Booklet preparation utilizing an electrophotographic apparatus

Abstract

In an electrophotographic apparatus, a plurality of original sheets are copied onto a plurality of copy sheets in an order permitting assembly of multiple-sheet booklets. The originals are presented to an automatic document feeder by an operator in one order which repeatedly presents the originals to the copier for reproduction in another order. The copies are reduced in size and placed adjacent each other onto both sides of sheets of copy paper in a sequence facilitating booklet assembly. Initially the originals are loaded into the automatic document feeder with the lowest numbered original page presented to the copier first. Odd-numbered originals are copied onto successive halves of copy sheets. When half of the originals have been copied, the copies are reloaded into the copier to permit copying of odd-numbered originals onto halves of the backs of the same copies. Thereafter, the originals are restacked in reverse order with the last-numbered page presented to the copier first, and the copies are reloaded. Copying is completed by copying the even-numbered originals onto the remaining halves of the copies, in the same manner as the odd-numbered originals, to give a completed booklet. Copy operation may be facilitated: by the use of a recirculating document feed in place of the automatic document feed, by rotation of originals or copies during the reloading/restacking operation or by double exposure of the copies. Duplexed originals may be used in place of originals having images on one side only.