U.S. patent application number 09/852628 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-31 for image forming system, method of controlling image forming system, and storage medium.
Invention is credited to Asai, Hidehiko, Kasai, Kazuhiro, Shimizu, Yasushi.
Application Number | 20020012545 09/852628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18650389 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020012545 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kasai, Kazuhiro ; et
al. |
January 31, 2002 |
Image forming system, method of controlling image forming system,
and storage medium
Abstract
When printing is performed for a postcard or the like, the
present invention aims to shorten a printing time necessary to
print an output result desired by a user, obviate a user's
erroneous operation, prevent from creating an unpurposed output
matter, and create a user's desired output result. In order to do
so, the present invention provides an image forming system which
selects any of plural image forming modes including a first mode,
in the first mode an image forming process is performed such that
the plural images are arranged on an identical face of the sheet,
performs the image forming process based on the selected image
forming mode, and inhibits a working process for the sheets on
which the images were formed, according as the first mode is
selected.
Inventors: |
Kasai, Kazuhiro; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Asai, Hidehiko; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Shimizu, Yasushi; (Kanagawa, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
18650389 |
Appl. No.: |
09/852628 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/82 ; 399/407;
399/408; 399/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/2323 20130101;
H04N 1/2307 20130101; H04N 1/2338 20130101; H04N 1/2376 20130101;
H04N 1/00567 20130101; H04N 1/3875 20130101; G03G 15/36 20130101;
H04N 1/00708 20130101; G03G 2215/00827 20130101; H04N 1/00681
20130101; H04N 1/00639 20130101; G03G 2215/00818 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/82 ; 399/407;
399/408; 399/410 |
International
Class: |
G03G 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 16, 2000 |
JP |
143594/2000 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image forming system which forms images on sheets,
comprising: selection means for selecting any of plural image
forming modes including a first mode, in said first mode an image
forming process is performed such that the plural images are
arranged on an identical face of the sheet; image forming means for
performing the image forming process on the basis of the image
forming mode selected by said selection means; and control means
for inhibiting a working process for the sheets on which the images
were formed by said image forming means, according as said first
mode is selected by said selection means.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the working process
includes a punching process and a stapling process.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said first mode is a
postcard printing mode in which the plural identical images are
arranged on the identical face of the sheet.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said control means
inhibits the working process and permits a sorting process for the
sheets on which the images were formed by said image forming means,
according as said first mode is selected by said selection
means.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said control means
inhibits the working process for the sheets on which the images
were formed by said image forming means, according as said first
mode is selected, irrespective of judgement as to what type of
sheet the image should be formed on.
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said control means
determines whether the working process should be performed for the
sheets on which the images were formed by said image forming means,
on the basis of judgement as to whether or not said first mode is
selected and judgement as to whether or not a size of the sheet on
which the image should be formed is adequate, irrespective of
judgement as to what type of sheet the image should be formed
on.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said image forming means
can form, on the sheet, the image based on image data input through
reading means for reading an image of an original.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein, in said first mode, the
image forming is not performed for the image data, among the input
image data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area part of
the original.
9. A system according to claim 7, wherein, in said first mode, the
image forming is performed only for the image data, among the input
image data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area part of
the original.
10. A system according to claim 7, wherein, in said first mode, the
input image data is converted to be at arbitrary positions on the
identical face of the sheet.
11. A system according to claim 1, wherein, in said first mode, the
sheet being usable includes a four-connective postcard dedicated
sheet on which four postcard parts are connectively arranged at
upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left parts.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein, in said first mode,
the sheet being usable includes a sheet of which the size is the
same as that of the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet.
13. An image forming system which forms images on sheets,
comprising: selection means for selecting any of plural image
forming modes including a first mode, in said first mode an image
forming process is performed such that the plural images are
arranged on an identical face of the sheet; image forming means for
performing the image forming process on the basis of the image
forming mode selected by said selection means; and control means
for inhibiting a stapling process and permitting a sorting process
for the sheets on which the images were formed by said image
forming means, according as said first mode is selected by said
selection means.
14. An image forming system which forms images on sheets,
comprising: selection means for selecting any of plural image
forming modes including a first mode, in said first mode an image
forming process is performed such that the plural images are
arranged on an identical face of the sheet; image forming means for
performing the image forming process on the basis of the image
forming mode selected by said selection means; and control means
for inhibiting a punching process and permitting a sorting process
for the sheets on which the images were formed by said image
forming means, according as said first mode is selected by said
selection means.
15. A control method for an image forming system which includes an
image forming means for forming images on sheets, comprising: a
selection step of selecting any of plural image forming modes
including a first mode, in said first mode an image forming process
is performed such that the plural images are arranged on an
identical face of the sheet; and a control step of inhibiting a
working process for the sheets on which the images were formed by
the image forming means, according as said first mode is selected
in said selection step.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the working process
includes a punching process and a stapling process.
17. A method according to claim 15, wherein said first mode is a
postcard printing mode in which the plural identical images are
arranged on the identical face of the sheet.
18. A method according to claim 15, wherein said control step
inhibits the working process and permits a sorting process for the
sheets on which the images were formed by the image forming means,
according as said first mode is selected by said selection
means.
19. A method according to claim 15, wherein said control step
inhibits the working process for the sheets on which the images
were formed by the image forming means, according as said first
mode is selected, irrespective of judgement as to what type of
sheet the image should be formed on.
20. A method according to claim 15, wherein said control step
determines whether the working process should be performed for the
sheets on which the images were formed by the image forming means,
on the basis of judgement as to whether or not said first mode is
selected and judgement as to whether or not a size of the sheet on
which the image should be formed is adequate, irrespective of
judgement as to what type of sheet the image should be formed
on.
21. A method according to claim 15, wherein the image forming means
can form, on the sheet, the image based on image data input through
a reading means for reading an image of an original.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein, in said first mode,
the image forming is not performed for the image data, among the
input image data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area part
of the original.
23. A method according to claim 21, wherein, in said first mode,
the image forming is performed only for the image data, among the
input image data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area part
of the original.
24. A method according to claim 21, wherein, in said first mode,
the input image data is converted to be at arbitrary positions on
the identical face of the sheet.
25. A method according to claim 15, wherein, in said first mode,
the sheet being usable includes a four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet on which four postcard parts are connectively
arranged at upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left
parts.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein, in said first mode,
the sheet being usable includes a sheet of which the size is the
same as that of the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet.
27. A control method for an image forming system which includes an
image forming means for forming images on sheets, comprising: a
selection step of selecting any of plural image forming modes
including a first mode, in said first mode an image forming process
is performed such that the plural images are arranged on an
identical face of the sheet; and a control step of inhibiting a
stapling process and permitting a sorting process for the sheets on
which the images were formed by the image forming means, according
as said first mode is selected in said selection step.
28. A control method for an image forming system which includes an
image forming means for forming images on sheets, comprising: a
selection step of selecting any of plural image forming modes
including a first mode, in said first mode an image forming process
is performed such that the plural images are arranged on an
identical face of the sheet; and a control step of inhibiting a
punching process and permitting a sorting process for the sheets on
which the images were formed by the image forming means, according
as said first mode is selected in said selection step.
29. A computer-readable storage medium which stores a program to
cause an image forming system which includes an image forming means
for forming images on sheets, to perform: a selection step of
selecting any of plural image forming modes including a first mode,
in said first mode an image forming process is performed such that
the plural images are arranged on an identical face of the sheet;
and a control step of inhibiting a working process for the sheets
on which the images were formed by the image forming means,
according as said first mode is selected in said selection
step.
30. A computer-readable storage medium which stores a program to
cause an image forming system which includes an image forming means
for forming images on sheets, to perform: a selection step of
selecting any of plural image forming modes including a first mode,
in said first mode an image forming process is performed such that
the plural images are arranged on an identical face of the sheet;
and a control step of inhibiting a stapling process and permitting
a sorting process for the sheets on which the images were formed by
the image forming means, according as said first mode is selected
in said selection step.
31. A computer-readable storage medium which stores a program to
cause an image forming system which includes an image forming means
for forming images on sheets, to perform: a selection step of
selecting any of plural image forming modes including a first mode,
in said first mode an image forming process is performed such that
the plural images are arranged on an identical face of the sheet;
and a control step of inhibiting a punching process and permitting
a sorting process for the sheets on which the images were formed by
the image forming means, according as said first mode is selected
in said selection step.
32. An image forming system which has recording sheet size
detection means for detecting a size of a recording sheet, image
data input means for reading an image on an original, converting
the read image into image data and inputting the converted image
data, and image data output means for outputting the input image
data on the recording sheet, further comprising image data
conversion means for converting, when the recording sheet has the
size by which the plural images can be arranged on its identical
face, the input image data into the image data for the recording
sheet by which the plural images can be arranged on its identical
face.
33. A system according to claim 32, further comprising: punching
means for punching the recording sheets; stapling means for
stapling the recording sheets; and control means for controlling
operations of said punching means and said stapling means, wherein,
when the recording sheet has the size by which the plural images
can be arranged on its identical face, said control means does not
activate said punching means and said stapling means.
34. A system according to claim 32, wherein the recording sheet is
a four-connective postcard dedicated sheet on which four postcard
parts are connectively arranged at upper right, upper left, lower
right and lower left parts.
35. A system according to claim 32, wherein said image data
conversion means does not convert the image data, among the input
image data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area of the
original.
36. A system according to claim 32, wherein said image data
conversion means converts the image data, among the input image
data, corresponding to a specific rectangular area of the
original.
37. A system according to claim 32, wherein said image data
conversion means converts the input image data to be at arbitrary
positions on the identical face of the sheet.
38. A system according to claim 37, wherein said image data
conversion means does not convert the input image data of the
outside of an original area.
39. A control method for an image forming system which has
recording sheet size detection means for detecting a size of a
recording sheet, image data input means for reading an image on an
original, converting the read image into image data and inputting
the converted image data, and image data output means for
outputting the input image data on the recording sheet, said method
comprising: an image data conversion step of converting, when the
recording sheet has the size by which the plural images can be
arranged on its identical face, the input image data into the image
data for the recording sheet by which the plural images can be
arranged on its identical face.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming system
which forms an image on a sheet, a method of controlling the image
forming system, and a storage medium.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] In recent years, as an image forming system is digitalized,
image output by various methods has become possible. For example,
in addition to a function such as a trimming function to read only
a desired part of an original and a function such as a masking
function to not read only a desired part of an original, there is a
function such as an image repeat function to be able to output, by
reading an original image only once, the read image at several
places on an output sheet. Further, when a lot of copies are output
from one original, reading of the original ends only by one time.
Further, an image forming system which has a punching function to
punch a recording sheet and a stapling function to staple recording
sheets is being proposed.
[0005] However, in case of printing a large number of postcards, it
takes a long time because the printing is performed by one
postcard.
[0006] Further, in a case where the punching function and the
stapling function are automatically set, there is a problem that,
even if any punching and stapling are not desired to a recording
sheet, the punching and the stapling are automatically performed
when the size of this recording sheet exceeds a provided size.
Thus, if a user does not wish to use the punching function and the
stapling function, it is necessary for this user to manually set to
not select these functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image
processing apparatus which solves the above problems.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
image forming system which can shorten a printing time necessary to
print a postcard and the like to obtain a user's desired output
result, obviate an erroneous operation by a user, prevent the user
from creating an unpurposed and unintended output matter, and
create the user's desired output result, a method of controlling
the image forming system, and a storage medium.
[0009] Other objects and features of the present invention will be
clarified through the following description in the specification
and the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire structure of an
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional diagram showing a reader unit 200 and
a printer unit 300 in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of a control
apparatus 110 in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation of the image
forming system according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image
forming system according to the embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an ordinary
postcard and a four-connective postcard, respectively;
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a display
on an operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the
operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the
operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the
operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the
operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the
operation unit 150 in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an input image
memory area and an input image memory, respectively;
[0023] FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining an output
image memory area and an output image memory, respectively;
[0024] FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining conversion
from the input image memory into the output image memory, wherein
FIG. 15A explains the input image memory and FIG. 15B explains the
output image memory;
[0025] FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams for explaining an
out-of-printing object designation area and the input image memory
in case of masking setting, respectively;
[0026] FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining a shift origin
original image area and the input image memory in case of shift
setting, respectively; and
[0027] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams for explaining a shift
destination original image area and the input image memory in case
of the shift setting, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] An entire structure of an image forming system according to
the embodiment of the present invention will be explained with
reference to the attached drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire structure of
the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] In FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 includes a reader
unit 200 acting as an image input apparatus, a printer 300 unit 300
acting as an image output apparatus, and a control apparatus
110.
[0031] The reader unit 200 optically reads an original image and
then converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 is composed
of a scanner unit 210 having a function to read the original image,
and an original feed unit 250 having a function to transport an
original sheet.
[0032] The printer unit 300 transports a recording sheet, prints
the image data thereon as a visible image, and then discharges the
recording sheet outside. In the printer unit 300, a not-shown
sensor is disposed on a transportation path such that this sensor
can detect the size of the recording sheet. The printer unit 300 is
composed of a sheet feed unit (i.e., a sheet feed means) 310 having
plural kinds of recording sheet cassettes, the above recording
sheet size sensor, a marking unit 320 having a function to transfer
and fix the image data to the recording sheet, a sheet discharge
unit 330 having a function to perform sorting, stapling and
punching for the image-formed recording sheets and then discharge
the processed sheets outside, and the like.
[0033] The control apparatus 110 is electrically connected to the
reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and is further connected
to host computers 401 and 402 through a LAN (local area network)
400.
[0034] The control apparatus 110 controls the reader unit 200 to
read the image data on the original, and controls the printer unit
300 to output the image data to the recording sheet, whereby a
copying function is provided. Further, a scanner function to
convert the image data read by the reader unit 200 is converted
into code data and transmit this code data to the host computer
through the LAN 400 is provided, and also a printer function to
convert code data received from the host computer through the LAN
400 into image data and output this image data to the printer unit
300 is provided.
[0035] An operation unit 150 which is made by a liquid crystal
touchscreen is connected to the control apparatus 110. The
operation unit 150 provides a user I/F (interface) which is used to
operate the image forming system 100.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a sectional diagram showing the reader unit 200
and the printer unit 300. The original feed unit 250 of the reader
unit 200 feeds the original one by one in due order from its first
page to a platen glass 211, and discharges the original on the
platen glass 211 after original reading ends. When the original is
put on the platen glass 211 or fed from the original feed unit 250,
a lamp 212 is lit, and a shift of an optical unit 213 is started,
whereby the original is exposed and scanned. At this time,
reflection light from the original is guided to a CCD
(charge-coupled device) image sensor (simply called a CCD
hereinafter) 218 through mirrors 214, 215 and 216 and a lens 217.
Thus, an image of the scanned original is read by the CCD 218, and
image data output from the CCD 218 is subjected to a predetermined
process and then transferred to the control apparatus 110. A
not-shown original size sensor is disposed on an original
transportation path of the reader unit 200, and information
representing the detected original size is also transferred to the
control apparatus 110.
[0037] A laser driver 321 of the printer unit 300 drives a laser
beam generation unit 322 to generate a laser beam on the basis of
the image data output from the control apparatus 110. The generated
laser beam is irradiated on a photosensitive drum 323, and thus a
latent image according to this laser beam is formed on the
photosensitive drum 323. A development agent is adhered to the
parts corresponding to the formed latent image by a development
unit 324. On the other hand, at timing synchronous with the start
of the laser beam irradiation, a recording sheet is fed and
transported from either one of cassettes 311 and 312 to a transfer
unit 325, and then the development agent on the photosensitive drum
323 is transferred to the transported recording sheet. The
recording sheet to which the development agent has been transferred
is transported to a fixing unit 326, and the development agent is
fixed to this sheet by heat and pressure of the fixing unit 326.
The recording sheet passed the fixing unit 326 is discharged to the
sheet discharge unit 330 by sheet discharge rollers 327. In the
sheet discharge unit 330, the discharged recording sheets are
sheaved and sorted by a sorting unit 331, and the sorted recording
sheets are stapled by a stapling unit 332 and/or punched by a
punching unit 333. In a case where a two-faced recording mode is
set, after the recording sheet was transported to the sheet
discharge rollers 327, the rotation direction of each roller 327 is
reversed, and thus the recording sheet is guide to a sheet refeed
transportation path 329 by a flapper 328. The recording sheet
guided and set on the sheet refeed transportation path 329 is fed
to the transfer unit 325 at the above timing.
[0038] Although it is not shown in the drawings, a sensor for
detecting presence/absence of the sheet, a control board for
regulating the sheets, and the like are disposed in each of plural
sheet feed units including the cassettes 311 and 312, whereby the
information such as the presence/absence of the sheet, the size of
the sheet, and the like can be detected for each sheet feed unit,
and the obtained information can be transferred to the control
apparatus 110 through signal lines. Further, the sheet feed
cassette can be set on the operation unit 150. Namely, it is
possible to set for each cassette what kind of sheet should be
stored, what size of sheet (e.g., a sheet dedicated for a
four-connective postcard) should be stored, and the like. The
control apparatus 110 performs various processes shown in
later-described flow charts, on the basis of the information
transferred from each sensor and the information set by the user.
It should be noted that several methods can be applied as the
method of detecting the recording sheet size. For example, in one
method, to detect the recording sheet size, only the length along
the width direction of the recording sheet is detected by the
control board disposed in the cassette, and only the length along
the transportation direction of this recording sheet is detected by
the not-shown sensor disposed on the sheet transportation path. In
another method, to detect the recording sheet size, the size
information included in the setting information to be set on the
operation unit for each sheet feed unit is read from a memory.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of the control
apparatus 110.
[0040] A main controller 111 is mainly composed of a CPU 112, a bus
controller 113 and various I/F controller circuits.
[0041] The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the entire
operation of the control apparatus 110, and the CPU 112 operates
based on a program read from a ROM 114 through a ROM I/F 115.
Further, an operation by which PDL (page description language) code
data received from the host computer 401 is interpreted and
expanded into raster image data has been also described in this
program and is performed according to software. The bus controller
113 controls data transfer among plural interfaces, and also
controls bus contention adjustment and DMA (direct memory access)
data transfer.
[0042] A DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) 116 which is connected
to the main controller 111 through a DRAM I/F 117 is used as a
working area for the operation of the CPU 112 and an area for
storing image data.
[0043] A network controller 121 is connected to the main controller
111 through an I/F 123 and also connected to an external network
such as an Ethernet or the like through a connector 122.
[0044] A general-purpose high speed bus 125 such as a PCI
(peripheral component interconnect) bus is connected to an
expansion connector 124 for connecting an expansion board and also
connected to an I/O (input/output) control unit 126.
[0045] The I/O control unit 126 includes a two-channel start/stop
system serial communication controller 127 for
transmitting/receiving control commands to/from the CPU's of the
reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. The serial communication
controller 127 is connected to a scanner I/F 140 and a printer I/F
145 being external I/F circuits, through an I/O bus 128.
[0046] A panel I/F 132 which is connected to an LCD (liquid crystal
display) controller 131 is composed of an interface for performing
display on the liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 150 and
a key input I/F bus 130 for performing hard-key input and
touchscreen-key input.
[0047] The operation unit 150 includes an LCD unit, and a
touchscreen input device and plural hard keys provided on the LCD
unit. The signal input by the touchscreen input device or the hard
key is transferred to the CPU 112 through the panel I/F 132, while
the image data transferred from the panel I/F 132 is displayed on
the LCD unit. Namely, functions and image data which are used and
managed in the operation of the image forming system are displayed
on the LCD unit.
[0048] A real-time clock module 133 which updates and stores date
and time managed in the apparatus is backed up by a backup battery
134.
[0049] An E-IDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics) connector
161 acting as an E-IDE interface is used to connect external
storage devices. Namely, a hard disk drive and a CD-ROM drive are
connected through this E-IDE interface to be able to read and write
various programs and image data.
[0050] A connector 142 which is connected to the reader unit 200 is
composed of a start/stop system serial I/F 143 and a video I/F 144,
and a connector 147 which is connected to the printer unit 300 is
composed of a start/stop system serial I/F 148 and a video I/F
149.
[0051] The scanner I/F 140 is connected to the reader unit 200
through the connector 142 and also connected to the main controller
111 through a scanner bus 141. The scanner I/F 140 has a function
to perform an optimum binarizing process for the image from the
reader unit 200 and a magnification change process in main and sub
scan directions of this image, according to contents of later
processes. Further, the scanner I/F 140 has a function to output a
control signal generated based on a video control signal from the
reader unit 200, to the scanner bus 141.
[0052] The data transfer from the scanner bus 141 to the DRAM 116
is controlled by the bus controller 113.
[0053] The printer I/F 145 is connected to the printer unit 300
through the connector 147 and also connected to the main controller
111 through a printer bus 146. The printer I/F 145 has a function
to perform a smoothing process for the image data output from the
main controller 111 and then output the processed image data to the
printer unit 300. Further, the printer I/F 145 has a function to
output a control signal generated based on a video control signal
from the printer unit 300, to the printer bus 146.
[0054] The transfer of the raster image data expanded on the DRAM
116 to the printer unit 300 is controlled by the bus controller
113. Namely, the raster image data is DMA-transferred to the
printer unit 300 through the printer bus 146 and the video I/F 149.
Incidentally, a memory card I/F 270 which is connected to the main
controller 111 through a bus 271 has a function to exchange data to
an external memory card.
[0055] Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming system
according to the embodiment of the present invention will be
explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 are flow charts showing the operation of the
image forming system according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0057] The image forming system includes, as executable operation
modes, various image forming modes such as an ordinary copying
mode, a two-faced printing mode, an N-in-1 mode (a reduction layout
mode to arrange and form image data of mutually different plural
pages on one recording sheet), a 1-to-N mode (an enlargement layout
mode to divide image data of one page into plural image data and
form these data respectively on different recording sheets), and
the like. Besides, the image forming system includes plural
specific image forming modes such as a four-connective postcard
printing mode and the like. Thus, on the operation unit 150 or the
like, the user can select the desired mode from among these modes.
Hereinafter, a case where the four-connective postcard printing
mode is executed will be explained.
[0058] First, the user puts a sheet of which the size corresponds
to the that of a postal card being an original on the platen glass
211, and sets a four-connective postcard dedicated sheet to the
cassette 311. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the four-connective
postcard dedicated sheet (FIG. 6B) is the sheet of which the size
corresponds to the total size of four ordinary (commercially
available) postal cards (FIG. 6A). Namely, the four-connective
postcard dedicated sheet has the size corresponding to the two
ordinary postal cards in the longitudinal direction and also has
the size corresponding to the two ordinary postal cards in the
lateral direction. If it is assumed that the length of one postal
card is about 100 mm in the lateral direction and about 148 mm in
the longitudinal direction (FIG. 6A), the size of the
four-connective postcard dedicated sheet is about 200 mm in the
lateral direction and about 296 mm in the longitudinal direction
(FIG. 6B). Further, it is assumed that the thickness of the
four-connective postcard dedicated sheet is the same as that of the
postal card, i.e., the thickness of this sheet is somewhat thicker
than the thickness of an ordinary copy sheet. Then, for example, an
identical image is formed on each of such four-divided areas.
Incidentally, on the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet shown
in FIG. 6B, broken lines have been previously added as an
indication which is used when a user or a machine cuts this sheet
into four pieces after an image forming job ended. Besides, in a
case where such the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet as
above is not used and instead an ordinary sheet (e.g., an unthick
sheet, a sheet on which any broken line is not added, or the like)
is used, if the sheet to be used has the size corresponding to that
of the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet (296 mm.times.200
mm), it is permitted to set the four-connective postcard printing
mode.
[0059] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of a screen
displayed on a display panel of the operation unit 150. It should
be noted that this screen is displayed when an application mode key
on a not-shown copying screen is depressed.
[0060] On the screen of FIG. 7A, the user can set various setting
for a four-connective postcard printing mode, a stapling mode, a
punching mode, a sheet sorting mode and the like. When a "STAPLING"
button is depressed and an "OK" button is then depressed by the
user, the stapling unit 332 is controlled to perform the stapling
process to the sheets on which the images were formed. When a
"PUNCHING" button is depressed and the "OK" button is then
depressed by the user, the punching unit 333 is controlled to
perform the punching process to the sheets on which the images were
formed.
[0061] In the embodiment, when a "FOUR-CONNECTIVE POSTCARD
PRINTING" button is depressed by the user on the screen of FIG. 7A,
it is controlled to change the displaying state of this screen to
the displaying state shown in FIG. 7B. On the screen of FIG. 7B,
since the "FOUR-CONNECTIVE POSTCARD PRINTING" button was depressed
by the user, the "STAPLING" button and the "PUNCHING" button are
set to be unavailable. Thus, in the four-connective postcard
printing mode, the activation of the stapling unit 332 and the
punching unit 333 is controlled to inhibit the stapling process and
the punching process (later described in detail).
[0062] In the case where the image forming mode (e.g., the ordinary
copying mode, the two-faced printing mode, the N-in-1 mode, the
1-to-N mode or the like) other than the four-connective postcard
printing mode, the activation of the stapling unit 332 and the
punching unit 333 is controlled to permit the stapling process and
the punching process.
[0063] In the flow chart of FIG. 4, on the screen of FIG. 7A
displayed on the panel of the operation unit 120, according as the
"FOUR-CONNECTIVE POSTCARD PRINTING" button is selected (at this
time, the displaying state is changed to the state shown in FIG.
7B) and the "OK" button is then selected, the four-connective
postcard printing mode is set (step S401). Thus, it is controlled
to change the screen on the operation unit 150 to the screen shown
in FIG. 8. It should be noted that the screens shown in FIGS. 7A,
7B and 8 are directed to one example of the change of the displayed
contents, but the displayed contents are not limited to them.
[0064] In FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the "FOUR-CONNECTIVE POSTCARD
PRINTING" button is selected, stapling and punching functions are
set to be unavailable (OFF) such that these functions are
erroneously used by the user (step S402). In this case, a sheet
sorting function is not set to be unavailable but is maintained to
be available (FIG. 7B). On the screen of FIG. 7B, the set items
corresponding to the stapling and punching functions are set to be
not selectable. For example, the "STAPLING" and "PUNCHING" buttons
respectively corresponding to the stapling and punching functions
are displayed in dots, gray, shading or the like, such that these
buttons do not respond even if depression is performed by the user
(i.e., a selection inhibition state). On the other hand, the "SHEET
SORTING" button is still displayed in solid line and thus available
(i.e., a selectable state).
[0065] In the embodiment, the reason why such the control as above
should be performed will be explained hereinafter. As shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B and the above disclosure, the four-connective
postcard dedicated sheet (including the other sheet having the size
corresponding to that of the four-connective postcard dedicated
sheet) in the embodiment is the sheet of which the type (e.g., the
size, the thickness and the like) is different from that of the
ordinary recording sheet. The control is difficult when the
stapling process or the punching process is performed for the
sheets of such the different type, and there is a possibility that
such the processes can cause breakdown of the units for these
processes. Foremost, the above four-connective postcard dedicated
sheet is the sheet which aims, after the images are formed thereon,
to be manually or mechanically cut and divided into four pieces and
to be used as postcards such as a New Years's card or the like.
Thus, if the sheet working process such as the stapling process or
the punching process is performed for the sheets having the above
aim, the sheets become no use as a whole, thereby waste of
resources. In consideration of such a reason, the above control is
performed. Thus, it is possible to obviate the user's erroneous
operation that, e.g., the user erroneously depresses the button to
perform the sheet working process such as the stapling process, the
punching process or the like. Further, it is possible to prevent
the disadvantage that, even though any function button is not
depressed, the sheet working process such as the stapling process,
the punching process or the like is automatically performed.
[0066] As described above, in the present invention, even if the
sheet (e.g., an ordinary sheet, a plain sheet or the like) of the
type (material type) other than the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet having the thickness corresponding to that of the
postal card is used, when this sheet has the size (material size)
suitable for the four-connective postcard printing mode, it is
controlled to permit execution of this four-connective postcard
printing mode.
[0067] Therefore, for example, in the case where the
four-connective postcard printing mode is selected, even if the
recording sheet to which the image should be formed is the
recording sheet (e.g., a recording sheet such as an ordinary sheet
of type and size capable of being processed by the stapling unit or
the punching unit) other than the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet, it is controlled as shown in FIG. 7B to inhibit
the sheet working processes such as the stapling process, the
punching process and the like in the state that the four-connective
postcard printing mode is being selected.
[0068] In other words, irrespective of the judgement as to what
type (media type) of sheet the image should be formed on, the
judgement as to whether the above sheet working process should be
performed is performed and determined on the basis of the judgement
as to whether or not the four-connective postcard printing mode is
selected by the user and the judgement as to whether or not the
size (media size) of the sheet on which the image should be formed
is adequate or appropriate.
[0069] Thus, in the case there is no four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet, it is possible to flexibly cope with such a
situation by using a substitute sheet, whereby the output becomes
possible on various types of sheets. Further, it is possible to
prevent the disadvantage that, even though the four-connective
postcard printing mode is being selected, the stapling process, the
punching process or the like is permitted because the type of sheet
on which the image is formed is, e.g., the ordinary sheet, whereby
it is possible to create a user's desired output result without
creating an unpurposed and unintended output result.
[0070] Next, when a "START" button on the screen shown in FIG. 8 is
depressed (step S403), a series of original image reading
(described later) is started (steps S404 to S408).
[0071] In the step S404, it is judged whether or not the
four-connective postcard dedicated sheet is being in the sheet feed
unit. Concretely, in the setting of the sheet feed cassette, it is
judged whether or not a sheet is being in the sheet feed unit which
has been set to hold and store the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet. If judged that no sheet is being in this sheet
feed unit, the flow ends, while if judged that the sheet is being
in this sheet feed unit, the size of the recording sheet in this
sheet feed unit being the target unit is detected (step S405).
Then, it is judged whether or not the detected size is adequate or
appropriate (i.e., the size corresponding to the size of the
four-connective postcard dedicated sheet) (step S406). If judged in
the step S406 that the detected size is not adequate, the flow
ends, while if judged that the detected size is adequate, the image
of the original is read (step S407). For example, when the original
such as the postal card is read, the control apparatus 110 creates
an input image memory area for the read image and stores the read
image data therein (step S408).
[0072] In a step S409, it is judged whether or not mode setting is
performed by the user with use of a "MASKING" button, a "TRIMMING"
button, a "SHIFT" button or the like on the screen of FIG. 8. If
judged that the mode setting is not performed, the read image data
is written in the input image memory area (step S410), and then an
output image memory area is created (step S419). Here, if it is
assumed that size of the postal card being the original is x dots
in the main scan direction and y dots in the sub scan direction,
the size of the input image memory area is xy (bits) (FIGS. 13A and
13B), and the size of the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet
(including the recording sheet of which the size corresponds to the
size of the four-connective postcard dedicated sheet) is 2x dots in
the main scan direction and 2y dots in the sub scan direction,
whereby the size of the output image memory area is 4xy (bits)
(FIGS. 14A and 14B).
[0073] Next, with respect to the contents of the input and output
image memory areas, copying and conversion of the image data are
performed by x (bits) as the main scan unit area. Namely, the image
data at one point in the input image memory main scan unit area is
converted and copied to four points in the output image memory main
scan unit area (step S420). The details of this operation is shown
in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In the drawings, it is assumed that the input
image memory main scan unit areas are given by N(1), N(2), N(3), .
. . , N(y-1) and N(y) per x bits from the forefront, and similarly
the output image memory main scan unit areas are given by S(1),
S(2), S(3), . . . , S(4y-1) and S(4y) per x bits from the
forefront. The content of the input image memory main scan unit
area N(1) is copied to the output image memory main scan unit areas
S(1), S(2), S(2y+1) and S(2y+2). Next, the content of the input
image memory main scan unit area N(2) is copied to the output image
memory main scan unit areas S(3), S(4), S(2y+3) and S(2y+4). This
copying operation is repeated in similar manner until the content
of the input image memory main scan unit area N(y) is copied to the
output image memory main scan unit areas S(2y-1), S(2y), S(4y-1)
and S(4y).
[0074] After the copying operation to the output image memory ended
(i.e., the four identical image were formed on the memory), the
output image memory contents are transferred as the output image
data from the control apparatus 110 to the printer unit 300, and
then these contents are printed on the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet by the printer unit 300 (step S421).
[0075] After the printing ended, the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet is transported to the sheet discharge unit 330. In
the case where there are the plural four-connective postcard
dedicated sheets (including the recording sheets of which the size
corresponds to the size of the four-connective postcard dedicated
sheet), these four-connective postcard dedicated sheets discharged
from the body of the printer unit are sheaved and sorted by the
sorting unit 300 acting as a sheet processing apparatus. For
example, a sheet sorting process such as simple sorting or group
sorting is performed by first performing a sheet adjusting process,
using a not-shown sorter or the like having plural bins, and
performing a sheet sheaf discharge operation such that each (one
copy) of sheet groups respectively made by plural pages is stacked
on a stacking tray in the state that each copy is shifted to
others. In this case, each unit is controlled such that the
stapling by a not-shown stapler and the punching by a not-shown
puncher are inhibited.
[0076] In the sheet sorting process, the number of output sheets is
counted by a not-shown counter to generate sheet output number
information. Thus, the apparatus may automatically perform the
sheet sorting process based on its original judgement, in
accordance with the sheet output number information, setting number
information input from the operation unit 150, and the like. For
example, after the user performs the setting for the sheet sorting
on the screen shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the apparatus may perform
the user's desired sheet sorting process according to the above
setting.
[0077] Thus, according as the kind of sheet on which the image
forming should be performed is the four-connective postcard
dedicated sheet (including the recording sheet of which the size
corresponds to the size of the four-connective postcard dedicated
sheet), i.e., according as the operation mode set on the operation
unit 150 by the user is the four-connective postcard printing mode,
the working processes for the sheets such as the stapling process
by the stapling unit, the punching process by the punching unit and
the like are inhibited. For example, the corresponding function
button on the operation unit is displayed in shading to be in an
unavailable state such that this button does not respond even if
the user depresses it. On the other hand, in consideration of sheet
adjustment, sheet stack and the like in the case where the plural
four-connective postcard dedicated sheets (including the recording
sheets of which the size corresponds to the size of the
four-connective postcard dedicated sheet) are output, it is
permitted to perform the sheet sorting process or the like in the
four-connective postcard printing mode. For example, even if the
four-connective postcard printing mode is selected on the operation
unit by the user, the function button corresponding to this
selected mode is made available, and the sorting mode is
automatically executed based on the set number of sheets, the set
number of copies, and the like.
[0078] In the steps S409 to S414, input of the image data in a
specific rectangular area (i.e., a designated area) such as an area
on postal card where a postage stamp has been printed, an area on
New Years's card where a lottery has been printed, or the like is
inhibited, and on the contrary only the image in the designated
area is input.
[0079] As a result of the judgement in the step S409, if the
"MASKING" button is selected, i.e., if the specific rectangular
area (designated area) to which any image is not input is set (YES
in a step S411), the data bit of the area other than the above
specific rectangular area is set to be "0" and written in the input
image memory area (step S412). After then, when the "TRIMMING"
button is selected to set a trimming function, i.e., when it is set
to input only the image in the designated area (YES in a step
S413), the data bit of the specific rectangular area is set to be
"0" representing no data and written in the input image memory area
(step S414). After then, the flow advances to the step S419, and
thus the processes in the steps S419 to S412 are performed.
[0080] In the above operation, by way of example, the case where
the "MASKING" button is selected (YES in a step S411) will be
explained in detail.
[0081] In this case, the data of the designated area may be
previously registered in a device or freely set by the user. When
the data of the designated area is set by the user, an item "USER
SETTING 1" is selected on a screen of FIG. 9, an area designation
screen is displayed (FIG. 10), whereby plural rectangular areas
each enclosed between two arbitrary points can be set. Next, as an
example of masking, user's setting to perform the masking for a
postage stamp area will be explained. As shown in FIG. 17A, in
order to designate the rectangular area enclosed between points
A0(0, 0) and A1(m, n) as the postage stamp area, both the upper
left x and y coordinates are set to be "0", and the lower right x
and y coordinates are set to be "m" and "n" respectively as shown
in FIG. 10. Then, when an OK key is depressed, the above area is
registered as the masking designation area. It should be noted that
the screens shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are directed to one example of
the change of the displayed contents, but the displayed contents
are not limited to them.
[0082] In the above description, none of the output can be obtained
in the designated masking area when the printing is performed.
Further, in the trimming area, the image data bit corresponding to
this area depends on the input image memory, and the image data
corresponding to the area other than this area is set to be
"0".
[0083] Further, in steps S415 to S418, the original image data is
read and set to a designated position on a postcard.
[0084] As a result of the judgement in the step S409, if the
"SHIFT" button is selected (YES in the step S415), a rectangular
area enclosed between points A0(0, 0) and A1(m, n) is selected on a
screen of FIG. 11 as a shift origin original image area. Then, on a
screen shown in FIG. 12, the upper left point such as A2(x2, y2) of
the original image is designated as a shift destination original
position. Namely, to which position on one sheet of postcard it is
intended to set the original image is designated (step S416). At
this time, when the set original image is outside the area of the
one-sheet postcard size, the data of the outside image part is
ignored. It should be noted that the screens shown in FIGS. 11 and
12 are directed to one example of the change of the displayed
contents, but the displayed contents are not limited to them.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, if it is assumed that the
shift origin original size is m dots in the main scan direction and
n dots in the sub scan direction, the size of the input image
memory area is given by mn bits. Here, the input image memory main
scan unit areas are given by N(1), N(2), N(3), . . . , N(n-1) and
N(n) per m bits from the forefront.
[0086] When the reading of the original image ends, the original
image memory area corresponding to the postcard size of x dots in
the main scan direction and y dots in the sub scan direction is
created in the control device (step S417), and the original image
memory main scan unit areas are given by G(1), G(2), G(3), . . . ,
G(n-1) and G(n) per x bits from the forefront. To do so, the input
image of m-bit size from the position obtained by shifting the area
N(1) from the head of the area G(y2+1) by x2 bits is copied to the
original image (step S418). At this time, when the value of (x2+m)
is larger than the original image main scan unit (x bits), the part
larger than x is not copied. Similarly, the input image of m-bit
size from the position obtained by shifting the next area N(2) from
the head of the area G(y2+2) by x2 bits is copied to the original
image, and such the operation is repeated until the input image of
m-bit size from the position obtained by shifting the area N(n)
from the head of the area G(y2+n) by x2 bits is copied to the
original image (FIGS. 18A and 18B).
[0087] As described above, after the copying process to the
original image memory area ended, the flow advances to the step
S419, whereby the processes in the steps S419 to S421 are
performed.
[0088] In the embodiment, in order to improve productivity, the
sheet for the four-connective postcard is used to obtain the output
result corresponding to four postcards at one time. However, the
embodiment is applicable to a case where image forming is performed
such that plural images are arranged on the identical face of a
sheet of which the size is larger than that of the four-connective
postcard dedicated sheet (i.e., a sheet corresponding to at least
two or more postal cards such as an eight-connective postcard
dedicated sheet, a 16-connective postcard dedicated sheet, or the
like).
[0089] A program to achieve the process (function) of the
embodiment has been stored as program codes in the ROM 114, and the
CPU 112 reads these codes to execute the function. It is needless
to say that the object of the present invention can be achieved in
a case where a storage medium storing the program codes of software
to achieve the function of the embodiment is supplied to a system
or apparatus, and then a computer (or CPU or MPU) in this system or
apparatus reads and executes the stored program codes.
[0090] In this case, the program codes themselves read from the
storage medium execute the function of the embodiment, whereby the
storage medium storing these program codes constitutes the present
invention.
[0091] As the storage medium from which the program codes are
supplied, e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a
magnetooptical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a
nonvolatile memory card, a ROM or the like can be used.
[0092] Further, it is needless to say that the present invention
includes not only the case where the function of the embodiment is
executed by the program codes read by the computer, but also a case
where an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer
executes a part or all of the actual processes based on
instructions of the program codes and thus the functions of the
above embodiments are executed by such the processes.
[0093] Further, it is needless to say that the present invention
includes a case where the program codes read from the storage
medium are once stored in a memory provided in a function expansion
board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit
connected to the computer, and then a CPU or the like provided in
the function expansion board or the function expansion unit
performs a part or all of the actual processes based on
instructions of the program codes, whereby the function of the
embodiment is achieved by such the processes.
[0094] As explained above in detail, according to the embodiment,
in the case where the recording sheet has the size by which the
plural images can be arranged on its identical face, when printing
of the original is performed to produce a large number of copies,
it is possible to shorten the necessary time by using the above
recording sheet.
[0095] Further, it is possible to prevent that the sheets used as
output sheets are inconsiderately punched and/or stapled.
[0096] Further, according as the four-connective printing mode is
selected from among the plural operation modes selectable by the
user, it is possible to inhibit the working process for the sheets
on which the images were formed. Incidentally, by performing the
control according to the operation mode selected through the
operation unit, it is unnecessary to perform the judgement for the
type (material type) of sheet on which the image should be formed
actually, whereby productivity and cost performance can be
improved.
[0097] Further, according as the four-connective printing mode is
selected from among the plural operation modes selectable by the
user, without requiring user's setting or the like on the operation
unit, it is possible to inhibit the stapling process for the sheets
on which the images were formed and conversely permit the sorting
process for the sheets, whereby operability can be improved.
[0098] As many apparently and widely different embodiments of the
present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
thereof expect as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *