Abstract:
A copying apparatus includes an original feed unit for feeding originals stacked on the stacking position to an exposure position one by one, an exposure unit for exposing an image on the original fed to the exposure position, and an image forming unit for forming the image exposed by the exposure unit onto a sheet, the image forming unit being able to operate in a first mode for forming an image on a single original on a single sheet, and a second mode for forming images on a plurality of originals on a single sheet. The original feed unit includes a first feed unit for feeding the originals stacked at the stacking position in turn from the last page, and a second feed unit for feeding the originals stacked at the stacking position in turn from the first page. When the image forming unit operates in the first mode, the first feed unit feeds the originals. When the image forming unit operates in the second mode, the second feed unit feeds the originals.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/498,781, filed Jul. 5, 1995, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a copying apparatus capable of changing the original feed order. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Conventionally, there is no image forming apparatus comprising an original feeder that can separate each one of a plurality of originals placed on an original table with their original surfaces facing up (to be referred to as a “face-up state” hereinafter) or their original surfaces facing down (to be referred to as a “face-down state” hereinafter) either from the uppermost or lowermost original in turn, and that can automatically feed the separated original to an image reading position. 
     Conventionally, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising an original feeder, which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on an original table in the face-up state only from the lowermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position, or an image forming apparatus comprising an original feeder, which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on an original table in the face-down state only from the uppermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position. 
     However, in the image forming apparatus comprising the original feeder which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on the original table in the face-up state only from the lowermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position, or the original feeder which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on the original table in the face-down state only from the uppermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position, image formation is started from the last page of a bundle of originals. For this reason, when the image formation mode is a mode for forming images on both surfaces of sheets on the basis of one-side originals, image formation is started after the number of originals is temporarily counted to discriminate if the number of originals is an odd or even number, or after a user inputs data indicating that the number of originals is an odd or even number. Similarly, when the image formation mode is a mode for forming images on a plurality of originals on a single sheet, the number of originals is temporarily counted, or a user inputs the number of originals. Therefore, the efficiency of image formation is considerably impaired, or a user is required to perform cumbersome operations. 
     On the other hand, when an image forming apparatus has a function of facsimile-transmitting a read image, a function of storing a read image in a file, and a function of transferring an image to an external computer, and comprises an original feeder which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on an original table in the face-up state only from the lowermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position, or an original feeder which separates each one of a plurality of originals placed on an original table in the face-down state only from the uppermost original in turn and automatically feeds the separated original to the image reading position, the original reading operation is started from the last page of the plurality of originals. For this reason, in the case of a facsimile apparatus for transmitting images from the first page or an image file apparatus for storing images from the first page, all the pieces of original information must be temporarily stored in an image memory, and thereafter, the stored information must be processed from the first page, resulting in an increase in cost of the overall apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus which can solve the above-mentioned problems. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus which can improve image formation efficiency without requiring cumbersome operations to a user, and can attain cost reductions of the apparatus itself since it can separate originals placed on an original table either from the uppermost or lowermost original. 
     Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a reader unit and a printer unit of the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel of the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence of the entire system; 
     FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in a copy mode; 
     FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in a facsimile-transmit mode; 
     FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in a file mode; 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence upon reception of command data from an external apparatus to a computer interface; 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in a facsimile-receive operation; and 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a reader unit and a printer unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     (First Embodiment) 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an image input apparatus (to be referred to as a “reader unit” hereinafter)  1  serves as first image input means, and converts an original image into image data. An image output apparatus (to be referred to as a “printer unit” hereinafter)  2  serves as image output means, and has a plurality of different sheet stackers. The printer unit  2  outputs image data on a sheet as a visible image in response to a print command. An external apparatus  3  is electrically connected to the reader unit  1 , and has various functions. More specifically, the external apparatus  3  serving as second image input means comprises a facsimile unit  4  for performing facsimile transmission/reception, a file unit  5  for converting various kinds of original information into electrical signals, and storing the converted signals in a magnetooptical disk, an external memory apparatus  6  connected to the file unit  5 , a computer interface unit  7  for connection to a computer or a LAN, a formatter unit  8  for converting information from the computer into a visible image, an image memory unit  9  for temporarily storing information sent from the computer, a core unit  10  for controlling the above-mentioned functions, and the like. A reader controller CONT 1  and a printer controller CONT 2  can communicate with the core unit of the external apparatus  3 , and each comprise a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the external apparatus  3  is connected to the reader unit  1  using a cable via a selector  11 , and the core unit  10  in the external apparatus  3  controls signals and respective functions. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the first embodiment. The arrangement and operation of the first embodiment will be explained below. 
     Originals which are stacked, in the face-up state, on a stacker tray  301  of an original feeder  101  are sequentially conveyed one by one onto a platen glass  102 . The stacker tray  301  has a widthwise direction regulating plate for regulating an original in its widthwise direction perpendicular to its feed direction so as not to skew the original in an original feed operation. The regulating plate is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction of the original. 
     A lower separation operation of a bundle of originals on the stacker tray  301  will be explained below. The bundle of originals are separated one by one from the lowermost original by a semicircular roller  303  and separation rollers  304 , and the separated original is conveyed to the exposure position on the platen glass  102  by convey rollers  305  and an endless belt  306 . Thereafter, an image reading operation is started. Upon completion of the image reading operation, the original on the platen glass  102  is returned to the uppermost surface of the bundle of originals by convey rollers  307  and exhaust rollers  308 . 
     An upper separation operation of a bundle of originals on the stacker tray  301  will be explained below. The bundle of originals are separated one by one from the uppermost original by a pickup roller  309  and the separation rollers  304 , and the separated original is conveyed to the exposure position on the platen glass  102  by the convey rollers  305  and the endless belt  306 . Thereafter, an image reading operation is started. Upon completion of the image reading operation, the original on the platen glass  102  is exhausted onto an external exhaust tray  312  by external exhaust rollers  310 . 
     In the case of a both-side original, the original is temporarily guided to the image reading position, as described above, and upon completion of the image reading operation, a pivotal flapper  311  is switched to the upper side to guide the leading end of the original to a path defined by the flapper  311 . Thereafter, the original is conveyed onto the platen glass  102  by the convey rollers  305  and the endless belt  306 . More specifically, the original is reversed upon rotation of the convey rollers  307 . 
     When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass  102 , a lamp  103  of a scanner unit  104  is turned on, and the scanner unit  104  moves to irradiate light onto the original. Light reflected by the original is incident on a CCD image sensor (to be referred to as a “CCD” hereinafter)  109  via mirrors  105 ,  106 , and  107 , and a lens  108 . 
     An image processing unit  110  performs image processing set by an operation unit. The image processing unit  110  has an image memory, and has a function of rotating the output direction of an image. Note that an external switching circuit of the image processing unit  110  comprises the selector  11  for switching a signal from the reader unit  1  to the printer unit  2  or the external apparatus  3 , and has a function of selecting one of signals from the reader unit  1  and the external apparatus  3  and connecting the selected signal to the printer unit  2 . 
     An electrical signal connected to the printer unit  2  by the external switching circuit of the image processing unit  110  is converted into a modulated optical signal by an exposure control unit  201 , and the converted optical signal is irradiated onto a photosensitive body  202 . A latent image formed on the photosensitive body  202  by the irradiated light is developed by a developer  203 . A sheet is conveyed from a sheet stacker  204  or  205  in synchronism with the timing of the leading end of the latent image, and the developed image is transferred onto the conveyed sheet by a transfer unit  206 . The transferred image is fixed on the sheet by a fixing unit  207 , and thereafter, the sheet is exhausted outside the apparatus by an exhaust unit  208 . 
     The sheet output from the exhaust unit  208  enters a staple sorter  400 . 
     The staple sorter  400  has a 20-bin stationary tray  412 , and performs sorting. 
     In a sort mode, copied sheets are sequentially exhausted from the exhaust unit  208  of the main body, enter convey rollers  401  of the sorter  400 , and are exhausted onto the respective bins of the tray  412  via a convey path  403  and exhaust rollers  405 . Every time a sheet is exhausted onto a bin, the bins are vertically moved by a bin shift motor (not shown), thus performing sorting. On the other hand, when the staple mode is selected, and a staple signal is input from the printer unit, the sheets on each bin are stapled by a stapler  420  while moving the bins one by one by the bin shift motor. 
     Subsequently, a method of outputting sequentially read images on the two surfaces of a single sheet will be explained below. 
     After a sheet fixed by the fixing unit  207  is temporarily conveyed to the exhaust unit  208 , the convey direction of the sheet is reversed, and the sheet is conveyed to a re-feed sheet stacker  210  via a convey direction switching member  209 . When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above-mentioned process. In this case, since the sheet is fed from the re-feed sheet stacker  210 , two original images can be consequently output onto the upper and lower surfaces of the single sheet. 
     A method of reversing and exhausting a sheet will be explained below. 
     A sheet on which an image is fixed by the fixing unit  207  is conveyed to reversal rollers  211  by temporarily pivoting the convey direction switching member  209  upward. After the sheet has passed the convey direction switching member  209 , the reversal rollers  211  are rotated in the reverse direction to convey the sheet to the exhaust unit  208 . When originals which are placed in the face-up state and are fed from the original feeder by the upper separation are to be copied, copied sheets are exhausted in the above-mentioned manner so as to prevent the page order of the copied sheets from being reversed. 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel  500  disposed on the reader unit  1  shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a display unit  501  displays operation states and messages. The surface of the display unit  501  comprises a touch panel, which serves as function keys when it is touched. A ten-key pad  502  is used for inputting numeric values. A start key  503  is used for starting an operation when it is depressed. 
     The operation will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4 to  9 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, initialization is performed after the power switch is turned on (step S 41 ). Operation mode selection keys are displayed on the display unit  501  on the operation panel, and an operation mode is selected when the panel on the corresponding selection key is touched. It is checked if the selected mode is the copy mode (step S 42 ). If YES in step S 42 , the flow jumps to step A; otherwise, it is checked if the selected mode is the facsimile-transmit mode (step S 43 ). If YES in step S 43 , the flow jumps to step B; otherwise, it is checked if the selected mode is the file mode (step S 44 ). If YES in step S 44 , the flow jumps to step C; otherwise, it is checked if an input from the computer interface is detected (step S 45 ). If YES in step S 45 , the flow jumps to step D; otherwise, it is checked if facsimile data is received (step S 46 ). If YES in step S 46 , the flow jumps to step E; otherwise, the flow returns to decision step S 42  of checking if the copy mode is selected. Thus, decision steps S 42  to S 46  of the selected mode are repeated. 
     FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in the copy mode. 
     Initialization of the copy operation is performed (step S 51 ). Information input from the operation panel  500  using the keys of the display unit  501  and the ten-key pad  502  is read to set a copy condition (step S 52 ), and the control waits for an input of the start key  503  (step S 53 ). When the start key  503  is depressed, if the copy condition set in step S 52  corresponds to a mode for copying a plurality of pages of original images on a single sheet such as a one-both sides copy mode for copying images on one-side originals to the two surfaces of a sheet, a reduction layout mode for copying a plurality of original images on one surface of a sheet, or the like, originals are fed from the first page by the upper separation operation (steps S 54  and S 56 ). If the copy condition set in step S 52  corresponds to the staple mode, originals are fed from the first page by the upper separation operation (steps S 55  and S 56 ). On the other hand, if the copy condition set in step S 52  corresponds to a mode for copying one original image onto a single sheet, originals are fed from the last page by the lower separation operation (step S 57 ). Furthermore, if the lower separation operation and the reversal exhaust operation are performed, automatic density control is performed, original images are read by the reader unit  1 , and image data are printed by the printer unit  2  (step S 58 ). The print operation is as described above. After the print operation, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. In the copy mode such as the one-both sides copy mode or the reduction layout mode, when originals are fed from the last page by the lower separation, originals must be fed without performing a reading operation, and the number of originals must be counted so as not to form a blank page before the first page of the recorded sheets. However, according to the present invention, since this count operation can be omitted, the processing time can be shortened. In the lower separation operation, recorded sheets are exhausted in the face-up state without being reversed, and in the upper separation operation, recorded sheets are reversed, and are exhausted in the face-down state. 
     FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in the facsimile-transmit mode. 
     Initialization of the facsimile transmission operation is performed (step S 61 ), and information input from the operation panel  500  using the keys of the display unit  501  and the ten-key pad  502  is read to set a facsimile-transmit condition (step S 62 ). The control waits for an input of the start key  503  (step S 63 ). When the start key  503  is depressed, originals are fed in turn from the first page by the original feeder  101  by the upper separation operation, and original images are read by the reader unit  1  (step S 64 ). The read image data are supplied to the facsimile unit  4 . The facsimile unit  4  performs facsimile transmission in accordance with the selected mode and a predetermined protocol (step S 65 ). After the transmission, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. 
     FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence in the file mode. 
     Initialization of the file operation is performed (step S 71 ), a mode selection key for selecting one of the file record mode and the file retrieve mode is displayed on the operation panel  500 , and the control waits for a key input (step S 72 ). If the record key is selected, a record condition is set (step S 73 ). Then, originals are fed in turn from the first page by the upper separation operation from the original feeder  101 , and original images are read by the reader unit  1  (step S 74 ). The read data are supplied to the file unit  5 , and are recorded in a file in the external memory apparatus  6  (step S 75 ). If the file retrieve key is selected in step S 72 , a retrieve condition is set (step S 76 ), a file is retrieved from the external memory apparatus  6  (step S 77 ), and the retrieved result is output (step S 78 ). After the record or retrieve operation, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence when command data is input from an external apparatus to the computer interface. 
     A command is received by the computer interface (step S 81 ). It is checked if the received command requests a read-in operation to the computer or an output operation from the computer (step S 82 ). If the command requests an output operation from the computer, data is supplied to and interpreted by the formatter unit  8  via the core unit  10 , and information is developed onto a bit map memory (step S 83 ). Subsequently, in the processing in step S 84 , it is checked if the printer unit is operating, and the control waits for the completion of the operation. Upon completion of the operation, a proper sheet is selected, and its feed operation is started. Then, the sheet is fed from the sheet stacker  204  or  205  to the position of the transfer unit  206  (step S 85 ). The image developed onto the bit map memory by the processing in step S 82  is rotated in correspondence with information such as the direction, size, and the like of the sheet, and the rotated image is read out. The readout image information is supplied to the exposure control unit  201 , and is printed on the sheet (step S 86 ). The print operation is the same as the operation described above. After the data is output, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. 
     On the other hand, if the command received in step S 82  requests a read-in operation to the computer, a read-in condition is set on the basis of data from the computer (step S 87 ), and the control waits for an input of the start key  503  (step S 88 ). Upon depression of the start key, originals are fed in turn from the first page from the original feeder  101  by the upper separation operation, and original images are read by the reader unit  1  (step S 89 ). The read image data are supplied to the external computer (step S 810 ). After the transfer operation, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart executed when a facsimile-receive operation is performed. 
     A facsimile-receive operation is performed by the facsimile unit  4  (step S 91 ), and it is checked if the printer unit  2  is operating (step S 92 ). If NO in step S 92 , received data is supplied to the printer unit  2  and is printed (step S 93 ). However, if YES in step S 92 , the received data is stored in a hard disk  4 ′ in the facsimile unit  4  (step S 94 ), and is printed out when the printer unit  2  is not busy (steps S 92  and S 93 ). After the print operation, the flow returns to step S 41  in FIG. 4 to perform initialization. 
     (Second Embodiment) 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the arrangement which stacks originals in the face-down state. In this embodiment, a printer unit  2  is the same as that in the first embodiment. The arrangement and operation of a reader unit  1  will be described below. 
     Originals which are stacked, in the face-down state, on a stacker tray  301 ′ of an original feeder  101 ′ are sequentially conveyed one by one onto a platen glass  102 . The stacker tray  301 ′ has a widthwise direction regulating plate for regulating an original in its widthwise direction perpendicular to its feed direction so as not to skew the original in an original feed operation. The regulating plate is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction of the original. 
     A lower separation operation of a bundle of originals, i.e., an operation for feeding the bundle of originals in turn from the first page will be explained below. The bundle of originals are separated one by one from the lowermost original by a roller  303 ′ and separation rollers  304 ′, and the separated original is conveyed to the exposure position on the platen glass  102  by convey rollers  305 ′. In this case, an image reading operation is started when the leading end of the original has reached a point A. Upon completion of the image reading operation, the original is exhausted onto an exhaust tray  307 ′ by exhaust rollers  306 ′. 
     An upper separation operation of a bundle of originals, i.e., an operation for feeding a bundle of originals in turn from the last page will be explained below. The bundle of originals are separated one by one from the uppermost original by a pickup roller  308 ′ and the separation rollers  304 ′, and the separated original is conveyed by the convey rollers  305 ′. In this case, an image reading operation is started when the leading end of the original has reached the point A. Upon completion of the image reading operation, the original is exhausted onto the exhaust tray  307 ′ by the exhaust rollers  306 ′. 
     When the leading end of the original is conveyed to the position of the point A, a lamp  103  of a scanner unit  104  is turned on to irradiate light onto the original. Light reflected by the original is incident on a CCD  109  via mirrors  105 ,  106 , and  107 , and a lens  108 . Note that the scanner unit  104  moves to the exposure position where it can perform an exposure at the point A before the original is fed. 
     An operation panel disposed on the reader unit  1  has the same arrangement as that in the first embodiment. 
     The operation will be described below. In the first embodiment, originals are stacked in the face-up state, while in the second embodiment, originals are stacked in the face-down state. In this case, the operation is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment, except that the upper separation operation in the first embodiment is replaced by the lower separation operation, and the lower separation operation in the first embodiment is replaced by the upper separation operation. 
     (Modification of Embodiments) 
     In each of the above embodiments, original separation switching means is controlled by an output from image formation mode setting means. Alternatively, the image formation mode may be controlled by an output from the original separation switching means. 
     As described above, since originals can be read from the first page in a mode for copying images on one-side originals onto the two surfaces of sheets, a mode for copying a plurality of original images onto a single sheet, and the like, and the original count operation is not required in the apparatus, image formation efficiency can be improved. In addition, since a user need not input the number of originals, he or she is not required of performing cumbersome operations. 
     Since originals can be read from the first page in the facsimile-transmit mode, the file record mode, the transfer mode to an external computer, and the like, an image memory can be omitted, thus reducing the cost of the apparatus itself.