JP2001092310A - Picture recording device, picture recording system, control method of picture recording device, control method of picture recording system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an operation that a user is to execute clear by preventing the display of full load while paper can be discharged at respective paper discharge modes without a trouble even if a full load bin has occurred, suppressing a condition for moving a system to full load to the minimum, improving a load rate and informing the user of an optimum full load release condition corresponding to the respective paper discharge modes. SOLUTION: It is judged whether paper discharge corresponding to a paper discharge mode can be executed or not based on the retrieval result of a paper discharge port corresponding to the paper discharge mode (the automation of user separation, the fixing of user separation, sorting and stack) designated by a print job received from host computers 101A to 101E and on the detection result of the paper load of the paper discharge ports. A message for urging the optimum operation of paper full load release/removal, which corresponds to the paper discharge mode, is informed to a user based on the judged result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus capable of executing a plurality of discharge modes by connecting a main body to a plurality of discharge ports or connecting an optional device having a plurality of discharge ports. The present invention relates to an apparatus, an image recording system, a method for controlling an image recording apparatus, a method for controlling an image recording system, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, computers (LANs) have been used.
1 Area Network), and a LAN connection is possible not only for a printer but also for various peripheral devices such as a multifunction image processing apparatus having a copy and fax function.
In such an environment, users with all needs share an image recording device.For example, even if the image recording device is used in the same office, the number of users differs and whether to use various paper sizes. There are various usage environments, such as whether to go immediately to pick up printed materials or leave them for a long time, and the operation method changes depending on the time and case, so it corresponds to each operation method There is a demand for an image recording apparatus having a function capable of performing the function.

In the conventional image recording apparatus, even when the image recording apparatus is used in a network environment by connecting to a LAN, a discharge port of the image recording apparatus is a place for temporarily storing a discharge of a user who has performed printing. In most cases, for example, when distributing printed documents to required locations, the printed materials printed by the printer are sorted and copied by the required number of copies using a copier, and the printed materials are copied to the box that holds each distributed material. It was taken out and distributed.

FIG. 35 shows that, for example, a document is referred to as “1st personnel section”, “2nd personnel section”, “3rd personnel section”, “1st general affairs section”, “
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a conventional printer usage pattern when distributing to each department such as “General Affairs Section 2”, “General Affairs Section 3”, and “Administration Section”.

In FIG. 1, a printer is used only for partially outputting a manuscript created by a host computer. Copies of a required number of copies, that is, copies of a department of a distribution destination are output by the printer. The required number of copies were made on a copy machine based on the manuscript, and distributed to the distribution box by the user himself.

To realize these, both a printer and a copier are necessary and costly. Therefore, sorting can be designated by the printer, and a plurality of paper outlets of the printer itself are used, and paper is discharged for each job. Some have been improved to switch bins to achieve sorting.

In the case where an image recording apparatus such as a printer having a plurality of discharge ports is shared and used by a plurality of users, for example, a one-job separate mode for discharging a sheet to an empty discharge port for each job. And so on.

FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional sorting method 1 job separation.

FIG. 36 shows one job separation.
In the example shown by, the user kakky → user yuic
hi → user jmori → user sakai → user k
This is an example of a case where a print job is transmitted to the printer in the order of aky → user sakai → user sakai.

In this example, the switching of the job is detected in the printer regardless of the owner of the job, and when a new job is transmitted, a discharge port with zero loading capacity is searched, and the job is started. The discharge is continued to the discharge port determined at the time until the end of the job. By changing the paper discharge port for discharging paper in one job unit and performing discharge, mixed loading of jobs is prevented.

As described above, paper is discharged by various paper discharge methods. When the paper is fully loaded, the user is notified of paper removal when the paper discharge bin currently discharging paper is full. Often, when all bottles were full and could not be loaded.

[0012]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems.

Many users use a LAN
In an environment where an image recording apparatus such as a connected printer is shared and used, there are users who have various purposes.

For example, 1. A user who wants to search for an empty bin at the time of printing, dynamically register a name, and perform paper discharge to perform sorting. 2. A user who wants to fixedly assign a name to a paper discharge bin, sort each user, and use it like a mailbox. A user who wants to sort using the printer output bin and output the same document to different output
4. There are various users such as users who want to use all empty bins to discharge a large amount of jobs.

The former two are paper discharge modes in which a plurality of paper outlets are shared by a plurality of users, and the latter two are personal use modes in which one user temporarily and exclusively uses all or some of the paper outlets. It can be said that this is a paper discharge mode.

As described above, when printing is performed by an image recording device such as a printer on a network, the environment used as described above changes, and jobs loaded in a paper discharge bin are stored by a plurality of users. In some cases, the conventional image recording apparatus simply informs the user that the printer is full and urges the user to remove the paper. When the user is notified, it is easy for the user to know which bin to remove the paper from to remove the full load and it is best to restart the printing process. Although printing can be resumed, there is a problem in that sheets in all bins are removed, or sheets ejected by another user are mistakenly removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to tenth inventions according to the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus for a print job specified in a print job received from a host computer. Based on the search result of the paper discharge port according to the paper mode and the detection result of the paper stack amount of each paper discharge port, it is determined whether or not the paper discharge according to the paper discharge mode can be executed, and based on the determination result, By notifying the user of a message that prompts the user to perform an operation for optimally removing and removing the full paper loading according to the discharge mode, an image capable of processing a plurality of discharge modes such as a shared discharge mode and a personal discharge mode is provided. In the recording apparatus, even if a full bin occurs, the full load display is not performed while the discharge in each discharge mode can be executed without any problem, the condition for shifting to the full load is kept to a minimum, the loading rate is increased, and each discharge is performed. According to the mode Image recording that notifies the user of an appropriate full load release condition, makes it easy for the user to understand the operation to be performed, and prevents the occurrence of problems such as mixed loading and out-of-order jobs in operation in each paper ejection mode. It is an object to provide an apparatus, an image recording system, a control method of an image recording apparatus, a control method of an image recording system, and a storage medium.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of paper discharge modes are provided by connecting a main body to a plurality of paper discharge ports or an optional device having a plurality of paper discharge ports. Search means (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18) for searching for a paper discharge port in accordance with a paper discharge mode specified for a print job received from an external device in an image recording apparatus capable of executing the above processing.
Detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports (the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18 performs detection processing via the shared memory shown in FIG. 19); the search result of the searching means and the detection of the detecting means A determination unit for determining whether or not the discharge according to the discharge mode can be executed based on the result (FIG. 1)
And a notifying unit for notifying the user of a message corresponding to the discharge mode based on the determination result of the determining unit (the CPU 409 shown in FIG.
/ F unit 401 and notification processing via the host I / F unit 402).

A second invention according to the present invention is directed to an automatic searching means (user shown in FIG. 27) for dynamically determining a discharge port based on an identification name and registering a name in the discharge port. Separate automatic search processing), fixed search means (user separate fixed search processing shown in FIG. 28) for searching for a discharge port having the same name as the name fixedly registered in each discharge port, and the plurality of discharge ports. Sort search means (sort search processing shown in FIG. 29) for searching for a paper discharge port for sorting using paper discharge ports, and discharge for discharging a large-capacity job using all empty discharge ports Stack search means (stack search processing shown in FIG. 30) for searching for a mouth.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detecting means is provided at each of the paper discharge ports, and detects at least three stages: at least no paper is loaded, at least paper is loaded, and at full load. Is performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the notifying unit determines that the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode cannot be executed, the notifying unit determines an optimal discharge condition in accordance with the discharge mode. A message prompting the operation of release and removal of full paper loading ("Please take out paper. Bin 1 to Bin 4" shown in FIG. 5, "Please take out paper. Bin 1, Bin 7" shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7) "Please take the paper.
Bin 5 "and" Please take the paper shown in Fig. 8. Bin 1
ビ ン bin 7 ”) to the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the message includes a status of each of the paper discharge ports (“1F shown in FIGS. 5 to 8”).
"Bin full"), a message for prompting an operation for optimal paper full load release operation indicating which paper output port is to be removed (bin name toggle or slide of "bin 1 ..." shown in FIGS. 5 to 8). Display).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of data processing devices and an optional device having a plurality of paper output ports in a main body or a plurality of paper output ports can be connected to perform processing in a plurality of paper output modes. In an image recording system that is communicably connected to an image recording apparatus capable of executing the above, the data processing apparatus specifies one of the paper ejection modes and control information corresponding to the paper ejection mode (FIG. 3, a discharge mode setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 4, a KB 9 shown in FIG. 9, and a print mode in which the discharge mode specified by the specifying means and control information corresponding to the discharge mode are transmitted to the image recording apparatus. Creation means for creating a print job added to the data (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 9), and transmission means for sending the print job created by the creation means to the image recording apparatus (CPU 1 shown in FIG. 8), and display means for displaying information notified from the image recording apparatus (the CPU 1 shown in FIG. 9 performs display processing on the CRT 10), and the image recording apparatus Search means (CPU 40 shown in FIG. 18) for searching for a paper discharge port in accordance with the paper discharge mode specified for the print job received from the processing device
9), detecting means (the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18 performs detection processing via the shared memory shown in FIG. 19) for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports, the search result of the searching means, and the detecting means A determination unit (CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18) for determining whether or not the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode can be executed based on the detection result. Notification means for displaying a corresponding message on the display unit and / or notifying the data processing device (the CPU 409 shown in FIG.
01, notification processing via the host I / F unit 402).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of paper output ports can be connected to the main body, or an optional device having a plurality of paper output ports can be connected, and a plurality of paper output mode processes can be executed. In the control method of the recording apparatus, a search step (steps S505 and S505 in FIG. 26) for searching for a discharge port according to a discharge mode specified for a print job received from an external apparatus.
507, S508, S511, FIGS. 27 to 30), a detection step for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports (steps S1101, S1102 in FIG. 32), a search result of the search step, and a description of the detection step. A determining step of determining whether or not the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is possible based on the detection result (steps S603 to S606 and S61 in FIG. 27)
4, steps S705 and S706 in FIG. 28, steps S809 and S810 in FIG. 29, and steps S905 to S905 in FIG.
909, S911) and a notification step (step S516 in FIG. 26) for notifying the user of a message corresponding to the paper discharge mode based on the determination result.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of data processing apparatuses can be connected to an optional device having a plurality of paper discharge ports in the main body or a plurality of paper discharge ports, and a plurality of paper discharge mode processing can be performed. A control method for specifying one of the paper discharge modes and control information corresponding to the paper discharge mode by the data processing device, in a control method of an image recording system in which an image recording device capable of executing the process is connected to communication. (Process not shown and steps S301 to S306 in FIG. 10)
A creation step of creating a print job in which the designated discharge mode and control information corresponding to the discharge mode are added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus (steps S401 to S403 in FIG. 11); A transmission step of transmitting the created print job to the image recording apparatus (step S404 in FIG. 11) and a display step of displaying information notified from the image recording apparatus (steps S1201 to S1 in FIG. 33)
203), and a search step (steps S505, S507, and S507 in FIG. 26) for the image recording apparatus to search for a discharge port in accordance with a discharge mode specified for a print job received from the data processing apparatus. S508, S511, FIG.
7 to 30) and a detecting step of detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports (steps S1101 and S1102 in FIG. 32).
And a determining step (step S60 in FIG. 27) of determining whether or not discharge according to the discharge mode is executable based on the search result of the search step and the detection result of the detection step.
3 to 606, S614, and steps S705 and S in FIG.
706, steps S809, 810 in FIG. 29, steps S905-909, S911 in FIG. 30, and a notification step of notifying the user of a message corresponding to the paper discharge mode based on the determination result (step S516 in FIG. 26). And

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus in which a plurality of paper output ports can be connected to the main body or an optional device having a plurality of paper output ports can be connected, and a plurality of paper output mode processes can be executed. A search step (steps S505, S507, and S50 in FIG. 26) in which the recording apparatus searches for a discharge port according to the discharge mode specified for the print job received from the external apparatus.
8, S511, FIGS. 27 to 30) and a detecting step of detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports (step S11 in FIG. 32).
01, S1102) and a judging step (FIG. 2) for judging, based on the search result of the search step and the detection result of the detection step, whether or not discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is executable.
7, steps S603 to 606, S614, steps S705, S706 in FIG. 28, and step S80 in FIG.
9, 810, steps S905-909, S9 in FIG.
11) and a notification step (step S516 in FIG. 26) for notifying the user of a message corresponding to the paper discharge mode based on the determination result is stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Things.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus in which a main body having a plurality of paper discharge ports or an optional device having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected to execute a plurality of paper discharge mode processes. A designation process (a process not shown and steps S301 to S306 in FIG. 10) for designating any one of the paper discharge modes and control information corresponding to the paper discharge mode, A creation step of creating a print job in which a paper discharge mode and control information corresponding to the paper discharge mode are added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus (steps S401 to S403 in FIG. 11)
And a transmission step of transmitting the created print job to the image recording apparatus (step S404 in FIG. 11), and a display step of displaying information notified from the image recording apparatus (FIG. 33)
Steps S1201 to S1203) are executed, and the image recording apparatus capable of executing a plurality of discharge mode processes to which a main body having a plurality of paper discharge ports or an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected. A search step (steps S505 and S5 in FIG. 26) for searching for a paper discharge port according to a paper discharge mode specified for a print job received from the data processing apparatus.
07, S508, S511, FIGS. 27 to 30), a detecting step (steps S1101, S1102 in FIG. 32) for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the discharge ports, a search result of the searching step, and A determining step of determining whether or not the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is possible based on the detection result (steps S603 to S606 and S61 in FIG. 27)
4, steps S705 and S706 in FIG. 28, steps S809 and S810 in FIG. 29, and steps S905 to S905 in FIG.
909, S911), and a notification step (step S516 in FIG. 26) of notifying the user of a message corresponding to the paper discharge mode based on the determination result in a computer-readable storage medium. It is something that I remember.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The paper discharging method according to the present invention, which uses the image recording apparatus in common, flexibly sorts the print job according to the purpose, and is not limited to each job and each user. In the following description, the term “user separation” in a broad sense is defined, a mode in which bin names are registered in advance and paper is discharged is a user separation fixed mode, and names are dynamically registered and deleted during job processing. Is referred to as a user-separated automatic mode.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image recording system to which a data processing apparatus and an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

As shown in the figure, an example in which the image recording apparatus is shared by a plurality of host computers, that is, used by a plurality of users will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes an image recording device (printer) which is an external device (host computer 101 (10)
1A, 101B, 101C, 101D, 101E)) via a predetermined communication medium, for example, a LAN such as Ethernet, and performs image recording on a recording medium based on image information transmitted from each host computer.
To 7 are output. In this embodiment, the paper outlets of the printer 102 are bin 1, bin 2,..., Bin 7 from the upper stage.

The host computers 101A, 101B,
The users of 101C, 101D, and 101E are sa
kai, utsu, kakky, yuichi, jmo
At ri, the host computer is started up, and when the user logs in, the above names are registered as default values. This name can be edited by the user and can be input from a UI (user interface) on the host computer.

The host computer 101 has installed therein an application or a printer driver for performing sorting designation based on identification names shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 10 and 11, which will be described later. Also, the user saka
If i is an administrator who manages printer settings and the like, the host computer 101A can set a paper discharge mode on a user interface (UI) shown in FIG. 2 described below.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2, setting of a paper discharge mode by the host computer 101A, and FIGS.
With reference to, the sorting designation by the identification name by the host computer 101 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the paper ejection mode of the printer 102 by a host application on each host computer 101A shown in FIG. 1. The host computer 10 shown in FIG.
1 is displayed on the CRT 10.

In the figure, reference numeral 500 denotes a sheet supply / discharge setting screen.
A feed mode and a discharge mode of the image recording apparatus 102 can be set.

Reference numeral 501 denotes a sheet feeding unit setting area, in which "automatic" is set. Reference numeral 502 denotes an automatic paper feed display area, and a paper feed unit that can feed paper is displayed when the paper feed unit setting area 501 is set to “automatic”. Reference numeral 503 denotes a tray priority setting area. When the sheet feeding unit setting area 501 is set to “automatic”, it is possible to select whether or not tray priority is set. Here, tray priority is selected.

Reference numeral 504 denotes a tray paper size setting unit which can set the paper size stored in the tray, for example, A4, B5, letter, executive, and the like. In this case, "A4" is set. Reference numeral 505 denotes a paper name setting window display button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a paper name setting window (not shown) can be displayed to set a paper name.

Reference numeral 511 denotes a paper discharge unit setting area, in which "automatic" is set. Reference numeral 512 denotes an automatic paper discharge setting area, which can be set when the paper discharge unit setting area 511 is set to “automatic”. In this example, “name paper discharge (user separate)” is set. Reference numeral 513 denotes a user separation setting area. When the automatic paper discharge setting area 512 is set to “name paper discharge (user separate)”, “automatic” or “fixed” can be selectively set. Is set to automatic.

Reference numeral 514 denotes a bin name setting window display button. When "fixed" is selected in the user separate setting area 513, this button is designated by a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown) to display a bin name setting window (not shown). To set the bin name.

Reference numeral 521 denotes an OK button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is made valid (that is, a registration instruction is transmitted to the printer 102). The paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is terminated. Reference numeral 522 denotes a cancel button. By instructing this button using a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is invalidated, and the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is terminated.

Reference numeral 523 denotes an update button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper supply / discharge setting screen 500 is made valid (that is, a registration instruction is transmitted to the printer 102). Can be. Reference numeral 524 denotes a help button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a help window (not shown) can be displayed.

In the example shown in FIG.
Is set to "user separate automatic".

The paper supply / discharge setting screen 5 shown in FIG.
Normally, the setting of the paper feed mode and the paper discharge mode need only be performed once when the image recording apparatus is installed after the operation method is determined.

Next, a description will be given of a case where an identification name is set according to purpose at the time of printing.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a screen for setting a discharge mode at the time of printing by the host application on each of the host computers 101A and 101B shown in FIG. Is displayed on the CRT 10 of the host computer 101 shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, reference numeral 600 denotes a discharge mode setting screen at the time of printing.

Reference numeral 611 denotes a job processing method selection area.
The job discharge method can be selected from “print”, “interrupt print”, “save + print”, and “save”. If "print" is selected, the job is printed in the transmission order, if "interrupt printing" is selected, the job is interrupted, and if "save + print" is selected, the job is stored in the external memory shown in FIG. The job is stored in the external memory 11 in the order of transmission, and when "Save" is selected, the job is stored in the external memory 11 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 601 denotes a 7-bin sorter mounted display, which indicates that the image recording apparatus 102 is mounted with a 7-bin sorter. Reference numeral 602 denotes a paper discharge method setting area in which a user separate is set.

When a user separation is selected, a UI (bin name setting area 6) matching the type (automatic) of the user separation set in advance in the printer 102 is selected.
03, bin name input area 604) is displayed.

In the bin name setting area 603, when the user separate automatic mode is set, "use login name as bin name" or "customize and use bin name" can be selected.

A bin name input area 604 is used to input a bin name when “customize and use bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603, such as “Kakigi” or “by host”. Sorting ”,“ Sorting by group name ”,“ Sorting by application ”,
"Sorting by paper size", "paper type such as paper type",
One is selected from options such as "sort by file name", "sort by time zone", and "sort by date". In addition, "sort by host", "sort by group name",
Options such as “sort by application”, “sort by paper size”, “paper type such as paper type”, “sort by file name”, “sort by time zone”, and “sort by date” will be described later with reference to FIG. ROM 3, the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2, or the external memory 11 or the like. The bin name newly input to the bin name input area 604 is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2 in FIG.
Alternatively, the information may be stored in the external memory 11 or the like, and may be configured as one of options from the next time.

Reference numeral 605 denotes a button for returning to the standard mode. When the button is designated by a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a discharge mode setting screen 600 for printing is set.
To the default settings.

Reference numeral 610 denotes a copy unit print designation check box. When a plurality of copies are to be printed by designating this check box with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), printing in copy units is set.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an OK button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is enabled, and the paper discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is set. To end. Reference numeral 607 denotes a cancel button. By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is invalidated, and the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing is invalidated.
To end.

Reference numeral 608 denotes an apply button. By designating this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), the setting of the discharge mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing can be validated. 609 is a help button,
By instructing this button with a keyboard or a pointing device (not shown), a help window (not shown) can be displayed.

FIG. 3 corresponds to the case where “use login name as bin name” is selected in bin name setting area 603 (default setting), and print jobs from users who have made this setting are sorted by user. The paper is ejected. FIG. 4 corresponds to the case where “customize and use bin name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603, and the print job from the user who has made this setting is stored in the bin name input area 6
The paper is sorted by the “Kakiki” input in 04 and discharged.

In the present embodiment, the case of sorting for each user or sorting for each purpose is described. However, for a user who wants to perform the sorting by each user, the default setting is sufficient and no operation is performed. May be.
By specifying an OK button 606 in FIG. 3, sorting can be performed for each user.

On the other hand, for the user who wants to sort by purpose, as shown in FIG.
Select "Use customized bin name" and enter the name to be used in the bin name input area 604 or select "Sort by host", "Sort by application", "Sort by paper size", or "Sort by paper size". Select one of genre (types) of identification names such as paper type such as paper type, "sort by file name", "sort by time zone", "sort by date", etc., and click an OK button 606.
Instruct.

After the necessary settings have been made, the user can sort by purpose only by giving a print instruction by designating the user separate.

As can be seen from the screens of FIGS. 3 and 4 (discharge mode setting screen 600 for printing), the user does not need to specify the discharge port, but only transmits the print data in the user separate setting. Thus, it is possible to perform the desired sorting set on the paper ejection mode setting screen 600 at the time of printing in FIGS.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the operation of the image processing system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied will be described with respect to the full message in operation in each paper discharge mode.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation related to a full message in operation in the user separate automatic mode of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. It shows the result of performing paper.

As shown in the figure, a case where a full load occurs as a result of each user discharging paper in the user separate automatic mode is shown, and the image recording apparatus 102 is connected to a plurality of host computers, that is, a plurality of users. This is an example in the case of sharing and using in the automatic mode.

In the user-separated automatic mode according to the present embodiment, if continuous bins can be registered with the same name, the paper can be continuously discharged. For example, as shown in FIG.
The user kakky continuously outputs a large amount of paper, and bin 1
After bin 1 is fully loaded, the paper is continuously discharged to bin 2, bin 3, and bin 4, and bins 1 to 4 are assigned to user k.
It is assumed that a state is in use by AKKY. There, user yuichi discharges paper, and bin 5 is an empty bin.
In this state.

After that, when the user kakky discharges the paper, the paper can be discharged until the bin 4 is full.
Since the full bins cannot be used, the continuous bin 5 cannot be used, so that the user kakky cannot continue the paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode.

Therefore, as shown in the figure, when the bin 4 is full, a message is displayed to remove all sheets in the bin 1, bin 2, bin 3, and bin 4. "Binful bin 1" or the like is displayed on the panel of the image recording apparatus, and the bin 1 is displayed with a toggle display or a scroll display (slide display) of the target bin so that the user can see all the bins to be removed. .

As a user operation, bin 5
Although it is possible to return from the full load display by removing the paper of the bin 5, the paper in the bin 5 belongs to the user yuichi and is a job of another person. I do.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation relating to a full message in operation in the user separate fixed mode of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. This shows the result of paper ejection.

In this user-separated fixed mode, each paper discharge bin is a paper discharge method in which a user is registered in advance and is used as a mailbox. When one job is transmitted, a plurality of bins have the same contents. Can also be delivered. That is, a plurality of users can share and use the image recording apparatus in the user separate fixed mode.

As a result of the above-described method, the paper discharge designation is made to the “1st personnel section” of bin 1, the “1st general section” of bin 4 and the “administration section” of bin 7, and as a result, the “1st personnel section” of bin 1 and the bin It is assumed that the “Administration Section” of No. 7 is full. In this case, the bin that has discharged the paper by transmitting this job is “Personnel Division 1” of Bin 1 and Bin 4
In the “General Affairs Division” of Bin 1 and the “Administration Division” of Bin 7, this job was full of “Personnel Division 1” of Bin 1 and the “Administration Division” of Bin 7, so all of Bin 1 and Bin 7 Message to remove the paper.

Other Bin 2, Bin 3, Bin 5, Bin 6
No display is performed even if is full.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation relating to a full message in operation in a sort mode of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The result is shown.

In this sort mode, one user is exclusively using the bins. At the start of sorting, the processing is performed after removing the paper from all bins.

During sorting, the same number of sheets are stacked in each bin. That is, as shown in FIG.
If the sheets are full at the time of sorting, bins 1 to 5 are full. The user is notified to remove the full load by removing all of them, and all the sheets are removed and the operation is resumed.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation relating to a full message in operation in the stack mode of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The result is shown.

In this stack mode, there is a case where a certain user discharges a large amount of paper or a case where a plurality of users discharge paper at random and stack the paper.

Since the main purpose of the stack is to be able to discharge a large amount of paper, when all the paper discharge bins are full, the full load is notified, and the user is notified to remove the paper from all the bins. The paper is removed and operation resumes.

The notification to the user described above is transmitted to the display panel of the image recording apparatus itself (see FIG.
3 and a notification is also sent to the host computer 101, and the display is performed on a screen (CRT 10 shown in FIG. 9 described later) on the host computer 101.

The image recording apparatus 1 shown in FIGS.
02 can be set from the host computer 101 or the panel unit 104 of the image recording apparatus 102.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of host computer 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU, which can communicate data with the printer 102 based on programs (various application programs, printer drivers, etc.) stored in a program ROM of the ROM 3 and is connected to the system bus 4. And overall control of each device.

The font ROM of the ROM 3 stores font data and the like, and the data ROM of the ROM 3 stores various data. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM, which functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 1.

5 is a keyboard controller (KBC)
Controls the key input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). 6 is a CRT controller (C
RTC) controls the display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC), which is a hard disk (HD) for storing font data, user files, edited files, and the like, and a floppy disk (F).
D) controls access to the external memory 11.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC)
Then, the printer 102 is connected to the printer 102 via a predetermined communication medium (a local interface defined by IEEE1284 or a network interface such as Ethernet), and executes a communication control process with the printer 102.

Note that the CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing an outline font into the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10.

The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor (pointer) or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

Further, the RAM 2 has a nonvolatile memory such as an NVRAM inside.

It should be noted that each paper discharge mode, identification name,
Each specification such as the number of paper discharges can be input from the keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a detailed description of the concept of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 can be applied at the time of printing will be given.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The host computer 10 shown in FIG.
CPU 1 in each of 1A and 101B executes based on a program stored in ROM 3 or another storage medium. In addition, S301 to S306 indicate each step.

First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not to register an identification name. That is, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode.

In step S301, no identification name is registered.
That is, when the user instructs paper ejection other than the user-separated automatic mode, there is no need to register an identification name, and the process ends as it is.

On the other hand, when the identification name is registered in step S301, that is, when the user instructs the paper discharge in the user separate automatic mode, the user selects the identification name to be used in the bin name setting area 603. Step S
Proceed to 302.

In step S302, the identification name is edited, that is, it is determined whether or not the bin name is customized and used, and the identification name is not edited (bin name setting area 6
When it is determined that “use login name as bin name” is selected in 03), the process is terminated as it is because there is no need to edit the identification name.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the identification name is to be edited (“customize and use login name” is selected in the bin name setting area 603),
In step S303, it is determined whether to select the genre (type) of the identification name. If it is determined that the genre of the identification name is to be selected, the process proceeds to step S305, and the bin name input area 704 is used to select from the options. For example, one of the genres (types) of identification names such as “sorting by host”, “sorting by application”, “sorting by paper size”, “sorting by file name”, and “sorting by time zone” is selected. Then, the process proceeds to step S306.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the genre (kind) of the identification name is not to be selected, the process proceeds to step S304, and the user name such as "Kakiki", the department name, and the group name are entered in the bin name input area 704. And the like, and the process proceeds to step S306.

Next, in step S306, the user setting information (information (identification name, etc.) set on the discharge mode setting screen 600) is stored in the nonvolatile memory in the RAM 2 or the external memory 11 such as a hard disk. To end.

The stored user setting information is used for determining information to be added to print data when printing in the user-separated automatic mode designation.

Next, the process of creating and transmitting print data after the user gives a print instruction after the user setting shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The print data transmitted to the image recording apparatus when a print instruction is issued The CPU 1 in the host computers 101A and 101B shown in FIG.
It is executed based on a program stored in the OM3 or another storage medium. Note that S401 to S405 indicate each step.

Upon receiving a print instruction from a user, first, in step S401, control information such as paper supply / discharge setting is created.

Next, in step S402, it is determined whether or not the user-separated automatic mode is designated. If it is determined that the mode is not the user-separated automatic mode, in step S403, the paper discharge is designated according to each mode, and the data is output. Then, in step S404, the data is transmitted to the image recording apparatus.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the user separate automatic mode is designated, then in step S405, based on the user setting information for identification stored (set) in S306 in FIG. The identification name to be added to the print data is determined.

If the default is a login name, and if the name edited by the user is registered, a user name entered in advance is added, and other sorting by host (host ID), sorting by application (identifier) If selections such as sorting by paper size (specified paper size), sorting by file name (file name), sorting by time zone (time), etc. are made, it is decided to add each information managed in the host computer. I do.

Next, in step S403, data is created in accordance with each discharge mode. At this time, step S
If there is identification information determined to be added in 405, a print job in which the identification information is added to the print data is created.

Next, in step S404, the data of the print job is transmitted to the image recording apparatus 102.

When the discharge of the print job is completed, a job end notification is received from the image recording apparatus 102, and a display as shown in FIG.
The above is performed so that the discharge bin actually used by the user can be recognized.

FIG. 12 shows the image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a print end notification sent from the host computer 101 to the host computer 101, which is displayed on a display unit of the host computer 101.

With this display, the user can recognize at a glance in which bin the print job of the user has been discharged.

Next, the configuration of the image recording apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 shows the image recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which No. 2 is applicable.

The image recording apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a laser beam printer, and it goes without saying that a printer of another printing system such as an ink jet printer may be used.

In the following description and drawings, an example in which two optional units are connected will be described. However, more optional units can be connected, and the functions of the optional units may be shared by the main body. Absent.

In the figure, a laser beam printer (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, RS232C, U232).
SB, etc.), network (for example, Ethernet etc.)
Connected to the external device 10 via a general-purpose interface.
1 (control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language, for example, Post Scr).
ipt, LIPSIII, LIPSIV, image data, etc.).

A video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, receives code data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, and receives the code data. It generates page information including dot data and the like based on the data, transmits image data (binary or multi-valued) to an engine controller 105 to be described later via the video interface 80, and transmits the image data (binary or multi-valued) to the after-mentioned interface via the general interface 90. A command for specifying sheet feeding and discharging is transmitted to the option controller unit 106. The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum by a well-known electrophotographic process based on the image data transferred from the video controller 103, transfers the latent image to a supplied sheet, and performs printing. At this time, the control unit 106 instructs the option controller unit 106 to supply and discharge paper.

Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. Can be instructed to perform a predetermined operation. Various data and the like set by the user are stored and managed in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory, for example, NVRAM, EEPROM, or the like.

The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), and the like. One unit is controlled based on a sheet supply / discharge designation transferred from the video controller 103 and a sheet supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. This is a general controller for controlling the above optional devices (units) collectively, and communicates with an optional controller unit included in various optional devices via the optional unit interface 70 to control the various optional devices collectively.

Further, in the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (shown in FIG. 19 described later) which can be accessed by the video controller 103. The shared memory has a transport status management area of about 40 pages, The video controller 10 includes a status area, a command status management area, a start-up processing area, and the like.
Reference numeral 3 designates designation of each optional device via each area of the shared memory.

The transport status management area is set by the video controller 103 in 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).

Further, the basic status area indicates an abnormality of each optional device (JAM, no paper, no staple, etc.).
Is notified to the video controller 103, and the command & status management area is
The start-up processing area is an area in which the command status is exchanged with the device 3 and the video controller 103 specifies the start-up processing of each optional device.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a paper feed optional device (unit)
For example, a paper deck option unit has a paper deck controller (large-capacity paper feed cassette controller) 107 a therein, and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. The paper deck controller 107a
Has a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown), and the CPU controls the sheet feeding option device 107 based on a program stored in the ROM. 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.

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

The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with operation units (controllers) 107b and 108b having a display unit and various keys, respectively. Can be displayed and operated.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a control unit, which is an engine controller 105 for controlling a printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 for controlling the entire printer 102 and analyzing data from an external device 101 such as a host computer and converting the data into image data. , And an optional controller unit 106 for controlling various optional units.

Note that the option controller unit 106
Manages each option unit by a common option unit interface 70, and communicates with the video controller 103 via the general interface 90.
This embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.

FIG. 14 shows the printer 102 shown in FIG.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of FIG. 13, and the same components as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette which holds the recording paper S and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). Reference numeral 231 denotes a cassette paper feed clutch, which separates only one of the uppermost recording papers of the recording paper S placed on the paper cassette 230, and feeds the separated recording paper S by a driving unit (not shown) to the paper feed roller 20.
This cam rotates intermittently every time paper is fed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. 23
A recording paper detection sensor 0S detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter which presses a sheet to stop sheet feeding. The paper feed roller 204 is a recording paper S
Is transported to the resist shutter 227. 20
Reference numeral 2 denotes a manual tray on which the recording paper S is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual feed clutch, which conveys the recording paper S placed on the manual tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. 2
33 is an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay conveyance roller)
Then, the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option 107 is supplied into the main body of the printer 102.

The manual paper feed roller 203, cassette paper feed clutch 231, optional paper feed roller 233
A registration roller pair 205 for synchronously transporting the recording paper S is provided downstream of the registration roller. A laser image emitted from a laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the registration roller to form a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic method. An image recording unit 207 formed by a process is provided.

In the laser scanner unit 206, 215
Is a laser unit that 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. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the light amount of the laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

In the image recording unit 207, 222
Is a primary charger, which charges the photosensitive drum 220 uniformly. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charging unit 222, and develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 by laser exposure by the laser scanner unit 206 with toner. 2
A transfer charger 24 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 developed by the developing device 223 to the registration roller 20.
5 is transferred to the recording paper S fed. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220.
Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that removes electricity from the photosensitive drum 220 by light.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing unit for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 to the recording paper S. Reference numeral 210 denotes a conveyance roller for discharging and conveying the recording paper S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects a paper discharge state of the recording paper S. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper, which changes the transport direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the sheet ejection tray 213 side or the sheet ejection option 10.
Switch to 8 side. 214 and 212 are paper discharge rollers,
The recording paper S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 is discharged to the stacking tray 213. Reference numeral 213S denotes a discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor, which is the recording paper S stacked on the stacking tray 213.
Detect the loading capacity of

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 in the main body of the printer 102.

Further, the video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 such as a personal computer by a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and develops image information sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data. Bit data to V
The DO signal is sent to the engine controller 105 via the video interface 80.

Next, various optional units detachably connected to the main body of the printer 102 will be described.

The option controller 106 shown in FIG. 13 is provided in the printer main body shown in FIG.
Various optional units are configured to be communicable with the same protocol via the optional unit interface 70 serving as a common path. 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, a paper deck 241 loads a large amount of recording paper S on an ascending / descending deck.
Reference numeral 242 denotes a paper deck paper feed roller.
The recording paper S stacked on the paper 1 is fed.

A transport roller 244 transports the recording paper S fed from the paper deck paper feed roller 242 toward the optional paper feed roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a paper feed relay roller, which is a sheet fed from another sheet feeding system option unit (recording sheets of different sizes or the same size can be fed) which can be detachably connected to a plurality of units below the paper deck option. Relay the paper. A recording paper storage amount detection sensor 241S detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241.

The 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, reference numerals 251 to 257 denote first to seventh discharge bins for performing face-down discharge, in which the recorded recording paper S is sorted and stacked. Things. Reference numeral 258 denotes an eighth discharge bin for directly passing the paper conveyed to the sorter option and performing face-up discharge. 280 is a flapper, which is a printer 1
The recording paper S sorted by the flapper 211 of the main body 02 and sent to the sorter option unit 108 is transport-switched so that the face of the recording paper S is switched based on an instruction from the video controller 103. Also,
Reference numerals 261S to 268S denote paper empty detection sensors for detecting whether or not the recording paper discharged to the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258 is loaded.

Further, the discharged paper stacking amount detection sensor 271S-
278S are the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 2
Loading capacity of the recording paper loaded on 58 (zero loading capacity (empty)
~ Full), and the height of the recording paper stacked in the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 is, for example, 18 m.
m (corresponding to about 120 images), the sorter controller 108a fills the video controller 103 via the option controller 106 with
Notify.

Each of the first discharge bin 251 to the eighth discharge bin 258 can load about 120 sheets in each bin, that is, about 960 sheets in 8 bins.
The seventh to seventh discharge bins 257 can perform sorted discharge.

When the face-up is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face-up flapper 280 is turned on to perform the sorting, and the sorted recording paper S is directly sent to the paper discharge port by the roller 290. When face down is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the face up flapper 280 is turned off and sorting is performed. The sheet is conveyed until it exceeds the up flapper 280, and then the roller 291 is reversed and fed into the vertical path from the rear end of the recording sheet S, and the bin flappers 281 to 282 are designated by the designated discharge bin.
86 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 stapling is specified by the video controller 103 by the stapler (not shown) through the general interface 90, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown), and the recording paper S is aligned.
The stapler executes the stapling and executes the first output bins 251 to 251.
The sheet is discharged to one of the eighth discharge bins 258. When the shift is designated by the video controller 103 through the general interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, and the recording The recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, that is, the placement area (tray) of the discharged recording paper S is shifted, and then the recording paper S is discharged to any of the first to eighth discharge bins 251 to 258. The staple also has a staple remaining amount detection sensor (not shown), and detects a staple remaining amount stored in the staple.

The sorter option unit 108
Is controlled by the sorter controller 108a.

Also, the option controller 106,
The paper deck controller 107a and the sorter controller 108a are connected by connectors, respectively, and perform serial communication by the option unit interface 70. Both are connected in series by the same connector,
Therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the sorter option unit 108 can be connected in a different order.

The manual paper feed roller 203, the cassette paper feed clutch 231 and the paper deck paper feed roller 24
The pair of registration rollers 205 for transporting the recording paper S, the paper supply roller 204, and the conveyance roller 244 are provided downstream of the pair 2, and the laser emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided downstream of the pair of registration rollers 205. Image recording unit 20 that forms a toner image on recording paper S by light
7 are provided. Further, a fixing unit 208 for thermally fixing the toner image formed on the recording paper S is provided downstream of the image recording unit 207, and a discharge unit for detecting a conveyance state of a discharge unit is provided downstream of the fixing unit 208. A paper sensor 209, a transport roller 210 for transporting the recording paper, a flapper 211 for switching a transport direction of the recording paper S on which recording is completed, and the like are provided.

FIG. 15 shows the printer 102 shown in FIG.
13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 13, and the same components as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a serial communication interface, from which commands such as designation of paper feed to the paper deck option unit 107 and designation of a paper discharge bin to the sorter option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106. The statuses such as the paper presence / absence state of the paper deck option unit 107, the stacking state of each paper discharge bin of the sorter option unit 108, and the staple presence / absence state are determined by the option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103.
You can also connect directly by U bus.

Reference numeral 92 denotes an OPTRDY signal, which functions as a signal indicating whether or not an option designated by the video controller 103, for example, a staple can be used, is transmitted from the option controller 106 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal for the printer 102 to discharge recording paper. A PFEDT signal 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives recording paper from the optional unit. 95 is SP
The CNG signal functions as a signal for lowering the speed of the recording paper S conveyed at a high speed in the option unit to match the conveyance speed of the printer 102 main body.

Reference numeral 81 denotes a communication interface,
02 and the printer 102
Commands such as designation of paper ejection to the paper ejection tray 231 of the main body and printing are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105, and the status of the cassette 230 in the main body of the printer 102, such as a paper presence state and a paper jam, is transmitted from the engine controller 105. Video controller 103
Sent to. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.

In addition, although not shown, control of each process by the engine controller 105 is executed based on signals exchanged with the video controller 103, and the signals / CPRDY, / PPR
DY, / RDY, / PRNT, / VSREQ, / VSY
NC, / BD, / SCLK, / CMD, / CBSY, /
STS, / SBSY, / CCRT (Condition
Change Report), and details thereof are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a video controller (VC) 1
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining signals exchanged between the engine controller 03 and an engine controller (EC) 105.

[0156] Of the above signals, the method of using the / CCRT signal will be described.

(Procedure 1) The video controller 103 checks the normal / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, and if there is a change in these signals, reads the status information. At this time, the / CCRT signal becomes "FALS
E "and the / RDY signal becomes" FALSE ", the status of contents such as misprint, wait, sleep, and operator call is checked. See the status for details.

(Procedure 2)-When the / CCRT signal is "TR"
UE ", the status of contents such as paper size change, paper presence / absence change, paper feed function change, and warning content change is read, and the type of the changed status is recognized. The engine controller 105 sequentially reads the statuses of the group and recognizes the details of the reset procedure of the / CCRT signal. The change of the warning state is constantly checked, and if there is a change, the higher-level state change status is set to "1" and the / CCRT signal, which is a hard signal, is set to "TRUE". Receiving a status request command from the controller 103 and reading the status change status into the video controller 103 It was with it, to "FALSE" the / CCRT signal.

The general interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92,
An OUTT signal 93, a PFEDT signal 94, and an SPCNG signal 95 are configured by five hard signals.

The three signals of the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105 and output from the video interface 8
The signal is input to the option controller unit 106 through the video controller 103 via “0”. Details of each of the above signals are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows a video controller (VC) 1
03 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between an engine controller (EC) 105 and an option controller (OC) unit 106.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of video controller 103 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a panel interface (I / F), which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel 104 by data communication with the panel 104. 402 is a host interface (I / F)
And an input / output unit for signals with the external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F), which is an input / output unit for signals with the engine controller 105, which sends out data signals from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.

Reference numeral 403 denotes an image data generating unit,
Bit map data for actual printing is generated on the basis of the control code data sent from 01. An image memory 405 stores image data.

Reference numeral 409 denotes a CPU, which is a video controller 1
03 controls the entire system. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM, and the CPU 40
9 is stored. 407 is a RAM, a CPU
409 functions as temporary storage means. 410
Denotes an EEPROM, which is composed of a nonvolatile memory medium.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a DMA control unit which transfers bitmap data in the image memory 405 to the engine interface unit 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. 4
Reference numeral 12 denotes an option interface (I / F) unit, which communicates with the option controller unit 106 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. Further, the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 95 are sent from the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90 through.

A 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 40
8, a CPU 409, an EEPROM 410, and an option interface unit 412 are connected to a system bus 411, and can access all functional units on the system bus 411.

The control code for controlling the CPU 409 is constituted by an OS for performing time-division control in units of load modules called tasks by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of load modules (tasks) operating in units of functions. Shall be.

With the above configuration, the video controller 1
Reference numeral 03 denotes a printer having a plurality of paper supply / discharge ports, and controls handling of a recording medium to be fed or discharged to a printer 102 capable of recording an image on the recording medium based on print information input from the external device 101.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, video controller 103 is connected to option controller section 106.
A description will be given of a control method for integrally controlling each optional device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in the RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG.

The shared memory shown in FIG. 19 designates a page, a transport status management area for knowing the transport status of paper, a basic status section for knowing the abnormal status of each option, and a command status for exchanging command status. And a start-up processing unit that specifies start-up processing of the optional device.

The start-up processing section is a video controller 10
3 is a start-up designation part for designating from 3, and a completion notification part for notifying that each option has completed processing as a result of the designation.

The video controller 103 performs start-up processing of each option by designating the start-up processing section. When the power is turned on, the video controller 103 informs the start-up designated portion of the initialization designation of the shared memory, the designation of acquisition of configuration information of each option required by the option controller unit 106, the completion of information acquisition, etc. The completion notification portion is monitored to determine whether or not the process has been completed. When all the processes have been completed, the startup process ends.

The conveyance status management area includes a paper feed port, a paper discharge port,
A part that specifies the printing method such as color / monochrome, staple position and execution, and a part that tells you the optional status such as how far the paper has been fed, whether a print signal can be output, and whether the paper has been discharged Consists of The video controller 103 executes the printing while specifying the printing method and grasping the status of each option.

The above specification can be performed for a maximum of 40 pages. 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 that the specification can be performed again. Use as

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

The command status section is an area for obtaining detailed information of each option and controlling the operation of the option. In this area, a command is designated as necessary and information is obtained. For example, the information that can be obtained includes the device name, paper feed mounting paper size, paper feed remaining amount, paper jam position, type, access point, stacking amount of discharged paper, failure details, and the like, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 20, commands corresponding to each situation are issued and status is received. The command status section also controls options such as shifting to a power saving mode, emergency stop at the time of a paper jam, movement of a discharge bin, and execution of reset.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a third processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The video controller 103 shown in FIG. The CPU 409 in the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 18 executes the command status based on the program stored in the ROM 404 in correspondence with the procedure for issuing a command status to obtain the detailed information of each input / output option. (A)
Corresponds to the case where an abnormality of the input device is found, and (b)
Corresponds to a case where an abnormality of the output device is found. Also,
S101 to S108 and S111 to S117 indicate each step.

First, as shown in (a), when the video controller 103 discovers an abnormality in the input device from the basic status section of the shared memory shown in FIG. 19 (S10)
1) A command is specified in the command status section, and an abnormal device (if a plurality of input optional devices are connected, which input device is specified) is specified (S102).

Further, a command is specified in the command status section, and the content of the abnormality (paper missing, paper size mismatch, door open, paper jam, failure, etc.) is specified (S103).

Next, a command corresponding to the specified abnormality content is specified. For example, when there is no paper, a paper-less deck is specified (S104), and a paper-free factor is specified (S104).
105) Also, in the case of a paper jam, the location of the paper jam is specified (S106), and in the case of a failure, the failure location is specified (S107).

Then, a message indicating the content of the abnormality acquired by the above command is sent to the panel unit 104 and the operation unit 107.
b, Displayed on the display unit or the like of the external device 101.

As shown in FIG. 19B, when the video controller 103 detects an abnormality in the output device from the basic status section of the shared memory shown in FIG. 19 (S11).
1) A command is specified in the command status section, and an abnormal device (when a plurality of output optional devices are connected, which output device is specified) is specified (S112).

Further, a command is specified in the command status section, and the content of the abnormality (full load, no staples, door open, paper jam, failure, etc.) is specified (S113).

Next, a command corresponding to the specified abnormality content is specified. For example, when the sheet is full, the full deck is specified (S114). In the case of a paper jam, the position of the paper jam is specified. (S115) In the case of a failure, a failure location is specified (S116).

Then, a message indicating the content of the abnormality acquired by the above command is sent to the panel unit 104 and the operation unit 107.
b, Displayed on the display unit or the like of the external device 101.

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

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a fourth processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The video controller 103 shown in FIG. In response to the procedure for accessing the shared memory and exchanging command status with each option and exchanging information, the video controller 10 shown in FIG.
3 is executed by the CPU 409 based on the program stored in the ROM 404. S201 to S211 indicate each step.

When acquiring the option information, the option is specified in the command status management area in the memory of the option controller unit 106, and the information is received. In the command specification area, an ID for identifying the type of necessary information is specified at a predetermined address (S201), the number of data specified to the option controller unit 106 by the execution command is specified at a predetermined address (S202), and the specified content is specified. Is designated as a predetermined address (S203).

Then, 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 (S204).

On the basis of the trigger and the specified contents in step S204, the option controller unit 106 performs serial communication with necessary optional devices to obtain specified information. On the other hand, a timer is started until the option controller unit 106 completely obtains information, and it is monitored whether or not the video controller 103 is in a state where status information can be obtained (S205, S206).

If the status does not shift to the status information obtainable state in step S206 even after a certain period of time in step S205, status information cannot be obtained, and a retry notification is issued to execute the command again (S21).
1), end the process.

On the other hand, if the status shifts to the status information obtainable state in step S206 before the predetermined time elapses in step S205, the status ID is obtained and it is confirmed whether or not the status information is for the specified command (S206).
207).

Next, the number of status data is obtained (S20).
8) Acquire status data for the number of status data (S209), notify the option controller unit 106 of completion of status acquisition (S210), and end the process.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, FIG.
The data flow from the external device 101 to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105 shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 shows the external device 101 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data flow from to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105.

A control code for controlling the CPU 409 of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 18 includes an OS for performing time-sharing control on a load module basis called a task by a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of operating on a function basis. Of the load module (task).

A translator processing system (analysis development task 1001), a scheduling system (page operation task 1002), an engine I / F system (engine I / F task 1003), an option I shown in FIG.
/ F system (option I / F task 1004)
As described above, it is a task that has the CPU 409 as an entity, and operates logically in parallel.

FIG. 23 shows the structure of the page table stored in RAM 407 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 20, reference numeral 1100 denotes a page table which stores control information in page units. The page table 1100 is a table for logically recognizing each page in the CPU 400. The page table 1100 includes a “page number” 1101, a “raster pointer” 1102, a “status flag” 1103,. ,
"Paper feed mode" 1104, "Requested paper size" 110
5, "copy page ID" 1106, "processing number" 11
07, “discharge mode” 1108, “identification name” 110
9, a "number of copies" 1110, a "sheet discharge port" 1111 and the like exist as a continuous area in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407 shown in FIG. The acquisition and release are managed by the CPU 409.

A “page number” 1101 in the page table 1100 is an ID for uniquely identifying a page. A “raster pointer” 1102 is a head pointer of an area for one page in the image memory 405 shown in FIG. 15, and the CPU 409 sets a corresponding area (not shown) in the image memory 405 to a page when the power is initialized. Divide each and link here.

The "status flag" 1103 is an area for storing a flag indicating the status of the page. As shown in FIG. 23, the "expansion end flag" 1103a indicating the end / incomplete development of the page and the designation of the page. A “page designation end flag” 1103 b indicating end / unfinished, a “print start flag” 1103 c indicating page printing start / unstart, and a “discharge end flag” 110 indicating page discharge end / unfinished.
3d, a "release flag" 1103e indicating that the page information development area is being released / not released, and the like, and it is possible to determine what state the created page information is in based on this state flag.

Further, a "paper feed mode" 1104 indicates a method of determining paper feed means, and includes "automatic paper feed", "paper feed of cassette 1 (cassette 230)", and "paper deck (not shown)". Cassette 107) paper feed "," MP tray (manual paper tray 202) paper feed ", etc., and" automatic paper feed "means that a predetermined priority This is a mode in which search and determination are performed in order.

[0205] The "requested paper size" 1105 stores a numerical representation of a paper size for which the engine controller 105 is requested to feed paper.

[0206] In the "identification name" 1109, a numerical value indicated by a character string representing the discharge port name of the discharge destination is stored.
The “number of copies” 1110 stores a numerical value indicating the number of copies. The “paper discharge port” 1111 stores a numerical value indicating the discharge port of the discharge destination.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the structure of the engine status table stored in the RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1200 denotes an engine status table, which includes the engine controller 105 and the option (1
06, 107, and 108).
"/ RDY state" 1201, "/ CCRT state" 120
2,..., “Number of paper feed stages” 1203, “presence or absence of paper in cassette 1” 1204, “presence of paper in cassette 1” 1205, “presence or absence of paper deck paper” 1206, “paper deck paper size” 1207, “presence or absence of MP tray paper” 1208, “MP
Tray paper size "1209 and the like, and the actual engine controller 105 and options (106,
107, 108) are not the same, and the engine controller 10
5 and the options (106, 107, 108).

For example, the “/ RDY state” 1201 is a flag reflecting the state of the / RDY signal shown in FIG. 13, and the engine I / F task determines whether the / RDY signal “FALS”
Set to "TRUE" while detecting "E".

The "/ CCRT state" 1202 is a flag reflecting the state of the / CCRT signal shown in FIG.
The state of the signal is reflected. Engine I / F task is / C
By detecting "TRUE" of the CRT signal and acquiring the state of the engine controller 105 by predetermined serial communication, the / CCRT signal becomes "FAL" as described above.
SE ”.

[0211] Further, "sheet feed stage number" 1203 is a selectable sheet feed stage number reflecting the attachment of an optional cassette unit and the like.

The "presence / absence of one sheet of cassette" 1204 is
This is the presence or absence of paper in the cassette 230. Further, the “cassette 1 paper size” 1205 is a paper size set by a dial (not shown) of the cassette 230, and it is assumed that the operator has loaded the same paper as the dial value. Recognized as size.

In addition, "paper deck paper presence / absence" 1206
Indicates the presence or absence of paper in the cassette 107. “Paper deck paper size” 1207 indicates the paper feed option cassette 107.
The paper size is set by a partition plate (not shown), and is recognized as the paper size of the paper feed option cassette 107 on the assumption that the operator places the same paper as the value of the partition plate.

The “presence / absence of MP tray paper” 1208 is the presence / absence of paper in the manual feed tray 202. The “MP tray paper size” 1209 is a paper size detected by a sensor (not shown) of the manual feed tray 202.

Note that both the page table shown in FIG. 23 and the engine status table (not shown in FIG. 24) shown in FIG. 24 are used for analysis development task, page operation task, engine I / F task, option I Referenced / updated from / F task.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the structure of the job control table stored in the RAM 407 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1300 denotes a job control table for storing control information for each job.
U409 is a table for controlling a job. The job control table 1300 includes “job I
D ”1301,“ job completed state ”1302,“ job name ”1308,...
It comprises "usable bin number" 1304, "copy copy number" 1305, "original page number" 1306, "page number fixed state" 1307, "file name" 1309, and the like, and the entity is the RAM 407 shown in FIG. Exists as a continuous area in the control information storage area (not shown),
Acquisition and release are managed by U409.

“Job I” in the job table 1300
“D” 1301 stores an ID for uniquely identifying the job generated by the CPU 409. The “number of copies of sort” 1305 stores the number of copies in the sort discharge mode.

Hereinafter, the data flow of FIG. 22 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 22, print data (control code, PDL, etc.) input from the external device 101 is stored in the host interface unit 402 in a predetermined block unit.

The “analysis development task” 1001 is executed by the host I
When data is detected by the / F section 402, the page table 1100 shown in FIG. 23 is obtained. The data is analyzed in units of one block described above, and image formation information (PDL graphic drawing command, character code, etc.) is obtained by using the image data generation unit 403 shown in FIG.
The image is developed by itself and stored in the area indicated by the “raster pointer” 1102 in the page table 1100 shown in FIG.

The control information (the number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) for the printer is stored in the page table 1100 shown in FIG. After the data of one page has been analyzed and developed, the “development end flag” in the “status flag” is set to TRUE and enqueued in a page queue having a FIFO structure (for example, provided in the image memory 405 or the EEPROM 410).

The “page operation task” 1002 is shown in FIG.
With reference to the job control table 1200 shown in (1), the “status flags” 1103 in all the page tables 1100 in the page queue described above are monitored simultaneously, and the transport procedure is changed according to the status to realize printing.

At this time, printing is specified by the optional I / F unit 412 such as a paper feeding unit, a paper discharging unit, and a print mode. Actually do it. The page table 1100 for which the “discharge end flag” 1103 c is TRUE is dequeued from the page queue and returned to a page management function unit (not shown).

An “engine I / F task” 1003 and an “option I / F task” 1004 communicate with the engine controller 105 and the option controller unit 106 via the engine I / F unit 406 and the option I / F unit 412, respectively. The communication is performed in the cycle described above, and when a factor that changes the state of the page occurs, the above-mentioned “status flag” 1103 is updated.

Also, a change in the / RDY signal is monitored and TR
With respect to the change from UE to FALSE, the status of the printer is set to an error and the cancellation of the error is monitored.
Further, it monitors state changes such as the / RDY signal and the / CCRT signal, executes the above-mentioned (procedure 1) and (procedure 2), and executes the “engine state table” 12 shown in FIG.
Update 00.

The operation mode designation (the number of copies, paper feed selection, etc.) from the panel unit 104 is transmitted to the panel I / F unit 401.
Is stored. The printer control task (not shown) patrols the panel I / F unit 401 at appropriate intervals, stores the data in the EEPROM 410 when data exists, and simultaneously stores the control information in a control information storage area (not shown) of the RAM 407. By storing the data in the EEPROM 410, the printer can be operated in a mode desired by the user even after the power of the printer is once turned off.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 26, image recording apparatus 1
02 will be described from the reception of print data from an external device such as a host computer to the completion of printing.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a fifth control processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The image recording apparatus 102 is controlled by an external device 101 such as a host computer. Corresponding to the processing from the reception of the print data to the completion of printing, the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18 executes based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). Note that S501 to S518 indicate each step.

First, in step S501, data (a print job including control information and drawing information) sent from the external device 101 such as a host computer is analyzed. At this time, the CPU 409 detects a break in the received print job and can analyze the job for each job. Step S
At 502, the page table 1100 is created from the control information (attribute information) of the print data by the total number of pages to be printed by this print job (total number of print copies for each specified discharge port name). Attribute information) in memory (R
AM 407) and the drawing information (PDL data) is expanded and stored in the memory (RAM 407).

Here, only the attribute specified as the control information (attribute information) of the print data is stored in the page table 1100 (the “identification name” 1109 of the page table 1100 indicates the paper discharge port name). String is stored).

Next, in step S503, it is determined from the control information stored in the memory whether or not the paper discharge mode is automatically specified. If it is determined that the paper output mode is not automatically specified, in step S512, control is performed as a fixed process. The paper ejection port fixedly designated based on the information is selected, and step S
Proceed to 514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the paper discharge mode is automatically specified from the control information, it is determined in step S504 whether or not automatic user separation is specified, and automatic user separation is specified. If it is determined that the search has been performed, in step S505, a search process (shown in FIG. 27 described later) at the time of the user separate automatic designation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the user separation automatic is not specified, it is determined in step S506 whether the user separation fixing is specified and it is determined that the user separation fixing is specified. If the search is performed, in step S507, a search process (shown in FIG. 28 to be described later) when the user separates fixed is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the fixed user separation is not specified, it is determined in step S508 whether sorting is specified. If it is determined that sorting is specified, In step S509, a search process (shown in FIG. 29 described later) at the time of specifying the sort is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that sorting is not specified, it is determined in step S510 whether a stack is specified. If it is determined that a stack is specified, step S510 is performed. In S511, a search process at the time of stack designation (shown in FIG. 30 described later) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S514.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the stack has not been specified, in step S513, a search process for improper specification is performed.
Proceed to 4.

Next, in step S514, the EEP
Checking of the loading state and the like stored in the ROM 410 and sensors (not shown) are performed to determine whether there is an abnormality such as full load. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the engine control process (step S515) is performed. Print processing)
Is executed, and when the discharge of the print job is completed, the discharge bin having the identification name specified in the print job is transmitted to the host computer, and the current discharge bin is displayed on the UI of the host computer as shown in FIG. Is notified to the user (and / or displayed on the display unit of the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 13), and the printing process ends. In the printing process in the case where the user-separated automatic mode is designated, the number of copies determined for each paper outlet determined by the user-separated automatic search process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that there is an abnormality (for example, there is an abnormality such as a full load, etc., information for performing full load display is stored in the EEPROM 410 or the like shown in FIG. 18). In S516, an error display (for example, EEPR
The full load display information stored in the OM 410) is sent to the panel unit 104 of the image recording apparatus 102, and the host computer 101 is notified of the content of the error and the event of the error display. If it is determined that the abnormality has been released after waiting for the release, the error display on the panel unit 104 is released in step S518, and an error display release event is notified to the host computer 101, and the processing in step S503 is performed. Again, and the recovery process starts.

Steps S503 to S51 including the user-separate automatic search process S505 as described above.
The series of search processing 3 and the subsequent processing are performed in step S
In step 502, a page table 1100 of the number of copies is created for each discharge port name previously specified in the print data, and the process is repeated for the number of page tables.

Referring to FIG. 27, a description will now be given of the paper discharge port search processing at the time of automatic user separation.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. Step S50
5 in response to the user separate automatic designation), and is executed by the CPU 409 shown in FIG. 18 based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). In addition, S601 to S613 indicate each step.

When the user-separate automatic search process is started, first, in step S601, a discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is searched, and the same discharge bin registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. If a discharge bin with the name exists, that bin is set as a provisionally determined bin. At this time, the search is performed from the bins with the lowest priority, and if there are a plurality of bins, one bin with the lowest priority (the paper discharge bin with the same name that was registered last) is selected.

Next, in step S602, it is determined whether or not there is a search bin in step S601, that is, whether there is a discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data. If it is determined, in step S603, it is determined whether or not the bin is full based on the stacking state of the discharge bins stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18, and if it is determined that the bin is not full. , Step S604, Step S6
The temporarily determined bin searched at 01 is determined (selected) as a formal bin, that is, the numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100 of the identification name, and the paper is discharged.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data is full, in step S605 the next bin after the provisionally determined bin searched in step S601 is determined. The EEPR shown in FIG. 18 determines whether or not the bin of the priority order (the bin that is continuous with the tentatively determined bin searched in step S601) is empty.
FIG. 19 shows the stacked state of the discharge bin stored in the OM 410
Check based on the shared memory shown in step
If it is determined in 606 that the bin is not empty, it is impossible to discharge the paper in the user-separated automatic mode, and the user proceeds to step S614 without registering a new bin.

Next, in step S614, FIG.
In step S516, the information for performing the full load display is stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 (the full bin among the designated name bins is stored), and the process proceeds to step S604. In the user-separated automatic mode, the bin for which paper removal is requested is the full bin in the designated identification name, and notifies the user to remove all his / her own paper.

Next, in step S604, the provisionally determined bin searched in step S601 is determined (selected) as a formal bin, that is, the page table 1100 of the identification name.
The numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the table.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the bin having the next higher priority order than the tentatively determined bin searched in step S601 is empty, then in step S607, the next priority bin next to the tentatively determined bin searched in step S601 is determined. The bin in the order is determined (selected) as a formal bin, that is, the “discharge port” 111 in the page table 1100 of the identification name.
In step S6, a numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored.
At 08, the identification name specified in the print data as the bin name of the bin is stored in the EEPROM 41 shown in FIG.
Register to 0.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that there is no paper discharge bin having the same name as the identification name specified in the print data as a result of the search in step S601, then in step S609, the empty bin is shifted from the highest priority bin to the empty bin. The bin is searched based on the stacked state of the discharge bin stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 or the shared memory shown in FIG. 19, and in step S610, the search result in step S609 indicates whether there is an empty bin. Judge,
If it is determined that there is an empty bin, step S611
In step S612, the highest priority bin among the empty bins is determined as the formal bin, and in step S612, the identification name specified in the print data as the bin name of the bin is registered in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S610 that there are no empty bins as a result of the search in step S609, all the other users are already using bins and there is no new bin to be allocated. Step S61
In step 3, if the output cannot be performed as specified, the escape bin for discharging the paper is determined as the formal bin, and the search process ends. In the present embodiment, the bins in the upper stage are bins with a higher priority in the user-separated automatic bins, but the bins in the lower stage may be bins with a higher priority. .

In this embodiment, the identification name is EEP.
The case of registration in the ROM 410 has been described.
You may comprise so that it may register to M407.

Referring to FIG. 28, a description will be given of the paper discharge port search process when the user separates.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a seventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. When the user separates and is fixed at step S507 in FIG. The CPU 409 shown in FIG.
It is executed based on a program stored in M404 or another storage medium (not shown). Note that S701 to S7
07 indicates each step.

When the user-separated fixed search process starts, first, in step S701, a page table 1100 in which control information (attribute information) is stored in advance.
Then, the paper outlet name (“identification name” 1109) is extracted.

In step S702, step S7
It is determined whether or not there is the same discharge port name by comparing the designated discharge port name (identification name) retrieved in step 01 with the discharge port name registered in each discharge port (stored in the EEPROM 410). .

If it is determined in step S702 that the same discharge port name exists, in step S703, the discharge port registered with that name for the page of the currently referred page table is designated and printed. It is determined (designated) as the data discharge port, that is, the numerical value representing the selected discharge port is stored in the “discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100 of the identification name, and the process proceeds to step S705.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the same discharge port name does not exist, step S704 is performed.
In the search processing at the time of improper designation, a discharge port for escaping is determined (designated) as a discharge port of designated print data for a page of a page table currently referred to, that is, a page table having the identification name thereof. A numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in 1100)
The process proceeds to step S705.

Next, in step S705, the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 determines whether or not the discharge port determined in step S703 or S704 is full.
Is determined based on the stacking state of the paper discharge bins stored in the printer, and if it is determined that the paper is not full, the process proceeds to step S70.
Go to 7.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the paper discharge port determined in step S703 or step S704 is full, paper discharge in the user separate fixed mode is impossible, so that step S7
At step 06, the information for performing the full load display at step S516 in FIG.
10 (the full bin in the designated name bin is stored)
Proceed to step S707. In the user-separated fixed mode, the bin for which paper removal is requested is a full bin in the specified identification name, and the user is notified to remove all paper in the bin that is full due to the user performing printing. .

Next, in step S707, it is determined whether or not each page table 1100 has any other discharge port name specified in the print data. If not, a search for mailbox discharge is performed. When the process is completed and it is determined that there is, the process returns to step S701, and the processes of steps S701 to S705 are repeated. That is, FIG.
In step S502, the paper is discharged to the paper output port where the identification name stored in each page table and the paper output port name registered in advance in the paper output port match.

Referring to FIG. 29, a description will be given of the paper discharge port search processing at the time of sorting.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing an eighth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied, and the sheet discharge at the time of sorting shown in step S509 of FIG. In response to the mouth search process, the CPU 409 illustrated in FIG. 18 executes the process based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not illustrated). S801 to S810 indicate each step.

When the sort search process is started, first,
In step S801, it is checked whether or not the user is allowed to remove the paper stacked in the paper discharge bin. That is, it is determined whether or not sheets are stacked on the paper in the paper discharge port. If the paper is stacked, a message is displayed on the panel unit 104, the operation unit 107b, or the like to remove the paper in the paper discharge port (at this time, the host computer 101 Alternatively, a message may be displayed to prompt the user to remove the paper, and a message may be displayed on the screen.) When the paper is removed, the displayed message is deleted. In the case of sorting, it is necessary to surely avoid mixed loading for each job. Therefore, regardless of the discharge mode of the previous job, if sheets are stacked in the sort bin, a message to remove the sheets is sent to the panel unit 104 and the operation unit. 10
7b, it operates so as to be displayed on the display section of the host computer 101 or the like. In step S801, a sheet removal check process (check whether or not the user removes the sheets stacked in the sheet ejection bin) shown in FIG. 31 described later is performed, and the previous job and the sheet ejection mode are switched. It may be configured to display the message of paper removal only in the case.

Next, in step S802, the highest priority port is selected as a paper discharge port, that is, a numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100, and in step S803, printing is performed. The designated number of copies designated for the job is assigned to the memory area C and stored.

In step S804, C is "1".
It is determined whether or not (C = “1”). If it is determined that C is not “1” (C> 1), in step S805, it is determined whether or not the next priority port is within the range of the holding bin. .

If it is determined in step S805 that the next priority port is within the range of the holding bin, then in step S806, the discharge port is selected as the discharge port, that is, the “discharge port” in the page table 1100. The numeral 1111 stores a numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the next priority port has exceeded the range of the retained bins, as in the case where ten copies have been designated for an image recording apparatus having seven bins, for example, , Step S80
In step 8, the escape bin is selected as the paper discharge port, that is, the numerical value representing the selected paper discharge port is stored in the “paper discharge port” 1111 in the page table 1100, and the process proceeds to step S807.

Next, in step S807, the value of C copied to the memory area is decremented.
In step 809, step S806 or step S80
8 is determined based on the stacking state of the paper discharge bins stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 and whether or not the paper discharge outlet is full is determined.
Returning to the processing in step S804 as it is, if it is determined that the paper is full, it is impossible to discharge the paper in the sort mode.
In step S516, the information for performing the full load display is stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 (the full bin among the bins designated for sorting is stored), and the process returns to S804. In the sort mode, the bin for which paper removal is requested is the full bin in the sort designated bin, and the user is notified to remove all the paper in the bin that is full due to the printing performed by the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that C is “1” (C = “1”), the discharge selection for the sorting specification is completed, and the process ends.

Although not shown, if the printer 102 has a hard disk or a large capacity memory,
By storing the received data and repeatedly processing the copy designation for the number of held bins, sorting of a large number of copies can be realized.

Referring to FIG. 30, a description will be given of the paper discharge port search processing at the time of stacking.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a ninth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. In response to the mouth search process, the CPU 409 illustrated in FIG. 18 executes the process based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not illustrated). In addition, S901 to S912 indicate each step.

When the stack search process is started, first, in step S901, a sheet removal check process (check whether the user is allowed to remove the sheets stacked in the discharge bin) shown in FIG. 28 is performed. .

Next, in step S902, it is determined whether or not the paper removal request has been executed in the paper removal check process in step S901. If it is determined that the request has been made, the current paper outlet is set to the maximum in step S903. The priority mouth is updated, and the process proceeds to step S904.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that the paper removal request has not been executed in the paper removal check process in step S901, it is determined that the paper discharge mode has not been changed, and the current paper discharge port is maintained as it is. The process proceeds to step S904.

In the case of the stack, unlike the case of the sort, it is not always necessary to completely prevent the mixed loading for each job. Therefore, only when the previous job and the discharge mode are switched, the message for removing the paper is transmitted to the panel unit 104 via the operation panel 104. Part 10
7b, displayed on a display unit or the like of the host computer 101,
If the discharge mode is not switched, the message is not displayed and the next job is stacked on the previous job.

Next, in step S904, the stacking amount of the current discharge port is checked. In step S905, it is determined whether or not the current discharge port is full. If it is determined that the current discharge port is not full, in step S906, The current paper outlet is determined as the paper outlet of the page, that is, the numerical value representing the selected paper outlet is stored in the “paper outlet” 1111 in the page table 1100, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S905 that the current discharge port is full, the flow proceeds to step S905.
In step 907, the current paper discharge port is updated to the paper discharge port of the next priority, and in step S908, it is determined whether or not sheets are stacked in the paper discharge port (current paper discharge port).

If it is determined in step S908 that sheets are stacked in the current discharge port, the flow advances to step S90.
In FIG. 9, it is determined whether the current discharge port is full or not in FIG.
The determination is made based on the stacked state of the discharge bins stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S909 that the current paper discharge port is not full, in step S911, a message is sent to the panel unit 104 to remove sheets from the paper discharge port so that the order of jobs in stack discharge is not disordered. It is displayed on the operation unit 107b or the like, and step S908 is performed.
Is repeated. At this time, the host computer 101
Alternatively, a notification may be made to prompt the user to remove the paper, and the screen may be displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S909 that the current discharge port is full, the bins used for stack discharge have completed one cycle, and all bins are full.
Since it is impossible to discharge the paper in the stack mode, the information for performing the full load display in step S516 in FIG.
The data is stored in the ROM 410 (the fully loaded bin in the stack designation bin is stored), and the process proceeds to step S906. In the stack mode, the bins requesting the sheet removal are all bins on which sheets are stacked, and the user is notified to remove all sheets in all bins being used in the stack. At this time, the host computer may be notified to urge the user to remove the paper, and may be displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S908 that no paper is loaded in the current discharge port (if the user removes the paper), then if a message is displayed in step S911 in step S910, Indication of paper removal (panel section 104, operation section 10
7b, the display of the host computer 101) is erased, and in step S906, the current paper outlet is determined as the paper outlet of the page, that is, the paper outlet selected as the “paper outlet” 1111 in the page table 1100 is displayed. Store the numerical value and end the process.

In this embodiment, the priority order of the paper discharge ports in the stack is such that the upper bin is the higher priority bin, even if the lower bin is the higher priority bin. Is also good.

[0284] The paper removal check processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a tenth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied, and is shown in step S801 in FIG. 29 and step S901 in FIG. In response to the paper removal check process, C shown in FIG.
The PU 409 executes the program based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). In addition, S1001 to S1003 indicate each step.

When the paper removal check process is started, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether the discharge mode of the current job is the same as the discharge mode of the previous job or whether the discharge mode has been switched. Note that the paper ejection mode in which the print processing was actually performed in the previous job is the RAM shown in FIG.
407 or EEPROM 410.

If it is determined in step S1001 that the paper ejection mode of the current job is different from the paper ejection mode of the previous job (the paper ejection mode has been switched), in step S1002, the paper in the paper ejection port is removed. Message is displayed on the panel unit 104, the operation unit 107b, and the like. At this time, the host computer 101 may be notified to urge the user to remove the paper, and may be displayed on the screen. Here, a configuration may be adopted in which the amount of loaded paper in the discharge bin is detected, and a message is not displayed when no paper is loaded in the discharge bin.

Next, in step S1003, the process waits until the removal of the sheet is completed. When the sheet is removed, the message displayed in step S1002 is erased.
The process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the discharge mode of the current job is the same as the discharge mode of the previous job (the discharge mode has not been switched), the process ends.

Hereinafter, the paper discharge port information updating process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an eleventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. CPU 4 shown in FIG.
09 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or another storage medium (not shown). Note that S1
101 to S1110 indicate each step.

The status of the paper discharge port changes with status information (option controller 106
The shared memory (FIG. 19) is accessed to exchange options and command statuses to obtain and update status information (EEPR shown in FIG. 18).
OM410).

First, in step S1101, it is determined whether there is a change in the stacking amount (state) of each discharge bin in FIG.
When it is determined that there is a change in the stacking capacity of the discharge bins with reference to the shared memory shown in FIG.
In step 2, the stacking state of the discharge bins (stacking state of the discharge bins whose state has changed) stored in the EEPROM 410 shown in FIG. 18 is updated, and the process proceeds to step S1103. The detection of the full load in FIGS. 27, 28, 29, and 30 is determined based on the load state updated in step S1102.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1101 that there is no change in the stacking amount of each discharge bin, the process proceeds to step S1103.

Next, in step S1103, it is determined whether or not there is a paper discharge bin with a loaded amount of zero, and if it is determined that there is a paper discharge bin with a loaded amount of zero,
In step S1104, the EEPROM shown in FIG. 15 is used during the user separate automatic search process shown in FIG.
The identification name of the bin registered in 410 is deleted to make the bin empty, and the process proceeds to step S1105.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1103 that there are no output bins for which the stacking amount has become zero, the process proceeds directly to step S1105.

Next, in step S1105, it is determined whether all the bins are in use. If it is determined that all the bins are in use, the process proceeds to step S1106. , Cannot be sorted and printed.) Is displayed on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. 13, and the process proceeds to step S1108.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1105 that all bins are not in use, that is, there are unused bins, in step S1107, the warning display on the panel unit 104 shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S1108.

Next, in step S1108, warning display or cancellation is performed in step S1106 or S1107 to determine whether there has been a state change. If it is determined that there has been a state change, in step S1109, the state is sent to the host computer. Changed (Warning display such as "Zenbin Showdown" /
Is released), and the process proceeds to step S1110.

On the other hand, in step S1108, if it is determined in step S1106 or S1107 that the warning has been displayed or canceled and no state change has occurred, the process proceeds directly to step S1110.

Thereafter, in step S1110, a wait is performed for a predetermined time, and the processing in step S1101 is repeated.

According to the above-described processing, the registration and deletion of a paper discharge bin can be dynamically deleted (Dynami) based on the registered state of the paper discharge bin name.
The printing process is performed while performing the process c), and the sorting by the identification name is realized.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 33, a description will be given of a processing procedure for updating the information indicating the printer status and the display on the host computer 101.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a twelfth control processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus of the present invention can be applied. Corresponding to the updating process, the CPU 1 of the host computer 101 shown in FIG. 9 executes based on a program stored in a ROM or other storage medium. Note that S120
1 to S1203 indicate each step.

First, in step S1201, an event notification (notification of the bin that discharged the paper in step S515 of FIG. 26, notification of an error display in step S516, notification of cancellation of the error display in step S518, and notification in step S1002 of FIG. 31). Notification of message display for paper removal, step S1109 in FIG.
), And when it is determined that the event of the event has been notified, the notified event is received,
In step S1202, the contents (notification of the bin that discharged the sheet, notification of an error display, notification of an error display cancellation, and the like) are analyzed.

Next, in step S1203, the content of the notification is displayed or canceled based on the result of the analysis, and the user is notified of the change in the status of the printer.

For example, in the user-separated automatic mode, the discharge bins are dynamically allocated.
The user does not know in which bin the paper was discharged.
Therefore, at the end of the print job, the bin information in which the identification name specified in the job is registered is notified to the host computer, and "the bin used by you is bin 1 to bin 3" or "all bins" Sorting printing is not possible because it is in use. "," Please take out paper. Bin 1 to Bin 4 "shown in Fig. 5," Please take out paper. Bin 1, Bin 7 "shown in Fig. 6, A message such as “Please take out paper. Bin 1 to Bin 5” shown in FIG. 7 and “Please take out paper. Bin 1 to Bin 7” shown in FIG. 8 are displayed on the CRT 10 shown in FIG. To inform the user of the discharge bin information such as the bin use status.

Note that, in this embodiment, the EEPROM
Various data stored in the 410 may be stored in the RAM 407.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, all sheets in all bins are removed when sorting and stacking are full, but a part of a plurality of discharge bins is sorted and a part is When a plurality of paper discharge modes are operated simultaneously, such as in a separate mode, all papers within the range of the bin used in each paper discharge mode may be removed.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, "bin full" is displayed on the first row of the panel unit 104 of the image recording apparatus 102, and the bin for removing paper is toggled or scrolled on the second row. The display (slide display) is performed. However, as long as the bin that is actually full and the bin that the user wants to remove can be displayed, any other character string can be displayed, such as displaying a bin picture. The display method may be used.

[0311] Alternatively, both bins that are actually full and bins that the user wants to remove may be displayed separately.

Further, the image recording apparatus displays only bins that are actually full, displays only bins that the user wants to remove, and displays both bins that are actually full and bins that the user wants to remove. It may be configured to be selectable from the panel unit 104 of 102 or the host computer 101.

[0313] Needless to say, the above display is the same as the screen display on the host computer.

As described above, in the image recording apparatus capable of processing a plurality of discharge modes such as the common discharge mode and the personal discharge mode, even if a full bin occurs, the discharge in each discharge mode can be performed without any problem. While loading is not possible, full loading is not displayed, while loading conditions are kept to a minimum and the loading rate is raised.
Notifying the user of the optimal full load release condition according to each discharge mode to make it easier for the user to understand the operation to be performed, and also causing problems such as mixed loading and job order disorder in operation in each discharge mode Can be prevented.

The configuration of a data processing program readable by an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 34 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by an image recording system to which the data processing apparatus and the image recording apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 2 in this embodiment.
0, FIG. 21, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG.
0, 31, 32, and 33 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. And in that case, C
The present invention is applicable even when a group of information including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as a D-ROM, a flash memory, an FD, or an external storage medium via a network.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As storage media for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM, silicon disk, and the like can be used.

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

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

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by reading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0327]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the fifth to fifth aspects of the present invention, the retrieval result of the discharge port according to the discharge mode specified for the print job received from the external device by the retrieval means and the paper stack amount of each discharge port by the detection means Based on the detection result, the determination unit determines whether or not the discharge according to the discharge mode can be executed. Based on the determination result of the determination unit, the notification unit outputs a message corresponding to the discharge mode. Since the user is notified, in an image recording apparatus capable of processing a plurality of paper ejection modes such as a common paper ejection mode and a personal paper ejection mode, even if a full bin occurs, the paper ejection in each paper ejection mode can be performed without any problem. While full load is not displayed, full load display is not performed, the loading ratio is kept to a minimum, the loading ratio is raised, and the optimal full load release condition according to each paper ejection mode is notified to the user, and the operation to be performed by the user is specified. Understandable With Kusuru, it is possible to prevent mixed, the occurrence of problems such as the order of the job will be mad in the operation in each sheet discharging modes.

[0328] According to the sixth aspect, the data processing device comprises:
The creation unit creates a print job in which the paper ejection mode designated by the designation unit and the control information corresponding to the paper ejection mode are added to the print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and the print job created by the creation unit To the image recording apparatus, the display means displays information notified from the image recording apparatus, and the image recording apparatus responds to the paper ejection mode specified in the print job received from the external apparatus by the search means. Based on the retrieval result of the paper discharge port and the detection result of the paper stack amount of each paper discharge port by the detection means, the determination means determines whether or not it is possible to execute the paper discharge in accordance with the paper discharge mode. Since the notifying means notifies the user of a message corresponding to the discharge mode based on the determination result of the means, an image recording apparatus capable of processing a plurality of discharge modes such as a common discharge mode and a personal discharge mode. Even if a full bin occurs, the full load display is not performed while the paper discharge in each paper discharge mode can be executed without any problem. The user can be notified of the optimum condition for canceling the full load, thereby making it easy to understand the operation to be performed by the user, and preventing the occurrence of problems such as mixed loading and disorder of the job order in the operation in each paper discharge mode. .

According to the seventh and ninth aspects of the present invention, the retrieval result of the discharge port according to the discharge mode specified for the print job received from the external device and the paper stacking amount of each discharge port are described. Based on the detection result, it is determined whether or not the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is executable, and based on the determination result,
Since the user is notified of a message corresponding to the discharge mode, even if a full bin occurs in an image recording apparatus capable of processing a plurality of discharge modes, such as a shared discharge mode and a personal discharge mode, each discharge mode is performed. As long as the discharge in the paper mode can be executed without any problem, the full load display is not performed, the conditions for shifting to the full load are kept to a minimum, the loading ratio is raised, and the optimal full load release condition according to each discharge mode is notified to the user. However, it is possible to make it easy for the user to understand the operation to be performed, and to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the mixed loading and the job order being out of order in the operation in each discharge mode.

According to the eighth and tenth aspects,
The data processing device creates a print job in which a specified paper ejection mode and control information corresponding to the paper ejection mode are added to print data to be transmitted to the image recording device, and the created print job is recorded in an image. Transmitting the information notified by the image recording apparatus to the apparatus, and the image recording apparatus searches for a discharge port corresponding to a discharge mode specified for a print job received from an external apparatus, and outputs each of the search results. Based on the detection result of the paper stack amount of the paper discharge port, it is determined whether or not the paper discharge according to the paper discharge mode can be executed, and a message corresponding to the paper discharge mode is given to the user based on the determination result. Since the notification is made, in an image recording apparatus capable of processing a plurality of paper ejection modes such as a shared paper ejection mode and a personal paper ejection mode, even if a full bin occurs, paper ejection in each paper ejection mode can be executed without any problem. Full packed Is not shown, the condition for shifting to full load is kept to a minimum, the loading ratio is raised, and the optimal full load release condition according to each paper ejection mode is notified to the user to make it easy for the user to understand the operation to be performed. In the operation in the discharge mode, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as mixed loading and job order being out of order.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording system to which a data processing device and an image recording device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a paper discharge mode of a printer by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for setting a discharge mode at the time of printing by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a screen for setting a paper discharge mode at the time of printing by a host application on each host computer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation related to a full message in operation in a user-separated automatic mode of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an operation related to a full message in operation in a user-separated fixed mode of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation relating to a full message in operation in a sort mode of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an operation related to a full message in a stack mode of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second processing procedure of an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a print end notification sent from the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to a host computer.

13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which the image recording device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a video controller (VC) and an engine controller (EC).

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating signals exchanged between a video controller (VC), an engine controller (EC), and an option controller (OC).

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video controller shown in FIG.

19 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with a video controller secured in a RAM provided in the option controller shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a third processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data flow from the external device shown in FIG. 13 to the option controller unit and the engine controller.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a structure of a page table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of an engine state table stored in a RAM shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a structure of a job control table stored in a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a fifth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a sixth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a seventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an eighth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a ninth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a tenth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an eleventh control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a twelfth control processing procedure of the image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image recording system to which the data processing device and the image recording device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 35 shows, for example, a document as “1st personnel section”, “2nd personnel section”, “3rd personnel section”, “1st general affairs section”, “2nd general affairs section”, “
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a conventional printer usage mode when distributing to various departments such as “General Affairs Section 3” and “Management Section”.

FIG. 36 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a conventional sorting method 1 job separation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101A to 101D External device (host computer) 102 Image recording device (printer) 1 CPU 2 RAM 3 ROM 404 ROM 407 RAM 409 CPU 410 EEPROM

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports in a main body or an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports, and capable of executing a plurality of paper discharge mode processes. Search means for searching for a paper discharge port in accordance with the paper discharge mode specified for the received print job; detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each paper discharge port; search results of the search means and the detection Determining means for determining whether or not discharge according to the discharge mode can be executed based on a detection result of the means; and a message corresponding to the discharge mode to the user based on the determination result of the determination means. An image recording apparatus comprising: a notifying unit for notifying. 2. An automatic search means for dynamically determining a paper discharge port based on an identification name and registering a name in the paper discharge port, and a name fixedly registered in each of the paper discharge ports. Fixed search means for searching for the same paper outlet, sort search means for searching for paper outlets for sorting using the plurality of paper outlets, and large capacity using all empty paper outlets Stack search means for searching for a discharge port for discharging a job;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detecting unit is provided for each paper discharge port.
3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least three detections are performed: no paper is loaded, paper is loaded, and the paper is fully loaded. 4. The notifying unit, when the determining unit determines that the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is not executable, prompts an operation of an optimal full-sheet release / removal operation in accordance with the discharge mode. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message is notified to a user. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message includes a message for prompting an operation for optimally removing and removing the full-load of sheets, which indicates a state of each of the discharge ports and a sheet to be removed from which discharge port. Item 5. The image recording device according to any one of Items 1 to 4. 6. An image recording apparatus capable of executing processing in a plurality of discharge modes by connecting a plurality of data processing apparatuses and an optional apparatus having a plurality of discharge ports in a main body or a plurality of discharge ports. A plurality of data processing apparatuses, wherein the plurality of data processing devices are configured to specify any one of the paper discharge modes and control information corresponding to the paper discharge mode; Creation means for creating a print job in which the output mode and the control information corresponding to the delivery mode are transmitted to the image recording apparatus, and a print job created by the creation means. And a display unit for displaying information notified from the image recording apparatus. The image recording apparatus transmits a print job received from the data processing apparatus to a user. Searching means for searching for a discharge port in accordance with the selected discharge mode; detecting means for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the discharge ports; and a search result of the searching means and a detection result of the detecting means. Determining means for determining whether or not discharge according to the discharge mode is executable; displaying a message corresponding to the discharge mode on a display unit based on a determination result of the determination means and / or An image recording system comprising: a notifying unit that notifies a data processing device. 7. A control method of an image recording apparatus, wherein a main body has a plurality of paper discharge ports or an optional device having a plurality of paper discharge ports can be connected, and a plurality of paper discharge mode processes can be executed. A search step of searching for a paper discharge port according to a paper discharge mode specified for a print job received from the apparatus; a detection step of detecting a paper stacking amount of each paper discharge port; a search result of the search step; A determining step of determining whether or not the discharge according to the discharge mode can be executed based on a detection result of the detection step; and notifying a user of a message according to the discharge mode based on the determination result. And a notifying step of controlling the image recording apparatus. 8. An image which has a plurality of data processing devices and a plurality of paper ejection outlets in a main body, or an image processing apparatus having a plurality of paper ejection outlets, capable of connecting an optional device, and capable of executing a plurality of paper ejection mode processes. In a control method of an image recording system communicably connected to a recording device, a designation step of designating any one of the paper discharge modes and control information according to the paper discharge mode by the data processing device; Generating a print job in which the output mode and the control information corresponding to the output mode are transmitted to print data to be transmitted to the image recording apparatus; and transmitting the generated print job to the image recording apparatus. A transmitting step; and a displaying step of displaying information notified from the image recording apparatus, wherein the discharge mode specified by the image recording apparatus for a print job received from the data processing apparatus is included. A search step for searching for a paper discharge port corresponding to the discharge port; a detection step for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports; and a discharge step based on the search result of the search step and the detection result of the detection step. A determining step of determining whether or not the discharge according to the paper mode can be executed; and a notifying step of notifying a user of a message according to the discharge mode based on the determination result. Control method of image recording system. 9. An image recording apparatus which has a plurality of paper discharge ports in a main body or an optional apparatus having a plurality of paper discharge ports and is capable of executing processing in a plurality of paper discharge modes is received from an external device. A search step of searching for a paper discharge port according to a paper discharge mode specified for the selected print job; a detection step of detecting a paper stack amount of each paper discharge port; a search result of the search step and the detection step A determining step of determining, based on the detection result, whether or not the discharge in accordance with the discharge mode is executable; and a notifying step of notifying the user of a message in accordance with the discharge mode based on the determination result. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the program. 10. A data processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image recording apparatus capable of executing processing in a plurality of discharge modes by connecting a plurality of discharge ports or an optional apparatus having a plurality of discharge ports to a main body. A designating step of designating any one of the discharge modes and control information corresponding to the discharge mode; and transmitting the designated discharge mode and control information corresponding to the discharge mode to the image recording apparatus. Creating a print job added to the print data to be transmitted, transmitting the created print job to the image recording apparatus, and displaying the information notified from the image recording apparatus. An image recording apparatus capable of executing a plurality of discharge mode processes by connecting an optional device having a plurality of discharge ports or a plurality of discharge ports to the main body is provided with a print job received from the data processing apparatus. A search step for searching for a paper discharge port in accordance with a paper discharge mode designated for the print job, a detection step for detecting the amount of paper loaded in each of the paper discharge ports, and a search result of the search step and detection of the detection step. A determining step of determining whether or not discharge according to the discharge mode is executable based on the result; a notification step of notifying a user of a message according to the discharge mode based on the determination result; And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the program.