JP2012179907A - Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for managing a print job which enables resumption of the print job during printing by supplementing a simple article of consumption, and at the same time enables starting of printing by a following print job when the print job during printing is turned to a temporarily stopped condition, and to provide an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: At the beginning of the printing, when it is determined that the article of consumption whose use is designated by the print job started does not exist, it is informed that transferring time to the temporarily stopped condition of the print job started is started. After the transferring time being a waiting period from the time when it is determined that the article of consumption of the image forming apparatus whose use is designated by the print job is not present up to the time when the print job is transferred to the temporarily stopped condition, has passed, the print job started is transferred to the temporarily stopped condition. When the next print job is present after the print job started, execution of the next print job is started after the print job started is transferred to the temporarily stopped condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program.

  In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, an error is displayed when there is no designated consumable, such as when the designated paper is not in the paper feed stage at the start of printing. For example, the print job was suspended. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-260260, when the size of paper to be printed is not mounted or out of paper, the print data is saved in the memory. When the paper of the size to be printed is mounted or supplied and printing of the paper size becomes possible, the saved print data can be printed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-254485

  However, in the above-described conventional method, for example, even when a print job that can be printed on the paper remaining in the paper feed stage is included in the subsequent print job, until printing by the first print job is completed, Printing could not be performed. In addition, when it is determined that there is no paper, the print data was saved at that time, so even if it is possible to resume printing with a print job in the middle of a simple replenishment operation, the suspended print job can be resumed. Needed a cumbersome operation. Note that the consumables specified in the print job are not limited to paper, and there are similar problems to the above in controlling the print job based on the presence or absence of consumables such as staples and toner.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a print job management method and an image forming apparatus capable of resuming a print job during printing by simply replenishing consumables. At the same time, there is provided a print job management method and an image forming apparatus capable of starting printing by a subsequent print job when a print job being printed is temporarily stopped.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows.
An image forming apparatus,
An input means for inputting a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
Controlling the first job to be executed before the second job when the image forming apparatus has the necessary resources for executing the first job;
When the image forming apparatus does not have the resources necessary for executing the first job, the second job is executed before the first job after a predetermined time has elapsed. Control means for controlling
Instruction means for instructing extension of the predetermined time in accordance with a user instruction,
Said control means, in a case where resources required to execute the first job is not provided in the image forming apparatus, when the instruction means instructs the extension of the prescribed time In accordance with the instruction, the second job is controlled to be executed before the first job.

Another image forming apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above object is as follows:
An image forming apparatus,
An input means for inputting a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
Controlling the first job to be executed before the second job when the image forming apparatus has the necessary resources for executing the first job;
Control means for controlling the second job to be executed prior to the first job when the image forming apparatus does not have the necessary resources for executing the first job;
Selecting means for selecting the first job in accordance with a user instruction,
It said control means, after controlling to execute the second job before the first job, when said selecting means selects said first job, executing the first job It is characterized by controlling as follows.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to restart a print job being printed by simply replenishing consumables, and to start printing by a subsequent print job when the print job being printed is suspended. A print job management method and an image forming apparatus can be provided.

  In other words, even if there is no paper required for printing by the print job in the image forming apparatus, if printing of the subsequent print job is possible, the first print job is paused and printing by the subsequent print job is started first. To begin. Thereby, it is possible to eliminate downtime and improve the operating rate.

  In addition, when shifting to the temporary stop state, waiting for the shift for a preset time allows the user to replenish paper and continue printing with the first print job.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing network containing the printing system in this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system 100 in the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the image input / output control part in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a printing apparatus main body 101 in the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of the operation part in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the touchscreen part 301 in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example regarding the automatic promotion in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the automatic promotion in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the suspend transition time for every job type in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the operation part which shows the absence of paper in this embodiment, and the transition standby to a suspended state. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the button which extends the suspend transition time in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of the button which restarts the job of the suspended state in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when attempting to restart after confirming a sheet after the paper cassette is reset in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of operation at the time of displaying the paper list in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation when displaying a list of jobs in a suspended state waiting for the same sheet in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a basic process example of the dew and control of a print job in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow at the time of setting a suspend transition time for every job type in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow at the time of extending the suspend transition time in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow when resuming a suspended job according to the present exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow when a suspended job is automatically restarted in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when attempting to resume a job after resetting a paper feed cassette in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when attempting to restart after confirming a sheet after a paper cassette is reset in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of displaying the paper list in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when displaying a list of jobs suspended in the same paper waiting state in the present embodiment.

  First, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus used in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Configuration Example of Print Network Including Image Forming Apparatus of Present Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing network including a network-compatible printing system corresponding to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the printing system 100 enables various data communications (data transmission / reception) with other apparatuses via a communication medium 700 such as a network. Examples of other apparatuses with which the printing system 100 can perform data communication include a server computer 200 and client computers 300 and 400 such as a host computer. Furthermore, as another apparatus with which the printing system 100 can perform data communication, for example, the following apparatus can be applied as another system having the same configuration and function as the printing system 100. That is, a digital multi-function peripheral (hereinafter also referred to as MFP) 500, an Internet facsimile machine 600, and the like. Note that data communication between the printing system 100 and other apparatuses is not limited to a wired format, and may be a wireless format or a mixed format.

  The printing system 100 includes a plurality of modes (a plurality of functions) such as a copy mode, a print mode, and a facsimile mode. First, the printing system 100 stores the print job data read by the reader unit 103 (see FIG. 2A described later) of the own device and the print job data input from the external device, such as a hard disk unit included in the own device. To remember. The data stored in the storage unit can be printed by a printer unit included in the apparatus. In this embodiment, a backup memory 109 (hereinafter referred to as memory 109) is employed as the storage unit.

  The printing system 100 is configured to accept job data to be printed from various external devices. As an example, for example, the printing system 100 can accept data of a job issued from an information processing apparatus such as the client computer 300 or 400. In addition, print job data read by a scanner unit included in the digital multi-function peripheral 500 can be received from the digital multi-function peripheral 500 as another printing apparatus. The printing system 100 is also configured to accept data output from the Internet facsimile machine 600 as job data to be printed. Also, the printing system 100 transfers the job data to another apparatus via a communication unit (for example, the computer interface unit 106 (see FIG. 2A described later)) included in the apparatus, and executes various output processes. In this specification, the expression “print job”, “job to be printed”, or simply “job” is used in this specification, but there is no special difference between them.

  In addition, as a mechanical configuration, the printing system 100 includes an automatic document feeder (so-called ADF) in the reader unit 103 of its own device, and automatically prints a plurality of documents continuously from the top page side. Sequential reading is possible. In addition, the printing system 100 includes a plurality of paper feeding units (paper feeding cassettes) in the printer unit 104 (see FIG. 2A described later) of its own apparatus, and different media types (for example, recording paper sizes). Recording paper of a different type) can be stored. Accordingly, by selectively feeding the recording paper from the paper feeding unit desired by the user, the printer unit 104 can execute printing on a desired type of recording paper.

  Furthermore, the printing system 100 includes a finisher as a sheet processing apparatus for executing a sort function, a staple function, a punch function, and a saddle stitch function. For example, the printing system 100 is configured such that a finisher capable of performing various types of finishing can be connected to the printing apparatus main body 101. In addition, the printer unit 104 can execute print processing of print data of a job to be printed in a memory 109 such as a hard disk capable of storing print data of a plurality of jobs. In addition, the printing system 100 is configured to be able to supply a sheet of a job that has been printed by the printer unit 104 included in the printing apparatus main body 101 to a unit inside the finisher. In addition, the printing system 100 is configured such that the finishing designated by the user for the job to be processed can be executed on the sheet of the job by the finisher.

  For example, the sorting function as an example of the finishing function is a function for performing a sorting process of the recording paper printed by the printer unit 104. The stapling function is a function for performing stapling processing on the recording paper. The punch function is a function for performing a punching process (also referred to as “perforation process” or “punch process”) on the recording paper printed by the printer unit. The saddle stitch function is a function for performing folding processing and bookbinding processing of recording paper printed by the printer unit 104.

  Such control for various jobs in the printing system 100, accompanying UI (user interface) control and operation control for each unit are performed by the control unit 108 in FIG. 2A described later. The control of the control unit 108 is realized by reading and executing a computer-executable control program stored in the memory 109 or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration is disclosed in which the control unit 108 controls a printing system in which printing processing of a job to be processed can be executed by a printing apparatus. Further, the control unit 108 checks whether or not there is a resource necessary for completing the printing process of the job to be processed (referred to as the first job here).

  Further, when the system 100 does not have the resources necessary for completing the printing process of the first job, the control unit 108 does not cause the printing apparatus 100 to execute the printing process of the first job. Then, at least the print processing of the subsequent job (herein referred to as the second job) for which a print execution request is made after the first job is made executable by the printing apparatus.

  However, the control unit 108 does not wait for a predetermined period of time to elapse even if the resource necessary for completing the print processing of the first job does not exist in the system 100 as described above. Starting and executing the printing process by the printing apparatus is prohibited. This predetermined period can be set by an operator via the user interface unit disclosed in this embodiment.

  In addition, it is assumed that the resources necessary for completing the print processing of the first job are set in the system 100 by the time when the predetermined period has passed. In this case, the control unit 108 causes the printing process of the first job to be executed without causing the printing apparatus to start the printing process of the second job. In this case, the control unit 108 controls the system 100 to cause the printing apparatus to execute the printing process of the second job when the printing of the first job is finished.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the control unit 108 confirms that the resources necessary for completing the print processing of the first job are not set in the system 100 even after the predetermined period has elapsed. In this case, the control unit 108 permits the printing apparatus to start the printing process of the second job when the predetermined period has passed. In this case, the control unit 108 controls the system 100 so that the printing apparatus starts the printing process of the first job when the printing of the second job is finished.

  The control unit 108 executes the above various controls in the present embodiment. The configurations disclosed below are representative examples of configurations included in these configurations.

<Configuration Example of Printing System of the Present Embodiment>
(Example of printing system block configuration)
FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the printing system 100 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment is large and includes a printing apparatus main body 101 and an image input / output control unit 105. The printing apparatus main body 101 includes an operation unit 102, a reader unit (scanner unit) 103, and a printer unit 104. Actually, an image input / output control unit 105 is also built in the housing of the printing apparatus main body 101. Further, a finisher is connected to the printing apparatus main body 101 as will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 102 is used to operate the printing apparatus main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105. For example, the operation unit 102 includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit and mechanical hard keys, and allows the operator to make various settings. Further, as described above, the reader unit 103 has a document feeding device such as an ADF, executes a document image reading process set on a document table, and reads the read image data into the printer unit 104 and the image input / output control unit. To 105. Further, the printer unit 104 records the image data from the reader unit 103 and the image input / output control unit 105 on a recording medium such as a recording sheet according to the print processing conditions set for the job data.

  The operation unit 102 including the display unit corresponds to an example of a user interface unit (hereinafter also referred to as a UI unit) of the present embodiment. Of course, the UI unit included in various external devices such as information processing apparatuses such as the computers 200 to 400 and other printing apparatuses such as the MFP 500 and the Internet facsimile apparatus 600 also corresponds to an example of the UI part in the embodiment. The UI unit of the present embodiment includes at least one of a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device, and an operation panel. However, the configuration is not limited to the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, the image input / output control unit 105 includes a control unit 108 connected to the reader unit 103, a computer interface unit 106 connected to the communication medium 700, an image memory 107, and a backup memory (RAM / HDD) 109. The control unit 108 includes a CPU, a program memory, and a work memory (not shown), and controls the entire printing system 100.

  The computer interface unit 106 functions as an external communication unit, and interfaces between an external device (each device connected to the communication medium 700 shown in FIG. 17) and the control unit 108. The printing system 100 performs data communication with an external device using the computer interface unit 106. Examples of the external device include a print server (server computer 200) configured by a personal computer or a workstation (PC / WS). The computer interface unit 106 develops code data (PDL) representing an image transferred from the server computer 200 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 104, and passes it to the control unit 108. The computer interface unit 106 also transmits / receives various data other than image data (for example, command data, status request information, status information, time data, etc.) to and from an external device. The data flow among the reader unit 103, the computer interface unit 106, the image memory 107, and the memory 109 is controlled by the control unit 108.

  On the other hand, the memory 109 is a nonvolatile memory unit of a type that does not erase data stored in the memory even when the power is turned off. The memory 109 stores important data that must be backed up in the printing apparatus main body 101 and the image input / output control unit 105. In other words, the memory 109 has a storage area capable of storing and holding a plurality of unprocessed job data (a plurality of series of image data), such as image data and job data input from the reader unit 103 or an external device. It can be stored and retained. Note that the memory 109 is configured by, for example, a backup RAM, a backup hard disk, or the like. In this example, the printing system 100 itself includes a nonvolatile large-capacity memory capable of storing a plurality of job data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the external device may include a memory unit that stores data of a plurality of jobs to be printed by the printing system 100.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the memory 109 is configured to be usable to prevent data loss. However, it is not used only for this meaning. For example, the memory 109 is configured to be usable in order to cope with the need for the user to print desired data as many times as desired in the desired printing form.

  As an example, the printing system 100 is configured to be able to provide a box function using the memory 109. In this case, the configuration is as follows. For example, the external computer or the printing system 100 is configured such that the user can select the box function via its own user interface unit. The user can input the document data of the job to be processed into the printing system 100 from the reader unit 103 or an external computer after selecting the box function. The document data of the job submitted in the state in which the box function is selected is stored in a box designated by the user in a plurality of data storage boxes virtually provided in the memory 109. Further, the printing system 100 is configured so that the user can select a box function via the user interface unit provided by the operation unit 102, select a desired box, and select desired data from the selected box. Is done. The control unit 108 allows the job data selected in this way to be printed by the printer unit 104 or transmitted to an external device under the processing conditions set by the user via the operation unit 102 of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 is controlled. The memory 109 can also be used when providing such a box function. In the present embodiment, the control unit 108 of the printing system 100 executes such various controls.

  As described above, the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment can store a plurality of print job data in the memory 109 and can sequentially process them. For example, even when the printer unit 104 is executing a print operation for a print job, print job data (image data) to be printed by the printer unit 104 from the external device or the reader unit (scanner unit) 103 of the own device. ) At any time. In this embodiment, the control unit 108 included in the printing system 100 controls these various units included in the printing system 100, so that a series of processing operations of such various jobs can be performed by the printing system 100. Execute.

(Configuration example of the image input / output control unit 105, particularly the control unit 108)
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image input / output control unit, in particular, the control unit 108 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2B, reference numeral 111 denotes an arithmetic control CPU that controls the entire printing system 100. Reference numeral 112 denotes a ROM that stores fixed programs and fixed parameters when the CPU 111 is activated for the first time. A work memory 113 is used as a temporary storage area while the CPU 111 executes a computer program. In this example, the computer program executed by the CPU 111 is described as being stored in the backup memory 109, but a program memory may be provided separately. A printing apparatus main body interface unit 114 performs an interface with the printing apparatus main body 101.

  Here, a configuration example of a storage area of the work memory (RAM) 113 for realizing characteristic operations of the present embodiment, and a storage example of data and programs stored in the buffer memory (RAM / HDD) 109 are described. explain.

  In the work memory (RAM) 113, storage areas for various data used for management and control of print jobs according to the present embodiment described below are secured.

  Reference numeral 113a denotes an area for storing a command and a status. That is, a command and a status exchanged with the computer (PC / WS) 200 via the computer interface unit 106 are stored. Also, commands and statuses exchanged with the printing apparatus main body 101 via the printing apparatus main body interface unit 114 are stored. Reference numeral 113 b denotes an area for storing display screen data created for display on the operation unit 102 of the printing apparatus main body 101. Reference numeral 113 c denotes an area for storing the ID of a print job that is currently being printed by the printing apparatus main body 101. Reference numeral 113d denotes an area for storing all job / suspend flags indicating a case where all print jobs used in the following embodiment (see FIG. 18) are suspended. When checking in the program, it need not be stored in the memory. Reference numeral 113e denotes an area for storing a shortage sheet list table for displaying a list of types of shortage sheets used in the following embodiments (see FIGS. 12 and 21). Note that the type of the shortage sheet may be included in the print job table 109b described later. Reference numeral 113f denotes an area for storing a same sheet waiting job table for displaying a job waiting for the absence of a certain same sheet used in the following embodiment (see FIGS. 13 and 22).

  Next, 113g to 113k are areas for storing the state as a flag when a button on the display screen is clicked. 113g stores the click of the extension button for extending the transition time to the suspend state in the following embodiment (see FIGS. 9 and 16). 113h stores a click of a resume button for resuming a print job in a suspended state in the following embodiments (see FIGS. 10, 13, 17, and 22). 113 i stores a click of a job list button for displaying a list of print jobs in the following embodiments (see FIGS. 9 to 13 and 17). Note that the job list button is not particularly required when the job list display is automatically performed when an event occurs. 113j stores a click of a shortage sheet list button for displaying a shortage sheet list used in the following embodiment (see FIGS. 12 and 21). 113k stores the click of the same sheet waiting job extraction button for displaying a job waiting for the absence of a certain same sheet used in the following embodiment (see FIGS. 13 and 22).

  Next, 113m and 113n are areas for storing a flag of a detection result by the sensor of the open / closed state of the paper feed cassette related to the present embodiment. Here, 113m is a flag for the first paper feed cassette, 113n is a flag for the second paper feed cassette, and hereinafter, flags corresponding to the number of paper feed cassettes mounted in the printing apparatus main body 101 are stored.

  The backup memory (RAM, HDD) 109 stores data and programs that are nonvolatile and need to be saved even when the power is turned off. 109a to 109i are data used in the present embodiment, and 109j to 109r are programs for the present embodiment.

  A display screen format 109 a is created and stored in advance for display on the operation unit 102 of the printing apparatus main body 101. The data of the screen display data area 113b is generated by combining the current data with the display screen format 109a. Reference numeral 109b denotes a print job table that stores print jobs received by the image input / output control unit 105 from the computer 200. In the print job table, the job name, the name of the user who created the job, and the current job status are stored in correspondence with the job ID (acceptance number). Furthermore, the type of consumables such as paper size, the ID of a consumable supply unit such as a paper feed cassette, and the like may be stored.

  Reference numeral 109c denotes a promote setting flag for holding whether or not the promote mode is set to wait for a transition until printing is stopped when there is no consumable error in the present embodiment. 109d is a default value of a transition time which is a waiting period until suspend set in the promote mode. This default transition time is used when the transition time is not set differently depending on the job type shown below. 109e is the upper limit transition time of the transition time and its setting flag. 109f is a job type setting flag that is set when the transition time is changed depending on the job type. 109g is a transition time table for storing the transition time corresponding to the job type (see FIG. 7B). Reference numeral 109h denotes a remaining sheet table for storing the remaining amount of sheets for each sheet feeding cassette and for each sheet size. When the remaining amount of paper is zero, it is determined that there is no paper. Reference numeral 109 i denotes a paper feed cassette table in which paper feed cassettes mounted in the printing apparatus main body 101 are registered. The paper feed cassette table 109i also stores paper types such as paper size. The remaining sheet table 109h and the sheet cassette table 109i may be a common table.

  Reference numeral 109j denotes an image processing program for controlling the printing system 100. Reference numeral 109k denotes an image formation control program for controlling the printing apparatus main body 101. A print job management program 109m manages and controls the print job of the present embodiment. The print job management program 109m has the following modules 109n to 109r shown in flowcharts of FIGS. Reference numeral 109n denotes a job list display module for controlling the print job list display. Reference numeral 109p denotes a job / suspend module that controls the suspension of a print job when there is no consumable such as no paper, and in this example, controls the transition time. Reference numeral 109q denotes a job resumption module that controls resumption of a suspended print job. Reference numeral 109r denotes a paper feed cassette management module that manages the current status of the paper feed cassette (paper size, paper remaining amount, cassette open / closed, etc.).

(Configuration example of printing apparatus main body 101)
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the system configuration when the finisher is attached to the printing apparatus main body 101 included in the printing system 100 shown in FIG. 2A.

  In FIG. 3, a document feeder 201 feeds documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 202 one by one, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 202 after the document reading operation is completed.

  When the original is conveyed onto the platen glass 202, the lamp 203 is turned on, and the movement of the scanner unit 204 is started to expose and scan the original. The reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 209 by mirrors 205, 206, 207 and a lens 208. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 209. The read image is stored in the memory 109 as digital output image data.

  The laser driver 221 drives the laser light emitting unit 210 according to the output image data stored in the memory 109 and causes the laser light emitting unit 210 to emit laser light according to the output image data. The laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 211, and a latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 211. A developer is attached to the latent image portion of the photosensitive drum 211 by the developing device 212. In the case of a color machine, for example, developing devices for four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are attached.

  On the other hand, at timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation, the recording paper is fed from any of the cassette 213, the cassette 214, and the manual paper feed stage 227, and is conveyed to the transfer unit 215. In the transfer unit 215, the developer attached to the photosensitive drum 211 is transferred to the recording paper. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 216, and the developer is fixed to the image recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 216. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 216 is discharged by a discharge roller 217.

  When duplex recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 217, and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 217 is reversed to guide the recording paper to the refeed conveyance path 219 by the flapper 218. The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 219 is again fed to the transfer unit 215 at the timing described above, and recording on the opposite side of the recording paper is executed.

  When the printing system 100 includes the Z-folding unit 226, the control unit 108 controls the printing system 100 so that the recording paper printed by the printer unit 104 can be conveyed to the Z-folding unit 226. The control unit 108 controls the Z-folding unit 226 so as to execute Z-folding on the printed material according to the print processing conditions set by the operator for the job to be processed from the operation unit 102.

  When the printing system 100 includes the finisher 220, the control unit 108 controls the printing system 100 so that the printed matter printed by the printer unit 104 can be supplied into the finisher 220. In addition, the control unit 108 causes the finisher 220 to execute sorting (sorting) of printed materials of the processing target job according to the printing processing conditions set by the operator for the processing target job. In addition, the control unit 108 causes the puncher 223 to perform punch processing (punching processing) of the printed material of the processing target job according to the printing processing conditions set by the operator for the processing target job. In addition, the control unit 108 causes the finisher 220 to execute saddle stitch binding processing of the printed material of the processing target job according to the printing processing conditions set by the operator for the processing target job. For example, in this case, when the saddle stitcher 225 is used, the recording paper is bound by stitching the central portion of the recording paper and folding the central portion. In addition, the control unit 108 causes the stapler 224 to execute the stapling process of the printed matter of the processing target job in accordance with the printing processing conditions set by the operator for the processing target job.

  Furthermore, the inserter 222 can feed pre-printed recording paper as a cover or slip sheet. According to this configuration, since the preprinted recording paper does not pass through the recording paper path of the printer unit 104, the paper can be conveyed without being damaged. A job that does not use the saddle stitcher 225 passes through the paper discharge outlet 231 and is discharged to one of the movable trays 228 and 229. Both the movable trays 228 and 229 can be moved up and down, and when outputting to the movable tray 228, the movable tray 228 descends to the position of the paper discharge outlet 231. On the other hand, in the case of a job using the saddle stitcher 225, the recording paper is discharged to the bookbinding tray 230 through the paper discharge port 232. Control related to these various operations is also executed by the control unit 108.

(Configuration example of operation unit 102)
Next, the operation unit 102 included in the printing apparatus main body 101 of the printing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using the schematic diagram of the operation unit in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 102 of the printing system 100, which includes a key input unit 302 and a touch panel unit 301. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing details of the touch panel unit 301. Note that the key input unit 302 is not directly related to the operation of this embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. An example of the touch panel unit 301 related to the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

  The touch panel unit 301 has a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display and a transparent electrode attached thereon. Then, when a transparent electrode corresponding to a key displayed on the LCD is touched with a finger, it is programmed in advance so as to detect the touch and display another operation screen. FIG. 21 shows an initial screen in the standby mode, and various operation screens can be displayed according to the setting operation.

  In FIG. 5, a copy tab 501 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for copy operation. A transmission tab 502 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for instructing a transmission operation such as fax or E-mail transmission. A box tab 503 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for inputting / outputting a job to / from a box (storage means for storing a job for each user). An option tab 504 is a tab key for transitioning to an operation screen for setting extended functions such as scanner settings. A system monitor key 505 is a key for displaying the state and status of the MFP. By selecting any of the keys 501 to 505, it is possible to transition to the screen of each operation mode.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation screen when the copy tab 501 is selected. In this operation screen, a color selection setting key 506 is a key for selecting in advance whether color copy, monochrome copy, or automatic selection. A magnification setting key 507 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting magnification such as equal magnification, enlargement, and reduction. A post-processing setting key 508 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting the presence / absence, number, position, etc. of stapling and punching. A duplex setting key 509 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting single-sided printing or double-sided printing. A paper size setting key 510 is a key for transitioning to a screen for selecting a paper feed stage, paper size, and media type. An image mode setting key 511 is a key for selecting an image mode suitable for a document image such as a character mode or a photo mode. The density setting key 512 is a key for adjusting the output image to be darker or lighter.

  The status display unit 513 is a display unit that performs simple status display such as a standby state, during warm-up, jam, and error. The magnification display unit 514 displays the magnification set with the magnification setting key 507. The paper size display unit 515 displays the paper size set by the paper size setting key 510 and the like. The sheet number display unit 516 displays the number of copies designated by the numeric keypad 405 and displays the number of sheets being printed during operation. Further, the interrupt key 517 is used when another job is interrupted during the copying operation. An application mode key 518 is a key for transitioning to a screen for setting various image processing and layout such as page continuous shooting, cover / interleaf setting, reduced layout, and image movement. In this way, the print processing condition of the job to be processed is controlled by the control unit 108 so as to be accepted from the user via the display unit.

  Each key functions as a button capable of inputting an instruction.

<Operation Example of Printing System of this Embodiment>
(Explanation of schematic operation of printing system)
Various controls for a print job received by the printing system 100 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described in detail below.

  In the job processing method of this embodiment, a job is interrupted when a cause of interruption occurs, and printing of other jobs other than the job to be interrupted can be executed during the interruption. When the interruption factor is canceled, the operator is made to select a method for resuming the processing of the job to be interrupted. In the present embodiment, the control for executing such job processing operations and the display control related to the display used therefor are mainly performed by the control unit 108 according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Execute.

  In response to receiving a print execution request for a job to be processed, the control unit 108 controls the printing apparatus main body 101 to execute the print operation of the job. In addition, the control unit 108 receives a print execution request for print data of a job to be read by the reader unit 103 included in the printing apparatus main body 101 itself from the operator via the operation unit 102 included in the printing apparatus main body 101 itself.

  In the box function of this embodiment, the original image data of the job from the reader unit 103 and the original image data of the job from the external device received via the computer interface unit 106 stored in the HDD of the backup memory 109 are stored. , To be printed. In this way, the control unit 108 also receives a print execution request for print data of a box function job from the operator via the operation unit 102.

  As described above, it is assumed that the control unit 108 receives a print execution request for a job to be processed from the operator via the operation unit 102. In this case, when the print execution request is input, the control unit 108 performs a series of print operations according to the print processing conditions set for the job by the operator via the operation unit 102 for the job. The printing system 100 is controlled to execute.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that a print execution request for a job to be processed is received from an operator of the external apparatus via the UI unit of the external apparatus such as the server computer 200 of FIG. 2A. In this case, the print processing condition data of the job is received together with the print data of the job to be processed via the computer interface unit 106. In this way, when a print execution request is made from an external device, the control unit 108 executes a series of printing operations for the job in accordance with the print processing conditions set via the UI unit of the external device. The printing system 100 is controlled to do so.

(Operation example in automatic promotion of printing system)
Next, a specific example of automatic promotion in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.

  As shown by 2222 in FIG. 6, for example, it is assumed that there are jobs of test 1 to test 4 and test 1 is executing printing. When printing of test 1 is completed in 2202 of FIG. 6 and the next job is executed, it is confirmed in 2204 of FIG. 6 whether or not the sheet required for the next job exists in the printing apparatus main body. . In this confirmation, when it is determined that there is a sheet, the next job test2 is executed.

  If the paper runs out during the execution of test 2, a paper out error screen is displayed in 2206 of FIG. When the job test 2 is completed without the sheet being lost, execution of the next job test 3 is started as indicated by 2208 in FIG.

  When it is determined in 2204 in FIG. 6 that the sheet required for the next job does not exist in the printing apparatus main body, it is determined in 2210 in FIG. 6 whether automatic promotion is set. Here, when it is determined that the setting of automatic promotion is OFF, a no-paper error screen is displayed as indicated by 2212 in FIG.

  When it is determined in 2210 in FIG. 6 that the automatic promotion setting is set to ON, as shown in 2214 in FIG. 6, the state of the job test 2 is temporarily changed after a predetermined transition time has elapsed. Change to the stopped state. Then, the execution of the next job test3 is started.

  In this way, if there is no paper required for the job at the start of the print job, the job is suspended, and if the next job can be executed, the next job is executed first. In this embodiment, automatic promotion is assumed. At this time, the transition to the suspended state is assumed to be a suspended state in this embodiment.

(Setting example 1 of automatic promotion)
FIG. 7A shows an example of the automatic promotion setting according to this embodiment.

  First, automatic promotion setting 1004 is selected from various setting item screens 1002. Next, ON / OFF setting of the automatic promote setting is performed in the automatic promote setting 1008 on the automatic promote setting screen 1006.

  When the automatic promote setting is set to ON in the automatic promote setting 1008, the transition time to the suspend (pause) state is set in the suspend transition time setting 1010. It is assumed that the automatic promotion setting is performed in advance by the user.

(Example of suspend processing procedure based on setting example 1)
Next, the flowchart of FIG. 14 shows the flow of basic processing related to the setting of the transition time of the print job to the suspended state and the execution of the next job of the job that has shifted to the suspended state in the present embodiment. Note that the flowchart of FIG. 14 may be executed when an event such as reception of a new print job or detection of an error status occurs, or at regular time intervals.

  First, in step S102, it is determined whether any print job is currently being executed. If it is determined that the job is currently being executed, the process advances to step S136 to check the remaining amount of paper. Next, when it is determined in step S138 that there is no sheet, the process proceeds to step S146, and the process ends after displaying the no-sheet error screen. If it is determined in step S138 that there is a sheet, the process proceeds to step S140, and printing is continued.

  Next, in step S142, it is determined whether or not the job has been completed. If it is determined that the job has not ended, the process returns to step S136 to repeat the printing process. If it is determined that the job has ended, it is determined in step S144 whether there is a next job. . If it is determined in step S144 that there is no next job, the process is terminated. If it is determined that there is a next job, the process proceeds to step S106.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the job is not being executed, the process advances to step S104 to determine whether there is a next job. If it is determined that there is no next job, the process returns to step S102. If it is determined in step S104 that there is a next job, the process proceeds to step S106 to check the remaining amount of paper.

  If it is determined in step S108 that there is a sheet, the process proceeds to step S126 and the printing process is continued. Next, in step S128, it is determined whether or not the job has been completed. If it is determined that the job has not ended, it is determined in step S130 whether or not there is a sheet, and there is a sheet. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S126 to repeat the printing process. If it is determined in step S130 that there is no paper, the process advances to step S132 to display a paper-out error screen, and the process ends. If it is determined in step S128 that the job has ended, the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S108 that there is no sheet, the process proceeds to step S110 to check the promote setting. In step S112, it is determined whether or not there is a promotion setting. If it is determined that there is no promotion, the process proceeds to step S134 to display an out-of-paper error screen and the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S112 that there is a promote setting, an error warning is notified in step S114, and a screen indicating that there is no paper and is waiting to enter the suspended state is displayed.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen 1016 indicating standby for transition to the suspended state. Reference numeral 1018 displays that the paper needs to be replenished and the suspend transition time until the print job transitions to the suspend state. Reference numeral 1020 denotes an OK button for inputting that the paper supply has been completed during the suspension transition time and continuing the job. A cancel button 1022 is used to suspend the job without supplying paper. Reference numeral 1024 denotes an extension button for instructing to extend the suspend transition time, which is an option shown below. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9 instead of FIG. 8, when there is no paper, it may be displayed in the print job list display screen that there is no paper and waiting for a transition to the suspended state.

  In step S116, the transition time setting is confirmed, and in step S118, a standby state is entered for the transition time. Next, in step S119, it is confirmed whether or not the transition time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the transition time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S118 and continues to wait.

  When it is determined in step S119 that the transition time has elapsed, it is confirmed whether or not the paper that has been out of paper in step S120 is replenished. If it is determined in step S121 that the paper has been replenished, the process proceeds to step S125 to resume printing by the current job during the suspend transition time. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S121 that the paper has not been replenished, the process proceeds to step S122, and the current job is shifted to a suspended (paused) state.

  In step S123, it is determined whether or not there is a next job. If it is determined that there is no job, the process ends. If there is a next job, the process proceeds to step S124, the execution of the next job is started, and the process is terminated.

(Auto Promote Setting Example 2)
FIG. 7B shows an example of setting the suspend transition time for each job type in this embodiment.

  First, automatic promotion setting 1004 is selected from various setting item screens 1002. Next, in the automatic promote setting screen 1012, the automatic promotion ON / OFF setting for each job type in the automatic promotion setting 1014 for each job type, and in the case of the automatic promote setting ON, the suspend transition time setting is set for each job type. Done. It is assumed that the automatic promotion is set in advance by the user.

  The job type includes a copy job, a print job, a print job from a box, a fax reception job, and the like.

(Example of suspend processing procedure based on setting example 2)
Next, the flow of setting the suspend transition time for each job type in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flow for setting the suspend transition time for each job type is obtained by adding the flow of FIG. 15 between steps S114 and S116 in FIG. Since the flow of FIG. 14 has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

  First, in step S114 in FIG. 1, the absence of paper and the wait for the suspend transition time are displayed. Then, in step S202, it is determined whether or not automatic promotion is set for each job type. When it is determined in step S202 that the setting for each job type has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG. 1, and the default transition time of the setting example 1 is set.

  If it is determined in step S202 that the setting for each job type is performed, the current job type is confirmed in step S204. Next, in step S116 in FIG. 1, the suspend transition time for the job type is confirmed, and in steps S118 and S120, the suspend transition time for the job type is waited.

(Example of extending suspend transition time)
The flow of extending the suspend transition time in this embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flow for extending the suspend transition time is obtained by adding the following flow between step S118 and step S120 in FIG. Since the flow of FIG. 14 has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 9 shows a display example of the operation unit of the button for extending the suspend transition time. In FIG. 9, the print job 1028 is waiting on the print job list screen 1026. Also, on the paper supply screen 1032, a paper supply message 1034, an OK button 1036 for completion of supply, and a cancel button 1038 for no supply are displayed.

  First, after waiting for the transition time is started in step S118 in FIG. 1, it is determined in step S302 whether or not the extension button (1030 in FIG. 9) has been pressed. Advances to step S119 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the extension button has been pressed, the process proceeds to S304, and the suspension transition time is extended. Next, in step S306, it is determined whether or not an upper limit value is set for the extension time by the upper limit transition time / setting flag 109e. When it is determined that the upper limit value is not set for the extension time, the process proceeds to step S316 to determine whether or not the OK button 1036 is pressed. If it is determined in step S316 that the OK button 1036 has not been pressed, step S316 is repeated. If it is determined in step S316 that the OK button 1036 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG. 1 to check the sheet.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that an upper limit value has been set for the extension time, the process proceeds to step S308 to determine whether or not the upper limit value of the extension time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S308 that the upper limit value of the extension time has not elapsed, step S308 is repeated. If it is determined that the upper limit value of the extension time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG. The paper is checked.

  Subsequently, when it is determined in step S121 in FIG. 1 that the sheet has been supplied, the suspended job is resumed in step S125.

  In this example, the suspend extension time is either an upper limit setting or no limit, but may be processed so as to be extended for a certain time each time the extension button 1030 is input.

(Example 1 for resuming a suspended print job)
A flow when resuming a suspended job in the present embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation unit of a button for resuming a suspended job. The print job 1042 to be resumed is selected from the print job list screen 1040 in FIG. Next, when the resume button 1044 is pressed, the resume process of the print job 1042 is started.

  First, when display of a print job list is instructed, a list of jobs is displayed in step S402. Next, in step S404, it is determined whether or not a suspended job is selected. If it is determined in step S404 that a suspended job is not selected, the process ends.

  If it is determined that a suspended job is selected, it is determined in step S406 whether or not the resume button 1044 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S406 that the resume button 1044 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S402 and the process is repeated. If it is determined in step S406 that the resume button 1044 has been pressed, the process advances to step S408 to instruct to resume the selected suspended job, and the process ends.

(Example 2 for resuming a suspended print job)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of automatic restart when all jobs in the job list become suspended jobs in this embodiment. The flow at the time of automatic restart when all jobs are suspended is obtained by adding the flow of FIG. 18 between steps S122 and S123 or S106 in FIG. Since the flow of FIG. 14 has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

  First, after the current job shifts to the suspended state in step S122 in FIG. 1, a list of jobs is displayed in step S502. Next, in step S504, it is determined whether all jobs in the job list are in the suspended state.

  If it is determined in step S504 that all jobs in the job list are not in the suspended state, the process proceeds to step S123 in FIG. 1 to start printing if there is a next printable job. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that all jobs in the job list are in the suspended state, the process advances to step S506 to attempt to resume the suspended jobs in the job list in order from the top. The process proceeds to step S106.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, if there is a job for which paper replenishment has been completed while sequentially being suspended, printing is resumed.

(Example 3 for resuming a suspended print job)
The flowchart of FIG. 19 shows the processing flow when attempting to resume a suspended job triggered by the paper cassette being pulled out and set again in the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 19 is started when any of the paper feed cassettes is opened.

  First, in step S604, it is determined whether or not the paper feed cassette has been reset (closed). If it is determined in step S604 that the paper cassette has not been reset, step S604 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper cassette has been reset, the process advances to step S606 to determine whether there is a suspended job in the job list.

  If it is determined in step S606 that there is no suspended job in the job list, the process ends. If it is determined that there is a suspended job, the process advances to step S608 to attempt to resume the suspended job in the job list in order from the top, and the process ends.

  In addition, although the flowchart of FIG. 19 was shown by the independent process, you may control to return to step S106 of FIG. 1 after step S608.

(Example 4 of resuming a suspended print job)
In this embodiment, when the paper cassette is pulled out and set again, the replenished paper is confirmed, and when it is determined that the paper required by the suspended job has been replenished, the suspended job is resumed. The flow of the process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The flow for determining whether or not the necessary paper has been supplied is obtained by changing the processing in step S608 in FIG. 19 to the flow in FIG. 20 (indicated by S608 ′). Since the entire flow of FIG. 19 has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 11 shows a display example of the operation unit of the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, the paper size designated by each job is a paper size list 1043. While all jobs are suspended, the A3 sheet is replenished (1045), the replenished sheet is checked (1046), and the printing of the test 10 job 1048 waiting for the replenishment of the A3 sheet is resumed.

  If there is a suspend job in step S606 of FIG. 19 after feeding the paper cassette, the flow advances to step S708 to check the replenished paper, and the flow advances to step S710. In step S710, the replenished paper is compared with the paper required by the suspended job, and it is determined whether or not they match. If not, the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S710 that the supplied paper matches the paper required by the suspended job, the process proceeds to step S712, and the suspended job requiring the supplied paper is resumed. The process ends.

(Display operation example 1 of a suspended print job)
The flowchart of FIG. 21 shows the flow of processing when displaying a list of sheets required by a suspended job in the job list in this embodiment.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example of the operation unit of the present embodiment. By clicking the shortage paper list button 1050 in the print job list screen 1040, a paper list display 1052 that displays papers required for each print job based on the paper size list 1043 is executed. When a paper list button 1054 in the paper list display 1052 is pressed, an insufficient number display 1056 corresponding to the paper unit of each size is displayed. When the OK button 1058 is pressed in the insufficient number display 1056, the display returns to the paper list display 1052. Note that when the paper is replenished and the OK button 1058 is pressed, the print job that can be printed by replenishing the paper may be controlled to return from the suspended state and resume printing.

  First, when a print job list is instructed, a list of jobs is displayed in step S802, and it is determined in step S804 whether or not the insufficient paper list button 1050 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S804 that the insufficient sheet list button 1050 has not been pressed, the process ends. If it is determined that the insufficient sheet list button 1050 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, when the paper list button 1054 is pressed, a list of papers required by the suspended job in the job list is displayed.

(Display operation example 2 of a suspended print job)
The flowchart of FIG. 22 shows the flow of processing when displaying a list of jobs in the suspended state in the job list that are suspended in the same paper waiting state.

  FIG. 13 shows a display example of the operation unit of the present embodiment. When one of the print jobs (test1 in FIG. 13) is selected from the print job list screen 1040, the screen transitions to a selection screen 1060. When the same paper waiting job extraction button 1062 in the selection screen 1060 is pressed, a suspend job of the same paper as the print job (test 1) selected based on the paper size list 1043 is extracted and displayed in a list 1064. When a job is selected in the list display 1064 and the resume button is pressed, the job is resumed. When the cancel button is pressed, the screen returns to the selection screen 1060.

  First, when a print job list is instructed, a job list is displayed in step S902. Next, in step S904, it is determined whether or not a suspended job in the job list has been selected. If it is determined that a suspended job is not selected, step S902 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S904 that a suspended job has been selected, the process advances to step S906 to determine whether the same sheet waiting job extraction button 1062 has been pressed. If it is determined in step S906 that the same sheet waiting job extraction button 1062 has not been pressed, step S906 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the same sheet waiting job extraction button 1062 has been pressed, the process advances to step S908. In step S908, another suspended job that requires the same sheet as the suspended job selected from the job list is extracted. In step S910, a list of the suspended jobs extracted in step S908 is displayed.

  Next, in step S912, step S910 as to whether or not the suspended job listed in S910 has been selected is repeated. If it is determined in step S912 that a suspended job has been selected, the process advances to step S914 to determine whether or not the resume button has been pressed. If it is determined in step S914 that the resume button has not been pressed, step S914 is repeated. If it is determined that the resume button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S916, and after the suspended job selected in step S912 is resumed, the process ends.

  Note that FIG. 22 does not illustrate pressing of the cancel button.

<Other embodiments>
In each of the above embodiments, an example of print job management and control based on the determination of the presence or absence of paper as a consumable has been shown. However, for example, even when replaced with the determination of the presence or absence of consumables such as staples and toner as another example of consumables, the same print job management and control is possible, and such management and control are also included in the present invention. It is.

  In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system or an integrated device composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. This includes the case where the operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say.

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

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus,
An input means for inputting a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
Controlling the first job to be executed before the second job when the image forming apparatus has the necessary resources for executing the first job;
When the image forming apparatus does not have the resources necessary for executing the first job, the second job is executed before the first job after a predetermined time has elapsed. Control means for controlling
Instruction means for instructing extension of the predetermined time in accordance with a user instruction,
Said control means, in a case where resources required to execute the first job is not provided in the image forming apparatus, when the instruction means instructs the extension of the prescribed time In accordance with the instruction, the image forming apparatus controls the second job to be executed before the first job. The control unit is configured such that when the resource necessary for executing the first job is not provided in the image forming apparatus, the control unit instructs the predetermined time when the instruction unit instructs to extend the predetermined time. in response to the lapse of time longer than the time, the image forming apparatus according to the second job to claim 1, wherein the controller controls to execute before the first job. In the case where the image forming apparatus is not equipped with the resources necessary for executing the first job, the control unit is configured so that the user instructs the extension of the predetermined time when the user instructs the extension of the predetermined time. in response to the permission of the execution of the second job, the image forming apparatus according to the second job to claim 1, wherein the controller controls to execute before the first job. An image forming apparatus,
An input means for inputting a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
Controlling the first job to be executed before the second job when the image forming apparatus has the necessary resources for executing the first job;
Control means for controlling the second job to be executed prior to the first job when the image forming apparatus does not have the necessary resources for executing the first job;
Selecting means for selecting the first job in accordance with a user instruction,
It said control means, after controlling to execute the second job before the first job, when said selecting means selects said first job, executing the first job An image forming apparatus that is controlled as described above. An image forming apparatus control method comprising an input unit, a control unit, and an instruction unit,
An input step in which the input means inputs a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
The control unit controls the first job to be executed prior to the second job when the image forming apparatus has resources necessary for executing the first job. And
When the image forming apparatus does not have the resources necessary for executing the first job, the second job is executed before the first job after a predetermined time has elapsed. A control process to control,
The instruction means includes an instruction step of instructing extension of the predetermined time in accordance with an instruction of a user;
In the control step, in a case where the resources required to execute the first job is not provided in the image forming apparatus, when the extension of the at instruction step the predetermined time has been instructed In accordance with the instruction, the control is executed so that the second job is executed before the first job. An image forming apparatus control method comprising an input unit, a control unit, and a selection unit,
An input step in which the input means inputs a plurality of jobs including a first job and a second job input after the first job;
The control unit controls the first job to be executed prior to the second job when the image forming apparatus has resources necessary for executing the first job. And
A control step of controlling the second job to be executed before the first job when the image forming apparatus does not have the necessary resources for executing the first job;
The selection means includes a selection step of selecting a first job according to a user instruction;
In the control step, after the control is performed so as to execute the second job before the first job, when the first job is selected in the selection step, said first A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein control is executed so as to execute a job. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 5 . A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method of the image forming apparatus according to claim 6 .

Images