JP4926622B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming control method, and image forming control program - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a multifunction peripheral, a FAX, the like, and an image forming control method and an image forming control program in the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to a formation control method and an image formation control program.

  In recent years, networking of PCs (personal computers) has progressed, and image forming apparatuses such as printers are not only connected to one PC, but also connected to a plurality of PCs via a network. A network type image forming system that can be shared with the Internet has been constructed.

  Note that the image forming apparatus used in the network-type image forming system as described above has a spooler function, and is configured to accept a subsequent print job before the preceding print job is completed. ing.

  The spooler has a function of temporarily storing print data of a plurality of print jobs received via a network in the image forming apparatus, and a function of managing a print order of the plurality of print jobs. If a subsequent print job is sent before the preceding print job is completed, the subsequent print job is configured to be in a print waiting state in the spooler.

  Each print job can have priority printing as an attribute, and when a priority print job and a general print job are mixed and waiting for printing, the priority print job is printed with priority. It is also possible. Some of the printers described above have a function of predicting the printing time.

As a technical document disclosed for such an image forming apparatus that can print with priority print jobs, it can be used in an image forming apparatus that can accept a subsequent print job before the print job is completed. Setting means for setting the longest printing time for each person or each print job, estimation means for estimating the time required from the time of accepting the print job, the start of processing, or the start of printing to the completion of printing, and the required time And a control unit that controls to delay the start of printing of the print job when the print job is shorter than the longest print time of the print job. There is a document that discloses an image forming apparatus that can be printed in the same manner (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-324471 A

  Note that when the print data of a plurality of print jobs is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus as in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 described above, memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus. As a result, a situation in which subsequent printing processing or the like cannot be performed is generated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. When a memory full occurs in an image forming apparatus, the memory full in the image forming apparatus is canceled and the subsequent control processing is continued. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming control method, and an image forming control program.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image forming apparatus having a control unit and a RAM used as a work memory of the control unit,
While the input job for preferentially performing the printing process is input in the image forming apparatus and the print data is being expanded in the RAM in the RAM , the control unit has a memory full in the RAM . In the case of occurrence of a print job, the expansion of the print data of the input job is temporarily stopped and the print processing is temporarily stopped in the RAM in order to preferentially execute the print processing of the input job. At least the oldest print job in the order of submission, and print job execution means for starting the print processing of the oldest print job in the order of submission.

According to the present invention, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus, the memory full in the image forming apparatus can be eliminated, and the subsequent control processing can be continued.

  First, the characteristics of the image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a storage unit (corresponding to the RAM 174) for storing a print job. When the memory unit (174) is full, the storage unit (100) 174) starts printing processing of at least one print job stored in 174). As a result, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) can be eliminated, and the subsequent control processing can be continued.

  Further, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment deletes at least one print job stored in the storage unit (174) when a memory full occurs in the storage unit (174). It is what. As a result, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), the memory full can be eliminated.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus (100) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus (100) of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment is connected to a host computer (110) and a network (120).

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel (130), a printer engine (140), and a controller (150).

  The operation panel (130) includes a display unit (not shown) indicating the operation status in the image forming apparatus (100), a switch unit (not shown) for switching the operation mode and font in the image forming apparatus (100), and the like. Configured.

  The printer engine (140) forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor based on the video signal and control signal from the controller (150), develops the formed electrostatic latent image, and forms an image on the transfer paper. Form.

  The controller (150) generates a video signal generated based on the operation mode set in the image forming apparatus (100), “print data” output from the host computer (110) or the network (120). Is output to the printer engine (140).

  The “printing data” is composed of “printing control data”, “printing data”, and “other data”, and the controller (150) converts the “printing data” into a video signal according to the “printing control data”. The converted video signal is output to the printer engine (140).

  The controller (150) also changes a setting change command (changes printing conditions) included in “other data” in “printing data” output from the host computer (110) or the network (120). The printer engine (140) is operated according to the printing conditions changed based on the instruction.

  The changed printing condition is automatically initialized by a reset command for canceling the changed printing condition, and returns to the original printing condition before the change. The printing conditions refer to various conditions relating to printing such as the number of copies, double-sided printing, scaling printing, color, and monochrome printing.

  The controller (150) includes a host I / F (160), a network I / F (162), an operation panel I / F (164), an engine I / F (166), a program ROM (168), A font ROM (170), a CPU (172), a RAM (174), an NV-RAM (176), an option RAM (178), and a hard disk (180) are configured.

  The host I / F (160) inputs “printing data” from the host computer (110), that is, “printing control data”, “printing data”, and “other data”. 110), a status signal is output.

  The network I / F (162) inputs “printing data” from the network (120), and outputs a status signal to the network (120).

  The host I / F (160) and the network I / F (162) are both parallel port interfaces (for example, IEEE 1284), and are between the host computer (110), personal computer (not shown) and the printer. Is normally used as the interface of There are five data transfer modes of the parallel port interface: a Centronics compatible mode, a nibble mode, a byte mode, an ECP mode, and an EPP mode.

  The operation panel I / F (164) inputs and outputs various signals between the controller (150) and the operation panel (130). The engine I / F (166) receives a video signal and a control signal from the controller (150), and outputs a status signal to the controller (150).

  The program ROM (168) stores a data analysis program for controlling data processing, data management, and peripheral modules in the controller (150) and printing conditions for initialization.

  The font ROM (170) stores various types of font data used for printing.

  The CPU (172) processes the “printing data” sent from the host computer (110) in accordance with the data analysis program stored in the program ROM (168). The CPU (172) functions as a changing unit, a releasing unit, a detecting unit, and a recognizing unit.

  The RAM (174) is a buffer for managing and temporarily storing “print control data” and “print data” output from the host computer (110) in units of pages as work memory when the CPU (172) performs processing. As a buffer for temporarily storing printing conditions output from the host computer (110), bits for storing “printing control data” and “printing data” converted into actual printing patterns as video data Used as a map memory.

  The NV-RAM (176) is a nonvolatile RAM for storing data that is to be retained even when the image forming apparatus (100) is turned off.

  The option RAM (178) is an expansion RAM.

  The hard disk (180) is a storage device for storing a large amount of data such as a print job.

(Control operation in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1)
Next, printing control in the image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  First, “printing data” transferred from the host computer (110) via the host I / F (160) is analyzed by the CPU (172) according to the data analysis program stored in the program ROM (168). The By this analysis, “printing data” is classified into “printing data”, “printing control data” (SP, CR, LF, HT, VT,...), And “other data”.

  “Print data” and “print control data” are temporarily stored in the reception buffer of the RAM (174).

  The “print data” and “print control data” are processed one by one in accordance with the data analysis program stored in the program ROM (168), and temporarily stored in the intermediate buffer of the RAM (174). For example, if “print data” is a character code, an intermediate code including a print position, a print size, font information, and the like is created, and the intermediate code is temporarily stored in an intermediate buffer of the RAM (174).

  If the “print control data” is a command such as an escape sequence, processing predefined in the command is performed. For example, if the command specifies the print position, the next character code position is set to the specified position, and if the command is a font change, the font information of the next character code is set to the specified font. Will be processed.

Thus, CPU (172), when processing the "data for Printout" output from the host computer (110), the processed data exceeds one page is stored in the intermediate buffer The intermediate code is converted into a video signal according to the data analysis program. When the conversion to the video signal by the CPU (172) is completed, the controller (150) outputs a print start command signal to the printer engine (140) via the engine I / F (166), The controller (150) transfers the video signal to the printer engine (140) in synchronization with the output of the command signal. Then, the printer engine (140) prints the video signal transferred from the controller (150) on the transfer paper based on the printing conditions set by the host computer (110). That is, the printer engine (140) prints “print data” sent from the host computer (110) according to the printing conditions. The processing in the case of temporarily stopping the processing of "data for Printout" will be stored the data developed in the bit map on the RAM.

(Control action when memory is full)
Next, a control operation in the image forming apparatus (100) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case where a print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) is forcibly started when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control action of.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step S1) and determines that a new print job has been submitted, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly submitted job. The process is started (step S2). Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step S3). If it is determined that a memory full has occurred (step S3 / Yes), The expansion process of the print data of the input job is temporarily stopped (step S4).

Next, the controller (150) retrieves and acquires the oldest print job from the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), and prints the retrieved and acquired oldest print job. Data print processing is forcibly started, and print data for the oldest print job is printed (step S5).

  The image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment has a management table as shown in FIG. 3, and is temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. The oldest print job is searched from the print jobs that are currently stored.

  The management table shown in FIG. 3 manages print jobs in the image forming apparatus (100). The management numbers “1, 2, 3” are in the order in which the print jobs are input to the image forming apparatus (100). ,..., The order of input of each print job is managed. In the management table shown in FIG. 3, the print job status “stopped, printing, waiting for printing, developing, etc.” is managed together with the order of input of the printing jobs.

Based on the management table shown in FIG. 3, the controller (150) is assigned the oldest “management number” among the print jobs whose “status” is “stopped” in the image forming apparatus (100). The print job acquired from the management table is determined as the oldest print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), and the oldest print job is determined. It becomes the print process of print data of the print job to the line Ukoto. As a result, the amount of information in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced by the amount of print data of the print job that has undergone the printing process in step S5. Note that the management table shown in FIG. 3 is an example. If the “input order” of each print job can be managed, the “input order” of each print job can be managed using any table configuration. Is possible.

  Next, the controller (150) restarts the input job that was temporarily stopped in step S4 (step S6), and performs the expansion process of the print data of the input job again (step S2). If it is determined that no memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (No in step S3), the print processing of the print data of the input job that has been expanded in step S2 is performed. (Step S7).

As described above, when the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present exemplary embodiment determines that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) while performing the printing process of the newly input job. In addition, the development processing of the newly submitted job is temporarily stopped, and the print processing is forcibly started from the oldest print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). With this control, it is possible to cancel the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) and perform printing processing for a newly submitted job.

Further, by controlling to restart the printing process from the oldest print job in the image forming apparatus (100), the order of the print jobs input into the image forming apparatus (100) is not changed. It becomes possible to eliminate the memory full. In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), only the oldest print job in the image forming apparatus (100) is forcibly started. It is also possible to make it.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The image forming apparatus (100) according to the first embodiment is based on the management table shown in FIG. 3 and is the oldest print job whose “status” is “stopped” in the image forming apparatus (100). Searching and acquiring are performed in order from the print job to which the “management number” is assigned, and the print processing is forcibly started from the searched and acquired print job. The image forming apparatus (100) in the second embodiment is As shown in FIG. 4, based on the management table for recording and managing the “input date and time” of the print job, the print job from among the print jobs whose “state” is “stopped” in the image forming apparatus (100). Searching and acquiring are performed in order from the earliest “input date and time” print job, and control is performed to forcibly start the printing process from the searched and acquired print job.

  As a result, as in the first embodiment, the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) can be eliminated, and the newly submitted job can be printed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, by managing the “input date and time” of the print job, it becomes possible to manage detailed information regarding the print job. The management table shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and if it is possible to manage the “input date / time” of each print job, the “input date / time” of each print job should be managed using any table configuration. Is possible.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus (100) of the first embodiment is newly inserted when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step S3 / Yes). The print processing of the input job is temporarily stopped (step S4), and in step S5, the print processing is forcibly started from the oldest print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). However, when the image forming apparatus (100) of the third embodiment determines that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) as shown in FIG. 5 (step S3 / Yes). ) Temporarily stop the printing process of the newly submitted job (step S4), and in step S5, submit all the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). Characterized forcibly be controlled to start the printing process.

As a result, all the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) are forcibly started in the order of input, and the order of input of the print jobs to the image forming apparatus (100) is not lost. The memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reliably eliminated. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, after the input job is resumed in step S6, in step S3, the print processing of the input job in step S7 is performed without performing the processing for determining whether or not the memory is full. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing. When all print jobs that have been temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) are forcibly started in the order of input, the management tables shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are used.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

The image forming apparatus (100) of the fourth embodiment is temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) when it is determined that memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). Control is performed to forcibly start the printing process from a print job with a large amount of information.

As described above, when the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), the print job having the largest amount of information among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). By forcibly starting, the number of print jobs to be forcibly started when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced as much as possible. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step S1) and determines that a new print job has been submitted, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly submitted job. The process is started (step S2). Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step S3). If it is determined that a memory full has occurred (step S3 / Yes), The print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step S2 is temporarily stopped (step S4).

Next, the controller (150) retrieves and acquires the print job with the largest amount of information from among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), and retrieves and acquires the largest information amount. The print processing of the print data of the print job with the large amount of data is forcibly started, and the print processing of the print data of the print job with the largest amount of information is performed (step S5).

  Note that the image forming apparatus (100) in the fourth embodiment has a management table as shown in FIG. 7, and is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. The print job with the largest amount of information is searched from the stopped print jobs.

  The management table shown in FIG. 7 manages print jobs in the image forming apparatus (100), and manages the “occupied memory amount” occupied by the information amount of each print job in the image forming apparatus (100). Will do. In the management table shown in FIG. 7, the “occupied memory amount” of the print job and the status of the print job “stopped, printing, waiting for printing, developing, etc.” are managed.

Based on the management table shown in FIG. 7, the controller (150) has the largest “occupied memory amount” among the print jobs whose “state” corresponds to “stop” in the image forming apparatus (100). The print job is searched and acquired, and the print job searched and acquired from the management table is determined as the print job with the largest amount of information among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). The print data of the print job with the largest amount of information is printed. As a result, the amount of information in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced by the amount of information of the print job that has undergone the printing process in step S5. In addition, since the print job is forcibly started from a large amount of information, the amount of information in the image forming apparatus (100) can be greatly reduced by a single process. Note that the management table shown in FIG. 7 is an example. If the “occupied memory amount” of each print job can be managed, the “occupied memory amount” of each print job can be managed using any table configuration. It is possible to do.

  Next, the controller (150) restarts the input job that was temporarily stopped in step S4 (step S6), and performs the expansion process of the print data of the input job again (step S2). If it is determined that no memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (No in step S3), the print processing of the print data of the input job that has been expanded in step S2 is performed. (Step S7).

As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) of the fourth embodiment temporarily stops printing in the image forming apparatus (100) when the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). among the job, by so as to initiate forced from more print job with most amount of information, printing when the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) is generated, so that the initiate forced It is possible to reduce the number of jobs as much as possible.

It should be noted that the control operation shown in FIG. 6 is forcibly started from the print job having the largest amount of information among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) in step S5. However, it is also possible to control to start only one print job with the largest amount of information. In addition, the print job is forcibly started in order from the print job with the largest amount of information, and the print job with the largest amount of information is forcibly started until it is determined that the information amount in the image forming apparatus (100) secures a predetermined amount of information. It is also possible to start it.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

The image forming apparatus (100) according to the fifth embodiment is temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). Control is performed to forcibly start print processing from a print job with a small amount of information.

As described above, when the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), the print job with the smallest amount of information is temporarily stopped among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). By forcibly starting, it is possible to reduce the load of control operation when forcibly starting a print job when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). It is possible to eliminate memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) while suppressing the influence on the forming apparatus (100) itself as much as possible. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus (100) of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step S1) and determines that a new print job has been submitted, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly submitted job. The process is started (step S2). Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step S3). If it is determined that a memory full has occurred (step S3 / Yes), The print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step S2 is temporarily stopped (step S4).

Next, the controller (150) searches for and acquires the print job with the smallest amount of information from among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), and searches for and acquires the largest amount of information obtained by the search and acquisition. The print processing of the print data of the print job with the least amount of data is forcibly started, and the print processing of the print data of the print job with the least amount of information is performed (step S5).

  Note that the image forming apparatus (100) in the fifth embodiment has a management table as shown in FIG. 7, and is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. The print job with the smallest amount of information is retrieved from the stopped print jobs.

  The management table shown in FIG. 7 is for managing print jobs in the image forming apparatus (100). The “occupied memory amount” occupied by the amount of print data of each print job in the image forming apparatus (100). Will be managed. In the management table shown in FIG. 7, the “occupied memory amount” of the print job and the status of the print job “stopped, printing, waiting for printing, developing, etc.” are managed.

Based on the management table shown in FIG. 7, the controller (150) has the smallest “occupied memory amount” among print jobs whose “state” corresponds to “stop” in the image forming apparatus (100). A print job is acquired, and the print job acquired from the management table is determined as the print job with the smallest amount of information among print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). The print processing of the print data of the print job having a small number information amount is performed.

As a result, the information amount of the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced by the information amount of the print job that has undergone the printing process in step S5. In addition, since the print job is forcibly started from a small amount of information, the amount of information in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced without imposing a load on the image forming apparatus (100). Become.

  Next, the controller (150) restarts the input job that was temporarily stopped in step S4 (step S6), and performs the expansion process of the print data of the input job again (step S2). If it is determined that no memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (No in step S3), the print processing of the print data of the input job that has been expanded in step S2 is performed. (Step S7).

As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the fifth embodiment temporarily stops printing in the image forming apparatus (100) when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). By forcibly starting a print job with the least amount of information in the job, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), a load is imposed on the image forming apparatus (100). Since the amount of information in the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced without spending time, the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) is eliminated while suppressing the influence on the image forming apparatus (100) itself. It becomes possible to do.

Note that the control operation shown in FIG. 8 is forcibly started from the print job with the least amount of information among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) in step S5. However, it is also possible to control to start only one print job with the smallest amount of information. Further, the print job is forcibly started in order from the print job with the smallest amount of information, and the print job with the small amount of information is forcibly started until it is determined that the information amount in the image forming apparatus (100) secures a predetermined amount of information. It is also possible to start it.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

The image forming apparatus (100) according to the sixth embodiment temporarily stops the print job in the image forming apparatus (100) when it is determined that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). The image forming apparatus (100) is controlled such that the print processing is forcibly started from a low-priority print job to be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100).

As described above, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), the print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) is included in the image forming apparatus (100). By forcibly starting a low-priority print job that is to be temporarily stopped, a print job is forcibly started when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). However, a print job with a high priority can be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), and the influence of the print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) on the user is minimized. It becomes possible to do. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus (100) of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step S1) and determines that a new print job has been submitted, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly submitted job. The process is started (step S2). Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step S3). If it is determined that a memory full has occurred (step S3 / Yes), The print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step S2 is temporarily stopped (step S4).

Next, the controller (150) has the highest priority among the print jobs that are temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) and that is desired to be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). Search for and acquire a low-level print job, forcibly start print processing for the print job with the lowest priority that has been retrieved and acquired, and perform print processing for print data with the lowest-priority print job (Step S5).

  Note that the image forming apparatus (100) in the sixth embodiment has a management table as shown in FIG. 10, and based on the management table shown in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus (100) temporarily. The print job with the lowest priority is searched from the stopped print jobs.

  The management table shown in FIG. 10 is for managing print jobs in the image forming apparatus (100), and managing “priorities” that are to be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). Become. The “priority” can be arbitrarily set by the user from the operation panel (130) of the image forming apparatus (100). As a result, the “priority” can be managed for each user in the management table. The management table shown in FIG. 10 also manages the “priority” of the print job and the status of the print job “stopped, printing, waiting for printing, developing, etc.”.

Based on the management table shown in FIG. 10, the controller (150) prints with the lowest “priority” among the print jobs whose “status” corresponds to “stop” in the image forming apparatus (100). The job is acquired, and the print job acquired from the management table is determined as the print job with the lowest priority among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). The print processing of the print data of the lowest print job is performed.

  As a result, the information amount of the image forming apparatus (100) can be reduced by the information amount of the print job that has undergone the printing process in step S5. Note that the management table shown in FIG. 10 is an example. If the “priority” of each print job can be managed, the “priority” of each print job can be managed using any table configuration. Is possible.

  Next, the controller (150) restarts the input job that was temporarily stopped in step S4 (step S6), and performs the expansion process of the print data of the input job again (step S2). If it is determined that no memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (No in step S3), the print processing of the print data of the input job that has been expanded in step S2 is performed. (Step S7).

As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the sixth embodiment temporarily stops the image forming apparatus (100) in the image forming apparatus (100) when it is determined that the memory is full in the image forming apparatus (100). By controlling the print processing to be started forcibly from a low-priority print job to be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), By setting a high priority for a print job, even if the print job is forcibly started when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), a print job with a high priority is formed. It is possible to pause in the apparatus (100), and it is possible to reduce the degree of influence of the print job paused in the image forming apparatus (100) on the user as much as possible.

Note that the control operation shown in FIG. 9 is forcibly started from the print job with the lowest priority among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) in step S5. However, it is also possible to control to start only one print job having the lowest priority. In addition, the print job is forcibly started from the print job with the lowest priority, and the print job with the smallest information amount is forcibly started until it is determined that the information amount in the image forming apparatus (100) secures the predetermined information amount. It is also possible to start . It is also possible to control to forcibly start all print jobs with low priority.

Further, the “priority” managed by the management table shown in FIG. 10 is applied to the image forming apparatus (100) of the fourth and fifth embodiments, for example, the image forming apparatus (100 of the fourth embodiment). In the control operation in (), when the print job having the largest amount of information is forcibly started from the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100), When there are a plurality of print jobs, it is possible to construct a print job that can be forcibly started first based on the “priority”.

In the control operation in the image forming apparatus (100) of the fifth embodiment, the print job with the smallest amount of information is forcibly stopped from the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). when to start to, if the amount of information the same print job there are a plurality, based on the "priority", it will be constructed so as to select a print job to start forced ahead. In this way, the print job to be forcibly started is selected using the “occupied memory amount” managed by the management table shown in FIG. 7 and the “priority” managed by the management table shown in FIG. It is also possible to do.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.

When the image forming apparatus (100) of each of the above-described embodiments determines that the memory is full in the image forming apparatus (100), the print job is temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). printing processes have been controlled so as to force the start of, when the seventh image forming apparatus of an embodiment of (100), memory full is determined to have occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), the image forming Control is performed to forcibly discard a print job temporarily stopped in the apparatus (100).

  As a result, the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) can be eliminated and the newly submitted job can be printed.

For example, in the image forming apparatus (100) of the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), the image is displayed in step S5. Control is performed so that the print processing is forcibly started from the oldest print job among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the forming apparatus (100). As shown in FIG. If it is determined that a memory full has occurred in (100), in step S5, the oldest print job is forcibly stopped among the print jobs temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). It is also possible to control such that it is discarded.

In the image forming apparatus (100) of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), in step S5, the image forming apparatus (100) 100), all the print jobs temporarily stopped in 100) are controlled to forcibly start print processing in the order of input. However, as shown in FIG. If it is determined that it has occurred, it is possible to control in step S5 to forcibly discard all print jobs that have been temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) in the order of input.

In the image forming apparatus (100) of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), in step S5, the image forming apparatus (100) 100), the print processing is controlled to be forcibly started from the print job with the largest amount of information temporarily stopped in 100). However, as shown in FIG. When it is determined that the full has occurred, it is possible to control to forcibly discard the print job with the largest amount of information temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) in step S5. It is.

Further, in the image forming apparatus (100) of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), the image forming apparatus (100) in the image forming apparatus (100). Control was made to forcibly start the printing process from the print job with the least amount of information temporarily stopped, but a memory full occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) as shown in FIG. In the case where it is determined that the print job is determined, it is possible to control to forcibly discard the print job with the smallest amount of information temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100).

In the image forming apparatus (100) of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), the image forming apparatus (100) In the print job temporarily stopped, the print processing is forcibly started from the low priority print job which is to be temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). As shown in FIG. 15, when it is determined that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), the image is displayed in the print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). It is also possible to control to forcibly discard a low-priority print job to be temporarily stopped in the forming apparatus (100).

  In this way, when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), control is performed to forcibly discard a print job that has been temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). Even in the same manner as in the image forming apparatus (100) of the first to sixth embodiments described above, the memory full in the image forming apparatus (100) is eliminated, and the newly input job is printed. It becomes possible.

When it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), control is performed to forcibly start print processing of a print job that has been temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). And a function to forcibly discard a print job temporarily stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) when it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is also possible to control so as to cancel the memory full using any of the functions when the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). In this case, it is also possible for the user to arbitrarily set whether to perform control so as to eliminate the memory full using any function from the operation panel (130) of the image forming apparatus (100).

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the eighth embodiment is characterized by notifying the operation panel (130) of the image forming apparatus (100) that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is. As a result, it is possible to notify the operation panel (130) that memory full has occurred and to prompt the user who is using the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus (100) of the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step A1) and determines that a new print job is input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step A2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step A2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step A6).

  If the controller (150) determines that the print job expansion process for the input job has not been completed (step A2 / No), the controller (150) determines whether a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step A3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step A3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step A2 is temporarily stored. Stop and display on the operation panel (130) that memory full has occurred (step A4). As a result, it is possible to prompt the user around the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step A5). If it is determined that a memory full has not occurred (step A5 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step A2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step A2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step A2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step A6).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment notifies the operation panel (130) of the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), whereby an image is displayed. It is possible to prompt the user who is using the forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  For example, in order to prioritize a rush print job, the print job is paused in the image forming apparatus (100) capable of pausing the print job for the purpose of overtaking subsequent print jobs. If the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) during this time, the next process cannot be performed. Therefore, the image forming apparatus (100) of the present embodiment notifies the user who is using the image forming apparatus (100) to the next by notifying the operation panel (130) that the memory is full. It is possible to prompt the processing and start the next processing.

(Ninth embodiment)
Next, a ninth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the ninth embodiment notifies the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) that memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is what. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus (100) of the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step B1) and determines that a new print job is input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing for the print data of the input job has been completed (step B2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step B2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step B6).

Further, when the controller (150) determines that the print data expansion process for the input job has not been completed (step B2 / No), it is determined whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step B3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step B3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step B2 is temporarily stored. stopping the effect that the memory full occurs, it notifies the image forming apparatus (100) and connected host computer (110) (step B4). Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step B5). If the controller (150) determines that a memory full has not occurred (step B5 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step B2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step B2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step B2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step B6).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment notifies the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory is full in the image forming apparatus (100). Thus, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

(Tenth embodiment)
Next, a tenth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the tenth embodiment is configured such that when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), and it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed, The host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) is notified that the memory full has occurred in (100).

  As a result, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100), if it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100). ) Can be notified to the effect that memory full has occurred, so unnecessary notification can be avoided. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus (100) of the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step C1) and determines that a new print job has been input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step C2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step C2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step C8).

  Further, when the controller (150) determines that the print data expansion processing for the input job has not ended (step C2 / No), it determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step C3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step C3 / Yes), the process waits for a predetermined time (step C4).

  The controller (150) again determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step C5), and determines that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). In this case (step C5 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step C2 is temporarily stopped, and the fact that memory full has occurred is connected to the image forming apparatus (100) and the host computer ( 110). Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The controller (150) can also display on the operation panel (130) that memory full has occurred.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step C7). If it is determined that a memory full has not occurred (step C7 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step C2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step C2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion process of the print data of the input job has been completed (step C2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print process of the print data of the input print job. (Step C8).

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment determines that the memory full cannot be resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed when the memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100). When memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) by notifying the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the forming apparatus (100) In addition, when it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the user of the host computer (110) connected to the image forming apparatus (100) is notified that the memory full has occurred. As a result, unnecessary notifications can be avoided.

(Eleventh embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) in the eleventh embodiment indicates that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), and the host computer (110) of the user who has transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100). ). Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user who has transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The image forming apparatus (100) of the eleventh embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step D1) and determines that a new print job is input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing for the print data of the input job has been completed (step D2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion process of the print data of the input job has been completed (step D2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print process of the print data of the input print job. (Step D7).

  Further, when the controller (150) determines that the print job expansion processing for the input job has not been completed (step D2 / No), it determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step D3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step D3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step D2 is temporarily stored. Stop. Then, based on the management table shown in FIG. 20, the controller (150) identifies the “user ID” that transmitted the “print job” to the image forming apparatus (100), and the identified “user ID”. Based on the “connection information”, the host computer (110) is notified that a memory full has occurred.

  In the management table shown in FIG. 20, “print job”, “user ID”, and “connection information” are managed. The “print job” is a print job transmitted to the image forming apparatus (100). The “user ID” is used to manage the user who transmitted the “print job” to the image forming apparatus (100). The “connection information” is used when connecting to the host computer (110) notifying that the memory is full.

  The connection information includes an IP address and the like. In addition, as long as the connection information is information that can be connected to a device for notifying that a memory full has occurred, any information can be applied as connection information.

  Accordingly, the controller (150) can prompt the user who has transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step D6). If the controller (150) determines that a memory full has not occurred (step D6 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step D2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step D2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion process of the print data of the input job has been completed (step D2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print process of the print data of the input print job. (Step D7).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment indicates that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), and the host computer of the user who has transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100). (110) is notified to the user who has transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100), the next process (for example, the print job transmitted by the user is discarded or another image is transmitted). It is possible to prompt a process such as executing a print job in the forming apparatus.

(Twelfth embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the twelfth embodiment indicates that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), and notifies the host computer of the user whose print job is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). 110). Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user who has stopped the print job in the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The image forming apparatus (100) of the twelfth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step E1) and determines that a new print job is input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing for the print data of the input job has been completed (step E2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has ended (step E2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step E7).

  Also, when the controller (150) determines that the print job expansion process for the input job has not been completed (step E2 / No), it determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step E3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step E3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has undergone the expansion process in step E2 is temporarily stored Stop. Then, the controller (150) identifies the “user ID” of the “print job” stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. 20, and the identified “user ID”. Is notified to the host computer (110) that the memory is full based on the “connection information”.

  In the management table shown in FIG. 20, “print job”, “user ID”, and “connection information” are managed. The “print job” is a print job stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). The “user ID” is for managing a user who has transmitted a “print job” stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). The “connection information” is used when connecting to the host computer (110) notifying that the memory is full.

  The connection information includes an IP address and the like. In addition, as long as the connection information is information that can be connected to a device for notifying that a memory full has occurred, any information can be applied as connection information.

  As a result, the controller (150) can prompt the user who has transmitted the print job stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step E6). If the controller (150) determines that a memory full has not occurred (step E6 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step E2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step E2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has ended (step E2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step E7).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment transmits a print job that is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) to the effect that the memory is full in the image forming apparatus (100). By notifying the host computer (110) of the image forming apparatus (100), the next processing (for example, the print job transmitted by the user is discarded) is transmitted to the user who has transmitted the stopped print job in the image forming apparatus (100). Or a process such as executing a print job in another image forming apparatus).

(13th Embodiment)
Next, an image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the thirteenth embodiment includes a user who is equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). The notification is made to the host computer (110). As a result, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The image forming apparatus (100) of the thirteenth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step F1) and determines that a new print job has been input, the controller (150) develops the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step F2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step F2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step F7).

  If the controller (150) determines that the print job expansion process for the input job has not ended (step F2 / No), the controller (150) determines whether memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step F3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step F3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has been subjected to the expansion process in step F2 is temporarily stored. Stop. Then, the controller (150) specifies “connection information” of the host computer (110) equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. Based on the specified “connection information”, the fact that the memory is full is notified.

  The management table shown in FIG. 23 manages “connection information” for connecting to a host computer on which monitoring software is installed. The connection information includes an IP address and the like. In addition, as long as the connection information is information that can be connected to a device for notifying that a memory full has occurred, any information can be applied as connection information.

  Further, the “connection information” managed by the management table shown in FIG. 23 is stored in the image forming apparatus (100) by the host computer (110) having monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100). When the image forming apparatus (100) is inquired to grasp the status, “connection information” is acquired from the inquired host computer (110), and the acquired “connection information” is managed in the management table. It will be.

  As a result, the controller (150) can prompt the user of the host computer (110) equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step F6). If it is determined that a memory full has not occurred (step F6 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step F2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step F2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step F2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step F7).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment is equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) to the effect that the memory is full in the image forming apparatus (100). By notifying the user's host computer (110), the user of the host computer (110) having monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) is prompted to perform the next process. It becomes possible.

  As a result, not only the user who transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100) but also the user of the host computer (110) equipped with monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100). Since it is possible to notify that the memory is full, it is possible to shorten the time during which the processing is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100).

(Fourteenth embodiment)
Next, a fourteenth embodiment will be described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) according to the fourteenth embodiment notifies the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) that memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is characterized by doing. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The image forming apparatus (100) of the fourteenth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step G1) and determines that a new print job has been input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing for the print data of the input job has been completed (step G2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has ended (step G2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step G7).

  Further, when the controller (150) determines that the print data expansion process for the input job has not been completed (step G2 / No), it determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step G3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step G3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has undergone the expansion process in step G2 is temporarily stored. Stop. Then, the controller (150) specifies “connection information” of the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. 23, and the specified “connection information”. Based on the above, it is notified that a memory full has occurred.

  The management table shown in FIG. 23 manages “connection information” for connecting to the host computer (110) existing in the periphery of the image forming apparatus (100). The connection information includes an IP address and the like. In addition, as long as the connection information is information that can be connected to a device for notifying that a memory full has occurred, any information can be applied as connection information.

  In the management table shown in FIG. 23, “connection information” relating to the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) is acquired in advance and managed in the management table.

  Accordingly, the controller (150) can prompt the user of the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step G6). If the controller (150) determines that a memory full has not occurred (step G6 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step G2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step G2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has ended (step G2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step G7).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment indicates that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100), and the user's host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100). , It is possible to prompt the user of the host computer (110) existing around the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  As a result, not only a user who has transmitted a print job to the image forming apparatus (100) but also a user of a peripheral host computer (110) who normally uses the image forming apparatus (100) has full memory. Since it is possible to notify that it has occurred, the time during which processing is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100) can be shortened.

(Fifteenth embodiment)
Next, a fifteenth embodiment is described.

  The image forming apparatus (100) in the fifteenth embodiment notifies the host computer (110) of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is characterized by notifying. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process. The image forming apparatus (100) of the fifteenth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, when the controller (150) receives the print data (step H1) and determines that a new print job is input, the controller (150) expands the print data of the newly input job. Start processing. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step H2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step H2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step H6).

  Also, when the controller (150) determines that the print job expansion process for the input job has not been completed (step H2 / No), it determines whether or not a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). If it is determined (step H3) and it is determined that a memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) (step H3 / Yes), the print data of the input job that has undergone the expansion process in step G2 is temporarily stored. Stop. Then, the controller (150) identifies “connection information” of the host computer (110) of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) based on the management table shown in FIG. ”To notify that a memory full has occurred (step H4).

  The management table shown in FIG. 23 manages “connection information” for connecting to the host computer (110) of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100). The connection information includes an IP address and the like. In addition, as long as the connection information is information that can be connected to a device for notifying that a memory full has occurred, any information can be applied as connection information.

  In the management table shown in FIG. 23, “connection information” regarding the host computer (110) of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) is set in advance.

  Accordingly, the controller (150) can prompt the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Next, the controller (150) determines whether or not a memory full has occurred (step H5). If the controller (150) determines that a memory full has not occurred (step H5 / No), the controller (150) proceeds to step H2. The input job that has been temporarily stopped is resumed, and the print data expansion processing for the input job is performed again. Then, the controller (150) determines whether or not the print data expansion process has been completed (step H2).

  Next, when the controller (150) determines that the expansion processing of the print data of the input job has been completed (step H2 / Yes), the controller (150) performs the print processing of the print data of the input print job. (Step H6).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus (100) in the present embodiment notifies the host computer (110) of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). In response to this notification, it is possible to prompt the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) to perform the next process.

  Thus, not only the user who transmitted the print job to the image forming apparatus (100) but also the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) can be notified that the memory full has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time during which the processing is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100).

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, the function in the tenth embodiment described above can be applied to the above-described eleventh to fifteenth embodiments.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) (step I3 / Yes), a certain time elapses. However, if it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved (steps I4, I5 / Yes), a print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (100) indicating that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). It is possible to notify the host computer (110) of the user who has made (steps I6 and I7).

  In the image forming apparatus (100) according to the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, when a memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) (step J3 / Yes), a certain time has elapsed. If it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved (steps J4, J5 / Yes), the fact that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) is stopped in the image forming apparatus (100). Can be notified to the host computer (110) of the existing user (steps J6 and J7).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the thirteenth embodiment has passed a certain time when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) (step K3 / Yes). If it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved (steps K4, K5 / Yes), the monitoring software for monitoring the image forming apparatus (100) that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) is provided. Notification can be made to the host computer (110) of the installed user (steps K6 and K7).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the fourteenth embodiment passes a certain time when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) (step L3 / Yes). If it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved (steps L4 and L5 / Yes), the fact that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100) is notified by the host computer ( 110) (steps L6 and L7).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the image forming apparatus (100) according to the fifteenth embodiment has passed a certain time when memory full occurs in the image forming apparatus (100) (step M3 / Yes). If it is determined that the memory full cannot be resolved (steps M4, M5 / Yes), the host computer of the administrator who manages the image forming apparatus (100) indicates that the memory full has occurred in the image forming apparatus (100). (110) can be notified (step M6).

  In addition, the control operation in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment described above can be executed by software such as a computer program instead of a hardware configuration, and the above program is stored in an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, It is also possible to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the above-described control operation by recording on a magneto-optical recording medium or a recording medium such as a semiconductor and causing the image forming apparatus to read the program from the recording medium. It is also possible to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the control operation described above by causing the image forming apparatus to read the program from an external device connected via a predetermined network.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration of a management table used for a control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration of a management table used for a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration of a management table used for a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration of a management table used for a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. 14 is a first flowchart illustrating a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. 14 is a second flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment. 15 is a third flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment. 10 is a fourth flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment. 14 is a fifth flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the seventh embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the eighth embodiment. 20 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the ninth embodiment. 18 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the tenth embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration example of a management table used for a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus of a twelfth embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a table configuration example of a management table used for a control operation in an image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth embodiment. 19 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the fourteenth embodiment. 21 is a flowchart showing a control operation in the image forming apparatus of the fifteenth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus to which the tenth and eleventh embodiments are applied. 14 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus to which the tenth and twelfth embodiments are applied. 14 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus to which the tenth and thirteenth embodiments are applied. 18 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus to which the tenth and fourteenth embodiments are applied. 18 is a flowchart showing a control operation in an image forming apparatus to which the tenth and fifteenth embodiments are applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Host computer 120 Network 130 Operation panel 140 Printer engine 150 Controller 160 Host I / F
162 Network I / F
164 Operation panel I / F
166 Engine I / F
168 Program ROM
170 Font ROM
172 CPU
174 RAM
176 NV-RAM
178 Optional RAM
180 hard disk

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus having a control unit and a RAM used as a work memory of the control unit,
While the input job for preferentially performing the printing process is input in the image forming apparatus and the print data is being expanded in the RAM in the RAM , the control unit has a memory full in the RAM . In the case of occurrence of a print job, the expansion of the print data of the input job is temporarily stopped and the print processing is temporarily stopped in the RAM in order to preferentially execute the print processing of the input job. An image forming apparatus comprising: a print job execution unit that searches for at least the oldest print job in the order of input from the start and starts print processing of the oldest print job in the order of input. The print job execution means includes
At least find the print job of the earliest-on time from among the print jobs is stopped temporarily print processing in the RAM, and means for initiating the printing process of the print job of the earliest-on date The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The print job execution means includes
Wherein at least find more print job with most amount of information temporarily print process in RAM from among the print jobs is stopped, it means for initiating a printing of more print jobs of the most amount of information The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has an image forming apparatus. The print job execution means includes
At least find the small print job with most information amount from among the print jobs is stopped temporarily print processing in the RAM, and means for initiating a printing process of a small print job with the most amount of information The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image forming apparatus according to claim 1; 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job execution unit performs a print process of the print job until a memory full does not occur in the RAM . 6. An image forming control method performed by an image forming apparatus having a control unit and a RAM used as a work memory of the control unit ,
The closing job for preferentially print processing in the image forming apparatus is turned on, the expansion process of the print data of the closing job while performing in the RAM, when the memory full occurs in said RAM, The print data expansion process of the input job is temporarily stopped, and the print job is temporarily stopped in the RAM in order to preferentially execute the print process of the input job. The image forming control method is characterized in that the control unit performs a print job execution step of searching for at least an old print job and starting print processing of the oldest print job in the order of input. An image forming control program to be executed by an image forming apparatus having a control unit and a RAM used as a work memory of the control unit ,
The closing job for preferentially print processing in the image forming apparatus is turned on, the expansion process of the print data of the closing job while performing in the RAM, when the memory full occurs in said RAM, The print data expansion process of the input job is temporarily stopped, and the print job is temporarily stopped in the RAM in order to preferentially execute the print process of the input job. An image formation control program for causing the control unit to execute a print job execution process for searching at least an old print job and starting a print process for the oldest print job in the input order.

Images