Abstract:
There is described an image forming apparatus combined with a finisher for applying finish processing such as stapling. The image-forming apparatus includes: a reading section to read an original image so as to generate image data of the original image; a designating section to designate a first direction of the original image to be read by the reading section and a second direction of an output image to be ejected; an image-processing section to apply image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data so as to generate processed image data; a controlling section to control a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and the second direction, so that a direction of the output image coincides with the second direction; and an image-forming section to form the output image based on the processed image data.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an image forming method and image forming apparatus, particularly to an image forming method and image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is connected with a finisher for applying processing of finishing such as stapling. 
   When images of a plurality of documents have been formed by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, sheets are collated for each copy and are bound by stapling (staple-finishing) in some cases. 
   In this case, a finisher is placed adjacent to the image forming apparatus proper and the transfer sheet ejected from the image forming apparatus proper is received by the finisher, which applies processing of staple-finishing. 
   When such staple finishing is performed, one of the four corners of the document is specified if one-point binding (corner stapling) is used. When two-point binding (lateral stapling) is used, any one of four edges is specified. 
   To cope with the staple position specified by the user, the finisher must be designed to permit stapling on any one of the four corners or edges of the sheet. To put it another way, the user has been unable to specify a desired staple position when a finisher is capable of stapling on one position or one side (edge) alone, according to the prior art. 
   To provide an apparatus capable of stapling at any one of the four corners or edges, the staple mechanism is complicated and the stapling apparatus is costly. 
   To solve this problem, a proposal has been made in JP 06-255283, wherein an image is formed after the image is rotated by image processing in order to staple a transfer sheet at a desired position using a finisher where stapling position is restricted. 
   For the direction of the transfer sheet or image at the time of ejection, JP 2003-162101 given below discloses the art of ejecting the transfer sheet ejected wherein its specified side—either the obverse or reverse side—is kept to face upward, when a finisher is connected. 
   JP 2001-075421 given below introduces an art of processing the image rotation, independently of the direction of the document to be set, wherein an image is formed on the transfer sheet placed in a fixed direction, and the direction of the set document (lateral direction or longitudinal direction) is adjusted, whereby an image is formed and the sheet is ejected. 
   Incidentally, when an image forming apparatus of this type is used, the transfer sheets with an image formed thereon are taken up in a bundle and are set on a separate cutting machine in some cases. In this case, when sheets are taken out of the image forming apparatus in the direction suited for being set on the cutting machine, the work efficiency is drastically improved. 
   The art disclosed JP 06-255283 and JP 2003-162101 is satisfactory to the extent of specifying the obverse or reverse side of the transfer sheet, and automatically rotating an image conforming to the stapling. However, it fails to arrange the direction of the image that facilitates removal of the transfer sheet. 
   According to the art described in JP 2001-075421, the direction of the transfer sheet is simply kept constant, independently of the direction of the original. It fails to provide the direction of the image that facilitates the re-setting of a bundle of transfer sheets on another finisher or to the removal of the bundle of transfer sheet. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To overcome the abovementioned drawbacks in conventional image-forming methods and apparatus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, designed in a simple structure, capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet. 
   Accordingly, to overcome the cited shortcomings, the abovementioned object of the present invention can be attained by image-forming methods and apparatus described as follow.
     (1) A method for forming an image, comprising the steps of: reading an original image to generate image data of the original image; designating a first direction of the original image to be read in the reading step and a second direction of an output image to be ejected; applying image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated in the reading step, so as to generate processed image data; controlling a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and the second direction designated in the designating step, so that a direction of the output image coincides with the second direction designated in the designating step; and forming the output image based on the processed image data generated in the applying step.   (2) The method of item  1 , wherein, in the controlling step, a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected, is selected as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   (3) A method for forming an image in an image-forming apparatus to which a finishing apparatus is coupled, the finishing apparatus applying a finish processing to a transfer sheet on which an output image is formed, comprising the steps of: reading an original image to generate image data of the original image; designating a first direction of the original image to be read in the reading step, a second direction of an output image to be ejected and a third direction of the finish processing to be applied by the finishing apparatus; applying image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated in the reading step, so as to generate processed image data; controlling a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction, the second direction and the third direction designated in the designating step; and forming the output image based on the processed image data generated in the applying step; wherein the rotation angle is controlled in the controlling step, so that a direction of the output image to be ejected coincides with the second direction and/or the third direction designated in the designating step in such a manner that the third direction overrides the second direction.   (4) The method of item  3 , wherein, in the controlling step, a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected and/or that of the third direction, is selected as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   (5) A method for forming an image in an image-forming apparatus to which a stack ejecting apparatus is coupled, the stack ejecting apparatus being capable of ejecting transfer sheets, on which output images are formed, by drawing a carrier, on which the transfer sheets are stacked, from a main frame of the stack ejecting apparatus, comprising the steps of: reading an original image to generate image data of the original image; designating a first direction of the original image to be read in the reading step; applying image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated in the reading step, so as to generate processed image data; controlling a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and a second direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, so that the second direction coincides with a top-to-bottom direction of the transfer sheets stacked on the stack ejecting apparatus; and forming the output images based on the processed image data generated in the applying step.   (6) The method of item  5 , wherein, in the controlling step, a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected or the second direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, is selected as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   (7) A method for forming an image in an image-forming apparatus to which a stack ejecting apparatus and a finishing apparatus are coupled, the stack ejecting apparatus being capable of ejecting transfer sheets, on which output images are formed, by drawing a carrier, on which the transfer sheets are stacked, from a main frame of the stack ejecting apparatus, while the finishing apparatus applying a finish processing to the transfer sheets, comprising the steps of: reading an original image to generate image data of the original image; designating a first direction of the original image to be read in the reading step and a second direction of the finish processing to be applied by the finishing apparatus; applying image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated in the reading step, so as to generate processed image data; controlling a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and the second direction designated in the designating step and a third direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus; and forming the output image based on the processed image data generated in the applying step; wherein the rotation angle is controlled in the controlling step, so that a direction of the output image to be ejected coincides with the second direction and/or the third direction coincides with a top-to-bottom direction of the transfer sheets stacked on the stack ejecting apparatus in such a manner that the second direction overrides the third direction.   (8) The method of item  7 , wherein, in the controlling step, a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected, the second direction of the finish processing or the third direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, is selected as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   (9) An image-forming apparatus, comprising: a reading section to read an original image so as to generate image data of the original image; a designating section to designate a first direction of the original image to be read by the reading section and a second direction of an output image to be ejected; an image-processing section to apply image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated by the reading section, so as to generate processed image data; a controlling section to control a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and the second direction designated by the designating section, so that a direction of the output image coincides with the second direction designated by the designating section; and an image-forming section to form the output image based on the processed image data generated by the image-processing section.   (10) The image-forming apparatus of item  9 , wherein the controlling section selects a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected, as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to the image-forming section.   (11) An image-forming apparatus to which a finishing apparatus is coupled, the finishing apparatus applying a finish processing to a transfer sheet on which an output image is formed, the image-forming apparatus comprising: a reading section to read an original image so as to generate image data of the original image; a designating section to designate a first direction of the original image to be read by the reading section, a second direction of the output image to be ejected and a third direction of the finish processing to be applied by the finishing apparatus; an image-processing section to apply image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated by the reading section, so as to generate processed image data; a controlling section to control a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction, the second direction and the third direction designated by the designating section; and an image-forming section to form the output image based on the processed image data generated by the image-processing section; wherein the controlling section controls the rotation angle, so that a direction of the output image coincides with the second direction and/or the third direction designated by the designating section in such a manner that the third direction overrides the second direction.   (12) The image-forming apparatus of item  11 , wherein, in the controlling step, a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected and/or that of the third direction, is selected as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   (13) An image-forming apparatus to which a stack ejecting apparatus is coupled, the stack ejecting apparatus being capable of ejecting transfer sheets, on which output images are formed, by drawing a carrier, on which the transfer sheets are stacked, from a main frame of the stack ejecting apparatus, the image-forming apparatus comprising: a reading section to read an original image so as to generate image data of the original image; a designating section to designate a first direction of the original image to be read by the reading section; an image-processing section to apply image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated by the reading section, so as to generate processed image data; a controlling section to control a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and a second direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, so that the second direction coincides with a top-to-bottom direction of the transfer sheets stacked on the stack ejecting apparatus; and an image-forming section to form the output images based on the processed image data generated by the image-processing section.   (14) The image-forming apparatus of item  13 , wherein the controlling section selects a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected or the second direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to the image-forming section.   (15) An image-forming apparatus to which a stack ejecting apparatus and a finishing apparatus are coupled, the stack ejecting apparatus being capable of ejecting transfer sheets, on which output images are formed, by drawing a carrier, on which the transfer sheets are stacked, from a main frame of the stack ejecting apparatus, while the finishing apparatus applying a finish processing to the transfer sheets, the image-forming apparatus comprising: a reading section to read an original image so as to generate image data of the original image; a designating section to designate a first direction of the original image to be read by the reading section and a second direction of the finish processing to be applied by the finishing apparatus; an image-processing section to apply image-processing, which includes an image-rotation processing, to the image data generated by the reading section, so as to generate processed image data; a controlling section to control a rotation angle to be employed for rotating the image data by the image-rotation processing, referring to the first direction and the second direction designated by the designating section and a third direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus; and an image-forming section to form the output image based on the processed image data generated by the image-processing section; wherein the controlling section controls the rotation angle, so that a direction of the output image to be ejected coincides with the second direction and/or the third direction coincides with a top-to-bottom direction of the transfer sheets stacked on the stack ejecting apparatus in such a manner that the second direction overrides the third direction.   (16) The image-forming apparatus of item  15 , wherein the controlling section selects a transfer sheet, whose direction coincides with that of the output image to be ejected, the second direction of the finish processing or the third direction of drawing the carrier from the stack ejecting apparatus, as a usable transfer sheet to be fed to an image-forming section.   

   Further, according to the present invention, the following effects can be attained. 
   (1) When the direction of a scanned image and the direction of the image at the time of ejection have been specified, and image processing including image rotation is applied to the scanned image data, image formation is carried out by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in image formation in such a way that the direction of the image at the time of ejection will conform to the specified direction, by referencing the specified direction of the scanned image and direction of the image at the time of ejection. This arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet. 
   (2) When the direction of a scanned image, the direction of the image at the time of ejection and the direction subsequent to processing of finishing have been specified, and image processing including image rotation is applied to the scanned image data, image formation is carried out; 
   by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in ejection image rotation control in such a way that the direction of the image at the time of ejection will conform to the specified direction; and 
   by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in finish processing image rotation control in such a way that the direction of finishing will conform to the specified direction; 
   wherein the rotation control for finish processing has precedence over the image rotation control for ejection. This arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet, and allows complete processing of finishing where the direction is specified. 
   (3) When the direction of a scanned image has been specified, and image processing including image rotation is applied to the scanned image data, image formation is carried out by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in image formation in such a way that the direction of removing the transfer sheet will be the downward direction of the image, by referencing the specified direction of the scanned image and direction of removing the transfer sheet. This arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to the direction of the image when removing the transfer sheet in stacking and ejection. 
   (4) When the direction of a scanned image has been specified, and image processing including image rotation is applied to the scanned image data, image formation is carried out; 
   by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in finish processing image rotation control in such a way that the direction of the finish processing will conform to the specified direction; and 
   by controlling the angle of rotation at the time of image rotation in image rotation control in such a way that the direction of removing the sheet will be the downward direction of the image; 
   wherein the image rotation control for finish processing has precedence-over the image rotation control for removal of the sheet. This arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet, and allows complete processing of finishing where the direction is specified. 
   (5) Control is provided such a way as to select and feed the transfer sheet having the direction conforming to the direction in ejection, the direction of removing the transfer sheet or the direction of finishing, whereby ensuring smooth operation of each of the aforementioned control items: 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram representing the electric configuration of an image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a configuration block diagram representing the mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an explanatory diagram schematically representing the display and operation selection on the operation/display section in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is an explanatory diagram schematically representing the display and operation selection on the operation/display section in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is an explanatory diagram schematically representing the display and operation selection on the operation/display section in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a configuration block diagram representing the configuration of the image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart representing the operation of the image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart representing the operation of the image forming apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9(   a ) and  FIG. 9(   b ) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation of the embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10(   a ) and  FIG. 10(   b ) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation of the embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11(   a ) and  FIG. 11(   b ) is are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation of the embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12(   a ),  FIG. 12(   b ),  FIG. 12(   c ) and  FIG. 12(   d ) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation of the embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13(   a ),  FIG. 13(   b ),  FIG. 13(   c ) and  FIG. 13(   d ) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation of the embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 14  is an explanatory diagram showing possible combinations between the direction of the document and transfer sheet due to the operation and various finishing operations in the embodiment of the present invention; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to drawings, the following describes the details of the best form (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) of the present invention. 
   &lt;Electric Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus and Overall Configuration&gt; 
     FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram representing an example of the electric configuration between the image forming apparatus  100  in an embodiment of the present invention and finisher (# 1 ) connected thereto. 
   To give a specific description of the embodiment, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine equipped with an image reading section ill be used as an example for explanation. The same operation and effect are provided by using an image forming apparatus without an image reading section such as a printer. 
   In  FIG. 1 , numeral  100  denotes an image forming apparatus composed of the following sections. Numeral  101  is a control section as a control means for controlling each part of the image forming apparatus  100 . Numeral  110  indicates an operation/display section  110  consisting of an operation section  111  and display section  112 . In this case, the operation section  111  is used to select and specify the number of copies, enlargement ratio, reduction ratio, and type of the transfer sheet (A 4 , A 4 R, B 5  and B 5 R). Further, it serves as a direction specifying means to specify various directions such as the direction of the document and image, direction of the image at the time of ejection, direction in finishing and direction of removal at the time of stack and ejection. 
   Numeral  120  indicates an automatic document sheet feed section (hereinafter referred to as “ADF”), which automatically feeds the sheets to the image reading section  130  to be described later. The ADF  120  can be designed to reverse the document to feed the image on the reverse side of the document to the image reading section. The ADF  120  can eject the document after automatically feeding one side (obverse side) of the document to the image reading section. 
   Numeral  130  is an image reading section (scanner) as an image reading means for optically reading the document and generating the image data. The numeral  140  indicates an image processing section as an image processing means for applying a predetermined image processing to the image data generated by the image reading section  130 . 
   Numeral  150  is an image forming section as an image forming second for recording the image data having been subjected to image processing (forming an image). Numeral  160  denotes a printer scanner controller for handling the image data scanned by the image reading section  130  and the image data obtained from the interface  161  as an external interface. 
   The image processing section  140  processes not only the image data from the image reading section  130  but also the image data from the printer/scanner controller  160 , whenever required. 
   Numeral  200  denotes a finisher (# 1 ) as a finishing means for applying the processing of finishing (such as punching and stapling). In this case, the finisher (# 1 )  200  comprises a finishing control section  201  for controlling the finishing operation, a punch section  210  for controlling the punching operation, and a stapling section  220  for performing stapling. In this case, the finishing control section  201  finishing control while communicating with the control section  101  of the image forming apparatus  100  and the stack/ejection control section  301  of the finisher (# 2 )  300 . 
   Numeral  300  indicates an finisher (# 2 ) equipped with a stack/ejection section  310  including a truck as a stack/ejection means designed to take out the transfer sheet after pulling out, and a stack/ejection control section  301  for performing stack/ejection control. In this case, the stack/ejection control section  301  controls stack/ejection while communicating with the control section  101  of the image forming apparatus  100  and the finishing control section  201  of the finisher (# 1 )  200 . 
   &lt;Mechanical Configuration of the Image Forming Apparatus and Overall Operation&gt; 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the following describes the overall mechanical configuration and basic operations of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment and the finisher connected thereto. With reference to  FIG. 2 , specific description will be given based on the concrete example where the finisher (# 2 )  300  and finisher (# 1 )  200  are connected to the image forming apparatus  100  are connected. 
   In  FIG. 2 , a plurality of documents “d”, with the obverse side of the first page of the document facing upward, are placed on the tray  121  of the ADF  120 . 
   At this time, in the image reading section  130 , light from a light source  131  is reflected on the surface of the documents “d”, and the reflected light forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD  135  as a photoelectric conversion means through mirrors  132  through  134  and image forming optical system. In this case, the light source  131 , mirrors  132  through  134 , the image forming optical system, the optical system including the CCD  135  and an optical system drive means (not illustrated) constitute an image reading section  130 . In  FIG. 2 , when the documents “d” are placed on the platen glass with the scanned surface facing downward, the optical system scans along the platen glass and reads the contents. 
   When the documents “d” are automatically fed, documents are scanned with light source  131  and mirrors  132  through  134  secured under the second platen glass. The image data of the scanned documents “d” is sent from the CCD  135  to the image processing section  140  (not illustrated). 
   When the documents “d” are automatically fed by the ADF  120 , the first page of the document is scanned and the winding operation is performed using a roller again through a reversing roller. The image on the reverse side of the document is ready by the image reading section  120 , and is sent to the image processing section  140 . In this manner, the documents “d” with the images on the obverse or reverse having been scanned are reversed again by the reversing roller and are stacked on the ejection tray  122  with the obverse side facing downward. In this way, the image data scanned by the image reading section  120  is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing section  140 , and is stored in the image memory. 
   The transfer sheet P is unwound from any one of the sheet feeders  30   a  through  30   c  loaded with transfer sheets and is fed to the image forming section  50 . The transfer sheet P having been sent to the image forming section  50  is synchronized by the second sheet feed roller (resist roller)  32  and is then brought closer to the drum  51 . 
   It is also possible to arrange such a configuration as to provide an automatic paper selection (APS) function, wherein, when the document is placed or fed, or the image of the document is scanned, the document size is detected, and a sheet feed cassette containing the transfer sheets having the size conforming to the detected document size (the size of the transfer sheet obtained by multiplying by the scaling factor in the case of scaling, such as enlargement and reduction) is selected from a plurality of sheet feed cassettes, whereby the transfer sheet is fed. When the APS function is activated, suitable transfer sheets P is fed out according to this function. 
   When the image data is sent to the printing section  40  from the image processing section  140 , laser light conforming to the image data is applied to the photoconductor drum  51  from the laser diode inside the image write section  40 , thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the development section  53 , and a toner image is formed on the photoconductor drum  51 . 
   The toner image is transferred onto the transfer sheet P by the transfer section  54  below the photoconductor drum  51 . The transfer sheet P pressed against the photoconductor drum  51  is separated by the separation section  55 . The transfer sheet P separated from the photoconductor drum  51  enters the fixing section  59  through the conveyance mechanism  57  and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. When a double sided image is formed, an image on the reverse side (image on the second page) is formed on the transfer sheet P in this phase. 
   When a single sized image is formed, the transfer sheet P with a toner image fixed thereon is ejected out of the machine by the ejection roller  65  in conformity to the output format of the finishers (finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300 ) to be described later, directly or after being reversed again by the reversing section  63 . 
   When a double sized image is formed, the transfer sheet P is fed downward through a guide  61  to enter the reversing section  63 . Then the transfer sheet P in the reversing section  63  is again unwound by the reversing roller, and is sent to the image forming section  50  through the reverse conveyance path  64 . 
   In the image forming section  50  having completed formation of the image of the reverse side of the document “d”, the toner attached to the photoconductor drum  51  is removed by the cleaning section  56  and electrostatic charging is provided by a charging section to get ready for the subsequent process of image formation. 
   Under this condition, the obverse side of the transfer sheet P (without image being formed thereon) is carried into the image forming section  50 , and an image of the obverse side (image of page 1) is formed. The transfer sheet P having been separated from the photoconductor drum  51  by the separation section  55  again enters the fixing section  59  through the conveyance mechanism  57 , where the image is fixed on the transfer sheet P. 
   As described above, the transfer sheet P with images of the obverse and reverse sides having been formed is ejected out of the machine (to the finisher (# 1 ) to be described later) by the ejection roller  65  in conformity to the output format of the finishers (finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300 ) to be described later, directly or after being reversed again by the reversing section  63 . 
   In the finisher (# 1 )  200 , the sheet is punched at the specified position by the punch section  210  according to the processing of finishing determined in advance, or is subjected to stapling by the stapling section  220 . 
   In the finisher (# 2 )  300 , the transfer sheets with the image formed thereon by the image forming apparatus  100  are sequentially stacked on the stack/ejection tray  311 . In this case, as transfer sheets are stacked, the stack/ejection tray  311  is lowered gradually. Means are provided in such a way that, while the transfer sheets are stacked, the stack/ejection section  310  (including the stack/ejection tray  311 ) is pulled out on the side facing the operator in the direction vertical to the sheet, and thereafter the transfer sheet can be taken out, for example. The transfer sheets not stacked on the stack/ejection tray  311  are ejected to the main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 . 
     FIG. 3  is an explanatory diagram representing an example of the display and operation selection on the operation/display section  110 .  FIG. 3  gives an example of the screen where the document setting direction, document image quality (image quality) and presence/absence of a special document (special image) are selected. As related to the present embodiment, the operator selects any one of the four types indicated by the direction of the document (direction of the image specified on the document), and presses the “OK” icon, as shown in the document setting direction of  FIG. 3 . The document image quality (image quality) and presence/absence of a special document (special image) are also selected by the operator. 
     FIG. 4  is an explanatory diagram schematically representing the display and operation selection on the operation/display section  110 . In this case, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the operator can select one of the indicated items in each of the following modes for finishing (finisher mode); the ejection tray (main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 ), double sided binding direction (lateral or vertical binding), stapling position on the transfer sheet (left top, right top, left, top), and main tray finishing (grouping, sorting, saddle binding, double folding, insertion of cover sheet, punching, folding in the shape of a letter Z and folding in three). 
   When the [Select where to eject] ion is pressed through the display and operation selection of the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 , the stack/ejection tray  311  of the finisher (# 2 )  300 —not the main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 —is selected as the destination where sheets are ejected. 
   When the [Set the top position] ion is pressed in the display and operation selection of the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 , the display and operation selection in  FIG. 5  is displayed as a pop-up window. 
   The term “top position” as used herein is an expression indicating the upper position of the image when setting the direction of the image of the transfer sheet at the time of ejection, by way of an example. It shows how the image is recorded on the transfer sheet at the time of ejection. As related to the present embodiment, the operator selects any one of the four types shown in the top position of  FIG. 5  and presses the [OK] icon. 
     FIG. 6  schematically shows the image forming apparatus  100 , finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300  shown in  FIG. 2 , as viewed from above the operator. The stack/ejection section  310  of the finisher (# 2 )  300  is designed in the form of a truck. With a plurality of transfer sheets loaded on the stack/ejection tray  311 , it is lowered to the lowest point, and the operator holds the handle  312  and pulls it out toward the operator. 
   Referring to the flowchart of  FIG. 7 , the following describes the details of the operation of the image forming apparatus for forming an image in the present invention, together with the operation of the finishers (finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300 ). 
   In the first place, the operator sets the document direction, document image quality (image quality) and presence/absence of a special document (special image), through the display screen and the operation selection screen in the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   In the same manner, the operator sets the following items through the display screen and operation selection screen in the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
   the finisher mode (finishing mode), 
   the ejection tray (main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 ), 
   the double side binding direction (lateral binding, vertical binding), 
   the stapling position (left top, right top, left, top) on the transfer sheet, 
   main tray finishing (grouping, sorting, saddle binding, double folding, insertion of cover sheet, punching, folding in the shape of a letter Z, folding in three). (See S 1  in  FIG. 7 ). 
   In this embodiment, the operator selects the [Set the top position] in the setting of the finisher mode of  FIG. 4 . The direction of the image of the transfer sheet at the time of ejection is also set on the screen of the direction of top position shown in  FIG. 5 . When the [Set the top position] is not selected in  FIG. 4 , the image facing upward shown on the top as an alternative in the direction of top position is assumed to have been selected as the standard status. 
   The document placed on the tray  121  of the ADF  120  is automatically fed by the ADF  120 , and the image is scanned by the image reading section  130 , thereby generating the image data conforming to the document image (S 2  in  FIG. 7 ). 
   The control section  101  checks the direction of the scanned image specified by the operation/display section  110  and the direction of the image at the time of ejection specified in  FIG. 5 . If these directions (e.g. top positions of the both) fail to agree with each other No in S 3  of  FIG. 7 ), then the image processing of image rotation is required. If the image processing of image rotation has been assumed as necessary, the control section  101  calculates the angle of rotation required for image processing of rotating the image data so as to agree with the direction of the image at the time of ejection specified (S 4  in  FIG. 7 ). 
     FIG. 9(   a ) shows the case where the direction of the document “d” specified by the operation/display section  110  agrees with the direction of the transfer sheet P at the time of ejection specified, as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . In this case, rotation of the image is not required. To simplify the description, the finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300  are omitted from the illustration. 
     FIG. 9(   b ) shows the case where the direction of the document “d” specified by the operation/display section  110  does not agree with the direction of the transfer sheet P at the time of ejection specified, as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . In this case, the image is rotated by an angle of minus 90 degrees (270 degrees) in the processing of image rotation. 
   The aforementioned arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet. Thus, for example, when the transfer sheets with an image formed thereon are taken up in a bundle and are set on a separate cutting machine to be cut thereby, sheets can be taken out of the image forming apparatus in the direction suited for being set on the cutting machine, with the result that the work efficiency is drastically improved. 
   The control section  101  checks whether or not the finishing is specified or not through the specification of the finisher mode of the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4  (S 5  in  FIG. 7 ). If the finishing has been specified, Yes in S 5  of  FIG. 7 ), the control section  101  further checks the specified direction of the scanned image and the specified finishing, and determines if the requested position specified to be finished (staple position or punch position) and the position where finishing is possible (position that can be punched by the punch section  210  and stapled by the stapling section  220 ) agree with each other (S 6  in  FIG. 7 ). 
   In the finisher (# 1 )  200 , when the position where punching or stapling can be performed (position where finishing is possible) does not cover all the edges of the transfer sheet, namely, when punching or stapling is to be performed on two or more positions, the punching or stapling can be performed on the edge of the transfer sheet orthogonal to the direction of conveyance ( FIG. 6 ). This is confirmed. 
   When the requested position specified to be finished does not agree with the position where finishing is possible, and the image must be rotated (Yes in S 6  of  FIG. 7 ), the control section  101  calculates the angle of rotation required for image processing of rotating the image data to ensure that the requested position specified to be finished will agree with the position where finishing is possible (S 7  in  FIG. 7 ). 
     FIG. 10  is an explanatory diagram showing the direction of the documents “d” specified by the operation/display section  110 , the requested position to be finished in the documents “d” (indicated by broken line) and the transfer sheet P finished at the position where finishing is possible, as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . 
     FIG. 10(   a ) shows the direction of the documents “d” specified by the operation/display section  110 , wherein the requested position to be finished (binding at two positions stapled on the top of the portrait image) and the position where finishing is possible do not agree with each other. In this case, the image is rotated by an angle of minus 90 degrees (270 degrees) in the processing of image rotation.  FIG. 10(   b ) shows the direction (portrait image) of the documents “d” specified by the operation/display section  110 , wherein the requested position to be finished (binding at two positions stapled on the left of the portrait image) and the position where finishing is possible do not agree with each other. In this case, the image is rotated by an angle of 90 degrees in the processing of image rotation. 
   The control section  101  applies the processing of image rotation, based on the calculated angle of rotation, in order to ensure that the direction of the image at the time of ejection will conform to the specified direction, or the specified detection of the documents “d” and the requested position to be finished in the documents “d” will agree with the position where finishing is possible (S 8  in  FIG. 7 ). In this manner, the image forming section  150  forms images based on the data of image which rotation processing is carried out. 
   When the processing of image rotation is applied, and the angle of rotation calculated for the direction of the transfer sheet at the time of ejection (S 4  in  FIG. 7 ) is different from that calculated for the position where finishing is possible (S 7  in  FIG. 7 ), priority is given to the angle of rotation calculated for the position where finishing is possible. To put it another way, when the angle of rotation in image rotation is controlled in the control of image rotation at the time of ejection, in such a way that the direction of the image at the time of ejection will be the specified direction, and when the angle of rotation in image rotation is controlled in the control of image rotation at the time of finishing, in such a way that the direction of the finishing will be the specified one, priority is given to the control of image rotation at the time of finishing (control shown in  FIGS. 10(   a ) and  10 ( b )) over the control of image rotation at the time of ejection (control shown in  FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b )). This arrangement ensures processing of finishing without fail. 
   The aforementioned arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet. Thus, for example, when the transfer sheets with an image formed thereon are taken up in a bundle and are set on a separate cutting machine to be cut thereby, sheets can be taken out of the image forming apparatus in the direction suited for being set on the cutting machine, with the result that the work efficiency is drastically improved. Further, if there is any processing of specified finishing, the processing can be implemented without fail. 
   Referring to the flowchart of  FIG. 8 , the following describes the operation of the image forming apparatus for forming an image in the present embodiment (finisher (# 1 )  200  through finisher (# 2 )  300 ). 
   The operator sets the document setting direction (direction of the document) or the direction of the image, document image quality (image quality) and presence/absence of a special document through the display screen and operation selection screen in the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   In the similar manner, the operator sets the following items through the display screen and operation selection screen in the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
   the finisher mode (finishing mode), 
   the ejection tray (main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 ), the double side binding direction (lateral binding, vertical binding), 
   the stapling position (left top, right top, left, top) on the transfer sheet, 
   main tray finishing (grouping, sorting, saddle binding, double folding, insertion of cover sheet, punching, Folding in the shape of a letter Z, folding in three). (See S 1 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
   In this embodiment, the [Select where to eject] ion is pressed by the operator through the display and operation selection of the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 , the stack/ejection tray  311  of the finisher (# 2 )  300 —not the main tray  330  or sub-tray  340 —is selected as the destination where sheets are ejected. 
   In this case, the document placed on the tray  121  of the ADF  120  is automatically fed by the ADF  120 , and the image is scanned by the image reading section  130 , thereby generating the image data conforming to the document image (S 2 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
   The control section  101  checks the direction of the scanned image specified by the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 3  and the direction of the image at the time of ejection specified in  FIG. 5 . If these directions (e.g. top positions of the both) flail to agree with each other (N in S 3 ′ of  FIG. 8 ), then the image processing of image rotation is required. If the image processing of image rotation has been assumed as necessary, the control section  101  calculates the angle of rotation required for image processing of rotating the image data so as to agree with the direction of the image at the time of ejection specified (S 4 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
     FIG. 9(   a ) shows the case where the direction of the document “d” specified by the operation/display section  110  agrees with the direction of the transfer sheet P at the time of ejection specified, as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . In this case, rotation of the image is not required. To simplify the description, the finisher (# 1 )  200  and finisher (# 2 )  300  are omitted from the illustration. 
     FIG. 9(   b ) shows the case where the direction of the document “d” specified by the operation/display section  110  does not agree with the direction of the transfer sheet P at the time of ejection specified, as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . In this case, the image is rotated by an angle of minus 90 degrees (270 degrees) in the processing of image rotation. 
   The aforementioned arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet. Thus, for example, when the transfer sheets with an image formed thereon are taken up in a bundle and are set on a separate cutting machine to be cut thereby, sheets can be taken out of the image forming apparatus in the direction suited for being set on the cutting machine, with the result that the work efficiency is drastically improved. 
   The control section  101  checks whether or not the finishing is specified through the specification of the finisher mode of the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4 . (S 3 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). It further checks whether or not the finisher (# 2 )  300  is specified through the specification of the destination of ejection on the operation/display section  110  shown in  FIG. 4  (S 4 ′ of  FIG. 8 ). 
   The direction of the transfer sheet P at the time of ejection is determined with consideration given to the direction of taking out the transfer sheet from the stack/ejection tray  311  of the finisher (# 2 )  300 , and the angle of rotation is calculated in such a way that the transfer sheet P will be ejected from below the image closer to the operator when removed by the operator (S 5 ′ and S 6 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
     FIG. 11(   a ) shows the case where the transfer sheet P is stacked and ejected onto the finisher (# 2 )  300 , as viewed from above the operator, wherein the position closer to the operator is located downward in the drawing, similarly to the case of  FIG. 6 . In this case, the stack/ejection section  310  is pulled out so as to pull the handle  312 . In the example shown in this diagram, the transfer sheet P is taken out to the side opposite to the handle  312  of the stack/ejection section  310 , as shown in  FIG. 11(   b ). The angle of rotation is calculated in such a way that the transfer sheet P will be ejected from below the image closer to the operator. 
   In the aforementioned case, as shown in  FIG. 12(   a ), the rotation of the image is 180 degrees. In the example shown in  FIG. 12(   b ), the rotation of the image is 90 degrees. In the example shown in  FIG. 12(   c ), the rotation of the image is not required. Further, in the example shown in  FIG. 12(   d ), the image is rotated by an angle of minus 90 degrees (270 degrees) in the processing of image rotation. 
   If the pulling direction of the stack/ejection section  310  or the direction of taking out the transfer sheet P from the stack/ejection section  310  is different, the control section  101  determines the angle of rotation in the processing of image rotation in conformity to the direction. This arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to the direction of the image when taking out in the processing of stacking and ejection. 
   When the finishing is specified (Yes in S 3 ′ of  FIG. 8 ), reference is made to the specified direction of the scanned image and specified finishing, independently of whether or not the stack/ejection (S 4 ′ in  FIG. 8 ) and the top position (S 5 ′ in  FIG. 8 ) are specified. Evaluation is made to determine whether or not the requested position specified to be finished (stapled or punched position) agrees with the position where finishing is possible (position punched by the punch section  210  and stapled by the stapling section  220 ) (S 7 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
   If the requested position to be finished does not agree with the position where finishing is possible, and processing of image rotation is necessary (Yes in S 7 ′ of  FIG. 8 ), the control section  101  calculates the angle of rotation required for the image processing of rotating the image data in such a way that the requested position specified to be finished will agree with the position where finishing is possible (S 8 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). 
     FIGS. 13(   a )– 13 ( d ) show the relationship among the direction of the documents “d” specified by the operation/display section  110 , the requested position to be finished in the documents “d” (indicated by broken line) and the transfer sheet P finished at the position where finishing is possible.  FIGS. 13(   a )– 13 ( d ) show the direction of the documents “d”, which is the same as that in  FIGS. 12(   a )– 12 ( d ). 
   In this case, the angle of rotation is 270 degrees (minus 90 degrees) in the processing of image rotation shown in  FIG. 13(   a ). The angle of rotation is 90 degrees in the processing of image rotation shown in  FIG. 13(   b ). In the example shown in  FIG. 13(   c ), the angle of rotation is also 90 degrees. In the example shown in  FIG. 13(   d ), the angle of rotation is minus 90 degrees (270 degrees). 
   The control section  101  applies the processing of image rotation, based on the calculated angle of rotation, in order to ensure that the direction of the transfer sheet at the time of ejection by the finisher (# 2 )  300  will conform to the specified direction, or the specified direction of the documents “d” and the requested position to be finished in the documents “d” will agree with the position where finishing is possible (S 9 ′ in  FIG. 8 ). In this manner, the image forming section  150  forms images based on the data of image which rotation processing is carried out. 
   When the processing of image rotation is applied, if the angle of rotation calculated (S 6 ′ in  FIG. 8 ) for the direction of the transfer sheet at the time of stacking and ejection is different from that calculated (S 8 ′ in  FIG. 8 ) for the position where finishing is possible ( FIGS. 12(   a ) and  13 ( a ) and  FIGS. 12(   c ) and  13 ( c )), priority is given to the angle of rotation calculated for the position where finishing is possible. To put it another way, when the angle of rotation in image rotation is controlled in the control of image rotation at the time of ejection, in such a way that the direction of the image at the time of stacking and ejection will be the specified direction, and when the angle of rotation in image rotation is controlled in the control of image rotation at the time of finishing, in such a way that the direction of the finishing will be the specified one, priority is given to the control of image rotation at the time of finishing (control shown in  FIGS. 13(   a )– 13 ( d )) over the control of image rotation at the time of ejection (control shown in  FIGS. 12(   a )– 12 ( d )). This arrangement ensures processing of finishing without fail. 
   The aforementioned arrangement provides a simple structure capable of forming an image, with consideration given to ensuring such a direction of the image as to facilitate removal of the transfer sheet at the time of stacking and ejection. Thus, for example, when the transfer sheets with an image formed thereon are taken up in a bundle and are set on a separate cutting machine to be cut thereby, sheets can be taken out of the image forming apparatus in the direction suited for being set on the cutting machine, with the result that the work efficiency is drastically improved. Further, if there is any processing of specified finishing, the processing can be implemented without fail. 
     FIG. 14  is an explanatory drawing listing up the restrictions (presence/absence of image processing) imposed on the implementation of the processing of stapling and punching in the operation shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 7 . When processing of image rotation is applied,  FIG. 14  also shows whether or not the rotation for which calculation has been made for the position where finishing is possible (S 7  in  FIG. 7 ) has precedence over the rotation for which calculation has been made for the transfer sheet at the time of ejection. 
   In  FIG. 14 , LEF stands for Long Edge Feed, wherein the long edge is read by the ADF. SEF stands for Short Edge Feed, wherein the short edge is read by the ADF. The portrait refers to the transfer sheet placed in vertical orientation, with an image recorded thereon. The landscape refers to the transfer sheet placed in horizontal orientation, with an image recorded thereon. Punch (right or left) can be defined as punching on the right or left of the transfer sheet. Punch (top) refers to punching on the top potion of the image on the transfer sheet. The staple (two positions on left) can be defined as stapling on the two positions on the left of the image on the transfer sheet. The staple (two positions on top) refers to stapling on the two positions on the top portion of the image on the transfer sheet. The circles shown in  FIG. 14  indicate the processing that can be applied, while cross marks “x” denote the processing that cannot be applied. 
   [Other Embodiments] 
   In the aforementioned description, various forms of processing are applied to the image obtained from the document scanned by the image reading section of the copying machine. The same forms of processing can be applied the image supplied from the outside via the network, thereby achieving the same operation and effect. In this case, the “direction of the document” in the aforementioned embodiment should be read as “direction of the image”. 
   Disclosed embodiment can be varied by a skilled person without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.