Image forming apparatus having an image orientation identifying device and a binding device

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a copier, facsimile transceiver, printer or similar image forming apparatus having a device capable of identifying an image orientation to allow adequate processing to be executed and a device for binding sheets carrying images thereon by determining a binding position.

A document image processing apparatus has been proposed in various forms in the past. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 250184/1989, for example, discloses a document image processing apparatus which separates a character image from image data representative of a document and read by a scanner, extracts a characteristic amount of the character image, converts the characteristic amount in matching relation to the rotation angle of the character, compares the converted characteristic amount with a dictionary to thereby recognize the rotated image or, when the rotation angle of the character is not known beforehand, recognizes the separated character image as two or more rotated images of different angles and thereby determines the rotation angle of the character.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 105266/1989 teaches a document image processing apparatus which separates a suitable number of character images in the vertical direction from the image data of a document read by an image scanner (separates such that the width from the head portion toward the tail portion of a line and the width from the tail portion toward the head portion are equal to each other). Paying attention to the fact that a greater number of black pixels exist in the width from the head portion to the tail portion than in the width from the tail portion to the head portion, the apparatus determines the position of the image in the top-and-bottom direction and, if it is upside down, rotates it by image rotating means to a correct position.

Although the above-described conventional apparatuses identify a character orientation (document image orientation) by using a character recognition scheme, they lack a measure for coping with the occurrence that an image orientation cannot be identified on the basis of an object which is the reference for identification.

The identification of a character orientation has not been much applied to an image forming art, particularly a binding technology, although it would facilitate convenient image formation. Regarding image formation accompanied by a binding operation, the orientation of a document relative to an image reading section is an important consideration since it is apt to cause sheets to be bound at an inadequate position. Since an ordinary binding device binds sheets at only a particular position relative to the document set position for mechanical reasons, an erroneous orientation of documents disturbs the binding position. Specifically, if sheets can be bound at any desired position thereof, they will be bound at an adequate position when at least the orientation of the documents is accurately detected. However, an ordinary binding device has a stapler which is fixed in place or movable only along one end of sheets due to the mechanical limitations of the device body. It is, therefore, necessary to match the orientation of the documents to the reference binding position of the binding device. For example, should vertically long horizontally written documents be set upside down in the top-and-bottom direction and should the binding device be expected to bind the upper left corner of documents, sheets would be bound at the lower right corner.

Moreover, it often occurs that when a great number of document images are handled in a stack, image data exist in the binding range of some document images, causing sheets to be bound in image areas thereof. In addition, in the event of punching or sorting, the mixture of sheets of different orientations are also obstructive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a reliable image forming apparatus having a device capable of identifying, when failing to identify an image orientation on the basis of an object which is the reference for identification, an image orientation on the basis of another object.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus having a device capable of identifying an image orientation and, in the event of noncoincidence, executing an adequate processing to avoid an undesirable result.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus having a device capable of surely and accurately identifying an image orientation of document images matching a predetermined adequate binding portion so as to determine an adequate binding position and, in the event of noncoincidence, executing a recovery procedure to avoid an undesirable result.

In accordance with the present invention, a binding device identifies a binding position for binding sheets carrying images thereon, and performs a binding operation at the identified binding position.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, a device for determining coincidence of an image orientation comprises image orientation identifying means for selecting, among a plurality of image data, image data of a particular page as a reference image, identifying an image orientation of the reference image, and then identifying image orientations of the other image data, and decision means for determining whether or not the image orientations of the other image data match the image orientation of the reference image.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a device for determining coincidence of an image orientation, the device comprises first identifying means for selecting, among a plurality of image data, image data of a particular page as a reference image, and identifying an image orientation of the reference image, second identifying means for identifying image orientations of the other image data, and decision means for determining whether or not the image orientation of the reference image identified by the first identifying means and the image orientations of the other image data identified by the second identifying means are coincident.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, a method of binding sheets carrying images thereon by determining a binding position comprises the steps of detecting predetermined image data existing in a page area, determining a binding position on the sheets in response to the predetermined image data, determining whether or not data representative of a predetermined reference binding position and data representative of the determined binding position are coincident, and avoiding, when the data representative of the predetermined reference binding position and the data representative of the determined binding position are not coincident, noncoincidence.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, a device for binding sheets carrying images thereon by determining a binding position comprises detecting means for detecting predetermined image data in an image data page area, determining means for determining a binding position in response to an output of the detecting means, decision means for determining whether or not data representative of a predetermined reference binding position and data representative of the determined binding position are coincident, and recovering means for avoiding, when the data representative of the predetermined reference binding position and the data representative of the determined binding position are not coincident, noncoincidence.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, a method of identifying an image orientation comprises the steps of detecting predetermined image data in an image data page area which is a reference for identification, identifying an image direction on the basis of data representative of the detected image data, and shifting, when an image orientation cannot be identified on the basis of the predetermined image data, the reference to another predetermined image data and determining an image orientation again.

Yet, in accordance with the present invention, a device for identifying an image orientation comprises a plurality of detecting means for detecting an image orientation of predetermined image data in an image data page area which is a reference for identification, identifying means for identifying an image orientation of the image data detected by the detecting means, and control means for shifting, when an image orientation cannot be identified on the basis of the predetermined image data, the reference to another predetermined image data and causing the detecting means and identifying means to identify an image.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, an image forming apparatus comprises image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, detecting means for detecting predetermined image data in an image data page area, identifying means for identifying an image orientation on the basis of the predetermined image data detected by the detecting means, and control means for deactivating the identifying means in a usual image form mode which causes the image forming means to form an image on a sheet and discharges the sheet without finishing the sheet, or activating the identifying means in an image form mode which finishes the sheet in a predetermined manner.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, a method of forming an image on a sheet comprises forming an image on a sheet, detecting predetermined image data in an image data page area, identifying an image orientation on the basis of the predetermined image data detected, and omitting identification of an image orientation in a usual image form mode which does not finish the sheet carrying an image or executes the identification in an image form mode which finishes the sheet in a predetermined manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a section showing the general construction of a digital copier embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an optical writing section included in a digital copier;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the writing section;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are block diagrams schematically showing a control unit incorporated in the digital copier;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are block diagrams schematically showing an electric control system incorporated in the digital copier;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an image scanner section;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an image processing unit;

FIG. 8 shows data to be switched over by a data switching mechanism;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are block diagrams each schematically showing a particular memory system;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing a memory device;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal arrangement of a memory unit included in the memory device;

FIG. 14 shows three different image data types;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing another internal arrangement of the memory device;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically showing a memory system using an external storage unit;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another internal arrangement of the memory device;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are block diagrams schematically showing application units;

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing a specific arrangement of an operation and display section;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a memory system;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically showing an image processing unit;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are block diagrams schematically showing an image data receiving arrangement;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram schematically showing an image processing function;

FIG. 24 shows a specific arrangement of a bit map page memory;

FIGS. 25A and 25B show image data stored in a memory during usual scanning;

FIGS. 26A-26C show image data stored in the memory during reverse scanning;

FIGS. 27A-27C show image data resulting from mirroring;

FIGS. 28A-28C show blank areas or margins of a document in the X and Y directions;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram schematically showing a device for counting pixels from the edge of a document to a position where an image begins;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart demonstrating a procedure for detecting a document orientation;

FIGS. 31A-31D show images determined by the procedure of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting the binding margin of a document;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a procedure for matching in orientation the maximum margin and start page image data;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not a document of different orientation exists in a stack of documents to be handled by a single job;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying a warning indicative of the document of different orientation;

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not a document of different orientation exists in a stack of copied documents;

FIG. 38 shows a specific bit arrangement of a memory assigned to a flag used in the flowchart of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a copy interruption and warning display procedure;

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing another copy interruption and warning display procedure;

FIG. 41 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a procedure for rotating an image by image processing;

FIG. 43 is a plan view of a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a reverse scanning procedure;

FIG. 45 shows a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a document orientation on the basis of the marks of a document;

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a warning display procedure to be executed when an image orientation is unidentifiable;

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not a document of different orientation exists in a stack of documents to be handled by a single job and whether or not a document whose image orientation is unidentifiable exists;

FIG. 49 is a flowchart similar to the flowchart of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a plan view of a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for matching an image orientation to an identified reference image orientation;

FIG. 52 shows a specific bit configuration of a memory for a flag to be used in the processing of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not an image orientation is unidentifiable;

FIG. 55 shows a specific bit arrangement of a memory for a flag to be used in the flowchart of FIG. 54;

FIGS. 56, 57 and 58 are flowcharts each showing a copy interruption and warning display procedure to be executed when an image orientation is unidentifiable;

FIG. 59 is a plan view of a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIGS. 60 and 61 are flowcharts each showing a blank document decision procedure;

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a copy interruption and warning display procedure to be executed when a document is blank;

FIG. 63 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a copying procedure to be executed on the basis of the number of sets of sheets to be sorted;

FIGS. 65 and 66 are plan views each showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a copying procedure which a copier with a human body sensor executes when the image orientations are not coincident;

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a procedure for stapling sheets by determining a stapling position;

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing an image forming continuing and staple inhibiting procedure to be executed when reference stapling position data and image orientation do not coincide;

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a copy interruption and warning display procedure to be executed when an image is present at a determined stapling position;

FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing an image formation continuing and staple inhibiting procedure to be executed when an image is present at a determined stapling position;

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a sequence, magnification change processing and so forth to be executed when an image is present at a determined stapling position;

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a stapling position change procedure to be executed when an image is present at a determined stapling position;

FIG. 74 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a procedure for selectively effecting image orientation identification depending on the image form mode;

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a warning display procedure to be executed when a stapling position is inadequate;

FIG. 77 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing a staple inhibition procedure to be executed when a stapling position is inadequate;

FIG. 79 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 80 shows how an image orientation is determined on the basis of separated lines;

FIG. 81 shows how lines separated by mosaic processing are written to a bit map memory;

FIG. 82 is a view similar to FIG. 81, showing a case wherein the number of pixels of a filter is reduced;

FIG. 83 is a view similar to FIG. 81, showing a case wherein the number of bits of a filter is increased;

FIG. 84 is a view similar to FIG. 81, showing a case wherein the number of pixels of a filter is increased and a dot has a greater size than the carriage return width;

FIG. 85 shows a specific configuration of the filter;

FIG. 86 is a flowchart showing a document top-and-bottom decision processing using addresses in the main scanning direction;

FIG. 87 is a flowchart showing a procedure for distinguishing horizontal writing and vertical writing on the basis of a mean value of the distances between the centers of gravity of a character sequence division in the X and Y axis directions;

FIG. 88 shows a triangular pattern associated with one-point stapling;

FIG. 89 shows a two-point stapling pattern;

FIG. 90 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 91 shows the kinds of documents;

FIG. 92 also shows the kinds of documents;

FIGS. 93A-93D show image orientation matching patterns;

FIG. 94 shows a relation between reference images and stapling and punching positions;

FIG. 95 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not image orientations are coincident;

FIGS. 96 and 97 are flowcharts each showing a procedure for uniformizing image orientations using the subsequent page as a reference;

FIG. 98 is a flowchart showing a warning display procedure to be executed when documents of different orientations are stacked together or when an image orientation is unidentifiable;

FIG. 99 is a flowchart showing staple processing based on the identification of a layout;

FIG. 100 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 101 is a flowchart showing a procedure associated with image coincidence and stapling;

FIG. 102 is a flowchart showing a character recognition procedure;

FIG. 103 shows direction codes to be assigned to the contour of an input character image;

FIG. 104 shows histograms each being associated with a particular direction code;

FIG. 105 is a block diagram schematically showing a device for character recognition;

FIGS. 106A-106D show direction codes assigned to a specific Chinese character held in various angles;

FIG. 107 is a table listing various combinations of document size, writing direction and so forth;

FIG. 108 shows various kinds of document positions;

FIGS. 109A-109D show the kinds of horizontal writing and vertical writing of documents;

FIG. 110 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIGS. 111 and 112 are flowcharts each showing a procedure for forming an image in a predetermined direction while displaying a warning;

FIGS. 113-115 are flowcharts each showing a flowchart for matching an image orientation to an identified reference image data direction, forming an image, and displaying a warning;

FIGS. 116 and 117 are flowcharts each showing an image interruption and warning display procedure to be executed when an image orientation is unidentifiable;

FIGS. 118 and 119 are plan views each showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIGS. 120A-120D show one-point stapling various patterns;

FIGS. 121A-121D show various two-point stapling patterns;

FIG. 122 is a flowchart showing a stapling position decision procedure;

FIGS. 123A and 123B, 124A and 124B, and 125A and 125B each shows a relation between a sheet direction and a stapling position;

FIG. 126 is a flowchart showing a stapling position decision procedure;

FIG. 127 is a flowchart showing a warning display procedure to be executed when character sequence direction data and a reference stapling position do not match;

FIG. 128 is a flowchart showing an image rotation procedure to be executed when character sequence direction data and reference stapling position do not match;

FIG. 129 is a flowchart showing an image reverse scan procedure to be executed when character sequence direction data and reference stapling position do not match;

FIGS. 130 and 131 are flowcharts each showing a warning display procedure to be executed when a stapling position is not adequate when a manual staple command is entered;

FIG. 132 is a flowchart showing a staple inhibition procedure to be executed when a stapling position is not adequate when a manual staple command is entered;

FIG. 133 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 134 shows a punch hole area;

FIG. 135 shows how to calculate the coordinates of punch holes;

FIGS. 136A and 136B show punch hole positions;

FIG. 137 shows a document image divided into areas;

FIGS. 138A-138C show fixed image data;

FIGS. 139-142 are flowcharts each showing a punch hole detection procedure;

FIG. 143 shows the coordinates of a punch hole;

FIGS. 144A-144E show punch hole patterns and areas for detection;

FIG. 145 is a flowchart showing a procedure based on the position of punch holes and an image condition;

FIGS. 146A-146G show staple position patterns;

FIG. 147 is a flowchart showing a procedure based on a staple mark and an image condition;

FIGS. 148 and 149 are flowcharts each showing a procedure for counting various document conditions;

FIG. 150 is a plan view showing a specific condition of the operation and display section;

FIG. 151 is a flowchart showing a procedure for counting various document conditions and a processing associated with an unidentifiable state;

FIG. 152 is a flowchart showing a procedure for identifying an image orientation based on punch holes and staple holes;

FIG. 153 is a flowchart showing a procedure for counting various document conditions;

FIGS. 154A-154D show a relation between the punch hole position and the stapling position;

FIG. 155 is a flowchart showing a staple procedure using punch holes;

FIGS. 156A-156D show a relation between the staple hole position and the stapling position;

FIG. 157 is a flowchart showing staple processing using staple holes;

FIG. 158 is a flowchart showing a procedure for confirming a stapling operation;

FIGS. 159A and 159B show stapling positions on a document;

FIG. 160 shows stapling positions in symbols;

FIG. 161 is a flowchart showing a stapling position decision procedure using stapling positions and punch holes;

FIGS. 162A and 162B show how to erase punch holes;

FIGS. 163A and 163B show how to erase staple marks; and

FIG. 164 is a flowchart showing an image orientation identification procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter. To facilitate an understanding, the following description will be itemized, and the items will be shown as an index first.

1. Outline of Digital Copier Embodying the Invention

1.1 General Construction

1.2 Scanner Section

1.3 Writing Section

1.4 Photoconductive Element Section

1.5 Developing Section

1.6 Sheet Feed Section

1.7 ADF

1.8 Sorter/Stapler (III)

1.9 Control Section

1.9.1 Sequence Control

1.9.2 Image Data Processing

1.9.3 Application Units

1.9.3.1 APL1

1.9.3.2 APL2

1.9.3.3 APL3

1.9.3.4 APL4

1.9.3.5 APL5

1.9.3.6 Display

1.9.4 Facsimile Transmission and Reception

1.9.5 Image Processing Unit

1.9.5.1 Shift, Magnification Change, Rotation, Reverse Scan and Mirroring

1.9.5.2 Shift

1.9.5.3 Magnification Change

1.9.5.4 Image Rotation

1.9.5.5 Reverse Scan and Mirroring

1.10 Human Body Sensor

2. Identification of Image Orientation

3. identification of Image Orientation Based on Margins

3.1.1 Detecting Greatest Margin in Page Area of Output Image Data

3.1.2 Detecting Greater One of Two Reference Margins Derived from Size and Set Direction (Image Data Direction) of Document

3.1.3 Matching 2nd Page and Successive Pages in Orientation to Start Page by Detecting Greatest Margin in Page Area

3.1.4 Recovery in Orientation NG (No Good) Condition

3.1.4.1 Only Display of Warning After Image Formation

3.1.4.2 Interruption of Copying and Displaying Warning

3.1.4.3 Disagreement of Margin

3.1.5 Unidentifiable Orientation

3.1.5.1 Forming Image in Predetermined Orientation and Displaying Warning

3.1.5.2 Forming Image in Identified Reference Orientation and Displaying Warning

3.1.5.3 Interrupting Image Formation and Displaying Warning

3.1.6 Blank Document

3.1.7 Orientation NG (Unable to Be Dealt with by Image Processing When Margin is Not Coincident)

3.2.1 Determining Stapling Position Based on Greatest Margin in Page Area of Output Image Data

3.2.2 Stapling at Greatest Margin

3.2.3 Determining Stapling position Based on Greater One of Two Reference Margins Derived from Size and Set Direction (Image Data Direction) of Document

3.2.4 Identifying Orientation Based on Greatest Margin Data and Confirming Coincidence by Comparing Image Data and Reference Stapling Position Data

3.2.5 Identifying Orientation Based on Greatest Margin Data and Orientation NG Recovery by Comparing Image Data and Reference Stapling Position

3.2.6 Image Existing in Stapling Position Derived from Greatest Margin Data

3.3.1 Selectively Skipping Orientation Identification

3.3.2 Stapling Position NG When Manual Staple Command Is Entered After Sorting

4. Identifying Image Orientation Based on Layout

4.1.1 Identification Based on layout of Entire Image

4.1.2 Detection on Blank Areas

4.2.1 Orientation Based on layout (Image Direction Data (Document Set Direction) and Image Output Size Data (Document Size))

4.2.2 Orientation Based on Corner Blank Data in Page Area of Output Image Data

4.2.3 Orientation Matching Based on Layout Decision

4.2.4 Orientation Matching Based on Corner Blank Data in Pate Area of Reference Output Image Data (Uniformization of Orientation)

4.2.5 Matching Orientations of Vertical and Horizontal Documents Using Reference Image Data

4.2.6 Recovery Orientation in NG Condition (Noncoincidence of Corner Blank Area)

4.2.7 Unidentifiable Document

4.2.8 Blank Document

4.2.9 Orientation NG (Unable to Be Dealt with by Image Processing When Corner Blank is Noncoincident)

4.3.1 Determining Stapling Position Based on Layout Decision (Set Position and Size of Document)

4.3.2 Determining Stapling Position Based on Corner Blank Data Derived from Layout Decision (Stapling Adequate Corner)

4.3.3 Stapling Detected Corner Blank Area

4.3.4 Determining Stapling Position Based on Common Corner Blank Portion Derived from Layout Decision

4.3.5 Orientation Matching by Comparing Corner Blank Area and Reference Stapling Position

4.3.6 Recovery in Orientation NG Condition by Comparing Corner Blank Area and Reference Stapling Position

4.3.7 Presence of Image in Stapling Position Determined by Corner Blank Data

4.3.8 Uniformizing Mixture of Vertical and Horizontal Documents Based on Layout Decision and Determining Stapling Position

4.4.1 Selectively Skipping Orientation Identification

4.4.2 Stapling Position NG Based on Blank Data When Manual Staple Command is Entered

5. Identifying Image Orientation Based on Character Orientation

5.1.1 Identifying Image Orientation in Output Image Data Page Based on Character Recognition

5.1.2 Image Orientation Matching Based on Reference Output Image Data and Using Character Recognition

5.1.3 Distinction between Vertical and Horizontal Documents (Based on Document Size, Orientation Data, Character Orientation Data and Line Direction Data (All Kinds)

5.1.4 Matching Mixed Vertical and Horizontal Documents to Reference Image Data by Character Orientation Recognition

5.1.5 Recovery in Image Orientation NG Condition (Noncoincident Character Orientation)

5.1.6 Orientation NG (Unable to Be Dealt With by Image Processing)

5.1.7 Blank Document

5.1.8 Unidentifiable Image Orientation

5.1.8.1 Forming Image in Predetermined Direction and Displaying Warning

5.1.8.2 Forming Image in Identified Reference Image Orientation and Displaying Warning

5.1.8.3 Interrupting Image Formation and Displaying Warning

5.2.1 Determining Stapling Position Based on Character Recognition

5.2.2 Comparison between Character Train Direction Data and Reference Stapling Position

5.2.3 Identifying Image Orientation of Mixed Vertical and Horizontal Documents Based on Character Recognition Data Relative to Reference Image Data, and Confirming match of Image Orientation by Comparing Image Orientations with Reference Stapler Position Data

5.2.4 Recovery in Character Train Direction Data and Reference Stapling Position NG Condition

5.3.1 Selectively Identifying Image Orientation Depending on Image Form Mode

5.3.2 After Sorting, Stapling Position NG on the Basis of Character Orientation Data when Manual Staple Command Is Inputted

5.3.2.1 Displaying Warning

5.3.2.2 Inhibiting Stapling

6. Identifying Image Orientation Based on Punch Holes or Staple Holes

6.1.1 Identifying Image Orientation Based on Punch Holes

6.1.2 Identifying Image Orientation Based on Staple Holes

6.1.3 Detecting Punch Holes or Staple Holes of Documents and Matching in Orientation to Reference Image Data

6.1.4 Recovery in Image Orientation NG Condition

6.1.4.1 Only Warning after Image Formation

6.1.4.2 If Different Orientation Is Detected by Scanning, Interrupting Copying and Displaying Warning

6.1.4.3 Image Rotation and Reverse Document Scanning

6.1.5 Unidentifiable Image Orientation

6.1.5.2 Matching to Identified Predetermined Reference Image Data Orientation, Forming Image and Displaying Warning

6.1.5.3 Interrupting image Formation and Displaying Warning

6.1.6 Blank Document

6.1.7 Image Orientation NG (Unable to Be Dealt with by Image Processing

6.2.1 Staple Control Based on Detected Punch Hole Data (Determining Stapling Position--Stapling)

6.2.2. Staple Control Based on Detected Staple Hole Data (Determining Stapling Position--Stapling)

6.2.3 Interrupting Stapling in Response to Inhibit Input

6.2.4 Comparison between Character Train Direction Data and Reference Stapling Position