JP2000263898A - Apparatus and system for forming image and apparatus and method for controlling and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a productivity of jobs to be output by managing printing requests input by each input means as independent jobs, setting a priority of the jobs for each input means and controlling to output image data to an image- forming means according to the priority and a use state of a paper discharge process device. SOLUTION: A copy control part 2, a FAX control part 3 and a PDL print control part 4 are controlled by a job management part 1 in a control part 100 of the image-forming apparatus. When a user mode key of an operation part is depressed, a screen showing a list of user modes is displayed to a liquid crystal display part. A screen for entering a mode of setting a priority of prints or a mode of setting a special tray is also displayed. For example, when the priority is set in an order from a copy job to a FAX job to a print job, the print job is interrupted when a start request for the copy job is sent to the job management part 1 during the execution of the print job, and the copy job is executed with priority.

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 for forming an image on a sheet based on input data, and
The present invention relates to an image forming system, a control device and a method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Copiers, facsimile machines and printers have been used as stand-alone units. However, in recent years, as networks have become widespread, a mechanism has been built in which a plurality of users can supply a printer, and there is an increasing need to share a copier and a facsimile.

[0003] Focusing on a copier, a facsimile, and a printer, any of the printing mechanisms is provided, and if a digital multifunction peripheral that integrates them can be constructed, cost and space are reduced. In fact, such an apparatus or system has been commercialized.

The problem here is how to arbitrate requests for a copy job, a print job based on print data from a host computer, and a facsimile reception job using such an apparatus.

As a conceivable method, a print priority is set in advance by an operation unit or the like, and processing is performed according to the set priority.

[0006]

However, the control of only the print priority set by the operation unit or the like, completely ignores the presence or absence of a paper discharge processing device attached to the image forming apparatus and the function of the paper discharge device. There is a possibility that efficient job management cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control device and a method, and a storage medium which solve the above-mentioned problems.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a control apparatus, a method, and a storage medium for performing an optimum job schedule and improving the productivity of a job to be output. .

[0009]

In order to solve this problem, for example, an image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a sheet processing apparatus can be connected, an image forming unit for recording an image on a recording medium, a storage unit for storing image data, and a plurality of input units for inputting information about image data to be printed out from different paths. An image forming apparatus provided with independent input means, wherein each print request input by each input means is managed as an independent job, and storage control means for storing image data based on the input information in said storage means. Priority setting means for setting the priority of a job for each input means; and information on the setting of the priority setting means and the use state of the paper ejection processing device of the image forming means, and Scheduling means for scheduling output of the image data stored in the storage means to the image forming means.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

Reference numeral 200 denotes an image input device (reader unit) for converting an original into image data. Reference numeral 300 accommodates a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes for executing image forming processing. An image output device (printer unit) 100 for outputting a visible image is a control unit that is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and has various functions. The control unit 100
When a sheet processing apparatus such as a finisher or a sorter is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, the apparatus generally controls these apparatuses including the sheet processing apparatus.

Since the apparatus in the embodiment functions as an image reader, a printer, and a facsimile apparatus, as shown in the figure, a FAX communication control unit 10, a PDL computer interface control unit 14 for connecting to a computer and a LAN, and a A PDL image developing unit 16 for converting information into a visible image; an image memory unit 20 for storing information from the reader unit 200 and temporarily storing information sent from a computer; I have. The image memory unit 20 is an image memory for storing and accumulating images from a reader, a facsimile communication interface, and a computer interface, and rotating the images. This image memory can be expanded, and the mounted state can be determined by a connect signal (not shown) for detecting the mounted state.

The control unit 100 includes a job management unit 1 for managing and controlling the entire job, a copy control unit 2 for controlling a copy function, and a FAX for controlling a FAX function.
The control unit 3 develops code information from a computer into image information, and controls a PDL print control unit 4 that controls printing. Further, an image memory unit 20 for storing information from the reader unit 1 and temporarily storing information sent from a computer is provided.

Here, the copy control unit 2, that is, a control system for functioning as a copier, includes a copy read control unit 5 for controlling reading of an original, and a copy for printing an image read by the copy read control unit 5. A print control unit 6 includes a copy MMI control unit 7 for controlling a copy screen.

A facsimile control unit 3 controls a facsimile reading, a facsimile report, a received image, an image read by the facsimile read control unit 8, and the like. A facsimile communication control unit 10 for controlling transmission and reception of FAX, and a facsimile MMI control unit 11 for controlling a facsimile screen.

The PDL control unit 4 controls the network I / F or the normal printer I / F to receive the print data (PDL data) described in the page description language (PDL). First, a PDL reading control unit 12 for reading the received print data, a PDL print control unit 13 for controlling printing based on the print data described in the PDL, a PDIMMI control unit 15, a PDL image for expanding image data from the PDL data Deployment part 1
6. Note that when the present apparatus functions as an image scanner, the PDLI / F control unit 14 is also used to transmit or output read image data to a requesting host computer.

Further, the image forming apparatus main body of the present embodiment is configured to be connectable to a sheet processing apparatus such as a finisher or a sorter (see FIG. 2). The CPU (not shown) of the control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus main body and the CPU (not shown) of the control unit in the sheet processing apparatus can exchange information via a predetermined communication medium. .

Thus, the control unit 100 provides information on whether the sheet processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, and what type of sheet processing apparatus (for example, a movable type tray, a fixed type tray, etc.). ) Is connected, the presence or absence of a sheet on each tray of the sheet processing apparatus, and which tray is being accessed (that is, which tray is currently being used for which sheet ejection processing is being performed) It is possible to acquire information on whether or not the tray is used, and the information can be managed by the control unit 100. These pieces of information are used when performing the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 described below.

FIG. 5 shows the details of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus and the display contents of the user mode screen in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11A, on this operation surface, various keys (502 to 504 in the figure) and a display unit 501 composed of a dot matrix composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like.
And are arranged. A touch sensor is arranged on the liquid crystal display unit 501, and various key inputs displayed on the liquid crystal operation unit can be input. The liquid crystal display unit 501 displays the state of the apparatus, the number of copies, the magnification, virtual buttons for determining the selected paper, and various operation screens.

A start key 503 is a key for starting copying, and a return key 505 is a key for returning the setting mode to the standard state. Key group 10
Numeral 2 is provided with ten keys 502 from 0 to 9 for inputting the number of copies, zoom magnification, and the like, and a clear key for clearing the input. The density key 505 is a key for increasing / decreasing the density, and the density adjusted by this key is displayed on the display unit 507. A key 506 is a key for turning on / off the automatic density adjustment function and a display portion thereof.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a key for selecting a paper feed stage and an automatic paper selection function. Keys 509, 510, and 512 are the same size and fixed size reduction / enlargement, respectively. A key 514 is a key for setting various image processing modes. A key 513 is a key for setting a double-sided function. A key 516 is a user mode key for setting a function desired by the user.

FIGS. 5B to 5D show setting screens displayed on the operation panel on the operation unit when the user presses the user mode key 516.

FIG. 5B is a screen showing a list of user modes displayed on the operation unit when the user presses the user mode key 516 on the screen of FIG. 5A.
The selection screen for entering either the print priority setting mode or the dedicated tray setting mode is shown. Figure (c)
FIG. 5B shows a setting screen that is displayed when “print priority setting” is selected on the screen of FIG. 5B, and FIG. Tray Settings "
9 shows a designation screen displayed when is selected.
The “special tray setting” is for designating a discharge destination tray for printing for each job (that is, for assigning a tray to be used for each job). Here, a plurality of trays can be selected. These set information are stored in a data storage RAM (not shown) in the control unit 100.

In the present embodiment, on the screen shown in FIG.
The priority order of the jobs in the printer function can be set (the set order is stored and held in a RAM (not shown) unless there is a change).

In the figure, a copy mode job (hereinafter, referred to as a job in a copy mode)
Copy job), facsimile mode job (hereinafter,
FAX job), print mode job (hereinafter PD)
An example is shown in which priorities are set in the order of (L print job). For example, in this setting, if the image forming apparatus 1000 is currently executing a PDL print job and a request to start a copy job is sent to the job management unit 1, the currently executing PDL print job is interrupted. Then, the copy job is preferentially executed. And
When the copy job is completed, the PDL print job is restarted. In this manner, the user can set the priority of the job in each function.

The screen shown in FIG. 5C is the same as that shown in FIG.
Is displayed when the user presses the key 5020 on the screen shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when a sheet processing apparatus, for example, a finishing apparatus 400 or a finishing apparatus 450 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1000 and the sheet processing apparatus has a plurality of trays, FIG. The user can specify a discharge destination for each job on the dedicated tray designation screen shown below.

The drawing shows a case where the image forming apparatus 1000 has three trays, a tray 1, a tray 2, and a tray 3. A recording sheet to be processed as a copy job is discharged to the tray 1 and processed as a FAX job. The recording paper to be processed is set to be discharged to the tray 2, and the recording paper to be processed as a PDL print job is set to be discharged to the tray 3. The screen shown in FIG. 5D is displayed when the key 5021 is pressed by the user on the screen shown in FIG. The set contents are stored and held in a RAM (not shown) in the control unit 100.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the sheet discharge control so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one tray regardless of whether or not the tray is designated by the user in advance. I do.

Further, in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of a sheet processing apparatus (for example, information on whether the finishing apparatus 400 or the finishing apparatus 450 is connected).
And detecting the type of the sheet processing apparatus (for example, information on whether the sheet processing apparatus has a movable or fixed tray),
The processing order of each job (copy job, FAX job, PDL print job) is set based on the detected information on the sheet processing apparatus and the above-described job priority specified by the user via the operation unit (ie, each Perform job scheduling). Then, based on the set processing information, the job management unit 1 controls to sequentially process each job.

FIG. 2 is a sectional structural view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. Control unit 1 in the configuration shown in FIG.
00 is contained in the illustrated electronic circuit board 110,
In the figure, the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 30 are mainly illustrated.
0 indicates the configuration. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation shown in the figure will be described.

<Description of Operation of Document Feeder> Documents face-up stacked on the document stacking section of the document feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the platen glass surface 102. A width regulating plate for regulating the width direction of the document in the document feeding direction is provided on the stacking tray so that the document does not skew during document feeding, and slides vertically in the document feeding direction.

First, a case where the original bundle is separated downward will be described. The original is separated one by one from the lowermost portion of the original bundle by the half-moon roller 303 and the separation roller 304, and the separated original is stopped and conveyed to the exposure position of the platen glass 102 by the conveying roller 305 and the entire belt 306.
Thereafter, image reading starts. After the image reading is completed, the original on the platen glass 102
Then, the original is returned to the uppermost surface of the bundle of originals by the transport rollers 308.

Next, a case where the original bundle is separated upward will be described. The document is separated one by one from the top of the document bundle by the pickup roller 309 and the separation roller 304, and the separated document is stopped by the conveyance roller 305 and the full-surface belt 306 from being conveyed to the exposure position of the platen glass 102. Start. After the image reading is completed, the original on the platen glass 102 is discharged to the external discharge tray by the external discharge roller 310.

In the case of a double-sided document, the document is once guided to the image reading position as described above, and after the image reading is completed, the tip of the document is guided to the bus by switching the rotatable switching flapper 311 so that the entire surface of the document is conveyed to the transport roller 305. The conveyance of the document onto the platen glass 102 by the belt 306 is stopped. That is, the document is reversed by the rotation of the large conveying roller 307. (2) Description of document reading / printing operation When started from the operation unit located on the front of the main unit,
When a document is placed on the document feeder 101, the above-described document feeding operation is performed, and the process waits until the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 102. When the original is directly placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass surface 102, the lamp 1 of the scanner unit is started by the operation unit.
03 lights up, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the original. The reflected light of the original is reflected by mirrors 105 and 1.
06, 107, CCD image via lens 108
An input is made to a sensor 109 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD).

The control unit 100 (electronic circuit board 110)
The image processing set by the various operation units is performed under the control of the copy control unit 2 described above.
Next, an image signal is selected by a selector circuit unit (not shown), and is connected to a memory unit for storing images in the control unit 100, the printer unit 300, and the control unit 100. Printer unit 30
The electric signal connected to 0 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper loading section 204 or the transfer paper loading section 2
The transfer paper is conveyed from 05, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is a fixing unit 2
After being fixed on the transfer paper at 07, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. The electric signal connected to the image memory unit 20 is stored in a compressed image storage unit in the image memory unit 20 by an image compression control unit (not shown). The image once stored in the image memory unit 20 is
The image data is sent to the selector unit again by the image expansion control unit (not shown) and connected to the printer unit 300.

<Description of Operation of Finishing Apparatus 400> A copied sheet (recording medium, recorded sheet) output from the paper discharge unit 208 enters the finisher 400.
The finisher 400 includes a three-bin movable tray 411 that can move in the vertical direction, a tray 408 for temporarily using the tray 411 when the tray 411 cannot be used, and a discharge tray 407 for folding a pamphlet. .
When outputting to the three-bin movable tray 411, the copied sheets are sequentially discharged from the discharge rollers 208 of the main body, enter the conveying rollers 401 of the finisher 400, and are discharged from the discharge rollers 410 to a predetermined tray 411. Is discharged. Also, when staple mode is selected,
When a staple signal is input from the printer unit, the staple device 420 can staple the discharged sheet bundle. The stapling device 402 can be moved in the front / rear direction by a stapling motor (not shown), and can be stapled to an arbitrary position on the transfer paper. Also, when a sheet of another process is output during output to the 3-bin tray, the sheet passes through the transport roller 401, enters the upper path, and is
From 09, it is discharged to a tray 408 to be used temporarily. Further, in the case of pamphlet folding output, the sheet passes through the transport path 403, and the stack section 404 for pamphlet folding.
Will be stacked. The abutment of the stack portion is adjusted according to the size of the sheet. When the pamphlet folding signal is input from the printer unit when the required number of recording papers are stacked, the stapling device 421
Is driven, stapling is performed at the center of the stacked recording papers, the folding control unit 406 pushes the recording paper in the direction of the folding roller 402, folds the recording paper in half with the folding roller 402, and passes through the discharge roller 405. The paper is ejected.

<Explanation of Operation of Finishing Apparatus 450> When the finishing apparatus 450 is mounted on the main body, the transfer paper output from the paper output unit 208 enters the finisher 450. The finisher 450 has fixed trays 451, 452, 453 of three bins. In the case of outputting to the tray 451, the copied sheets are sequentially discharged from the discharge rollers 208 of the main body, enter the conveyance unit of the finisher 455, and set the flapper 454 to the tray 4.
By switching to the direction to output to 51, the discharge rollers 457
Is output. When discharging to the tray 452,
When the flapper 454 is switched to the tray 452 or 453, and the flapper 456 is switched to the tray 452, the paper is output through the paper discharge roller 458. When discharging to the tray 453, use the flapper 4
54 and 456 are switched to the direction of the tray 453, and output via the paper discharge roller 459.

As described above, in a sheet processing apparatus of a fixed tray type, sheets can be discharged to a desired tray only by switching the flapper inside the apparatus. The preparation time for the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the printer unit 300 of the image forming apparatus main body can be used.
Can be switched to a desired tray until the image forming process for one page is completed. Therefore, even if the tray is changed every time one sheet is output, the productivity of the output job does not decrease.

<Description of Double-Sided Printing Operation> Fixing Unit 207
The output paper fixed in the step (2) is switched by the flapper 209 to the roller 211 at the timing from the sensor 21 through the reversing path 212 to reverse the paper transport direction, and to switch the transport direction.
The sheet is conveyed to the transfer sheet stacking section 213 for re-feeding. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-feeding receiving paper stacking section 210, so that the surface of the same output paper,
Two original images can be output on the back side.

<Description of Back-Sheet Discharge Operation> The output sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once transferred to the transport direction switching member 20.
9 is swung to reverse the transport direction of the paper and transport it to the reversing roller 211, and the paper is transported by the transport direction switching member 20.
After passing through No. 9, the reversing roller 211 is rotated in the reverse direction,
The sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 208. A document placed face-up and fed from the document feeder in a top-up separation mode is discharged by the above-described reverse discharge after image formation so as not to impair the order of the document.

<Description of Processing of Job Management Unit> The processing of the job management unit 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing is performed by the ROM in the control unit 100.
This is performed by a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 100 reading and executing a program for executing the processing stored in the (not shown).

First, in step S301, the process waits for a start request for each job (copy, facsimile, PDL print, etc.).
A start request is sent from the FAX control unit 3 for a FAX job, and from the PDL control unit 4 for a PDL print job. If there is a start request, step S30
Proceeds to the process of step S2, and if there is no start request, step S3
Proceed to step 13.

In the process of step S302, the job requested to be started is registered in a job queue (not shown). The job queue will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a case in which there is one job currently being executed (job 600) and two jobs on standby (jobs 601 and 602). Here is a new job 603
When (the job pointer described later is set to NULL) occurs, the job is sequentially searched from the head of the job by the job pointer (information of the seventh item) indicating the connection of the job queue, and the job pointer is set to the NULL pointer. A job (a job 602 in this example) is searched for. The pointer information indicating the data of the new job is stored in the job 60.
2 is set to the job pointer, and the job is registered. When the execution job is completed, the pointer of the job is deleted and reconnected.

Subsequently, in step S303, it is determined whether or not there is a currently operating job. If there is no job, a job start process in step S307 is performed. A job registered from the first job in the job queue shown in FIG. 4 is searched for, and the job is started under the conditions.
The job management unit 1 notifies each control unit of the start of the job.

If there is a job being executed in step S303, the process proceeds to step S304. Step S
At 304, it is determined whether or not a sheet processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, referred to as “present / absent” of the sheet processing apparatus). If there is no sheet processing device, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the priority of the start request job and the currently executing job is determined based on the print priority information specified on the operation unit (the screen of FIG. 5C), and the start request job is determined. If the job has a lower priority than the currently running job (or if no priority is set), step S is executed so as to wait for the running job to end.
It returns to 301 and performs a process. Also, if the start request job has a higher priority than the currently running job,
In step S309, a process for interrupting the job being executed is performed.
The process returns to 301 to perform the processing.

In step S305, the type of the sheet processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus main body is determined whether the tray is a movable type or a fixed type. In the case of a fixed type (for example, the sheet processing device 45)
In step (0), the process proceeds to step S306. If the tray is a fixed type sheet processing apparatus, the image forming can be performed without losing the performance of the image forming, so that even if an operation job already exists, the operation can be performed at the same time, and the scheduling processing for each page can be performed. Step S30
In step 6, a process similar to the process in step S307 described above is performed, and a job is started. As a result, the sheet of the job being output first and the sheet of the succeeding job are discharged alternately one by one to each desired tray. At this time, the job management unit 1 resets the scheduling so that a plurality of jobs are processed in parallel.

On the other hand, if the tray is of a movable type (for example, the sheet processing apparatus 400), the tray is changed for each page (that is, the tray 411 is moved up and down) in order to operate the job simultaneously. There is a need to.
And in such a case, the moving time of the tray is
When the interval exceeds the minimum interval for image formation (that is, the printer unit 3).
If the time required for the image forming process for one page exceeds 00, the performance of image forming is reduced. Therefore, here, in consideration of the above-described case, the process proceeds to step S310 so that a plurality of jobs are not operated at the same time and one of the jobs is controlled to be executed.

The control after step S310 will be described.

In step S310, it is determined whether the stapling mode is in operation. If a staple mode job is running, it cannot be executed because the job is interrupted.
It returns to step S301.

On the other hand, if the job is not a staple mode job, the flow advances to step S311, and based on the print priority information specified by the above-described operation unit (the screen of FIG. 5C), the start request job and the current Determine the priority of running jobs. If the job requested to be started has a lower priority than the currently executing job, scheduling is performed so as to wait for the running job to end, and the process returns to step S301. If the job of the start request has a higher priority than the currently executing job, a process of interrupting the currently executing job is performed in step S312. Then, the subsequent job is executed, and after the job is completed, scheduling is performed to restart the interrupted job, and the process returns to step S301.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which the job management unit 1 has scheduled a job. FIG. 6 shows an example in which a PDL print job output start request is input during execution of a copy job. Here, the copy job and the PDL print job are both 5
It is assumed that a page output is to be performed, and a PDL print job output start request has been input while the second page of the copy job is being output.

In FIG. 6, the pattern (1) shows that the sheet processing apparatus 450 (the tray is fixed) is not connected to the apparatus body, but the sheet processing apparatus 400 (the tray is movable) is connected. This is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management unit 1 when the priority set on the screen of FIG. 5C is copy> PDL. In such a case, the PDL print job for which the output start request has been issued after the copy job has a lower priority than the copy job, so that the PDL print job waits for the end of the copy job that is already being executed. Is scheduled to start.

The pattern (2) shown in FIG. 7 shows that the sheet processing apparatus 450 (the tray is fixed) is not connected to the apparatus main body, but the sheet processing apparatus 400 (the tray is movable) is connected. This is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management unit 1 when the priority set on the screen 5 (c) is copy <PDL. In such a case, the currently executed copy job is interrupted (in the figure, it is indicated that the copy job is interrupted when the sheet on which the image of the second page of the copy job is formed) is output. A PDL print job with a higher priority is also started. The copy job is suspended until the PDL print job ends, and the output process is restarted after the PDL print job ends (in the figure, the output is restarted from the third page of the copy job). ). In the case of pattern (2), scheduling is performed in this manner.

A pattern (3) in the figure is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management section 1 when the sheet processing apparatus 450 (fixed tray) is mounted. In such a case, a plurality of input jobs are scheduled to be processed in parallel regardless of whether or not the priority is set on the screen of FIG. 5C.

For example, in the pattern (3), the PD in which the output start request is made after the copy job output start request is made
The L print job is scheduled and output for each copy job and page. In the example shown in the figure, the output start request of the PDL print job is input during the output of the second page of the copy job.
After the sheet on which the image of the page is formed is discharged to the copy job tray, the sheet on which the image of the first page of the PDL print job is formed is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job. At the next timing, The sheet on which the image of the third page of the copy job is formed is ejected to the tray for the copy job, and at the next timing, the sheet on which the image of the second page of the PDL print job is formed is placed on the tray for the PDL print job. The sheet on which the image of the fourth page of the copy job is formed is discharged to the copy job tray at the next timing, and the third page image of the PDL print job is formed at the next timing. Sheet is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job, and at the next timing, the image of the fifth page of the copy job is formed. Discharging the sheets in the tray for the copy job (copy job at this time is ended),
At the next timing, the sheet on which the image of the fourth page of the PDL print job is formed is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job, and at the next timing, the image of the fifth page of the PDL print job is formed. The sheet is discharged to a tray for a PDL print job. In pattern (3), scheduling is performed in this manner.

While performing a certain job A,
When another job B occurs or when the job B is queued, a message or a mark to that effect may be displayed on the operation unit. Conversely, when the priority of the job B is high and the job A is in the interrupted state, the notification may be similarly performed. In this embodiment, a plurality of jobs having different data input paths, such as a copy mode job and a print mode job, a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job, or a facsimile mode job and a print mode job, are provided. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when a plurality of jobs are input in the same mode,
It goes without saying that the processing as in the present embodiment can be realized. For example, even if an output start request for the second job in the copy mode is input as an interrupt process while the first job in the copy mode is being executed, the process shown in FIG. 3 is performed. Thereby, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

When the administrator needs to make a copy due to an urgent requirement, or when the administrator needs to perform an urgent print on his / her personal computer or the like, the job is temporarily given priority. You may make it the maximum. At the time of copying, information indicating that the user is an administrator (for example, an ID and a password) may be input.
In the case of emergency printing, the same information may be input when printing is performed on the terminal itself.

Further, when a predetermined operation is performed, the status of the interrupted job and the queue may be displayed on the operation unit, and the number of the job at that time may be notified. And if it is an administrator, one of them may be changed to the highest priority.

<Description of Copy Mode Processing> The processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The copy start key 50 is pressed from the operation unit mounted on the main unit.
3 starts, the control according to this processing is performed by the control unit 10.
Performed by 0.

In step S720, a job start request is issued to the job management unit 1. In step S721, a job start response is waited for. Subsequently, in step S701,
A print control task for performing print processing is started. In addition, a message such as "Copying" is displayed on the status display unit 501 of the operation unit. Step S702
In step S703, the originals placed on the original stacking unit of the automatic original feeder 101 are sequentially sent to the original platen 102.
And waits until the original is sent onto the original 102. When the document is sent to the document table 102, a signal indicating completion of document feeding is received from the automatic document feeder 101. At this time, while the document is being conveyed, document size information, document number information, and the like are determined from information such as the length of the document. In step S704, the document size information, the number information, the page information, and the like are stored in a predetermined memory. In step S705, first, a request to read an image is issued to the page management control unit 17, and the process waits for permission to use the memory bus. Page management control unit 1
7 performs control to process requests from copy, facsimile, and PDL on a first-come, first-served basis (step S708).

Here, the processing contents of the page management control unit 17 in step S 708 are image data received from the focused job (in this case, copy processing) (in this case, read original image data). Is stored in the image memory unit 20 in a page unit, and clearly belonging to one job. Simply, when a certain job occurs, a folder (directory) corresponding to the job is created, and an image of each page is stored in the folder (a file name at the time of storage is assigned a sequential number, etc.). Should be taken).

When the process of step S708 is completed, the process returns to step S705, and the process proceeds to step S704.
The reading of the document is started based on the document information set in the step S1 and the image processing mode specified by the operation unit. When the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on and the scanner unit 10
4 moves to irradiate the original. The reflected light of the original is CCD
An image signal input to an image sensor 109 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD) is subjected to image processing based on settings from an operation unit. Next, the image data is sent to an image memory unit 20 managed by a page management control unit 17 via a selector circuit unit (not shown), and is compressed and sequentially accumulated by an image compression / decompression process (not shown). In step S706, it is determined whether there is a document to be read next. If there is no original, the reading operation ends. If there is a document, the process from step S702 is repeated. As shown in FIG. 4, reading is performed sequentially from page 1.

In the print control process, it is determined whether an image has been stored in the image memory unit 20 in the process of step S705 (step S710). If it is not stored, it waits for it to be stored, and if it is stored, the process of step S711 is performed. Step S711
In the processing (1), a print request is issued to the page management control unit 17, and the permission is gradually controlled to start printing. As shown in the figure, a print start process is started. Subsequently, in step S712, it is determined whether the interruption request from the job management unit 1 and the end of the read original are completed, and the process ends if there is an interruption request or if there is no read original. If there is a read manuscript, step S7
Returning to step S10, the processing is repeated.

The control after step S713 will be described. When printing is started, recording paper is fed from a cassette (S713). Image of original is stored in image memory 2
0, and waits for completion of image development (S714).
In the process of S715, the image is formed on the recording paper by outputting the timing section in accordance with the timing, and the recording paper on which the image is formed is discharged outside the apparatus through the main body discharge roller 208. This series of processing is repeated. After all the prints are completed, a message "Copy is possible" is displayed on the status display section 501 of the operation section.

<Description of Processing in PDL Print Mode> Next, processing contents when the apparatus in the embodiment functions as a printer will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the reception of print data from the computer is monitored by the PDL interface control unit 14 (step S801). When print data is received, a job start request is issued to the job management unit 1 in step S820, and a job start response is waited in step S821. Subsequently, in step S802, a task for print control for performing print processing is started (step S802). In step S803, the PDL image development unit 16 converts the information from the computer into a bitmap data in order to convert the information into a visible image. Subsequently, in S804, information for temporarily storing the image created in step S803 in the image memory unit 20 is set, and in step S805, the page management control unit 17 is set.
Is given permission to use the memory for storage, and the image memory 20 in the memory control unit under the page management control unit is received.
To start storing. The file format to be stored at this time is the same as that at the time of the previous copy processing. If the data of the next page exists after the end, step S
The processing after 803 is repeated to accumulate print data from the computer.
That is, the above processing is performed until the reception processing for one print job is completed.

In the print control process, it is determined whether an image has been stored in the image memory unit 20 in the process of step S805 (step S810). If it is not stored, it waits for it to be stored, and if it is stored, the process of step S811 is performed. Step S811
In the process (1), a print request is issued to the page management control unit, and the print start is controlled as soon as the permission is granted.
As shown in the figure, a print start process is started. Subsequently, the end of the original read in step S812 is determined, and if there is an original, the process returns to step S810 to repeat the processing.

The control after step S813 will be described. When printing is started, recording paper is fed from a cassette (step S814). The image of the document is read from the image memory unit 20 and the completion of the image development is waited (step S815). In the process of step S816, the image is formed on the recording paper by outputting the image at the same timing. The sheet is discharged outside the apparatus through the main body discharge roller 208. This series of processing is repeated.

<Description of Facsimile Reception Mode Processing> Next, facsimile reception processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, reception of FAX data is monitored by the FAX communication control section 10 (step S901).
In step S902, the information of the image received by facsimile is set. In step S903, permission for use of the memory for accumulating in the page management control unit 17 is obtained, and the image memory unit 20 in the memory control unit under the page management control unit stores the page unit. Begin to remember. Subsequently, in step S904, it is determined whether the data of the next page exists. If the data exists, the processing from step S902 is repeated, and the data from the communication control unit 10 is accumulated.
Repeat until there is no more received data.

After storing the received image data of all pages in this way, in step S920, a job start request is issued to the job management control unit 1, and a job start response is provided in step S921.

Subsequently, in step S905, a print control task for performing print processing is started.

In the print control process, it is determined whether the received image has been stored in the image memory unit 20 in the process of step S903 (step S91).
0). If not, wait for it to be stored,
If it is stored, the process proceeds to step S911, where a print request is issued to the page management control unit 17, and the print start is controlled as soon as permission is granted. As shown in the figure, a print start process is started. continue,
The end of the read data is determined in step S912, and if there is data, the process returns to step S910 to repeat the processing. The control after step S913 will be described. When printing is started, recording paper is fed from a cassette (step S914). The image of the original is read from the image memory 20 and the completion of the image development is waited (step S915). In the process of step S916, the image is output on the timing and the image is formed on the recording paper. The sheet is discharged outside the apparatus through the sheet discharge roller 208. This series of processing is repeated.

Whether a print request is issued to the page management control unit 17 and the job is immediately permitted depends on the request, the priority of the job being executed at that time, and the state of the paper discharge processing system. Is as described above.

Although not particularly described in the above embodiment, in the case where the apparatus of the embodiment is used for facsimile transmission, and when an original image is read and transmitted, an exclusive copy operation is not performed. It is done on a regular basis. This is because both use the reader unit. However, when a facsimile transmission job is performed after a copy job, if the image storage in the image memory unit 20 in the previous copy job has been completed, a print output process in the copy job and a document for facsimile transmission are performed. Of course, image reading may be performed in parallel. When a document specified by the host computer is transmitted by facsimile, the process up to generation of image data of the document and storage of the document in the image memory unit 20 are the same as those in normal printing. 3, the transmission control is shifted. The facsimile transmission is not related to the printout, and thus is executed in parallel with the printout by another job. As shown in FIG. 1, this is realized by a job management unit 1 that has a copy control unit 2, a facsimile control unit 3, and a PDL control unit 4 that are independent of each other and manage each job. And a page management unit 17 for managing pages.

FIG. 1 is not limited to hardware, but can also be realized by executing a software group for realizing the connection relationship as shown in FIG. 1 in parallel. In the latter case, a printer, image scanner,
The present invention can be realized by a general-purpose information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer) including hardware such as a modem for facsimile transmission. Therefore, it is needless to say that the software may be implemented by being incorporated in the apparatus.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
By determining the priority of the job, whether the sheet processing apparatus is connected, or the type and function of the connected sheet processing apparatus, and performing optimal job scheduling,
This has the effect of improving the productivity of the job to be output.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the device is the same as in the first embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIG.

<Description of Processing of Job Management Unit> The processing of the job management unit 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing is performed by the RO in the control unit 100.
A program for executing the process stored in M (not shown) is read and executed by a CPU (not shown) in the control unit 100.

First, in step S1001, the process waits for a start request for each job (for example, a copy mode job, a facsimile mode job, a PDL print mode job, etc.). A control unit 2, a facsimile control unit 3 for a facsimile job,
In the case of a PDL print job, the PDL control unit 4
A start request comes in each case. If there is a start request, the process proceeds to step S1002; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1013.

When the process proceeds to step S1002, the job for which a start request has been made is registered in the job queue. The job queue will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a case where one job is already being executed and two jobs are waiting. When a new job arrives, the next job is searched from the beginning of the job by the job pointer (information of the seventh item) indicating the connection of the job queue.
A job that becomes a UL pointer is searched for (job 602 in this example). Then, the pointer information indicating the data of the new job 603 (the seventh item is set to NULL) is set in the job pointer (the seventh item) of the job 602, and the job is registered. When the execution job is completed,
Delete the pointer of the job and reconnect. Subsequently, in step S1003, it is determined whether or not there is a currently operating job. If there is no job,
A job start process in step S1007 is performed. FIG.
The registered job is searched for from the first job in the job queue shown in (1), and the job is started under the conditions. The job management unit 1 notifies each control unit of the start of the job.

If it is determined in step S1003 that there is a job being executed, the process advances to step S1004 to determine whether a sheet processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, "YES" in the sheet processing apparatus). / None "). If there is no sheet processing apparatus, the process proceeds to step S1008, and the operation unit (FIG.
Based on the print priority information specified in (c), the priority of the start request job is compared with the priority of the currently executing job, and the priority of the start request job is higher than that of the currently executing job. If the job is low (or if no priority is set), the process returns to step S1001 to execute the process after waiting for the running job to end. If the job of the start request has a higher priority than the currently executing job, a process of interrupting the running job is performed in step S1009, the job can be executed after the interruption, and the process returns to step S1001. Do.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet processing apparatus is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, the process proceeds to step S10.
Proceeding to 05, the connected sheet processing apparatus determines whether the tray is of a movable type or a fixed type. If the tray is a fixed type (for example, the sheet processing apparatus 450), the process proceeds to step S1006. When a fixed-type sheet processing device is connected to the tray, image formation can be performed without losing image forming performance. Therefore, in step S1006, the same processing as the processing in step S1007 described above is performed, and the job is started. As a result, the sheet of the job being output first and the sheet of the succeeding job are discharged alternately one by one to each desired tray. At this time, the job management unit 1 resets the scheduling so that a plurality of jobs are processed in parallel.

On the other hand, when the tray is of a movable type (for example, the sheet processing apparatus 400), the tray is changed for each page (that is, the tray 411 is moved up and down) in order to operate the job simultaneously. There is a need to.
And in such a case, the moving time of the tray is
When the interval exceeds the minimum interval for image formation (that is, the printer unit 3).
If the time required for the image forming process for one page exceeds 00, the performance of image forming is reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiment, even if a sheet processing apparatus having a movable tray is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, a plurality of jobs can be processed without lowering the image forming performance. If the jobs can be processed at the same time, control is performed to process a plurality of jobs in parallel in order to improve the productivity of the job to be output (this will be described later). However, if the job currently being processed is a job in the staple mode, if a plurality of jobs are processed in parallel, there is a risk that sheets up to a subsequently input job will be stapled. Therefore, in order to prevent that, step S1010
To determine whether the stapling mode is in operation. If the job in the staple mode is in operation, the job is interrupted and the job cannot be executed. Therefore, the process returns to step S1001 to execute the process after waiting for the job in operation to end. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1010 that the job currently being processed is not a staple mode job, the process advances to step S1016.

In step S1016, the moving time of the discharge tray used in the currently operating job and the discharge tray used in the print start request job is determined by the image forming process in the printer unit 300. Determine if it falls within the interval and does not affect performance. As a result, if the movement of the tray is completed before the image forming process for one page is completed, the process of step S1006 is performed. That is, step S1
In step 016, a tray (for example, tray 41) from the position of the discharge tray used in the job currently in operation to the position of the discharge tray to be used in the print start request job
It is determined whether the time required for the movement in 1) exceeds the time required for the image forming process for one page.

By the time the leading end of the sheet on which an image has been formed reaches the vicinity of the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus main body (for example, the vicinity of the discharge roller 208), the next job from the tray currently in use is processed. If the transfer to the tray to be used for this purpose is completed, the process may proceed from step S1016 to step 1006.

As described above, when the tray is moved in time, the running job and the print start request job can be processed simultaneously without interrupting the running job. If the processing time is exceeded, step S10
If it is determined in step S16, the process of step S1011 is performed. In step S1011, the operation unit (FIG.
Based on the print priority information specified in (c), the priority of the start request job is compared with the priority of the currently executing job, and the priority of the start request job is higher than that of the currently executing job. If the job is low (or if no priority is set), the scheduling is performed so that the job is executed after the running job is completed, and the process returns to step S1001 to execute the process. If the job of the start request has a higher priority than the currently executing job, a process of interrupting the running job is performed in step S1012, and scheduling is performed so that the job can be executed after the interrupting. To perform the processing.

FIG. 11 shows an example of job scheduling according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example in which a PDL print job output start request is input during execution of a copy job. Here, it is assumed that both the copy job and the PDL print job output five pages, and that the output start request of the PDL print job is input while the second page of the copy job is being output. .

In FIG. 11, the pattern (1) indicates that the sheet processing device 450 (the fixed tray type) is not connected to the apparatus main body, and the priority set on the screen of FIG. Copy> PDL, and a sheet processing apparatus 400 (a movable tray type) is connected,
If the moving time of the tray 411 from the position of the tray used in the copy mode job to the position of the tray to be used in the PDL print mode job is too late,
This is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management unit 1.

In such a case, since the PDL print job has a lower priority than the copy job, the PDL print job waits for the end of the copy job that is already being executed, and is scheduled to start outputting as soon as the copy job ends. The PDL print job in the waiting state is the image forming process itself, and the development into image data and the storage in the image memory unit 20 are performed internally as in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the pattern (2) indicates that the sheet processing apparatus 450 (type with fixed tray) is not connected to the apparatus main body, and the priority set on the screen of FIG. Copy <PDL, and the sheet processing device 400 (with a movable tray type) is connected,
If the moving time of the tray 411 from the position of the tray used in the copy mode job to the position of the tray to be used in the PDL print mode job is too late,
This is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management unit 1.

In such a case, the currently executed copy job is interrupted (in the figure, it is indicated that the copy job is interrupted when the sheet on which the image of the second page of the copy job is formed) is output. P with higher priority than copy job
Start a DL print job. Copy job is P
The print job is suspended until the DL print job is completed.
The output is restarted after the end of the DL print job (in the figure, the output is restarted from the third page of the copy job). In the case of the pattern (2) in FIG. 11, the scheduling is performed in this manner.

In FIG. 11, the pattern (3) corresponds to the case where the sheet processing apparatus 450 (fixed tray type) is mounted or the sheet processing apparatus 400 (movable tray type) is connected. This is for explaining the scheduling performed by the job management unit 1 when the movement time of the tray 411 from the position of the tray used in the job in the mode to the position of the tray to be used in the job in the PDL print mode is in time. is there. In such a case, a plurality of input jobs are scheduled to be processed in parallel regardless of whether or not the priority is set on the screen of FIG. 5C.

For example, in the pattern (3), the PD in which the output start request is made after the copy job output start request is made
The L print job is scheduled and output for each copy job and page. In the example shown in the figure, the output start request of the PDL print job is input during the output of the second page of the copy job.
After the sheet on which the image of the page is formed is discharged to the copy job tray, the sheet on which the image of the first page of the PDL print job is formed is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job. At the next timing, The sheet on which the image of the third page of the copy job is formed is ejected to the tray for the copy job, and at the next timing, the sheet on which the image of the second page of the PDL print job is formed is placed on the tray for the PDL print job. The sheet on which the image of the fourth page of the copy job is formed is discharged to the copy job tray at the next timing, and the third page image of the PDL print job is formed at the next timing. Sheet is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job, and at the next timing, the image of the fifth page of the copy job is formed. Discharging the sheets in the tray for the copy job (copy job at this time is ended),
At the next timing, the sheet on which the image of the fourth page of the PDL print job is formed is discharged to the tray for the PDL print job, and at the next timing, the image of the fifth page of the PDL print job is formed. The sheet is discharged to a tray for a PDL print job. In pattern (3) of FIG. 11, scheduling is performed in this manner.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, even if a sheet processing apparatus having a movable tray is connected to the image forming apparatus main body, scheduling is performed to simultaneously process a plurality of jobs according to the use state of the sheet processing apparatus,
Since a plurality of jobs are processed in parallel, even if a sheet processing apparatus having a fixed tray is not prepared, the productivity of jobs to be output can be improved without lowering the performance of image formation. Therefore, cost performance can be improved.

A plurality of jobs having different data input paths, such as a copy mode job and a print mode job, a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job, or a facsimile mode job and a print mode job. Is described in the second embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that even when a plurality of jobs are input in the same mode, processing as in the present embodiment can be realized. For example, even if an output start request for the second job in the copy mode is input as an interrupt process while the first job in the copy mode is being executed, the same process as the process shown in FIG. 10 is performed. By doing so, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described below. For example, a case in which a sheet processing apparatus having a movable tray is connected to the image forming apparatus main body and the sheet processing apparatus has a large number of trays will be described. Here, 10
It is assumed that a sheet processing apparatus having individual trays is connected to the apparatus main body.

For example, a currently executing job (hereinafter referred to as a first job)
Job), the tray of the sheet processing device used is 1
Assume that the tray is from the 8th tray to the 8th tray. Then, it is assumed that an output request for another job (hereinafter, a second job) is input during the output operation of the first job. In such a case,
The trays that can be used in the second job are the ninth and subsequent trays. In such a case, the time required to move the tray is not enough, so the second job is output after the output of the first job is completed. Are scheduled to start the output of the jobs, and the jobs are processed one by one in order.

On the other hand, it is assumed that, for example, the trays of the sheet processing apparatus used in the first job are only the first tray and the second tray. Assume that an output request for the second job is input during the output operation of the first job. In such a case, the number of trays available for the second job is 3
The following trays. In such a case, if the moving time of the tray is sufficient, after inputting the output request for the second job, the first job and the second job are
Scheduling is performed so as to alternately output each page unit, and these jobs are processed in parallel.

Further, as in the above example, the tray of the sheet processing apparatus used in the first job uses a large number of trays from the first tray to the eighth tray. Alternatively, the first job and the second job may be processed in parallel according to the position of the tray currently being accessed. For example, suppose that an output request for the second job is input during the output operation of the first job, and at that time, the sheets of the first job are discharged to the seventh tray or the eighth tray. In such a case, the position of the ninth tray, which is a tray that can be used in the second job, is very close, so that the time required to move the tray is sufficient. Therefore, even in such a case, scheduling is performed so that the first job and the second job are alternately output for each page unit.
These jobs are processed in parallel.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 performs scheduling in accordance with the use state of the sheet processing apparatus, and processes a plurality of input jobs one by one or alternately in parallel. Was explained,
However, the control unit 100 may control the sheet processing apparatus so that sheets of a plurality of jobs can be alternately discharged.

For example, the sheet processing apparatus 400 is connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and, for example, the first tray of the tray 411 is set on the operation unit (the screen of FIG. Tray 4
It is assumed that the second tray 11 is designated as a dedicated tray for a facsimile mode job, and the third tray 411 is designated as a dedicated tray for a printer mode job. Then, the job in the copy mode (hereinafter, referred to as
Assume that the output operation of the first job is being performed, and an output start request of a job in the printer mode (hereinafter, a second job) is input during the output operation of the job.

In such a case, for example, the tray currently being accessed is a copy mode job tray,
That is, since this is the first tray of the tray 411, there is no time to move the tray 411 to the tray for the printer mode, that is, the third tray of the tray 411. Therefore, in order to process the first job and the second job simultaneously and in parallel, the tray to be used in the second job is determined as the facsimile tray, that is, the second tray of the tray 411. Then, the tray 411 may be controlled to move up and down so that the sheets of the first job and the sheets of the second job can be alternately discharged for each page.

That is, for example, in order to process a plurality of jobs simultaneously in parallel on the operation unit (the screen of FIG. 5D), regardless of whether or not the designation of the tray is set in advance. Sheet processing to determine the position of the tray to be used in the second job input after the first job, and to discharge the sheets of the first job and the sheets of the second job alternately to the respective trays The movement of the tray with respect to the apparatus is controlled. As a method of determining the position of the tray to be used in the second job, for example, the tray located closest to the position of the tray used in the currently operating first job is set in the second job. It may be used as a tray to be used. Further, among the plurality of trays, a tray on which sheets are not stacked and a tray located closest to the position of the tray used in the first job currently being operated is referred to as a second tray. The tray to be used in the job may be used. Such a process is not limited to a movable tray type, but is also applicable to a fixed type sheet processing apparatus.

Further, in the above-described embodiments and the like, as described above, even with a single multifunction peripheral as shown in FIG. 2, peripheral devices (printer, scanner, , Facsimile modem, etc.) and a system for centrally managing it (general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer).

Therefore, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus is stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

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

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and CD.
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

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

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

In the embodiment, the example in which the electrophotographic system using the laser beam is adopted for the printing mechanism has been described.
The printing method is not limited to this, and any printing method (for example, an LED printer, a thermal transfer printer, an ink jet printer, etc.) may be adopted.

Further, the image memory unit 20 shown in FIG.
Stores the page-based image data generated by an unspecified number of multiple jobs.
A large-capacity storage device is desired. In this sense, a storage device such as a hard disk is desired. Further, the image memory section 20 stores image data (images obtained by reading, images decoded when facsimile reception is performed, images after interpretation and image expansion for PDL data). However, a common compression process may be performed at the time of storage regardless of the type of job.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the connection state of the sheet processing apparatus, its type, and the function of the sheet processing apparatus,
By performing the optimal job scheduling based on the usage status and the like, it becomes possible to improve the productivity of the job to be output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional structural view of the device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating job scheduling processing content according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a queue configuration of a job according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel and a transition by the operation according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a job scheduling result in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating copy processing contents in the apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating PDL print processing in the apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a facsimile reception process in the apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a job management process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a scheduling result in the second embodiment.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 E

Claims (45)

[Claims] An image forming means for recording an image on a recording medium, a storage means for storing image data, and information relating to image data to be printed out are input from different paths to which a sheet processing apparatus can be connected. An image forming apparatus including a plurality of independent input means, wherein each print request input by each input means is managed as an independent job, and image data based on the input information is stored in the storage means. Storage control means, priority setting means for setting a priority of a job for each input means, and information set by the priority setting means and a use state of the sheet discharge processing device of the image forming means. Scheduling means for scheduling output of the image data stored in the storage means to the image forming means by each job. Image forming apparatus. 2. The input means includes: first means for inputting image data from a reader unit for reading a document image; second means for inputting a facsimile image via a line; and generating print image data from a host computer. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third unit for inputting print data for performing the operation. 3. The use state of the sheet processing apparatus includes presence / absence of a discharge processing apparatus being used, and a function used by a job being executed when the sheet processing apparatus is used. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. An image forming means for recording an image on a recording medium, a storage means for storing image data, and information about image data to be printed out, which can be connected to a sheet processing apparatus, are inputted from different paths. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of independent input means, wherein each print request input by each input means is managed as an independent job, and image data based on the input information is stored in the storage means. A priority setting step for setting a priority of a job for each input means; information set in the priority setting step; and use of the paper ejection processing device of the image forming means. A scheduling step of scheduling output of the image data stored in the storage unit to the image forming unit by each job based on the state; Method of controlling an image forming apparatus characterized by obtaining. 5. The input means includes: first means for inputting image data from a reader unit for reading a document image; second means for inputting a facsimile image via a line; and generating print image data from a host computer. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising a third unit for inputting print data for performing the operation. 6. The use state of the sheet processing apparatus includes presence / absence of a discharge processing apparatus being used, and a function used by a job being executed when the sheet processing apparatus is used. The method according to claim 4, wherein 7. A sheet processing apparatus is connectable, and image forming means for recording an image on a recording medium, storage means for storing image data, and information on image data to be printed out are inputted from different paths. A storage medium storing computer program code to be executed by an image forming apparatus having a plurality of independent input means, wherein each print request input by each input means is managed as an independent job, and the input information is managed. Storage control means for storing image data in the storage means based on the information, priority setting means for setting a priority of a job for each input means, information set in the priority setting step, and the image forming means The image data stored in the storage unit by each job is transferred to the image forming unit based on the use state of the paper discharge processing device. A storage medium for storing a program code that functions as a scheduler for scheduling an output. 8. An image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units, comprising: input means capable of inputting data of a plurality of jobs; An image forming unit for forming an image thereon; a discharge unit for discharging the image-formed sheet to any one of the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit; the image forming apparatus And a control unit for alternately discharging the input sheets of the plurality of jobs according to the type of the sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a scheduling unit that schedules the plurality of jobs according to a type of a sheet stacking apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. . 10. The type of the sheet stacking device includes a first type in which the plurality of stacking units can be vertically moved and a second type in which the plurality of stacking units cannot be vertically moved. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: 11. When the type of sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus is the first type, the control unit prohibits alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of input jobs, 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the case of the second type, it is permitted to discharge sheets of a plurality of input jobs alternately. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a print mode job. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of jobs are a job in a facsimile mode and a job in a print mode. 15. Based on a preset priority,
Perform the scheduling of the plurality of jobs, according to the type of sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a scheduling unit configured to reschedule the plurality of jobs. 16. An image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units, comprising: input means capable of inputting data of a plurality of jobs; An image forming unit for forming an image thereon; a discharge unit for discharging the image-formed sheet to any one of the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit; the image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to alternately discharge sheets of a plurality of input jobs in accordance with a use state of the sheet stacking apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. 17. The plurality of stacking units are vertically movable, and the discharge unit moves the plurality of stacking units such that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit. Discharging the sheet on which the image is formed to any one of the stacking units; and when a job different from the job in which the sheet discharging process is performed by the discharging unit is newly input, 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the sheets of the plurality of jobs are discharged alternately according to the position of the loading unit being used and the position of the loading unit to be used in a subsequent job. apparatus. 18. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of loading units are moved based on a movement time of the plurality of loading units from a position of the loading unit used in the preceding job to a position of the loading unit to be used in the subsequent job. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein sheets of the job are discharged alternately. 19. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein when the moving time of the plurality of stacking units exceeds the time required for image forming processing for one page in the image forming means, the sheets of the plurality of jobs are alternately discharged. Banned
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein when the moving time of the plurality of loading units is equal to or less than the time required for the image forming process for one page, the discharge of the sheets of the plurality of jobs is permitted. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a print mode job. 22. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of jobs are a job in a facsimile mode and a job in a print mode. 23. Based on a preset priority,
17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a scheduling unit configured to perform scheduling of the plurality of jobs and reschedule the plurality of jobs according to a use state of the sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus. Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 24. A control device of an image forming system having an image forming device connectable to a sheet stacking device having a plurality of stacking units and forming an image on a sheet based on input job data. A discharge unit configured to discharge a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to any one of the plurality of stacking units so as not to mix sheets of a plurality of jobs into one stacking unit; A control unit for alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of jobs in accordance with the type of the sheet stacking apparatus. 25. The type of the sheet stacking device includes a first type in which the plurality of stacking units can be vertically moved and a second type in which the plurality of stacking units cannot be vertically moved. The control device according to claim 24, wherein: 26. When the type of sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus is the first type, the control means prohibits alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of jobs, and 26. The control device according to claim 25, wherein in the case of the type, it is permitted to discharge sheets of a plurality of jobs alternately. 27. The control device according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job. 28. The control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a print mode job. 29. The control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of jobs are a job in a facsimile mode and a job in a print mode. 30. Based on a preset priority,
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a scheduling unit configured to perform scheduling of the plurality of jobs and reschedule the plurality of jobs according to a type of a sheet stacking apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus.
Item 5. The control device according to Item 4. 31. A control device of an image forming system having an image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units and forming an image on a sheet based on input job data, A discharge unit configured to discharge a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to any one of the plurality of stacking units so as not to mix sheets of a plurality of jobs in one stacking unit; and connected to the image forming apparatus. A control unit for alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of jobs in accordance with a use state of the sheet stacking apparatus. 32. The plurality of stacking units are vertically movable, and the discharge unit moves the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit. The control unit causes any one of the stacking units to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed. If a job different from the job in which the discharge unit performs the sheet discharge process is newly input, 32. The control device according to claim 31, wherein sheets of the plurality of jobs are discharged alternately in accordance with the position of the loading unit being used in the step (a) and the position of the loading unit to be used in a subsequent job. . 33. The control unit according to claim 27, wherein the plurality of loading units are moved from a position of the loading unit used in a preceding job to a position of a loading unit to be used in a subsequent job. 33. The control device according to claim 32, wherein sheets of the job are discharged alternately. 34. The control unit, wherein when the moving time of the plurality of loading units exceeds the time required for image forming processing for one page in the image forming apparatus, the sheets of the plurality of jobs are alternately discharged. Banned
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein when the moving time of the plurality of loading units is equal to or less than the time required for the image forming process for one page, it is permitted to discharge the sheets of the plurality of jobs alternately. The control device according to claim 1. 35. The control device according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a facsimile mode job. 36. The control device according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of jobs are a copy mode job and a print mode job. 37. The control device according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of jobs are a job in a facsimile mode and a job in a print mode. 38. Based on a preset priority,
32. A scheduling unit that schedules the plurality of jobs and reschedules the plurality of jobs in accordance with a use state of the sheet stacking device connected to the image forming apparatus. The control device according to Item. 39. A method for controlling an image forming system having an image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units and forming an image on a sheet based on input job data, A discharging step of discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to any one of the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit; and a sheet connected to the image forming apparatus. A method for alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of jobs according to the type of the stacking device. 40. A method for controlling an image forming system having an image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units and forming an image on a sheet based on input job data, An ejection step of ejecting a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to any one of the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit; and connected to the image forming apparatus. A control step of alternately discharging sheets of a plurality of jobs in accordance with a use state of the sheet stacking device. 41. A control device for a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units connectable to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet based on input job data, wherein a plurality of stacking units are provided in one stacking unit. Discharging means for discharging a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus to any of the plurality of stacking units so as not to mix sheets of the job, A control unit for controlling the sheet stacking device so that the sheets can be discharged alternately. 42. When a new job different from the job in which sheet ejection processing is being performed by the ejection unit is newly input, the control unit determines a position of the loading unit used in the preceding job. 42. The control device according to claim 41, further comprising a determination unit that determines a loading unit to be used in a subsequent job. 43. The plurality of stacking units are movable in the up-down direction, and the control unit is configured to: discharge a sheet of the succeeding job to the stacking unit determined by the determination unit; 43. The moving control of the plurality of stacking units, wherein the movement control of the plurality of stacking units is performed so as to alternately repeat the sheet discharging operation of the preceding job to the stacking unit to be used. Control device. 44. The deciding unit, of the plurality of units, is a loading unit on which a sheet is not loaded and a loading unit adjacent to a position of the loading unit being used in the preceding job. 43. The control device according to claim 42, wherein the control unit determines the loading unit to be used in the job. 45. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on input job data,
A method for controlling a sheet stacking apparatus having a plurality of stacking units, wherein a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus is selected from any of the plurality of stacking units so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are not mixed in one stacking unit. And a control step of controlling the sheet stacking apparatus so that sheets of a plurality of jobs input to the image forming apparatus can be alternately discharged. .