JP2000335050A - Imaging apparatus, sheet discharge control method and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sustain data processing while informing occurrence of abnormality to a user efficiently upon occurrence of abnormality in one of plurality of sheet discharge openings by informing occurrence of abnormality to a user and searching other available sheet discharge opening and then performing sheet discharge while informing the user of the searched sheet discharge opening that other user is discharging a sheet. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises an optional sheet feed unit 107, an optional sheet discharge unit 108, an optional control section 106 for generally controlling the optional sheet feed unit 107 and the optional sheet discharge unit 108, and a video controller 103 for searching other available sheet discharge opening upon detection of an abnormality at an objective sheet discharge opening and switching it to an available sheet discharge opening thus searched.

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, a paper discharge control method, and a storage medium, and more particularly, to a plurality of data input interface units, a plurality of paper supply / discharge ports, and a nonvolatile memory which can be connected to a network. To an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper based on print data input from an external device, and is supplied to or discharged from the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a paper discharge control method, and a storage medium which are preferably applied when an optional device for controlling the handling of a recording medium is connectable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus which can be equipped with a plurality of paper discharge ports by connecting an optional apparatus. In a conventional image forming apparatus of this type, even when an abnormality occurs in one of a plurality of paper discharge ports in an optional device connected to the image forming apparatus, all processes are interrupted until the cause of the abnormality is removed. Is configured. Also,
In the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, all the processes are interrupted even when another paper discharge port can be used without any problem. For example, the image forming apparatus is connected to a network and used by a plurality of users. In this case, the user using the paper output port where the abnormality has occurred may remove the cause of the abnormality and further perform data processing of another user until the image forming apparatus finishes processing the data that was being processed when the abnormality occurred. Therefore, the operating rate of the image forming apparatus is reduced.

As described above, in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper outlets and a function capable of individually designating the paper outlets that can be individually used by a user, an abnormal state occurs in a paper outlet used by a certain user. Has occurred, it has been impossible to continue the data processing even if there is no effect on the paper discharge port used by another user.

[0004]

The conventional image forming apparatus described above has the following problems. That is,
In an environment where the image forming apparatus is connected to a plurality of host computers using a plurality of input interfaces or a network, a plurality of users cause the image forming apparatus to perform a printing process by remote control from each host computer. In such a situation, there are many cases where there is no user near the image forming apparatus. For this reason, when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus and options attached to the image forming apparatus, there is a problem that all data processing is interrupted until the cause of the abnormality is removed by the user who is notified of the abnormality. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points. When an abnormality occurs in one of a plurality of paper discharge ports, the user is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality, and another available paper discharge port is searched. Then, by notifying the user of the found usable discharge port that another user is discharging the paper and discharging the paper, the data processing can be continued and abnormalities to the user can be performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a paper discharge control method, and a storage medium that can efficiently perform occurrence notification.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process. A discharge port state detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in the discharge port, and another discharge port capable of discharging when the discharge target state of the discharge port is detected by the discharge port state detecting means. And a control for switching the discharge target discharge port to the usable discharge port when a usable discharge port is found based on the search by the discharge port search means. And a discharge port switching control unit for performing the operation.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 2 further comprises a start-up processing specifying means for specifying a start-up processing at the time of power-on, and an acquisition for obtaining basic information of each of the optional devices. Means, option operation control means for issuing command identification information to each of the optional devices based on the basic information acquired by the acquisition means, and designating operation and acquiring information, and the command identification information issued by the option operation control means General control means for checking and controlling each of the optional devices, obtaining means for obtaining discharge information of a plurality of discharge ports, designating means for specifying a user who can be used for each of the discharge ports, User information storage means for storing user information designated for each of the paper ejection ports by the designation means; and designation contents and paper output stacking amount when paper is ejected to each of the paper ejection ports. And having a paper discharge information storage means for.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper feeding optional device, wherein the optional device includes a paper storage unit and feeds a sheet to be image-formed from the paper storage unit. It is characterized by including a paper discharge option device which is provided with a plurality of paper discharge ports and discharges an image-formed sheet to each of the paper discharge ports.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 4 further comprises an image forming means for forming an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding optional device, and a discharging device in the paper discharging optional device. A state detecting unit that detects a state related to a plurality of individual processes assigned to the image forming unit when monitoring the state of the scheduled sheet discharge port.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the present invention, wherein the optional device stores option information to be transferred to the main body of the image forming apparatus through serial communication via the general control means. And an optional control unit for controlling the paper discharging process and the communication process with the image forming apparatus main body.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a paper discharge option device, comprising: a paper discharge function for discharging paper to each of the paper discharge ports; A reversing function for changing the face direction, a stapling function for performing stapling on the discharged paper, a shift function for shifting and discharging the discharged paper, and detecting a stacked amount of the discharged paper to each of the discharge outlets. And a detection function.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, preferably, the acquiring means determines whether or not the paper stacking amount of each of the paper discharge ports and whether or not paper can be discharged to each of the paper discharge ports. It is characterized in that discharge information is obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the designation means designates a name of a user who can be used for each of the paper outlets for each of the paper outlets. Features.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the user information storage means includes: a designated user name; a type of an input interface used by the user; It is characterized in that information such as a network address when connected is stored for each of the paper discharge ports.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the present invention, wherein the paper discharge information storage means includes a paper discharge paper size, a paper discharge direction, a paper discharge type, and whether or not stapling is specified. In addition, information such as whether or not a shift discharge is designated is stored for each of the discharge outlets.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to the eleventh aspect further comprises a discharge port switching control means for changing the discharge port to a print data transmission user when the discharge port is changed. It is characterized by having notification means for notifying the change.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means, the changed discharge port is assigned, and It is characterized by having a notifying means for notifying the user stored in the user information storage means of the change of the discharge port.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means, the discharge information is stored in the discharge information storage means. The present invention is characterized in that it has a paper discharge processing means for performing a different paper discharge processing in consideration of the specified paper discharge.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 14, further comprises setting information as to whether or not to perform high-speed processing when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means. And high-speed processing determining means for determining whether or not to perform the high-speed processing based on the setting information in the setting information storing means.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 15 further comprises a step of determining whether or not to execute a discharge option abnormal process relating to the discharge option device based on a fixed value written in a program or an external input. The setting information storage means is set based on information transmitted in accordance with the settings made by the setting means.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 16 further uses an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage means when the discharge option abnormality is detected. It has a notifying means for notifying a possible user of an abnormality.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 17 further uses an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage means when the discharge option abnormality is detected. A prohibition unit for prohibiting print data reception from a possible user is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 18 further uses an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage means when the discharge option abnormality is detected. The storage control unit stores print data transmitted from a possible user in a nonvolatile storage unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 19, further comprises utilizing an abnormally-occurring discharge port stored in the discharge information storage means when the discharge option abnormality is detected. It is characterized by having storage control means for analyzing print data transmitted from a possible user, performing image processing, and storing the result in a nonvolatile storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the optional device can be detachably connected to the image forming apparatus main body or can be integrated with the image forming apparatus main body. I do.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper ejection control method applied to an image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process. A discharge port state detection step of detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in the discharge port of the paper target, and another discharge port capable of discharging when the discharge target state of the discharge port detects an abnormality in the discharge port state detection step. A paper exit search step for searching the paper exit,
A discharge port switching control step of performing control to switch the discharge target discharge port to the usable discharge port when a usable discharge port is found based on the search in the discharge port search step. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 22, further comprises a start-up process specifying step for specifying a start-up process at the time of power-on, and obtaining basic information of each of the optional devices. Step, an option operation control step of issuing command identification information to each of the optional devices based on the basic information acquired in the acquisition step, and performing operation designation and information acquisition, and the command identification information issued in the option operation control step And an overall control step of overall controlling each of the optional devices, an acquiring step of acquiring paper ejection information of a plurality of paper outlets, and a specifying step of designating a user who can be used for each paper outlet. A user information storing step of storing user information specified for each of the paper discharge ports in the specifying step; And having a paper discharge information storage step of storing the specified content and the discharge load amount when performing the paper.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the optional device is provided with a paper storage unit and feeds an image forming object paper from the paper storage unit. It is characterized by including a paper discharge option device which is provided with a plurality of paper discharge ports and discharges an image-formed sheet to each of the paper discharge ports.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention further comprises an image forming step of forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding optional device; A state detecting step of detecting a state relating to a plurality of individual processes assigned to the image forming step when monitoring the state of the scheduled sheet discharge port.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect, the optional device stores the option information for performing serial communication via the general control step and transferring the option information to the image forming apparatus main body. And an optional control step of controlling the paper discharging process and the communication process with the image forming apparatus main body.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the discharge option device includes a discharge function for discharging the discharge paper to each of the discharge outlets, A reversing function for changing the face direction, a stapling function for performing stapling on the discharged paper, a shift function for shifting and discharging the discharged paper, and detecting a stacked amount of the discharged paper to each of the discharge outlets. And a detection function.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is that, in the acquiring step, the number of sheets loaded in each of the paper discharge ports and whether or not the paper can be discharged to each of the paper discharge ports is determined. It is characterized in that discharge information is obtained.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the specification step, a name of a user who can be used for each of the paper outlets is specified for each of the paper outlets. Features.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 29, wherein in the user information storing step, the designated user name, the type of the input interface used by the user, and the main body of the image forming apparatus are connected to a network. It is characterized in that information such as a network address when connected is stored for each of the paper discharge ports.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention as set forth in claim 30, wherein in the paper discharge information storing step, the paper discharge paper size, paper discharge paper direction, paper discharge paper type, and whether or not stapling is specified. In addition, information such as whether or not a shift discharge is designated is stored for each of the discharge outlets.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 31, further comprises the step of controlling the discharge port to a print data transmitting user when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control step. It has a notification step of notifying a change.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 32, further comprising the step of assigning the changed outlet when the outlet is changed by the outlet switching control step, and The method further comprises a notifying step of notifying the user stored in the user information storing step of the change of the discharge port.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 33, further comprises the step of storing the discharge information when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control step. The present invention is characterized by having a paper discharge processing step of performing different shift paper discharge processing in consideration of the specified shift paper discharge designation.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention further comprises setting information as to whether or not to perform high-speed processing when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control step. And a high-speed processing determining step of determining whether to perform the high-speed processing based on the setting information stored in the setting information storing step.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 35, further comprises a step of determining whether or not to execute a discharge option abnormal process relating to the discharge option device based on a fixed value written in a program or an external input. And setting in the setting information storing step is performed based on information transmitted according to the setting contents in the setting step.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 36, further comprises utilizing an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. It is characterized by having a notification step of notifying a possible user of an abnormality.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 37, further comprises utilizing an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. The method further comprises a prohibition step of prohibiting reception of print data from a possible user.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 38, further comprises utilizing an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. The storage control step of storing print data transmitted from a possible user in a nonvolatile storage step.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 39, further comprises using an abnormal occurrence discharge port stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. There is a storage control step in which print data transmitted from a possible user is analyzed and subjected to image processing and then stored in a nonvolatile storage step.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 40 is characterized in that the optional device can be detachably connected to the image forming apparatus main body or can be integrated with the image forming apparatus main body. I do.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing a sheet discharge control method applied to an image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process. A storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the discharge control method includes a discharge port state detecting step of detecting presence or absence of an abnormality in a discharge port to be discharged, and a discharge port state detecting step. A discharge port search step for searching for another discharge port that can discharge when an abnormality is detected in the discharge target discharge port, and a discharge port that can be used based on the search in the discharge port search step. And a discharge port switching control step of performing control to switch the discharge target discharge port to the usable discharge port when it is found.

[0047]

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

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration centering on a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment of the present invention and the second to fourth embodiments to be described later, for example, a laser beam printer will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. It is needless to say that the printer is not limited to the laser beam printer, but may be a printer of another printing system such as an ink jet printer. In the following description and drawings, an example in which two optional units are connected to the image forming apparatus main body will be described. However, more optional units can be connected, and the functions of the optional units are shared by the image forming apparatus main body. It does not matter.

The image forming apparatus (printer) 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
3, a panel unit 104, an engine controller 105, and an option controller unit 106, and a detachable paper feed option device 107 and a discharge option device 108 are provided. In the figure, 70 is an optional unit interface, 80 is a video interface, 90 is a general interface, 101 is an external device, 1
09 is a control unit.

The configuration of each of the above-described units will be described in detail. The image forming apparatus (printer) 102 can be connected to various optional devices, and can be connected to an external device 101 such as a host computer by a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics (8-bit parallel interface for printer). ), RS232C (standard interface for serial data transmission) and the like, and print information (control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, for example, PostScript (US) An image is formed based on a page description language developed by Adobe Inc., LIPS (a page description language developed by Canon Inc.) III, LIPS IV, image data, and the like.

The video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 such as a personal computer by the above-mentioned general-purpose interface, and code data (ESC data, various PDLs (Page Descriptions) transferred from the external device 101 through the above-mentioned general-purpose interface).
Language data), generates page information including dot data based on the code data, and transmits image data (binary or multi-valued) to an engine controller 105 described later via the video interface 80. And the general interface 90
A command for specifying a paper feed and a specification of a paper discharge is transmitted to the option controller unit 106 described later via.

The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, and transfers and fixes it on the supplied paper to perform printing. . At this time, the option controller 106
For example, an instruction on the timing of paper supply / discharge is performed.

The panel unit 104 is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) display and an LCD (liquid crystal) display. The user can instruct the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 to perform a predetermined operation by operating the panel unit 104. Various data and the like set by the user are stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) such as an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) or an EE.
PROM (Electrically Erasable)
e Programmable ROM).

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The option controller unit 1 receives a sheet supply / discharge designation from the video controller 103 and a sheet supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105.
This is a general controller that controls and controls more than one optional device (unit), and communicates with an optional controller unit included in various optional devices via the optional unit interface 70 to control the various optional devices in a comprehensive manner. . Also, in the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (shown in FIG. 7 described later) which can be accessed by the video controller 103. The shared memory includes, for example, a transport status management area 71 for about 40 pages, Area 72, command status management area 73, start-up processing area 7
4 and so on. Video controller 103
Designates each option device via each area of the shared memory of the RAM of the option controller unit 106.

The option controller 106
In the transfer status management area of the shared memory of the RAM, the video controller 103 uses the printing method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color,
An area for notifying each optional device of stapling, shifting, and the like, and an area for notifying the video controller 103 of each option state (how much data has been printed, discharge has been completed, and the like). The basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality (JAM, no paper, no staple, etc.) of each optional device. The command & status management area is an area for exchanging command status with the video controller 103. The start-up processing area is an area in which the video controller 103 specifies start-up processing of each optional device.

Paper feed optional device (unit) 107
Is a paper deck option unit, for example, which has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper cassette controller) 107a inside, and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Note that the paper deck controller 107a includes:
A CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown) are provided.
The paper feed option device 107 is controlled based on the program stored in M. Further, the ROM stores extended information of the paper feed option device 107, for example, information on paper sizes that can be stored in the paper deck.

Paper discharge option device (unit) 108
Is a sorter option unit having, for example, a sort function, has a sorter controller (large-capacity sheet discharge stacker controller) 108a inside, and performs a sort operation and a sheet discharge operation based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Do. The sorter controller 108a includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and the CPU controls the paper discharge option device 108 based on a program stored in the ROM. The ROM also includes extended information of the paper discharge option device 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins (paper discharge ports), the presence or absence of a sort function, the presence or absence of a staple function, the presence or absence of a shift function for shifting a paper sheet in a predetermined direction, Information on the presence / absence of a reversing function for reversing the direction of the face of the discharged paper is stored.

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with an operation unit 107b and an operation unit 108b each having a display unit and various keys. Display of methods and various operations are possible.

The control unit 109 controls the printing process of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102, the engine controller 105, controls the entire image forming apparatus, analyzes data from the external device 101 such as a host computer, and analyzes image data. Video controller 1 to convert to
03, an optional controller unit 106 that controls various optional units.

The option controller unit 106
Each option unit is managed by the common option unit interface 70, and the general interface 9
0 and communicates with the video controller 103. In the present embodiment, each paper supply / discharge option unit is connected to the video controller 1 via the option controller unit 106.
03 is controlled.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the structure of the main body and optional unit of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
Manual feed tray 202, manual paper feed clutch 203, paper feed roller 204, registration roller pair 205, laser scanner unit 206, image recording unit 207, fixing unit 208, paper discharge sensor 209, transport roller 210, flapper 211, paper discharge The main body includes rollers 212 and 214, a stacking tray 213, a discharged sheet stacking amount detection sensor 213s, a registration shutter 227, a recording sheet detection sensor 230s, a sheet cassette 230, a cassette sheet feeding clutch 231, an optional sheet feeding roller 233, and the like. A paper feeding optional device 107 and a paper discharging optional device 108 are detachably provided.

The configuration of each of the above components will be described in detail. The paper cassette 230 has a function of holding the recording paper S and electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). The cassette paper feed clutch 231 is
A cam that separates only the uppermost recording sheet of the recording paper S placed on the recording paper S and conveys the separated recording sheet S to a paper feed roller 204 by a driving unit (not shown). And intermittently rotates, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. The recording paper detection sensor 230s is connected to the paper cassette 2
The amount of recording paper S held at 30 is detected.

The registration shutter 227 presses the sheet to stop the sheet feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading end of the recording paper S to the registration shutter 227. The manual feed tray 202 places the recording paper S thereon. The manual feed clutch 203 transports the recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. The optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay conveyance roller) 233 supplies the recording paper S fed from the paper feed optional device 107 into the main body of the image forming apparatus 102. A pair of registration rollers 205 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided downstream of the manual paper feed clutch 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231, and the optional paper feed roller 233. An image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic process using a laser beam emitted from the scanner unit 206 is provided.

In the laser scanner section 206, a laser unit 215 emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. The laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216, and is passed through the image forming lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219.
A latent image is formed on 0. The beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. The light amount sensor 270 detects the light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

In the image recording unit 207, the primary charger 2
22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 220. The developing device 223 is charged by the primary charging device 222 and is exposed to laser light by the laser
The toner image formed on the latent image 20 is developed. Transfer charger 2
Reference numeral 24 denotes the photosensitive drum 22 developed by the developing device 223
The toner image on 0 is transferred to a recording sheet S fed by a pair of registration rollers 205. The cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Pre-exposure lamp 22
Reference numeral 1 denotes light removal of the photosensitive drum 220.

The fixing unit 208 thermally fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 to the recording paper S. The transport roller 210 discharges and transports the recording paper S.
The paper discharge sensor 209 detects a paper discharge state of the recording paper S.
The flapper 211 moves the recording sheet S on which the recording is completed in the transport direction of the stacking tray 213 or the paper discharge option device 108.
Switch to the side. The paper discharge rollers 214 and 212 discharge the recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to the stack tray 213. Discharge stacking amount detection sensor 213
“s” detects the amount of recording paper S loaded on the loading tray 213.

The engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing unit 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper S in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102. . Further, the video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), develops image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data, and converts the bit data. VDO
The signal is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80 as a signal.

Next, various optional units detachably connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 will be described. The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG. 2, and is configured to be able to communicate various option units with the same protocol via the option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. ing. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.

In the paper feeding optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit, the paper deck 241
Loads a large amount of recording paper S on a deck that moves up and down.
The paper deck feed roller 242 is connected to the paper deck 241.
The recording paper S stacked thereon is fed. Transport roller 244
Transports the recording paper S fed from the paper deck feeding roller 242 toward the optional feeding roller 233. The paper feed relay conveyance roller 243 is a recording paper fed from another paper feeding system option unit (which can feed recording papers of different sizes or the same size) which can be detachably connected to a plurality of units below the paper deck option. S is relayed and transported. The recording paper storage amount detection Centronics 241 detects the mounting amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241. still,
A paper feeding optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.

In the discharge option device 108 such as a sorter option unit, the first to seventh discharge bins 251 to 257 for performing face-down discharge sort and stack the recorded recording paper S. It is. The eighth discharge bin 258 passes the paper conveyed to the sorter option straight as it is, and performs face-up discharge.
The flapper 280 converts the recording paper S, which has been sorted by the flapper 211 of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 and sent to the paper discharge option device 108 such as a sorter option unit, into a face of a paper based on an instruction from the video controller 103. The transport is switched so that the switching is performed.

Paper ejection empty detection sensors 261s-261
8s detects the presence / absence of loaded sheets of recording paper S discharged to the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258. The discharged paper stacking amount detection sensors 271 s to 278 s are full load detection sensors, and the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 25.
8 is, for example, 18 mm (about 12 mm).
Upon reaching (detecting) the sorter controller 108a, the sorter controller 108a notifies the video controller 103 of the full load via the option controller unit 106.
Further, the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258
In each bin, about 120 sheets, that is, about 960 sheets in eight bins can be stacked. Among them, the first discharge bin 251 to the seventh discharge bin 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform sorting. The sorted recording paper S is sent to the paper exit by the roller 290 as it is. When the video controller 103 designates the face down through the general interface 90, the face up flapper 28
Turn off 0 and sort. Sorted recording paper S
Is temporarily conveyed by the rollers 291 until the rear end of the recording paper S exceeds the face-up flapper 280, and then the rollers 291 are reversed and fed into the vertical path from the rear end of the recording paper S. ~ 286
Is driven at a predetermined timing to perform distribution to each face-down discharge port, and the discharge is completed in the face-down state. When the discharge bin is the seventh discharge bin 257, the face-down discharge is completed by directly discharging the paper without driving the bin flapper.

Further, when a stapler (not shown) designates stapling by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, and the stapler executes stapling. And the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth
The paper is discharged to any of the paper discharge bins 258. When the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the recording paper S is placed on a staple tray (not shown) in the same manner as when the staple is designated.
And the recording paper S is aligned and the recording paper S is shifted for each tray, that is, the placement area (tray) of the recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, and then the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 are stored. Paper is discharged to any of The stapler further includes a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) to detect the remaining amount of the staples stored in the stapler. Note that the paper discharge option device 108 such as a sorter option unit is provided with the sorter controller 1.
08a.

The option controller 106,
The paper deck controller 107a of the sheet feeding optional device 107 and the sorter controller 108a of the sheet discharging optional device 108 are respectively connected by connectors, and perform serial communication by the option unit interface 70. They are connected in series by the same connector. Therefore, the sheet feeding option device 107 such as a paper deck option unit and the sheet discharging option device 108 such as a sorter option unit can be connected in a reversed order.

The manual paper feed roller 203, cassette paper feed clutch 231, paper deck paper feed roller 242
The registration roller pair 205 for feeding the recording paper S, the paper feeding roller 204, and the conveyance roller 244 are provided downstream of the registration roller pair 205, and the laser beam emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the registration roller pair 205. Image forming section 20 for forming a toner image on recording paper S by means of
7 are provided. Further, the fixing unit 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording sheet S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and the conveyance state of the sheet discharging unit is detected downstream of the fixing unit 208. Discharge sensor 209, recording paper S
Roller 210 for transporting the recording paper S on which recording is completed
A flapper 211 and the like for switching the transport direction are provided.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the configuration of each controller of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents and directions of serial communication and signals performed by the option controller unit 106, the video controller 103, and the engine controller 105.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the serial communication interface 91 is used to specify the paper feeding to the paper feeding optional device 107 such as the paper deck optional unit and the paper discharging bin to the paper discharging optional device 108 such as the sorter optional unit. Is an interface for transmitting the above command from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106. Option controller unit 106
And the video controller 103. The status such as the paper presence / absence state of the paper supply optional device 107 such as a paper deck optional unit, the stacking state of each paper ejection bin of the paper ejection optional device 108 such as a sorter optional unit, and the staple presence / absence state. Can be directly connected by a CPU bus.

The OPTRDY signal 92 functions as a signal indicating whether an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, whether or not staples can be used, is transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103. The POUTT signal 93 is
The image forming apparatus (printer) 102 functions as a timing signal for discharging recording paper. PFEDT signal 94
Functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the main body of the image forming apparatus 102 receives recording paper from the optional unit. The SPCNG signal 95 functions as a signal for speeding down the recording paper S conveyed at a high speed in the option unit and matching the speed with the conveyance speed of the image forming apparatus 102 main body.

The communication interface 81 transmits commands such as designation of sheet feeding to a sheet cassette of the image forming apparatus (printer) 102 itself, designation of sheet ejection to the sheet ejection tray 231 of the image forming apparatus 102 body, and printing. 103
The interface from the engine controller 105 to the engine controller 105 transmits the status of the cassette 230 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 102 such as the presence or absence of paper and a paper jam to the video controller 103. The VDO signal 82 is output from the video controller 1
3 shows the bit data transmitted from 03.

The overall interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92, a POUT
T signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, SPCNG signal 95
And five hard signals. It should be noted that three of the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95
The signal is output from the engine controller 105 and transmitted to the video controller 10 via the video interface 80.
3 is input to the option controller unit 106. The status change notification signal 96 is a signal for notifying the video controller 103 of a status change of the option controller unit 106.

FIG. 6 shows the video controller 10 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of FIG. In FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. The video controller 103 of the image forming apparatus includes a panel interface (I / F) unit 401 and a host interface (I / F).
F) unit 402, image data generation unit 403, ROM 40
4. Image memory 405, engine interface (I /
F) unit 406, option interface (I / F) unit 412, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408, CPU4
09, an EEPROM 410, and a system bus 411.

The function of each unit will be described in detail. The panel interface unit 401 transmits various settings and instructions from the operator to the panel unit 104 by data communication with the panel unit 104.
Receive from The host interface unit 402 is an input / output unit for signals with the external device 101 such as a host computer. The engine interface unit 406 is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105, sends out data signals from an output buffer register (not shown), and controls communication with the engine controller 105. The image data generator 403 generates bitmap data for actual printing based on control code data sent from the external device 101. The image memory 405 stores image data.

The CPU 409 is connected to the video controller 10
3. Controls the entire system. The ROM 404 stores a control code of the CPU 409. The RAM 407 is a CPU 409
It functions as a temporary storage means used by. EEPROM
Reference numeral 410 denotes a nonvolatile memory medium. DMA
The control unit 408 transfers the bitmap data in the image memory 405 to the engine interface unit 406 according to an instruction from the CPU 409. The option interface unit 412 performs communication with the option controller unit 106 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409, and
TT signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, SPCNG signal 9
5 is transmitted from the engine interface unit 406 to the general interface 90 through.

The system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401,
Host interface unit 402, image data generation unit 40
3, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408,
The CPU 409, the EEPROM 410, and the engine interface unit 406 are each connected to the system bus 411 and can access all functional units on the system bus 411.

The control code for controlling the CPU 409 includes an OS for performing time-division control for each load module called a task by a system clock (not shown), and a plurality of load modules (shown in FIG. Task).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in a RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. It is. Also,
The procedure for issuing a command status based on the basic status and acquiring detailed information of each input / output option will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection state between the image forming apparatus (printer) according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 and each host computer (data source). The image forming apparatus includes an input / output buffer 604,
It includes a CPU 605, a ROM 606, a RAM 607, a page buffer 608, an extension interface 611, a Centronics interface 612, and an RS232C interface 613. In the figure, 609 is a printer engine, 601 is a host computer 1, 602 is a host computer 2, 603 is a host computer 3, 6
14 is a host computer 4, 615 is a host computer 5, 610 is a LAN interface board.

The functions of the above-described units will be described in detail. The input / output buffer 604 to the page buffer 608, the extended interface unit 611 to the RS232C interface unit 613
The video controller 103 is included in the video controller 103 (printer controller) shown in FIG.
The configuration of 03 is as described in FIG. Host computer 1, 601 to host computer 3, 603
Is an external device on a network that is a data generation source, and the host computers 4 and 614 to 5 and 615 are external devices that are locally connected to the image forming apparatus without using a network.

The input / output buffer 604 is a buffer for inputting / outputting data from / to each data source. The input / output buffer 604 transfers data between the host computer and the image forming apparatus via an external connection interface of the extended interface unit 611 to the RS232C interface unit 613. Enable transmission and reception. LA
The N connection interface board 610 connects the image forming apparatus to a network and receives data. In particular, the extension interface unit 611 is connected to a network via the LAN interface board 610.

The settings related to data transmission / reception are performed using a setting function on a program in a ROM inside the image forming apparatus for an external connection interface unit that does not use the external connection apparatus, and are held inside the image forming apparatus. . Further, settings related to the network and the like are performed by the LAN interface board 610, and the image forming apparatus can be used on the network by communicating with the LAN interface board 610.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which the program and related data of the present invention are supplied to the apparatus from a storage medium. The program and related data of the present invention are stored in a storage medium 171 such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM in the device 1.
It is supplied by being inserted into the storage medium drive insertion slot 173 provided in the storage device 72. Thereafter, the program and the related data of the present invention are temporarily installed on the hard disk from the storage medium 171 and loaded into the RAM from the storage medium 171, or directly loaded into the RAM without being installed on the hard disk, thereby obtaining the program and the related data of the present invention. Can be executed.

In this case, when the program of the present invention is executed in the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, for example, through an apparatus such as a computer as shown in FIG. The program can be executed by supplying the program and related data of the present invention to the image forming apparatus, or storing the program and related data of the present invention in the image forming apparatus in advance.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the storage contents of the storage medium storing the program and related data of the present invention. The storage medium of the present invention is, for example, volume information 1
61, directory information 162, a program execution file 163, a program-related data file 164, and the like. The program according to the present invention includes flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 (first embodiment), flowcharts shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (second embodiment), and flowcharts shown in FIGS. This is a program code based on (third embodiment).

The correspondence relationship between the constituent elements in the claims of the present invention and the respective units of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and other embodiments described below is as follows. It is. Paper discharge port state detection means, paper discharge port search means, paper discharge port switching control means, start-up processing designation means, acquisition means, optional operation control means, designation means, acquisition means,
The state detecting means, the notifying means, the high-speed processing determining means, the setting means, the prohibiting means, and the storage controlling means are the
3, the general control means corresponds to the function of the option controller unit 106, the user information storage means corresponds to the storage function of the video controller 103, and the paper discharge information storage means and the setting information storage means correspond to the option controller unit. And the video controller 10
3, the non-volatile storage means corresponds to a non-volatile storage device such as an HD (not shown), and the storage means of the optional device is the paper feed option device 1.
07, the RAM of the paper deck controller 107a, the sorter controller 108a of the paper discharge option device 108
And the optional control means is the C of the paper deck controller 107a of the paper feed option device 107.
The PU corresponds to the CPU of the sorter controller 108a of the paper discharge option device 108, and the paper discharge processing means is a CPU of the sorter controller 108a of the paper discharge option device 108.
Corresponding to

Next, the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is described.
The operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, based on FIG.
A description will be given of a control method in which each of the optional devices 3 controls the optional devices through the option controller unit 106. The shared memory shown in FIG. 7 includes a transport status management area 71 for specifying a page and knowing the transport status of a sheet, a basic status unit 72 for knowing an abnormal state of each option, and a command status unit 73 for exchanging command status. And a start-up processing unit 74 for specifying start-up processing of the optional device.

The start-up processing section 74 includes a start-up specifying section for specifying from the video controller 103 and a completion notification section for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of the specification. Video controller 103
Performs start-up processing of each option by designating this start-up processing section. When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, initialization of the shared memory is designated by the video controller 103, acquisition of configuration information of each option required by the option controller unit 106,
The start designation portion is notified of the completion of information acquisition and the like, and the completion notification portion is monitored whether or not each process is completed. When all the processes are completed, the start process ends.

The conveyance status management area 71 includes a portion for designating a printing method such as a paper feed port, a paper discharge port, color / monochrome, a staple position and execution, and a print signal indicating how far the paper has been transported. It consists of a part to get the status of the option such as completion of the paper. The video controller 103 specifies the above-described printing method, and executes printing while grasping the status of each option. The above specification can be performed for a maximum of 40 pages, and the specification is performed for each page in order. The area where the discharge is completed is regarded as an empty area, and the area is initialized so as to be re-designated and used as a ring buffer.

The basic status section 72 is an area for notifying an abnormal state of each device, and obtains information such as no paper, paper jam, door open, full load, and the like from this area. More detailed information is acquired from the contents of the basic status by the command status.

The command status section 73 is an area for obtaining detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. The command status section 73 specifies a command as required in this area and obtains information. For example, the information that can be obtained includes the device name, paper feed mounting paper size, paper feed remaining amount, position of paper jam, type, access point, stacking amount of discharged paper, failure details, and the like. These are shown in FIG. As described above, the command is issued according to each situation and the status is received. The command status unit 73 also controls options such as a transition to a power saving mode, an emergency stop at the time of a paper jam, movement of a discharge bin, and execution of reset.

As described above, the video controller 103 acquires the above information, executes printing in a state where there is no abnormality, issues a command status for specifying an abnormal part when the occurrence of abnormality is detected from the basic status, and further issues the command status. , The details of the abnormality are specified, and detailed information collection and control according to the abnormality are performed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mechanism for accessing the shared memory in the option controller unit 106 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, exchanging command status with each option, and exchanging information. is there.

When acquiring the option information, when the command status management area in the shared memory of the option controller unit 106 is designated and the information is received,
ID for identifying the type of required information in the command specification area
(Step S701) and the number of data specified to the option controller unit 106 by the execution command (Step S7)
02) and data representing the specified contents (step S703)
Is designated as a predetermined address, and the fact that the command has been transmitted is notified, and the option controller unit 106 exchanges information with each of the optional devices to generate a trigger for acquiring information (step S704). The option controller 1 based on the trigger and the specified contents in step S704
Reference numeral 06 performs serial communication with necessary optional devices to obtain designated information.

On the other hand, the timer is started until the option controller unit 106 completely obtains information, and it is monitored whether the video controller 103 is in a state where status information can be obtained (steps S705 and S70).
6). If the status information cannot be acquired after a certain period of time, status information cannot be acquired.
A retry notification is issued to execute the command again (step S711), and the process ends. Step S70 above
After transitioning to the status information obtainable state in step 6,
The status ID is acquired, and it is confirmed whether the status information is the status information for the specified command (step S70).
7). Next, the number of status data is obtained (step S
708), status data corresponding to the number of status data is acquired (step S709), and the completion of status acquisition is notified to the option controller unit 106 (step S710).

Here, differences between the first embodiment of the present invention and the conventional example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a method for acquiring an optional state in a paper discharging process of an image forming apparatus according to a conventional example.

Engine Controller 10 of Image Forming Apparatus
In the case where the paper ejection process is performed after the printing in step 5, the serial communication interface (corresponding to 91 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment of the present invention) determines whether there is an abnormality in the basic status section in the memory of the option controller section. The use is confirmed (step S801). When an abnormality is detected (step S802), the error location is confirmed (step S803), the acquired error information is displayed on the panel (step S804), and the connection with the image forming apparatus is established. The occurrence of the error is notified to the executed host computer (step S805). Thereafter, the state is checked (step S80).
6), an abnormality check (step S807) is performed, and the process waits until the sheet discharge process becomes possible.

If no abnormality is detected in step S802, the user who transmitted the data from the host computer searches for and selects an available discharge port (step S808), and discharges the recording medium (step S80).
9) The state is checked again to determine whether an abnormality has occurred during ejection of the recording medium (step S806). If no abnormality has occurred, the process ends. At this time, if an abnormality is detected, the processing is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flow charts showing the paper discharging process after the printing process on the recording medium is completed in the engine controller 105 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

After the printing process is completed, the presence or absence of an abnormality is confirmed in the basic status section in the shared memory of the option controller section 106 by using the serial communication interface 91 shown in FIG. 3 (step S901). It is checked whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the specified paper discharge port (step S902). If no abnormality is confirmed, the discharge port is determined (step S914), the recording medium is discharged (step S915), and the state is checked whether any abnormality has occurred during the discharge of the recording medium (step S90).
8) If no abnormality has occurred, the process ends. If an abnormality is detected at this time, the process returns to step S903 and the sheet discharging process is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

When an abnormality is confirmed, it is determined whether or not there is another usable discharge port (step S903), and it is determined whether or not a discharge port capable of discharging is found (step S903).
904), if there is no discharge port capable of discharging paper, the details of the abnormality are confirmed (step S905), and the acquired details of the abnormality are displayed on the panel unit 104 (step S90).
6). Further, the user of all the host computers connected to the image forming apparatus is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality via the host interface unit 402 shown in FIG. 8 (step S907), and the abnormality of the paper discharge port is removed. Until the status is confirmed, the process of determining whether or not the discharge port can be used is continued (steps S908 and S909).

On the other hand, if a usable discharge port is detected in step S904, the discharge port is determined (step S910), and an abnormality occurs in the discharge port, and the sheet is discharged to the specified discharge port. The change of the paper discharge port is notified to the user who has failed and the user using the determined paper discharge port (steps S911 and S912), and the recording medium is discharged to the determined paper discharge port (step S911). S913).
Then, it is checked whether an abnormality has occurred during ejection of the recording medium (step S908). If no abnormality has occurred, the process ends. If an abnormality is detected at this time, the above-described step S903 is performed until the cause of the abnormality is removed.
And the paper discharge process is continued.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention, the paper feed option device 107, the paper discharge option device 108, the paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option An optional controller unit 106 for controlling the apparatus 108 and another discharge port capable of discharging when an abnormality is detected in a discharge target discharge port is searched, and when an available discharge port is found, the discharge is performed. A video controller that switches the paper target discharge port to a usable discharge port, and performs control to notify the user of the discharge port where the error occurred and the user of the specified discharge port after the change of the abnormality and the discharge port change. 103, the following operations and effects are achieved.

In the above configuration, information on a user who uses the paper discharge port of the image forming apparatus is managed in the image forming apparatus, an abnormality occurring in the paper discharge option apparatus is grasped, and another user uses the information. It is determined whether or not a discharge port is available. If an abnormality occurs in one discharge port and another discharge port is available, a discharge port that can be used is selected.
The discharge process is continued. At the same time, the user is notified of the change of the paper discharge port, or only interrupts data reception from the user who uses the paper discharge port where the abnormality has occurred, or has been transmitted from the user who uses the paper discharge port where the abnormality has occurred. Control is performed such that data is stored in a nonvolatile storage device.

As a result, the printing process from another user can be continuously performed, and the image forming apparatus can be used efficiently. In addition, when the image forming apparatus is installed in a remote place, the user does not have to go to the operation of removing the cause of the abnormality with respect to the image forming apparatus, so that troublesome work is reduced.

That is, when an abnormality occurs in the paper discharge port during processing in the image forming apparatus, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to the user who transmitted the abnormal data, and another available paper discharge port is used. , And notifies the other users who are using the available paper discharge ports to continue the paper discharge processing, so that the image forming apparatus continues the image forming processing without generating an error. It becomes possible.

Further, in such a configuration, when an error occurs when an error occurs, printing data reception from a user using the discharge port where the error has occurred without going offline is prohibited, so that print data from other users can be prevented. The reception and the image forming process can be continued.

Further, by storing print data from a user who uses the discharge port where an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus in a nonvolatile storage device of the image forming apparatus, occupation of the host computer can be prevented. It is possible to continue processing of another user.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus using a large number of optional units and having a plurality of paper outlets, one of the plurality of paper outlets is abnormal. If an error occurs, notify the user of the abnormal output port that the error has occurred, search for another available output port, and use the found available output port. Notifying the other user that the paper discharge is being performed by another user and discharging the paper, data processing can be continued without interruption as in the past, and the occurrence of abnormalities for the user The effect is that notification can be performed efficiently.

[Second Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, there is another function that can be used when an abnormality has occurred in a preset paper discharge port used by a user. Performs the paper ejection process for the paper ejection port used by the other user, and notifies the user who uses the paper ejection port where the error has occurred and the user who uses the paper ejection port specified after the change. Thus, the image forming process is continuously performed by notifying the notification of the abnormality and the change of the discharge port. On the other hand, as in the second embodiment of the present invention, the image forming process of another user is continued by prohibiting only the data reception from the user using the paper outlet where the abnormality has occurred. You may do so.

The image forming apparatus (printer) 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a video controller 103, a panel unit 104, an engine controller 105, and an option controller unit 106, as in the first embodiment. , And a detachable paper feed option device 107 and a paper discharge option device 108 (see FIG. 1). Further, the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the detailed configuration of the video controller 103, and the option controller 10
The configuration and the like of the shared memory with the video controller 103 provided in the RMA 6 are the same as those in the first embodiment. These are described in detail in the first embodiment and will not be described.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is described.
12 and 1 show the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
3 will be described.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a case where an abnormality occurs when option information is obtained via the option controller unit 106 during execution of a sheet discharging process in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing method of FIG.

It is confirmed whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a paper discharge port available to the user (step SA01, step SA02). If no abnormality is confirmed, the paper discharge port is determined (step SA12), and the recording medium is determined. Is performed (step SA13), and it is checked whether or not an abnormality has occurred during ejection of the recording medium (step SA08). If no abnormality has occurred, the process is terminated. If an abnormality is detected at this time, the flow returns to step SA03 and the sheet discharging process is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

If an abnormality is confirmed, it is searched whether or not there is another usable discharge port (step SA03), and it is determined whether or not a discharge port capable of discharging is found (step S03).
A04), if there is no paper discharge port capable of discharging paper, the details of the abnormality are confirmed (step SA05), and the acquired details of the abnormality are displayed on panel section 104 (step SA0).
6). Further, the user of all the host computers connected to the image forming apparatus is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality via the host interface unit 402 shown in FIG. 8 (step SA07), and the abnormality of the paper discharge port is removed. Until the status is confirmed, the process of determining whether the discharge port is usable or not is continued (step SA08, step SA09).

On the other hand, if a usable discharge port is detected in step SA04, data reception from the user using the discharge port in which an error has occurred is prohibited (step SA10). The occurrence of an abnormality is notified only to the user who is using the paper discharge port that has occurred (step SA11). Then, it is checked whether or not the abnormality has continuously occurred (step SA08). If no abnormality has occurred, the process is terminated to prepare for the next sheet discharging process.
If an abnormality is detected at this time, the flow returns to step SA03 and the sheet discharging process is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

As described above, by prohibiting only data reception from the user using the paper discharge port where an abnormality has occurred, it is possible to continue the image forming process of another user.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the paper feed option device 107, the paper discharge option device 108, the paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option An optional controller unit 106 for controlling the apparatus 108 and another discharge port capable of discharging when an abnormality is detected in a discharge target discharge port is searched, and when an available discharge port is found, the discharge is performed. The video controller 103 switches the paper target discharge port to a usable discharge port and executes control to prohibit only data reception from a user who uses the abnormal discharge port. Play.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, in an image forming apparatus which uses a large number of optional units and has a plurality of paper discharge ports, a plurality of paper discharge ports are provided. If an abnormality occurs in one of the outlets, the abnormality is notified to the user using the paper ejection outlet in which the abnormality has occurred, and another usable paper ejection outlet is searched, and the found usable outlet is detected. By notifying a user who is using a paper discharge port that another user is performing paper discharge and performing paper discharge, data processing can be continued without interruption as in the related art, and user The effect that the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality can be efficiently performed is provided.

[Third Embodiment] In the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormality has occurred in the discharge destination specified in advance for each user at the time of executing the discharge processing, A search is performed to determine whether another paper outlet is available, and if there is a usable paper outlet, the abnormality is notified only to the user using the paper outlet where the abnormality has occurred,
By prohibiting only data reception from a user using the paper ejection port where an abnormality has occurred, data reception from another user and image forming processing have been continuously performed. On the other hand, as in the third embodiment of the present invention, in order to make the processing time of the host computer owned by the user who uses the paper output port where the error occurs efficient, the output of the abnormal paper discharge port is performed. Data received from the user using the paper slot may be stored in a non-volatile storage device (for example, HD) so that only data reception may be continuously performed.

The image forming apparatus (printer) 102 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a video controller 103, a panel unit 104, an engine controller 105, and an option controller unit 106, as in the first embodiment. , And a detachable paper feed option device 107 and a paper discharge option device 108 (see FIG. 1). Further, the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the detailed configuration of the video controller 103, and the option controller 10
The configuration and the like of the shared memory with the video controller 103 provided in the RMA 6 are the same as those in the first embodiment. These are described in detail in the first embodiment and will not be described.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above will be described.
14 and FIG. 1 show the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a case where an abnormality has occurred when option information is obtained via the option controller unit 106 during execution of a sheet discharging process in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing method of FIG.

It is checked whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the discharge ports available to the user (step SB01, step SB02). If no abnormality has been confirmed, the discharge port is determined (step SB12), and the recording medium Is performed (step SB13), and it is checked whether or not an abnormality has occurred during the ejection of the recording medium (step SB08). If no abnormality has occurred, the process is terminated. At this time, if an abnormality is detected, the process returns to step SB03 and the sheet discharging process is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

If an abnormality is confirmed, it is searched whether or not there is another usable discharge port (step SB03), and it is determined whether or not a discharge port capable of discharging is found (step S03).
B04), if there is no discharge port capable of discharging paper, the details of the abnormality are confirmed (step SB05), and the details of the acquired abnormality are displayed on the panel unit 104 (step SB0).
6). Further, the data received from all the users is stored in the HD (step SB07). Further, the user of all the host computers connected to the image forming apparatus via the host interface unit 402 shown in FIG. Then, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified (step SB08), and the state check and the process of judging whether or not the discharge port can be used are continued until the abnormality of the discharge port is removed (step SB09, step SB10).

On the other hand, if a usable discharge port is detected in step SB04, the data received from the user using the discharge port in which the error has occurred is transferred to the HD.
(Step SB11), and the occurrence of an abnormality is notified only to the user who uses the discharge port where the error has occurred (step SB12). Then, it is checked whether or not the abnormality has continuously occurred (step SB09). If no abnormality has occurred, the process is terminated to prepare for the next sheet discharging process. At this time, if an abnormality is detected, the process returns to step SB03 and the sheet discharging process is continued until the cause of the abnormality is removed.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the paper feed option device 107, the paper discharge option device 108, the paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option An optional controller unit 106 for controlling the apparatus 108 and another discharge port capable of discharging when an abnormality is detected in a discharge target discharge port is searched, and when an available discharge port is found, the discharge is performed. A video controller 103 that executes control for switching a paper target discharge port to a usable discharge port and storing data received from a user who uses the abnormal discharge port in a non-volatile storage device; Acts and effects.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, in an image forming apparatus using a large number of optional units and having a plurality of paper discharge ports, a plurality of paper discharge ports are provided. If an abnormality occurs in one of the outlets, the abnormality is notified to the user using the paper ejection outlet in which the abnormality has occurred, and another usable paper ejection outlet is searched, and the found usable outlet is detected. By notifying a user who is using a paper discharge port that another user is performing paper discharge and performing paper discharge, data processing can be continued without interruption as in the related art, and user The effect that the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality can be efficiently performed is provided.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the above-described third embodiment of the present invention, data received from a user who is using a paper outlet where an abnormality has occurred is stored in a nonvolatile storage device. By doing so, the processing time of the host computer was made more efficient. However, as in the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
The received print data is analyzed in the image forming apparatus, rendered as drawing data to be recorded on a recording medium, and stored in a non-volatile storage device, so that the processing of the image forming apparatus after an abnormality is avoided by the user can be performed. You may make it efficient.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. 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 a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus executes the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing the reading.

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

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, 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 or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into 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.

[0144]

As described above, claims 1 to 20 are provided.
According to the image forming apparatus described above, in an image forming apparatus that uses a plurality of optional devices and has a plurality of paper outlets, when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of paper outlets, Notifying the user using the outlet of the occurrence of an abnormality, searching for another available paper output port, and notifying the user using the found available paper output port to another user. By notifying that paper is being discharged and discharging the paper, the data processing can be continued without interruption as in the related art, and the user can be efficiently notified of the occurrence of an abnormality. To play.

According to the paper discharge control method of the present invention, by applying the paper discharge control method to the image forming apparatus, an optional device can be used and a plurality of paper discharge ports can be used. In the image forming apparatus having the above, when an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of paper discharge ports, data processing can be continued without interruption as in the related art, and the occurrence of the abnormality can be efficiently notified to the user. It has the effect of being able to do so.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, by reading out the paper discharge control method from the storage medium and executing the read out control method in the image forming apparatus, the optional apparatus can be used and a plurality of paper discharge control methods can be used. In an image forming apparatus having an opening, when an abnormality occurs in one of a plurality of paper discharge ports, data processing can be continued without interruption as in the related art, and notification of the occurrence of the abnormality to the user can be efficiently performed. This has the effect that it can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration centering on a control system of an image forming apparatus according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a structure of a main body and an optional unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an interface of each controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an interface of each controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing contents and directions of serial communication and signals performed by an option controller, a video controller, and an engine controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a video controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an RA provided in an option controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a shared memory with a video controller secured in M.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a connection example between the image forming apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and each host computer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for acquiring option information via an option controller of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a processing method in a case where an abnormality has occurred when option information has been acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart shown.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a processing method in a case where an abnormality has occurred when option information has been acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart shown.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a processing method in a case where an abnormality has occurred when option information has been acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart shown.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a processing method in a case where an abnormality occurs when option information is acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart shown.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a processing method in a case where an abnormality occurs when option information is acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a processing method in a case where an abnormality has occurred when option information is obtained via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of storage contents of a storage medium storing a program and related data of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which a program and related data of the present invention are supplied from a storage medium to an apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method when an abnormality occurs when option information is acquired via an option controller unit during execution of a sheet discharging process in an image forming apparatus according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 103 Video controller 409 CPU 106 Option controller unit 107 Paper feed optional device 107a Paper deck controller 108 Paper discharge optional device 108a Sorter controller

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 BB10 HJ04 HN05 HN18 HQ06 HQ17 HV02 HV19 HV35 HV47 2H027 ED22 ED29 EE07 EF09 EJ15 EK15 FA13 GB07 HA20 ZA07 2H072 FC01 3F050 CA02 CB07LA01 CB07LA01 CB07 LA001

Claims (41)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process, comprising: a discharge port state detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in a discharge port to be discharged; A discharge port search means for searching for another discharge port capable of discharging the paper when the discharge port state detection means detects an abnormality in the discharge target discharge port, and using the discharge port search means based on the search by the discharge port search means An image forming apparatus, comprising: a discharge port switching control unit that controls to switch the discharge target discharge port to the usable discharge port when a possible discharge port is found. 2. A start-up processing designating means for designating a start-up processing when power is turned on, an obtaining means for obtaining basic information of each of the optional devices, and a setting method based on the basic information obtained by the obtaining means. Option operation control means for issuing command identification information to each option device to specify operation and obtain information, and overall control means for confirming the command identification information issued by the option operation control means and comprehensively controlling each option device; Acquiring means for acquiring discharge information of a plurality of discharge ports, designating means for specifying a user available for each of the discharge ports, and user information designated for each of the discharge ports by the designation means And a discharge information storage means for storing a specified content and a discharge stacking amount when the paper is discharged to each of the discharge outlets. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 3. An optional paper feeder device comprising a paper storage unit for feeding a sheet to be image-formed from the paper storage unit, and a plurality of paper discharge ports provided with images to the respective paper discharge ports. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper discharge option device that discharges the formed paper. 4. An image forming means for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding optional device, and an image forming means assigned to the image forming means for monitoring a state of a scheduled discharge port in the sheet discharging optional device. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a state detection unit configured to detect a state related to the plurality of individual processes. 5. The storage device for storing option information to be transferred to the main body of the image forming apparatus through serial communication via the general control means, the paper discharge processing and the communication processing with the main body of the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an option control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. 6. The paper discharge option device includes a paper discharge function for discharging paper to each of the paper discharge ports, an inversion function for changing the face direction of the paper, and a staple on the paper. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a staple function to be executed, a shift function to shift the discharged paper to discharge the paper, and a detection function to detect a stacked amount of the discharged paper to each of the paper discharge ports. Image forming device. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the obtaining unit obtains paper discharge information such as a paper stack amount of each of the paper discharge ports and whether or not the paper can be discharged to each of the paper discharge ports. The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the designation unit designates a name of a user who can be used for each of the paper discharge ports for each of the paper discharge ports. 9. The user information storage unit stores information such as a designated user name, a type of an input interface used by a user, and a network address when the image forming apparatus main body is connected to a network. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information is stored for each paper port. 10. The paper discharge information storage means stores information such as the size of paper to be discharged, the direction of paper to be discharged, the type of paper to be discharged, the presence or absence of stapling designation, and the presence or absence of shift paper ejection designation. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information is stored for each mouth. 11. A notifying means for notifying a print data transmitting user of a change in the discharge port when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. 12. The method according to claim 12, wherein the changed discharge port is assigned to the user when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means, and the paper discharge port is assigned to a user stored in the user information storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a mouth change. 13. When the paper discharge port is changed by the paper discharge port switching control means, a different shift paper discharge process is performed in consideration of a shift paper discharge designation stored in the paper discharge information storage means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge processing unit that performs the discharge. 14. A setting information storage means for storing setting information as to whether or not to perform high-speed processing when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control means; 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a high-speed processing determination unit configured to determine whether the high-speed processing is performed based on setting information. 15. A setting unit for setting whether or not to execute a discharge option abnormal process for the discharge option device based on a fixed value written in a program or an external input, the setting information storage unit. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the setting of the image forming apparatus is performed based on information transmitted according to the setting contents of the setting unit. 16. A notifying means for notifying a user who can use a discharge port where an abnormality has occurred stored in said discharge information storage means when said discharge option abnormality is detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein 17. A printing apparatus, comprising: a prohibition unit for prohibiting reception of print data from a user who can use an abnormality-equipped discharge port stored in the discharge information storage unit when the discharge option abnormality is detected. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 18. The non-volatile storage device according to claim 1, further comprising, when the discharge option abnormality is detected, print data transmitted from a user who can use the discharge port in which the abnormality has occurred stored in the discharge information storage device. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising storage control means for storing the image. 19. When detecting an abnormality in the paper discharge option, print data transmitted from a user who can use an abnormal paper discharge port stored in the paper discharge information storage means is analyzed and image-processed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a storage control unit that stores the data in a nonvolatile storage unit later. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optional device is detachably connectable to the image forming apparatus main body or is integrated with the image forming apparatus main body. . 21. A discharge control method applied to an image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process, wherein the discharge control detects whether there is an abnormality in a discharge outlet targeted for discharge. An outlet state detecting step; a discharge port search step of searching for another discharge port capable of discharging when an abnormality is detected in the discharge target discharge port in the discharge port state detecting step; A discharge port switching control step of performing control to switch the discharge target discharge port to the usable discharge port when a usable discharge port is found based on the search in the port search step. Paper discharge control method. 22. A start-up processing specifying step for specifying start-up processing at the time of power-on, an obtaining step of obtaining basic information of each of the optional devices, and the obtaining step based on the basic information obtained in the obtaining step. An optional operation control step of issuing command identification information to each optional device to perform operation designation and information acquisition, an overall control step of confirming the command identification information issued in the optional operation control step, and integrally controlling each of the optional devices; An acquisition step of acquiring discharge information of a plurality of discharge ports, a designation step of designating a user available for each of the discharge ports, and user information designated for each of the discharge ports in the designation step User information storing step of storing a specified content and a paper output stacking amount when paper is discharged to each of the paper discharge ports. 22. The paper discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising a paper information storage step. 23. A paper feeding optional device which is provided with a paper storage portion and feeds a sheet to be image-formed from the paper storage portion, and is provided with the plurality of paper outlets and an image is supplied to each paper outlet. 23. The discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising a discharge option device for discharging the formed sheet. 24. An image forming step for forming an image on a sheet fed from the sheet feeding optional device, and the image forming step is assigned to the image forming step when monitoring a state of a scheduled discharge port in the sheet discharging optional device. 24. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 23, further comprising: a state detecting step of detecting states relating to the plurality of individual processes. 25. A storage step for storing option information for performing serial communication through the general control step and transferring the option information to an image forming apparatus main body,
23. The paper discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising an optional control step of controlling the paper discharge processing and communication processing with the image forming apparatus main body. 26. A paper discharge option device, comprising: a paper discharge function for discharging paper to each of the paper discharge ports; a reversing function for changing the face direction of the paper; and stapling the paper on the paper. 24. The printing apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a staple function to be executed, a shift function to shift the discharged paper to discharge, and a detection function to detect a stacked amount of the discharged paper to each of the discharge ports. Discharge control method. 27. The method according to claim 22, wherein in the obtaining step, paper discharge information such as a paper stacking amount of each of the paper discharge ports and whether or not the paper can be discharged to each of the paper discharge ports is obtained. The paper discharge control method described in the above. 28. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 22, wherein, in the specifying step, a name of a user who can be used for each of the sheet discharge ports is specified for each of the sheet discharge ports. 29. In the user information storing step, information such as a designated user name, a type of an input interface used by a user, and a network address when the image forming apparatus main body is connected to a network is output to each of the respective output devices. 23. The paper discharge control method according to claim 22, wherein the information is stored for each paper port. 30. In the discharge information storage step, information such as the size of discharge paper, the direction of discharge paper, the type of discharge paper, the presence or absence of staple designation, and the presence or absence of shift discharge designation is stored in each of the discharge papers. 23. A memory for each mouth.
The paper discharge control method described in the above. 31. The method according to claim 31, further comprising a notifying step of notifying a print data transmission user of the change of the discharge port when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control step. 31. The sheet discharge control method according to any one of 21 to 30. 32. Further, when the discharge port is changed by the discharge port switching control step, the changed discharge port is assigned to the user stored in the user information storage step, and 31. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising a notifying step of notifying a change of the mouth. 33. When the paper discharge port is changed in the paper discharge port switching control step, a different shift paper discharge process is performed in consideration of the shift paper discharge designation stored in the paper discharge information storage step. 33. The paper discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising a paper discharge processing step. 34. A setting information storing step for storing setting information as to whether or not to perform high-speed processing when the discharge port is changed in the discharge port switching control step; 34. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 21, further comprising a high-speed processing determining step of determining whether or not to execute the high-speed processing based on the stored setting information. 35. A setting step for setting whether or not to execute a discharge option abnormal process for the discharge option device based on a fixed value written in a program or an external input, wherein the setting information storing step is performed. 35. The paper discharge control method according to claim 34, wherein the setting of the paper discharge control is performed based on information transmitted in accordance with the contents set in the setting step. 36. The apparatus according to claim 36, further comprising a notifying step of notifying a user who can use the discharge port where the abnormality has occurred stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. 36. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 35, wherein: 37. A prohibition step for prohibiting reception of print data from a user who can use a discharge port where an abnormality has occurred stored in the discharge information storage step when the discharge option abnormality is detected. 36. The paper discharge control method according to claim 35, wherein: 38. When the discharge option abnormality is detected, print data transmitted from a user who can use the discharge port where the abnormality has occurred stored in the discharge information storage step is stored in a non-volatile storage step. 36. The sheet discharge control method according to claim 35, further comprising a storage control step of storing. 39. Further, when the discharge option abnormality is detected, the print data transmitted from a user who can use the discharge port where the abnormality has occurred stored in the discharge information storage step is analyzed and subjected to image processing. The paper discharge control method according to claim 35, further comprising a storage control step of storing the data in a nonvolatile storage step later. 40. The sheet discharge control according to claim 21, wherein the optional device is detachably connectable to the image forming apparatus main body or is integrated with the image forming apparatus main body. Method. 41. A storage medium readable by a computer storing a program for executing a paper discharge control method applied to an image forming apparatus capable of being equipped with a plurality of optional devices for performing a predetermined extension process, The paper control method includes a discharge port state detection step of detecting the presence or absence of an abnormality in a discharge port to be discharged, and a discharge state when an abnormality is detected in the discharge target discharge port in the discharge port state detection step. A paper discharge port search step for searching for another paper discharge port capable of paper, and, when a usable paper discharge port is found based on the search in the paper discharge port search step, the discharge target discharge port is used. A paper discharge port switching control step of performing control to switch to a possible paper discharge port.