shown in S64
of FIG. 8 when the processing flow shown in FIG. 23 is
executed;
[0041] FIG. 25 shows another detailed flow of mode setting in S64
of FIG. 8 when the processing flow shown in FIG. 23 is
executed;
[0042] FIG. 26 shows a detailed flow of image memory write control
shown in S74 of FIG. 9 when the processing flow shown in FIG. 23 is
executed;
[0043] FIG. 27 shows a detailed flow of extension control shown in
S76 of FIG. 9 when the processing flow shown in FIG. 23 is
executed;
[0044] FIG. 28 shows a schematic view showing a comprehensive flow
of processing relating to the spread page specification and the
spread page copy mode, executed by the copy machine when the saddle
stitching mode is specified;
[0045] FIG. 29 shows a view showing saddle stitch type prints in
which page 5 and page 6 from among 8 pages of documents are
arranged on a spread page; and
[0046] FIG. 30 shows saddle stitch type prints in which page 4 and
page 5 from among 8 pages of documents are arranged on a spread
page.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] The following description discusses a preferred embodiment
of the present invention with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall structure of one embodiment of
a digital copy machine 1. Main components of the digital copy
machine 1 include an image reader IR, a printer device PRT, and a
finisher 700.
[0049] The image reader IR includes a scanning system 10 which
scans documents placed on a glass tray 18, converts the same to
image data and outputs the converted image data; an image signal
processing unit 20 which performs quantization of photoelectric
exchange signals outputted by the scanning system 10 and performs
signal processing corresponding to various image forming modes; and
a memory unit 30 which stores image data of documents per page. An
automatic document feeder (ADFR) 500, which is an additional
equipment for serving as a document cover, is mounted on an upper
portion of the body of the image reader IR with the rear end
thereof used as a fulcrum to permit opening and closing
movement.
[0050] The scanning system 10 is a image scanning device with a
line scanning system, consisting mainly of: a scanner 19 having a
document illuminating lamp 11 and a mirror 12; fixed mirrors 13a
and 13b; a light-concentrating lens 14; a dichroic mirror 15; image
sensors 16 and 17 composed of CCD arrays; and a scan motor M2 for
driving the scanner 19. The image signal processing unit 20
processes image signals outputted from the image sensors 16 and 17,
and identifies black-oriented images and red-oriented images to
output color image data to the memory unit 30. Detailed description
of the memory unit 30 will be described later.
[0051] ADFR 500 feeds documents placed on a document stacker 510 to
the glass tray 18 via a paper feed roller 501, a sort roller 502, a
sort pad 503, a mid roller 504, a resist roller 505, and a
transport belt 506. ADFR 500 also discharges the documents after
scanning to a document discharge tray 511 via a discharge roller
509. ADFR 500 is equipped with a document scale 512, a document
sensor SE50 for detecting presence of a document i.e. a sheet of
paper, a document size sensor SE51, and an output sensor SE52.
[0052] When copying a plurality of pages of documents, for example,
an operator set the documents so as for the documents to be stacked
on the document stacker 510 with one side surfaces of the documents
upward. The documents on the document stacker 510 are picked up one
by one from a lowermost sheet of the documents, and arranged
precisely in a scanning position on the glass tray 18 with the one
side surfaces thereof downward. In the case of a single-side copy
mode, each sheet of the documents, after scanning, is forwarded to
the left side in FIG. 1 and discharged with the one side surface
thereof upward. In the case of a two-sided copy mode, each sheet of
the documents forwarded to the left side after scanning is reversed
and returned to the scanning position on the glass tray 18 for
scanning the other side surface thereof. After scanning the other
side surface of each sheet, the sheet is again forwarded to the
left side and discharged.
[0053] The printer device PRT includes a print processing unit 40,
a print head 60 having semiconductor lasers 61 and 62 as light
sources, and an image forming system 70, so as to print a copied
image generated based on image data transferred from the image
reader IR with electrophotography process.
[0054] Particularly, the image forming system 70 is composed of: a
development transfer system 70A consisting of a photoreceptor drum
71 and peripheral equipment thereof; a circulating paper feed
system 70B including a paper re-feed unit 600; and a fixing and
discharge system 70C having a fixing roller pair 84, discharge
rollers 85 and so on.
[0055] In the lower section of the printer device PRT, there are
installed two paper feed cassettes 80a and 80b which accommodate
several hundreds sheets of paper, document size sensors SE11 and
SE12, and a transport roller group 81. Paper is supplied one sheet
by another from the paper feed cassettes 80a or 80b serving as a
paper feed inlet. Supplied paper sheet is then temporarily stopped
by transport rollers 81 in a position of timing rollers 82. Then
the paper sheet is synchronized with formation of toner image on
the photoreceptor drum 71 and forwarded to a transfer position
(copy position) between the photoreceptor drum 71 and a transfer
charger 74.
[0056] A laser beam transmitted from the semiconductor lasers 61
and 62 enters a polygon mirror 65 via a dichroic mirror 63 and
deflects from the polygon mirror 65 to the main scanning direction.
The laser beam then travels through a main lens 69 and other
various kinds of mirrors 67a, 68, 67b, and 67c, and reaches an
exposure position in the photoreceptor drum 71.
[0057] The surface of the photoreceptor drum 71 is uniformly
electrified by electrification chargers 72a and 72b. A latent image
formed by exposure is sent through developing devices 73a and 73b
to make a red and/or black toner image, which is then transferred
to the paper sheet by the transfer charger 74 at a transfer
position. The paper sheet to which the toner image is transferred
is separated from the photoreceptor drum 71 by a separate charger
75, sent to the fixing roller pair 84 by the transport belt 83, and
discharged from the printer device by the discharge rollers 85.
[0058] The paper re-feed unit 600 is installed on the side of the
printer device PRT as an additional device to automate a two-sided
copy process. The paper re-feed unit 600 temporarily accommodates a
paper sheet discharged from the printer device by the discharge
rollers 85, and returns the paper sheet to the printer device with
a switch-back transport function.
[0059] In the single-sided copy mode, a paper sheet is forwarded to
the finisher 700 without stopping in the paper re-feed unit 600. In
the two-sided copy mode, on the other hand, a left end of a
switching pawl 601 is shifted upward by a solenoid not illustrated,
and a paper sheet supplied from the discharge rollers 85 is guided
by the switching pawl 61 to transport rollers 602 and further sent
to opposite rollers 603. When the rear end of the paper sheet
reaches the paper sensor SE61, the opposite rollers 603 is
reversed, which returns the paper sheet to the printer device.
Returned paper sheet then travels through horizontal transport
rollers 86a, 86b, and 86c, and reaches the timing rollers 82 to
stand by.
[0060] The finisher 700 is composed of: a non-sort tray 61 which
accommodates paper sheets (hereinafter referred to as "print(s)")
forwarded from the paper re-feed unit 600; a staple processing unit
762 which binds the prints forwarded from a tray 763 after
accumulated with a stapler 764; a large capacity accommodation tray
765 movable in upper and lower directions; a paper folding unit
774; and a print transport unit 780.
[0061] The print transport unit 780 includes: a transport path 781
for downwardly transporting the prints forwarded from the paper
re-feed unit 600 and received by rollers 791; a switch-back
transport path 782 for switching back the prints with the rollers
791 and transporting the same in the upward direction; a transport
path 783 for transporting the switched back prints to the non-sort
tray 61; a transport path 784 for forwarding the prints come from a
turning point 783b on the transport path 783 to the staple
processing tray 763; a transport path 785 for forwarding the prints
come from a turning point 783a on the transport path 783 to the
large capacity accommodation tray 765; and a transport path 786 for
transporting a print bundle bound with the stapler 764 to a
junction 785a on the transport path 785. The transport path 783
incorporates a punching unit 789.
[0062] The paper folding unit 774 is equipped with three paper
folding rollers 775, 776, and 777. The paper folding unit 774
provides a two fold mode for folding a print P in two at the
centerline thereof as shown in FIG. 2A, an Z-shape fold mode for
folding the print P in an Z shape as shown in FIG. 2B, and a paper
expansion mode for expanding the print P as shown in FIG. 2C for
saddle stitching after the print P is folded in two. Such paper
folding processing with three paper folding rollers 775, 776, and
777 is already known and therefore a detailed description thereof
is omitted. Folded Prints are then delivered from a transport path
787 to a transport path 779 downwardly, switched back by rollers
796 and directed to the transport path 779 upwardly, and further
directed to the turning point 783a on the transport path 783.
[0063] The staple processing unit 762 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped
with a head unit 799 for striking staples into a print bundle, and
a head unit 798 for incurving both legs of the staples struck into
the print bundle. The units 798 and 799 provide horizontal movement
in a direction vertical to the paper sheet shown in FIG. 1 by
driving means not illustrated. The staple processing unit 762
provides the print bundle accumulated on the tray 763 with a corner
staple mode for applying a staple S to a corner of the print bundle
as shown in FIG. 3A, a side staple mode for applying two staples S
to one side of the print bundle as shown in FIG. 3B, and a center
staple mode for applying two staples S to a grease at the
centerline of the print bundle. Such stapling methods are already
known and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted
herein.
[0064] FIG. 4 indicates an operation panel OP set on the printer
device PRT. On the operating panel OP, there are mounted: a liquid
crystal touch panel 401; a ten key 402 for inputting number of
copies and scale magnification; a clear key 403 for resetting data
inputted with the ten key 402; a reset key 404 for resetting
various copy modes to the initial setting; a start key 406 for
staring a copying operation; and a stop key 405 for stopping the
copying operation. On the operating panel OP, there are further
mounted: a staple mode selection key 410 for allowing an operator
to specify various copy modes; a paper folding mode selection key
420; a color mode selection key 430; a saddle stitching mode
selection key 440; a spread mode key 450; and a spread page
selection key 460. In vicinity of the keys 410, 420, 430, 440, 450,
and 460, there are respectively provided light emitting diodes
(LEDs) 411 to 413, 421 to 423, 431 to 432, 441, 451 to 454, 461 to
464 for displaying the mode selection states of each key. Methods
of specifying various copy modes will be described in detail
later.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit 100 in
the copy machine 1. The control unit 100 has central processing
units (CPUs) 101 to 106 connected thereto via a serial input/output
interface (I/O) 110. The CPUs 101 to 106 incorporate read-only
memories (ROMs) 111 to 116 for accommodating programs and random
access memories (RAMs) 121 to 126 serving as working areas of
temporal data storage, respectively. The CPU 106 is incorporated in
the memory unit 30.
[0066] The CPU 101 controls various input keys on the operation
panel, input signals from various sensors, and display output to a
display unit on the operation panel OP. The operation panel OP
allows an operator to perform the saddle stitching mode
specification and other specifications relating to a spread page in
connection with the saddle stitching mode. The spread page refers
to the innermost sheet in gathering saddle stitch type prints. In
this embodiment, the "spread page" is formed in the middle sheet of
the saddle stitch type prints when they are gathered.
[0067] The CPU 102 controls each section of the image signal
processing unit 20 and also determines a color of each document
based on color data outputted from the image signal processing unit
20.
[0068] The CPU 103 controls drive of the scanning system 10, and
determines size of each document and also determines whether or not
each document is a joint paper based on output of the document size
sensor SE51.
[0069] The CPU 104 controls the printer device PRT including the
print processing unit 40.
[0070] The CPU 105 implements overall timing adjustment of the
control unit 100 and processing for operation mode setting.
Accordingly, the CPU 105 sends and receives commands and reports
necessary for control through serial communications with other
CPUs.
[0071] The CPU 106 implements read and write of image data in the
memory unit 30 and controls image compression and expansion
involved therewith.
[0072] FIG. 6 refers to a block diagram of the memory unit 30. The
memory unit 30 incorporates: a switch section 301 for switching
read and write of image data; a binary coded processing section 302
for generating binary data based on parameters sent from the CPU
106; a multiport image memory 304 having a capacity of one page in
A3 size with 400 dpi; a code processing section 305 having
separately movable compressor 311 and expandor 312; a multiport
code memory 306 having a plurality of memory regions of 32K byte
unit; a rotation processing section 307 for rotating output image
data; and a multivalued processing section 308 for generating
multivalued data based on parameters from the CPU 106.
[0073] Image data D2 inputted through the switch section 301 is
converted to binary data by the binary coded processing section
302, and written to a region in the image memory 304 designated by
the CPU 106. When the image data D2 is written to the image memory
304, the CPU 106 reads the image data from the memory 304 and
compresses read image data with the compressor 311 in the code
processing section 305 to create coded data. At the same time, the
CPU 106 creates a memory management table MT within the RAM 126,
accordingly to which the CPU 106 stores the coded data in the code
memory 306. The memory management table MT stores information such
as the number to identify each memory region in the code memory 306
and the page number of documents. In the case that a document page
is divided into a plurality of regions, a number corresponding to
each concatenated region is also stored in the memory management
table MT. In addition, various additional information required for
data compression and expansion, such as a compression method and a
data length, are also stored in the memory management table MT.
[0074] Conversely, when outputting image data, the CPU 106 reads
out coded data from the code memory 306, and expands the coded data
with the expandor 312 in the code processing section 305. The
expanded data is written onto a region in the image memory 304
designated by the CPU 106. For implementing page composition, in
which a plurality of images are outputted as image data of one page
in the saddle stitching mode, image data of other pages is
additionally written onto a region in the image memory 304
designated by the CPU 106 to create the image data for one page to
be outputted as a composite page. Upon creation of the image data
for the composite page in the image memory 304, the image data is
subject to rotation processing in the rotation processing section
307 as needed, and converted to multivalued image data in the
multivalued processing section 308. The multivalued image data is
then outputted as image data D3 via the switch section 301.
Information stored in the memory management table MT is cleared
when corresponding image data is all normally outputted for a
necessary number of copies.
[0075] FIG. 7 refers to a flow of the main routine executed in the
CPU 101. First of all, initial setting is executed (S11), and an
internal timer is set and started to make processing time of one
routine constant (S12). Next, control processing of input signals
from various switches on the operation panel OP and from various
sensors inside the copy machine (S13), display control processing
of the liquid crystal display panel and display elements on the
operation panel OP (S14), and control processing of other internal
mechanisms (S15) are executed. After confirmation of the expiration
of the internal timer (S16), the procedure returns to the step S12.
Communications with the CPUs 102 to 106 are executed by
interruption.
[0076] FIG. 8 refers to a flow of the main routine executed in the
CPU 105. At first, initial setting is executed (S61), and then the
internal timer is started (S62). Various data inputted by
interrupts is analyzed (S63), and if there is any change in an
operation mode, mode setting is executed (S64). Next, Command
setting is performed for controlling write and read access to/from
the image memory corresponding to a specified copy mode (S65).
Then, data to be outputted in interrupts is set (S66), and other
processing is carried out (S67). After confirmation of expiration
of the internal timer (S68), the procedure returns to the step
S62.
[0077] FIG. 9 refers to a flow of the main routine executed in the
CPU 106. First, initial setting is executed (S71), reception of
commands from other CPUs (S72) and transmission of statuses (S73)
are conducted. Further, control of write access to the image memory
(S74), compression control (S75), extension control (S76), and
control of read access from the image memory (S77) are performed.
Finally, other processing is executed (S78) and the procedure
returns to the step S72.
[0078] FIGS. 10 to 12 describe flows of input processing executed
in the CPU 101 corresponding to the input operation by an operator
on the operation panel OP (see FIG. 4) to specify various copy
modes.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether copying
operation is in progress or not (S501), and if not in progress, the
staple mode will be set up as described hereinafter. Once the
staple mode selection key 410 is turned on (S502), it is determined
whether the corner staple LED 411 is turned on or not, that is,
whether the corner staple mode is currently specified or not (S503)
If the corner staple mode is specified, the corner staple LED 411
is turned off and the side staple mode is specified together with
which the corresponding LED 412 is turned on (S504). If the corner
staple mode is not specified in the step S503, it is then
determined whether the side staple LED 412 is turned on or not,
that is, whether the side staple mode is currently specified or not
(S505). If the side staple mode is specified, the side staple LED
412 is turned off and the center staple mode is specified together
with which the corresponding LED 413 is turned on (S506). If the
side staple mode is not specified in the step S505, it is then
determined whether the center staple LED 413 is turned on or not,
that is, whether the center staple mode is currently specified or
not (S507). If the center staple mode is specified, the center
staple LED 413 is turned off and the staple mode setting is
canceled (S508). If the center staple mode is not specified in the
step S507, the corner staple mode is specified together with which
the corresponding LED 411 is turned on (S509).
[0080] Whenever an operator turns on the staple mode selection key
410, the procedures from S502 to S509 are executed. As a results,
every time the staple mode selection key 410 is turned on, the
corner staple mode, side staple mode, the center staple mode, and
cancellation of the staple mode setting are specified by turns.
[0081] Next, the paper folding mode setting will be descried with
reference to FIG. 11. Once the paper folding mode selection key 420
is turned on (S510), it is determined whether the two fold LED 421
is turned on or not, that is, whether the two fold mode is
currently specified or not (S511). If the two fold mode is
specified, the two fold LED 421 is turned off and the Z-shape fold
mode is specified together with which the corresponding LED 422 is
turned on (S512). If the two fold mode is not specified in the step
S511, it is then determined whether the Z-shape fold LED 422 is
turned on or not, that is, whether the Z-shape fold mode is
currently specified or not (S513). If the Z-shape mode is
specified, the Z-shape fold LED 422 is turned off and the paper
expansion mode is specified together with which the corresponding
LED 423 is turned on (S514). If the Z-shape fold mode is not
specified in the step S513, it is then determined whether the paper
expansion LED 423 is turned on or not, that is, whether the paper
expansion mode is currently specified or not (S515). If the paper
expansion mode is specified, the paper expansion LED 423 is turned
off and the paper folding mode is cancelled (S516). If the paper
expansion mode is not specified in the step S515, the tow fold mode
is specified together with which the corresponding LED 421 is
turned on (S517).
[0082] Whenever the paper folding mode selection key 420 is turned
on, the procedures from S510 to S517 are executed. As a result,
every time the paper folding mode selection key 420 is turned on,
the two fold mode, Z-shape fold mode, the paper expansion mode, and
cancellation of the paper folding mode are specified by turns.
Though not illustrated, the paper expansion mode will be
automatically specified when the center staple mode is
selected.
[0083] Color mode setting is performed as shown in FIG. 12. Once
the color mode selection key 430 is turned on (S518), first it is
determined whether the red mode LED 431 is turned on or not, that
is, whether the red mode is currently specified or not (S519). If
the red mode is specified, the red mode LED 431 is turned off and
the black mode is specified together with which the corresponding
black mode LED 432 is turned on (S520). If the red mode is not
specified in the step S519, the black mode LED 432 is turned off
and the red mode is specified together with which the corresponding
red mode LED 431 is turned on (S521).
[0084] Whenever the color mode selection key 431 is turned on, the
procedures from S518 to S521 are executed. As a result, every time
the color mode selection key 431 is turned on, the black mode and
red mode are specified by turns.
[0085] Next, it is determined whether the saddle stitching mode
selection key 440 is turned on or not (S522). If the saddle
stitching mode selection key 440 is turned on, it is then
determined whether the saddle stitching LED 441 is turned on or
not, that is, whether the saddle stitching mode is specified or not
(S523). If the saddle stitching mode is specified, the saddle
stitching LED 441 is turned off and the saddle stitching mode is
cleared (S524). If the saddle stitching mode is not specified ("NO"
in S523), the saddle stitching LED 441 is turned on and the saddle
stitching mode is specified (S525).
[0086] Then, it is determined whether the saddle stitching mode is
specified or not (S526). If the saddle stitching mode is specified,
the saddle stitching mode setting process (S527) is executed.
[0087] FIGS. 13 to 16 indicate a detailed flow of the saddle
stitching mode setting (S527 in FIG. 12). Briefly speaking, in the
saddle stitching mode setting, a method for specifying the document
image page to be arranged on the spread page is selected, and then
a print mode of the spread page is selected.
[0088] The method for specifying the image page to be arranged on
the spread page is selected as shown in FIG. 13. Corresponding to
the LEDs 461 to 464 adjacent to the spread page specification
method key 460 shown in FIG. 4, four modes are provided for
specifying the document image page: a "page number" specification
mode to specify the document image page to be deposed on the spread
page by a page number; a spread page "color document" specification
mode to arrange the document image including colors except
monochrome on the spread page; a spread page "large size" document
specification mode to arrange a larger document than the remaining
documents on the spread page; and a spread page "joint paper"
specification mode to arrange an image of a document next to a
joint paper on the spread page when the joint paper is included in
a plurality of documents. Only when the saddle stitching mode is
specified, that is, when the saddle stitching LED 441 is turned on,
the spread page specification method key 460 is operable.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, once the spread page specification
method key 460 is turned on (S601), it is determined whether the
page number specification LED 461 is turned on or not, that is,
whether the page number specification mode is currently specified
or not (S602) If the page number specification mode is specified,
the page number specification LED 461 is turned off and the spread
page color document specification mode is specified together with
which the corresponding LED 462 is turned on (S603). If the page
number specification mode is not specified in the step S602, it is
then determined whether the LED 462 is turned on or not, that is,
whether the spread page color document specification mode is
currently specified or not (S604). If the spread page color
document specification mode is specified, the LED 462 is turned off
and the spread page large size document specification mode is
specified together with which the corresponding LED 463 is turned
on (S605). If the spread page color document specification mode is
not specified in the step S604, it is then determined whether the
LED 463 is turned on or not, that is, whether the spread page large
size document specification mode is currently specified or not
(S606). If the spread page large size document specification mode
is specified, the LED 463 is turned off and the spread page join
paper document specification mode is specified together with which
the corresponding LED 464 is turned on (S607). If the spread page
large size document specification mode is not specified in the step
S606, it is then determined whether the LED 464 is turned on or
not, that is, whether the spread page join paper document
specification mode is currently specified or not (S608). If the
spread page join paper document specification mode is specified,
the LED 464 is turned off and the spread page specification mode
setting is canceled (S609). If the spread page join paper document
specification mode is not specified in the step S608, the page
number specification mode is specified together with which the
corresponding LED 461 is turned on (S610), and a page number
specification flag is set to 1 (S611).
[0090] Whenever the spread page specification method key 460 is
turned on, the procedures from S601 to S611 are executed. As a
result, every time the spread page specification method key 460 is
turned on, the page number specification mode, the spread page
color document specification mode, the spread page large size
document specification mode, the spread page joint paper document
specification mode, and cancellation of the spread page
specification mode setting are specified by turns.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 14, if the page number specification flag
is set to "1" (S612), a page number specification routine is
executed (S613). In the page number specification routine as shown
in FIG. 17, a character string of "Enter a document page number to
be set as the center spread page" and "OK" key for operator's
confirmation of an inputted page number are displayed on the touch
panel 401 of the operation panel OP (S701). When an operator inputs
a page number and presses the "OK" key (S702), the inputted page
number is stored in the RAM 121 as a page number to be allotted to
the spread page (S703). Panel display then returns to the original
state (S704), and the page number specification flag is turned to
"0" (S705).
[0092] The print mode of the spread page is then specified as shown
in FIG. 15. Corresponding to LEDs 451 to 454 in vicinity of the
spread page mode key 450 shown in FIG. 4, four print modes are
available, respectively. The first mode is a spread sheet
"additional print" mode, which is to print a predetermined
additional image together with document images on a sheet of the
spread page (hereinafter referred to as a ("spread sheet") The
second mode is a spread sheet "double magnification (.times.2.0)"
print mode, which is to set a print magnification ratio of the
spread sheet to .times.2.0 and the other sheets to .times.1.0. The
third mode is a spread sheet "large size" mode, which is to specify
a paper size for the spread sheet that is larger than the other
sheets. The forth mode is a spread sheet "reverse color" mode,
which is to print the spread sheet using a color reverse to colors
of the other paper sheets (for example, the spread page is printed
in red and the remaining pages in black). The spread page mode key
450 is effective only when one of these four modes is selected.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 15, it is first determined whether the
spread page specification is made or not, that is, whether any one
of the above-described four modes is selected or not (S614). If the
spread page specification is not made, the procedure returns to the
first step.
[0094] On the other hand, if the spread page mode key 450 is turned
on while any one of the above-described four modes is specified
(S615), it is first determined whether the LED 451 is turned on or
not, that is, whether the spread sheet additional print mode is
currently specified or not (S616). If the spread sheet additional
print mode is specified, the LED 451 is turned off and the spread
sheet double magnification print mode is specified together with
which the LED 452 is turned on (S617) If the spread sheet
additional print mode is not specified in the step S616, it is then
determined whether the LED 452 is turned on or not, that is,
whether the spread sheet double magnification print mode is
currently specified or not (S618) If the spread sheet double
magnification print mode is specified, the LED 452 is turned off
and the spread sheet large size mode is specified together with
which the corresponding LED 453 is turned on (S619) If the spread
sheet double magnification print mode is not specified in the step
S618, it is then determined whether the LED 453 is turned on or
not, that is, whether the spread sheet large size mode is currently
specified or not (S620) If the spread sheet large size mode is
specified, the LED 453 is turned off and the spread sheet reverse
color mode is specified together with which the corresponding LED
454 is turned on (S621). If the spread sheet large size mode is not
specified in the step S620, it is then determined whether the LED
454 is turned on or not, that is, whether the spread sheet reverse
color mode is currently specified or not (S622). If the spread
sheet reverse color mode is specified, the LED 454 is turned off
and the spread page print mode specification is canceled (S623). If
the spread sheet reverse color mode is not specified in the step
S622, the spread sheet additional print mode is specified together
with which the corresponding LED 451 is turned on (S624), and an
additional print setting flag is set to "1" (S625).
[0095] Whenever the spread page mode key 450 is turned on, the
procedures from S615 to S625 are executed. As a result, every time
the spread page mode key 450 is turned on, the spread sheet
additional print mode, the spread sheet double magnification print
mode, the spread sheet large size mode, the spread sheet reverse
color mode and cancellation of the spread page print mode
specification are specified by turns.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 16, if the additional print setting flag is
set to "1" (S626), an additional print setting routine is executed
(S627). In the additional print setting routine shown in FIG. 18,
keys of "Date", "Outer Frame" and "Serial Number" are displayed on
the touch panel 401 on the operation panel OP (S801). If an
operator turned on the "Date" key (S802), the current date is
stored in the RAM 121 as an additional print data for the spread
page (S803). If an operator turns on the "Outer Frame" key (S804),
a specified outer frame is stored in the RAM 121 as an additional
print data for the spread page (S805). If an operator turns on the
"Serial Number" key (S806), a specified serial number is stored in
the RAM 121 as an additional print data for the spread page (S807).
The display on the touch panel then turns back to the original
state (S808), and the additional print setting flag is reset to "0"
(S809). If an operator turns on none of the above-mentioned keys,
the procedure returns to the first step.
[0097] FIG. 19 indicates the outline of processing relating to the
spread page specification executed by the copy machine 1 when the
saddle stitching mode is specified. In this embodiment, it is
assumed that a plurality of prints obtained by copying 8 pages of
documents are stacked and then stitched at the center of the spread
page. When the saddle stitching mode is specified (S101), it is
first determined which image pages of documents should be allocated
to the spread page. If pages 5 and 6 for example are specified
through the operation panel (S102), printing is determined to be
made to three paper sheets (S103) This is because three paper
sheets are the minimum requirement for implementing saddle
stitching with page 5 and page 6 being arranged on the spread page.
If the page number of the documents to be arranged on the spread
page is not specified, printing is determined to be made to two
paper sheets (S104). As shown in FIG. 30, arrangement of a document
of page 4 and page 5 on a spread page makes it possible to place
all pages of 8 pages in two sheets of paper, thereby enabling
implementation of normal saddle stitching. If the saddle stitching
mode is not specified in the step S101, normal copy operation is
performed in no saddle stitching mode (S105).
[0098] FIGS. 20 to 22 refer to detailed flows to execute the
processing in FIG. 19.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 20, in the command setting (S65 in FIG. 8),
it is first determined whether a scan start is requested or not
(S121). If requested, a command necessary for controlling write
access to the image memory is set in response to a specified copy
mode (S122). Next, it is determined whether readout access from the
image memory is requested or not (S123). If the readout access from
the image memory is requested, it is determined whether the saddle
stitching mode is specified or not (S124), that is, whether the LED
441 is turned on or not. If the saddle stitching mode is specified,
the spread page setting processing to determine the page number of
original images to be arranged on the spread page (S125), and
readout of the saddle stitching mode are executed (S126). If the
saddle stitching mode is not specified, normal readout access is
carried out (S129).
[0100] The page order of image data read out from the image memory
in the saddle stitching mode is different from the page order of
image data read out from the image memory in the normal mode other
than the saddle stitching mode. Image forming in the printer device
PRT is performed per paper sheet. The saddle stitching mode, as
shown in FIG. 30, requires a special page order which allocates
page "2" and page "7" to one side of a first paper sheet, page "1"
and page "8" to the other side of the first paper sheet, page "4"
and page "5" to one side of a second paper sheet, and page "3" and
page "6" to the other side of the second paper sheet.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 21, in the spread page setting (S125 in
FIG. 20), total write page number "N" is firstly calculated based
on the total page number of documents read by ADFR 500 (S200).
Next, it is determined whether the page number specification mode
is specified or not (S201), that is, whether the LED 461 is turned
on or not. If the page number specification mode is specified, the
page number stored in the step S703 is stored in a page number
register P1 (S202). The page number register P1, which is
incorporated in the RAM 126, is a register to store the page number
of a document to be allocated to the spread page.
[0102] When the spread page color document specification mode is
specified, that is, when the LED 462 is turned on ("YES" in S203),
and if a certain document among a plurality of documents includes a
color image except a monochrome image, the color image of the
document is allocated to the spread page. For this procedure, it is
determined whether each document includes a color image except a
monochrome image. The page number of the document including color
images except monochrome images is stored in the page number
register P1 (S204).
[0103] When the spread page large size document specification mode
is specified, that is, when the LED 463 is turned on ("YES" in
S205), and if a plurality of documents include a document larger in
paper size than the remaining documents, an image of the large size
document is arranged on the spread page. For this procedure, a size
of each document is determined based on the output from the
document size sensor SE51, and the page number of the large size
document is stored in the page number register P1 (S206).
Consequently, when a plurality of documents include a page with a
paper size different from that of the remaining pages, for example,
when original image documents have plural A4 size pages and one A3
size page, the saddle stitch type print with the A3 size document
image arranged on the spread page is obtained in easy operation
with high reliability.
[0104] When the spread page join paper document specification mode
is specified, that is, when the LED 464 is turned on ("YES" in
S207), an image of the document immediately after the joint paper
is arranged on the spread page. For this procedure, when a
plurality of documents are read out, a size of each document is
determined based on an output of the document size sensor SE51, and
a sheet different in size from the first page of the documents is
determined to be a joint paper. The page number of a document sheet
following the sheet determined to be the joint paper is stored in
the page number register P1 (S208). As a result, the saddle stitch
type prints with an image of the document sheet immediately after
the joint paper among a plurality of original image documents being
arranged on the spread page are obtained in easy operation with
high reliability.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 22, in readout of the saddle stitching mode
(S126 in FIG. 20), an document page number array having M elements
i.e. T={T.sub.m} (m=0, 1, 2 . . . M-1) is prepared in the RAM 126
(S210) so as to indicate the page order of image data read out from
the image memory. The element number "M" is set to a minimum
required value (M=N or M>N) corresponding to the total write
page number "N" and the page number stored in the page number
register P1. In order to obtain the saddle stitch type prints
described in FIG. 29 for example, when the total write page number
is set to N=8 and the page number register is set to P1=5, at least
3 pages (total 12 pages with both sides) of elements are required.
Therefore, the element number is set to M=12. In each element
"T.sub.m" of the original page number array "T", the page number of
each document is planned to be stored (registered). As a result, an
image data with the page number registered as the first element
"T.sub.0" to an image data with the page number registered as the
last element "T.sub.(M-1)" will be read out in sequence.
Consequently, the image data to be allocated to the spread page are
the image data with the page number stored in the element
T.sub.(M/2-1) and the element T.sub.(M/2). Next, the page number
stored in the page number register P1 is registered as the element
T.sub.(M/2-1) (S211). Then, the corresponding page numbers of
documents are stored as the remaining unregistered elements T.sub.0
to T.sub.(M/2-2) and T.sub.(M/2) to T.sub.(M-1) (S212). The
remaining elements are registered in sequence toward smaller number
elements or toward larger number elements based on the element
T.sub.(M/2-1) to which the page number is registered first. In this
way, the page array is arranged so that an image of a document
having a specified page number among documents is arranged on the
spread page. After that, the image data with the page number
registered as the element "T.sub.0" to the image data with the page
number registered as the element "T.sub.(M-1)" are read out from
the image memory in sequence (S213). Read image data is
sequentially sent to the printer device PRT, where image forming is
made against both side of the paper sheets. If the page number of a
document corresponding to certain element T.sub.m is not present,
the corresponding print is resulted to be a white paper.
[0106] The above procedure automatically creates the saddle stitch
type prints in which an image document of a specified page number
among a plurality of original image documents is arranged on the
spread page. This allows an operator to obtain such prints in easy
operation with high reliability.
[0107] FIG. 23 indicates outlined processing relating to a spread
page copy mode executed by the copy machine 1 when the saddle
stitching mode is specified. When saddle stitching mode is
specified (S301), it is determined through the operation panel OP
whether the mode specified for the spread page is different from
that specified for the remaining pages (S302). If the mode
specified for the spread page is different, the spread page is
copied in a specified mode different from that of the other pages
(still in the saddle stitching mode) (S303). This allows an
operator to obtain the saddle stitch type prints with the spread
page printed in the mode different from the remaining pages with
high reliability in easy operation. If the mode specified for the
spread page is not different from that for the remaining pages, all
the pages are copied in the same saddle stitching mode (S304). If
the saddle stitching mode is not specified in the step S301, normal
copy not in the saddle stitching mode is carried out (S305).
[0108] FIGS. 24 to 27 indicate detailed flows for executing the
processing shown in FIG. 23.
[0109] For example in the mode setting processing (S64 in FIG. 8),
execution of the flow shown in FIG. 24 makes it possible to specify
a color mode for the spread page that is different from that for
other pages. The term "color mode" is used herein in a
comprehensive sense, i.e., to broadly refer to color relating modes
in which images are formed not only with a plurality of colors such
as full colors or multi-colors, but also with a single color such
as a black color. Particularly, when the saddle stitching mode is
specified (S310), it is determined through the operation panel OP
whether the spread sheet color specification for specifying a color
mode for the spread sheet that is different from that for the other
paper sheets is made or not (S311). If such spread sheet color is
specified, it is determined whether the spread sheet paper feed
timing is asserted or not (S312). If it is asserted, the spread
sheet color mode is set up (S313), and if it is not asserted, the
color mode for other pages is set up (S314). For example, in the
color mode for the spread sheet, image forming is conducted in
full-color, while in the color mode for the remaining sheets, image
forming is conducted in monochrome. This allows an operator to
obtain the saddle stitch type prints with the spread sheet printed
in the full color different from that for other sheets in easy
operation with high reliability. When the spread sheet reverse
color mode for printing the spread page in red and the remaining
pages in black is specified, that is, when the LED 454 is turned
on, an operator can obtain such saddle stitch type prints in easy
operation with high reliability. If the spread sheet color mode is
not specified in the step S311, the same color mode except the mode
for the spread sheet is set for all the documents (still in the
saddle stitching mode) (S314). If saddle stitching mode is not
specified in the step S310, the color mode for normal copy not for
the saddle stitching is specified (S315).
[0110] In the mode setting processing (S64 in FIG. 8), execution of
the flow shown in FIG. 25 makes it possible to specify the spread
sheet different in type from the remaining paper sheets.
Specifically, when saddle stitching mode is specified (S320), it is
determined through the operation panel OP whether the sheet type
specification for specifying the spread sheet different in type
from the other paper sheets is made or not (S321). If a different
sheet type is specified for the spread sheet, it is then determined
whether the spread sheet paper feed timing is asserted or not
(S322). If the spread sheet paper feed timing is asserted, a paper
feed inlet code for the spread sheet is set (S323), and if the
spread sheet paper feed timing is not asserted, a paper feed inlet
code not for the spread sheets but for other sheets (still in the
saddle stitching mode) is set (S324). For example, thick paper
sheets may be fed from the paper feed inlet for the spread sheet
and regular paper sheets may be fed from the paper feed inlet for
other paper sheets. In this case, an operator can obtain the saddle
stitch type prints with the spread sheet printed on thick paper
sheets that are different from the paper sheets for the other pages
in easy operation with high reliability. When the spread sheet
large size mode is specified for specifying the spread sheet larger
than other paper sheets, that is, when the LED 453 is turned on, an
operator can obtain such saddle stitch type prints in easy
operation with high reliability. If the spread sheet type is not
specified in the step S321, the paper feed inlet code for other
paper sheets than the spread sheet is specified for all the paper
sheets (still in the saddle stitching mode) (S324). If the saddle
stitching mode is not specified in the step S320, the color mode
not for the saddle stitching mode but for normal copy operation is
set (S325).
[0111] In the image memory write control processing (S74 in FIG.
9), execution of the flow shown in FIG. 26 makes it possible to
specify the spread sheet different in copy magnification ratio from
the remaining pages. Particularly, when saddle stitching mode is
specified (S330), it is determined through the operation panel OP
whether the spread sheet magnification specification is made or not
for specifying the spread sheet different in a copy magnification
ratio from the other paper sheets (S331), for example, whether
previously mentioned spread sheet double magnification print mode
is specified (the LED 452 is turned on) or not. If such spread
sheet magnification specification is made, it is determined whether
the documents paper feed timing for the spread sheet is asserted or
not (S332). If the documents paper feed timing corresponding to the
spread sheet is asserted, the magnification ratio for the spread
sheet is set up (S333), and if the documents paper feed timing for
the spread sheet is not asserted, the magnification ratio for other
paper sheets than the spread sheet is set up (still in the saddle
stitching mode) (S334). In the step of reading images of documents
with the image reader IR, a magnification ratio of the spread sheet
is set to, for example, .times.2.0 and a magnification ratio of the
other sheets is set to .times.1.0. This allows an operator with
high reliability in easy operation to obtain the saddle stitch type
prints with an image of the spread sheet printed in the
magnification ratio of .times.2.0 that is different from that of
the remaining paper sheets. If the spread sheet magnification
specification is not made in the step S331, the same magnification
ratio as that for other sheets is set for all the documents (still
in the saddle stitching mode) (S334). If the saddle stitching mode
is not specified in the step S330, the magnification ratio not for
the saddle stitching mode but for the normal copy operation is set
(S335).
[0112] In the extension control processing (S76 in FIG. 9),
execution of the flow shown in FIG. 27 makes it possible to set up
an edit mode for carrying out additional print of the spread page.
The term "additional print" herein refers to forming a
predetermined additional image on a paper sheet together with an
image of a document. The "additional image" includes a date and an
outer fame. When the saddle stitching mode is specified (S340), it
is determined through the operation panel OP whether the spread
sheet additional print specification for executing additional print
of the spread sheet is made (the LED 451 is turned on) or not
(S341). If such spread sheet additional print is specified, it is
determined whether the spread sheet paper feed timing is asserted
(S342). If the spread sheet paper feed timing is asserted, a
predetermined additional image is written onto a print memory
(S343). If the spread sheet paper feed timing is not asserted, the
procedure returns. This allows an operator to obtain the saddle
stitch type prints with additional print arranged only on the
spread sheet in easy operation with high reliability. If the spread
sheet additional print specification is not made in the step S341
or the saddle stitching mode is not specified in the step S340, the
procedure returns to the first step.
[0113] FIG. 28 schematically indicates the processing executed by
the copy machine 1 relating to the spread page specification and
the spread page copy mode when the saddle stitching mode is
specified. In this embodiment, it is assumed that prints obtained
by copying 8 pages of documents are stacked and stitched at the
center of the spread page.
[0114] When the saddle stitching mode is specified (S401), the page
numbers to be allocated to the spread page are determined. If for
example 5th and 6th pages of the document are specified through
operation panel (S402), printing is determined to be made to 3
sheets of paper (S403). This is because 3 sheets of paper are the
minimum requirement in saddle-stitching documents where 5th and 6th
pages are arranged on the spread page, as shown in FIG. 29. If page
numbers to be arranged on the spread page are not specified,
printing is determined to be made to 2 sheets of paper (S404). As
shown in FIG. 30, arrangement of the 4th and 5th pages on the
spread page makes it possible to place 8 pages in two sheets of
paper, and thereby normal saddle stitching is implemented. Next, it
is determined whether the spread sheet type specification for
specifying thick paper as the spread sheet but not as the sheet of
the remaining pages (S405) is made or not. If thick paper is
specified as the spread sheet, a saddle stitching copy is carried
out by using thick paper as the spread sheet and the other paper
sheets as regular paper (S406). When there is no specification of
sheet type, saddle stitching copy is carried out by setting all
sheets as regular paper (S407). If the saddle stitching mode is not
specified in the step S401, normal copy not in the saddle stitching
mode is executed (S408).
[0115] In the above-described spread page join paper document
specification mode, an image of a document immediately after the
joint paper is allocated to the spread page. However, it will be
understood that an image of the document sheet immediately before
the joint paper may also be allocated to the spread page. Further,
the joint paper may be distinguished from other documents by
information other than color or size.
[0116] It will also be understood that specification relating to
the spread page or various mode settings may be inputted not from
the operation panel OP but from terminals such as a personal
computer through network.
[0117] It will further be understood that the scanner section and
the printer section may be independent entities. It is also
possible to form an image data with a personal computer or the
like, and transfer the same to the printer.
[0118] The "spread page" is formed as the middle sheet of stacked
saddle stitch type prints in the embodiment of the present
invention. However, the invention is not only limited to the
embodiment disclosed but is easily applicable to the spread page
located at a desired position in gathering of the saddle stitch
type prints in another embodiment, which those skilled in the art
will easily understand.
[0119] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the invention may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not
be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *