Image forming apparatus and method in which image of a plurality of originals are formed at different positions of one recording sheet

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• exposure means for exposing an original;
• number data generation means for generating number data indicating how many originals whose images are to be formed on a single recording sheet;
• first size signal generation means for generating a first size signal indicating a size of the original exposed by said exposure means;
• second size signal generation means for generating a second size signal indicating a size of the recording sheet;
• determining means for determining magnification to form images of the originals at different positions on a single recording sheet, based on the number data generated by said number data generation means, the first size signal generated by said first size signal generation means, and the second size signal generated by said second size signal generation means;
• image forming means for forming the images of the originals with the magnification determined by said determining means at a desired position on the single recording sheet;
• feeding means for feeding the single recording sheet to the image forming means after the image is formed on the single recording sheet by said image forming means, in order to form another image on the single recording sheet;
• and
• control means for repeatedly controlling said exposure means, said image forming means and said feeding means so as to form reduced images of each of the images of the plurality of originals at different positions on the single recording sheet which is repeatedly fed by said feeding means.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• exposure means for exposing an original;
• number data generation means for generating number data indicating how many originals whose images are to be formed on a single recording sheet;
• first size signal generating means for generating a first size signal indicating a size of the original exposed by said exposure means;
• magnification input means for inputting an image formation magnification of the original exposed by said exposure means;
• image forming means for forming images of originals corresponding to the number data generated by said number data generation means at the magnification input by said magnification input means at different positions on a single surface of a single recording sheet;
• and
• control means for determining which size of the recording sheet allows said image forming means to form the images of the originals thereon, based on the number data generated by said number data generation means, the first size signal generated by said first size signal generation means, and the magnification input by said magnification input means.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• exposure means for exposing an original;
• image forming means for forming an image of the original exposed by said exposure means, on a recording sheet;
• first selection means for selecting a first mode in which images of a plurality of originals are formed at different positions of one side of a single recording sheet;
• second selection means for, when said first mode is selected by said first selection means, selecting a second mode which automatically determines how many images of the originals are to be formed on the single recording sheet, or a third mode which automatically determines image formation magnification of the images of the originals;
• and
• display means for, in response to a selection result of said second selection means, displaying a request of input of parameters which are necessary to form the images of the originals at the different positions of the one side of the single recording sheet.

An image forming apparatus comprising:

• feeding means for feeding a plurality of originals to an exposure position one by one;
• exposure means for exposing each original fed by said feeding means;
• image forming means for forming an image of an original exposed by said exposure means, on a recording sheet;
• mode selection means for selecting a mode in which images of the plurality of originals are formed at different positions of one side of a single recording sheet;
• counter means for counting a number of the originals by operating said feeding means when the mode is selected by said mode selection means;
• and
• control means for controlling an operation of forming reduced images of the images of the plurality of originals on the single recording sheet on the basis of the counting result of said counter means.

An image forming method, comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting a mode in which reduced images of a plurality of originals are formed on a single recording sheet;
• (b) counting a number of the originals by cyclically feeding the plurality of originals by feeding means when the mode is selected;
• and
• (c) feeding the plurality of originals to an exposure position one by one and controlling an operation of forming the reduced images of the plurality of originals on the single recording sheet, according to the number counted in step (b).