JP2001094719A - Image recorder, image recording system, method for controlling the image recorder and image recording system and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an excellent discharged paper sorting environment where a print job whose paper discharge port is designated and other print jobs are not intermingled even when data not corresponding to designation of an identification name are received when an image recorder sorts the sheets of paper based on the identification name. SOLUTION: Whether an identification name is designated to a print job received from host computers 101A-101E is discriminated, and when it is discriminated that an identification name is designated to the print job, a paper discharge port of the print job is allocated to a paper discharge port to which the same identification name is registered or to an idle paper discharge port. When it is discriminated that no identification name is designated, the discriminated data are recognized as incorrect data and the paper discharge port of the print job is allocated to an idle paper discharge port or a predetermined spare paper discharge port.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports. The present invention relates to an apparatus, an image recording system, a method for controlling an image recording apparatus, a method for controlling an image recording system, 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 when the image recording apparatus is used in the same office, the number of users differs and various paper sizes are used. The usage environment varies depending on whether the user is going to pick up the printed matter immediately or leave it for a long time, and the operation method varies depending on the time and the situation. There is a demand for an image recording device having a function that can cope with the 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.

[0006] Each of (1) and (2) will be described based on respective conceptual diagrams of FIGS. 32 and 33.

First, the (1) one-job separate mode will be described.

FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (1) 1 job separation.

First, with respect to (1) one-job separation, the example shown in FIG. 32 shows 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, the pseudo mailbox of (2) will be described.

FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional sorting method (2) pseudo mailbox.

[0013] Regarding the pseudo-mailbox of (2), the example shown in FIG. 33 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. 33, bin 1 is a manager, bin 2 is a room manager, bin 3 is a chief, bin 4 is a member of room A, bin 5 is a member of room 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 slot not intended by the user. was there.

For example, as shown in FIG. 33, since the room manager has made a mistake in setting and has set the bin of the manager and the bin of the room to be opposite, bin 1 and bin 2 have the job of the manager and the room manager. The problem that the jobs are mixed is easily generated.

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 and paper is discharged. (3) The paper discharging method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.

FIG. 34 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. 2-10068 / 1990, the example shown in FIG. 34 is a method in which a user name is added to the print data and the paper discharging used by the user is performed. 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.

In the case of the paper discharging method described in (3) of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 2-10068, only sorting for each user is possible, and sorting according to the purpose of the user cannot be performed.

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 an environment where various types of image recording apparatuses such as host computers and printers are connected to each other via a network via a network, images which can be sorted by identification names for identifying print jobs such as the above-mentioned user names can be used. There may be both recording devices and impossible image recording devices.

Further, it is natural that both a host computer on which a printer driver or an application capable of creating data for sorting by an identification name is installed and a host computer on which no printer driver or application is installed are provided on the network. possible.

When printing is performed in such a network environment, a printer driver dedicated to an image recording apparatus that issues a print instruction cannot be used, and data is created by a different type of printer driver and a print instruction is or is not issued. In many cases, the image recording apparatus set in the identification name mode has to receive and interpret data without the designation by the identification name.

In such a case, despite the fact that printing has been performed by an image recording apparatus capable of sorting, the user cannot perform the sorting intended by the user correctly, and the user does not notice that the sorting is not performed correctly. As a result, there is a problem in that it is difficult to understand where the print job discharged by the user is.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to twenty-third inventions according to the present invention is to provide a print job transmitted from a host computer having an identification name. It is determined whether or not the print job is designated, and if it is determined that the identification name is designated for the print job, the discharge of the print job is performed to a discharge port where the same identification name is registered or an empty discharge port. The outlet is determined, and if it is determined that the identification name is not specified for the print job, the print job is recognized as invalid data and the discharge outlet of the print job is determined as an empty discharge outlet or a predetermined spare discharge outlet. By doing so, even when the image recording apparatus sorts by the identification name and receives data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name, even if the data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name is received. Sort and discharge paper Of an image recording apparatus, an image recording system, and an image recording apparatus capable of providing an excellent paper discharge sorting environment capable of performing a paper discharge process without causing a print job having a designated print job and other print jobs to be mixed and discharged. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, a control method for an image recording system, and a storage medium.

[0035]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a print result of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium is output to a plurality of paper discharge apparatuses. In an image recording apparatus capable of discharging paper to a paper outlet, a memory resource (EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 15) for registering the identification name of each paper discharging outlet for each paper discharging outlet, and a sheet stacking amount of each paper discharging outlet (A CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 performs detection processing via the shared memory shown in FIG. 16) and a judging means (Judgment means for judging whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job) CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) and first search means (FIG. 15) for searching whether or not there is a paper exit in which the same identification names as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job are registered as identification names. CPU 409), second search means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for searching for an empty paper discharge port from each of the paper discharge ports, and when the determination means determines that the identification name is specified, Determining means for determining a discharge port of the print job based on search results of the first searching means and the second searching means (CPU shown in FIG. 15)
409) and when the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit is not registered as an identification name, the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit is the identification name added to the print data. Registration means (Fig. 1
The CPU 409 shown in FIG. 5) monitors the stacking amount of each sheet outlet detected by the detection means, and when the stacking amount of the sheet outlet in which the identification name is registered becomes zero, the stacking amount of the sheet outlet is monitored. Deletion means for deleting the identification name registration (CPU 40 shown in FIG. 15)
9) and an unauthorized data processing unit (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) that determines that the identification name has not been specified and determines the discharge port of the print job by recognizing the data as invalid data. Have

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the determining means determines whether or not data (identification information added to print data) designating an identification name exists in the print job. is there.

[0037] In a third aspect of the present invention, the unauthorized data processing means generates a unique identification name of the print job for which it has been determined that the identification name has not been specified by the determination means, and The empty discharge port searched by the search means is determined as the discharge port of the print job, and the generated identification name is registered as the identification name of the determined discharge port.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the identification name generated by the unauthorized data processing means is a job name of the print job (job name stored in a job control table shown in FIG. 22), a file It includes an identification name generated from a name (a file name stored in the job control table shown in FIG. 22).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the identification name generated by the unauthorized data processing means is an identification name (“Job 1”, “Job 1”) generated by adding a unique number to a predetermined character string. ... Etc.).

In a sixth aspect according to the present invention, the unauthorized data processing means is configured to set a discharge port of a print job for which a discriminating name is not specified by the determining means in advance. The mouth (escape bin) is determined.

A seventh invention according to the present invention provides a warning message (“Sorting cannot be performed because all bins are in use,” if a sort and discharge by the identification name specified in the print job is not possible. For all the users who are using the printer, "Please take out the paper in the bin." For the user who is not using the bin, "Cannot discharge the paper separately." A notification unit is provided for notifying the data processing apparatus that has transmitted the data.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the notifying means sets a paper discharge destination (bin where paper is discharged) of the print result of the print data determined by the determining means as the print result of the print data. Displayed on the display at the end of paper ejection and / or
Alternatively, it notifies the data processing device.

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

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the memory resource stores a sheet stacking state, an identification name, a use state, and the like of each discharge port for each discharge port.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first search means determines whether there is a paper exit 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.

[0046] 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 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 thirteenth aspect according to the present invention, the deciding means selects a paper 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, 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.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the determination means, as a result of the search by the first search means, a paper discharge port 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. The print result of the data is determined as a paper discharge port for discharging the paper.

According to a fifteenth 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.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the priority order is such that a paper outlet located at an upper or lower level is a paper outlet having a higher priority.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the identification name is a user name (kaky, sakai shown in FIG. 1).
Etc.), a host name, a group name, a department name, a file name, a paper type, and a date.

In an eighteenth aspect according to 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 outlets 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, a printing result of a print job received from a plurality of data processing devices and a plurality of data processing devices communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium is output to a plurality of output devices. In an image recording system including an image recording apparatus capable of discharging paper to a paper exit, the plurality of data processing devices are configured to specify an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the paper exit. 3, a bin name setting area 603 and a bin name input area 604 of the discharge mode setting screen shown in FIG. 4, and the specified identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name. Creating means (CPU1 shown in FIG. 6) for creating a print job in which the identification name is specified as a discharge destination in addition to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus; Memory resources for registering identification name of the sheet discharge outlet for each sheet discharge mouth (EEPROM 4 shown in FIG. 15
10), detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each paper discharge port and storing the same in a memory resource (the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 performs detection processing via the shared memory shown in FIG. 16), and There is a judging means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for judging whether or not a name is specified, and a paper discharge port in which the same IDs as a plurality of IDs specified in the print job are registered as IDs. The first search means (CPU 40 shown in FIG. 15)
9), second search means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for searching for an empty paper discharge port from each of the paper discharge ports, and when it is determined by the determination means that an identification name is specified,
Determining means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for determining a discharge port of the print job based on the search results of the first search means and the second search means; and a discharge port determined by the determination means A registration unit (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for registering the identification name added to the print data as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit when the identification name is not registered as the identification name; The stacking amount of each sheet outlet detected by the detection means is monitored, and when the stacking amount of the sheet outlet in which the identification name is registered becomes zero, the deletion of the registration name of the sheet outlet is deleted. Means (Fig. 1
CPU 409 shown in FIG. 5) and unauthorized data processing means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15) for recognizing unauthorized data and determining a discharge port of the print job when it is determined that the identification name is not specified by the determining means. ).

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a print result of a print job 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 control method of the image recording apparatus, a detecting step (step S801 in FIG. 26) of detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper outlets and storing the same in a memory resource, and determining whether an identification name is specified in the print job. (Step S601 in FIG. 24, Step S10 in FIG. 30)
01), and a first search step (FIG. 24) for searching whether or not there is a paper discharge port registered in the memory resource with the same identification name as a plurality of identification names specified in the print job. Step S602), a second search step (steps S606 and S610 in FIG. 24) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, and it is determined that the identification name is specified in the determination step. In this case, the determining step of determining the discharge port of the print job based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step (step S in FIG. 24).
605, S608, S612), and when the determined identification name of the discharge port is not registered as an identification name, the identification of the discharge port determined by the determination unit is the identification name added to the print data. Registration step of registering a name in a memory resource (steps S609 and S613 in FIG. 24)
A deletion step of monitoring the stacking amount of each discharge port, and deleting the registration name of the discharge port from the memory resource when the stacking amount of the discharge port in which the identification name is registered becomes zero. In step S806 of FIG. 26, and in the case where it is determined in the determining step that the identification name has not been specified, an unauthorized data processing step (step of FIG. S615, S610 to S614, and steps S1001 and S614 in FIG. 30).

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of data processing apparatuses and a print result of a print job received from the plurality of data processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium are discharged to a plurality of discharge ports. An image recording system including a possible image recording apparatus, a designation step (not shown) of the plurality of data processing apparatuses for designating an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining a paper discharge port; A print job in which the specified identification name or the identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name is added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus and the identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination. Creating process (Step S40 in FIG. 8)
1 to S404), the image recording apparatus detects a paper stacking amount of each of the paper outlets and stores the same in a memory resource (step S801 in FIG. 26), and the print job has an identification name. A determining step (step S601 in FIG. 24, step S1001 in FIG. 30) for determining whether or not the print job is specified, and a plurality of IDs specified in the print job are registered in the memory resource as IDs. 24 (step S602 in FIG. 24) and a second search step (step in FIG. 24) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports. S606, S610), and when it is determined in the determining step that the identification name is specified, the discharge port of the print job is determined based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step. The determining step of determining (steps S605, S608, S612 in FIG. 24) and, if the determined identification name of the discharge port is not registered as an identification name, determining the identification name added to the print data. A registration step (steps S609 and S61 in FIG. 24) of registering in the memory resource as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the means.
And 3) monitoring the stacking amount of each sheet ejection outlet, and deleting the identification name registration of the sheet ejection outlet from the memory resource when the stacking amount of the sheet ejection outlet in which the identification name is registered becomes zero. Process (Figure 2)
6 and step S806), and if it is determined in the determining step that the identification name has not been specified, the unauthorized data processing step (step S615 in FIG. 24) of recognizing the data as invalid data and determining the discharge port of the print job. , S610 to S61
4, steps S1001 and S614 in FIG. 30).

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a print result of a print job 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 S801 in FIG. 26) in which the image recording apparatus detects the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper outlets and stores the amount in a memory resource, and a determining step in which it is determined whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job. (Step S601 in FIG. 24, Step S1001 in FIG. 30) and whether or not there is a paper ejection port registered in the memory resource with the same identification name as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job. A first search step for searching (step S602 in FIG. 24) and a second search step for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports (steps S606 and S6 in FIG. 24).
10) and when it is determined in the determining step that the identification name is specified, the discharge port of the print job is determined based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step. Decision process (Steps S605, S608,
S612), and if the determined discharge port identification name is not registered as an identification name, the identification name added to the print data is used as the discharge port identification name determined by the determination unit. Registration process (FIG. 24)
Steps S609 and S613), and monitor the stacking amount of each sheet ejection outlet. When the stacking amount of the sheet ejection outlet in which the identification name is registered becomes zero, the registration of the identification name of the sheet ejection outlet is performed using a memory resource. (Step S806 in FIG. 26)
If it is determined in the determining step that the identification name has not been specified, an unauthorized data processing step (steps S615, S610 to S614, and FIG. 24) of recognizing the data as invalid data and determining a discharge port of the print job. Step S1 in FIG.
001 and S614) are stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided 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. A designation step (a step (not shown)) for designating an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the paper discharge port, and the identification step is determined according to the designated identification name or the type of the designated identification name. Creating a print job in which an identification name is added to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus and the identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination (steps S401 to S404 in FIG. 8);
A print result of a print job received from the plurality of data processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium is output to a plurality of paper output ports. Detection process for storing in resources (step S in FIG. 26)
801) and a judging step of judging whether or not an identification name is specified for the print job (Step S6 in FIG. 24).
01, step S1001 in FIG. 30, and a first step for searching whether or not there is a paper discharge port registered in the memory resource with the same identification name as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job. Search process (Step S in FIG. 24)
602) and a second search step (steps S606 and S610 in FIG. 24) for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports.
A determining step of determining a discharge port of the print job based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step when it is determined in the determining step that the identification name is specified; (Steps S605, S608, S61 in FIG. 24)
2) and when the determined identification name of the discharge port is not registered as an identification name, the identification name added to the print data is used as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit. The registration process (steps S609 and S613 in FIG. 24) and the stacking amount of each paper ejection outlet are monitored. When the stacking amount of the paper ejection outlet registered with the identification name becomes zero, the paper ejection A deletion step (step S806 in FIG. 26) of deleting the identification name registration of the mouth from the memory resource, and when it is determined in the determination step that the identification name has not been specified, it is recognized as invalid data and the print job is discharged. Unauthorized data processing step of determining a paper slot (step S61 in FIG. 24)
5, S610 to S614, step S100 in FIG.
1, S614) are stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0058]

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

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a user-separated automatic mode in which a discharge bin of an image recording apparatus shared by a plurality of users is dynamically assigned at the time of printing using a discharge bin of the image recording apparatus.

Note that the paper discharging method of the present invention flexibly sorts print jobs according to the purpose, and is not limited to each job or each user. However, in the following description, it will be described in a broad sense. Is defined as a user-separate automatic mode.

As shown in the figure, an example in the case where the image recording apparatus is shared by a plurality of host computers, that is, a plurality of 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.

The users of the host computers 101A and 101B start the host computers with sakai and kakky, respectively, and when the user logs in, the above names are registered as default values. This name is editable by the user and can be
I (user interface).

The host computers 101A, 10A
In 1B, an application or a printer driver for specifying sorting by an identification name shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8 described below is installed. When the user sakai is an administrator who manages the settings of the printer and the like, the host computer 101A sends the user sakai the information shown in FIG.
Can be set on the user interface (UI) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the host computers 101C through 101C
1E does not have an application or a printer driver for specifying sorting by identification names shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 7, and 8 described later.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2, setting of the paper discharge mode by the host computer 101A, and FIGS.
With reference to, the sorting designation by the identification names by the host computers 101A and 101B will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the paper ejection mode of the printer 102 by a host application on each host computer 101A shown in FIG. 1. The host computer 10 shown in FIG.
1 is displayed on the CRT 10.

In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a sheet 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 a 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 designating this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is made valid (ie, 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 purpose at the time of printing.

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

In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 600 denotes a discharge mode setting screen for 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) matching the type (automatic) of the user separate set in advance in the printer 102 is selected.
03, bin name input area 604) is displayed.

In the bin name setting area 603, when the user separates automatically, the user can select "use the login name as the bin name" or "customize and use the bin name".

The bin name input area 604 is used to input a bin name when “customize and use the bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603, such as “Kakigi” 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",
Options such as “sort by application”, “sort by paper size”, “paper type such as paper type”, “sort by file name”, “sort by time zone”, and “sort by date” will be described later with reference to FIG. ROM 3, the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2, or the external memory 11 or the like. The bin name newly input to the bin name input area 604 is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2 in FIG.
Alternatively, the information may be stored in the external memory 11 or the like, and may be configured as one of 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), printing in copy units 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 made valid, 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 made valid. 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 for each user or sorting for each purpose is described. However, for a user who wants to perform the operation for sorting for each user, the default setting may be used without any operation. May be.
By specifying an OK button 606 in FIG. 3, sorting can be performed for each user.

On the other hand, for the user who wants to sort by purpose, the bin name setting area 603 as shown in FIG.
Select "Use customized bin name" and enter the name to be used in the bin name input area 604 or select "Sort by host", "Sort by application", "Sort by paper size", or "Sort by paper size". Paper type, etc. "," Sorting by file name "," Sorting by time zone "
One of the options is selected, and an OK button 606 is designated.

After the necessary settings have been made, the user can sort 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 the desired sorting set on the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing in FIGS.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of a paper discharging method when the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 1 receives data that does not support the user separate automatic mode.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a paper discharging method when data which does not support the user separate automatic mode is received. The actual operation will be described based on this drawing.

First, the user sakai, who is the administrator,
After deciding the operation of the image recording apparatus, the setting of the discharge mode of the image recording apparatus is performed by the operation panel of the image recording apparatus or the host application (sheet supply / discharge setting screen 500) shown in FIG. ,
Automatic user separation indicating the mode of the present embodiment is selected in advance. Normally, this setting only needs to be performed once when the image recording apparatus is installed after the operation method is determined.

Next, the host computers 101A, 101
1B, the discharge mode setting screen 60 shown in FIGS.
By setting 0, the identification name is set according to the purpose at the time of printing.

Thereafter, the host computers 101A, 1A
From 01B, it is assumed that each user discharges papers in the user separate automatic mode, and for example, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, bin 1 to bin 3 are used by user kakky and bin 4 is used by user sakai.

All of these paper discharges are created by a host application or a printer driver corresponding to the user-separated automatic mode for executing sorting and discharge by the identification name as described above. Is in a state in which the sorting and discharging can be realized.

However, various host computers are connected on the network, and the operation of the user is also various. For example, when an application or a printer driver that performs sorting designation by an identification name is not installed as in the host computers 101C to 101E, when binary data created by an old printer driver is transmitted as it is,
In order to change the color (color tone) of color data, there is a user who intentionally creates and transmits data with another printer driver that does not support the discharge of the identification name.

The lower part of FIG. 5 shows the case where sorting and discharging are performed in a state where these various data are mixed. Bin 1 to bin 4 are print data for which sorting is designated by an identification name. Is the result of bin 5 to bin 6
Indicates the result of discharge of print data without sorting designation by identification name.

In this case, a print job whose specification is insufficient (identification name is not specified) cannot be classified by identification name. Therefore, the job is classified by job, and for example, the job name, file name, Alternatively, numbers are sequentially added to fixed names such as "Job 1", "Job 2",..., The numbers are changed, registration is performed, and sorting is performed. In this way, sorting and discharging as much as possible is performed even when receiving illegal data (data for which the identification name is not specified).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of host computer 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 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) for controlling access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) for storing font data, user files, and edited files, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD).

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.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing an outline font into the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 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 processing.

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

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, 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. 7 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 discharge is designated. The host computer 101A, 1 shown in FIG.
The CPU 1 in the CPU 01B executes based on a program stored in the ROM 3 or another storage medium. Note that S3
01 to S306 indicate each step.

First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not 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, if the identification name is registered in step S301, that is, if the user instructs the paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode, the user selects in the bin name setting area 603 which identification name to use. 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 of the identification name. If it is determined that the genre of the identification name is selected, the process proceeds to step S305. One is selected from “sorting by host”, “sorting by application”, “sorting by paper size”, “sorting by file name”, “sorting by time zone”, etc., and step S306.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the genre of the identification name is not to be selected, 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.

Note that the stored user setting information is used to determine information to be added to print data at the time of printing in the user separate automatic mode designation.

Next, the process of creating and transmitting print data after the user gives a print instruction after the user setting shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 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 is shown. The CPU 1 in the host computers 101A and 101B shown in FIG.
It is executed based on a program stored in M3 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 ejection 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 has been designated, 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 a login name is registered by default and a name edited by a user is registered, a previously input user name is added, and other sorting by host (host ID) and sorting by application (identifier) are performed. 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, data is created. At this time, if there is identification information determined to be added in step S405, a print job in which the identification information is added to the print data is created.

Next, in step S404, the data of the print job is transmitted to the image recording apparatus 102.

When the discharge of the print job is completed, a job completion notification is received from the image recording apparatus 102, and a display such as that shown in FIG. 9 is performed on the host computer 101, and the discharge actually used by the user is performed. Paper bins can be recognized.

FIG. 9 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. 10 shows the image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which No. 2 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 printing system 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, U.S.A.).
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, and 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, ROM, RAM and the like (not shown). One unit is controlled based on a sheet supply / discharge designation or the like 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. 16 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 transfer 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).

The basic status area indicates an 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 sheet feeding optional 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 a printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 for controlling the entire printer 102, 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.

Note that the option controller unit 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. 11 shows the printer 102 shown in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of FIG. 10, and the same components as in FIG. 10 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 developed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device 223 to a recording sheet S fed by a registration roller 205. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. 22
Reference numeral 1 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that removes electricity from the photosensitive drum 220.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing unit 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
The DO signal is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80.

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

The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 10 is provided in the printer main body shown in FIG.
Various optional units are configured to be communicable with 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, a paper deck 241 loads a large amount of recording paper S 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 transport roller 244 transports the recording paper S fed from the paper deck paper feed roller 242 toward the optional paper feed 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 the 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 paper 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.

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 8 bins.
The seventh to seventh discharge bins 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When the face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform sorting, and the sorted recording paper S is sent to the paper discharge port by the roller 290 as it is. 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.

Also, 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, cassette paper feed clutch 231 and 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. 12 shows the printer 102 shown in FIG.
11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 10, and the same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface. Commands such as a designation of paper feeding to the paper deck option unit 107 and a designation of a 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 or not an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, whether staples can be used, is transmitted from the option controller unit 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, control of each process by the engine controller 105 is executed based on signals exchanged with the video controller 103, and / 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. 13 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.

[0175] 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.

Note that three signals of the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105,
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. 14 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. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of video controller 103 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a panel interface (I / F) unit which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel unit 104 by data communication with the panel unit 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 generating unit,
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.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a CPU, which 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.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a DMA control unit which transfers bitmap data in the image memory 405 to the engine interface unit 406 in accordance with 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 406, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, video controller 103 is connected to option controller section 106.
A description will be given of a control method for integrally controlling each optional device.

FIG. 16 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. 16 is used to specify a page, to control the transport status for knowing the transport status of the paper, a basic status section for knowing the abnormal status of each option, and a command status for exchanging 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 is completed is regarded as an empty 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 states 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 each 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. 17, 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. 17 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. 15 executes based on a program stored in the ROM 404 in correspondence with a procedure for issuing a command status to the CPU and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option. (A)
Corresponds to the case where an abnormality of the input device is found, and (b)
Corresponds to a case where an abnormality of the output device is found. Also,
S101 to S108 and S111 to S117 indicate each step.

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. 16 (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 specified abnormality content is specified. For example, in the case of no paper, a paper-less deck is specified (S104) and a paper-free factor 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 the panel unit 104 and the operation unit 107.
b, Displayed on the display unit or the like of the external device 101.

As shown in (b), when the video controller 103 discovers an abnormality in the output device from the basic status section of the shared memory shown in FIG. 16 (S11).
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 designated in the command status section, and the content of the abnormality (full load, no staples, door open, paper jam, failure, etc.) is specified (S113).

Next, a command corresponding to the specified abnormality content is designated. For example, when the load is full, the full deck is specified (S114). In the case of a paper jam, the position of the paper jam 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 an 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. 18 is a flowchart showing a fourth 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 video controller 103 shown in FIG. In response to the procedure for accessing the shared memory and exchanging command status with each option and exchanging information, the video controller 10 shown in FIG.
3 is executed by the CPU 409 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).

[0210] Then, it is notified that the command has been transmitted, and the option controller unit 106 exchanges information with each of the optional devices to generate a trigger for acquiring information (S204).

[0211] Based on the trigger and the specified contents in step S204, the option controller unit 106 performs serial communication with necessary optional devices to obtain the specified information. On the other hand, the 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 a certain period of 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 elapse of the predetermined time 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. 19 to 22, FIG.
The data flow from the external device 101 to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105 shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 shows the external device 101 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data flow from to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105.

A control code for controlling the CPU 409 of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 15 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. 20 shows the structure of the page table stored in RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, a page table 1100 stores 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
An actual entity exists as a continuous area in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407 shown in FIG. 15, 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. 20, 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 indicates a method of determining paper feed means, and includes "automatic paper feed", "cassette 1 (cassette 230) paper feed", 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.

[0224] The "requested paper size" 1105 stores a numerical representation of the paper size for which the engine controller 105 is requested to feed paper.

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

FIG. 21 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. 13, 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 ”.

[0230] Further, the "sheet feeding stage number" 1203 is a number of sheet feeding stages that can be selected by reflecting the attachment of the 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.

Also, "paper deck paper presence / absence" 1206
Is the presence or absence of paper in the paper feed option device 107. “Paper deck paper size” 1207 is a paper size set by a partition plate (not shown) of the paper feed option device 107, and it is assumed that the operator has placed the same paper as the value of the partition plate. It is recognized as the paper size of the paper feed option device 107.

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. 20 and the engine status table (not shown in FIG. 21) shown in FIG. 21 are used for analysis expansion task, page operation task, engine I / F task, option I Referenced / updated from / F task.

FIG. 22 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 includes a “job ID” 1301, a “job completed state” 1302,
“Job name” 1308,..., “Sort designation” 13
03, “Available bin number” 1304, “Number of copies of sort” 1305, “Number of original pages” 1306,
"Page number fixed state" 1307, "File name" 130
9 and the like, and the entity is the RAM 407 shown in FIG.
Exists as a continuous area in the control information storage area (not shown),
The acquisition and release are managed by the CPU 409.

The data flow shown in FIG. 19 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 19, 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.

[0239] The "analysis development task" 1001
When data is detected by the / F section 402, the page table 1100 shown in FIG. 20 is obtained. Then, the data is analyzed in units of one block, and the image formation information (graphic drawing command of PDL, character code, etc.) is used by using the image data generation unit 403 shown in FIG.
The image is developed by itself and stored in the area indicated by the “raster pointer” 1102 of 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, printing is specified by the optional I / F unit 412 such as a paper feeding unit, a paper discharging unit, and a print mode. At the same time, the setting of the paper feeding unit and the like is set to the engine controller 105 by the ethidine I / F unit 406. 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 106 via the engine I / F section 406 and the option I / F section 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.

The change in 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. 23, image recording apparatus 1
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. 23 is a flowchart showing a fifth control 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. The image recording device 102 is controlled by an external device 101 such as a host computer. Corresponding to the processing from the reception of print data to the completion of printing, the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 executes based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). 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.
In accordance with the control information (attribute information) of the print data, the page table 110 includes only the total number of pages to be printed in this print job (total number of print copies for each designated discharge port name).
0, and stores control information (attribute information) in a memory (RAM4
07) and drawing information (PDL data)
In a memory (RAM 407).

Here, only the attribute specified as the control information (attribute information) of the print data is stored in the page table 1100 (the “identification name” 1109 of the page table 1100 indicates the name of the discharge port). String is stored). Note that the search processing after step S503 is performed for each page table created as described above.

Next, in step S503, it is determined from the control information stored in the memory whether or not the paper discharge mode is automatically specified. If it is determined that the paper discharge mode is not automatically specified, in step S512, control is performed as a process for fixing. The paper ejection port fixedly designated based on the information is selected, and step S
Proceed to 514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the paper 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. 24 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 automatic user separation is not specified, it is determined in step S506 whether or not the fixed user separation is specified, and it is determined that the fixed user separation 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 the discharge of the print job is completed, the discharge bin having the identification name specified in the print job is transmitted to the host computer, and the current discharge bin is displayed on the UI of the host computer as shown in FIG. Is notified to the user (and / or displayed on the display unit of the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 10), and the printing process ends. In the printing process in the case where the automatic user separation is specified, the printing and discharging process of the number of copies determined for each of the paper discharge ports determined by the automatic user separating search 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 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.

Steps S503 to S503 including the search processing S505 in the user separate automatic mode as described above.
In the series of search processing in step S513 and the subsequent processing, in step S502, a page table 1100 of the number of copies is created for each paper discharge port name specified in advance in the print data.
It is assumed that the processing is repeated for the number of page tables.

Hereinafter, the paper ejection port search processing in the user separate automatic mode will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a sixth 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 search is performed by the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown) in response to the search process at the time of the user separate automatic designation in step S505 of step S505. S601 to S615 indicate each step.

When the user-separate automatic search process starts, it is first determined in step S601 whether or not an identification name has been specified. If it is determined that an identification name has been specified, the print data is determined in step S602. A search is made for a paper discharge bin having the same name as the identification name designated in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.
If there is a paper discharge bin with the same name registered in, this bin is set as a provisionally determined bin. At this time, the bin is searched from the bin with the lowest priority, and if there are a plurality of bins, the bin with the lowest priority (the paper discharge bin with the same name that was registered last)
Is selected.

Next, in step S603, it is determined whether or not there is a search bin in step S602, that is, whether or not there is a discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data. If it is determined, in step S604, it is determined whether or not the bin is full based on the stacking state of the discharge bins stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 15, and if it is determined that the bin is not full. , Step S605, Step S6
02 is determined (selected) as the formal bin determined as the formal bin, that is, the “discharge port” 11 in the 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 in step S604 that the discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is full, in step S607 the next bin after the provisionally determined bin searched in step S602 is determined. The EEPR shown in FIG. 15 determines whether or not the bin of the priority order (the bin that is continuous with the tentatively determined bin searched in step S602) is empty.
FIG. 16 shows the stacked state of the discharge bins stored in the OM 410 or FIG.
If the bin is not empty, it is determined that the bin is not empty. In step S605, the tentatively determined bin searched in step S602 is determined (selected) in step S605. ), 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 S607 that the bin of the priority order next to the temporarily determined bin searched in step S601 is empty, then in step S608, the bin next to the temporarily determined bin searched in step S602 is determined. The priority bin 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, and in step S609, the print data is set as the bin name of the bin. Is registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 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 S602, in step S610, an empty bin is set from the highest priority bin to an empty bin. The bin is searched based on the stacked state of the discharge bin stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 15 or the shared memory shown in FIG. 16, and in step S611, the search result in step S610 indicates whether there is an empty bin. Judge,
If it is determined that there is an empty bin, step S612
, The highest priority bin among the empty bins is determined as the formal bin, and in step S613, the identification name specified in the print data as the bin name of the bin is registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S611 that there is no empty bin as a result of the search in step S610, it means that another user is already using the bin and there is no new bin to be allocated. Step S61
In step 4, when the output cannot be performed as specified, the escape bin for discharging the paper is determined as the formal bin, and a warning message (warning) such as "All the bins are in use and cannot be sorted and printed" is displayed on the panel unit 104. L not shown
Notify the CD and / or the host computer and end the search process.

During the display of the warning message, if the specified sheet cannot be discharged, 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.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the identification name has not been specified, it means that data has been created by a printer driver that does not support sorting and discharging by the identification name.
An identification name unique to the designated job is automatically created (details are shown in FIG. 25), and the process proceeds to step S610.
〜Step S614 is performed.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that an upper bin is a bin having a higher priority.

Referring to FIG. 25, description will be given of an identification name creating process when an identification name is not specified.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a seventh 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. In response to the (identification name creation process specific to the designated job in step S615 in FIG. 24), the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 executes the program based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). Note that S701 and S702 indicate each step.

In a network environment, data created by a printer driver that does not support sorting / discharging by identification name may be received. If the identification name is not specified, the identification name creation processing shown in FIG. 25 is performed. .

In this case, in step S701, the number of times C of processing the job whose designation is not specified stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 15 is incremented.

Next, in step S702, for example, the character string "job" and the character string "C" which is incremented in step S701 and is based on the number of times of job processing are combined, and "job 1", "job 2",. The job-specific identification name is automatically generated by assigning the designated job-specific number to a fixed character string as shown in (1), and is used as the identification name for the job separation.

[0276] Instead of "job", other
, A job name (“job name” 1308), a job ID 1301, and a file name (“file name” 1309) in the job control table shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 26 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. 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 S80
1 to S812 indicate each step.

[0279] The state of the paper discharge port changes with status information (option controller 106
14 to access the shared memory (FIG. 16), exchange options and command status, acquire status information, and update (EEPR shown in FIG. 14).
OM410).

First, in step S801, it is determined with reference to the shared memory shown in FIG. 16 whether or not there is a change in the stacking amount (state) of each discharge bin, and there is a change in the stacking amount of each discharge bin. In step S802, 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. 15 is updated, and the process proceeds to step S803.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that there is no change in the stacking amount of each paper discharge bin, the flow directly proceeds to step S803.

Next, in step S803, 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 S804 is performed. , It is determined whether there is a print job having the same name as the identification name of the paper discharge bin whose loading amount is zero (that is, the print job is being processed), and there is a print job having the same name (that is, If it is determined that the print job is being processed, the process proceeds to step S807.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that there is no print job having the same name as the identification name of the paper discharge bin having the loaded amount of zero (that is, the print job is not being processed), step S805 is performed. 25, the EEPROM 41 incremented in step S701 of FIG.
The number of times C for which the job with the unspecified name stored in “0” has been processed is reset, and in FIG.
EEPRO at the time of the user separate automatic search process shown in
The identification name of the bin registered in M410 is deleted, the empty bin state is set, and the process proceeds to step S807.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that there is no paper discharge bin with the stacking amount of zero, the process directly proceeds to step S807.

Next, in step S807, it is determined whether all the bins are in use. If it is determined that all the bins are in use, in step S809, the message "ZENBIN PRINCIPLE" is displayed. A warning display (warning message display) such as "" is performed on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 10, and the process proceeds to step S810.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S807 that all bins are not in use, that is, there is an unused bin, in step S808, the warning display on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S810.

Next, in step S810, warning display or cancellation is performed in step S808 or S809 to determine whether there has been a state change. If it is determined that there has been a state change, in step S811 the state is sent to the host computer. A change ("Warning display such as" ZENBIN CHIN CHUDUS "" is newly performed / cancelled) is notified, and the process proceeds to step S812.

On the other hand, in step S810, if it is determined in step S808 or S809 that a warning has been displayed or canceled and no state change has occurred, the flow proceeds directly to step S812.

Thereafter, in step S 812, a wait is performed for a predetermined time, and the processing in step S 801 is repeated.

In step S804, it is determined whether or not a job having the same name as the discharge bin whose registration is to be deleted is being processed. The page table 1100 shown in FIG. 20 is held until the discharge is completed. Information, the identification name 1109 of the page table 1100
Is compared with the identification name of the discharge bin for which the zero load amount has been detected, and a search is performed. That is, if the identification name 1109 of the currently processed page table 1100 is different from the identification name of the discharge bin for which the loading amount of zero is detected, the registration of the discharge bin is deleted. Registration is retained.

With the above processing, based on the registered state of the name of the discharge bin, the printing process is performed while the registration of the discharge bin is dynamically deleted, so that the sorting by the identification name is realized, and the name of the discharge bin is realized. Resets the number of times C for which an unidentified name-unspecified job has been processed based on the registration status, and specifies the identification name even if a print job for which no identification name is specified is received in the sorting mode based on the identification name. It realizes the sorting of jobs that have not been performed for each job.

Note that the search processing in step S507 of FIG. 23 when the user separates fixed specification, the search processing in the sort specification in step S509, the search processing in the stack specification in step S511, and the search processing in the illegal specification in step S512. A detailed description of this will be omitted in the present embodiment.

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

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing a ninth 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, S901-
S903 shows each step.

First, in step S901, an event notification (notification of the bin that discharged the paper in step S515 of FIG. 23, notification of an error display in step S516, notification of cancellation of the error display, step S81 in FIG. 26)
1 is notified, the status of the printer changes, and if it is determined that an event notification has been received, the notified event is received, and in step S902, the content (the bin where the paper was discharged) is received. , Notification of error display, notification of error display cancellation, etc.).

Next, in step S903, the content of the notification is displayed or canceled based on the result of the analysis, and the user is notified of a change in the status of the printer.

For example, in the user separate mode, since the paper discharge bins are dynamically allocated, the user does not know which paper discharge bin has been used until printing is performed. 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" Cannot sort and print because it is in use. "
Displayed at 10 is to inform the user of the discharge bin information such as the bin use status.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when data that does not support sorting by an identification name is received, the job name of the print job included in the data instead of the identification name, or “job Although a character string fixed to a certain extent such as 1 "," job 2 "is internally created and its name is registered to realize sorting, the job name and the like are also included in the data. Since there is a case where it is not included, the name registration may not be performed, and only the output bin may be set to the in-use state, so as to prevent mixed loading with other users. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing a paper discharging method when receiving data which does not support the user-separated automatic mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0300] As shown in the figure, when data that is not compatible with the classification by the identification name is received in the sorting mode by the identification name, there are cases where the job name and the like are not included in the data. The name registration is not performed (that is, the bin name is left as ""), and the discharge bin is in use.

If the bin name discharged at this time is "",
For example, a message such as "A job unknown to the user has been ejected to bin 1" is sent to the host computer that sent data that does not support sorting by identification name, and a screen on the host computer that received this notification. A message "The job unknown to the user has been discharged to bin 1" may be displayed.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a description will be given of a configuration in which the discharge bins are determined so as to perform sorting as much as possible using the discharge bins for sorting. However, if data that does not support sorting by identification name is received, it is recognized as a job that cannot be specified and executed, and an escape bin for discharging the job that cannot be specified without displaying an error (escape processing). May be configured to discharge the paper. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram showing a paper discharging method when receiving data which does not support the user-separated automatic mode according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, when data (job 1 and job 2) that does not support sorting by identification name is received in the sorting mode by identification name, it is recognized as a job that cannot be specified and executed. The paper is discharged to the escape bin without displaying an error.

Referring to FIG. 30, a description will be given of the paper discharge port search processing in the user separate automatic mode according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a tenth 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. In the third embodiment of the present invention, a user separate automatic mode is used. The CPU 409 shown in FIG. 15 executes the processing based on the program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown) corresponding to the paper discharge port search processing (search processing at the time of automatic user separation designation in step S505 in FIG. 23). I do.
Note that S1001, S602 to S614 indicate each step, and the same processes as those in FIG. 24 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

When the user-separate automatic search process starts, it is first determined in step S1001 whether or not an identification name has been designated. If it is determined that an identification name has been designated, the flow advances to step S602 (FIG. 24).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the identification name has not been specified, it means that data has been created by a printer driver that does not support sorting and discharging by the identification name. An escape bin for discharging an illegally designated job is determined (selected) as a formal bin, that is, an escape process for storing a numerical value representing the selected discharge port in the “discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100 is performed. (Scheduling is performed to a paper discharge port for discharging a predetermined illegally designated job).

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the case where the upper bin is the higher priority bin has been described. However, the lower bin is the higher priority bin. May be configured.

Thus, when a plurality of bins are automatically used in the user separate mode, the bins are ejected in the same manner as when the stack is ejected, and only the paper is taken from the upper stage in a state where the bins are held. The print results are in the correct order.

[0311] As described above, it is possible to easily sort and discharge print jobs simply by selecting a discharge mode at the time of printing, without performing complicated settings on the host computer and the image recording apparatus. Become.

[0312] Also, by enabling registration and selection of identification names 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.

Further, by allowing the same name to be registered in a plurality of paper discharge outlets, it is possible to share one image recording apparatus with more users and to achieve a large number of paper discharges in shared use. It is possible to achieve both.

When the image recording apparatus is in the sorting mode by the identification name in the paper ejection mode, even if data from an application or a printer driver for which sorting by the identification name cannot be specified is received, an operator call is displayed. Offline migration is minimized, sorting is performed as much as possible, and control is performed so that paper can be discharged without any trouble in a network environment. It is possible to make the discharge position easy to understand.

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

FIG. 31 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs which can be read by an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. is there.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are 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.

Further, data subordinate to 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. 7, 8, 17,
The functions shown in FIGS. 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 30 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the 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. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code 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.

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

As storage media for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, 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 in 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.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single 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 reading and reading 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.

[0327]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the inventions of the second, ninth, and eighteenth aspects, the detecting means detects the amount of paper loaded at each paper outlet and stores the same in a memory resource, and the determining means provides an identification name to the print job. Is determined, and the first searching means determines the same identification name as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job as the identification name, and identifies the identification name of each paper output port for each paper output port. A search is made as to whether or not there is a registered paper outlet in the memory resource for registration, a second search unit searches for an empty paper outlet from each of the paper outlets, and a deciding unit uses the determining unit to If it is determined that the identification name has been designated, the first
The discharge port of the print job is determined on the basis of the search results of the search means and the second search means, and the identification means of the discharge port determined by the determination means is registered as the identification name. If not, the identification name added to the print data is registered as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination means, and the deletion means monitors the stacking amount of each discharge port detected by the detection means. When the stacking amount of the paper ejection outlet in which the identification name is registered becomes zero, the registration of the identification name of the paper ejection outlet is deleted, and the unauthorized data processing means determines that the identification name is not specified by the determination means. If it is determined, the data is recognized as invalid data and the discharge port of the print job is determined.Therefore, when the image recording apparatus sorts by the identification name, it receives data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name. Even possible Rino running sorting, not only the data corresponding to the identification name designation, even for data that does not correspond to the identification name specified can be sorted without mixing each print job.

According to the third invention to the fifth invention, the unauthorized data processing means generates a unique identification name of the print job for which it has been determined that the identification name has not been specified by the determination means, The empty discharge port searched by the second retrieval means is determined as the discharge port of the print job, and the generated identification name is registered as the identification name of the determined discharge port. For data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name received when sorting by identification name, as well as data corresponding to the designation of the identification name,
Each print job can be sorted without being mixed.

[0329] According to the sixth aspect, the unauthorized data processing means sets the discharge port of the print job, for which it has been determined that the identification name has not been designated, to the predetermined preliminary discharge port. Since the determination is made, even when the image recording apparatus sorts by the identification name and receives data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name, the print job is sorted and the discharge of the print job is mixed. Can be prevented.

[0330] According to the seventh invention, a warning message is displayed on the display unit when sorting and discharging by the identification name specified in the print job is impossible, and / or the data processing apparatus which transmitted the print data. Is provided, the user can be easily informed of the situation even if sorting and discharging is impossible, and prompt action can be taken.

[0331] According to the eighth aspect, the notifying unit displays the discharge destination of the print result of the print data determined by the determining unit on the display unit when the discharge of the print result of the print data ends. And / or Notifying the data processing device that the user can be notified of a discharge port dynamically allocated according to the purpose of the user, thereby facilitating recognition when the user obtains a printed material from the discharge port. it can.

According to the tenth aspect, the memory resources store the paper stacking status, identification name, use status, and the like of each discharge port for each discharge port, so that each discharge port can be easily managed. can do.

[0333] According to the eleventh 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, which has a lower priority. 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 dynamically used is allocated according to the current use state of the discharge port while maximizing the capability, so that one image recording apparatus can be shared by more users.

[0334] 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 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. In the case where the paper exit of the designated identification name is full, a continuous paper exit can be allocated and output, and the printed matter discharged across the plural paper exits can be easily recognized. This makes it possible to achieve both the shared use by the user and the large-capacity discharge.

[0335] 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,
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 with the specified identification name is full, the next paper outlet can be allocated and output, and the printed material discharged across multiple paper outlets can be discharged. Recognition of the paper order is facilitated, and both shared use by a plurality of users and large-capacity paper discharge can be realized.

[0336] According to the fourteenth 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,
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 printing result of the data is determined as the paper output port to discharge, if the paper output port with the specified identification name is full, a paper output port with a higher priority can be assigned and output. It is easy to recognize the paper discharge order of printed matter discharged across the mouth,
It is possible to achieve both shared use by a plurality of users and large-capacity paper discharge.

[0337] According to the fifteenth aspect, the determining means comprises:
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.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the priority 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 seventeenth 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.

[0340] According to the nineteenth aspect, in the plurality of data processing apparatuses, the specifying means specifies an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining the paper discharge port, and the creating means specifies the specified identification name. Or a print job in which 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 identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination, and the image recording apparatus , Detecting means detects the amount of paper loaded in each paper outlet and stores the same in a memory resource; determining means determines whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job; The same identification name as the plurality of identification names specified in (1) is used as an identification name to determine whether or not there is a discharge port registered in the memory resource for registering the identification name of each discharge port for each discharge port. Search and second A search unit searches for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, and when the determination unit determines that the identification name is specified by the determination unit, the first search unit and the second search unit Determines the paper discharge port of the print job based on the search result. If the identification name of the paper discharge port determined by the determination means is not registered as an identification name, the registration means adds the paper discharge port to the print data. Registered as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination means, the deletion means monitors the stacking amount of each discharge port detected by the detection means, and When the stacking amount of the paper outlet becomes zero, the registration of the identification name of the paper outlet is deleted, and when the unauthorized data processing means determines that the identification name is not specified by the determining means, it is recognized as unauthorized data. And the discharge port of the print job Since determining, when the image recording apparatus is performing a sorting by identification name,
Even if you receive data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name,
By sorting as much as possible, it is possible to sort not only the data corresponding to the designation of the identification name but also the data not corresponding to the designation of the identification name without mixing the respective print jobs.

According to the twentieth and twenty-second inventions, the paper stack amount of each paper outlet is detected and stored in a memory resource, and it is determined whether or not an identification name has been specified in the print job. If it is determined in the determining step that the identification name is specified, it is determined whether or not there is a discharge port in which the same identification name as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job is registered as an identification name in the memory resource. A discharge port of the print job is determined on the basis of a search result for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, and the identification name of the determined discharge port is an identification name. If not, the identification name added to the print data is registered in the memory resource as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determining means, and the stacking amount of each discharge port is monitored, and the identification name is The product of the paper exit that is registered When the amount becomes zero, the registration of the identification name of the discharge port is deleted from the memory resource, and if it is determined in the determination step that the identification name is not specified, it is recognized as invalid data and the print job Since the paper ejection port is determined, even if data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name is received while the image recording device is sorting by the identification name, the sorting is performed as much as possible and the identification name is specified. In addition to the data that does not support the designation of the identification name, not only the data that does not support the identification name but also the print jobs can be sorted without being mixed.

According to the twenty-first and twenty-third inventions, a plurality of data processing devices specify an identification name or a type of identification name for determining a paper discharge port, and the specified identification name, or A print job in which 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 identification name is specified as a discharge destination is created, and the image recording apparatus Detecting the amount of paper loaded at each paper outlet, storing the amount in a memory resource, and determining whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job.If it is determined in the determination step that an identification name is specified, A search result for searching whether or not there is a discharge port registered with the memory resource as the identification name that is the same as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job. Search results to search mouth Determining the discharge port of the print job based on the above, and when the identification name of the determined discharge port is not registered as an identification name, the determination unit determines the identification name added to the print data. It is registered in the memory resource as the identification name of the determined discharge port, and the loading capacity of each discharge port is monitored. When the loading capacity of the discharge port where the identification name is registered becomes zero, the discharge port is registered. Is deleted from the memory resource, and if it is determined in the determination step that the identification name is not specified, the image recording apparatus recognizes the data as invalid data and determines the discharge port of the print job. Even if data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name is received while sorting by the identification name, the sorting is performed as much as possible, and not only the data corresponding to the designation of the identification name but also the data Unsupported data Even for, it is possible to sort the print job.

Therefore, even when the image recording apparatus sorts by the identification name and receives data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name, the data that does not correspond to the designation of the identification name is received. For example, it is possible to provide an excellent discharge sorting environment in which a print job specified by a discharge port and a print job other than the print job can be discharged without mixing the print jobs. To play.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a user-separated automatic mode in which a discharge bin of an image recording apparatus shared by a plurality of users is dynamically assigned at the time of printing using a discharge bin of the image recording apparatus.

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 conceptual diagram illustrating a paper discharging method when data that does not support the user separate automatic mode is received.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 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. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second 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. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a print end notification notified from the image recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 to a host computer.

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

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

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

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

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a video controller (VC), an engine controller (EC), and an option controller (OC).

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with a video controller secured in a RAM provided in the option controller shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 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. 18 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.

19 is a diagram showing a data flow from the external device shown in FIG. 10 to the option controller and the engine controller.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structure of a page table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

21 is a diagram showing a structure of an engine status table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a structure of a job control table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 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. 24 is a flowchart illustrating 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. 25 is a flowchart showing 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. 26 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. 27 is a flowchart showing a ninth 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. 28 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a paper discharge method when data not compatible with the user separate automatic mode is received according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a paper discharging method when data not compatible with the user-separated automatic mode is received according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a tenth 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. 31 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 apparatus and the image recording apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 32 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (1) 1-job separation.

FIG. 33 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method (2) pseudo mailbox.

FIG. 34 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 (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 MDLF term (Reference) 2H027 DC09 DE07 ED19 ED22 EE02 EE08 EE10 EJ15 FA23 FA33 GA30 GA47 ZA09 3F050 CA06 CA08 CB06 CB07 LA07 LB03 3F054 AA01 AC05 BA02 BB01 BF01 BF07 BF22 CA10 CA12 5B021 AA01 CC05 EE01 KK00 LL01 PP01 5C062 AA13 AA35 AB08 AB20 AB23 AB35 AB42 AC04 AF05 AF23

Claims (23)

[Claims] An image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports, A memory resource for registering the paper outlet identification name for each paper discharge outlet, a detecting unit for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each paper discharge outlet and storing the same in the memory resource, and an identification name specified in the print job. Determining means for determining whether or not there is a paper ejection port in which the same identification names as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job are registered as identification names; and A second search unit for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports; and a first search unit and a second search when the determination unit determines that an identification name is designated. Based on the search results of the means, Determining means for determining a discharge port of the printing job; and determining the identification name added to the print data when the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determining means is not registered as an identification name. Registering means for registering as a discriminating name of the paper discharge port determined by the apparatus, and monitoring the loading amount of each paper discharging port detected by the detecting means, and setting the loading capacity of the paper discharging port registered with the identification name to zero. The deletion means for deleting the registration of the identification name of the paper discharge port; and if the determination means determines that the identification name is not specified, the paper discharge port of the print job is recognized as invalid data. And an unauthorized data processing unit for determining. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether there is data specifying an identification name in the print job. 3. The unauthorized data processing unit generates a unique identification name of a print job for which it has been determined that an identification name has not been specified by the determination unit, and generates an empty identification name searched by the second search unit. 3. The discharge port of the print job is determined as a discharge port of the print job, and the generated identification name is registered as an identification name of the determined discharge port.
The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification name generated by the unauthorized data processing means includes an identification name generated from a job name and a file name of the print job. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the identification name generated by the unauthorized data processing means includes an identification name generated by adding a unique number to a predetermined character string. . 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the unauthorized data processing unit determines a discharge port of the print job for which the identification name has not been specified by the determination unit as a predetermined preliminary discharge port. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 7. A notifying means for displaying a warning message on a display unit and / or notifying a data processing apparatus which has transmitted the print data when sorting and discharging by an identification name specified in the print job is impossible. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recording apparatus is provided. 8. The data processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the notifying unit displays a discharge destination of the print result of the print data determined by the determining unit on a display unit when the discharge of the print result of the print data ends. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the notification is provided to the user. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects at least three levels of detections, that is, no paper is loaded, paper is loaded, and the paper is fully loaded, for each discharge port. 9. The image recording apparatus according to any one of 8. 10. The memory resource according to claim 1, wherein the memory resource stores a sheet stacking state, an identification name, a use state, and the like of each discharge port for each discharge port. Image recording device. 11. The first search means searches for a discharge port registered with the same name as the identification name added to the print data from a discharge port with a lower priority. 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. 11. If one of the discharge ports is selected and the discharge port is not full, the discharge port is determined to be a discharge port of a print result of the print data. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 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 this case, only when the discharge port continuous to the discharge port is empty, the continuous discharge port is determined as the discharge port for discharging the print result of the print data. 12. The image recording device according to any one of items 11 to 11. 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. 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 1. 14. The deciding unit selects a discharge port having the same name as the identification name added to the print data as a result of the search by the first search unit, and the discharge 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. 14. The image recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the discharge port is determined. 15. The determination means, if the result of the search by the first search means indicates that there is no paper exit having the same name as the identification name added to the print data, the second search means The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein an empty paper discharge port searched in descending order of priority is determined as a paper discharge port for discharging a print result of the print data. 16. The paper discharge port according to claim 11, wherein, in the priority order, a paper discharge port located at an upper level or a lower level has a higher priority. The image recording apparatus as described in the above. 17. The method according to claim 17, 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. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 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 1 to 17, wherein 19. An image capable of discharging print results of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses and a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports. An image recording system including a recording device, wherein the plurality of data processing devices are: a designation unit that designates an identification name or a type of the identification name for determining a paper discharge port; Creating means for creating a print job in which an identification name determined according to the type of the specified identification name is added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus and the identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination A memory resource for registering an identification name of each of the paper discharge ports for each of the paper discharge ports, and a detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports and storing the same in the memory resource. The printing A determination unit that determines whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job; and determines whether or not there is a discharge port in which the same identification names as the plurality of identification names specified in the print job are registered as identification names. A first search unit for searching, a second search unit for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the discharge ports, and a first search unit that determines that an identification name has been designated by the determination unit. Determining means for determining a discharge port of the print job based on the search results of the search means and the second search means; and an identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination means is registered as an identification name. If not, a registration unit that registers the identification name added to the print data as an identification name of the discharge port determined by the determination unit, and monitors a stacking amount of each discharge port detected by the detection unit. , Identification name registered A deletion unit that deletes the registration of the identification name of the discharge port when the stacking amount of the discharged discharge port becomes zero, and when the determination unit determines that the identification name is not specified, And a fraudulent data processing means for determining a paper discharge port of the print job. 20. A control method of an image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports. A detecting step of detecting a paper stacking amount of each of the paper discharge ports and storing the same in a memory resource; a determining step of determining whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job; and a plurality of identifications specified in the print job. A first search step of searching whether there is a paper outlet registered with the same identification name as an identification name in the memory resource, and a second searching of each paper outlet for an empty paper outlet. And if it is determined in the determining step that the identification name has been designated, the discharge port of the print job is determined based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step. A determining step to be performed; A registration step of registering, in the memory resource, the identification name added to the print data as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determining means, if the identification name of the discharged sheet output port is not registered as an identification name; A monitoring step of monitoring the stacking amount of each outlet, and when the stacking amount of the outlet where the identification name is registered becomes zero, deleting the registration name of the outlet from the memory resource; An unauthorized data processing step of recognizing the data as invalid data and determining a discharge port of the print job when it is determined that the identification name is not specified in the determining step. Control method. 21. A plurality of data processing apparatuses, and an image recording apparatus capable of discharging a print result of a print job received from the plurality of data processing apparatuses via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports. A specifying step of specifying an identification name or a type of an identification name for determining a paper discharge port by the plurality of data processing devices; and Creating a print job in which the identification name determined according to the type of the identification name is added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus and the identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination, A detecting step of detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper outlets and storing the same in a memory resource, and a determining step of determining whether or not an identification name is specified in the print job; A first search step of searching whether or not a discharge port registered with a memory resource as a plurality of identification names specified in the print job is registered as an identification name; A second search step of searching for an empty discharge port, and if it is determined in the determining step that an identification name has been designated, based on the search results of the first search step and the second search step. A determining step of determining a discharge port of the print job; and if the identification name of the determined discharge port is not registered as an identification name, the determining unit determines the identification name added to the print data. A registration step of registering the determined discharge port identification name in the memory resource, and monitoring the loading capacity of each discharge port, and when the loading capacity of the discharge port registered with the identification name becomes zero, Delete the registration name of the paper exit from the memory resource A deleting step; and, if it is determined in the determining step that an identification name is not specified, an unauthorized data processing step of recognizing the data as invalid data and determining a discharge port of the print job. Control method of image recording system. 22. An image recording apparatus capable of discharging print results of a print job received from a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicably connected via a predetermined communication medium to a plurality of paper output ports, A detecting step of detecting the paper stacking amount of the paper exit and storing the same in a memory resource; a determining step of determining whether an identification name is specified in the print job; and a plurality of identification names specified in the print job. A first search step for searching whether or not there is a paper discharge port registered in the memory resource as the identification name of the document, and a second search step for searching for an empty discharge port from each of the paper discharge ports A determining step of determining a discharge port of the print job based on the search results of the first searching step and the second searching step, when it is determined in the determining step that an identification name is specified; And the knowledge of the determined discharge port. A registration step of registering, in a memory resource, the identification name added to the print data as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determining means, if the different name is not registered as the identification name; A deletion step of monitoring the loading capacity, and deleting the identification name registration of the discharge port from the memory resource when the loading capacity of the discharge port in which the identification name is registered becomes zero; And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing an unauthorized data processing step of recognizing the data as unauthorized data and determining a discharge port of the print job when it is determined that is not specified. 23. A paper discharge port is determined by 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. 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. Creating a print job in which the identification name is specified as a paper discharge destination, and executing a print job of the print job received from the plurality of data processing devices via a predetermined communication medium. A detecting step of detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports and storing the same in a memory resource in an image recording apparatus capable of discharging paper to the paper port; and determining whether an identification name is specified in the print job. A first search step of searching whether or not there is a paper ejection port registered with a memory resource as an identification name identical to a plurality of identification names specified in the print job; A second search step of searching for an empty discharge port from the discharge port, and a search in the first search step and the second search step when it is determined in the determining step that an identification name is specified. A determining step of determining a discharge port of the print job based on the result; and, if the identification name of the determined discharge port is not registered as an identification name, the identification name added to the print data is changed. A registration step of registering in the memory resource as the identification name of the discharge port determined by the determining means; and monitoring the loading amount of each discharge port, and the loading amount of the discharge port in which the identification name is registered becomes zero. Register the identification name of the paper exit A deletion step of deleting from the source, and an illegal data processing step of recognizing the identification data as invalid data and determining a discharge port of the print job when it is determined that the identification name is not specified in the determining step. Computer-readable storage medium storing a program for storing the program.