JP2002268468A - Image copier - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] It is possible to continuously perform copying under a plurality of different copying conditions according to a single user operation, and to flexibly copy a document group in which documents of different sizes are mixed. Make it possible to respond. SOLUTION: A CPU 8 receives a plurality of copy condition designations, and prints an image obtained by reading a document set on an ADF 6 or a document placing table by a scanner unit 2 onto a different sheet according to each of the plurality of copy conditions. Recorded by unit 3. The CPU 8 determines the size of the paper to be used for the image recording based on the paper size specified in the copy condition and the original size detected by the original size detection unit 13. In order to record an image, the paper feed mechanism 4 feeds the paper appropriately.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image copying apparatus for reading a document image and recording the image on another sheet under arbitrary conditions to make a copy of the document.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of apparatus generally performs only copying under a single copying condition in one copying operation. For this reason, when performing copying while reading a document using an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF), it is necessary to reload the document into the ADF every time the copy conditions are changed. Was troublesome.

A technique for solving such a problem is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-319790. In this method, a copy mode can be set in association with each of a plurality of paper feed stages, and a copy operation according to the copy mode is continuously performed.

Therefore, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-319790, copying under a plurality of different copying conditions can be performed at once, and the burden on the user is reduced.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 319790, a single copy mode can only use sheets of a single size stored in a single sheet feed tray.

For this reason, the above technique cannot cope with a case where a group of originals having different sizes of originals is to be copied without changing the size.

If the paper in the paper feed stage corresponding to a certain copy mode runs out, even if another paper feed stage contains the same size paper, the copy operation is continued using that paper. Therefore, the copy operation in the copy mode must be stopped.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable continuous copying under a plurality of different copying conditions in response to a single user operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image copying apparatus which can flexibly cope with the copying of a document group in which documents of different sizes are mixed.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reading means such as a scanner unit for reading an image of a set document, and a size of the document to be read by the reading means. A document size detecting unit such as a document size detecting unit for detecting an image, an image recording unit such as a printer unit for recording an arbitrary image on a fed sheet, and selectively selecting a plurality of types of paper having different sizes. And a plurality of paper supply means such as a paper supply mechanism for supplying paper to the image recording means and a plurality of designations of predetermined copy conditions including at least designation of a paper size.
A copy condition receiving unit realized by software processing of a PU, and an image read by the reading unit as a recording target image, and designation of a sheet size in a plurality of copy conditions received by the copy condition receiving unit and the recording target While causing the paper feed unit to feed paper of a paper size determined based on the detection result of the document size detection unit at the time of reading an image, the plurality of copy conditions are set for each of these papers. And a copy control means for causing the image recording means to perform the recording of the recording target image in response thereto, for example, realized by software processing of a CPU.

By taking such means, a plurality of specified copy conditions including at least a paper size are accepted, and an image obtained by reading the set original by the reading means is used as a recording target image. Each sheet is recorded on a different sheet according to a plurality of copying conditions, but the sheet used for this image recording is
A paper size determined based on the specification of the paper size in the copy condition and the detection result by the document size detection unit at the time of reading is appropriately selected. Therefore, the copying operation corresponding to each of the plurality of copying conditions specified in advance is continuously performed, and when recording an image for this copying operation, an appropriate paper size is determined and the paper size is determined. Paper is used.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine configured by applying the image copying apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital copying machine includes an apparatus main body 1. In the apparatus main body 1, a scanner unit 2, a printer unit 3, and a paper feed mechanism unit 4 are provided.

On the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1, there is provided a document placing table 5 made of transparent glass for placing a document D thereon. An automatic document feeder 6 (hereinafter, referred to as AD) that automatically feeds the document D onto the document table 5 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus body 1.
F).

The scanner unit 2 is composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, and has an exposure lamp 21 for illuminating the original D placed on the original placing table 5 and a first lamp deflecting light reflected from the original D in a predetermined direction. And a mirror 22. The exposure lamp 21 and the first mirror 22
Is mounted on a first carriage 23 disposed below the first carriage 23.

The first carriage 23 is arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the document table 5, and is reciprocated below the document table 5 by a scanner motor 24 via a toothed belt or the like (not shown). The scanner motor 24 is configured by a stepping motor or the like.

A second carriage 25 is provided below the document table 5 and is movable in parallel with the document table 5. On the second carriage 25, a second mirror 26 and a third mirror 27, which sequentially deflect the reflected light from the document D deflected by the first mirror 22, are attached at right angles to each other. The second carriage 25 is a first carriage 2
The scanner motor 2 is driven by a toothed belt or the like that drives the scanner motor 2.
4 is transmitted and driven by the first carriage 23, and
The document is moved in parallel along the document table 5 at half the speed.

An image forming lens 28 for converging the reflected light from the third mirror 27 on the second carriage 25, and receiving the reflected light converged by the image forming lens 28 below the document table 5. And a CCD sensor 29 for performing photoelectric conversion. The imaging lens 28 is movably disposed via a drive mechanism in a plane including the optical axis of the light deflected by the third mirror 27, and moves the reflected light to a desired magnification (mainly). (Scan direction). And CCD
The sensor 29 photoelectrically converts incident reflected light in accordance with an image processing clock given from a CPU described later, and outputs an electric signal, that is, an image signal obtained thereby.
A change in magnification in the sub-scanning direction can be handled by changing the moving speed of the first carriage 23.

On the other hand, the printer section 3 has a rotatable photosensitive drum 31. Around the photosensitive drum 31, a charging charger 32, a laser exposure device 33, a developing device 34, a transfer charger 35, a peeling charger 36, a cleaning device 37, and a static eliminator 38 are arranged. Further, in the printer unit 3, a fixing device 39 is disposed on a side from which the sheet separated from the photosensitive drum 31 is discharged. The printer unit 3 executes a well-known electrophotographic process using these units, and records an arbitrary image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism unit 4.

The paper feed mechanism section 4 has paper cassettes 41, 42, and 43 which can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1, respectively. These paper cassettes 41, 42, and 43 store paper P of any size. The size of the paper P stored in the paper cassettes 41, 42, 43 is
Each of them may be different such as "A4", "B4", "A3", or a plurality of paper cassettes can store sheets P of the same size. Then, the paper feed mechanism unit 4 includes these paper cassettes 41, 42,
43 has a sensor (not shown) for detecting the size of the paper P accommodated in
Notify to PU.

The paper feed mechanism 4 has a transport mechanism 44 including a motor, gears, rollers, a paper guide, and the like. Then, the paper feeding mechanism unit 4 includes the paper cassettes 41, 4
The paper P stored in the printers 2 and 43 is selectively fed to the printer unit 3.

A sorter unit 7 is mounted outside the apparatus main body 1. The sorter unit 7 is separate from the apparatus main body 1 and is detachable from the apparatus main body 1. Sorter part 7
May be provided integrally with the apparatus main body 1 as a part of the digital copying machine, or may be provided separately from the apparatus main body 1 as an option. The sorter unit 7 is configured such that, when a sheet passing through the fixing device 39 is discharged from a discharge port 1 a formed in a side wall of the apparatus main body 1 facing the fixing device 39, the sheet is sent. The sorter unit 7 has a plurality of discharge trays 71, and the discharge tray 7 as a discharge destination.
By appropriately switching the number 1, the sheet is discharged in a plurality of forms such as sorting and stacking.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a control system of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in this figure, in the control system, in addition to the scanner unit 2, printer unit 3, paper feed mechanism unit 4, ADF 6 and sorter unit 7 also shown in FIG.
8, a ROM 9, a RAM 10, an image processing unit 11, an image memory 12, a document size detecting unit 13, and a control panel 14. These components are connected to each other via a system bus 15. The scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11, the image processing unit 11 and the image memory 1
2. The image memory 12 and the printer unit 3 are connected to each other for transmission and reception of image data without passing through the system bus 15.

The CPU 8 realizes an operation as a digital copying machine by performing control processing for comprehensively controlling each unit by software processing based on a control program stored in the ROM 9.

The processing means realized by the CPU 8 by software processing has a copy condition receiving means and a copy control means in addition to the processing means for realizing the well-known general functions of the digital copying machine.

Here, the copy condition receiving means receives designation of a plurality of copy conditions having different contents as copy conditions for a series of copy operations.

The copy control means executes copy processing, which will be described later, for realizing a copy under each of the plurality of copy conditions received by the copy condition receiving means by a series of copy operations.

The ROM 9 stores a control program for the CPU 8 and the like.

The RAM 10 is used as a work area for storing various information required for the CPU 8 to perform various processes. A part of the storage area of the RAM 10 is set in the condition memory 10a. The condition memory 10a is used to store copy conditions specified by the user, and can store multiple-mode copy conditions.

The image processing section 11 is provided with image data generated by reading the document D by the scanner section 2. The image processing unit 11 performs predetermined image processing such as enlargement / reduction and color processing on the image data supplied from the scanner unit 2 in accordance with conditions specified by the CPU 8.

The image memory 12 is, for example, a large-capacity DRA
M, a hard disk device, or the like, and temporarily stores image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 11. Then, the image memory 12 outputs the stored image data to the printer unit 3 according to an instruction from the CPU 8. The storage area of the image memory 12 is theoretically partitioned in a matrix as shown in FIG. 3, and one page of image data is stored in each of the partitioned areas. Each area is given a number represented in the form of "row number-column number" as shown in FIG.

The document size detection unit 13 detects the size of the document D to be read by the scanner unit 2.

The control panel 14 includes a key input unit for receiving various instruction inputs from the user to the CPU 8 and various information to be notified to the user.
It has an LCD display and the like for displaying under the control of the PU8.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a specific configuration example of the control panel 14.

As shown in FIG.
4 includes an LCD display section 14a, a numeric keypad 14b, a clear / stop key 14c, a start key 14d, a cursor key 14e, a density setting key 14f, and a mode setting key 14.
g and an interrupt key 14h are provided. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state where the LCD display unit 14a is displaying a copy condition setting screen.

Next, the operation of the digital copying machine configured as described above will be described.

First, the user presses the mode setting key 14g to set copy conditions. Then, the CPU 8 causes the LCD display section 14a to display a copy condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 4, and receives designation of the copy condition in this state. Note that the copy conditions shown on the initial setting screen are not the ones shown in FIG. 4, but are predetermined default conditions.

Then, the user arbitrarily sets each item while selecting an item to be changed using the cursor keys 14e, thereby setting conditions as shown in FIG. 4, for example. Although FIG. 4 shows a state in which three types of copying conditions from mode 1 to mode 3 are set, the setting of copying conditions after mode 4 may be performed by screen switching or the like. Alternatively, only the copy conditions may be set for only mode 1 or only mode 1 and mode 2.

Upon receiving such a user instruction, the CPU 8 fetches a plurality of copy conditions and stores them in the condition memory 10a.

When the setting of the copy condition is completed, the user sets the document D on the document table 5 or the ADF 6, and presses the start key 14d.

In response to the press of the start key 14d, the CPU 8 starts a copy process as shown in FIG.

In this copy process, the CPU 8 first
The number of modes in which the user has set copying conditions is substituted into a variable m (step ST1). Further, an initial value "1" is substituted for a variable i for counting the number of documents (step ST2).

Subsequently, the CPU 8 checks whether or not the ADF 6 is being used (step ST3). Here, if it is confirmed that the ADF 6 is used, C
The PU 8 sets the value of the variable I for managing the page number of the document to be scanned to an initial value "1" (step ST4). Further, the CPU 8 operates the ADF 6 to convey one document D to the document table 5 (step ST5), and thereafter executes a scanning process (step ST6) with the conveyed document D as a scan target.

FIG. 6 shows the detailed procedure of the scanning process.
As shown in this figure, in the scanning process, the CPU 8 first substitutes an initial value "1" for a variable M for managing the number of the mode to be executed (step ST21).

Next, the CPU 8 determines the copy magnification in consideration of the result of detection by the document size detection unit 13, that is, the size of the document D to be scanned, and the paper conditions set in the M-th mode ( Step ST22). Here, as the paper condition, in addition to specifying a specific paper size such as “A4” or “B4”, it is possible to specify “1 ×” which means that paper of the same size as the original is used. ing. If a specific paper size is specified as the paper condition, a magnification determined by a ratio between the original size and the specified paper size is obtained. Specifically, for example, if the document size is "A4" and the designated paper size is also "A4", 100%; if the document size is "A4" and the designated paper size is "A3", 141%; If the original size is “B4” and the designated paper size is “A”
If it is "4", it is set to 81%. If the designated paper size is “actual size”, it is uniformly 10 regardless of the document size.
0%.

Subsequently, the CPU 8 sets the magnification determined as described above and the color set in the M-th mode in the image processing section 11 (step ST23). (Step ST2)
4). In response to this, the image data generated by scanning by the scanner unit 2 is given to the image processing unit 11, where the image processing is performed according to the magnification and color set as described above. The image data that has been subjected to the image processing is output from the image processing unit 11 to the image memory 12. Thus, the CPU 8 stores the image data after the image processing given to the image memory 12 in the area of the image memory 12 with the number “MI” (step ST25). That is, the image data on the first mode of the first document obtained at the time of the first scan is stored in the area with the number “1-1”.

When one document reading operation performed in this manner is completed, the CPU 8 checks whether or not the value of the variable M matches the value of the variable m (step ST2).
6). Then, if it is confirmed that the value of the variable M and the value of the variable m do not match, in this case, there is a mode in which the corresponding reading has not been performed yet.
Increases the value of the variable M by one (step ST27), and then repeats the processing from step ST22 onward.
Scanning of the document D already set on the document table 5 in other modes is repeated by the set number of modes. The image data sequentially obtained by this is
“2-1” “3-1” “4-” in the image memory 12
1 "... Are sequentially stored in each area.

Then, the reading for the last mode (m-th mode) is completed.
When the CPU 8 confirms that the value of the variable m coincides with the value of the variable m, the CPU 8 ends the current scan processing.

As described above, step ST6 in FIG.
If the scanning process in is completed, the CPU 8 subsequently checks whether or not the next document D is in the ADF 6 (step ST7 in FIG. 5). And manuscript D is still ADF6
CPU 8 determines whether the variable I and the variable i
Are incremented by one (step ST8), and the processing after step ST5 is repeated. This allows
Reading of each mode is performed for the second and subsequent originals D. At this time, the image data relating to the second original D is stored in the image memory 12 as “1-2”, “2-
2 ”,“ 3-2 ”... Are sequentially stored in each area. The image data relating to the third document D is sequentially stored in the areas of numbers “1-3”, “2-3”, “3-3”,.

When reading of all the originals D is completed and it is confirmed in step ST7 that the next original D is not in the ADF 6, the CPU 8 subsequently executes a printing process (step ST9).

FIG. 7 shows the detailed procedure of the printing process.
As shown in this figure, in the printing process, the CPU 8 first substitutes initial values "1" for a variable M and a variable S for managing the number of a discharge tray used for discharging (step ST31). ). Further, the CPU 8 assigns initial values “1” to a variable J for managing the number of prints and a variable K for managing the number of times the printing operation is performed for a series of originals (step ST32). ). Further, the CPU 8 substitutes the number of copies set by the user for the M-th mode into a variable j (step ST).
33).

Subsequently, the CPU 8 confirms whether the discharge mode set by the user for the M-th mode is sorting or stacking (step ST34).

If sort is set as the paper discharge mode, the CPU 8 sets the No. The sorter unit 7 selects the S discharge tray 71 (step ST35). It should be noted that the output tray 71 has N
o. Is attached.

Subsequently, the CPU 8 sets the document size of the document D of the Nth page (however, the value of the variable is obtained by subtracting one from the value of the variable K from the value of the variable i) in the M-th mode. The paper size to be used is determined in consideration of the set paper conditions (step ST36). Specifically, if a specific paper size is specified as the paper condition, the specified paper size is used as the paper size to be used as it is, but “1 ×” is specified as the paper condition. Then, the size of the paper to be used is the same as the size of the document D of the Nth page. Then, the CPU 8 instructs the paper feed mechanism unit 4 to feed paper from the paper cassette containing the paper P of the size determined here (step ST37). In response to this, the paper feed mechanism unit 4 sends out the paper P of the designated size to the printer unit 3.

Then, the CPU 8 determines that the paper P is
Image memory 1
Then, the image data stored in the area of the number "MN" in 2 is output to the printer unit 3 (step ST38). Here, the value of the variable N is i
− (K−1), for example, all three pages (i
= 3) during the first (K = 1) printing operation in the first mode (M = 1) for a series of originals D = 3). Therefore, at this time, "1-3"
The image data stored in the area of the given number is output.

As a result, in the printer section 3, an image is recorded on the sheet P sent by the sheet feeding mechanism section 4 by the well-known operation using the image data supplied from the image memory 12 as described above. . Then, the sheet P on which the image is recorded is placed on the N sheet selected by the sorter unit 7.
o. The sheet is discharged to the S discharge tray 71.

When the recording of one image is completed in this way, the CPU 8 subsequently checks whether or not the value of the variable N is "1" (step ST39). If it is confirmed here that the value of the variable N is not “1”, the CPU 8 increases the value of the variable K by one (step ST4).
0) Then, the processes after step ST36 are repeated. As a result, the second and subsequent printing operations in the same mode as the previous mode are repeated until the i-th printing operation.
That is, for example, a series of originals D of all three pages (i = 3)
For the first mode (M = 1)
The second and third (K = 3) printing operations are performed sequentially. In these printing operations, the image data stored in the areas of the numbers “1-2” and “1-1” are respectively used for printing. In this manner, the paper P on which images corresponding to each page are recorded in ascending order from the last page of the series of originals D is discharged, and the printer unit 3 moves the paper with its recording surface facing upward. Since the sheet is ejected, the order as viewed from the recording surface is arranged in ascending order from the first page, and is correctly sorted.

If the print operation for all pages is completed and it is confirmed in step ST39 that the value of the variable N is "1", the CPU 8 then proceeds to the variable J
It is determined whether or not the value of. Matches the value of variable j (step ST41). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of printed copies matches the number of copies set by the user in the M-th mode.

If it is confirmed that the value of the variable J does not match the value of the variable j, the CPU 8 increases the values of the variables J and S by one and sets the variable K to the initial value "1". (Step ST42), and the processes after step ST35 are repeated. As a result, after changing the discharge tray 71 of the discharge destination to the next lower position, printing of the same content as the previous time is performed again, and the second copy and thereafter are printed.

On the other hand, if the stack is set as the sheet discharge mode, the CPU 8 The sorter unit 7 selects the S discharge tray 71 (step ST43).

Subsequently, the CPU 8 determines the size of the paper to be used in consideration of the size of the document D of the K-th page and the paper conditions set in the M-th mode (step ST44). The specific method for determining the paper size is the same as that in step ST36. And the CPU 8
Instruct the paper feed mechanism 4 to feed paper from the paper cassette containing the paper P of the determined size (step ST45). In response to this, the paper feed mechanism unit 4 sends out the paper P of the designated size to the printer unit 3.

The CPU 8 determines that the paper P is
Image memory 1
The image data stored in the area of the number “M−K” in 2 is output to the printer unit 3 (step ST46). That is, for example, in the first (K = 1) printing operation in the first mode (M = 1) for a series of originals D of all three pages (i = 3), “1-1” is set.
The image data stored in the area of the given number is output.

As a result, in the printer unit 3, an image is recorded on the sheet P sent by the sheet feeding mechanism unit 4 by the well-known operation using the image data provided from the image memory 12 as described above. . Then, the sheet P on which the image is recorded is set to the N
o. The sheet is discharged to the S discharge tray 71.

When the recording of one image has been completed in this way, the CPU 8 subsequently checks whether or not the value of the variable J matches the value of the variable j (step ST47). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of printed copies matches the number of copies set by the user in the M-th mode.

Here, if it is confirmed that the value of the variable J does not match the value of the variable j, the CPU 8 increases the value of the variable J by one (step ST48). repeat. Thus, the printing operation based on the same image data on the paper P of the same size is repeatedly performed. If it is confirmed in step ST47 that the value of the variable J matches the value of the variable j by repeating such a printing operation j times, the CPU 8 subsequently sets the value of the variable K to the variable i.
Is checked to see if they match the value of
49).

If the CPU 8 confirms that the value of the variable K does not match the value of the variable i, the CPU 8 increases the values of the variables K and S by one and sets the variable J to the initial value "1". (Step ST50), and the processing after step ST43 is repeated. As a result, the printing operation for the document D on the second and subsequent pages in the same mode as the previous time is repeatedly performed. That is, for example,
Second page (K = 2) and 3 in the first mode (M = 1) for a series of originals D of all three pages (i = 3)
The printing operation of the page (K = 3) is sequentially performed. In these printing operations, “1”
The image data stored in the areas numbered "-2" and "1-3" are respectively used for printing. Each time the page of the target document D is changed, the discharge tray 71 of the discharge destination is changed to one step lower.
In this way, the printing operation is performed by the designated number of copies from the first page of the series of originals D, and the paper P on which the image is recorded is
Are discharged to the same paper discharge tray 71 corresponding to the document D of the same page, and are stacked correctly.

When the number of copies set by the user for the M-th mode has been printed and it is confirmed in step ST41 that the variable J matches the variable j, or the printing operation for all pages in the M-th mode is performed. Is completed and the CPU 8 checks in step ST49 that the value of the variable K matches the value of the variable i, the CPU 8 checks whether or not the value of the variable M matches the value of the variable m (step ST49). ST51). Then, if it is confirmed that the value of the variable M does not match the value of the variable m, the CPU
8 increments the values of the variable M and the variable S by one (step ST52), and then repeats the processing from step ST32. Thus, the printing operation for the second and subsequent modes is repeatedly performed until the printing operation for the last set mode is completed. When the target mode is changed, the discharge tray 71 of the discharge destination is changed to one step lower.

If the print operation for the last mode set is completed and it is confirmed in step ST51 that the value of the variable M matches the value of the variable m, the CPU
8 ends the current print processing.

As described above, step ST9 in FIG.
When the scanning process in is completed, the CPU 8 ends the current copying process.

If it is confirmed in step ST3 that the ADF 6 is not being used, the CPU 8
Scan processing (step ST10) and print processing (step ST) 11 are performed on only one original placed on the original placing table 5, and the current copy processing ends. Note that the scanning process and the printing process at this time are the same as the processes in steps ST6 and ST9, and are the processes shown in FIGS.

Next, a specific example of the execution status of the copying operation by the above-described copying process will be described. Here, it is assumed that the mode setting as displayed on the LCD display unit 14a in FIG. 4 has been performed. That is, the first to third modes are set. Each mode is the first mode: paper size = 1x, number of copies = 2, paper discharge form =
Sorting, color = black Second mode: paper size = A3, number of copies = 3, paper discharge mode =
Stack, color = black Third mode: paper size = A4, number of copies = 1, paper discharge form =
The condition of sorting, color = black is specified.

The ADF 6 has three originals D of A, B, and C.
Is set. The size of the document D is A4 for the A and B documents, and B4 for the C document.

In this case, the scanning operation under the conditions shown in FIG. 8 is sequentially performed by repeatedly performing the scanning process in step ST6 in FIG.

That is, in the first scan, the original A is read and the magnification is set to 10 in accordance with the setting of the first mode.
The scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11 generate image data with 0% (actual magnification) and black color. The image data A1 generated thereby is stored in the image memory 12 as “1”.
-1 "is stored in the area of the number.

In the second scan, a magnification of 141% (A4
→ A3), image data generation in which the color is black is performed by the scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11. The image data A2 generated thereby is stored in the image memory 12 as “2-
1 is stored in the area of the number.

In the third scan, the original A is read and the magnification is set to 100% (A4) according to the setting of the third mode.
A4), image data generation with the color black is performed by the scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11. The image data A3 generated thereby is stored in the image memory 12 in “3-
1 is stored in the area of the number.

Hereinafter, in the fourth to sixth scans,
Image data is generated by the scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11 in accordance with the settings of the first to third modes for the B original to be read, and the generated image data B1, B2,
B3 is “1-2”, “2-2”, “3-
2 "is stored in each area.

Further, in the seventh to ninth scans, the scanner unit 2 and the image processing unit 11 generate image data according to the settings of the first to third modes for the C original to be read. Generated image data C1, C
2, C3 are “1-3”, “2-3”, and “3” in the image memory 12.
-3 "is stored in each area.

As a result of performing such a scanning operation,
The image data is stored in the image memory 12 in the state shown in FIG.

Subsequently, by performing the printing process in step ST9 in FIG. 5, the printing operation under the conditions shown in FIG. 10 is sequentially performed.

That is, in the first printing, an image is recorded on the sheet P of B4 based on the image data C1 stored in the area of the number “1-3” in the image memory 12, and Paper P is No. One output tray 71
Is discharged to In the second print, image memory 1
Based on the image data B1 stored in the area of the number “1-2” of No. 2, image recording is performed on the paper P of A4, and The sheet is discharged to one sheet discharge tray 71. In the third printing, the image data A stored in the area of the number “1-1” in the image memory 12 is stored.
1, image recording is performed on A4 paper P,
The paper P after recording is No. The sheet is discharged to one sheet discharge tray 71.

Thus, by the first to third printings, No. 10 sheets of C document are placed on one output tray 71.
B4 size paper P and B originals copied at 0%
A4 size paper P copied at a magnification of 00% and A4 size paper P obtained by copying an A original at a magnification of 100% overlap each other. As described above, since the printer unit 3 discharges the paper with the recording surface facing upward, a copy of the A document, a copy of the B document, and a copy of the C document are arranged in this order. A copy result having the same contents and the same size as D is obtained.

In the fourth to sixth prints, the above-described 1st print is performed.
The printing operation of the same contents as the first to third printings is repeated, and the paper P after recording is no. 2 paper output tray 71
Is discharged to As a result, the same contents as the series of originals D,
Another copy result of the same size is obtained.

By the first to sixth printings as described above, the copy result as specified in the first mode is No. 1 and No. 2 is obtained from the second discharge tray 71.

In each of the seventh to ninth prints,
Based on the image data A2 stored in the area of the number “2-1” in the image memory 12, an image is recorded on the sheet P of A3. The sheet is discharged to the third sheet discharge tray 71. As a result, the copy obtained by enlarging and copying the A original from the A4 size to the A3 size is No. 3
And three sheets are obtained from the sheet discharge tray 71.

In each of the tenth to twelfth prints, an image is recorded on the paper P of A3 based on the image data B2 stored in the area of the number “2-2” in the image memory 12, and The paper P after recording is No. 4 is discharged to the discharge tray 71. As a result, a copy obtained by enlarging and copying the B original from A4 size to A3 size is N
o. Thus, three sheets are obtained from the four discharge trays 71.

In each of the thirteenth to fifteenth prints, an image is recorded on the A3 paper P based on the image data C2 stored in the area of the image memory 12 numbered "2-3". The paper P after recording is No. 5 is discharged to the discharge tray 71. As a result, a copy obtained by enlarging and copying the C original from B4 size to A3 size becomes N
o. Five sheets are obtained on the fifth sheet discharge tray 71.

By the seventh to fifteenth prints, the copy result as specified in the second mode is No. 3 to N
o. 5 is obtained from the discharge tray 71.

In the 16th printing, the image memory 12
Is recorded on the A4 paper P based on the image data C3 stored in the area of the number “3-3”. 6 is discharged to the discharge tray 71. In the seventeenth print, the image data B stored in the area of the image memory 12 numbered “3-2”
3, an image is recorded on A4 paper P,
The paper P after recording is No. 6 is discharged to the discharge tray 71. In the 18th print, “3” in the image memory 12 is used.
Based on the image data A3 stored in the area of the number "-1", image recording is performed on the sheet P of A4, and the sheet P after the recording is no. 6 is discharged to the discharge tray 71.

Thus, by the 16th to 18th printings, The A4 size paper P obtained by copying the C original at a magnification of 81%, the A4 size paper P obtained by copying the B original at a 100% magnification, and the A original are copied at a 100% magnification onto the discharge tray 71 of No. 6 Each sheet P overlaps in the order of the A4 size sheets P. As described above, since the printer unit 3 discharges the paper with the recording surface facing up, the copy of the A document, the copy of the B document, and the copy of the C document are arranged in this order. Is the copy result as specified by No.
6 is obtained from the discharge tray 71 of FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the designation of the conditions of a plurality of modes is collectively received in advance, and the copying operation corresponding to each of these modes is continuously performed. Therefore, when the user wants to obtain a plurality of copies under the same condition from the same document D, there is no need to set the document D and specify the conditions individually for each condition, and the burden on the user is greatly reduced. It becomes very convenient.

In addition, the size of the paper P to be used is specified as the copy condition, not the specification of the paper tray to be used. When reading the document D, the size of each document D is detected by the document size detection unit 13, and the paper to be used for printing is appropriately determined in consideration of both the detected document size and the specified content of the paper size. Select and feed paper from the paper feed mechanism unit 4. As a result, it is possible to perform copying in a form in which sheets P of different sizes are used in a mixed manner, such as copying a series of documents in which documents D of different sizes are mixed at the same size, and so on. It is possible to specify conditions.

Further, since the paper P used for printing is managed by the size, when the paper P of the same size is stored in a plurality of paper trays, it is possible to use them as appropriate. Even if only one of the paper trays runs out of paper, the copying operation can be continued without any problem.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the specification of the paper size, the number of copies, the paper discharge mode and the color is accepted as the copy condition. However, if at least the paper size is included, the designation of other conditions may not be accepted. Alternatively, designation of other conditions such as density may be accepted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the magnification is automatically set according to the document size and the paper size. However, it is also possible to accept the designation of the magnification in the copy condition and record the image at the designated magnification. good. In this case, when "automatic selection" is specified as the paper size, the paper size can be automatically selected based on the specified magnification and the document size.

In the above-described embodiment, the paper feed mechanism 4 only feeds paper from the paper cassettes 41, 42, and 43. However, it is also possible to feed paper set in the manual tray. It may be good.

In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0099]

According to the present invention, a plurality of designated copy conditions including at least a designated paper size are accepted, and an image obtained by reading the set original by the reading means is used as a recording target image, and the images are separated from each other. Recording is performed on a sheet in accordance with a plurality of copying conditions. The sheet used for the image recording is determined based on the designation of the sheet size in the copying conditions and the detection result of the document size detecting means at the time of reading. Since the paper size is appropriately selected, the copying operation according to each of a plurality of copy conditions specified in advance is continuously performed, and the image recording for this copying operation is performed one by one. The appropriate paper size is determined, and the paper of that paper size is used. As a result, copying under a plurality of different copying conditions is performed. Once in response to a user operation can be performed continuously, yet the image copying apparatus that can also respond flexibly to the copy of the original group of sizes are different original mixed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine configured by applying an image copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a control system of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting situation of theoretical areas of a storage area of the image memory 12 and numbers assigned to the respective areas.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a specific configuration example of a control panel 14 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a copy process by a CPU 8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a scanning process by a CPU 8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in print processing by a CPU 8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the execution state of a scan operation.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a specific example of a situation where image data is stored in the image memory 12.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an execution state of a print operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body 2 ... Scanner part 3 ... Printer part 4 ... Paper feed mechanism part 5 ... Document mounting table 6 ... Automatic document feeder (ADF) 7 ... Sorter part 8 ... CPU 9 ... ROM 10 ... RAM 11 ... Image processing part 12 image memory 13 document size detector 14 control panel

Claims (4)

[Claims] A reading means for reading an image of a set document; a document size detecting means for detecting a size of the document to be read by the reading means; Image recording means for recording; paper feeding means for selectively feeding a plurality of types of paper to the image recording means; copy condition receiving means for receiving a plurality of predetermined copy condition specifications including at least a paper size specification; Specifying the image read by the reading unit as a recording target image, specifying a paper size in a plurality of copying conditions received by the copying condition receiving unit, and detecting the document size detecting unit when reading the recording target image While the paper supply unit is configured to supply paper of a paper size determined based on the result, the plurality of copy conditions are applied to each of these papers. Image copying apparatus, wherein a recording of the recording target image; and a copy control means for causing the image recording means respectively accordance with. 2. The copying control means according to claim 1, wherein, when a specific paper size is specified in said copy condition, paper of a specified paper size is fed, and a paper size is specified in said copy condition. In a case where designation is made that the document size is the same as the document size, the paper supply unit is made to supply paper of the same paper size as the document size detected by the document size detection unit. The image copying apparatus according to claim 1. And a copy control unit configured to, when a specific paper size is specified in the copy condition, determine a ratio between the specified paper size and the original size detected by the original size detection unit. When the image recording unit is made to record an image in which the size of the image to be recorded is changed at a predetermined predetermined magnification, and the copying condition specifies that the paper size is the same as the document size. 3. The image copying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image recording unit records the image to be recorded in the same size as the image recording unit. 4. A paper discharge device for discharging a sheet after an image has been recorded by the image recording means in one of a plurality of predetermined paper discharge forms can be mounted. The copy control unit receives a specification of a copy condition including a specification of a paper discharge mode by a paper discharge unit, and the copy control unit discharges the paper in a paper discharge mode corresponding to each of the plurality of copy conditions. The image copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image copying is performed by a paper device.