Abstract:
A compound recording method and compound recording apparatus are provided for producing a printed product. The apparatus includes a plurality of image forming devices to form images on a plurality of recording sheets based on a plurality of image data arbitrarily obtained. Each of the image forming devices forms a separate image on a separate recording sheet in parallel with other image forming devices, and a sheet finisher is provided to accept the plurality of recording sheets ejected from the plurality of image forming devices and apply a designated finish-processing to the plurality of recording sheets on which the images are already formed by the plurality of image forming devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a compound recording apparatus and a compound recording and processing method which are suitable to be applied to a compound machine equipped with a facsimile function, a copying function and a printer function. 
     With recent development of image processing technology, a recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system, which forms a monochrome image on a recording sheet, and a recording apparatus of an ink jet system, which forms a color image on a recording sheet are available on the market. Further, there is used an image forming apparatus equipped with finishing functions for attaching a front cover (hereinafter, referred to as a cover) and a backbone on recording sheets after image forming, or inserting a partition sheet in recording sheets. 
     Incidentally, based on a requirement for usage from users, there is a demand for making copies in a form of a booklet from a compound document containing a monochrome document and a color document. For the requirement of this kind, TOKKAIHEI No. 10-814 discloses a compound recording apparatus equipped with a recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system and a recording apparatus of an ink jet system. 
     In this compound recording apparatus, a recording sheet on which a monochrome image was formed by a recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system and a record on which a color image was formed by a recording apparatus of an ink jet system are ejected respectively on separate sheet ejection trays. Therefore, a user can make a booklet from a compound document containing a monochrome document and a color document mixedly, by rearranging the recording sheets for monochrome images and the recording sheets for color images both ejected to separate sheet ejection trays in a prescribed order, and by binding the recorded objects on one end of them, after attaching a cover and a backbone in case of need. 
     However, in a conventional compound recording apparatus., when making a booklet from a compound document containing a monochrome document and a color document mixedly, the timing for the monochrome image recording sheet to be ejected from the recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system to the sheet ejection tray and the timing for the color image recording sheet to be ejected from the recording apparatus of an ink jet system to the sheet ejection tray are not synchronized. It is therefore necessary for the user to rearrange the monochrome image recording sheets and the color image recording sheets both ejected to their respective sheet ejection trays, in the prescribed order. 
     For example, when using a recording apparatus of an ink jet system and a recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system equipped with a finishing function in combination, the timing to eject a monochrome image recording sheet and the timing to eject a color image recording sheet are not synchronized. It is therefore necessary for a user to rearrange the color image recording sheets and the monochrome recording sheets remaining unfinished both ejected respectively to their own sheet ejection trays, in accordance with prescribed order. After that, the user needs to set the recorded objects again on the finishing apparatus. Therefore, it is complicated for the user to rearrange the recording sheets and to set the recording sheets on the finishing apparatus, which is a problem. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a compound recording apparatus and a compound processing method wherein images are formed on separate recording sheets by a plurality of different image forming apparatuses, and then, the recording sheets are finished collectively. 
     Accordingly, to overcome the cited shortcomings, the abovementioned object of the present invention can be attained by an apparatus and a method described as follow. 
     (1) An apparatus for producing a printed product, comprising: a plurality of image forming devices to form images on a plurality of recording sheets based on a plurality of image data arbitrarily obtained, each of said image forming devises forms a separate image on a separate recording sheet in parallel with other image forming devices; and a sheet finisher to accept said plurality of recording sheets ejected from said plurality of image forming devices and apply a designated finish-processing to said plurality of recording sheets on which said images are already formed by said plurality of image forming devices. 
     (2) A method for producing a printed product, comprising steps of: forming a separate image on each of a plurality of recording sheets in parallel, based on a plurality of image data arbitrarily obtained; collecting said plurality of recording sheets, on each of which said separate image is already formed, at one place; and applying a designated finish-processing to said plurality of recording sheets, which is collected at one place in said collecting step. 
     Further, to overcome the abovementioned problems, other embodiments of the compound recording apparatus and compound recording method of the present invention may include the following additional features. 
     A compound recording apparatus is equipped with two or more of image forming means, serving as image forming devices, each forming an image on each recording sheet in parallel based on given image information and with a finishing means, serving as a sheet finisher, which collects two or more recording sheets after image forming outputted from each image forming apparatus to one place and gives desired finish-processing to the recording sheets. 
     In the compound recording apparatus related to the invention, an image is formed on each recording sheet in parallel by each of two or more image forming means, based on given image information. In this case, two or more recording sheets after image forming processing are collected to one location by a finishing means, and for example, two or more recording sheets after image forming are collated at high speed in the order designated in advance, or, the recording sheets are bound on their one end after being collated, or, a cover and a back cover are attached on the collated recording sheets, or, two or more recording sheets after image forming are folded and collated into a folio form, or, a cover and a back cover are attached on the recording sheets in the folio form after one end thereof is bound. 
     Therefore, for example, when making a booklet from a compound document containing mixedly a monochrome document and a color document, it is possible to conduct bookbinding for recording sheets on which monochrome images are formed and recording sheets on which color images are formed, in the order prescribed in advance and at the high speed. 
     In the compound recording method related to the invention, an image is formed on each of recording sheets in parallel based on given image information, and then, two or more recording sheets on which images have been formed in parallel are collected to one location to be subjected to desired finish-processing. 
     In the compound recording method of the invention, a plurality of recording sheets on which images have been formed in parallel are collected to one location, and then, for example, plural sheets of recording sheets after image forming are collated at high speed in the order designated in advance, or, the recording sheets are bound after being collated, or, a cover and a back cover are attached on the collated recording sheets and are bound, or, plural recording sheets after image forming are fold and collated into a folio form, or, a cover and a back cover are attached on the collated recording sheets in the folio form and are bound. Therefore, for example, when making a booklet from a compound document containing mixedly a monochrome document and a color document, it is possible to conduct bookbinding for recording sheets on which monochrome images are formed and recording sheets on which color images are formed, in the order prescribed in advance and at the high speed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of structure of compound recording apparatus  100  representing an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an example of recording processing (part-1) in compound recording apparatus  100 . 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of recording processing (part-2) in compound recording apparatus  100 . 
     FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of structure of compound apparatus  200  representing the first example. 
     FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of flows of image information, a monochrome image recording sheet and a color image recording sheet in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of internal structure of compound apparatus  200  representing the first example. 
     FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of internal structure of finisher  203 . 
     FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of structure of a system control system of the compound apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of flows of recording sheet R and sheet K in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of structure of operation panel  90  in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of designation of insertion position for a cover and a back cover and partition sheet in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 12 is a state transition diagram showing an example of mode display of inter-sheet in image forming apparatus  202 . 
     FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of mode display for inter-sheet in display establishment section  40 . 
     FIG. 14 is an action time chart for each structure section in the compound apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 6-8. 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the first sheet feeding (part-1) in compound apparatus  200  . 
     FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the first sheet feeding (part-2) in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the first sheet feeding (part-3) in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of control for ejecting sheet out of a main body on compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of control for inserting sheets in various sizes in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of control in registration mode for various types of sheets in compound apparatus  200 . 
     FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of controlling feed out of a cover and a back cover, or a partition sheet in copying machine  200 . 
     FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of structure of compound apparatus  300  representing the second example. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Now, the compound recording apparatus and the compound record-processing method both related to the invention will be explained as follows, referring to drawings. 
     (1) Compound Recording Apparatus and Compound Record-processing Method Representing an Embodiment 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of structure of compound recording apparatus  100  representing an embodiment of the invention. 
     In the present embodiment, a finishing means is provided on the rear stage of plural image forming means to collect two or more recording sheets after image forming to one location to give them finish-processing, so that recording sheets on which monochrome images are formed and recording sheets on which color images are formed may be bound at high speed in accordance with sequence designated in advance, when making a booklet from a compound document containing mixedly a monochrome document and a color document. 
     In the compound recording apparatus  100  shown in FIG. 1, there is provided image memory  1  serving as a storage means, for making a booklet from a compound document containing mixedly a monochrome document and a color document. In this image memory  1 , there is used DRAM (dynamic random access memory) whose memory area is divided into a copy area, a FAX area, a printer area, an editing area for monochrome images and an editing area for color images. 
     Document reading means  2  is connected with image memory  1 , and monochrome or color document image data D 1  obtained by reading given documents are stored temporarily in the copy area. On the other hand, facsimile means  3  is connected with image memory  1 , and received image data D 2  sent from a remote apparatus are temporarily stored in a FAX area. Further, interface means  4  is connected with image memory  1 , and monochrome or color processed image data D 3  processed by an external computer are recorded temporarily in a printer area (image information source). 
     Image separation means (separation means)  5  is connected with image memory  1 , and when image information source equivalent to plural pages is given, image information pages for monochrome use and image information pages for color use are separated from the image information source. As a separation method, in the case of compressed image information such as, for example, JPEG system or MPEG system, separation is conducted by identifying an identification graph showing monochrome images written as header information of data sequence for each page and by identifying an identification graph showing color images written as header information of data sequence for each page. The reason for this is to group pages of monochrome images with image data only of monochrome images and to group pages of color images with only color image data. 
     On the output stage of the image memory  1 , there are provided image forming means #i (i=1−n) in quantity of n, and each recording sheet R is subjected to image forming processing in parallel based on given image information from the aforesaid image information source. On each image forming means #I, monochrome images or color images caused by the aforesaid document reading means  2 , received images caused by facsimile means  3 , or monochrome or color processing images caused by interface means  4  are formed on recording sheet R. In this example, at least, color images are formed by image forming means # 1  on another recording sheet R based on image information for color, and monochrome images are formed by image forming means # 2  on recording sheet R based on image information for monochrome. In the present example, a recording apparatus of an ink jet system is used for the image forming means # 1 , while, a recording apparatus of an electro-photographic system is used for the image forming means # 2 . 
     Further. Sheet supply means  6  of a common type is provided on each image forming means #I, and recording sheets are allocated and supplied to each image forming means #i. Plain paper is used as a recording sheet. In the present example, there is provided conveyance path changeover means  7  on the downstream side of sheet supply means  6  of a common type, and thereby, conveyance paths for recording sheets to be supplied to each image forming means #i from sheet supply means  6  are switched. 
     In the conveyance path changeover means  7 , a conveyance path is connected between image forming means # 1  and sheet supply means  6  when supplying recording sheets to the image forming means # 1 , while, a conveyance path is connected between image forming means # 2  and sheet supply means  6  when supplying recording sheets to the image forming means # 2 . 
     It is naturally possible to provide sheet supply means  6 ′ of an individual type on each image forming means #i and thereby to supply recording sheets independently and individually. For example, it is also possible to supply from sheet supply means to image forming means # 1  (recording apparatus of an ink jet system) transfer sheets used exclusively for ink jet in place of a plain paper. 
     On the downstream side of these image forming means #i, there is provided finishing means  10 , and two or more recording sheets R outputted from each image forming means #i are collected to one location to be subjected to desired finish-processing. The finishing means  10  has therein conveyance means  8  and finish-processing section  9 . On the conveyance means  8 , recording sheets R after image forming ejected respectively from image forming means #i are guided so that they are collected to the finish-processing section  9 . 
     In the present example, standby section  8 A is provided on conveyance means  8  so that recording sheet R on which a monochrome image has been formed may stand by temporarily. The reason for this is to synchronize the progress of the recording sheet R on which a monochrome image has been formed with the progress of the recording sheet R on which a color image has been formed, because the time required for processing to form monochrome images is less than that required for processing to form color images. On the standby section  8 A, there is provided an unillustrated position sensor which detects whether all recording sheets R are complete or not, and position detection signals showing the detection results are outputted to the control means. 
     On the finish-processing section  9  provided on the downstream side of conveyance means  8 , two or more recording sheets R after image forming are collated and then are bound on their one end, or the recording sheets R are collated and then, a cover is attached thereon, or the recording sheets R are collated, and then, a cover and a back cover are attached thereon. 
     Further, in the present example, the finish-processing section  9  folds two or more recording sheets R into a folio form and collates them, or it attaches a cover on the recording sheets R in a folio form, or it attaches a cover and a back cover on the recording sheets R in a folio form. On the downstream side of the finish-processing section  9 , there is provided sheet ejection tray  11  so that processed records may be ejected. 
     In the present example, the aforesaid document reading means  2 , facsimile means  3 , interface means  4 , and finishing means  10  are connected to designating means  20  and thereby, a user designates so that two or more recording sheets R after image forming may be collated in the desired order. For example, with regard to two or more recording sheets R after image forming, the designating means  20  is used to set the contents of finish-processing such as binding one end of recording sheets R, attaching a cover on the recording sheets R and attaching a cover and a back cover on the recording sheets R. Folding recording sheets R into a folio form is naturally designated. 
     Control unit (control means)  13  is connected between the designating means  20  and image memory  1 , and each image forming means #i is controlled so that processing to form monochrome images and processing to form color images may be coordinated, based on contents designated by the designating means  20 . Contents of the coordination are as follows. First, control unit  19  controls image memory  1  to edit image information for monochrome images and image information for color images, based on the desired order designated in advance. For example, in the case where monochrome image pages and color image pages are mixed in image information equivalent to plural pages, when the position to file the color image pages in the monochrome image pages is recognized, the time to start image forming for color image pages in that for monochrome image pages is operated. This operation is to synchronize the reading time for image information for monochrome images edited by image memory  1  with the reading time for image information for color images. 
     In accordance with the time to start image forming for color image pages for the time to start image forming for monochrome image pages, control unit  19  reads image memory  1  to control, so that image information for monochrome images and image information for color images both edited by image memory  1  may be transmitted to each image forming means #i at the prescribed timing. Due to this, when making a booklet from a compound document wherein a monochrome document and a color document are mixed, it is possible to control so that monochrome images are formed on recording sheet R and color images are formed on another recording sheet T in parallel, in accordance with the order designated in advance. 
     Next, an example of processing in compound recording apparatus  100  will be explained, concerning the compound recording-processing method related to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing examples of recording-processing (part 1 and part 2) in compound recording apparatus  100 . 
     In this example, there is assumed an occasion wherein an image is formed on each recording sheet R in parallel based on given image information of an image information source, then, two or more recording sheets R on which images have been formed in parallel are collected to one location to be subjected to desired finish-processing, and then bookbinding is conducted in the order designated in advance. The assumption also includes that there are designated the contents of finish-processing to use designating means  20  in advance for binding one end of recording sheets R, attaching a cover on the recording sheets R, and attaching a cover or a back cover of the recording sheets R. 
     Under the assumptions stated above, various jobs are inputted in control unit  19  from designating means  20  in step Al of the flow chart shown in FIG.  2 . Contents of the jobs in this case are directions to the effect of “making a booklet” by using a monochrome image or a color image obtained by document reading means  2 , an image received by facsimile means  3 , or a monochrome or color processed image obtained by interface means  4 . In the case wherein monochrome image pages and color image pages are mixed in image information equivalent to plural pages, a position for the color image to be inserted in monochrome images, a position for a white sheet to be inserted, or whether a cover and a back cover are attached or not are naturally directed. In accordance with this direction, document image data D 1 , received image data D 2  or processed image data D 3  are recorded temporarily on image memory  1 . 
     After that, a monochrome image page and a color image page are separated from image information source by image separation means  5  in step A 2 . Then, in step A 3 , there is conducted an editing processing wherein monochrome image pages are grouped by image information of the monochrome image page, while, color image pages are grouped by image information of the color image page. 
     After that, for conducting image forming processing in parallel in step A 4 , image data for color are outputted to image forming means # 1  of an ink jet system, and image data for monochrome are outputted to image forming means # 2  of, for example, an electro-photographic system. In each image forming means #i, a color image is formed on recording sheet R through ink jet system based on image data for color, and a monochrome image is formed on recording sheet R through an electro-photographic system based on image data for monochrome. 
     In this case, the recording sheet R on which a monochrome image has been formed is made to stand by temporarily by standby section  8 A, because monochrome image forming processing is faster than color image forming processing. The reason for this is to synchronize the recording sheet R on which a monochrome image has been formed with the recording sheet R on which a color image has been formed in terms of the state of progress. After that, in step A 5 , it is judged whether recording sheets R each having thereon a formed monochrome image and recording sheets R each having thereon a formed color image are complete or not. Regarding the judgment in this case, an unillustrated position sensor detects whether the recording sheets R are complete or not, and then, position detection signals showing the results of the detection are outputted to control unit  19  for recognition. 
     Accordingly, when the recording sheets R relating to monochrome images and the recording sheets R relating to color images are not complete, they stand by until all of recording sheets R become complete. Then, after both of recording sheets R become complete, judgment is made in step A 6  whether binding of one end of recording sheets R is designated or a folio form is designated. When it is judged that binding of one end of recording sheets R is designated, a sequence advances to step A 7  where stapling processing is conducted. In this stapling processing, one end is bound by a stapler after two or more recording sheets R after image forming are collated. 
     Further, when the folio form is designated in step A 6 , the sequence advances to step A 8  where recording sheets R after image forming are subjected to twofold processing. After that, the sequence advances to step A 9  where paste is applied on edges of the recorded object. Due to this processing, it is possible to fold two or more recording sheets R after image forming into a folio form to collate them. 
     After the staple processing is finished, the sequence advances to step A 10  where it is judged whether a cover is attached or not. When a cover is attached, the sequence advances to step A 11  where the cover is attached on the surface of the first page of the recording sheets R. In this processing, a cover is attached on the surface side of the recorded object representing the collated two or more recording sheets R after image forming. When folding in a folio form is designated in step A 6 , a cover is attached on the recorded object folded in a folio form and collated in step A 11 . 
     The reason why the step of attaching a cover is conducted after the processing of binding one end is because it is sometimes better to form the cover independently of recording sheets R when the cover is thick compared with the recording sheets R. When the cover is thin, it is naturally possible to conduct the judgment step for a cover immediately after the step to designate whether binding one end of recording sheets R or a folio form in step A 6 , and thereby to conduct staple processing for recording sheets R and a cover simultaneously. 
     After that, the sequence advances to step A 12  where it is judged whether a back cover is attached or not. When the back cover is to be attached, the sequence advances to step A 13  where the back cover is attached on the reverse side of the last page of recording sheets R. In this processing, the back cover is attached on the reverse side of the last page of the collated two or more recording sheets R after image forming. It is therefore possible to attach a cover and a back cover on the recorded object after image forming. 
     When folding in a folio form is designated in step A 6 , a back cover is attached, in step A 13 , on the reverse side of the last page of recording sheets R folded in a folio form and collated. It is therefore possible to attach a cover and a back cover on the recorded object in the folio form. When a cover is not attached in the step A 10  and when attaching of a back cover in step A 13  is completed, the sequence advances to step A 14  wherein recorded object is ejected out of sheet ejection tray  11 . 
     As stated above, in the compound recording apparatus  100  related to the present embodiment, monochrome images and color images are formed on each recording sheet R in parallel in step A 4  by image forming apparatuses #i in quantity n, based on given image information of an image information source. Now, two or more recording sheets R after image forming processing are collected to one location by conveyance means  8  in finishing means  10 , and then, two or more recording sheets R after image forming are collated at high speed in the order designated in advance in step A 5 , or, one end of the recording sheets R is bound after they are collated in step A&amp;, or a cover and a back cover are attached on the bound recording sheets R in step A 11 , or two or more recording sheets R after image forming are folded in the folio form and collated in step A 8 , or a cover and a back cover are attached in step A 13  after one end of the recording sheets R in the folio form is bound in step A 9 . 
     Therefore, in the case to make a booklet from a compound document wherein a monochrome document and a color document are mixed, recording sheets R on which monochrome images have been formed and recording sheets R on which color images have been formed can be bound at high speed in the order designated in advance. 
     (2) First Example 
     FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of structure of compound apparatus  200  representing the first example. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of flow of image information, a monochrome image recording sheet and a color image recording sheet in the compound apparatus  200 . 
     The compound apparatus  200  shown in FIG. 4 is composed of sheet feed unit  201  having the sheet supply means  6  of a common use type, image forming apparatus  202  having therein color image recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system and monochrome image recording apparatus # 2  of an electro-photographic system, and of finisher (FNS)  203  having finishing means  10 . 
     In this example, recording sheets are supplied from sheet feed unit  201  respectively to recording apparatus # 1  and recording apparatus # 2 , then, color images are formed on recording sheets by recording apparatus # 1  and monochrome images are formed on recording sheets by recording apparatus # 2 , and then, color image recording sheets R by recording apparatus # 1  and monochrome image recording sheets R by recording apparatus # 2  are bound to be a booklet. 
     An image information source in this example includes document image data D 1  from the aforesaid document reading means  2 , received image data D 2  by facsimile means  3  and processed image data D 3  by interface means  4 . These image data D 1 -D 3  are edited by image memory  1 . Image data for color after editing are supplied to recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system, and in the same way, image data for monochrome after editing are supplied to recording apparatus # 2  of an electro-photographic system. Processed image recording sheets R of external computer which are color-image-formed by recording apparatus # 1 , document recording sheets R on which monochrome images are formed by recording apparatus # 2  and FAX document recording sheets R are collated collectively by finisher  203  to be bound into a booklet. 
     FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of internal structure of compound apparatus  200  representing the first example. The compound apparatus  200  shown in FIG. 6 is composed of sheet feed unit  201 , image forming apparatus  202  and finisher  203 . The image forming apparatus  202  is provided with image reading means  2 , image processing means  12 , image writing means  13 , recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system, recording apparatus # 2  of an electro-photographic system, first sheet feed means  15 , second sheet feed means  16 , fixing means  17 , conveyance means  18 , control means  19  and with communication means  210 : 
     The first sheet feed means  15  is composed of cassette sheet feed section  15 A and large capacity sheet feed sections (LCT)  15 B and  15 C or of an unillustrated manual sheet feed section. The second sheet feed means  16  has registration roller P 6 . The conveyance means  18  is provided with conveyance belt  18 A, conveyance path changeover plate  18 B, sheet ejection roller P 7  and automatic two-sided image forming conveyance section (ADU)  18 D. 
     There is provided automatic document feed unit (ADF)  2 A constituting image reading means  2  over the recording apparatus # 1 . To the left side of the image forming apparatus  202  on the part of the sheet ejection roller P 7 , there is connected finisher  203 . A document placed on a document stand of the automatic document feed unit  2 A is conveyed in the direction of an arrow mark, and thereby, images on a single side or on both sides of the document are read by an optical system of the image reading means  2  and then are read into CCD image sensor  2 B. Analog signals obtained through photoelectric conversion by the CCD image sensor  2 B are subjected to analog processing, A/D conversion, shading correction and image compression processing, in image processing means  12 . After that, image data D 4  for color are supplied to recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system, while, image data D 5  for monochrome are sent to image writing means  13 . 
     Further, the recording apparatus # 1  has therein driver  32 A and ink jet section  32 B for yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C. and black BK. On the recording apparatus # 1 , ink for Y, M, C and BK are jetted to recording sheet R based on image data D 4  for color, and color images are formed accordingly. For example, when recording sheet R fed out of the first sheet feed means  15  is conveyed to be under the ink jet section  32 B for Y, M, C and BK through conveyance roller group P 20  on the upstream side, color images are formed at the prescribed timing and at the prescribed jetting position (image forming position) by driver  32 A based on image data D 4  for color. 
     The recording sheet R on which the color images have been formed is conveyed by conveyance roller group P 20  on the downstream side to be fed into finisher  203  through sheet ejection roller P 7 . The conveyance roller group P 20  on the upstream side is composed of conveyance rollers P 21 -P 24 , while, the conveyance roller group P 20  on the downstream side is composed of conveyance rollers P 25 -P 27 . 
     In the image writing means  13 , light outputted from a semiconductor laser is irradiated on a photoreceptor drum of recording apparatus # 2 , and a latent image is formed. In the recording apparatus # 2 , treatments such as charging, exposure, developing, transfer, separation and cleaning are conducted. For example, recording sheet R fed out of first sheet feed means  15  passes through registration roller P 6 , and then, is subjected to image forming processing at a transfer position (image forming position) where a transfer electrode faces the photoreceptor drum. The recording sheet R on which an image has been formed through the aforesaid transfer is conveyed by conveyance belt  18 A, then, is subjected to fixing processing by fixing means  17 , and is fed into finisher  203 . In the case of two-sided image forming, recording sheet R having on its one side a processed image fed into conveyance section  18 D for two-sided image forming by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B is conveyed again to the recording apparatus # 2  wherein an image is formed on the reverse side of the recording sheet at the transfer position, and is fed into finisher  203 . 
     FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of internal structure of finisher  203 . In the finisher  203  shown in FIG. 7, there are arranged sheet loading means  21 , shift processing section  22 , first loading section  23 , stapling means  24  representing finish-processing section  9  and folding means  25  in this order from the top almost in the longitudinal direction. on the illustrated left side of the finisher  203 , there are arranged elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  on which end-bound and shift-processed recording sheets R are stacked and fixed sheet ejection tray  28  on which center-bound and folded recording sheets R are stacked. These elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  and fixed sheet ejection tray  28  constitute sheet ejection tray  11 . 
     Conveyance paths for recording sheet R and sheet K which is used as a cover, a partition sheet or a back cover in the compound apparatus  200  are as follows. In the case of image forming for monochrome or for color, when either of cassette sheet feed section  15 A, large capacity sheet feed sections  15 B and  15 C and an unillustrated manual sheet feed section is selected in image forming apparatus  202 , recording sheet R is fed from either one of conveyance (sheet feed) rollers P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 5  to recording apparatus # 1  or to recording apparatus # 2 . 
     When processing color images and monochrome images in parallel, recording sheet K is naturally fed to each of both recording apparatus # 1  and recording apparatus # 2 . The conveyance rollers P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 5  constitute first sheet feed means  15 , and sheet feeding is started by sheet feed signals. The first sheet feed means  15  is constituted by a belt trained about rollers, and one recording sheet R is separated from either one of cassette sheet feed section  15 A, large capacity sheet feed sections  15 B and  15 C and a manual sheet feed section to be conveyed to recording apparatus # 1  or to recording apparatus # 2 . 
     Conveyance roller group P 4  is driven to convey the recording sheet R conveyed from sheet feed rollers P 1 , P 2  and, P 3  to recording apparatus # 1  or to recording apparatus # 2 . Incidentally, conveyance rollers P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 5  can also be arranged so that recording sheet R is stopped temporarily when its leading edge arrives at a roller which is in the forefront of the conveyance roller group P 4  after being fed out by the conveyance rollers, and then is conveyed by the conveyance roller group  4  again. The recording sheet R stops temporarily at a position immediately before registration roller P 6 , and then, is fed again by the registration roller P 6  which rotates in synchronization with image forming in recording apparatus # 2 . The recording sheet R ejected out of emage forming apparatus  202  through conveyance belt  18 A, fixing means  17  and sheet ejection roller P 7  is led to finisher  203 . 
     In the finisher  203 , the recording sheet R is conveyed to first loading section  23  through conveyance rollers P 8  and P 9 , junction roller P 11  and conveyance rollers P 12  and P 13 . At the first loading section  23 , the recording sheet R falls because of gravity, and its lower edge is aligned by stopper  24 A. Sheet K used as a cover, a partition sheet and a back cover is stacked on sheet loading means  21  structured with a tray on which sheets are stacked, and is conveyed by sheet feed roller P 15  and conveyance roller P 10  which constitute the sheet loading means  21 . 
     The recording sheet is made by the junction roller P 11  to join conveyance means  8 , and then is conveyed to the first loading section  23 , thus, its lower edge is aligned by stopper  24 A. Sheet feed roller P 15  is conveyance means  18  which separates and conveys one sheet loaded in the sheet loading means  21 , and it is composed of a belt trained about a fanning roller and a pair of rollers. 
     Recorded objects which are superposed in the order of a cover, recording sheets R, partition sheet K, recording sheets R and a back cover and are stacked on the first loading section  23  are bound by stapling means  24 , and then, are ejected on elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  through sheet ejection roller P 16  pushed up by stopper  24 A. In the aforesaid conveyance path, conveyance rollers P 8  and P 9 , junction roller P 11 , conveyance roller P 12 , sheet feed roller P 15  and conveyance roller P 10  constitute conveyance means  8 , stapling means  24  constitutes finish-processing section  9 , elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  or fixed sheet ejection tray  28  constitutes sheet ejection tray  11 , and sheet feed roller P 15  constitutes sheet feed means  21 . 
     Eight sensors Sj (j=1-8) are attached on compound apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG.  6  and FIG. 7, a 1 -a 4 , b-h, and j show positions for attaching sensors S 11 -S 14  and S 2 -S 8 . 
     On first sheet feed means starting point al representing the starting position for each recording sheet R, there is attached unillustrated recording sheet detection sensor S 11  which detects the start of feeding recording sheet R fed out of cassette sheet feed section  15 A. In the same way, sensor S 12  is attached on first sheet feed means starting point a 2 , and the start of feeding recording sheet R fed out of large capacity sheet feed section  15 B is detected, and sensor S 13  is attached on first sheet feed means starting point a 3 , and the start of feeding recording sheet R fed out of large capacity sheet feed section  15 C is detected. Sensor S 14  is attached on first sheet feed means starting point a 4 , and the start of feeding recording sheet R inserted through an unillustrated manual sheet feed section is detected. Further, unillustrated recording sheet sensor S 2  is attached at second sheet feed means starting point b, and a starting point for the sheet feeding by second sheet feeding means  16  (conveyance roller P 6 ) is detected. 
     Further, on first conveyance means starting point c in the vicinity of an inlet for a recording sheet on finisher  203 , there is attached unillustrated recording sensor S 3 , and when a leading edge of recording sheet R arrives at conveyance means  8 , the leading edge is detected and conveyance of the recording sheet R by the conveyance means  8  is started. 
     On sheet presence deciding point d in the vicinity of the front end portion of sheet loading section  21 , there is attached unillustrated sensor S 4 , and thereby, a sheet fed out by sheet feed roller  15  is detected, and when the trailing edge of the sheet passes through that point (sheet presence deciding point), the presence of sheet on sheet loading means  21  is detected. On second conveyance means starting point e in the vicinity of the immediate upstream side of conveyance roller P 10  of conveyance means  8 , there is attached sheet sensor S 5 , and thereby, the start of conveyance of a sheet by conveyance roller P 10  is detected, and in detail, the start of conveyance of the sheet by sheet refeeding is detected. 
     Further, on junction point f in the vicinity of the immediate upstream side of conveyance roller P 11 , there is attached unillustrated recording sheet sensor S 6 , and passage of a sheet through the junction point f is detected. On finish-processing section position g in stapling means  24 , there is attached unillustrated recording sheet sensor S 7 , and arrival of recording sheet R at stapling means  24  and that of a sheet at stapling means  24  are detected. 
     Incidentally, recording sensor S 8  is attached on fixed sheet ejection tray position (sheet ejection tray) h, and unillustrated sensor S 9  is attached on sheet presence deciding point j in the vicinity of the rear end portion of sheet loading means  21 , thereby, when sheet feed roller P 15  starts feeding a sheet, presence of the following sheet in the sheet loading means  21  is detected. 
     In the present embodiment, there is provided a finishing mode which will be explained next. In this example, it is possible to select the finishing mode by setting on an operation section of image forming apparatus  202  constituting designating means  20 , or by setting on an operation section of finisher  203 . 
     (1) Non-staple, Non-sort Mode, Shift Processing Mode 
     Recording sheet R after image forming ejected from image forming apparatus  202  is conveyed by conveyance rollers P 8  and P 9  and by junction roller P 11 , and is guided by changeover guiding means  29  to be ejected to elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  through a shift processing means. When the shift processing is set, a shift processing means operates to shift and eject recording sheet R for each job. 
     (2) Staple Mode 
     Recording sheet R after image forming ejected from image forming apparatus  202  is conveyed by conveyance rollers P 8  and P 9  and by junction roller P 11 , and is guided by changeover guiding means  29  to conveyance roller P 13  and is conveyed by conveyance rollers P 12  and P 13  to first loading section  23 . The recording sheet is bound by stapling means  24  on the first loading section  23 . The recording sheet R which has been bound is pushed up by stopper  24 A and is ejected to elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  through sheet ejection roller P 16 . It is also possible to select a mode to conduct finishing of attaching a cover, a back cover and partition sheet K and to conduct binding processing, through operation on an operation section of image forming apparatus  202  or of finisher  203 . 
     In this staple mode, sheets conveyed from sheet loading means  21  are added as a cover, a partition sheet and a back cover to a bundle of recording sheets R which are fed from image forming apparatus  202  and are stacked on first loading section  23 . Further, sheet K conveyed by sheet feed roller P 15  and conveyance roller P 10  is made by junction roller P 11  to join conveyance means  8 , and is conveyed to first loading section  23 . 
     (3) Folding, Center-binding Mode 
     Recording sheet R conveyed to first loading section  23  falls down to the position of stopper  24 B, and its leading edge is aligned by stopper  24 B. A plurality of recording sheets R are stacked on first loading section  23 , and are subjected to staple processing by stapling means  24 . After this processing, the stopper  24 B is opened and the recording sheet R is conveyed to second placing section  23 . Recording sheets R held at the proscribed position by stopper  25 C on second placing section  25  are subjected to folding processing conducted by folding means  25 B composed of protruding means  25 A and a pair of belts/rollers. The recording sheets R after folding processing are ejected to fixed sheet ejection tray  28 . Even in the case of the folding mode, it is possible to conduct processing to add a cover, a back cover and partition sheet K to the recording sheets R, which is the same as in the staple mode mentioned above. 
     FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of structure of system control system for compound apparatus  200  shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Finisher  203  shown in FIG. 8 has therein finishing control means  101 . First sheet detection means  110  having the sensor S 4  stated above is connected to the finishing control means  101 , and thereby, presence of a sheet on sheet loading means  21  is detected. In the same way, sheet size detection means  111 , size data storage means  112 , second sheet detection means  113 , second conveyance means  114 , communication means  120 , insertion position inputting means  121 , display means  122 , insertion position storage means  123 , first conveyance means  124 , finish-processing section  9  and sheet ejection tray  9  are connected to the finishing control means  101 . 
     In a word, the sheet size detection means  111  is a sensor which detects a size of a sheet on sheet loading means  21 , and second sheet detection means which will be explained later is used also as this sensor. In the size data storage means  112 , there are stored sizes of sheets detected by the sheet size detection means  111 . 
     The second sheet detection means  113  has sensor S 9  which is provided on the rear end portion of the sheet loading means  21 . With regard to the sensor S 9 , when the leading edge of sheet K on the sheet loading means  21  arrives at conveyance roller P 10  at the moment when the leading edge of recording sheet R arrives at conveyance roller P 10 , the trailing edge of sheet K fed out is not detected. Therefore, recording sheet R to be detected by the sensor S 9  follows sheet K which is fed out of the sheet loading means  21  and precedes. 
     The second conveyance means  114  is one constituting a part of conveyance means  8 , and it has sheet feed means  115  which separates one sheet from sheets on sheet loading means  21  to feed it out and reconveyance means  116 . The communication means  120  is connected with communication means  210  of image forming apparatus  202  to communicate between image forming apparatus  202  and finisher  203 . On the insertion position inputting means  121 , the position for inserting a partition sheet in recording sheets R is established through external operations. On the display means  122 , there is displayed an insertion position established by the insertion position inputting means  121 . In the insertion position storage means  123 , there is stored the established insertion position. 
     The first conveyance means  124  is one to constitute another part of conveyance means  8 , and it conveys recording sheet R conveyed from image forming apparatus  202  to finish-processing section  9 . In the present example, the first conveyance means  124  is composed of conveyance rollers P 8 , P 9  and P 12  shown in FIG.  7  and of junction roller P 13 . 
     The finish-processing section  9  is composed of stapling means  24  shown in FIG.  7 . In addition to the stapling means shown in FIG. 7, there are provided a puncher, a folding means and a center-binding means in the finish-processing section  9 . In the finishing control means  101 , delivery and receipt of signals are conducted with each function section of the finisher  203  as shown in an arrow so that these sections are controlled, and thus, communication employing communication means  210  and communication means  120  is conducted with image forming apparatus  202 . 
     The communication means  210  of image forming apparatus  202 . is connected to control unit  19 . To the control unit  19 , there are connected insertion position inputting means  211 , insertion position display means  212 , insertion position storage means  213 , mode inputting means  214 , mode display means  215 , mode storage means  215 , warning display means  217 , existence detection means  220 , size detection means  221 , size data storage means  222 , first sheet feed means  15 , second sheet feed means  16 , conveyance means  18  and recording apparatuses # 1  and # 2 . 
     In a word, the position for inserting partition sheet K in recording sheets R is set on insertion position inputting means  211  through external operations. On the display means  212 , there is displayed the insertion position set by insertion position inputting means  211 , and in storage means  213 , the insertion position is stored. In this example, insertion of partition sheet K can be set from both of the finisher  203  and image forming apparatus  202 . A setting section not only for insertion of partition sheet K but also for setting of a mode to attach a cover and a back cover, a folding mode and a center-binding mode can be provided also in image forming apparatus  202 . 
     Further, in the mode inputting means  214 , establishment of various modes such as the shift mode stated above, a staple mode, a folding mode, a center-binding mode and a mode to add a cover, partition sheet K and a back cover to recording sheets R, designation of sheet size for a cover, partition sheet K and a back cover which will be explained later, and designation of a sheet type, are accepted. The mode inputting means  214  further accepts even various settings mentioned above through a network. On the mode display means  215 , there is displayed contents established by the mode inputting means  214 . Contents of the establishment in this case are displayed either on an operation panel or on an equipment. In mode storage means  216 , there is stored information inputted with the mode inputting means  214 . 
     Various types of mode information stated above and information of position for inserting partition sheet K both established and stored in image forming apparatus  202  as stated above are transmitted to finisher  203  through communication means  210  and  120  in the course of image forming, and are used for control of finishing control means  101 . 
     Existence detection means  220  for recording sheet R has therein cassette sheet feed section  15 A, large capacity sheet feed sections  15 B and  15 C and recording sheet sensors S 11 -S 14  provided on a manual sheet feed section. On each of these recording sheet sensors S 11 -S 14 , there is detected existence of recording sheet R in each sheet feed section. On the size detection means  221 , a size of either one of recording sheets R loaded on each sheet feed section mentioned above is detected. In the size data storage means  222 , there is stored the recording sheet size detected by the size detection means  221 . A sheet feed means which supplies recording sheets R to recording apparatus # 1  or # 2  has therein first sheet feed means  15  and second sheet feed means  16 . The irst sheet feed means  15  is provided on each of cassette sheet feed section  15 A, large capacity sheet feed sections  15 B and  15 C and a manual sheet feed section, and recording sheets R are fed out of these sheet feed sections to be supplied to recording apparatus # 1  or # 2 . 
     The second sheet feed means  16  is composed of registration roller P 6  shown in FIG. 6, and it supplies recording sheet R to recording apparatus # 1  or recording apparatus # 2  in synchronization with image forming in recording apparatus # 1  or recording apparatus # 2 . 
     Recording sheet R passing through transfer positions such as conveyance belt  18 A, fixing means  17  and sheet ejection roller  18 C is conveyed by conveyance means  18 . In recording apparatus # 1 , a color image is formed on recording sheet R by ink jet of Y, M, C and BK. In recording apparatus # 2 , an image is formed on recording sheet R through charging, exposure, developing and transfer. On warning display means  217 , warning is displayed when recording sheets are used up, sheets are not present, or when the designated sheet does not agree with the detected sheet. Incidentally, this warning display means  217  can be provided also on finisher  203 . In control unit  19 , delivery and receipt of signals shown in diagram are conducted with the aforesaid function sections, and thereby, these function sections are controlled. 
     In the present example, it is possible to establish a mode to add a cover and a back cover to a recorded object from an operation section of finisher  203 , and a mode to insert partition sheet K in recording sheets R, and it is further possible to establish the position to insert partition sheet K in the partition sheet insertion mode. 
     Next, a conveyance path for recording sheets R and that for sheets K will be explained. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a flow for each of recording sheet R and sheet K in compound apparatus  200 . In this example, recording sheet R and sheet K are conveyed through conveyance paths shown in FIG.  9 . 
     (1) Conveyance by the First Sheet Feed Means  15   
     When either one of sheet feed rollers P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 5  is selected and driven, recording sheet R is conveyed to conveyance means  18  from either one of cassette sheet feed section  15 A, large capacity sheet feed sections  15 B and  15 C and a manual sheet feed section. First sheet feed means starting point a representing a standard point for conveyance control of recording sheet R represents the time when a signal for starting sheet feeding is outputted for sheet fed roller P 1 , P 2 , P 3  or P 5 . 
     (2) Conveyance by the Second Sheet Feed Means  16   
     The recording sheet R conveyed by the first sheet feed means  15  stops temporarily on this side of registration roller P 6 , and when the registration roller P 6  starts operating in synchronization with image forming in recording apparatus # 2 , for example, the recording sheet R is conveyed to the recording apparatus # 2 . Second sheet feed means starting point b representing a standard point for conveyance control of recording sheet R represents the time when the registration roller P 6  starts operating. 
     The recording sheet R which has been subjected to fixing processing in recording apparatus # 2  is conveyed to. either one of straight sheet ejection path, reversing sheet ejection path, and conveyance path for automatic two-sided image forming  18 D by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B. The straight sheet ejection path is a conveyance path for feeding recording sheet R in finisher  203 , and recording sheet R is guided by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B located at the position shown with solid lines. The reversing sheet ejection path is a conveyance path which reverses recording sheet R to feed it in finisher  203 . For example, the recording sheet R conveyed from a fixing unit is conveyed downward by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B rotated to the position shown with dotted lines, and then, the recording sheet R is caused to switchback to be guided to sheet ejection roller P 7  by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B. 
     In this example, in a single-sided mode wherein an image is formed on one side of recording sheet R, the recording sheet R on which an image has been formed is fed into finisher  203  through the aforesaid reversing sheet ejection path. In two-sided image forming, the recording sheet R having on its one side a formed image is conveyed to conveyance section  18 D by conveyance path changeover plate  18 B located at the position shown with dotted lines, and is fed again to recording apparatus # 2 . After images are formed on both sides of recording sheet R, the recording sheet R is guided by conveyance path changeover plate  18  located at the position of solid lines to be fed in finisher  203  through the straight conveyance path. 
     (3) Conveyance by the First Conveyance Means  124   
     It is a process for recording sheet R to be conveyed to first loading section  23  by conveyance rollers P 8 -P 13  after the recording sheet R on which images have been formed is ejected out of image forming apparatus  202 . First conveyance means starting point c representing the standard point on conveyance control for recording sheet R and sheet K is the time when the leading edge of the recording sheet R arrives at recording sheet sensor S 3  provided at an inlet for recording sheet on finisher  203 . 
     (4) Conveyance by the Second Conveyance Means  114   
     In this example, a cover, a back cover or sheet K used as a partition is fed from sheet loading means  21  by sheet feed roller P 15 , and is conveyed by conveyance roller P 10  to junction roller P 11 . 
     (5) Finishing 
     On recording sheet R and sheet K conveyed by first loading section  23 , one end binding processing for binding an end position or center-binding processing for binding a center portion is performed by stapling means  24 . For example, when recording sheet R and sheet K arrive at the first loading section  23 , regulating plates  31  provided on both sides of the first loading section  23  reciprocate to adjust the recording sheet R and sheet K. In the first loading section  23 , when a set of recorded object composed of recording sheets R, a cover and partition sheets K becomes complete, stapling means  24  operates and binding processing is conducted. 
     The recorded object which has been subjected to binding processing is ejected to elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  constituting sheet ejection tray  11  or to fixed sheet ejection tray  28 . Arrival of recording sheet R and sheet K at finishing apparatus  24  is detected by unillustrated sheet sensor S 7  provided at position g near stopper  24 A. 
     Next, there will be explained an example of structure of operation panel  90  in compound apparatus  200 . FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing operation panel  90  in compound apparatus  200 . This operation panel  90  represents an example of designating means  12 . The operation panel shown in FIG. 10 is provided with cover setting button  91 , back cover setting button  92 , inter-sheet display section  93 , start/end button  94 , OK button  95 , numerical value inputting buttons  96  and  98  and display section  97 . 
     The cover setting button  91  is operated when setting a mode to attach a cover, while the back cover setting button  92  is operated when setting a mode to attach a back cover. On the inter-sheet display section  93 , there is displayed an inter-sheet mode when inserting partition sheet K. The start/end button  94  is operated when setting of an inter-sheet mode is started, or when the setting is finished. The OK button  95  is operated when deciding the setting of an inter-sheet mode. The numerical value inputting buttons  96  is operated in a way to input, in numerals, “the number of sheets” showing the number of recording sheets R after which the partition sheet K is to be inserted. The numerical value inputting buttons  98  is operated when designating the number of partition sheets K. This is used also when deciding which of the left end position and the right end position of recording sheets R to be bound. 
     Next, setting control in finisher  203  in the course of inserting partition sheet K will be explained. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of designation of positions to insert a cover, a back cover and partition sheet K in finisher  203 . 
     In this example, it is an assumption to establish a position to insert partition sheet K in advance, when attaching a cover, a back cover or partition sheet K on a recorded object. It is assumed, in the case of recording sheet R, that a user selects in advance the occasion that recording sheet R is bound on its left end position or the occasion that recording sheet R is bound on its right end position. In the present example, it is assumed that initial setting is made so that “left side end cover position” may flicker on display section  97 . 
     Under this assumption, it is judged first whether start button  94  or end button  95  was pressed or not in step B 1  of the flow chart shown in FIG.  11 . When the start button  94  is pressed in this case, the sequence advances to step B 2  and display of “left end cover position” flickers on display section  97 . In this case, the number of partition sheets is displayed in succession from the surface side on display section  97 . As an initial value, a display corresponding to “1” flickers. After that, the sequence advances to step B 3 , responding to operations of numerical value inputting buttons  96  and  98 , and the number of partition sheets is displayed on display section  93  as data. The partition sheet K is inserted after the number of recording sheets R displayed on the display section  93 . 
     After that, in step B 4 , it is judged whether a right side button of numerical value inputting button  98  showing the right side end cover position was pressed or not. When the right side button is not pressed even after waiting for prescribed time, the sequence advances to step B 5 , and it is judged whether a left side button of numerical value inputting button  98  showing the left side end cover position was pressed or not. When the left side button is pressed, the sequence advances to step B 6  where it is confirmed whether recording sheets R are bound on their left end portion or not. When the recording sheets R are bound on their left end portion, the sequence advances to step B 7  where a flickering position is shifted to the left side to advance to step B 10 . 
     Incidentally, when the right side button is pressed, the sequence advances to step B 8  where it is confirmed whether recording sheets R are bound on their right end portion or not. When the recording sheets R are bound on their right end portion, the sequence advances to step B 9  where a flickering position is shifted to the right side, and then the sequence advances to step B 10 . 
     Therefore, when recording sheets R are bound neither on their right end portion nor on their right end portion, and after the prescribed position is shifted in step B 7  and step B 9 , the numerical value inputting buttons  98  is operated to select desired partition sheet K. In the case of an addition operation, for example, the sequence advances to step B 10  where addition processing is conducted, and then, in step B 11 , existing data are loaded. Then, it is judged whether the numerical value inputted by the numerical value inputting buttons  98  is an upper limit value or not. When it is an upper limit value, the sequence goes back to step B 3 . When it is not an upper limit value, the sequence advances to step B 13  where existing data are subjected to incremental operation and new data are maintained. After that, the sequence goes back to step B 3 . 
     In the case of a subtraction operation, subtraction processing is conducted in step B 14 . After that, existing data are loaded in step B 15 . Then, it is judged whether the numerical value inputted by the numerical value inputting buttons  98  is a lower limit value or not in step B 16 . When it is a lower limit value, the sequence goes back to step B 3 . When it is not a lower limit value, the sequence advances to. step B 17  where existing data are subjected to incremental operation and new data are maintained. After that, the sequence goes back to step B 3 . 
     Then, when OK button  95  is pressed in step B 20  for decision (settlement), display of insertion position in display section  97  is held in insertion position storage means  123  (insertion position storage means  213  when established on image forming apparatus  202 ), so that the flickering position may be stored in step B 19 . 
     In step B 20 , insertion data for partition sheet K for recording sheets R are stored. It is possible to repeat the aforesaid registration of insertion position for partition sheet K, and it is possible to set insertion of partition sheets K up to six sheets as shown in display section  97  in this example. It is also possible to use insertion position inputting means  211  and insertion position display means  212  both on image forming apparatus  202  as sated above, for selection of a mode to attach a cover, a partition sheet and a back cover on recording sheets R and for designation of insertion position for partition sheet K. 
     Next, there will be explained an example of setting for insertion of partition sheet K on image forming apparatus  202 . FIG. 12 is a diagram of a state transition showing an example of mode display for inter-sheet in image forming apparatus  202 . Even in this example, an insertion position for partition sheet K is set in advance when attaching a cover, a back cover or partition sheet K on a recorded object. 
     Display setting section  40  shown in FIG. 12 is one constituting a part of mode display means  215  shown in FIG. 8, and it is provided in image forming apparatus  202  and is composed of a touch panel having functions of insertion position inputting means  211  and insertion position display means  212 . 
     On the touch panel, for example, tag APP for selection of applied equipment is displayed together with basic image plane G 1 . When this tag APP is selected and touched, the display is changed from basic image plane in FIG. 12 to applied image plane G 2 . Together with this, tag TST for setting inter-sheet is displayed on the lower portion of the applied image plane G 2 . In this example, when inserting partition sheet K in recording sheets K, tag TST for setting inter-sheet is selected. Incidentally, with regard to designation of insertion position in the case of a mode to insert a partition sheet, inputting is carried out through an unillustrated ten-key. 
     FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of display of an inter-sheet mode on display setting section  40 . Even in this example, display setting section  40  is provided with cover mode setting button  41 , back cover mode setting button  42  and partition insertion mode setting button  43 . These buttons  41 - 43  are operated to select a mode to attach a cover, a mode to attach a back cover or a mode to insert partition sheet K. 
     Next, an example of operations of compound apparatus  100  will be explained. FIG. 14 is a time chart for operations of each structure section in compound apparatus  20  shown in FIG.  6 -FIG.  8 . In this example, there is given an example wherein recording sheets R for only monochrome images are bound to be a booklet. For example, let it be assumed that there are prepared two sets of recorded objects, in each of them, partition sheet C 1  is inserted between the second recording sheet R 2  and the third recording sheet R 3 , and a recorded object is covered by cover FC 1  and back cover UC 1 . Incidentally, when making a booklet wherein recording sheets R for monochrome images and recording sheets R for color images are mixed, it is possible to calculate the time to start color images and the time to insert and thereby to insert recording sheet R of color images into the desired insertion position, as stated in the embodiment. 
     The axis of abscissas in FIG. 14 represents time, and the axis of ordinates represents positions of recording sheet R and sheets (partition sheet and a back cover) on the conveyance paths, or stages on the conveyance progress, and an upper portion represents upstream side and a lower portion represents downstream side. R 1 -R 3  show recording sheet R conveyed, and FC 1 , FC 2 , MC 1  and UC 1  respectively represent a cover, partition sheet K and a back cover. 
     An arrow in a solid line in the direction of the axis of ordinates shows transmission of signals, and an arrow in dotted line in the direction of the axis of abscissas shows a time interval. The first recording sheet R 1  starts at the first sheet feed means starting point a at the time of ta 1 , and arrives at the second sheet feed means at the time of tb 1 . Then, it stays at the second sheet feed means starting point b for a certain period of time so that the leading edge of the recording sheet R is adjusted in terms of timing. Then, in synchronization with image forming, the recording sheet R 1  starts at the second sheet feed starting point b, then, is subjected to image recording processing by recording apparatus # 2  in image forming apparatus  202 , then is ejected out of the recording apparatus # 2 , and arrives at finish-processing position g through the first conveyance means starting point c in finisher  203  and junction point f. 
     While the recording sheet R is at the finish-processing position g, adjustment processing by reciprocation of side edge regulating plate  31  (see FIG. 7) in the lateral direction of recording sheet R 1  is performed for the time interval L 7  from time tg 1 , and thereby, the recording sheet R is positioned at prescribed location. The recording sheet R stays at the finish-processing position g to be ready for the succeeding processing. 
     Receiving the signal for recording sheet R 1  to start from the first sheet feed means starting point, cover FC 1  starts from the second conveyance means starting point e almost simultaneously. The cover FC 1  arrives at the finish-processing position g at the time tg 1  which precedes the time tg 2  when recording sheet R 1  arrives at the finish-processing position g and stays there after being subjected to the adjustment processing. Accordingly, on the first loading section  23 , recording sheet R 1  is stacked on the cover FC 1 . 
     In the same way as in the foregoing, recording sheet R 2 , partition sheet C 1 , recording sheet R 3  and back cover UC 1  are stacked on the first loading section  23  in this order, and one set of recorded object is placed on the first loading section  23 . After the adjustment processing of time L 7 , staple processing is conducted at time L 8 , and a stapled recorded object is ejected to elevator type sheet ejection tray  27  from the first loading section  23 . 
     Incidentally, in the course of conveying cover FC 1 , existence of a sheet on sheet loading means  21  is detected at time td 1 , and when the sheet exists, there is made judgment for permitting conveyance of recording sheet R following the sheet. In the example shown in FIG. 14, there is made judgment for permitting conveyance of recording sheet R 3  following partition sheet C 1 , because the partition sheet C 1  is inserted between recording sheet R 2  and recording sheet R 3 . At time ta 5 , recording sheet R 1  representing the first sheet in the second set of recorded object starts from the first sheet feed means starting point a, and image forming is started again. 
     In the finishing process stated above, an interval for conveyance of each recording sheet R is usually a basic time interval L 1  for conveyance of a recording sheet. However, when inserting partition sheet Ci between recording sheet Rn and recording sheet Rn+1, there is provided time interval L 3  which is the sum total of the basic time interval L 1  and delay time L 2  (delay DB) between recording sheet Rn and recording sheet Rn−1. 
     By providing a broader interval compared with an occasion to insert partition sheet Cu at conveyance timing for each recording sheet, it is possible to conduct finishing processing and thereby to convey recording sheet R in a stable manner, without increasing conveyance speed for recording sheet R in finisher  203  against conveyance speed for recording sheet R in image forming apparatus  202 . 
     Incidentally, when inserting a sheet in recording sheets without broadening intervals of the recording sheets, it is necessary to double the conveyance speed for recording sheet R in finisher  203  to avoid interference between the recording sheet R and the sheet. When the conveyance speed for the recording sheet R is increased, conveyance is made to be unstable by a change on the half way of a conveyance course, and thereby, conveyance troubles and sheet jamming tend to be caused. 
     The control to broaden an interval between recording sheets is implemented by delaying the operations of the first sheet feed means  15 A,  15 B and  15 C by time interval L 2 , as stated above. It is preferable, from the viewpoint of control, that the delay time L 2  is established to be the same as basic time interval Li. 
     In the time chart stated above, the start of sheet feeding for partition sheet C 1  and back cover UC 1  can be implemented based on signals with which each of recording sheets R 2  and R 3  is detected at the first conveyance means starting point c. Each of delay DC and delay DD shows time from reception of the detection signals to the start of conveyance. 
     Though the first conveyance means starting point c is the time of detection of the leading edge of recording sheet by sensor S 3  provided at an inlet for recording sheet on finisher  203 , it is also possible to provide another sensor at an outlet for recording sheet on image forming apparatus  202  and thereby to make the detection of the leading edge of recording sheet by this sensor to be the first conveyance starting point. 
     Next, the control related to first sheet feed means  15  in FIG. 14, namely, the control for conducting the first sheet feed control and another control made based on the first sheet feeding will be explained by the use of FIGS. 15-17. FIGS. 15-17 represent flow charts (part 1-part 3) showing examples of control for the first sheet feeding in compound apparatus  200 . FIG. 15 shows an example of control of the first sheet feeding for the first recording sheet R, FIG. 16 shows an example of control of the first sheet feeding for the n-th recording sheet R, and FIG. 17 shows an example of control of the first sheet feeding for the last recording sheet R. 
     In this example, as is apparent from FIG. 14, the first sheet feed control in the sheet feeding for the first recording sheet R, the first sheet feed control in the sheet feeding for n-th recording sheet R including insertion of partition sheet K, and the first sheet feed control in the sheet feeding for the last recording sheet R are different from each other. Therefore, a flow chart will be explained after being divided into each characteristic step in conveyance process for recording sheet R and sheet K. 
     In step C 1  in the flow chart shown in FIG. 15, there is made judgment whether it is the first sheet feed timing or not. In this case, judgment whether it is the first sheet feed timing or not is made depending on whether a button for start copying is operated or image forming is requested from a communication line. When it is not the first sheet feed timing, the control related to the first sheet feeding is ended. 
     When it is the first sheet feed timing, the sequence advances to step C 2 , and the counter value with which the number of recording sheets R for image forming has been set is loaded. After that, judgment of whether to conduct image forming on the first sheet or not is made in step C 3 . When conducting image forming on the first sheet, the sequence advances to step C 4 , and there is made judgment of whether the image forming mode for attaching a cover is set or not. When the image forming mode for attaching a cover is set, the sequence advances to step C 5  wherein presence of a cover is judged. When the cover is present, the first sheet feeding shown in FIG. 14 is started, and a command for sheet feeding of the cover is outputted to the second conveyance means  114  in step C 6 . Then, after the first sheet feeding for the first sheet is conducted in step C 7 , a counter of the sheet feeding number is incremented (+1) in step C 8 . 
     Incidentally, when the mode not to attach a cover is set in step C 4 , the sequence advances to step C 9  wherein the first sheet feeding for the first sheet is started, and a counter of the sheet feeding number is incremented (+1) in step C 10  for ending. 
     When there are no sheets in step C 5  while the mode to attach a cover is set, a stop command is outputted in step C 11  for abnormal ending. This stop command is a command signal which stops execution of image forming process thereafter. In the backward flow chart, for the stop processing in the case of no sheets, as a result of checking of existence of partition sheet K, or in checking of existence of a back cover, the image forming process after the checking is stopped by control unit  19  in the same way as in the foregoing. The stop processing in this case represents a prohibition of feeding out and conveyance of recording sheet R which is scheduled to be conveyed after detection of no sheets. 
     In the case of no image forming for the first sheet in step C 3  in the flow chart shown in FIG. 15, namely, in the case of sheet feeding for the second recording sheet R or thereafter, the sequence advances to the flow chart shown in FIG.  16 . Then, in step C 12 , it is judged whether image forming is to be conducted for N-th sheet or not. When conducting image forming on the N-th sheet, the sequence moves to step C 13  wherein it is judged whether the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K in recording sheets is designated or not. When the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K is designated, the sequence moves to step C 16  wherein it is judged whether a partition-waiting flag is set or not. The partition-waiting flag in this case is an identifier which delays the first sheet feeding by delay time L 2  in FIG.  14 . This delay time L 2  is set to be the same as recording sheet basic time interval L 1 . 
     When the partition-waiting flag is set, the sequence moves to step C 17 , and the first sheet feeding of the first recording sheet R is delayed by the partition-waiting time, then, the first sheet feeding shown in FIG. 14 is started, and sheet feeding for the N-th sheet is conducted. After that, a counter of the sheet feeding number is incremented (+1) in step C 18 . 
     When the partition-waiting flag is not set in step C 16 , the sequence moves to step C 19  and it is judged whether partition sheet K exists or not. When the partition sheet K exists, the sequence moves to step C 20  to set the partition-waiting flag for ending. Due to this setting of the partition-waiting flag, the timing for the following first sheet feeding is delayed and thereby, an interval between recording sheets for partition sheet K is broadened. Incidentally, when partition sheet K does not exist in step C 19 , a stop command resulting from no partition sheet is outputted in step C 21  for abnormal ending. 
     In the case of no image forming for the N-th sheet in step C 12  in the flow chart shown in FIG. 16, namely, in the case of sheet feeding for the last recording sheet, the sequence moves to the flow chart shown in FIG.  17 . Then, in step C 22 , it is judged whether image forming is to be conducted for N-th sheet or not. When conducting image forming on the N-th sheet, the sequence moves to step C 23  wherein it is judged whether the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K in recording sheets is designated or not. When the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K is designated, the sequence moves to step C 26  wherein it is judged whether a partition-waiting flag is set or not. When this partition-waiting flag is set, the sequence moves to step C 27  wherein the first sheet feeding for the (N−1)th recording sheet R is delayed by the partition-waiting time, then, the first sheet feeding shown in FIG. 14 is started, and the first sheet feeding for the (N−1)th sheet is conducted. After that, a counter of the sheet feeding number is incremented (+1) in step C 28 . 
     When the partition-waiting flag is not set in step C 26 , the sequence moves to step C 29  and it is judged whether partition sheet K exists or not. When the partition sheet K exists, the sequence moves to step C 30  to set the partition-waiting flag for ending. Due to this setting of the partition-waiting flag, the timing for the following first sheet feeding is delayed and thereby, an interval between recording sheets for partition sheet K is broadened. Incidentally, when partition sheet K does not exist in step C 29 , a stop command resulting from no partition sheet is outputted in step C 31  for abnormal ending. 
     Next, an example of control for ejection of recording sheet R from a main body will be explained. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of control for sheet ejection from a main body in compound apparatus  200 . In this example, the control for sheet ejection from the main body is conducted based on recording sheet detection signals obtained from recording sheet sensor S 3  provided at a recording sheet entrance on finisher  203 . In the control for sheet ejection from the main body conducted based on recording sheet detection signals from the recording sheet sensor S 3 , there are originated a sheet feeding command for partition sheet C 1  at time tc 1  and a sheet feeding command for back cover UC 1  at time tc 2 , as shown in FIG.  14 . 
     In other words, the timing for ejecting recording sheet R from the main body is judged in step D 1  in the flow chart shown in FIG.  18 . In this case, whether it is the timing for sheet ejection from the main body or not is judged depending on whether the recording sheet R conveyed from image forming apparatus  202  to finisher  203  is detected or not. When it is not the timing for ejecting sheets from the main body, the control for sheet ejection from the main body for recording sheet R is ended. 
     Accordingly, in the case of the timing for ejecting sheets from the main body based on recording sheet detection signals obtained from recording sheet sensor S 3  in step D 1 , the sequence moves to step D 2  wherein a value of the counter of the sheet ejection number for recording sheet R is loaded. After that, whether the (N−1)th recording sheet R has been ejected from image forming apparatus  202  to finisher  203  or not is judged in step D 3 . 
     When the (N−1)th sheet has been ejected from image forming apparatus  202  to finisher  203 , the sequence moves to step D 4  wherein it is judged whether the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K in recording sheets has been designated or not. When the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K has been designated, the sequence moves to step D 5  and a command for feeding a partition sheet is originated. The partition-waiting flag is set by this command for feeding a partition sheet. When the image forming mode to insert partition sheet K is not designated, the control for sheet ejection from the main body is ended. 
     When the (N−1)th sheet has been ejected from image forming apparatus  202  to finisher  203  in step D 3 , the recording sheet R is judged whether it is the last sheet or not in step D 6 . When the recording sheet R is not the last sheet, the sequence goes back to step D 3  to detect the last sheet. When the recording sheet R is the last sheet in step D 6 , the sequence moves to step D 7  wherein it is judged whether the image forming mode to attach a back cover is set or not. When the image forming mode to attach a back cover is set, the sequence moves to step D 8  wherein a command for feeding a back cover is originated. When the image forming mode to attach a back cover is not set, the control for sheet ejection from the main body is ended. Due to this, it is possible to conduct the control for sheet ejection from the main body based on recording sheet sensor S 3  arranged at a recording sheet entrance on finisher  203 . 
     Next, an example of how to control insertion of sheets in recording sheets R will be explained. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of how to control insertion of sheets in various sizes in compound apparatus  200 . In this example, a size of a sheet placed on sheet loading means  21  is detected, and the size of the sheet is judged whether it is in conformity with that of recording sheet R or not, and insertion of the sheet based on the judgment is controlled. 
     With an assumption of the foregoing, it is judged whether the start of a job was requested in step E 1  of the flow chart shown in FIG. 19 or not. When the start of a job is not requested for a certain period of time, the control is ended. When the start of a job is requested in step E 1 , the sequence is moved to step E 2  wherein the mode is judged whether it is an insertion mode or not. When the insertion mode is set in step E 2 , the sequence moves to step E 3  wherein a size of the sheet to be inserted in recording sheets R is judged whether it is suitable or not. In this case, a size of a sheet placed on sheet loading means  21  is detected, and when the size of the sheet agrees with a size of recording sheet R, it is judged to be in conformity with the recording sheet R. 
     When there is no sheet having a size suitable for the recording sheet R size in step E 3 , the sequence moves to step E 4 . In the step E 4 , when sheets having a B4 size are set for recording sheet R having a A3 size, for example, the warning saying that “Set sheets for a cover for A3 size” is displayed by warning display means  217 . 
     When a sheet having a size suitable for the recording sheet R size exists in step E 3 , the sequence moves to step E 5 . In the step E 5 , it is judged whether the type of the sheet to be inserted in recording sheet R is suitable or not. In this case, the type of the sheet placed on sheet loading means  21  is compared with the type established in advance, and when the type of the sheet agrees with the type of the sheet established in advance, the type of the sheet is judged to be suitable. 
     In this example, the factor of the judgment for whether the type of the sheet is suitable or not is, for example, a thickness of the sheet. On the sheet loading means  21 , there is provided a detection means which detects a thickness of a sheet, and judgment to be conducted is comparison between the results of the detection made by the detection means and a sheet thicness established by an operator. Therefore, when the type of the sheet to be inserted in recording sheet R is suitable, the sequence moves to step E 6  where the job related to the control of sheet insertion is started. 
     Incidentally, when the type of the sheet is not suitable in step E 5 , the sequence moves to step E 7 . In the step E 7 , the warning for resetting sheets such as, for example, the warning saying that “Set the thick sheet for a cover” is displayed. After that, the control of the sheet insertion is ended. In this way, the warning is displayed when sheet size and type are not suitable. It is therefore possible to conduct the control of sheet insertion based on judgment whether the sheet size is suitable for recording sheet R or not. 
     Next, there will be explained an example of the control wherein sheet types are established in a registration mode. FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the control in a registration mode for sheet types in compound apparatus  200 . In this example, there is assumed an occasion wherein plural sheet loading means  21  are provided, and sheets of different types are stacked to be used. In the compound apparatus  200  of this kind, a type of sheets stacked on the specific sheet loading means  21  is registered in a memory of finisher  203  as a registration mode, and by selecting the registered mode, a sheet of the specific type is received from the specific sheet loading means  21 , and then, processing is conducted. 
     Under this assumption, there is made judgment whether or not a job was required to start in step F 1  in the flow chart shown in FIG.  20 . When the job is not required to start for a certain period of time, the control is ended. When the job is required to start in step F 1 , the sequence moves to step F 2  wherein a mode is judged whether it is an insertion mode or not. When the insertion mode is set in step F 2 , the sequence moves to step F 3  wherein judgment is made whether the sheet registered in advance is to be used or not regarding the sheet to be inserted in recording sheets R. In this case, the sheets stacked on sheet loading means  21  are detected whether they represent those registered in advance or not, and when the sheets agree with registered sheets, judgment is made to use the sheets. When it is judged, in step F 3 , not to use the sheets registered in advance, the control based on the registration mode for sheet types is ended. 
     When it is judged, in step F 3 , to use the sheets registered in advance, the sequence moves to step F 4  wherein it is judged whether the registered sheets exist or not. When the registered sheets exist, the sequence moves to step F 5  and a job relating to the control of sheet insertion is started. When the sheets registered in advance are judged not to exist in step F 4 , the sequence moves to step F 6 . In step F 6 , when B 5  size sheets registered in advance are not set for recording sheets in B 5  size, for example, the warning saying that “Set B 5  size sheets for a cover” is displayed by warning display means  217 . After that, the control based on the registration mode for sheet types is ended. Due to this, a sheet of the specific type is received from the specific sheet loading means  21 , and then, processing can be conducted. 
     Next, there will be explained an example of the control for feeding out of a cover and a back cover or partition sheet K. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the control for feeding out of a cover and a back cover in copying machine  200 . In this example, it is assumed that a mode to attach a cover and a back cover or partition sheet K is set, and there is issued a command to feed a cover, a partition sheet or a back cover, to recording sheets R outputted by the first sheet feeding. 
     Under this assumption, timing is judged, in step G 1  in the flow chart shown in FIG. 21, whether it is sheet feeding timing or not. In this case, the timing is judged whether it is sheet feeding timing or not, dependint on whether there is an operation of a button to start copying or a request for image forming coming from a communication line. When the timing is not sheet feeding timing, the control for feed out relating to a cover is ended. Therefore, when the timing is judged, in step G 1 , to be sheet feeding timing, the sequence moves to step G 2  where it is detected whether there is a command for sheet feeding of a cover or not. In this case, the command for feeding a cover is issued at time ta 1  in first sheet feeding means starting point a shown in FIG.  14 . 
     Accordingly, when there is a command for sheet feeding of a cover, the sequence moves to step G 3  where it is judged whether there are sheets for a cover or not. When sheets for a cover exist, the sequence moves to step G 4  and a cover is fed out of sheet loading means  21 . When sheets for a cover do not exist, the sequence moves to step G 5  and a suspension command for no sheets for a cover is issued, and then, the control for feeding out relating to a cover is ended. 
     When there is no sheet feeding command for a cover in step G 2 , the sequence moves to step G 4  wherein it is judged whether there is a command for feeding partition sheets or not. In this case, a command for feeding partition sheets is issued at time tc 1  in first conveyance means starting point j shown in FIG.  14 . Therefore, when there is a command for feeding a partition sheet, the sequence moves to step G 7  wherein it is judged whether partition sheets K exist or not. When the partition sheets K exist, the sequence moves to step G 8  and partition sheet K is fed out of sheet loading means  21 . When there are no partition sheets K, the sequence moves to step G 9 . When sheets for a cover do not exist, the sequence moves to step G 5  and a suspension command for no partition sheets is issued, and then, the control for feeding out relating to partition sheet K is ended. 
     Further, when there is no command for feeding a partition sheet in step G 6 , the sequence moves to step G 10  where it is detected whether there is a command for feeding a back cover or not. In this case, a command for feeding a back cover is issued at time td 3  in first conveyance means starting point j shown in FIG.  14 . Therefore, when there is a command for feeding a back cover, the sequence moves to step G 11  and it is judged whether there are back cover sheets or not. When there are back cover sheets, the sequence is moved to step G 12  and a back cover is fed out of sheet loading means  21 . When there are no back cover sheets, the sequence moves to step G 13 . When sheets for a cover do not exist, the sequence moves to step G 5  and then, the control for feeding out relating to a back cover is ended. 
     Due to this, it is possible to attach a cover, a back cover or partition sheet K on recording sheets R based on a command for feeding a cover, a command for feeding a partition sheet or a command for feeding a back cover. Accordingly, it is possible to conduct processing to form monochrome images and color images in parallel on respective recording sheets R by two recording apparatuses # 1  and # 2  based on given image information from an image information source, and then, to collect the recording sheets to one location by conveyance means  8  in finisher  203 . Thus, a booklet can be prepared by binding, with good reproducibility, the recording sheets R wherein monochrome documents and color documents both after image forming are mixed. 
     (3) Second Example 
     FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of structure of compound apparatus  300  representing Second Example. The compound apparatus  300  shown in FIG. 22 is one wherein recording apparatus # 1  for forming color images is arranged on the part of finisher  203 . In other words, it is one wherein recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system in First Example is separated and mounted on finisher  203 . With this structure, it is not necessary to handle from design change of internal structure of an existing compound apparatus of an electro-photographic system, and thereby it is possible to constitute compound apparatus  300  wherein recording sheets R containing mixedly monochrome documents and color documents can be bound, with good reproducibility, to be a booklet. 
     Compound apparatus  300  shown in FIG. 22 is provided with image memory  1 , document reading means  2  and image forming apparatus  202 ′ having therein recording apparatus # 2 , and the image memory  1  is connected with the document reading means  2 , facsimile means  3  and interface means  4 , thereby, received image data D 2  received through FAX receiving, processing image data D 3  from external computers and document image data D 1  obtained through reading of the document are stored temporarily. As recording apparatus # 2 , a monochrome image forming apparatus of an electro-photographic system is used. 
     Finisher  203  is provided to be adjacent to the image forming apparatus  202 ′, and recording apparatus # 1  of an ink jet system for color images is mounted on the finisher  203 . For the purpose of synchronization between recording apparatus # 1  and recording apparatus # 2 , it is preferable that communication processing is conducted between control unit  19  shown in First Example and a control unit provided on recording apparatus # 1 . It is also preferable that a conveyance means is structured so that a sheet ejection outlet on recording apparatus # 1  may join with that on recording apparatus # 2 . 
     In this example, color images are formed on a recording sheet by recording apparatus # 1 , while monochrome images are formed on a recording sheet by recording apparatus # 2 , and then, color image recording sheet Rc by recording apparatus # 1  and monochrome recording sheet Rbk by recording apparatus # 2  are put together by finisher  203 . 
     Due to this, it is possible to form a copied object wherein color image recording sheets Rc and monochrome image recording sheets Rbk both image-formed based on an image information source in which monochrome documents and color documents are mixed are bound, with good reproducibility, to be a booklet, without making a big design change on internal structures of an existing compound apparatus of an electro-photographic system. 
     As stated above, in the compound recording apparatus relating to the invention, there is provided a finishing means wherein two or more recording sheets which have been subjected to image forming processing in parallel are collected to one location to be subjected to finish-processing. 
     Due to this structure, it is possible to collate two or more recording sheets after image forming at high speed in the order designated in advance, or to staple one end of the collated recording sheets, or to attach a cover and a back cover on the stapled recording sheets, or to fold two or more recording sheets after image forming in a folio form and collate them, or to attach a cover and a back cover on the recording sheets in a folio form whose one end is stapled. 
     Due to this structure, with regard to recording sheets collected to one location, for example, plural recording sheets after image forming are collated at high speed in the order designated in advance, or these recording sheets are stapled after they are collated, or a cover and a back cover are attached on the collated recording sheets and the recording sheets are stapled, or the recording sheets after image forming are folded in a folio form and collated, or a cover and a back cover are attached on the collated recording sheets in a folio form which is then stapled. Therefore, when binding a booklet from a compound document in which monochrome documents and color documents are mixed, for example, it is possible to bind recording sheets on which monochrome images are formed and recording sheets on which color images are formed at high speed in the order designated in advance.