JP2001080176A - Data processor, image recorder, control method thereof and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To share limited number of sheet discharge openings efficiently while realizing sheet discharge of many types of printed matter sorted depending on the purpose of sheet discharge for each user. SOLUTION: An external unit 101A affixes a designated identification name to print data being transmitted to a printer 102 and indicates an alarm message informed from the printer 102 when sorted sheet discharge is impossible. If a sheet discharge opening registered with an identification name affixed to print data is found as a result of retrieval, a sheet discharge opening is determined based on retrieval result of an idle sheet discharge opening. When a determined identification name of sheet discharge opening is not stored in a memory, the relevant identification name is registered as the identification name of sheet discharge opening. When the mounting amount at the sheet discharge opening becomes zero, the registered identification name is deleted and an alarm message is informed to the external unit 101A when sorted sheet discharge is impossible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting a print job to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected. The present invention relates to a recording device, a control method for a data processing device, a control method for an image recording device, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers (LANs) have been used.
1 Area Network), and a LAN connection is possible not only for a printer but also for various peripheral devices such as a multifunction image processing apparatus having a copy and fax function.

In such an environment, users with all needs share an image recording apparatus. For example, even if the user uses the same image in the same office, the number of users differs.
The use environment varies, such as whether to use various paper sizes, often go to get the print immediately or leave it for a long time, and the operation method also changes depending on the time and case Therefore, there is a demand for an image recording apparatus having a function capable of responding to each operation method.

In the conventional image recording apparatus, even when the image recording apparatus is used in a network environment by connecting to a LAN, the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is a place for temporarily storing the discharge of a user who has performed printing. In most cases, for example, when distributing printed documents to required locations, the printed materials printed by the printer are sorted and copied by the required number of copies using a copier, and the printed materials are copied to the box that holds each distributed material. It was taken out and distributed.

[0005] Further, when an image recording apparatus such as a printer having a plurality of paper discharge ports is shared and used by a plurality of users, (1) one job separation in which paper is discharged to an empty paper discharge port for each job; Mode (2) Printer driver UI on host computer
Thus, a name is fixedly assigned to the paper output port, and sorting is performed in a pseudo mailbox mode or the like in which the paper output port is switched by designating the name.

[0008] Each of (1) and (2) will be described based on conceptual diagrams of FIGS. 27 and 28.

First, (1) one job separation will be described.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (1) 1-job separation.

First, with respect to the one-job separation of (1), the example shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to a user kakky → user yuichi → user jmori → user sakai.
→ User kakky → User sakai → User sak
This is an example in which print jobs are transmitted to the printer in the order of ai.

In this example, the switching of the job is detected in the printer regardless of the owner of the job, and when a new job is transmitted, a discharge port with zero loading capacity is searched, and the job is started. The discharge is continued to the discharge port determined at the time until the end of the job. By changing the paper discharge port for discharging paper in one job unit and performing discharge, mixed loading of jobs is prevented.

Next, (2) the pseudo mailbox will be described.

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (2) pseudo mailbox.

[0013] Regarding the pseudo-mailbox of (2), the example shown in FIG. 28 is a method of realizing a pseudo-mailbox by operating settings on the host computer.

When seven printers are shared by seven users, the sharing user sets the name of the paper discharge port of the shared printer on each host computer. At this time, it is necessary to set the same user name on all the shared host computers.

In FIG. 28, bin 1 is a manager, bin 2 is a room manager, bin 3 is a chief, bin 4 is a room member A, bin 5 is a room member B,
The bin 6 is designated as a room member C and the bin 7 is designated as a general affair, and the operation is performed. At the time of printing, by specifying a name, a fixed designation is given to a discharge port corresponding to the name, and pseudo sorting is performed. To go. Jobs are prevented from being mixedly loaded by giving meaning to the paper discharge port that appears on the screen of the host computer.

However, the conventional examples (1) and (2) have the following problems.

(1) In the one-job separate mode, as described above, even when there is a large amount of data with a small number of jobs, the discharge port is switched for each job regardless of the owner of the job and the sheet is discharged. As a result, the sheet may become full before the stacking capacity of the discharge port can be fully used.

(2) In the pseudo-mailbox mode, the method of registering the discharge port name of the image recording apparatus on the host computer and converting it into a fixed designation for the discharge port with that name is used. It was necessary to register the same name on all the host computers sharing the device. Therefore, it is troublesome to adjust the settings on all the host computers sharing the image recording apparatus, and if this operation is neglected, the paper may be ejected to a paper ejection port not intended by the user. was there.

For example, as shown in FIG. 28, since the room manager mistakenly sets the bin of the manager and the bin of the room, the bin 1 and the bin 2 contain the job of the manager and the job of the room. The problem of mixed loading easily occurs.

In order to solve the problems of the above (1) and (2) paper discharge methods, there have been cases where operation is performed by the following paper discharge method.

(3) A paper discharge method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 2-10068, in which an empty paper discharge port is dynamically allocated to each user based on user information included in print data to discharge paper. (3) The paper discharging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional sorting method (3) a paper discharging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei.

Regarding the paper discharging method described in (3) of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 2-10068, the example shown in FIG. 29 is a method in which a user name is added to print data, and the paper discharging method used by that user is used. If there is no outlet or a discharge outlet used by the user, a discharge outlet with a zero stacking amount is searched, and discharge is performed there, and at the same time, registration is performed as the discharge outlet of the user. .

When paper is discharged by this method, a certain output bin always discharges only one user's job.
The bins used for each user are reliably separated. Furthermore, 1
Since a plurality of jobs of the same user can be discharged to the bin, there is no longer a problem that the job becomes full immediately, which is a problem at the time of (1) separating one job.

Further, unlike the pseudo mailbox of (2), there is no need to perform complicated settings on the host computers of all the users sharing the printer, and it is possible to prevent mixed loading of jobs.

Further, once all the paper of the paper discharge port registered once is removed, the registration of the paper discharge port is released, and the paper discharge port is released as a paper discharge port that can be used by anyone, so that it can be shared by more users. .

[0027]

However, the prior art (3) has the following problems.

(3) In the case of the paper discharging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-10068, only sorting for each user is possible, and sorting for switching the paper outlet according to the paper discharging purpose of the user is performed. Could not.

For example, the paper outlet is switched for each host computer used. -Switch the paper outlet for each application used.・ Switch the paper outlet for each paper type used.・ Switch the paper outlet for each file to be printed.・ Switch the paper outlet for each time period used. Etc. could not be selected by the user.

In order to operate the paper discharging method disclosed in JP-A-2-120068 (3) well, it is necessary for the user to create empty bins to some extent frequently. In order to efficiently use a limited number of paper outlets while efficiently satisfying the needs of each user, the user must be encouraged to perform an optimal operation.

However, when a situation such as a full load actually occurs, another person's print job is removed in a hurry,
Many users could not quickly carry out optimal operations because of problems such as not knowing the paper ejection outlet to be removed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twenty-second inventions according to the present invention is to allow a data processing apparatus to determine a paper discharge port. The identification name or the type of the identification name is specified, and the specified identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name is added to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and the printing is performed. A warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the data is not possible is notified to the user, and the image recording apparatus is notified of the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data. Is searched for a discharge port registered in the memory, an empty discharge port is searched for from each of the discharge ports, and a discharge result for discharging the print result of the print data based on each search result. Determine the paper port and make the decision If the identification name of the output port is not registered in the memory, the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory as the identification name of the determined output port. The stacking amount is monitored, and when the stacking amount of the discharge port whose identification name is registered in the memory becomes zero, the registered identification name of the discharge port is deleted from the memory, and further added to the print data. If it is not possible to sort and discharge by the identified identification name, a warning message is displayed on the display unit and / or by notifying the data processing device, it is possible to set a troublesome discharge destination for each data processing device. In addition, it is possible to simultaneously sort and discharge various types of printed materials for each user according to the purpose of discharging, and when sorting and discharging is not possible, the user can be notified of the sorting and discharging status easily to prompt prompt action. A data processing apparatus and an image recording apparatus capable of constructing a shared image recording environment capable of efficiently sharing and using a limited number of discharge ports while satisfying the needs of many users for print data processing with a discharge destination Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a data processing device, a control method for an image recording device, and a recording medium.

[0033]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus capable of connecting an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper output ports or an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper output ports. In a data processing device that can transmit data, an identification name or a type of identification name (“sorting by host”, “sorting by application”, “sorting by paper size”, “paper type such as paper type” Designation means for designating “sorting”, “sorting by file name”, “sorting by date”, and “sorting by time zone” (bin name setting area 603, bin name on discharge mode setting screen shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) An input area 604) and an identification name designated by the designation means or an identification name determined according to the type of the designated identification name are attached to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus. Adding means (FIG. 5 CPU 1 shown in the additional processing based on ROM3 or not shown other programs stored in a storage medium),
A warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting / discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible (“Sorting cannot be performed because all bins are in use”, all bins already in use) Notification means (for example, the CPU 1 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to notify the user that "Please take out the paper in the bin" and inform the user that the bin is not in use.
M3 or display processing on the CRT 10 based on a program stored in another storage medium (not shown)).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the adding means includes a user name (kakky, sakai shown in FIG. 1).
Etc.), host name, group name, department name, file name (specifications shown in FIG. 1, communication in June, etc.), paper type (A shown in FIG. 1)
3, A4, etc.), and identification information for sorting the print result of the print data including the date is added as an identification name.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the notifying unit outputs information on a discharge port that outputs a print result notified from the image recording apparatus when the print result of the print data is completed (see FIG. 8). Print end notification).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a print result of print data received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium can be discharged to a plurality of discharge ports. In the image recording apparatus, a detecting unit (the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 14 performs detection processing based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown)) for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports; Storage means (FIG. 1) for storing, for each paper outlet, the paper stacking amount of each paper outlet detected by the means and the identification name of each paper outlet to be registered.
And an first search unit (see FIG. 14) for searching whether or not there is a paper ejection outlet registered in the storage unit with the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data. The CPU 409 performs a search process based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown)) and a second search unit (the CPU 40 shown in FIG. 14) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports.
9 performs a search process based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown)), and prints the print data of the print data based on the search results of the first search unit and the second search unit. Determining means for determining a discharge port for discharging paper (the CPU 409 shown in FIG.
4 or a program stored in another storage medium (not shown)), and if the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit is not registered in the storage unit, Registration means (CPU 4 shown in FIG. 14) for registering the added identification name in the storage means as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination means.
09 performs registration processing in the EEPROM 410 based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown)), monitors the stacking amount of each paper outlet stored in the storage means, and stores the identification name in the storage means. Means for deleting the identification name of the paper discharge port from the storage means when the stacking amount of the paper discharge port in which the registered paper discharge port becomes zero (the CPU 409 shown in FIG. EEPR based on stored program
OM410), and a warning message (“Sorting cannot be performed because all bins are in use,” if all sorts cannot be discharged by the identification name added to the print data. For users of "
~ Please take out the paper in the bin. "For users who are not using the bin," Cannot output paper separately. "
14) on the display unit and / or notify the data processing apparatus that transmitted the print data (FIG. 14).
CPU 409 performs notification processing based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown)).

In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the storage means stores a data processing device which instructs discharge of sheets stacked in each discharge port, and the notifying means comprises:
Monitoring the stacking amount of each discharge port stored in the storage means,
When all of the discharge ports are in use, a warning message (for example, a user using a plurality of bins) instructed by each of the data processing apparatuses and corresponding to the amount of sheets stacked in each of the discharge ports. "Please remove paper from bin immediately!" For users who are using only one bin, and "Please remove paper from bin" for users who are not using bins. And the like, "user-separated paper cannot be ejected" etc.).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the storage means stores a paper discharge time of paper stacked in each paper discharge port and a data processing device instructing the paper discharge. The notifying means monitors the stacking amount of each paper discharge port stored in the storage means, and issues a warning to a data processing apparatus which instructs discharge of a sheet which has been left for a certain period of time after being discharged. Message (e.g., for a user who has just passed a certain period of time, for example, 10 minutes, "Please take out the paper in the bin." For a user who has passed more than 1 hour, "Please take out the paper in the bin immediately. ! ”Etc.).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instructing means (FIG. 1) for instructing discharge to a predetermined discharge port when sort discharge by the identification name added to the print data is impossible.
4 is provided on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 4, and the deciding means changes the discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data to the predetermined discharge port in accordance with the instruction of the instruction means. It is decided to.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the detecting means detects at least three levels of detection of no paper loaded, paper loaded, and full loading for each paper discharge port. Things.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the storage means stores the sheet stacking status, identification name, use status, and the like of each discharge port for each discharge port.

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the first search means determines whether there is a paper outlet in which the same name as the identification name added to the print data is registered. And selecting one of the paper outlets having the same name with the lowest priority by searching from the paper outlets with the lowest priority. The determining means is added to the print data as a result of the search by the first searching means. If the discharge port having the same name as the identification name is selected and the discharge port is not full, the discharge port is determined as the discharge port of the print result of the print data.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the determination means, as a result of the search by the first search means, a discharge port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data is selected. When the discharge port is full, the continuous discharge port is determined as the discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data only when the discharge port continuous to the discharge port is empty. It is.

In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the deciding means selects a paper outlet having the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first searching means, When the paper discharge port is full, the paper discharge port having the next priority is discharged from the paper discharge port having the next priority only when the paper discharge port having the next priority is empty. It is decided to be a paper door.

[0045] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the deciding means selects a discharge port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data, as a result of the retrieval by the first retrieval means. If the paper ejection outlet is full and the paper ejection outlet of the next priority to the paper ejection outlet is not empty, the empty paper ejection outlets searched by the second search means in descending order of priority are printed. The print result of the data is determined as a paper discharge port for discharging the paper.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the deciding means determines that, as a result of the search by the first searching means, there is no paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data. And determining an empty paper discharge port searched by the second search means in descending order of priority as a paper discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the priority order is such that a paper outlet located at a higher or lower level is a paper outlet having a higher priority.

In a sixteenth aspect according to the present invention, the identification name is a user name (kaky, sakai shown in FIG. 1).
Etc.), host name, group name, department name, file name (specifications shown in FIG. 1, communication in June, etc.), paper type (A shown in FIG. 1)
3, A4, etc.), and the print result of the print data including the date as identification information for sorting.

In a seventeenth aspect according to the present invention, the notifying means displays a discharge destination of the print result of the print data determined by the determining means on a display unit at the end of discharge of the print result of the print data. And / or notify the data processing device.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of paper outlets are a plurality of paper outlets provided in the image recording apparatus main body, and a plurality of paper output ports provided in an optional device connected to the image recording apparatus main body. Of the paper.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected. In the control method (1), a designation step (steps S304 and S305 in FIG. 6) for designating an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the paper discharge port;
An addition step (steps S405 and S403 in FIG. 7) of adding the specified identification name or an identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus; A notification step (step S803 in FIG. 25) for notifying the user of a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible.

A twentieth invention according to the present invention relates to a control method of an image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of print data received from a data processing device to a plurality of discharge ports. A detection step (step S701 in FIG. 24) for detecting the stacking amount, and the detected sheet stacking amount of each of the sheet ejection outlets are described by identifying the sheet stacking amount of each sheet ejection outlet and the identification name of each sheet ejection outlet registered. A storage step of storing in a memory for storing (step S702 in FIG. 23), and a search is made as to whether or not there is a paper discharge port in which the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory. A first search step (step S601 in FIG. 23), a second search step (steps S605 and S609 in FIG. 23) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, and Printing the print data Step S604 of determining step (FIG. 23 to determine the paper discharge port for discharging the fruit, S607, S61
1) and when the determined discharge port identification name is not registered in the memory, the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory as the determined discharge port identification name. Registration process (step S608 in FIG. 23,
S612) and monitoring the stacking amount of each sheet outlet stored in the memory, and when the stacking amount of the sheet outlet whose identification name is registered in the memory becomes zero, identification of the sheet outlet. Deletion step of deleting a name from the memory (step S in FIG. 23)
703, S704), and a notifying step of displaying on a warning message display section and / or notifying the data processing apparatus that transmitted the print data when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. Step S612 in FIG. 23, Steps S706 and S70 in FIG.
9).

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper ejection ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper ejection ports can be connected. A designation step of designating an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the paper discharge port (FIG. 6)
Steps S304 and S305) and an adding step of adding the specified identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus (FIG. 7). Step S405, S40
3) and a notification step of notifying the user of a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible.
In step S803) is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a print result of print data received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium can be discharged to a plurality of discharge ports. A detecting step (step S701 in FIG. 24) for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports in the image recording apparatus;
A storage step of storing the detected paper stacking amount of each paper ejection outlet in a memory for storing the paper stacking amount of each paper ejection outlet and the identification name of each paper ejection outlet registered (step S7 in FIG. 23).
02), and a first search step (step S601 in FIG. 23) for searching whether or not there is a paper discharge port registered in the memory with the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data. A second search step (steps S605 and S60 in FIG. 23) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports.
9), a determining step (steps S604, S607, S611 in FIG. 23) for determining a discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data based on each search result; If the identification name has not been registered in the memory, a registration step (steps S608 and S612 in FIG. 23) of registering the identification name added to the print data as the identification name of the determined discharge port in the memory. Monitoring the stacking amount of each paper outlet stored in the memory, and when the stacking amount of the paper outlet whose registration name is registered in the memory becomes zero, the identification name of the paper outlet is changed to the above-mentioned. Deletion process for deleting from memory (steps S703 and S704 in FIG. 23)
And a notification step for displaying on the warning message display unit when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible and / or notifying the data processing apparatus that transmitted the print data (step in FIG. 23). A program for executing S612 and steps S706 and S709 in FIG. 24 is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0055]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows a method for smoothly realizing the operation of a user-separated automatic mode in which a discharge bin of an image recording apparatus shared by a plurality of users is dynamically allocated at the time of printing using a discharge bin of the image recording apparatus. Is a conceptual diagram showing the actual operation.

It should be noted that the paper discharging method of the present invention flexibly sorts print jobs according to purposes, and is not limited to each job or each user. , And is called a user-separate automatic mode.

As shown in the figure, an example in which the image recording apparatus is shared and used by five host computers, that is, five users will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes an image recording device (printer), which is an external device (host computer 101 (10)
1A, 101B, 101C, 101D, 101E)) via a predetermined communication medium, for example, a LAN such as Ethernet, and performs image recording on a recording medium based on image information transmitted from each host computer.
To 7 are output.

Each host computer 101A, 101
Users of B, 101C, 101D, and 101E are sakai, utsu, kakky, yuichi, j, respectively.
The name is registered as a default value when the user starts up the host computer and logs in with mori.

This name can be edited by the user and can be input from a UI (user interface) on the host computer.

First, after deciding the operation of the image recording apparatus,
About the setting of the paper ejection mode of the image recording apparatus, the operation panel of the image recording apparatus or a host application.
The user separate automatic mode indicating the mode of the present embodiment is selected.

FIG. 2 shows the printer 1 by the host application on each host computer 101 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting a paper discharge mode of a host computer 101 illustrated in FIG.
Is displayed on the CRT 10.

In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a paper supply / discharge setting screen.
A feed mode and a discharge mode of the image recording apparatus 102 can be set.

Reference numeral 501 denotes a sheet feeding unit setting area, in which "automatic" is set. Reference numeral 502 denotes an automatic paper feed display area, and a paper feed unit that can feed paper is displayed when the paper feed unit setting area 501 is set to “automatic”. Reference numeral 503 denotes a tray priority setting area. When the sheet feeding unit setting area 501 is set to “automatic”, it is possible to select whether or not tray priority is set. Here, tray priority is selected.

Reference numeral 504 denotes a tray paper size setting unit which can set the paper size stored in the tray, for example, A4, B5, letter, executive, etc. In this case, "executive" is set. Reference numeral 505 denotes a paper name setting window display button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a paper name setting window (not shown) is displayed.
A paper name can be set.

Reference numeral 511 denotes a paper discharge section setting area in which "automatic" is set. Reference numeral 512 denotes an automatic paper discharge setting area, which can be set when the paper discharge unit setting area 511 is set to "automatic". In this example, "user separate" is set. A user separation setting area 513 is “automatic” or “fixed” when the automatic paper discharge setting area 512 is set to “user separation”.
Can be selectively set, and here, automatic is set.

A bin name setting window display button 514 is “fixed” in the user separate setting area 513.
Is selected, this button can be designated with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown) to display a bin name setting window (not shown) to set a bin name.

Reference numeral 521 denotes an OK button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is made valid (that is, a registration instruction is transmitted to the printer 102). The paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is terminated. Reference numeral 522 denotes a cancel button. By instructing this button using a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is invalidated, and the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is terminated.

Reference numeral 523 denotes an update button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is made valid (that is, a registration instruction is transmitted to the printer 102). Can be. Reference numeral 524 denotes a help button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a help window (not shown) can be displayed.

In the example shown in FIG.
Is set to "user separate automatic".

The sheet supply / discharge setting screen 5 shown in FIG.
Normally, the setting of the paper feed mode and the paper discharge mode by 00 need only be performed once when the image recording apparatus is installed after the operation method is determined.

Next, a description will be given of a case where an identification name is set according to the purpose at the time of printing.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a screen for setting the paper discharge mode at the time of printing by the host application on each host computer 101 shown in FIG. 1, and is shown in FIG. It is displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 101.

3 and 4, reference numeral 600 denotes a discharge mode setting screen at the time of printing.

Reference numeral 601 denotes a 7-bin sorter mounted display, which indicates that the image recording apparatus 102 is mounted with a 7-bin sorter. Reference numeral 602 denotes a paper discharge method setting area in which a user separate is set.

When a user separate is selected, a UI (bin name setting area 6) that matches the type of user separate (automatic) preset in the printer 102 is selected.
03, bin name input area 604) is displayed.

In the bin name setting area 603, it is possible to select “use a login name as a bin name” or “customize and use a bin name” at the time of automatic user separation setting.

A bin name input area 604 is used to input a bin name when “customize and use bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603, such as “Kakiki” or “host name”. "Sorting", "sorting by group name", "sorting by application",
"Sorting by paper size", "paper type such as paper type",
One is selected from options such as "sort by file name", "sort by time zone", and "sort by date". In addition, "sort by host", "sort by group name",
"Sorting by application", "Sorting by paper size", "Sorting by paper type etc.", "Sorting by file name", "Sorting by time zone", "Sorting by date"
The options of the genre (type) of the equal identification name are stored in a ROM 3 in FIG. 5 described later, a nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2, or the external memory 11 or the like. Further, the bin name newly input to the bin name input area 604 is
The nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2 of FIG.
1 and so on, and may be configured as one of the options from the next time.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a button for returning to the standard. When this button is designated by a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a discharge mode setting screen 600 for printing is set.
To the default settings.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a copy unit print designation check box. When a plurality of copies are to be printed by designating this check box with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the print unit is set.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an OK button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is enabled, and the paper discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is set. To end. Reference numeral 607 denotes a cancel button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is invalidated, and the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is invalidated.
To end.

Reference numeral 608 denotes an apply button. By designating this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing can be validated. 609 is a help button,
By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a help window (not shown) can be displayed.

FIG. 3 corresponds to a case where “use login name as bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603 (default setting), and print jobs from users who have made this setting are sorted by user. Paper is discharged. FIG. 4 corresponds to the case where “customize and use bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603, and the print job from the user who has made this setting is input to the bin name input area 604. It is sorted by Kakigi and discharged.

In the present embodiment, the case of sorting by user or sorting by purpose is described. However, for a user who wants to perform operation by sorting by user, the default setting is sufficient and no operation is performed. May be.
By specifying an OK button 606 in FIG. 3, sorting can be performed for each user.

On the other hand, for a user who wants to sort by purpose, as shown in FIG.
Select "Customize and use bin name" and enter the name to be used (user name such as Kakigi, group name, department name) in the bin name input area 604, or select "Sort by host", ""Sorting by application", "sorting by paper size", "sorting by paper type such as paper type",
One of genres (types) of identification names such as “sort by file name”, “sort by date”, and “sort by time zone” is selected from the options, and an OK button 606 is designated.

After the above-mentioned necessary settings have been made, the printing can be sorted by purpose only by giving a print instruction by designating the user separate.

Further, as can be seen from the screens of FIGS. 3 and 4 (discharge mode setting screen 600 for printing), the user does not need to specify the discharge port, but only transmits the print data in the user separate setting. Thus, it is possible to perform a desired sorting that has been set in advance on the discharge mode setting screen 600 during printing in FIGS.

Each user discharges paper in the user separate automatic mode. For example, as shown in FIG.
To user kakky, bin 4 to bin 5 to user saka
i, bin 6 for user jmori, bin 7 for user uts
It is assumed that u is in use.

In FIG. 1, the loading capacity of each bin is 100% for bin 1, 100% for bin 2, and 2 for bin 3, respectively.
0%, bin 4 100%, bin 5 100%, bin 6 ...
70%, bin 7 ... 80%. In this situation,
User kakky, user jmori, user utsu
Can be sorted and discharged as it is because there is a vacancy in its discharge port, but user sakai cannot discharge because his discharge port is full.

Further, as for the user yuichi, all the paper outlets have been used by another user, so that it is not possible to carry out sorting and discharging in the user separate automatic mode.

In such a situation, it is necessary to instruct the user on an optimal operation in order to smoothly operate the user separate automatic mode. For example, if user sakai sends a print job,
Since all the used bins are full and cannot be discharged, printing can be started by removing one's own print job without removing another person's print job. Please remove the paper. "
And other messages (warnings) on the image recording device LC
D and displayed on the screen on the host computer, and instructs the user to remove the paper in bin 4 and bin 5, which are their own print jobs.

When the user yuichi sends a print job, all the output bins are already in use, so "all the bins are in use and sorting and printing cannot be performed."
And other messages (warnings) on the image recording device LC
D and displayed on the screen on the host computer. While the warning message is being displayed, the discharge is performed to an escape bin for discharging when the specified discharge cannot be performed.

That is, by notifying the user sharing the image recording apparatus that there is a possibility that the user separate automatic mode paper discharge may not be performed, a request is made to remove the paper from the bin used by the user and the empty bin is requested. Encourage users to create

Also, the user utsu and the user kakk
y, the user jmori is ready to sort and print, so "Sorting is possible. Bin ~ loading rate ~%."
Or the like may be displayed on the screen of the host computer to urge the user to go to take out the paper before it becomes full.

As in the above example, even in the case where the paper cannot be discharged because there is no place to discharge the paper, the optimum message is selected according to the situation, and the operation is performed so that the user can perform the optimum operation. .

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of host computer 101 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU, which can communicate data with the printer 102 based on programs (various application programs, printer drivers, etc.) stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3 and is connected to the system device 4. And overall control of each device.

The font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls the key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (C
RTC) controls the display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC), which is a hard disk (HD) for storing font data, user files, edited files, and the like, and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 11.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
Then, the printer 102 is connected to the printer 102 via a predetermined communication medium (a local interface defined by IEEE1284 or a network interface such as Ethernet), and executes a communication control process with the printer 102.

Note that the CPU 1 executes a process of developing an outline font into the display information RAM set on the RAM 2, for example, to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor (pointer) or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data 33 processes.

Further, the RAM 2 has a nonvolatile memory such as an NVRAM inside.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a detailed description will be given of the concept of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 can be applied at the time of printing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied, and selects an identification name to be used when a user-separated automatic paper ejection is designated. The C in the host computer 101 shown in FIG.
The PU 1 executes based on a program stored in the ROM 3 or another storage medium. Note that S301 to S30
6 shows each step.

First, in step S301, it is determined whether to register an identification name. That is, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode.

In step S301, no identification name is registered.
That is, when the user instructs paper ejection other than the user-separated automatic mode, there is no need to register an identification name, and the process ends as it is.

On the other hand, when the identification name is registered in step S301, that is, when the user instructs the paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode, the user selects the identification name to be used in the bin name setting area 603. Step S
Proceed to 302.

In step S302, the identification name is edited, that is, it is determined whether the bin name is customized and used, and the identification name is not edited (bin name setting area 6).
When it is determined that “use login name as bin name” is selected in 03), the process is terminated as it is because there is no need to edit the identification name.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the identification name is to be edited (“customize and use login name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603),
In step S303, it is determined whether or not to select the genre (type) of the identification name. If it is determined that the genre of the identification name is to be selected, the process proceeds to step S305, and the bin name input area 604 is displayed. For example, one classification genre (type) is selected from among "sorting by host", "sorting by application", "sorting by paper size", "sorting by file name", "sorting by time zone", etc. Proceed to S306.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the genre of the identification name is not to be selected, the process proceeds to step S30.
The process proceeds to step S4, where a name is input in the bin name input area 604, and the process proceeds to step S306.

Next, in step S306, the user setting information (information (identification name and the like) set on the discharge mode setting screen 600) is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2 or the external memory 11 such as a hard disk. To end.

The stored user setting information is used to determine information to be added to print data when printing in the user separate automatic mode designation.

Next, the process of creating and transmitting print data after the user issues a print instruction after the user setting shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The print data transmitted to the image recording apparatus when a print instruction is issued The CPU 1 in the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 5 executes based on a program stored in the ROM 3 or another storage medium. Note that S401 to S405 indicate each step.

Upon receiving a print instruction from the user, first, in step S401, control information such as paper supply / discharge setting is created.

Next, in step S402, it is determined whether or not the user-separated automatic mode has been designated. If it is determined that the mode is not the user-separated automatic mode, in step S403, the paper discharge is designated according to each mode, and the data is output. Then, in step S404, the data is transmitted to the image recording apparatus.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the user separate automatic mode is designated, then in step S405, based on the user setting information for identification stored (set) in S306 in FIG. The identification name to be added to the print data is determined.

If the login name is registered by default, and if the name edited by the user is registered, the user name entered in advance is added, and other sorting by host (host ID), sorting by application (identifier) If selections such as sorting by paper size (specified paper size), sorting by file name (file name), sorting by time zone (time), etc. are made, it is decided to add each information managed in the host computer. I do.

Next, in step S403, print data is created (print job is created). At this time, if there is identification information determined to be added in step S405, the identification information is added to create print data.

Next, in step S404, data transmission to the image recording apparatus 102 is performed.

When the discharge of the print job is completed, a job end notification is received from the image recording apparatus 102, and a display such as that shown in FIG. 8 is performed on the host computer 101, and the discharge actually used by the user is performed. Paper bins can be recognized.

FIG. 8 shows the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a print end notification sent to the host computer 101 from the host computer 101 and is displayed on the display unit of the host computer 101.

By this display, the user can recognize at a glance in which bin the print job of the user has been discharged.

Next, the configuration of the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 shows the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which is applicable.

The image recording apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, but it is needless to say that another printer such as an ink jet printer may be used.

In the following description and drawings, an example in which two optional units are connected will be described. However, more optional units can be connected, and the functions of the optional units may be shared by the main body. Absent.

In the figure, a laser beam printer (printer) 102 can be connected to various optional devices and can be connected to an external device 101 such as a host computer by a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, U232).
SB, etc.), network (for example, Ethernet etc.)
Connected to the external device 10 via a general-purpose interface.
1 (control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, for example, Post Scr).
ipt, LIPSIII, LIPSIV, image data, etc.).

Reference numeral 103 denotes a video controller which is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface and receives code data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface. It generates page information including dot data and the like based on the data, transmits image data (binary or multi-valued) to an engine controller 105 to be described later via the video interface 80, and transmits the image data (binary or multi-valued) to the after-mentioned interface via the general interface 90. A command for specifying sheet feeding and discharging is transmitted to the option controller unit 106. The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, transfers the latent image to a supplied sheet, and performs printing. At this time, the control unit 106 instructs the option controller unit 106 to supply and discharge paper.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. Can be instructed to perform a predetermined operation. Various data and the like set by the user are stored and managed in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory, for example, NVRAM, EEPROM, or the like.

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown) and the like. One unit is controlled based on a sheet supply / discharge designation transferred from the video controller 103 and a sheet supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. This is a general controller for controlling the above optional devices (units) collectively, and communicates with an optional controller unit included in various optional devices via the optional unit interface 70 to control the various optional devices collectively.

In the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (shown in FIG. 15 to be described later) which can be accessed by the video controller 103. The shared memory has a transport status management area of about 40 pages, The video controller 10 includes a status area, a command status management area, a start-up processing area, and the like.
Reference numeral 3 designates designation of each optional device via each area of the shared memory.

The transport status management area is set by the video controller 103 in the printing method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color,
An area for notifying each optional device of stapling, shifting, and the like, and an area for notifying the video controller 103 of each option state (how much data has been printed, discharge has been completed, and the like).

In the basic status area, the abnormality of each optional device (JAM, no paper, no staple, etc.)
Is notified to the video controller 103, and the command & status management area is
The start-up processing area is an area in which the command status is exchanged with the device 3 and the video controller 103 specifies the start-up processing of each optional device.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed option device (unit)
For example, a paper deck option unit has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper feed cassette controller) 107 a therein, and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. The paper deck controller 107a
Has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and the CPU controls the sheet feeding option device 107 based on a program stored in the ROM. Further, the ROM stores extended information of the paper feed option device 107, for example, information on paper sizes that can be stored in the paper deck.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a paper discharge option device (unit)
A sorter option unit having a sort function, for example, has a sorter controller (large-capacity discharge stacker controller) 108a inside, and performs a sort operation and a discharge operation based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Do. The sorter controller 108a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown), and the CPU controls the paper discharge option device 108 based on a program stored in the ROM. Also, ROM
The extended information of the paper discharge option device 108 includes, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence or absence of a sort function, the presence or absence of a staple function,
Information on the presence / absence of a shift function for shifting the discharged paper in a predetermined direction, the presence / absence of a reversing function for reversing the face direction of the discharged paper, and the like are stored.

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units (controllers) 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively. Can be displayed and operated.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, which is an engine controller 105 for controlling the printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 for controlling the entire printer 102 and analyzing data from an external device 101 such as a host computer and converting the data into image data. , And an optional controller unit 106 for controlling various optional units.

The option controller 106
Manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70, and communicates with the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.
This embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 9, and the same components as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the drawing, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which holds the recording paper S and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch, which separates only one of the uppermost recording papers of the recording paper S placed on the paper cassette 230, and feeds the separated recording paper S by a driving unit (not shown) to the paper feed roller 20.
This cam rotates intermittently every time paper is fed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. 23
A recording paper detection sensor 0S detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter which presses a sheet to stop sheet feeding. The paper feed roller 204 is a recording paper S
Is transported to the resist shutter 227. 20
Reference numeral 2 denotes a manual tray on which the recording paper S is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual feed clutch, which conveys the recording paper S placed on the manual tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. 2
33 is an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay conveyance roller)
Then, the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option 107 is supplied into the main body of the printer 102.

The manual paper feed roller 203, cassette paper feed clutch 231, optional paper feed roller 233
A registration roller pair 205 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided downstream of the registration roller. A laser image emitted from a laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the registration roller to form a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic method. An image recording unit 207 formed by a process is provided.

In the laser scanner unit 206, 215
Is a laser unit that emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216, and is passed through the image forming lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219.
A latent image is formed on 0. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

In the image recording unit 207, 222
Is a primary charger, which charges the photosensitive drum 220 uniformly. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charging unit 222, and develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 by laser exposure by the laser scanner unit 206 with toner. 2
A transfer charger 24 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 developed by the developing device 223 to the registration roller 20.
5 is transferred to the self-recorded sheet S fed by the user. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that removes electricity from the photosensitive drum 220 by light.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing device for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 to the recording paper S. Reference numeral 210 denotes a conveyance roller for discharging and conveying the recording paper S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects a paper discharge state of the recording paper S. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper, which changes the transport direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the sheet ejection tray 213 side or the sheet ejection option 10.
Switch to 8 side. 214 and 212 are paper discharge rollers,
The recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 is discharged to the stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213S denotes a discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor, which is the recording paper S stacked on the stacking tray 213.
Detect the loading capacity of

The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper in the main body of the printer 102.

Further, the video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 such as a personal computer by a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and develops image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data. Bit data to V
It is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80 as a DO signal.

Next, various optional units detachably connected to the main body of the printer 102 will be described.

The option controller 1 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 06 is provided in the printer main body shown in FIG. 10, and is configured so that various optional units can communicate with each other by the same protocol via the optional unit interface 70 serving as a common path. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.

In the paper feeding optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit, reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck on which a large amount of recording paper S is stacked on a deck that moves up and down.
Reference numeral 242 denotes a paper deck paper feed roller.
The recording paper S stacked on the paper 1 is fed.

A conveying roller 244 conveys the recording paper S fed from the paper deck feeding roller 242 toward the optional feeding roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay roller, which is fed from another paper feed system optional unit (an optional unit capable of feeding recording paper of different size or the same size) detachably connected to a plurality of lower portions of the paper deck option. Relay the recording paper. Also,
241S is a recording paper storage amount detection sensor, which is a paper deck 2
The amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper 41 is detected.

The paper feeding optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.

In the discharge options 108 such as a sorter option unit, reference numerals 251 to 257 denote first to seventh discharge bins for performing face-down discharge, which sort and stack the recorded recording sheets S. It is. Also, 2
Reference numeral 58 denotes an eighth discharge bin for directly passing the paper conveyed to the sorter option and performing face-up discharge. Reference numeral 280 denotes a flapper, which performs transport switching so that the recording paper S sorted by the flapper 211 of the printer 102 and sent to the sorter option unit 108 is switched based on an instruction from the video controller 103. 261
S to 268S are paper discharge empty detection sensors that detect the presence or absence of stacked recording paper discharged to the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258.

Further, the discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor 271S-
278S are the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 2
Loading capacity of the recording paper loaded on 58 (zero loading capacity (empty)
~ Full), and the height of the recording paper stacked in the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 is, for example, 18 m.
m (corresponding to about 120 images), the sorter controller 108a fills the video controller 103 via the option controller 106 with
Notify.

Each of the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 can load about 120 sheets in each bin, that is, about 960 sheets in eight bins.
The seventh to seventh discharge bins 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on and sorting is performed, and the sorted recording paper S is sent directly to the paper discharge port by the roller 290. When face down is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face up flapper 280 is turned off and sorting is performed. The sheet is conveyed until it exceeds the up flapper 280, and then the roller 291 is reversed and fed into the vertical path from the rear end of the recording sheet S, and the bin flappers 281 to 282 are designated by the designated discharge bin.
86 is driven at a predetermined timing to perform distribution to each face-down discharge port, and the discharge is completed in the face-down state. When the discharge bin is the seventh discharge bin 257, the face-down discharge is completed by directly discharging the paper without driving the bin flapper.

Further, when a stapler (not shown) specifies stapling by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown), and the recording paper S is aligned.
The stapler executes the stapling and executes the first output bins 251 to 251.
The sheet is discharged to one of the eighth discharge bins 258. When the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, and the recording The recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, that is, the placement area (tray) of the discharged recording paper S is shifted, and then the recording paper S is discharged to any of the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258. The staple also has a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown), and detects a staple remaining amount stored in the staple.

The sorter option unit 108
Is controlled by the sorter controller 108a.

The option controller 106,
The paper deck controller 107a and the sorter controller 108a are connected by connectors, respectively, and perform serial communication by the option unit interface 70. Both are connected in series by the same connector,
Therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the sorter option unit 108 can be connected in a different order.

The manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231 and the paper deck paper feed roller 24
The pair of registration rollers 205 for transporting the recording paper S, the paper supply roller 204, and the conveyance roller 244 are provided downstream of the pair 2, and the laser emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the pair of registration rollers 205. Image recording unit 20 that forms a toner image on recording paper S by light
7 are provided. Further, a fixing unit 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and a discharge unit for detecting a conveyance state of a discharge unit is provided downstream of the fixing unit 208. A paper sensor 209, a transport roller 210 for transporting the recording paper, a flapper 211 for switching a transport direction of the recording paper S on which recording is completed, and the like are provided.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 9, and the same components as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface. Commands such as designation of paper feeding to the paper deck option unit 107 and designation of a paper discharge bin to the sorter option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106. The statuses such as the paper presence / absence state of the paper deck option unit 107, the stacking state of each paper discharge bin of the sorter option unit 108, and the staple presence / absence state are determined by the option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103.
You can also connect directly by U bus.

Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal, which functions as a signal indicating whether an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, whether or not staples can be used, is transmitted from the option controller 106 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 to discharge recording paper. A PFEDT signal 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives recording paper from the optional unit. 95 is SP
The CNG signal functions as a signal for lowering the speed of the recording paper S conveyed at a high speed in the option unit to match the conveyance speed of the printer 102 main body.

Reference numeral 81 denotes a communication interface,
02 and the printer 102
Commands such as designation of paper ejection to the paper ejection tray 231 of the main body and printing are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105, and the status of the cassette 230 in the main body of the printer 102, such as a paper presence state and a paper jam, is transmitted from the engine controller 105. Video controller 103
Sent to. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.

In addition, although not shown, the control of each process by the engine controller 105 is executed based on signals exchanged with the video controller 103, and the signals / CPRDY, / PPR
DY, / RDY, / PRNT, / VSREQ, / VSY
NC, / BD, / SCLK, / CMD, / CBSY, /
STS, / SBSY, / CCRT (Condition
Change Report), and details thereof are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a video controller (VC) 1
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining signals exchanged between the engine controller 03 and an engine controller (EC) 105.

[0170] Of the above signals, the method of using the / CCRT signal will be described, and the processing will be as in Procedure 1 and Procedure 2 below.

(Procedure 1) The video controller 103 checks the normal / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, and if there is a change in these signals, reads the status information. At this time, the / CCRT signal becomes "FALS
E "and the / RDY signal becomes" FALSE ", the status of contents such as misprint, wait, sleep, and operator call is checked. See the status for details.

(Procedure 2)-When the / CCRT signal is "TR"
UE ", the status of contents such as paper size change, paper presence / absence change, paper feed function change, and warning content change is read, and the type of the changed status is recognized. The engine controller 105 sequentially reads the statuses of the group and recognizes the details of the reset procedure of the / CCRT signal. The change of the warning state is constantly checked, and if there is a change, the higher-level state change status is set to "1" and the / CCRT signal, which is a hard signal, is set to "TRUE". Receiving a status request command from the controller 103 and reading the status change status into the video controller 103 It was with it, to "FALSE" the / CCRT signal.

The overall interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92,
An OUTT signal 93, a PFEDT signal 94, and an SPCNG signal 95 are configured by five hard signals.

The three signals of the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105 and output from the video interface 8
The signal is input to the option controller unit 106 through the video controller 103 via “0”. Details of each of the above signals are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a video controller (VC) 1
03 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between an engine controller (EC) 105 and an option controller (OC) unit 106.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 9, and the same components as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a panel interface (I / F) which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel 104 by data communication with the panel 104. 402 is a host interface (I / F)
And an input / output unit for signals with the external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F), which is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105, which sends out data signals from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.

Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generator, which is an external device 1
Bit map data for actual printing is generated on the basis of the control code data sent from 01. An image memory 405 stores image data.

A CPU 409 is a video controller 1
03 controls the entire system. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM, and the CPU 40
9 is stored. 407 is a RAM, a CPU
409 functions as temporary storage means. 410
Denotes an EEPROM, which is composed of a nonvolatile memory medium.

A DMA control unit 408 transfers bitmap data in the image memory 405 to the engine interface unit 406 according to an instruction from the CPU 409. 4
Reference numeral 12 denotes an option interface (I / F) unit, which communicates with the option controller unit 106 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. Further, the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are sent from the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90 through.

A system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401,
Host interface unit 402, image data generation unit 40
3, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 40
8, a CPU 409, an EEPROM 410, and an option interface unit 412 are connected to a system bus 411, and can access all functional units on the system bus 411.

The control code for controlling the CPU 409 is constituted by an OS for performing time-division control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of load modules (tasks) operating in units of functions. Shall be.

With the above configuration, the video controller 1
Reference numeral 03 denotes a printer having a plurality of paper supply / discharge ports, and controls handling of a recording medium to be fed or discharged to a printer 102 capable of recording an image on the recording medium based on print information input from the external device 101.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the video controller 103
A description will be given of a control method for integrally controlling each optional device.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG.

The shared memory shown in FIG. 15 is used to specify a page, to convey a conveyance status management area for knowing the conveyance status of a sheet, a basic status portion for knowing an abnormal state of each option, and a command status for exchanging a command status. And a start-up processing unit that specifies start-up processing of the optional device.

The start-up processing section is the video controller 10
3 is a start-up designation part for designating from 3, and a completion notification part for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of the designation.

The video controller 103 performs start-up processing of each option by designating the start-up processing section. When the power is turned on, the video controller 103 informs the start-up designated portion of the initialization designation of the shared memory, the designation of acquisition of configuration information of each option required by the option controller unit 106, the completion of information acquisition, etc. The completion notification portion is monitored to determine whether or not the process has been completed. When all the processes have been completed, the startup process ends.

The conveyance status management area includes a paper feed port, a paper discharge port,
A part that specifies the printing method such as color / monochrome, staple position and execution, and a part that tells you the optional status such as how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, and whether the paper has been discharged Consists of The video controller 103 executes the printing while specifying the printing method and grasping the status of each option.

The above specification can be performed for a maximum of 40 pages. The specification is performed for each page in order, the area where the discharge has been completed is regarded as a free area, and the area is initialized so that the specification can be performed again. Use as

The basic status section is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each device, and obtains from this area information such as no paper, paper size mismatch, door open, paper jam, failure, full load, and no staples. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status by the command status.

The command status section is an area for obtaining detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. In this area, a command is designated as necessary and information is obtained. For example, the information that can be obtained includes the device name, paper feed mounting paper size, paper feed remaining amount, paper jam position, type, access point, stacking amount of discharged paper, failure details, and the like, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 16, commands corresponding to each situation are issued and status is received. The command status section also controls options such as shifting to a power saving mode, emergency stop at the time of a paper jam, movement of a discharge bin, and execution of reset.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a third processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The video controller 103 shown in FIG. The CPU 409 in the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 14 executes the command status based on the program stored in the ROM 404 in correspondence with the procedure for issuing a command status to obtain detailed information of each input / output option. (A)
(B) corresponds to a case where an abnormality of the output device is found. Also, S10
1 to S108 and S111 to S117 indicate respective steps.

First, as shown in (a), when the video controller 103 discovers an abnormality in the input device from the basic status section of the shared memory shown in FIG. 15 (S10)
1) A command is specified in the command status section, and an abnormal device (if a plurality of input optional devices are connected, which input device is specified) is specified (S102).

Further, a command is specified in the command status portion, and the content of the abnormality (paper missing, paper size mismatch, door open, paper jam, failure, etc.) is specified (S103).

Next, a command corresponding to the identified abnormality content is specified. For example, when there is no paper, a deck without paper is specified (S104), and a cause of paper absence is specified (S104).
105) Also, in the case of a paper jam, the location of the paper jam is specified (S106), and in the case of a failure, the failure location is specified (S107).

Then, a message indicating the content of the abnormality acquired by the above command is sent to panel section 104 and operation section 107.
b, Displayed on the display unit or the like of the external device 101.

As shown in FIG. 15B, when the video controller 103 detects an abnormality in the output device from the basic status portion of the shared memory shown in FIG.
1) A command is specified in the command status section, and an abnormal device (when a plurality of output optional devices are connected, which output device is specified) is specified (S112).

Further, a command is specified in the command status portion to specify the content of the abnormality (full load, no staples, door open, paper jam, failure, etc.) (S113).

Next, a command corresponding to the specified content of the abnormality is specified. For example, in the case of a full load, a full deck is specified (S114), and in the case of a paper jam, a paper jam location is specified. (S115) In the case of a failure, a failure location is specified (S116).

Then, a message indicating the content of the abnormality acquired by the above command is sent to the panel unit 104 and the operation unit 107.
b, Displayed on the display unit or the like of the external device 101.

As described above, the video controller 103 acquires the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, and issues a command status for specifying an abnormal part when the occurrence of abnormality is detected from the basic status. The content of the abnormality is specified for the device, and detailed information collection and control according to the abnormality are performed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The video controller 103 shown in FIG.
In response to the procedure for accessing the shared memory 06 and exchanging the command status with each option and exchanging information, the video controller 103 shown in FIG.
CPU 409 executes the program based on the program stored in the ROM 404. S201 to S211 indicate each step.

To acquire the option information, a designation is made to the command status management area in the memory of the option controller unit 106 to receive the information. In the command specification area, an ID for identifying the type of necessary information is specified at a predetermined address (S201), the number of data specified to the option controller unit 106 by the execution command is specified at a predetermined address (S202), and the specified content is specified. Is designated as a predetermined address (S203).

Then, the fact that the command has been transmitted is notified, and the option controller unit 106 communicates with each of the optional devices to generate a trigger for acquiring information (S204).

On the basis of the trigger and the specified contents in step S204, the option controller unit 106 performs serial communication with necessary optional devices to obtain specified information. On the other hand, a timer is started until the option controller unit 106 completely obtains information, and it is monitored whether or not the video controller 103 is in a state where status information can be obtained (S205, S206).

If the status does not shift to the status information obtainable state in step S206 even after the lapse of a fixed time in step S205, status information cannot be obtained, and a retry notification is issued to execute the command again (S21).
1), end the process.

On the other hand, before shifting to the status information obtainable state in step S206 before the predetermined time elapses in step S205, the status ID is obtained and it is confirmed whether or not the status information is for the specified command (S
207).

Next, the number of status data is obtained (S20).
8) Acquire status data for the number of status data (S209), notify the option controller unit 106 of completion of status acquisition (S210), and end the process.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, the external device 101 shown in FIG.
06 and the data flow up to the engine controller 105 will be described.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data flow from the external device 101 shown in FIG. 9 to the option controller 106 and the engine controller 105.

A control code for controlling the CPU 409 of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 14 includes an OS for performing time-division control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of operating units for operating in units of functions. Of the load module (task).

The translator processing system (analysis development task 1001), scheduling system (page operation task 1002), engine I / F system (engine I / F task 1003), option I shown in FIG.
/ F system (option I / F task 1004)
As described above, it is a task that has the CPU 409 as an entity, and operates logically in parallel.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the structure of a page table stored in RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1100 denotes a page table for storing page information. This page table 110
0 is a table for logically recognizing each page in the CPU 409, and the page table 1100
Are “page number” 1101 and “raster pointer” 11
02, “status flag” 1103,..., “Paper feed mode”
1104, “Requested paper size” 1105, “Copy page ID” 1106, “Process number” 1107, “Discharge mode” 1108, “Identification name” 1109, “Number of copies” 1
110, a “discharge port” 1111 and the like, and the entity exists as a continuous area in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407 shown in FIG. 14, and is acquired and released by a page management function unit or the CPU 409 (not shown). Be managed.

A “raster pointer” 1102 in the page table 1100 is a head pointer of an area for one page in the image memory 405 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 9 designates an area (not shown) in the image memory 405 which is divided for each page at the time of power-on initialization, and is linked thereto.

The "status flag" 1103 is an area for storing a flag indicating the status of the page. As shown in FIG. 19, the "expansion end flag" 1103a indicating the end / incomplete development of the page and the designation of the page. A “page designation end flag” 1103 b indicating end / unfinished, a “print start flag” 1103 c indicating page printing start / unstart, and a “discharge end flag” 110 indicating page discharge end / unfinished.
3d, a "release flag" 1103e indicating that the page information development area is being released / not released, and the like, and it is possible to determine what state the created page information is in based on this state flag.

Further, a "paper feed mode" 1104 is for instructing a method of determining a paper feed means, and includes "automatic paper feed", "paper feed of cassette 1 (cassette 230)", and "paper deck (not shown)". Cassette 107) paper feed "," MP tray (manual paper tray 202) paper feed ", etc., and" automatic paper feed "means that a predetermined priority This is a mode in which search and determination are performed in order.

[0219] The "requested paper size" 1105 stores a numerical representation of the paper size for which the engine controller 105 is requested to feed paper.

[0220] Further, in the "identification name" 1109, a numerical value indicated by a character string representing the discharge port name of the discharge destination is stored.
The “number of copies” 1110 stores a numerical value representing the number of copies. The “paper discharge port” 1111 stores a numerical value indicating the discharge port of the discharge destination.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the structure of the engine status table stored in the RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1200 denotes an engine status table, which includes the engine controller 105 and the option (1
06, 107, and 108).
"/ RDY state" 1201, "/ CCRT state" 120
2,..., “Number of paper feed stages” 1203, “presence or absence of paper in cassette 1” 1204, “presence of paper in cassette 1” 1205, “presence or absence of paper deck paper” 1206, “paper deck paper size” 1207, “presence or absence of MP tray paper” 1208, “MP
Tray paper size "1209 and the like, and the actual engine controller 105 and options (106,
107, 108) are not the same, and the engine controller 10
5 and the options (106, 107, 108).

For example, the “/ RDY state” 1201 is a flag reflecting the state of the / RDY signal shown in FIG. 12, and the engine I / F task determines whether the / RDY signal “FALS”
Set to "TRUE" while detecting "E".

The "/ CCRT state" 1202 is a flag reflecting the state of the / CCRT signal shown in FIG.
The state of the signal is reflected. Engine I / F task is / C
By detecting "TRUE" of the CRT signal and acquiring the state of the engine controller 105 by predetermined serial communication, the / CCRT signal becomes "FAL" as described above.
SE ”.

[0225] Further, a "sheet feed stage number" 1203 is a selectable sheet feed stage number reflecting the attachment of an optional cassette unit and the like.

The "presence / absence of one sheet of cassette" 1204 is
This is the presence or absence of paper in the cassette 230. Further, the “cassette 1 paper size” 1205 is a paper size set by a dial (not shown) of the cassette 230, and it is assumed that the operator has loaded the same paper as the dial value. Recognized as size.

In addition, "paper deck paper presence / absence" 1206
Indicates the presence or absence of paper in the cassette 107. “Paper deck paper size” 1207 indicates the paper feed option cassette 107.
The paper size is set by a partition plate (not shown), and is recognized as the paper size of the paper feed option cassette 107 on the assumption that the operator places the same paper as the value of the partition plate.

The "presence / absence of MP tray paper" 1208 is the presence / absence of paper in the manual feed tray 202. The “MP tray paper size” 1209 is a paper size detected by a sensor (not shown) of the manual feed tray 202.

Note that both the page table shown in FIG. 19 and the engine status table (not shown in FIG. 18) shown in FIG. 20 are used for analysis development task, page operation task, engine I / F task, option I Referenced / updated from / F task.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the structure of the job control table stored in the RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1300 denotes a job control table, which is a table for controlling a job in the CPU 409. The job control table 1300 has a “job ID” 1301, a “job completed state” 1302,.
…, “Sort designation” 1303, “Available bin number” 1304, “Sort copy number” 1305, “Original page number” 1306, “Page number fixed state” 1
307, etc., and the entity is the RAM 4 shown in FIG.
07 exists as a continuous area in a control information storage area (not shown), and acquisition and release are managed by the CPU 409.

Hereinafter, the data flow of FIG. 18 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, print data (control code, PDL, etc.) input from the external device 101 is stored in the host interface unit 402 in a predetermined block unit.

The “analysis development task” 1001 is executed by the host I
When data is detected by the / F section 402, the page table 1100 shown in FIG. 19 is obtained. The data is analyzed in units of one block, and image formation information (PDL graphic drawing command, character code, etc.) is obtained by using the image data generator 403 shown in FIG.
The image is developed by itself and stored in the area indicated by the “raster pointer” 1102 in the page table 1100 shown in FIG.

The control information (number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) for the printer is stored in the page table 1100 shown in FIG. After the data of one page has been analyzed and developed, the “development end flag” in the “status flag” is set to TRUE and enqueued in a page queue having a FIFO structure (for example, provided in the image memory 405 or the EEPROM 410).

The “page operation task” 1002 is shown in FIG.
With reference to the job control table 1200 shown in (1), the “status flags” 1103 in all the page tables 1100 in the page queue described above are monitored simultaneously, and the transport procedure is changed according to the status to realize printing.

At this time, the option I / F unit 412 specifies printing such as paper feeding means, paper discharging means, print mode, and the like. Actually do it. The page table 1100 for which the “discharge end flag” 1103 c is TRUE is dequeued from the page queue and returned to a page management function unit (not shown).

An “engine I / F task” 1003 and an “option I / F task” 1004 communicate with the engine controller 105 and the option controller unit 106 via the engine I / F unit 406 and the option I / F unit 412, respectively. The communication is performed in the cycle described above, and when a factor that changes the state of the page occurs, the above-mentioned “status flag” 1103 is updated.

Also, the change of the / RDY signal is monitored and TR
With respect to the change from UE to FALSE, the status of the printer is set to an error and the cancellation of the error is monitored.
Further, it monitors state changes such as the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, executes the above-mentioned (procedure 1) and (procedure 2), and executes the “engine state table” 12 shown in FIG.
Update 00.

The operation mode designation (the number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) from the panel unit 104 is transmitted to the panel I / F unit 401.
Is stored. The printer control task (not shown) patrols the panel I / F unit 401 at appropriate intervals, stores the data in the EEPROM 410 when data exists, and simultaneously stores the control information in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407. By storing the data in the EEPROM 410, the printer can be operated in a mode desired by the user even after the power of the printer is once turned off.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 22, image recording apparatus 1 will be described.
02 will be described from the reception of print data from an external device such as a host computer to the completion of printing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a fifth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The image recording apparatus 102 is controlled by an external device 101 such as a host computer. CPU 409 shown in FIG. 14 executes processing based on a program stored in ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown) corresponding to processing from reception of print data to completion of printing. Note that S501 to S518 indicate each step.

First, in step S501, print data (control information and drawing information) sent from the external device 101 such as a host computer is analyzed, and step S502 is performed.
, The control information is stored in the memory (RAM 407), and the drawing information is expanded and stored in the memory (RAM 407). In step S503, it is determined from the control information stored in the memory whether the paper discharge mode is automatically specified.
In step 12, a fixedly designated discharge port is selected based on the control information as a process at the time of fixing, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the discharge mode is automatic designation from the control information, it is determined in step S504 whether or not automatic user separation is specified, and automatic user separation is specified. If it is determined that the search has been performed, in step S505, a search process (shown in FIG. 23 described later) at the time of user separate automatic designation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the user separation automatic is not specified, it is determined in step S506 whether the user separation fixing is specified and it is determined that the user separation fixing is specified. If the search is performed, in step S507, a search process is performed when the user separates and is fixed.
Proceed to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the fixed user separation is not specified, it is determined in step S508 whether sorting is specified. If it is determined that sorting is specified, In step S509, a search process at the time of specifying the sort is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that sorting is not specified, it is determined in step S510 whether a stack is specified. If it is determined that a stack is specified, step S510 is performed. In step S511, a search process when the stack is specified is performed.
Proceed to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the stack has not been designated, in step S513, a search process for improper designation is performed.
Proceed to 4.

Next, in step S514, the EEP
Checking of the loading state and the like stored in the ROM 410 and sensors (not shown) are performed to determine whether there is an abnormality such as full load. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the engine control process (step S515) is performed. Print processing)
Is executed, and when all the discharges of the print job are completed, the discharge bin having the identification name specified in the print job is transmitted to the host computer, and the bin that has discharged the paper is displayed on the UI of the host computer to the user. Notification (and / or FIG. 9)
(Displayed on the display unit of the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 7), and the printing process is terminated. In the printing process when the user-separated automatic mode is designated, the printing and discharging process of the number of copies determined for each of the paper outlets determined by the user-separated automatic searching process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that there is an abnormality (for example, there is an abnormality such as a full load),
In step S516, an error display corresponding to the content of the error is displayed on the panel unit 104 of the image recording apparatus 102, and the content of the error and an event of the error display are notified to the host computer 101. In step S517, the user operation is performed. If it is determined that the abnormality has been cleared after waiting for the abnormality to be cleared, in step S518, the error display on the panel unit 104 is canceled, and an event for canceling the error display is notified to the host computer 101, and step S503 is performed. Is performed again from the process of and the recovery process is started.

Referring to FIG. 23, a description will be given of the paper discharge port search process in the user separate automatic mode.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The CPU 409 shown in FIG. 14 executes the processing based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown) in response to the search processing at the time of automatic user separation in step S505 of step S505 in FIG. In addition, S601 to S613 indicate each step.

When the user-separate automatic search process starts, first, in step S601, a discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is searched, and the same name registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. If there is a discharge bin, the bin is set as a tentatively determined bin. At this time, the search is performed from the bins with the lowest priority, and if there are a plurality of bins, one bin with the lowest priority (the paper discharge bin with the same name that was registered last) is selected.

Next, in step S602, it is determined whether or not there is a discharge bin having the same name as the search result in step S601, that is, the identification name specified in the print data. If it is determined, in step S603, it is determined whether or not the bin is full based on the loading state of the discharge bins stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 14, and if it is determined that the bin is not full. , Step S604, Step S6
01 is determined (selected) as the formal bin determined as the formal bin, that is, “discharge port” 11 in page table 1100.
A numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in 11 and paper discharge is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is full, in step S605, step S60 is executed.
It is determined whether the bin of the next priority (binary to the tentatively determined bin searched in step S601) of the tentatively determined bin searched in step 1 is empty or not, based on the loading state of the discharge bin stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. A check is performed based on the shared memory shown in FIG. 15, and if it is determined in step S606 that the bin is not empty, no new bin is registered, and in step S604, step S601 is executed.
The tentatively determined bin searched in is determined as a formal bin (selection),
That is, a numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the bin having the next higher priority order than the tentatively determined bin searched in step S601 is empty, in step S607, the temporarily determined bin searched in step S601 is searched in step S601. The bin having the next priority order is determined (selected) as a formal bin, that is, a numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100,
In step S608, the identification name specified in the print data as the bin name of the bin is set to the EE shown in FIG.
Register in PROM 410.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that there is no paper discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data as a result of the search in step S601, in step S609, the empty bin is shifted from the highest priority bin to the empty bin. The bin is searched based on the stacked state of the discharge bin stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 14 or the shared memory shown in FIG. 15, and in step S610, the search result in step S609 indicates whether there is an empty bin. Judge,
If it is determined that there is an empty bin, step S611
In step S612, the highest priority bin among the empty bins is determined as the formal bin, and in step S612, the identification name specified in the print data is registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 14 as the bin name of the bin.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S610 that there is no empty bin as a result of the search in step S609, it is in a state where all the bins are already being used by another user and there is no new bin to be allocated. Step S61
In step 3, if the output cannot be performed as specified, the escape bin for discharging the paper is determined as the formal bin, and a message (warning) such as “All the bins are in use and cannot be sorted and printed” is displayed on panel panel 104. LCD shown
And / or notify the host computer and end the search process.

While the above-mentioned warning message is being displayed, if the sheet cannot be discharged as specified, the sheet is discharged to an escape bin for discharging the sheet.

As described above, by notifying the user sharing the image recording apparatus that there is a possibility that the paper in the user separate automatic mode cannot be discharged, the user is requested to remove the paper from the bin used by the user. Prompt the user to make an empty bin.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the upper bin is the bin with higher priority. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the identification name is registered in the EEPROM 410 has been described, but the identification name may be registered in the ROM 407.

Hereinafter, a process for updating the information on the discharge bin will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a seventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. CPU 40 shown in FIG.
9 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). Note that S70
1 to S710 indicate each step.

The state of the paper discharge port changes with the status information (option controller 106
The shared memory (FIG. 15) is accessed to exchange options and command statuses to obtain and update status information (EEPR shown in FIG. 14).
OM410).

First, in step S701, it is determined whether there is a change in the stacking amount (state) of each paper discharge bin with reference to the shared memory shown in FIG. 15, and there is a change in the stacking amount of each paper discharge bin. If it is determined in step S702, the stacking state of the discharge bins (stacking state of the discharge bins whose state has changed) stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 14 is updated in step S702, and the process proceeds to step S703.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that there is no change in the stacking amount of each discharge bin, the process proceeds to step S703.

Next, in step S703, it is determined whether or not there is a paper discharge bin with a loaded amount of zero. If it is determined that there is a paper discharge bin with a loaded amount of zero, step S704 is performed. At the time of the user separate automatic search process shown in FIG. 23, the EEPROM 41 shown in FIG.
Then, the identification name of the bin registered in 0 is deleted, and the bin is set to the empty bin state, and the process proceeds to step S705.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that there is no paper discharge bin with the stacking amount of zero, the flow directly proceeds to step S705.

Next, in step S705, it is determined whether all the bins are in use. If it is determined that all the bins are in use, the process proceeds to step S706, where the message "ZENBIN PRINCIPLE" is displayed. , Cannot be sorted and printed.) Is displayed on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG.
Proceed to 708.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that all bins are not in use, that is, there is an unused bin, in step S707, the warning display on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. Proceed to S708.

Next, in step S708, warning display or cancellation is performed in step S706 or S707 to determine whether there has been a state change. If it is determined that there has been a state change, in step S709, the state is sent to the host computer. A change ("Warning display such as" ZENBIN CHIP CHOOSE "" is newly performed / canceled) is notified, and the process proceeds to step S710.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S708 that a warning has been displayed or canceled in step S706 or S707 and that no state change has occurred, the process proceeds directly to step S710.

After that, in step S710, a wait is performed for a predetermined time, and the processing in step S701 is repeated.

With the above processing, the printing process is performed while the registration and deletion of the discharge bins are dynamically performed based on the registered state of the name of the discharge bins, and the sorting by the identification name is realized.

Note that the search processing at the time of fixed user separation designation at step S507 in FIG. 22, the search processing at the time of sort designation at step S509, the search processing at the time of stack designation at step S511, and the search processing at the time of illegal designation at step S512. A detailed description of this will be omitted in the present embodiment.

A procedure for updating the information indicating the printer status and the display on the host computer 101 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an eighth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The host computer 1 shown in FIG.
1 based on a program stored in a ROM or other storage medium. In addition, S801-
S803 indicates each step.

First, in step S801, the process waits until there is an event notification (notification of the bin that discharged the paper in step S515 of FIG. 22, notification of error display in step S516, notification of cancellation of error display, etc.), If it is determined that the status has changed and an event notification has been received, the notified event is received, and in step S802, the content (notification of the bin that discharged the paper, notification of an error display, notification of an error display cancellation, etc.) ).

Next, in step S803, the contents of the notification are displayed or canceled based on the result of the analysis, and the user is notified of a change in the state of the printer.

For example, in the user-separated automatic mode, the discharge bins are dynamically allocated.
The user does not know in which bin the paper was discharged.
Therefore, at the end of the print job, the bin information in which the identification name specified in the job is registered is notified to the host computer, and "the bin used by you is bin 1 to bin 3" or "all bins" Message is displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG. 5 to notify the user of discharge bin information such as bin use status.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when all the bins are in use and a new user's bin cannot be assigned, since all bins are in use, The host computer was notified to display a message (warning) "Cannot sort and print." However, for all users who are already using the bin, the contents such as "~ Please take paper from bin" Notifies the host computer to display a message (warning), and notifies the host computer to display a message (warning) with a message such as "Cannot output paper separately" to users who are not using the bin. The computer may notify the user of the information to be notified, and switch to each user.

It should be noted that the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.
Stores not only the stacking amount of each paper discharge port, but also the owner (host name, user name, etc.) of the paper loaded in each paper discharge port, and stores each paper discharge port stored in the EEPROM 410. Is monitored, and when all the discharge ports are in use, a warning message corresponding to the load amount of sheets loaded in each discharge port instructed by each user (host computer), for example, For a user using multiple bins, "Please take ~ bin paper immediately!" For a user using only one bin, "please take ~ bin paper", It is assumed that the user who is not using the bin is notified to each of the host computers, for example, "user-separated paper cannot be discharged".

In addition, the status of the paper discharge port, such as "~ bin is 100% loading ratio. Please take out paper!", "~ Bin is 80% loading ratio. Please take out paper" May be configured to notify each of the host computers.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prompt a user other than the owner of the print job for which a message is to be displayed to perform an appropriate operation.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, if all bins are in use and a new user's bin cannot be allocated, since all bins are in use, The configuration to display a message (warning) "Cannot sort and print" has been described.
A message such as "Please remove paper from bin" to all users who have completed print processing of their own jobs or who have not removed the print job after a certain period of time from the completion of print processing (Warning) display may be performed.

It should be noted that the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.
Stores not only the stacking amount of each paper discharge port but also the paper discharge time of the paper loaded in each paper discharge port and the data processing device which instructed the discharge of the paper.
Alerts the user (host computer) who instructed the discharge of the paper that has been left for a certain period of time after being discharged, by monitoring the stacking amount of each paper discharge port stored in the For example, for a user who has just passed a certain period of time, for example, 10 minutes, "take a sheet of the bin". For a user who has passed one hour or more, "take a sheet of the bin immediately!""Etc. to each of the host computers.

By doing so, it is possible to reduce forgetting to take out the print job that has been discharged by the user, and to smoothly operate the user separate automatic mode.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when all bins are in use and a new user's bin cannot be assigned, since all bins are in use, The configuration to display a message (warning) "Cannot sort and print" has been described.
When the paper discharge port is searched during the printing process, and there is no new assigned bin, a message (operator call) such as “user separation impossible” is displayed, and an unillustrated display on the panel unit 104 of the image recording apparatus 102 is performed. The user may temporarily release the error and discharge the paper to the escape bin by error skip processing by pressing a key or an online key (not shown) on the KB 9 of the host computer 101.

By doing so, the paper discharge cannot be executed unless the user intervenes in the subsequent processing, so that it is possible to clearly notify the user that sorting and discharging cannot be performed, and further, the user can use the image recording apparatus. Since it is necessary to go to the place, the paper discharged to the escape bin can be immediately removed.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described where the upper bin is the bin with the higher priority, but the lower bin is the bin with the higher priority. May be configured.

Thus, when a plurality of bins are used in the user-separated automatic mode, the bins are ejected in the same manner as when the stacks are ejected, and only the paper is taken from the upper stage while being pinched. The print results are in the correct order.

As described above, in the shared use of the image recording apparatus, the registration and selection of the identification name can be performed.
By enabling sorting by identification name instead of sorting by job, it is possible to sort print jobs while maximizing the stacking capacity of the paper discharge port.

Further, the sorting and discharging of the print job can be easily performed only by selecting the discharging mode at the time of printing, without making any troublesome settings on the host computer and the image recording apparatus.

Further, by enabling registration and selection of an identification name by an application on the host computer, not only sorting for each user but also various sort methods according to the purpose can be selected for each user. In addition, different sorting methods can be simultaneously realized for each user.

[0295] Further, the same name can be registered in a plurality of paper discharge outlets, so that one image recording apparatus can be shared by more users and a large number of paper discharges can be achieved in the shared use. It is possible to achieve both.

Furthermore, when notifying a user of a message prompting an operation, the most appropriate message is selected according to the state of the paper discharge port and the user who created the factor of the operation. It is possible to efficiently share and use a limited number of paper discharge ports while satisfying the needs.

The configuration of a data processing program readable by an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

[0300] Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

In this embodiment, FIGS.
The functions shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And
In this case, the present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. is there.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

[0303] In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM, silicon disk, and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or to an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0309]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the specifying means specifies the identification name or the type of the identification name for determining the paper discharge port, and the adding means,
An identification name specified by the specification unit or an identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name is added to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and the notification unit adds the identification name to the print data. Since a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus is notified to the user when sorting / discharging by the identification name is impossible, it is not necessary to perform troublesome settings for each data processing apparatus by designation from the data processing apparatus. In addition, the discharge destination of the print data can be designated according to the purpose as well as the user name, and even in the event that sorting and discharging is impossible, the situation can be easily recognized, and prompt action can be taken.

[0310] According to the second invention, the adding means includes a user name, a host name, a group name, a department name, a file name,
Since the identification information for sorting the print result of the print data including the paper type and the date is added as the identification name, it is not necessary to perform troublesome settings for each data processing device by designating from the data processing device, and the print job In addition to the user's name, host name, group name, department name, file name, paper type, date, etc. Can be specified accordingly.

[0311] According to the third aspect of the invention, the notifying unit notifies the information of the paper output port that has output the print result notified from the image recording apparatus at the end of the discharge of the print result of the print data. Can easily recognize the discharge port from which the print result of the print data is discharged.

[0312] According to the fourth, eighth, ninth, and eighteenth aspects of the invention, the detecting means detects the amount of paper loaded in each of the discharge ports, and the first searching means performs A search is performed to determine whether or not there is a paper ejection outlet registered with the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data in the storage unit. Searching for the mouth, based on the search results of the first search means and the second search means,
The determining means determines a paper discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data, and the registering means does not register the discharge port for discharging the print data in the storage means as the identification name in the storage means. When the discharge port is determined, the identification name added to the print data is registered in the storage unit as the discharge port identification name determined by the determination unit, and the deletion unit is stored in the storage unit. Monitoring the stacking amount of each paper ejection port, and when the stacking amount of the paper ejection port whose identification name is registered in the storage means becomes zero, deletes the identification name of the paper ejection port from the storage means; The notifying unit displays a warning message on the display unit and / or notifies the data processing apparatus that transmitted the print data when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. Image recording device by user Even in the case of shared use, the output port is dynamically assigned according to the current usage status of the output port and the identification name specified by the user while maximizing the stacking capacity of the output port, and only the user name In addition, it is possible to simultaneously sort and discharge various types of printed matter for each user according to the purpose, and to easily notify the user of the situation even if sorting and discharging is impossible, and to prompt prompt response Can be.

[0313] According to the fifth aspect, the storage means stores the data processing apparatus which instructed the discharge of the sheets stacked in each discharge port, and the notifying means includes the storage means. Monitors the stacking amount of each of the paper outlets stored in the storage unit. If all of the paper outlets are in use, the data processing apparatus instructs the stacking amount of the paper stacked in each paper outlet. Is notified to each of the data processing devices, so that when sorting and discharging is impossible, it is possible to prompt a user other than the user who instructed printing to perform an appropriate operation according to the load capacity. Can be.

[0314] According to the sixth invention, the storage means stores the paper discharge time of the paper stacked in each paper discharge port and the data processing device instructing the paper discharge of the paper. The notifying unit monitors the stacking amount of each of the paper outlets stored in the storage unit, and issues a warning message to the data processing apparatus that has instructed to discharge the paper that has been left for a certain period of time after being discharged. Since the notification is given, it is possible to reduce forgetting to take out the print job discharged by the user, and it becomes possible to smoothly share the image recording apparatus among a plurality of users.

[0315] According to the seventh aspect, when it is impossible to sort and discharge by the identification name added to the print data,
Instructing means for instructing discharge to a predetermined discharge port is provided, and the deciding means sets a discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data to the predetermined discharge in response to an instruction from the instruction means. The user can clearly notify the user that sorting and discharging cannot be performed, and the user must go to the image recording device.Therefore, immediately remove the paper discharged to the escape bin. Can be made.

[0316] According to the tenth aspect, the first retrieving means determines whether or not there is a paper discharge port in which the same name as the identification name added to the print data is registered, in a low priority order. The retrieval means selects one paper ejection port having the same name with the lowest priority by searching from the paper ejection port, and the deciding means comprises:
As a result of the search by the first search means, a paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data is selected,
If the discharge port is not full, the discharge port is determined as the discharge port of the print result of the print data. Therefore, even when a plurality of users share the image recording apparatus, the stack of the discharge port A discharge port to be used dynamically can be allocated according to the current use state of the discharge port while maximizing the capability, and one image recording apparatus can be shared by more users.

[0317] According to the eleventh aspect, the determining means includes:
As a result of the search by the first search means, a paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data is selected,
When the discharge port is full, the continuous discharge port is determined as the discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data only when the discharge port continuous to the discharge port is empty. When the discharge port of the identification name added to the print data is full, a continuous discharge port can be allocated and output, and the printed matter discharged across the plurality of discharge ports can be easily recognized. That is, it is possible to achieve both shared use by a plurality of users and large-capacity paper discharge.

[0318] According to the twelfth aspect, the determining means includes:
As a result of the search by the first search means, a paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data is selected,
When the paper discharge port is full, the paper discharge port having the next priority is discharged from the paper discharge port having the next priority only when the paper discharge port having the next priority is empty. Since the paper outlet is determined, if the paper outlet of the identification name added to the print data is full, the next paper outlet can be allocated and output, and the paper is discharged across a plurality of paper outlets. Recognition of the discharge order of the printed matter is facilitated, and both shared use by a plurality of users and large-capacity discharge can be realized.

[0319] According to the thirteenth aspect, the determining means comprises:
As a result of the search by the first search means, a paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data is selected,
If the paper ejection outlet is full and the paper ejection outlet of the next priority to the paper ejection outlet is not empty, the empty paper ejection outlets searched by the second search means in descending order of priority are printed. Since the print result of the data is determined as the discharge port for discharging, if the discharge port with the identification name added to the print data is full, a discharge port with a higher priority can be assigned and output. It is easy to recognize the discharge order of the printed matter discharged across the paper discharge port, and it is possible to achieve both shared use by a plurality of users and large-capacity discharge.

[0320] According to the fourteenth aspect, the determining means includes:
As a result of the search by the first search means, if there is no paper ejection port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data, the empty search means searched by the second search means in descending order of priority. Since the paper outlet is determined as the paper outlet for discharging the printing result of the print data, when a plurality of users share the printer, not only the user name but also the paper outlet to be used is determined by the identification name specified by the user. It can be dynamically allocated according to the purpose.

[0321] According to the fifteenth aspect, the priority order is:
The upper or lower discharge port is set as a higher-priority discharge port. Therefore, when a plurality of users share the printer, the discharge port to be used according to the current use state of the discharge port. The mouth can be assigned dynamically from the top or bottom.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the identification name is
Since the identification information for sorting the print result of the print data including the user name, the host name, the group name, the department name, the file name, the paper type, and the date is used, it is used when a plurality of users share the printer. Printouts can be sorted by assigning the paper discharge outlets according to the purpose such as the host name, group name, department name, file name, paper type, date, etc. as well as the user name.

[0323] According to the seventeenth aspect, the notifying means:
The discharge destination of the print result of the print data determined by the determining means is displayed on the display unit at the end of the discharge of the print result of the print data and / or notified to the data processing apparatus. It is possible to notify the user of the paper discharge port dynamically allocated according to the situation and the purpose of the user, thereby facilitating recognition when the user obtains a printed material from the paper discharge port.

According to the nineteenth invention and the twenty-first invention, the identification name or the type of the identification name for determining the discharge port is specified, and the specified identification name or the type of the specified identification name is designated. Is added to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. Is notified to the user, so that it is possible to specify not only the user name but also the discharge destination of the print data according to the purpose without having to perform troublesome settings for each data processing device by designation from the data processing device. Even in the event that sorting and discharging is impossible, the situation can be easily recognized, and a quick response can be taken.

[0325] According to the twentieth and twenty-second aspects, the paper stack amount of each of the discharge ports is detected, and the detected sheet stack amount of each of the discharge ports is determined by the paper stack amount of each of the discharge ports. The amount and the identification name of each of the paper outlets registered are stored in a memory for storing the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data. Search for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, determine a discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data based on each search result, and discharge the print data. If the discharge port to be output is determined to be a discharge port whose identification name is not registered in the memory, the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory as the identification name of the determined discharge port, The stacking amount of each paper discharge port stored in the memory is monitored and stored in the memory. When the stacking capacity of the paper ejection outlet registered with another name becomes zero, the identification name of the paper ejection outlet is deleted from the memory, and sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. In such a case, a warning message is displayed on the display unit and / or a notification is sent to the data processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data. Therefore, even when a plurality of users share the image recording apparatus, the stacking capacity of the paper exit is maximized. The output port is dynamically allocated according to the current usage status of the paper output port and the identification name specified by the user, and the various types of printed materials can be sorted and output according to the purpose in addition to the user name. This can be realized simultaneously for each user, and even in the event that sorting and discharging is impossible, the user can be notified of the situation easily and prompt action can be taken.

Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously sort and discharge various types of printed materials according to the purpose of discharging without having to perform cumbersome discharge destination setting for each data processing apparatus, and to perform the sorting and discharging when it is impossible. Is to easily inform the user of the sorting / ejecting status and promptly respond to it, and to efficiently share and use a limited number of ejection outlets while satisfying the needs of many users for print data processing with an ejection destination. Thus, there is an effect that a shared image recording environment can be constructed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for smoothly realizing operation of a user-separated automatic mode using a discharge bin of an image recording apparatus shared by a plurality of users.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a paper discharge mode of a printer by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a discharge mode at the time of printing by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a screen for setting a paper discharge mode at the time of printing by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a print end notification sent from the image recording apparatus to the host computer.

9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which the image recording device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a video controller (VC) and an engine controller (EC).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a video controller (VC), an engine controller (EC), and an option controller (OC).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with a video controller secured in a RAM provided in the option controller unit shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

18 is a diagram showing a data flow from the external device shown in FIG. 9 to the option controller unit and the engine controller unit.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a structure of a page table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a structure of an engine state table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a structure of a job control table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a seventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an eighth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (1) 1 job separation.

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (2) pseudo mailbox.

FIG. 29 shows a conventional sorting method (3).
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a paper discharging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 68-68.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101A to 101D External device (host computer) 102 Image recording device (printer) 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 404 ROM 407 RAM 409 CPU 410 EEPROM

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ05 AQ06 HJ04 HK06 HK07 HK14 HL01 HN18 HQ06 HV09 HV10 HV13 HV34 2H027 DC12 ED22 FA24 FA37 GA23 GA30 5C062 AA05 AA15 AB42 AC35 AC43 AC65 AE16 AF00 AF15 BA04 9A001 BB04 BB06 CC02 CC08 HH23 KK42

Claims (22)

[Claims] An output port is determined in a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of output ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of output ports can be connected. Means for designating an identification name or a type of an identification name for transmitting the identification name designated by the designation means or an identification name determined according to the type of the designated identification name to the image recording apparatus Adding means for adding to the print data, and notifying means for notifying the user of a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. Characteristic data processing device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit includes a user name, a host name,
2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein identification information for sorting a print result of the print data including a group name, a department name, a file name, a paper type, and a date is added as an identification name. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies information of a paper output port that outputs a print result notified from the image recording apparatus when the print result of the print data is completed. 2. The data processing device according to 2. 4. An image recording apparatus capable of discharging print results of print data received from a plurality of data processing devices communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper discharge ports, Detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in the paper outlet; storage means for storing the paper loaded amount of each paper outlet detected by the detecting means and the identification name of each paper outlet registered for each paper outlet; A first retrieval unit for retrieving whether or not there is a paper exit in which the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data is registered in the storage unit; Second search means for searching for a paper outlet; determining means for determining a paper outlet for discharging the print result of the print data based on search results of the first search means and the second search means; The identification name of the paper outlet determined by the determining means is stored in the storage device. A registration unit for registering the identification name added to the print data in the storage unit as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit, Monitor the loading capacity of the paper exit,
A deletion unit that deletes the discharge port identification name from the storage unit when the stacking amount of the discharge port whose identification name is registered in the storage unit becomes zero; and an identification added to the print data. An image recording apparatus comprising: a notifying unit that displays a warning message on a display unit when sorting and discharging by name is impossible and / or notifies a data processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data. 5. The storage means stores a data processing device that instructs discharge of sheets stacked in each discharge port, and the notifying means stores each data stored in the storage means. The stacking amount of the paper outlet is monitored, and when all the outlets are in use, a warning message is issued according to the loading amount of the paper loaded in each outlet instructed by each of the data processing devices. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification is sent to each of the data processing apparatuses. 6. The storage unit stores a sheet discharge time of a sheet stacked in each discharge port and a data processing device that instructs discharge of the sheet, and the notifying unit stores the storage unit. Monitoring the stacking amount of each paper discharge port stored in the means, and notifying a warning message to the data processing apparatus which instructed discharge of the paper which has been left for a certain period of time after being discharged. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein 7. An instructing means for instructing discharge to a predetermined paper outlet when sorting and discharging by an identification name added to the print data is impossible, wherein the determining means includes the instructing means. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data is determined as the predetermined discharge port in response to the instruction. 8. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of a sheet is not loaded, a sheet is loaded, and a full load is set.
5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the detection of the stage is detected for each discharge port. 9. The storage device according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores a sheet stacking state, an identification name, a use state, and the like of each of the discharge ports for each of the discharge ports. Image recording device. 10. The first retrieval means retrieves from a lower-priority discharge port whether there is a discharge port registered with the same name as the identification name added to the print data. And selecting one of the paper ejection outlets having the same name with the lowest priority order, wherein the deciding means has the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first search means. 10. If the discharge port is selected and the discharge port is not full, the discharge port is determined as the discharge port of the print result of the print data. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 11. The determining means selects a paper outlet having the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first searching means, and the paper outlet is full. In this case, only when a discharge port continuous to the discharge port is empty, the continuous discharge port is determined as a discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data. The image recording device according to any one of claims 10 to 13. 12. The deciding unit selects a paper outlet having the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first searching unit, and the paper outlet is full. In the case, only when the discharge port of the next priority order after the discharge port is empty, the discharge port of the next priority order is determined as the discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4. 13. The determination means selects a paper ejection port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first retrieval means, and the paper ejection port is full. If the discharge port having the next highest priority to the discharge port is not empty, the print result of the print data is discharged from the empty discharge ports searched by the second search unit in the order of higher priority. 13. The image recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the discharge port is determined. 14. The deciding unit, if the result of the retrieval by the first retrieval unit does not include a discharge port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data, the second retrieval unit 14. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an empty paper discharge port searched in the order of higher priority is determined as a paper discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data. 15. The discharge port according to claim 10, wherein a discharge port at an upper or lower level is a discharge port with a higher priority. The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 16. The method according to claim 16, wherein the identification name is identification information for sorting a print result of the print data including a user name, a host name, a group name, a department name, a file name, a paper type, and a date. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4. 17. The data processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the notifying unit displays a discharge destination of the print result of the print data determined by the determination unit on a display unit when the discharge of the print result of the print data ends. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein the image recording apparatus is notified. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of paper discharge ports include a plurality of paper discharge ports provided in an image recording apparatus main body and a plurality of paper discharge ports provided in an optional device connected to the image recording apparatus main body. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 17, wherein: 19. A method for controlling a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper ejection ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper ejection ports is connectable. A designation step of designating an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the identification name, and transmitting the specified identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name to the image recording apparatus. An adding step of adding to print data; and a notifying step of notifying a user of a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. A method for controlling a data processing device, which is characterized by the following. 20. A method of controlling an image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of print data received from a plurality of data processing devices communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of discharge ports. A detecting step of detecting the paper stacking amount of each of the discharge outlets; and determining the detected paper stacking amount of each of the discharge outlets by identifying the paper stacking amount of each of the discharge outlets with the identification name of each of the discharge outlets. A storage step of storing in a memory for storing; a first search step of searching whether or not there is a paper ejection port registered with the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data in the memory; A second search step of searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, a determining step of determining a discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data based on each search result; The determined discharge port identification name is registered in the memory. If not, a registration step of registering the identification name added to the print data in the memory as the identification name of the determined discharge port, and monitoring a stacking amount of each discharge port stored in the memory; A deletion step of deleting the identification name of the paper discharge port from the memory when the stacking amount of the paper discharge port in which the identification name is registered in the memory becomes zero; And a notifying step of displaying on a warning message display unit when sorting and discharging are impossible and / or notifying a data processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data. 21. A paper discharge port is determined by a data processing apparatus capable of transmitting print data to an image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports or an image recording apparatus to which an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected. A designation step of designating an identification name or a type of an identification name for the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus, wherein the designated identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the designated identification name is transmitted to the image recording apparatus. An adding step of adding, and a notifying step of notifying a user of a warning message notified from the image recording apparatus when sorting and discharging by the identification name added to the print data is impossible. A storage medium readable by a computer. 22. An image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of print data received from a plurality of data processing devices communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper discharge ports, A detecting step of detecting a paper stack amount of the paper outlet, and storing the detected paper stack amount of each paper outlet in the paper loading amount of each paper outlet and an identification name of each paper outlet to be registered. A first retrieval step of retrieving whether or not there is a paper exit in which the same identification name as the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory; A second search step of searching for an empty discharge port from the discharge port, and a determining step of determining a discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data based on each search result; If the identification name of the paper exit is not registered in the memory, A registration step of registering the identification name added to the printing data in the memory as the identification name of the determined discharge port; monitoring a stacking amount of each discharge port stored in the memory; A deletion step of deleting the identification name of the paper discharge port from the memory when the stacking amount of the paper discharge port in which the name is registered becomes zero; and a sorting paper discharge based on the identification name added to the print data. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing, when the processing is not possible, displaying on a warning message display unit and / or notifying a data processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data.