JP3473354B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a multi-job function, such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a multi-functional machine thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine having a multi-job function has been known. The multi-job function is a function of registering a plurality of jobs in the apparatus and sequentially executing the jobs registered first. That is,
It is possible to read an original (register a job) while performing a print operation (while executing a job).

In a conventional copying machine, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
-75772, a device for printing in the order of registered jobs, a device shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-136918, which can set print priority for each application, , USP 5,080,340, a device for performing trial retrieving within a single job has been proposed.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional technique, it is assumed that the number of output copies (print copies) of a job already registered in the copying machine is very large. At this time, even if the operator registers a new job, the printing of the newly registered job will not start unless all the jobs of the already registered jobs have been printed, which is inconvenient for the operator.

In particular, when the job newly set by the operator is a job including complicated mode settings such as print position designation, even if there is an error in the mode setting, the operator can register the registered job. I can't know if the settings were correct until the next print. This may cause the operator to feel uneasy about the settings.

Further, when a large number of copies (copies exceeding the number of copies that can be set in one copying machine) are made, mode setting is performed in one copying machine and a small number of copies are made in advance.
The copy may be simultaneously copied by several other copying machines.

However, as described above, when a job is already registered in the copying machine when copying a small number of copies for the first time, the output of the newly registered job may be delayed. In this case, it will take a long time to complete a large number of copies.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to efficiently confirm a new job even when the job has already been registered in the apparatus, and it is possible to make a large copy. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity.

[0009]

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus is configured to execute a registration unit for registering a plurality of jobs, and to execute a job among the registered jobs. Prioritize some of the jobs that are not
An identification unit for identifying a job to be processed, a first control unit for performing control so that a part of the identified job is preferentially executed, and a duplex copy mode is set for the job to be preferentially executed. A second control unit for canceling or changing the processing mode and controlling so as to preferentially execute a part of the job when the first control is performed.
A part is a separate part of a job being executed.
A part of the separated job is preferentially executed . Preferably, the second control unit cancels the double-sided copy mode. this
According to another aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of jobs.
Registration unit for registering multiple jobs
Then, prioritize some of the unexecuted jobs.
The identification section that identifies the job to be processed by the
Control to execute preferentially a part of the job.
Duplex copy to the control unit of 1 and the job to be executed with priority
If the mode is set , change the duplex copy mode to single-sided 2-in-1 mode and give priority to part of the job.
And a second control unit for performing control so as to execute
It According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus, a registration unit for registering a plurality of jobs, among the plurality of jobs registered, a part from the job is not running
An identification unit for identifying a job to be preferentially processed, a first control unit for performing control to preferentially execute a part of the identified job, and a job to be preferentially executed with a predetermined size. When the output mode is set, a second control unit is provided that controls to change to a small size output mode smaller than the predetermined size and preferentially execute a part of the job. According to another aspect of the present invention
The image forming apparatus has a registration unit that registers a plurality of jobs.
And among the registered jobs, it is not executed
Jobs that should be processed with priority given to some of them
Priority is given to the identification part to identify and a part of the identified job.
And the first control unit that controls to execute
It has been set duplex copy mode job executed Te
If you want to cancel or change the processing mode,
The second control is executed to give priority to the execution of a part of
And a control unit, when the job to be executed with priority is a job of printing copies one part, the second control unit does not perform the termination or change of the double-sided copy mode. According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus preferentially processes a part of a plurality of registered jobs and a job that is not executed among the registered jobs .
When a mode relating to finishing is set for a job to be preferentially executed, an identification unit for identifying a job that should be executed, a first control unit that controls to execute a part of the identified job with priority And a second control unit for performing control so that the mode is released and a part of the job is preferentially executed. Preferably, the mode relating to finishing is a staple mode. Preferably, the mode regarding finishing is a bind mode. Preferably, the mode relating to finishing is a paper folding mode. Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a selection unit that selects whether or not to continue the rest of the job of which a part is preferentially executed. Preferably, the first control unit determines whether to preferentially execute a part of the identified job, depending on whether the saving mode is set for the job. Preferably, the first control unit determines whether to preferentially execute a part of the identified job according to the time from the current time to the end of printing of the job. Preferably, the first control unit preferentially executes a part of the identified job in the division of the copy of the job being executed.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

According to these inventions, a new job can be efficiently confirmed even when a plurality of jobs are registered in the apparatus. In addition, it is possible to improve productivity when making a large number of copies.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall arrangement of a digital copying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 includes a scanning system 10 for reading a document and converting it into an image signal, and an image processing unit 20 for processing an image signal sent from the scanning system 10.
A memory unit 30 that stores the image data sent from the image processing unit 20 and outputs it to the print processing unit.
And a print processing unit 40 for driving the semiconductor laser 61 based on the image data sent from the memory unit 30.
And the laser light from the semiconductor laser 61 is applied to the photosensitive drum 7.
1. A laser optical system 60 for guiding an exposure position on the image forming apparatus 1, an image forming system 70 for developing a latent image by exposure, transferring it onto recording paper, and fixing it to form an image. Operation panel (shown in FIG. 10, not shown in FIG. 1)
And a document transport unit 500 that transports a document and reverses the front and back sides as necessary, and a finisher unit 600 that performs processing such as stapling.

The scanning system 10 and the image processing unit 20 constitute a reading section IR, and the print processing unit 40, the laser optical system 60, an image forming system 70 and the like constitute a printer section P. A switch SW1 in the figure is a switch for supplying power to the digital copying machine 1.

The reading unit IR reads the image of the original placed on the original glass 19 and generates image data corresponding to each pixel of the image of the original. A first scanner 11 having an exposure lamp 12 and a first mirror 13a, and a second scanner 14 having second and third mirrors 13b and 13c.
And are moved in the directions of arrows b and b '(sub-scanning direction) by driving the scan motor M2.

Light from the exposure lamp 12 is emitted from the original glass 1
9 is reflected by the original document and the mirrors 13a, 13b,
13c and the lens 15 through the line sensor (CC
D) 16 is irradiated. The line sensor 16 has a large number of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1, and reads an image at 400 DPI, for example, and outputs image data corresponding to each pixel.

Further, as described above, the first scanner 11 and the second scanner 14 move in the directions of the arrows b and b ', so that the line sensor 16 can subscan the original image. The sensor SE3 detects that the first scanner 11 is at the home position.

The image data output from the line sensor 16 is processed by the image processing unit 20 and then transmitted to the memory unit 30. Memory unit 30
Compresses the image data received from the image processing unit 20, temporarily stores it, performs decompression processing, and transmits it to the printer unit P. At that time, if necessary, rotation edit processing or the like is performed. The image signal processing unit 20 and the memory unit 30 will be described in detail later.

Next, the printer section P will be described. The print processing unit 40 controls the laser optical system 60 based on the image data received from the memory unit 30. The laser optical system 60 scans the semiconductor drum 61 that emits a laser beam that is modulated (on / off) by the print processing unit 40, and scans the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 61 onto the photosensitive drum 71. Polygon mirror 62, fθ lens 63, and mirror 64
a and 64b.

Around the photosensitive drum 71 which is rotationally driven, along the rotation direction thereof, a charging charger 72, a developing device 73, a transfer charger 74, and a separation charger 75.
A cleaner 76 and an eraser lamp 77 are arranged to form a toner image by a well-known electrophotographic process and transfer the toner image onto a sheet.

Paper is supplied from paper feed cassettes 81a and 81b by paper feed rollers 82a and 82b, and is sent to the position of transfer charger 74 by paper feed passage 83 and timing roller 84.

The sheet on which the toner image is transferred at the position of the transfer charger 74 is ejected from the printer section P via the conveyor belt 85, the fixing device 86, the post-fixing roller 87, and the ejection roller 94.

These various rollers and the photosensitive drum 71 are
It is driven by the main motor M1. In the vicinity of the paper feed cassettes 81a and 81b, paper size detection sensors SE1 and SE2 for detecting the size of the paper stored in each cassette, and the state of the paper stored in the paper feed cassette (near empty or empty). ) Is provided for detecting sensors 10E and 11E.

A paper detection sensor for detecting the paper conveyance state and timing is arranged in the paper passage path.
By detecting the state of the paper detection sensor, it is possible to detect paper jams and the like. As a paper detection sensor,
In the present embodiment, the sensor 10P arranged in front of the timing roller 84, the sensor 11P arranged in the conveyance belt 85, the sensor 12P arranged in the post-fixing roller 87, and the discharge roller are arranged. Sensor S
E92 and are provided.

The printer section P has a function of carrying out switchback transportation in the case of double-sided copying.

The switchback transport mechanism includes a path switching pawl 9
1, a conveying roller 92, a reversing roller 93, and the like.

In the single-sided copy mode, the paper passes straight through the switchback transport path and finisher section 60.
There is a case where it is sent to 0, and a case where it is sent to the switchback transport unit for page alignment or the like, and it is sent back to the finisher unit 600. The switchback method will be described later.

In the double-sided copy mode, the left end of the switching claw 91 is moved upward by a solenoid (not shown), and the sheet sent from the post-fixing roller 87 reaches the forward / reverse roller 93 through the carrying roller 92. When the trailing edge of the sheet reaches the sheet sensor SE91, the forward / reverse roller 93 is reversed. As a result, the sheet is sent to the horizontal transport section.

The fed paper is fed by the horizontal conveyance rollers 88a ...
It is sent to the timing roller 84 through 88c and stands by. Here, when a plurality of sheets are continuously fed, the sheets are sequentially conveyed at a predetermined sheet interval so as not to overlap each other and fed to the finisher unit 600. Since the sheet conveyance path length is constant, the number of sheets of paper in one circulation (the maximum number of circulation sheets) N by the finisher unit 600 and the horizontal conveyance rollers 88a to 88c depends on the sheet size.

The document feeder 500 includes a document feed tray 51.
The original set on 0 is automatically conveyed onto the original glass, and the original read by the scanning system 10 is discharged to the original discharge section 511.

In the normal mode, the operator sets one or a plurality of originals on the original feed tray 510 with the side to be read facing up, and adjusts the side regulating plate to the width of the originals. When the operation is started, the document is conveyed by the paper feed roller 501 in order from the set uppermost portion, and is separated by the separation roller 502 and the separation pad 503 to
Sheets are fed one by one. The document to be conveyed is the intermediate roller 504.
After being detected by the registration sensor SE51 and the width size sensor SE53, the registration roller 505 corrects the skew. The scale 5 is the trailing edge of the original
Immediately after passing the left end of 12, the document conveying belt 506 is slightly reversed and stopped.

As a result, the right end of the document is at the document scale 5.
The original is set at an accurate position on the original glass 19 by abutting on the edge of the original 12. At this time, the leading edge of the next original has reached the registration roller 505, and the transport time of the next original is shortened.

When the document is set at the correct reading position on the document glass 19, the scanning system 10 scans the document for reading. When the reading of the original is completed, the original is conveyed to the left by the original conveying belt 506, and the reverse roller 50
The transport direction is changed in step 7, and the sheet is passed above the switching claw 508 and discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 511.

In the case of a double-sided original, when the reading of the first side is completed, the original is conveyed by the original conveying belt 506 to the left, and the conveying direction is changed by the reversing roller 507, and then the original is again changed by the switching claw 508. It is sent onto the glass 19 and the second side of the document is set at the reading position. The document whose second surface has been read is conveyed leftward by the document conveying belt 506, and the reversing roller 507, the switching claw 508,
Then, the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 511 via the discharge roller 509.

The finisher section 600 is attached to the side surface of the printer section P as an additional device for automating the processing such as sorting and stapling.

The finisher section 600 includes a tray 610 with a stapling storage function, a tray 630 with an elevating function, a stapler unit 620, a path switching claw 602, and conveyance rollers 601, 603, 604, 60.
5, 606, 607 and the like.

When the staple mode is set, the sheet reversed by the switchback mechanism of the printer unit P is ejected from the printer unit P via the ejection roller 94. The paper sent to the finisher section 600 is
By way of switching the path switching claw 602 via the transport roller 601, it is sent in the direction of the transport roller 603.

The path switching claw 602 is controlled by a solenoid (not shown), and it is possible to switch whether to feed the paper to the transport roller 603 or to the transport roller 604 according to the set copy mode. ing.

The paper discharged from the conveying roller 603 is
The sheet is discharged to the tray 610 with a stapling storage function.
After a part of the paper is discharged to the tray 610 with a stapling storage function, the paper is sent to the stapler unit 620 by the conveyance roller 607 to perform the staple processing, and after the staple processing is performed at a predetermined position,
It is ejected to the tray 603 with an elevating function through the transport rollers 605 and 606.

In the modes other than the staple mode, the paper ejected from the printer unit P is conveyed by the conveyance rollers 601 and 60.
It is discharged to the tray 630 with an elevating function through 4,605,606.

2 and 3 show a control unit 100 of the copying machine.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit 100 is mainly composed of seven CPUs 1 to 7, and each of the CPUs 1 to 7 has a ROM 111 to 117 storing a program and a work for executing the program. Areas RAM 121 to 127 are provided. The CPU 3 is provided in the memory unit 30.

The CPU 1 controls the input and display of signals from various operation keys on the operation panel.

The CPU 2 controls each part of the image processing unit 20 and controls the driving of the scanning system 10.

The CPU 3 controls the print processing unit 40, the print optical system 60, and the image forming system 70. Further, the CPU 4 controls the main motor M1. CPU
Reference numeral 5 performs processing for overall timing control of the control unit 100 and setting of operation modes.

The CPU 3 temporarily stores the image data read by controlling the memory unit 30 in the memory (image memory 304), reads it and outputs it to the print processing unit 40.

Signals from the paper size detection sensors SE1 and SE2 are input to the I / O managed by the CPU 4, and the size of the copy paper is managed by the CPU 4. The CPU 4 also detects the detection states of the sheet detection sensors 10P, 11P, 12P, SE92 and the stored sheet detection sensors 10E, 11E through I / O.

The CPU 6 controls the document feeding by the document feeding device 500. The CPU 7 controls the finisher unit 600.

Next, the reading section IR and the image signal processing unit 20 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the reading unit IR. In this figure, CPU2, ROM1
12, the RAM 122 and the CCD 16 correspond to those in FIG.

The timing controller 21 supplies an image reading synchronizing signal to each block. The CCD 16 photoelectrically converts document information to generate an electric signal. The signal is the amplifier section 2
Amplification is controlled by 3 and 8 by A / D converter 25.
It is converted into a bit digital signal.

The signal is processed by the shading correction section 26 to remove the distortion caused by the optical system and CCD. Next, the density conversion unit 27 converts the reflection data into density data and performs gamma correction. The signal is input to the electrical scaling unit 28, and an electrical scaling process is performed in the main scanning direction from the set scaling information. After that, the image data subjected to the image editing processing by the editing processing unit 29 is supplied to the printer engine and the memory unit.

The image monitor memory 24 stores one line of image data according to an instruction from the CPU 2. Also,
The CPU 2 performs overall control of the reading device such as setting parameters in the blocks 26 to 29, scan control by driving the scanner motor M2, and communication with the host CPU 5.

Next, the document size and the document direction (vertical /
The horizontal) detection method will be described. In the determination of the original portion of the read image, for example, the original glass cover of the original glass has a mirror surface, the original is scanned, and the portion having a large amount of reflected light is determined to be the original. Since there is almost no reflected light amount in the mirror surface portion, it is possible to easily judge the original portion. Even if scanning is performed with the document cover opened, the position of the document can be similarly identified.

When the CPU 2 receives an instruction of the document size detecting operation from the host CPU 5, it performs a preliminary scan.
The CPU 2 controls the scanner motor M2 based on the scanner position information from the scanner position sensor SE-IR,
The scanner 11 is scanned in the sub scanning direction. At the timing corresponding to the sub-scanning position, the size of the document and whether it is placed vertically or horizontally is detected from the content of the image data and the monitored position information, and the detection result is transmitted to the host CPU 5.

Based on the magnification information transmitted from the host CPU 5, the CPU 2 also controls the speed of the scanner motor M2 at the time of image reading at a scan speed matching the magnification information.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the memory unit 30. The memory unit 30 includes a switching unit 301 that switches input / output of image data and a binarization processing unit 3 that creates binary data based on parameter settings from the CPU 3.
02, a multiport image memory 304 having a capacity of 2 pages of A4 size at 400 DPI, a code processing unit 305 having a compressor 311 and an expander 312 that can operate independently, and a multiport. The code memory 306, the rotation processing unit 307, the multi-value conversion processing unit 308 that creates multi-value data based on the parameter setting from the CPU 3, the scaling processing unit 309, and the memory unit 3
It is composed of a CPU 3 and the like for controlling the whole 0.

When the image data is written in the image memory 304, the code processing unit 305 calls and compresses the data to create code data, and writes the code data in the code memory 306. In addition, the code memory 30 is instructed by the CPU 3
The code data written in 6 is read and decompressed to create image data, which is written in the image memory 304. When writing the image data of a plurality of pages in the image memory 304, the expansion according to the writing position and the writing area can be controlled.

When one page of image data is generated in the image memory 304 by decompression, the CPU 3 calls the image data from the image memory 304 and supplies it to the rotation processing unit 307. The rotation processing unit 307 rotates the image data as necessary, the multi-value quantization processing unit 308 generates multi-value image data, and the multi-value image data is output through the scaling processing unit 309.

The scaling processing section can perform electrical scaling processing in the main and sub directions. The compressor 311 and the decompressor 312 can operate independently of each other and in parallel. Data is DMA-transferred between these and the code memory 306.

When temporarily storing such a document image, the code memory 306 is managed by the management table MT1 provided in the RAM 326. The CPU 3 is responsible for these controls.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the management table. When the document is read and compressed, it is necessary to manage the image information on a job-by-job basis, so a plurality of pages are divided and stored in the job. Therefore, the management table has a table (T-2) for storing information in divided page units and a table (T-1) for storing information in job units.

Information stored in the table (T-1) is
This is called job unit information, and the information stored in the table (T-2) is called page management information.

The job unit information includes a job ID, a job registration status, information about where page management information is stored, a designated number of copies (copies), a copy mode indicating a type of saving copy, etc. Consists of. The page management information is information indicating where the compressed image data is.

The CPU 3 receives an instruction from the CPU 5,
When the image data is read from the image memory 304 and compressed, the compressor 311 is created while creating the information of the management table.
To store the compressed image data in the code memory.

When outputting image data, the reverse operation is performed. That is, the compressed image data is read from the code memory 306. The information in the management table is erased when the information of the corresponding page is normally read and copying of the number M (number of copies) M designated by the operator is completed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the management table MT1 and the code memory 306. The code memory 306 is
The memory area is divided into 32 Kbyte units, and in consideration of enabling simultaneous control of writing (image reading) and reading (printing), code data for each page is stored in each area. Is stored.

The management table MT1 includes a code memory 30.
The number indicating the area 6 and the page number of the image data (original image number) given in the writing order (original scanning order)
The PN and various additional information necessary for the compression / expansion processing such as the number of the connected area, the image registration number, the compression method and the data length are stored. The code memory 306 is dynamically managed based on these pieces of information.

"Pre-connection" in FIG. 7 (a) indicates the connection of the areas of every 32 Kbytes in each page in the forward direction. When "previous connection" is "00", it indicates that this is the first storage area of data for one page.

Similarly, "post-connection" indicates the last area when it is "FF". In the case of other than "FF", the number of the area connected later is shown.

When the image data is read from the image memory 304 and compressed, the CPU 3 controls the compressor 311 and stores the image data in the code memory 306 while referring to the information in the management table MT1. Also, when outputting image data, the code memory 3
The code data is read from 06.

The information in the management table MT1 is erased when the information of the corresponding page is normally read and the copying of the number of copies (copies) M specified by the operator is completed.

Next, regarding the operation sequence of the copying machine 1,
The flow of the request command (Q), report (A), or data exchanged between the CPUs will be mainly described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory write operation. In the writing operation, the image processing unit 20
The image data is transferred from the image memory 304 to the image memory 304.

First, C controlling the entire sequence
PU5 requests CPU3 for memory preparation. In response to this, the CPU 3 causes the internal hardware to transfer the image data from the image processing unit 20 to the image memory 304.
Setting of a bus connection state for transfer to the image memory, setting of a mode for binarization processing, setting of a start address of a writing area to the image memory 304, and XY length information.

When these settings are completed and the preparation is completed, the CPU 3 notifies the CPU 5 that the memory preparation is completed. When the CPU 5 requests the CPU 3 and the CPU 2 for reading, the control unit of the CPU 2 requests the internal document scanning control unit for scanning.

When scanning is started by the document scanning control section and the scanner reaches the image area, read data (image data) is transferred from the image signal processing unit 20 to the memory unit section 30 according to the image processing mode set by the CPU 2. Transferred to.

After the scan is completed, CPU2 and CPU
When the completion of reading is notified from the CPU 3, the CPU 5
To request data compression. In response to this, CP
U3 is a read address from the image memory 304, XY length information, a write address to the code memory 306, and a mode of the compressor 311 (for example, arithmetic coding method, M
(H method) etc. is set and each part is activated. As a result, the compression process is performed, and the code data is stored in the code memory 30.
6 is stored.

When the compression process is completed, the CPU 3 sends the CP
U5 is notified of the completion of compression. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic sequence of a memory read operation.

In the memory reading operation, the image data is read from the image memory 304, and the copied image is printed on the paper based on the image data.

The CPU 5 requests the CPU 3 to expand the data. The CPU 3 sets the read address from the code memory 306, the amount of data, the write address to the image memory 304, the XY length information, the mode of the decompressor 312 (for example, the arithmetic coding method, the MH method), and the like to set each unit. Start up. As a result, decompression processing is performed and the image data is written in the image memory 304.

When the expansion processing is completed, the CPU 5 causes the CP
A memory preparation request for reading image data from the image memory 304 is output to U3. In response to this, CP
U3 is a bus connection state setting for outputting image data from the image memory 304 to the print processing unit 40 to the internal hardware, a setting for rotation processing, a start address of a read area of the image memory 304, and an XY length. Make settings such as information.

Upon completion of these settings and preparation, and upon receipt of the notification, the CPU 5 requests the CPU 3 and the print processing unit 40 for printing. A paper feed report is sent from the print processing unit 40 to the CPU 5 to inform the paper conveyance state, and then the image data read from the image memory 304 is output to the print processing unit 40 to print.

When the printing is completed, the CPU 3 and the print processing unit 40 send a print completion report and an ejection completion report to the CPU 5. The CPU 5, which has received these reports, C
A memory clear request is given to PU3.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the operation panel. On the operation panel, a liquid crystal touch panel 91 for displaying the status and setting various modes, a ten key 92 for inputting numerical conditions for copying (number of sheets, magnification, etc.), and a clear key for returning numerical conditions to standard values 93, a panel reset key 94 for initializing the copy mode, a stop key 95 for instructing copy stop, a start key 96 for instructing copy start, and a job registration for registering a job. Key 90 and mode setting key 97 for setting whether to sort or not
And a display unit 97a indicating that non-sort is selected.
And a display portion 97b indicating that sorting is selected, and a mode setting key 98 for setting the staple mode.
And a display unit 9 indicating that the staple mode has been selected.
8a are provided.

The liquid crystal touch panel 91 displays various states of the copying machine such as near empty and empty of stored paper, occurrence of paper jam and trouble, and various operation modes of the copying machine such as exposure level and magnification. , Input to select the operation mode.

In the copying machine according to the present embodiment, prints of only the first copy (one copy) of each registered job can be preferentially output, but this operation and display are performed via the liquid crystal touch panel 91. Will be performed.

FIG. 11 is a CPU for controlling the operation panel.
2 is a main flowchart of 1. When the power is turned on, the CPU 1 first performs initialization for initializing the RAM and registers (# 101). Then, an internal timer that defines the length of one routine is set (# 10
2). After that, the key input process (# 1
03), panel display processing for performing display according to the operation (#
104), other processing (# 105), and internal timer waiting processing (# 106) are repeatedly executed. Also,
Communication with other CPUs is performed at appropriate times as an interrupt process.

The processing for displaying the confirmation screen for preferentially outputting a part of the job and the processing for setting the finishing mode are executed as one subroutine in the other processing (# 105) described above. .

FIG. 12 is a main flowchart of the CPU 3 which controls the memory unit 30.

After performing the initial setting process (# 301), the CPU 3 receives the command receiving process (# 302), the status transmitting process (# 303), and the image memory writing process (# 30).
4), compression control processing (# 305), decompression control processing (# 3)
06), the image memory reading process (# 307), and other processes (# 308) are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 13 is a CP for controlling the printer section P.
It is a main flowchart of U4.

The CPU 4 performs initialization (# 4
01), internal timer setting (# 402), development / transfer system control (# 403), conveyance system control (# 404), fixing system control (# 405), print processing unit control (#
406), other processing (# 407), and internal timer waiting processing (# 408) are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 14 is a CPU for summarizing the control of the copying machine.
5 is a main flowchart of No. 5. After performing the initial setting (# 501), the CPU 5 sets the internal timer (# 502), performs the input data analysis process for checking the input data from another CPU (# 503), and according to the operation content. A mode setting process that determines the operation mode is performed (# 504), a read process is performed (# 505), a print process is performed (# 506), an output data set for waiting a command in the communication port is performed (# 507), and others. (# 508) and waiting for the internal timer (# 509) is repeated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a partial priority output confirmation process which is one subroutine included in the other processes (# 105) in the main flowchart of the CPU 1 shown in FIG.

First, the outline of the processing performed in this flowchart will be described. With reference to FIG. 16, before preferentially outputting only the first copy of the registered job, the screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on liquid crystal touch panel 91.
This screen includes a portion 99a for displaying a message to the operator, portions 99b to 99d for prompting the operator to confirm,
And a portion 99e for operating the end of the display of this screen.

The part 99a for displaying a message to the operator indicates that only a part of the job is output preferentially, for example, "It takes time to complete all the jobs, so only a part of the job is output." Is displayed.

In the portions 99b to 99d for prompting the operator to confirm, whether or not to continue the output of the remaining jobs after the priority output of only a part is confirmed. If you don't continue,
The operator presses the "OK" button 99c. To continue, press the "NO" button 99d.

When the "OK" button 99c is pressed, only a portion of the priority output is performed and the remaining number of copies is not output. When the "NO" button 99d is pressed, a part of priority output is performed, and after that, the remaining jobs are output after waiting for the turn.

When all the settings are completed, the operator can return to the basic screen shown in FIG. 10 by pressing the "End" button 99e. In addition, 99c or 99d
When the end button 99e is pressed without pressing the button of, the OK button 99c is treated as being pressed.

In this embodiment, a part of the registered jobs is automatically given priority output, but the operator may be allowed to select whether to give priority output.
Further, in the case of preferential output, the operator may also be allowed to cancel a mode such as a staple mode, a bind mode, or a paper folding mode, which requires a long processing time.

Returning to FIG. 15 again, in the partial priority output confirmation process, first in step # 111, a portion 99a (see FIG. 16) for displaying a message to the operator is displayed, and in step # 112, the operator is informed. A confirmation portion 99b is displayed, and various buttons 99c to 99e are displayed in step # 113. Then, in step # 114, the states of the buttons 99c to 99e are checked.

If it is determined in step # 114 that none of the buttons is on, this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step # 114 that the OK button 99c is pressed, a request for canceling the remaining output processing is set in step # 120. Then, in step # 122, the button-on flag is set, and this subroutine is completed. The button-on flag means that when the end button 99e is pressed,
This is a flag for determining that another button is pressed at the previous stage.

When it is determined in step # 114 that NO button 99d is pressed, a process for requesting output of the remaining jobs is performed in step # 121. Then, in step # 122, the button-on flag is set, and this subroutine is completed.

When it is determined in step # 114 that the end button 99e is pressed, a process of returning the liquid crystal touch panel to the basic screen (screen shown in FIG. 10) is performed in step # 115. Then, step #
At 116, it is determined whether the button-on flag is set.

If it is determined in step # 116 that the button is set, the button-on flag is reset in step # 117. Thereafter, in step # 118, a transmission process for notifying another CPU that there is a request issued in the process of step # 120 or # 121 described above is executed, and then this subroutine is ended.
If it is determined in step # 116 that the job has not been set, a request for prohibiting the remaining job output is set in step # 119. After that, in step # 118, a transmission process for notifying the other CPU of the request in step # 119 is executed, and then this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the finishing mode setting process which is one subroutine included in the other processes (# 105) in the main flowchart of the CPU 1 shown in FIG.

When entering the finishing mode setting process,
First, in step # 131, it is determined whether or not the power has just been turned on. If YES, step # 132 in FIG.
The display portions 97a, 97b and 98a shown in 0 are initialized. Here, for example, non-sort and no stapling are set as initialization, so that the display unit 97a is turned on, the display unit 97b is turned off, and the display unit 9 is turned off.
8a is turned off. Next, in step # 133,
The mode settings are initialized. Here, for example, non-sort and no staple are set as the initial state. Then, this subroutine is finished.

If it is not immediately after power-on, step # 1
Keys 97 and 98 shown in FIG. 10 at 34
A process for confirming the state of is performed.

If it is determined in step # 134 that none of the keys is turned on, this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step # 134 that the key 98 is pressed (turned on),
In step # 135, it is determined whether "with staple" is set in the current mode. Step # 1
If there is no stapling at 35, it is set to have stapling at step # 136, the display unit 98a is turned on at step # 137, and then this subroutine is finished.

If there is stapling in step # 135, the setting is made without staple in step # 138, and the display unit 98 is displayed in step # 139.
A is turned off, and this subroutine is finished.

If it is determined in step # 134 that the key 97 is pressed (ON),
In step # 140, it is determined whether the current mode is "non-sort". If the state is the non-sort state in step # 140, the mode is set to "sort" in step # 141, the display unit 97a is turned off and the display unit 97b is turned on in step # 142, and then the present subroutine is terminated.

If the mode is set to "sort" in step # 140, non-sort is set in step # 143, and the display section 97a is displayed in step # 144.
Is turned on, the display portion 97b is turned off, and this subroutine is finished.

In the process shown in FIG. 17, the finishing mode setting process is performed. The mode set here is transmitted to another CPU and used when outputting.

FIG. 18 shows the read process (# 505) of FIG.
It is a flowchart of. In this flowchart, a job registration process related to reading an original is performed.

First, it is determined whether a document is set in the copying machine (# 511), and if the document is set, the current reading state is determined (# 512). If it is not reading, it is judged whether or not a read start request is received from the operation panel of the CPU 1 (# 513), and if there is a read start request, the read job ID is updated (# 5).
14) and sets a flag indicating that reading is in progress (#
515) and read sequence control is performed (# 516).

In the reading sequence control, a plurality of originals are compressed page by page by exchanging the above-mentioned commands and reports with the CPU 3 and the CPU 2, and the data is sequentially registered in the management table MT1 and the code memory. Go.

If the original is not set (# 51
(NO in 1), it is determined by the flag whether reading is in progress (#
517) If reading is in progress, it indicates that the reading of the document has been completed. Therefore, job registration completion is set in the management table (# 518), and the reading flag is cleared (# 51).
9).

If YES at step # 512, the process from step # 516 is executed. Step # 5
If NO in either 13 or # 517, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 19 shows the print process (# 50) of FIG.
It is a flowchart of 6). In this flowchart, reading and switching processing of a job related to printing is performed.

<Job Start Processing> First, step # 52.
It is determined in 1 whether printing is in progress. If not in printing, it is determined in step # 535 whether there is an unprocessed job to be printed. If an unprocessed job exists, a printing flag is set in step # 536, and the ID of the unprocessed job is set as the current job in step # 537. Further, in step # 532, print sequence control is executed. With the above processing, printing of a new job is started.

In the print sequence control, the CPU 4 and the CPU 3 exchange the above-mentioned commands and reports to sequentially read the image data corresponding to the current job ID page by page from the management table and the code memory, and perform decompression processing. It is executed by performing print processing.

<Switching Process When All Jobs are Completely Printed> If the current job has been completely printed (YES in # 522), it is determined in step # 533 whether there is a saved job. If it does not exist, the same processing as the above-mentioned job start processing is performed from step # 535.

Here, to determine the existence of the waiting job, the "remaining output processing request"(# 121) and the "remaining output processing cancel request"(# 119, # 1 in FIG. 15 are used.
The signal at 20) is considered. Here, in the job for which the "remaining output processing cancellation request" is set,
No return is made to the current job.

If YES in step # 533, the ID of the save job is read from the save job buffer and set in the current job ID in step # 534.

Further, when there is no job to be saved and unprocessed jobs (NO in # 533 and # 535),
Assuming that all jobs have been completed, the printing flag is canceled (# 538).

<Switching Process at the End of Printing the Nth Copy of the Job> If NO at step # 522, it is determined at step # 523 whether the printing of the Nth copy of the current job has been completed. This is to determine the division of the current job. That is, the Nth part is
Indicates the number of copies from 1 to (the number of copies to be set-1).

When the printing of the Nth copy is completed, it is determined in step # 524 whether there is an unprocessed job. If it exists, it is determined in step # 525 whether there is a job for which the number of output copies is still 0 among the unprocessed jobs, that is, whether there is a job for which the first copy has not been printed yet. Run against.

If there is at least one job for which the number of output copies is 0, what mode is set for all jobs satisfying the condition? Step # 5
Judgment at 26.

Next, in step # 527, it is determined whether or not the priority order of the job whose output copy number is 0 is changed.

Whether or not to change the priority order is determined as follows. (1) It is determined according to the time until the job with the number of output copies of 0 is completed (time required for execution). That is, the time from the current time until the printing of the job with the output number 0 is completed is predicted from the job execution order, the set copy mode and the number of copies, and the predicted time exceeds the predetermined time. Change the execution order of things and output them with priority.

(2) It is determined according to the complexity of the mode set for the job having the number of output copies of 0. That is, when the mode set for the job having the number of output copies of 0 is complicated, the job is preferentially output. The complicated mode is, for example, a saving copy mode (such as 2-in-1 copy or double-sided copy). This is because when the complicated copy mode is set, the operator may want to immediately know whether the output result of the copy is the desired one.

In the present embodiment, the job execution order is changed based on the condition (1) or (2). When the job execution order is changed (that is, a part of the job is preferentially processed), the CPU 1 is notified and the display shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel.

If YES in step # 527, the current job is first registered in the save job buffer in order to switch the current job to a job to be processed with priority in step # 528. The hold job buffer is a buffer for storing the IDs of jobs whose prints are postponed by changing the order of execution when the printing of the Nth copy is completed. This buffer is FIFO
The configuration is such that it is read out when all the jobs of the jobs preferentially executed are completed, and printing from the (N + 1) th copy can be resumed.

Next, at step # 529, it is judged if the staple processing mode is set for the job to be preferentially executed. If YES, the setting is changed in step # 530 so as to cancel the stapling process. After that, in step # 531, the ID of the job to be processed is set with priority over the ID of the current job.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step # 529 that the staple mode is not set, the processing from step # 531 is performed.

By the above processing, when only a part of the job having the number of output copies of 0 is preferentially printed, the printing can be performed without performing the stapling process. By omitting time-consuming processing such as stapling in this way, it is possible to improve the processing speed of a job in which only a portion of the output is given priority. Further, the copy paper of the job which is preferentially output in this way may be copied again by another copying machine, but in such a case, the operator can save the trouble of removing the staple.

Although the present embodiment has described the cancellation of the staple mode, the mode to be canceled is not limited to the staple mode.
For example, the modes such as the binding process and the paper folding process may be canceled. That is, the binding process involves gluing the copy paper, but this process requires a long time. Further, when copying the bound copy paper with another copying machine, the operator needs to remove the glue. Therefore, the efficiency of the work is improved for the operator by not performing the binding process when preferentially outputting only a part.

Further, the paper folding processing includes processing such as Z-folding and bag folding, but a lot of time is required to perform such processing. Further, when copying the folded paper in such a manner with another copying machine, the operator has to perform an operation of extending the folded paper. Therefore, when preferentially outputting a part of the registered jobs, the operator's labor can be saved by canceling such a paper folding mode.

In the present embodiment, only the first copy of the print of the registered job is preferentially output, but if only a part of the print of the job is preferentially executed, The present invention can be implemented.

[Second Embodiment] Since the hardware configuration of the digital copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated here. The copying machine according to the present embodiment is first described below.
Only points different from the embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, when the mode setting button on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 is pressed in the other processing (# 105) in FIG. 11, the flow chart of the copy mode setting processing shown in FIG. 20 is executed. .

When the copy mode setting process is entered, the buttons 100a, 100b, 100f shown in FIG. 21 are displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 in step # 151. This allows the operator to select the type of document. Then, in step # 152, the pressed button is determined. If the one-sided button 100a is pressed, the one-sided original is set in step # 153. When the double-sided button 100b is pressed, the double-sided original is set in step # 154. When the end button 100f is pressed, this subroutine is ended.

Next, at step # 155, the buttons 100c to 100e shown in FIG. 21 are displayed, and the copy mode is selected.

In step # 156, it is determined what the pressed button is. If the pressed button is the one-sided button 100c, the one-sided copy is set in step # 157. If the pressed button is the double-sided button 100d, double-sided copying is set in step # 158. If the pressed button is the 2-in-1 button 100e, the 2-in-1 copy is set in step # 159. If the pressed button is the end button 100f, this subroutine is ended.

The 2-in-1 copy is a copy in which two images are printed side by side on one sheet.

The copy mode is set by the above processing. The copy mode set here is transmitted to another CPU and is used during the copy operation.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of print processing in this embodiment. This subroutine is the same as the processing in the flow chart shown in FIG. 19, except that step # 5 in FIG. 22 is used instead of steps # 529 and # 530 in FIG.
The processing of 49 to # 551 is executed. The other steps of FIG. 22 are the same as those of FIG.

That is, referring to FIG. 22, step #
At 549, it is determined whether the job to be preferentially executed is a copy of a part of the number of print copies. If NO, it is determined in step # 550 whether the double-sided copy mode is set for the job to be preferentially processed.
If YES, the double-sided copy mode is canceled in step # 551. Then, the processing from step # 552 is executed.

On the other hand, if YES at step # 549 or NO at step # 550, the process from step # 552 is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the duplex copy mode is set for the job to be preferentially processed, the job can be output without performing the duplex copy. That is, by omitting time-consuming processing such as double-sided copying, it is possible to shorten the time until a job to be preferentially processed is output. Further, since double-sided copying is not performed, it is not necessary to perform double-sided reading when copying a copy sheet that has been preferentially output by another copying machine. This can improve the productivity of copying.

In the present embodiment, the double-sided copy mode is canceled and single-sided output is performed.
The double-sided copy mode may be canceled and control may be performed so that another mode that improves productivity is set. For example, when the double-sided copy mode is set, the processing speed is improved if the processing is performed as a 2-in-1 copy and output. At this time, when copying the copy paper output with priority for only one copy by another copying machine, the copy paper is printed on the other copying machine.
2in1 even if the in1 copy function is not provided
Can be output.

In the present embodiment, the double-sided copy mode is canceled. However, when a specific mode is not set for a job to be preferentially output, a production such as a 2 in 1 copy mode is performed. You may make it set the mode in which the nature improves.

If the mode set for the job to be preferentially processed is the large size output (A3 output, etc.) and the mode is changed to the small size output (A4 output, etc.), the processing speed will be increased. Can be improved.

Further, when the one-sided copy mode is set for the job to be preferentially processed, even if the one-sided two-in-one copy mode is output for the processing, the processing speed can be similarly improved.

Further, when a specific processing mode for increasing job productivity is not set for a job to be preferentially processed, control is performed so that the specific processing mode is set to a job to be preferentially processed. May be performed. For example, 2i is a specific processing mode that increases job productivity.
The n1 mode can be set.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit 100 of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram following FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit 20.

5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory unit 30. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the function of a management table MT1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a management table MT1 and a code memory 306.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in a memory write operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation sequence in a memory read operation.

10 is a plan view of an operation panel of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a main flowchart of the CPU 1.

FIG. 12 is a main flowchart of the CPU 3.

FIG. 13 is a main flowchart of the CPU 4.

FIG. 14 is a main flowchart of the CPU 5.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a partial priority output confirmation process performed in the other process (# 105) of FIG.

16 is a diagram showing a screen displayed in the flowchart of FIG.

17 is a flowchart of a finishing mode setting process executed in the other process (# 105) of FIG.

18 is a flowchart of the reading process (# 505) of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the print process (# 506) of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of copy mode setting processing in the copying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a diagram showing a screen displayed in the flowchart of FIG. 20. FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating print processing according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

91 LCD touch panel 600 Finisher section

Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-234768 (JP, A) JP-A-2-296262 (JP, A) JP-A-57-34567 (JP, A) JP-A-8-317104 (JP , A) JP 3-67870 (JP, A) JP 9-160438 (JP, A) JP 8-307583 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB) Name) G03G 21/00 370-512

Claims (13)

(57) [Claims] 1. Registration means for registering a plurality of jobs, and identification means for identifying a job to be processed by prioritizing a part of the jobs not executed among the registered jobs. A first control means for performing control to preferentially execute a part of the identified job, and cancels a processing mode of the job to be preferentially executed when a duplex copy mode is set. Or a second control unit that is changed to control so that a part of the job is preferentially executed , and the first control unit is a section of a part of the job being executed.
When cutting, priority is given to the part of the identified job.
Row, an image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit releases the double-sided copy mode. 3. Registration means for registering a plurality of jobs, and among the plurality of registered jobs, the job is not executed.
Jobs that should be processed with priority given to some of them
Identifying means for identifying and a part of the identified job is preferentially executed
The first control means for controlling the two-sided copy mode and the two-sided copy mode for the job to be executed with priority.
If 2 sided copy mode is set, the duplex mode
Change to 1 mode and give priority to a part of the job.
And a second control means for controlling so as to perform,
Image forming apparatus. 4. A registration unit for registering a plurality of jobs, and an identification unit for identifying a job to be preferentially processed from among the unexecuted jobs among the plurality of registered jobs. , First control means for performing control to preferentially execute a part of the identified job, and when an output mode with a predetermined size is set for the job to be preferentially executed, An image forming apparatus, comprising: a second control unit configured to change to a small size output mode that is smaller than the predetermined size and perform control so that a part of the job is preferentially executed. 5. Registering means for registering a plurality of jobs, and among the registered plurality of jobs, the job has not been executed.
Jobs that should be processed with priority given to some of them
Identifying means for identifying and a part of the identified job is preferentially executed
The first control means for controlling the two-sided copy mode and the two-sided copy mode for the job to be executed with priority.
Release or change the processing mode if
Control so that a portion of the job is executed with priority.
And a second control means for said when preferentially job to be executed is a job of printing copies part, said second control means does not perform the termination or change of the double-sided copy mode, image Image forming device. 6. Registration means for registering a plurality of jobs, and identification means for identifying a job to be processed by prioritizing a part of the jobs not executed among the registered jobs. A first control means for performing control to preferentially execute a part of the identified job; and canceling a mode related to finishing when the job to be preferentially executed is set. And a second control means for performing control so that a part of the job is preferentially executed. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mode relating to finishing is a staple mode. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mode relating to finishing is a bind mode. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mode relating to finishing is a paper folding mode. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects whether or not to continue the rest of the job in which the part is preferentially executed. 11. The first control means determines whether or not a part of the identified job is preferentially executed depending on whether or not a saving mode is set for the job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. 12. The first control means determines whether or not to preferentially execute a part of the identified job, according to the time from the current time to the end of printing of the job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Wherein said first control means, in the break of the job being executed, to execute with priority a portion of the identified job, the image formation according to claim 3 12 apparatus.