Abstract: In a paper media system for reading a bidimensional bar code representative of, for example, the contents of a document, reproducing the contents, and displaying or outputting them, a bar code recording device combines a document image with a bar code image by reducing, or moving, or decomposing and rearranging the document image, and then prints them on a paper together. Hence, the document image is prevented from overlapping the bar code image on the paper. Further, a character image existing in a document image are transformed to a second bar code image. The second bar code image is combined with the above or first bar code image and then printed on a paper. Thins prevents the first and second bar code images from overlapping each other on the paper. In addition, because bar code images are provided with line widths and line distances capable of being read by a bar code reader, they can be surely read by a bar code reader.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus into which additional information and the write area are inputted when reading a document image and which synthesizes the additional information as well as the document image read and prints the data on write area inputted, and especially that which prints the additional information in an area between punch holes for filing.

Abstract: A binding device associated with an image forming apparatus for binding a stack of recording sheets each carrying an image formed by the image forming apparatus. After a cover sheet at least twice as large in size as the recording sheets has been laid on the stack, a staple or staples are driven into the cover sheet and underlying recording sheets to staple them together. Subsequently, the cover sheet is folded at substantially the center thereof in such a manner as to wrap the stapled stack. Binding means is located at the right-hand side or the left-hand side and capable of binding the stack at the right binding margin or the left binding margin, as desired by rotating the image formed on a sheet 180 degrees.