Abstract:
An image formation apparatus that loads a sheaf of originals obtained by stacking a sheaf of the originals to be copied and a sheaf of originals for front and reverse cover sheets, feeds the originals one by one from the loaded sheaf, reads the fed original and stores a read original image, reading the original images of four pages form the storage and forms the images of two pages on each of front and reverse faces of a sheet. Controlling the reading such that the original image for the cover sheet is formed on the sheet different from the sheet not for the cover sheet and such that plural sheets on which the images have been respectively formed are folded in two while being stacked.

Description:
This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/119,043 file Jul. 20, 1998, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image formation apparatus which forms images of four pages on front and reverse faces (or sides) of a sheet as the images of the two pages are formed on each face. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Recently, there has been proposed an image formation apparatus which forms images of two pages on each of front and reverse faces of a sheet. In this apparatus, in a state that the plural sheets each taking the images on its front and reverse faces are being stacked, these stacked sheets are together folded in two and then bound at their folds to put the images formed on the sheets in the order of page. 
     However, in a case where it is intended to obtain these sheets together with a cover sheet, there has been a problem that, if an original to be formed or copied on the cover sheet is merely put on plural originals to be formed or copied on the sheets other than the cover sheet the same as the originals are ordinarily put or set, the image of the original which is to be formed or copied essentially on the sheet other than the cover sheet is undesirably formed or copied on the reverse of the cover sheet. Therefore, in order that any image may not be formed on the reverse of the cover sheet, it is necessary to modify a copy operation by appropriately inserting a blank sheet in a sheaf of the originals, whereby the operation becomes troublesome. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an image formation apparatus which can solve the above-described conventional problem. 
     An another object of the present invention is to provide an image formation apparatus, an image formation method and a storage medium in which a computer readable program to realize the above method is stored, all capable of judging based on a set operation mode whether or not a read original image is the image to be printed on a cover sheet or the image to be printed on a recording sheet other than the cover sheet, and easily obtaining copies laid out into a book binding state added with the cover sheet. 
     Further objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a copy machine in an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 2A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D and  2 E are views showing the procedure of a folding process; 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control unit of the copy machine; 
     FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of a console unit  36  of the copy machine; 
     FIGS. 5A,  5 B,  5 C and  5 D are views showing the procedure to set a cover sheet mode; 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D and  6 E are views showing methods to store and read an original image; 
     FIG. 7 is a view showing image storage areas in an image memory  35 ; 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C are views showing a copy process in a book binding mode; 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the copy process when the book binding mode and the cover sheet mode are designated; 
     FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the copy process when the book binding mode and the cover sheet mode are designated; 
     FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a sheet selection process; 
     FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a process of automatic sheet selection  1  in a step S 1006  shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIGS. 13A and 13B are views showing tables used to search or retrieve an optimum sheet size; 
     FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a process of automatic sheet selection  2  in a step S 1007  shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the procedure to form an image process table in a step S 809  shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIGS. 16A and 16B are views showing the image process tables; 
     FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing the arrangement of the original images for a cover sheet; and 
     FIGS. 18A and 18B are views showing a cover sheet image process table. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     An embodiment of an image formation apparatus, an image formation method and a storage medium in which a computer readable program to realize the above method is stored, according to the present invention will be explained hereinafter. In the present embodiment, the image formation apparatus is applied to a copy machine, and FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of the copy machine. 
     In the drawing, a sheaf of originals is put upward on an original feed unit  1 , and the originals are sequentially carried or fed to an original mounting glass board  2  one by one. At this time, a size of the carried original is detected by an original size detection sensor (not shown) provided within the unit  1 . Also, in case of directly setting the original on the glass board  2 , the size of the original can be detected by reflection sensors  22  and  23 . 
     After the original was carried to or put on the glass board  2 , a lamp  3  is turned on and a scanner unit  4  is moved to irradiate the original. Light reflected from the original is penetrated to a lens  8  through mirrors  5 ,  6  and  7 , and then inputted to an image sensor  9 . An original image inputted to the sensor  9  is processed by a CPU circuit unit  37  (see FIG.  3 ). Then, the processed image is directly inputted to an exposure control unit  10 , or once stored in an image memory  35  (see FIG. 3) and then read out thereof and inputted to the control unit  10 . 
     An image signal inputted to the control unit  10  is converted into an optical signal. The obtained optical signal is modulated according to the image signal and then irradiated onto a photosensitive body  11 . An electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive body  11  based on this irradiation is developed by a development unit  12 . 
     On the other hand, in synchronism with developing timing, a transfer sheet is carried from a transfer sheet loading unit  14  or  15 , and a developed toner image is transferred to the transfer sheet by a transfer unit  16 . The transferred toner image is fixed to the sheet by a fixing unit  17 . After then, in case of discharging the transfer sheet of a single-face image, such the sheet is discharged outside from a sheet discharge unit  18 . On the other hand, in case of discharging the transfer sheet of double-face images or multiplex images, such the sheet is passed through a double-face/multiplex path  21  by a flapper  20  and then again carried to the transfer unit  16 . 
     The transfer sheet outputted from the sheet discharge unit  18  is carried to a sheet discharge process unit  100 . In the unit  100 , by using a flapper  102 , the carried sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray  112  or carried to a folding path  104 . In the folding path  104 , a first face of the transfer sheet of the double-face images faces the right (i.e., folding unit  109  side), and a second face thereof faces the left. 
     FIGS. 2A to  2 E are views showing the procedure of a folding process. The sheet carried to the folding path  104  is further carried up to a butting board  120  (FIG.  2 A). By once lowering and then raising the butting board  120  up to a predetermined position, a trailing edge of the sheet is entered into a refuge path  105 , and the sheet discharge process unit  100  waits for the next (i.e., second) sheet carried (FIG.  2 B). Similarly, the second sheet is set in the refuge path  105  (FIG.  2 C). After all the sheets were carried to the path  105 , the butting board  120  is raised such that a central portion of the sheets reaches the position of a stapler  115 , and a stapling process on the sheets is performed by the stapler  115 . The butting board  120  is then lowered such that the central portion of the sheets set at the board  120  reaches the position of the folding unit  109  (FIG.  2 D). By moving the folding unit  109  in the direction of folding rollers  107 , the central portion of the sheets is entered between the rollers  107 , whereby the stacked sheets are together folded in two and then discharged to a sheet discharge tray  111  (FIG.  2 E). In other words, the first face of the sheet of the double-face images is discharged in a state that the first face is being folded inward. 
     The sheet discharge process unit  100  is detachable from the main body of the copy machine, and a sensor (not shown) to detect the unit  100  is provided within the main body. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control unit of the copy machine. In the drawing, an image read unit  31  is composed of an optical system for inputting the reflected light from the original image, a CCD for converting the reflected light from the optical system into an analog signal, an A/D converter for converting the analog signal received from the CCD into a digital signal, and the like. The image read unit  31  reads the original image and sends the obtained digital signal to an image process unit  32 . 
     The image process unit  32  is composed of a shading correction circuit, a light color density conversion circuit, an image edit circuit and the like. The image edit circuit edits the image, e.g., zooming, shifting and trimming of the image, on the basis of an instruction from a user. The image process unit  32  corrects and edits the image inputted from the image read unit  31 , and then sends obtained image data to an image record unit  34  or the image memory  35  to store the image through an image data selector  33 . 
     The image data selector  33  is composed of a switching circuit unit, a synthesizing circuit unit and the like. The switching circuit unit switches a path for sending the image data from the image process unit  32  to the image record unit  34 , a path for sending the image data from the unit  32  to the image memory  35  and a path for sending the image data read out of the memory  35  to the image record unit  34 , on the basis of an instruction from the CPU circuit unit  37 . The synthesizing circuit unit synthesizes the image data sent from the unit  32  and the image data read out of the memory  35 . 
     The image record unit  34  transfers the image onto the recording sheet on the basis of a density signal of the image data sent from the image data selector  33 . 
     The image memory  35  stores and reads the image data sent from the image data selector  33  at its designated position on the basis of the instruction from the CPU circuit unit  37  in a manner described later. Further, the memory  35  performs an image rotating process, an image synthesizing process on the memory, and the like. 
     The CPU circuit unit  37  is composed of a CPU, a ROM  38 , a RAM  39 , a various-timer control unit and the like. The CPU controls the image formation apparatus as a whole. The ROM  38  has stored therein a control program, an error process program and the like. The RAM  39  is used as a working area to execute various programs. The various programs which are shown in later-described flow charts of FIGS. 9 to  12 ,  14  and  15  and executed by the CPU have been stored in the ROM  38 . 
     A console unit  36  is composed of various key groups, a display unit and the like. The key groups are used to instruct various image formation operations to the image process unit  32 , e.g., the contents of the image edit, the number of copies and the like. The display unit displays the contents of the operations. 
     FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of the console unit  36  of the copy machine. As shown in the drawing, various keys (i.e., touch panel) and a liquid crystal display unit  238  (i.e., touch panel display) of a dot matrix are arranged on the unit  36 . A state of the apparatus, the number of copies, magnification, the selected sheet and various operation screens are displayed on the unit  238 , and the unit  238  is operated by using control keys  231  to  235 . 
     A start key  203  is the key to start copying, and a return key  202  is the key to return a setting mode to a normal (or initial) state. A key group  205  is composed of a ten-key including “0” to “1” keys to input the number of copies, the zooming magnification and the like, and a clear key to clear such inputs. A density key  207  is the key to increase and decrease a density, and the density adjusted or controlled by using the key  207  is displayed on a display unit  241 . The key  237  is the key to turn on and off an automatic density adjustment function, and also acts as the display unit to display an on/off state of the function. The key  206  is the key to select paper feed decks and an automatic sheet selection function, and such a selected state is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit  238 . 
     A key  208  is the key to set the same-size copy, and a key  210  is the key to set the fixed-size reduction/enlargement copy. A state set by using the key  208  or  210  is displayed on the display unit  238 . A book binding mode key  220  is the key to set a mode (book binding mode) for performing book binding in the state that the copied sheets are being folded in two. Procedure to set the book binding mode is displayed on the display unit  238  and a display unit  219 . 
     A key  218  is the key to set a cover sheet mode, and procedure to set the cover sheet mode is displayed on the display unit  238 . FIGS. 5A to  5 D are the views showing the procedure to set the cover sheet mode. When the key  218  is depressed, the displaying to set whether or not the copying is to be performed on the cover sheet is performed (FIG.  5 B). In this case, if “NO COPY” is designated, the cover sheet mode not to perform the copying on the sheet to be used as the cover sheet is set, and the displaying state returns to a state shown in FIG.  5 A. On the other hand, if “COPY” is designated, it is designated on which face of the sheet to be used as the cover sheet the copying is performed (FIG.  5 C). When the designation terminates, the cover sheet mode to perform the copying on the sheet to be used as the cover sheet is set, and the displaying state returns to the state shown in FIG.  5 A. The currently set state is displayed on a display unit  217 . 
     FIG. 5D represents which face of the sheet to be used as the cover sheet the setting in FIG. 5C indicates. That is, “FRONT—COVER SHEET” indicates the reverse of the front cover sheet, “FRONT INSIDE—COVER SHEET” indicates the reverse of the front cover sheet, “REVERSE—COVER SHEET” indicates the front of the reverse cover sheet, and “REVERSE INSIDE—COVER SHEET” indicates the reverse of the reverse cover sheet. 
     Hereinafter, an operation of the copy machine of the above-described structure will be explained. FIGS. 6A to  6 E are views showing methods to store and read the original image. FIG. 6A shows one storage capacity of the image memory. Namely, the image memory consists of longitudinal 4662 bits×lateral 6596 bits, and can store the image of A 3  size. FIG. 7 is a view showing image storage areas in the image memory  35 . That is, the image storage areas consist of one image layout memory (area) and image memories (areas) capable of storing the images of 100 sheets. 
     Initially, the method to store the original image in the image memory will be explained. In the present embodiment, a case where the original of A 4  size put on the original mounting glass board  2  is stored in the image memory will be explained. 
     In FIG. 6B, the original is sequentially read or scanned in directions indicated by solid arrows. 
     Initially, a (0, 0) address is set as a start position, an X-direction counter is designated to be counted up, and a Y-direction counter is designated to be counted up. When a first line is read, the Y-direction counter is counted up, and the read image data is written in the memory in due order in a (0, 4661) address direction. Then, when a second line is read, the X-direction counter is counted up, the image data is written from a (1, 0) address in due order in a (1, 4661) address direction. By repeating the reading and writing in this manner, the image data is written up to a (3297, 4661) address. 
     Subsequently, the process to read the image data written in the image memory will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D. In FIG. 6C, a (3297, 0) address of a first line of the image data is set as a start position, the X-direction counter is designated to be counted down, and the Y-direction counter is designated to be counted up. As the X-direction counter is sequentially counted down, the written image data is read. Then, the Y-direction counter is counted up, and thus a second line is read from a (3297, 1) address in due order in a (0, 1) address direction. 
     In FIG. 6D, a (0, 0) address of a first line is set as a start position, the X-direction counter is designated to be counted up, and the Y-direction counter is designated to be counted up. As the Y-direction counter is sequentially counted up in a (0, 4661) address direction, the image data is read. Then, the X-direction counter is counted up, a second line is read from a (1, 0) address in due order in a (1, 4661) address direction. 
     Therefore, by reading the image data in the method shown in FIG. 6C, the A 4  original image can be rotated. On the other hand, by reading the image data in the method shown in FIG. 6D, the original image can be read without rotating it. 
     In FIG. 6E, the image data individually stored is read and the read image data is written at a desired position in an image layout memory, whereby the different original images can be synthesized in the memory. 
     Subsequently, a copy process in a book binding mode will be explained. FIGS. 8A to  8 C are views showing the copy process in the book binding mode. FIG. 8A shows input originals  601  to  608  which are set to the original feed unit  1  in a state that these eight originals are being stacked. FIG. 8B shows a state that the sheets of the double-face images are bounded. 
     FIG. 8C shows page distribution on first and second sheets. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 are the flow charts showing the procedure to perform the copy process in a case where the book binding mode and the cover sheet mode are designated. Initially, the originals  601  to  608  shown in FIG. 8A are set to or put on the original feed unit  1 . Further, in case of designating the cover sheet mode (see FIGS. 5A to  5 D), the original to be copied on the cover sheet (i.e., cover sheet original) is set on the originals  601  to  608  already set to the unit  1  (see FIG.  17 A). That is, not only the original to be copied on the front of the front cover sheet or the reverse of the front cover sheet, but also the original to be copied on the reverse of the reverse cover sheet or the front of the reverse cover sheet is set on the originals  601  to  608 . In this case, it is assumed that these originals must be set in the order (from the top) of the front of the front cover sheet, the reverse of the front cover sheet, the reverse of the reverse cover sheet and the front of the reverse cover sheet. Thus, the user may only stack the originals for the cover sheets (including front cover sheet and reverse cover sheet) on a sheaf of the originals for the contents (text or body) sequentially stacked in due order. By doing so, the user can cause the image formation apparatus to execute the book binding mode to his satisfaction without any confusion. 
     FIG. 17A shows the state of the originals when they are set in the manner shown in FIG.  5 C. When the copy start key  203  is depressed in this state, the copy process starts. 
     Initially, the original size is detected by the original size detection sensor provided in the original feed unit  1  or the reflection sensors  22  and  23  (step S 801 ). Then, the sheet is selected and the selected sheet is checked (step S 802 ). 
     FIG. 11 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform a sheet selection process. It is first judged whether or not the sheet discharge process unit  100  having a folding mechanism is being mounted (step S 1001 ). If not mounted, a process in a step S 1004  is performed. On the other hand, if mounted, it is further judged whether or not the book binding mode is being designated (step S 1002 ). 
     If not designated, the process in the step S 1004  is performed. On the other hand, if designated, it is further judged whether or not automatic sheet selection is being designated (step S 1003 ). 
     If designated, a process of automatic sheet selection  1  in a later-described step S 1006  is performed. On the other hand, if not designated, it is judged whether or not the sheet designated by using the sheet selection key is the sheet facing laterally (i.e., sheet of which longer side extending along sheet discharge direction) (step S 1005 ). If the sheet faces laterally, this sheet is selected (step S 1010 ), and the process terminates. On the other hand, if the sheet does not faces laterally, it is set in a predetermined RAM area that the designated sheet is inappropriate (step S 1009 ), and the process terminates. 
     In the step S 1004 , it is judged whether or not the automatic sheet selection is being designated. If designated, a process of automatic sheet selection  2  in a later-described step S 1007  is performed. On the other hand, if not designated, a process in a step S 1008  is performed. In this step S 1008 , the sheet designated by using the sheet selection key is selected, and then the process terminates. 
     FIG. 12 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform the process of automatic sheet selection  1  in the step S 1006 . In FIG. 12, an image size is initially calculated (step S 1101 ). The image size is calculated based on the original size detected by the original size detection sensor or the reflection sensors  22  and  23 , zooming data set by using the console unit, other mode, and the like. For example, in the book binding mode, the image size capable of containing the two faces of the originals is calculated by multiplying the detected original size by the magnification (zooming rate) and then doubling a shorter side of the obtained-size original. 
     Subsequently, the optimum sheet size is searched or retrieved (step S 1102 ). FIGS. 13A and 13B are views respectively showing tables used to search the optimum sheet size. The search is performed by selecting the minimum-size sheet capable of containing the image size calculated in the step S 1101 , from among the laterally faced sheets arranged in the smaller order shown in FIG.  13 A. 
     On the basis of the directions and the sizes of mounted sheet cassettes, a table in which the laterally faced sheets are arranged in the order of size and a table in which the longitudinally faced sheets are arranged in the order of size are respectively formed at predetermined areas in the RAM (step S 1103 ). 
     Then, the cassette of which size coincides with the sheet size detected in the step S 1102  is searched in the table formed in the step S 1103  in which the laterally faced sheets are arranged in the order of size (step S 1104 ), and it is detected whether or not there is the coincided-size cassette (step S 1105 ). If YES in the step S 1105 , the coincided cassette is selected (step S 1107 ), and the process terminates. On the other hand, if NO in the step S 1105 , the secondary subject (i.e., cassette) is selected (step S 1106 ). As the secondary cassette, the smallest-size cassette (sheet) capable of containing the sheet size searched in the step S 1102  is searched in the table formed in the step S 1103 . In this case, if there is no cassette to be selected, the remaining maximum-size cassette is selected, and the process terminates. 
     FIG. 14 is the flow chart showing the procedure to perform the process of automatic sheet selection  2  in the step S 1007 . Initially, the image size is calculated (step S 1201 ). The image size is calculated based on the original size detected by the original size detection sensor or the reflection sensors  22  and  23 , the zooming data set by using the console unit, other mode, and the like. 
     Subsequently, the optimum sheet size is searched or retrieved (step S 1202 ). The search is performed by selecting the minimum-size sheet capable of containing the image size calculated in the step S 1201 , from among the longitudinally faced sheet and the laterally faced sheets arranged in the smaller order shown in FIG.  13 B. The mounted sheet cassettes are arranged in the order of size to form the table at a predetermined area in the RAM (step S 1203 ). 
     Then, the cassette of which size coincides with the sheet size detected in the step S 1202  is searched in the table formed in the step S 1203  in which the sheet cassettes are arranged in the order of size (step S 1204 ), and it is detected whether or not there is the coincided-size cassette (step S 1205 ). If YES in the step S 1205 , the coincided cassette is selected (step S 1207 ), and the process terminates. 
     On the other hand, if NO in the step S 1205 , the secondary subject (i.e., sheet cassette) is selected (step S 1206 ). As the secondary sheet cassette, the smallest-size cassette (sheet) capable of containing the sheet size searched in the step S 1202  is searched in the table formed in the step S 1203 . In this case, if there is no sheet cassette to be selected, the remaining maximum-size cassette is selected, and the process terminates. 
     Thus, the sheet selection process in the step S 802  in FIG. 9 terminates. Subsequently, as a result of the process in the step S 802 , it is checked whether or not the selected sheet is inappropriate, the optimum-size sheet is being selected, or the like (step S 803 ). 
     If a satisfactory result can be obtained in the sheet check, the flow advances to a process in a step S 806 . On the other hand, if such the result can not be obtained, a message to notify that the sheet is inappropriate is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit  238  of the console unit (step S 804 ), and the flow waits for the start key inputting to again start the process (step S 805 ). When the start key inputting is performed, the flow advances to the process in the step S 806 . 
     In the step S 806 , the originals put upward on the original feed unit  1  are carried or fed one by one from the top in sequence to the original mounting glass board  2 , the images of the carried originals are read by the image sensor  9 , and the read images are sequentially stored in the image memory  35  shown in FIG.  7 . Such the storing is performed from the image memory  1  in sequence in FIG.  7 . Simultaneously, the number N of the originals is counted. 
     In a case where the cover sheet mode is being set and the setting to perform the copying on the cover sheet is being performed, the number N of the originals is corrected by subtracting the number C (maximum 4) of the cover sheet originals to be copied (i.e., originals to be copied on cover sheet) from the actually counted number N of the originals, by using an expression (1) (step S 807 ). It should be noted that the number C of the cover sheet originals is equal to the number of checks (✓) designated on a screen shown in FIG.  5 C. 
     
       
           N=N −(the number C of the cover sheet originals to be copied)  (1) 
       
     
     Then the number P of the sheets to be outputted is calculated from the number N of the originals by using an expression ( 2 ) (step S 808 ). 
     
       
           P=QOUT [( N +3)/4]  (2) 
       
     
     where QOUT[X] represents an integral quotient of X, and this integral quotient is the integral value which is obtained by cutting off numerical values smaller than a decimal point of a result of such a division process. 
     Subsequently, the image reading order is calculated to form an image process table representing the image reading order (step S 809 ). FIG. 15 is the flow chart showing the procedure to form the image process table in the step S 809 . Initially, a counter i is set to be “0”, and the number P of the output sheets obtained in the step S 808  is set to a counters Pup and Pdown (step S 901 ). 
     Then, the number P of the output sheets is compared with the counter i (step S 902 ). If a result of the comparison (i&lt;P) is true, the flow advances to a step S 903 . On the other hand, if the result is false, the process terminates. In the step S 903 , calculation is performed according to an expression (3) to write in due order calculated results in the image process table representing the image reading order. FIG. 16A is the view showing the image process table in a case where there is no cover sheet or no copy is performed on the cover sheet. FIG. 16B is the view showing the image process table in a case where there are three originals to be copied on the cover sheets as in the setting shown in FIG.  5 C. 
     
       
         first face−left=2 ×Pdown+C   
       
     
     
       
         first face−right=2 ×Pup +1 +C   
       
     
     
       
         second face−left=2 ×Pup +2 +C   
       
     
     
       
         second face−right=2 ×Pdown −1 +C   (3) 
       
     
     where C represents the number of the cover sheet originals to be copied. 
     Subsequently, the value “1” is added to the counter i, the value “1” is added to the counter Pup, and the value “1” is subtracted from the counter Pdown (step S 904 ). Then, the flow again returns to the process in the step S 902  to repeat the processes in the steps S 902  and the follower to form the image process tables shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 
     After then, the images stored in the image memory  35  are laid out in the image layout memory within the memory  35  according to the order indicated by the image process tables shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B (step S 810 ). In the example of FIG. 16A, the fourth image is firstly laid out in the above manner such that this image is located on the left side of the image layout memory, and the fifth image is laid out such that this image is located on the right side of the image layout memory. Then, the image in the image layout memory is printed according to the print starting of a first face (step S 811 ). Like the step S 810 , the next image is expanded in the image layout memory (step S 812 ), and the next image expanded is similarly printed on the reverse of the sheet already subjected to the printing in the step S 811  (step S 813 ). Then, like the step S 803 , the sheet is checked (step S 814 ). If OK in the step S 814 , the sheet of which both the faces were subjected to the printing is put on a stack unit  110  within the sheet discharge process unit  100  in a case where the unit  100  is being mounted (step S 815 ). On the other hand, if not OK in the step S 814 , the sheet is not carried or fed to the stack unit  110  but is discharged outside (step S 816 ). 
     Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the above-described processes in the steps S 810  and the follower are performed plural times as many as the number P of the output sheets (step S 817 ). If the processes do not terminate, the processes in the step S 810  and the follower are repeated. On the other hand, if the processes terminate, it is further judged whether or not the processes of the number of copies designated by the console unit terminate (step S 818 ). If not terminate, the processes in the step S 810  and the follower are repeated. Then, if terminate, the flow advances to a process in a step S 819 . 
     In the step S 819 , it is judged whether or not the cover sheet mode is being set. If not being set, processes in a step S 825  and the follower are performed. On the other hand, if being set, the cover sheet image process table is formed (step S 820 ). 
     FIG. 17B is a view showing the arrangement of the original images for the cover sheets. FIGS. 18A and 18B are views showing the cover sheet image process table. In FIG. 18B, numerals “1”, “2”, “3” and “4” represent page information of the read originals images for the cover sheets. On the basis of the mode shown in FIG.  18 A and designated by the console unit, the page information of the print image shown in FIG. 18B is read, and a layout process for the image is performed (step S 821 ). Numeral “0” in FIG. 18B represents that there is no image to be laid out. The image layout processes on the first and second faces are performed in the steps S 821  and S 823 , respectively. In these cases, the images stored in the image memory  35  are laid out in the image layout memory within the memory  35  according to the cover sheet image process table shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B (step S 821 ). How to lay out the image is the same as that in the process shown in the step S 810 . 
     The image in the image layout memory is printed according to the print starting of the first face (step S 822 ). Like the step S 821 , the next image is expanded in the image layout memory (step S 823 ), and the next image is similarly printed on the reverse of the sheet already subjected to the printing in the step S 822  (step S 824 ). 
     When the printing terminates, the processes in the step S 825  the follower are performed. In the step S 825 , it is judged whether or not the sheets are stacked in the folding path  104 . If YES in the step S 825 , the folding process is performed (step S 826 ), and then the sheets are discharged outside. On the other hand, if NO in the step S 825 , the process terminates. 
     By performing the above processes, the book binding layout which is added with the cover sheets can be realized. 
     It should be noted that the present invention can be applied to a system consisting of plural equipments or can be also applied to an apparatus containing one equipment. Further, it will be obviously understood that the present invention can be applied to such a case as the invention is achieved by supplying a program to the system or the apparatus. In this case, when the system or the apparatus reads a storage medium in which a program represented by a software to achieve the present invention has been stored, the system or the apparatus can derive the effect of the present invention. 
     In the above embodiment, although the ROM has been used as the storage medium, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card or the like can be used as the storage medium.