JP2002116674A - Image forming method and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the productivity of a copying function by devising the control method of consective jobs including image forming processing. SOLUTION: This image forming device is provided with a job registering means 22 by which plural jobs including the image forming processing are registered, a recording part 17 by which an image is formed and outputted on transfer paper by performing an image forming process in accordance with the job and a control means 11 to control the job registered in the job registering means and to timely perform the jobs registered, and in the case that a next job is reserved and registered in the job registering means at the time of feeding the last transfer paper of a performing job performed. The control means controls the execution to continuously form images on the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method suitable for a copying machine having a job management function including an image forming process and a multifunction machine having a copying function, a printer function and a facsimile function. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming method and an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently executing a plurality of jobs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital copiers for forming an image based on image data obtained from a document image have been used. In this digital copying machine, image information of a document is read by a scanner or the like, and the image information of the document is temporarily stored in an image memory. The image information stored in the image memory is subjected to image processing such as reduction, enlargement, and rotation of the image in response to a user request. Here, an image based on the image data subjected to the image processing is formed on predetermined transfer paper by a recording unit (printer). As a result, the original image can be copied.

Further, the above-described digital copying function, facsimile function, and printer function are combined, and a printer is shared by these three functions, and an image reading means (scanner) is provided by the copying function and the facsimile function. The shared MFP is on sale.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multifunction device 10 of this type. The multifunction peripheral 10 shown in FIG. This data bus 1 has a communication modem 2,
The coding unit 3, the scanner 4, the image processing unit 5, the data communication unit 6, the image memory 7, the printer 8, the control unit 9, and the like are connected. An operation unit 9A and a display unit 9B are connected to the control unit 9. In the MFP 10 of this type, the image memory 7 is divided into a copy area 7A and a FAX area 7B.

In the copying function, a copy area 7A is used.
The document image data read by the scanner 4 or the like is stored after being compressed. In the facsimile function, the FAX area 7B is used, and when the image data sent from the other party is received by the communication modem 2, the codec unit 3
And then recorded in the FAX area 7B assigned for the facsimile function.

In the printer function, the copy area 7A is shared, and image data from the computer is transmitted to the data communication unit 6
After receiving the image data, the image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 5 and then stored in the copy area 7A.
When comparing the memory capacities of the copy area 7A and the FAX area 7B, the copy area 7A is often assigned a larger capacity, although it is related to the workability.

After the image data stored in the image memory 7 is decompressed, the image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing section 5 and then output to the printer 8. In the printer 8, the image data is transferred to the recording paper one page at a time to form an image. Regarding the image forming process on the recording paper,
When a plurality of print jobs are continuously performed, the print jobs are registered in a memory or the like in advance and managed for each job.

For example, when the first print job is started in step D1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the drive (load) system such as the photosensitive drum and the transport motor is turned on in step D2. Thereafter, the print job is started in step D3, and when printing of the last page related to the print job is completed in step D4, the drive system is turned off in step D5. Thereafter, when the print job is completed, it is checked in step D7 whether the next job is registered. If the next job is registered, the process returns to step D1, and steps D2 to D6 are repeatedly executed. If the next print job has not been registered, the image forming control ends.

[0009]

However, the conventional multifunction device 10 has the following problems. When a plurality of print jobs are continuously performed, the drive system is temporarily stopped and restarted between jobs, so that the productivity of the copying function is low. That is, when a plurality of print jobs are registered in the memory, the start of the next job takes time because the drive system such as the photosensitive drum and the transport motor is temporarily stopped between jobs. Therefore, it takes a long time to execute the reserved job, and the processing efficiency of the copying machine 10 is reduced. In some cases, the user's request for “immediate printing” cannot be satisfied.

In view of the above, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has been devised a method of managing a continuous job including image forming processing, thereby improving the productivity of a copying function and an image forming method. It is an object to provide a forming device.

[0011]

That is, the present invention for solving the above problems is as described below. (1) An image forming method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of jobs including image forming processing are registered, and an image forming process corresponding to the registered job is executed to form an image on transfer paper and output the image. If the next job is reserved when feeding the last transfer sheet of the job being executed, image formation on the transfer sheet can be continuously performed without stopping the image forming process. An image forming method is characterized by performing control for execution.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a job registering means for registering a plurality of jobs including image forming processing,
A recording unit that executes an image forming process according to a job to form and output an image on transfer paper, manages the jobs registered in the job registration unit, and controls to sequentially execute the registered jobs. Control means for stopping the image forming process when the next job is reserved and registered in the job registration means when feeding the final transfer sheet of the running job. An image forming apparatus characterized by performing control for continuously forming an image on transfer paper without performing any control.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of jobs including an image forming process are registered, an image forming process corresponding to the registered job is executed, and an image is formed on a transfer sheet and output. At this time, if the next job is reserved when feeding the final transfer sheet of the job being executed, without stopping the image forming process,
Control for continuously executing image formation on transfer paper is executed.

Therefore, the developing device, the drum, and the transport belt for the image forming process are not stopped at the end of each job being executed. In addition, image forming processing of a job related to reservation registration can be performed continuously. Thereby, the productivity of the image forming apparatus can be improved. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming method and an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity of a copying function by devising management of a continuous job including image forming processing.

(2) When the setting of single-sided image formation is performed in both the currently executing job and the next job, the control means continuously transfers the image onto the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. It is desirable to perform control for executing the image formation of (1).

(3) If the output / sort setting of the sort / group matches in the job being executed and the next job, the control means continuously outputs the image onto the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. It is desirable to perform control for executing image formation.

(4) The control means continuously forms an image on transfer paper without stopping the image forming process when the setting of the stapling process matches in the job being executed and the next job. It is desirable to perform control for execution.

(5) When the output direction related to face-up / face-down is identical between the job being executed and the next job, the control means continuously transfers the image onto the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. It is desirable to perform control for executing the image formation of (1).

(6) The control means continuously forms an image on a transfer sheet without stopping the image forming process when the sheet tray setting is matched between the job being executed and the next job. It is desirable to perform control for execution.

(7) When the leading sheet size of the transfer paper in the job being executed and the next job match, the control means continuously prints the image on the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. It is desirable to perform control for performing the formation.

(8) If the job type of the copy job / printer job matches the job being executed and the next job, the control means continuously prints the image on the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. It is desirable to perform control for executing image formation on the image.

(9) The control means continuously executes the image formation on the transfer sheet without stopping the image forming process when the offset designation is matched between the job being executed and the next job. It is desirable to perform control for this.

(10) The control unit may be configured to execute at least one of a booklet, a memory copy, an insertion page, a confirmation copy, an inter-sheet, a rotation sort, a rotation group, and a water in one of a running job and a next job. When any of the mark, stamp, date, page, numbering, overlay, and mixed APS is included, control is performed to continuously execute image formation on transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. Not desirable.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing, by function, an example of the electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral. Image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
00 is provided with control means for managing a plurality of registered jobs including image forming processing and for sequentially executing the registered jobs. In the case where the job is reserved, the image forming process can be executed continuously by controlling the image forming process on the transfer paper continuously without stopping the image forming process. It was made.

The image forming apparatus 100 is an application of the image forming method and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and has a copying function, a facsimile function, and a printer function.

The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a control unit 11 including a CPU for controlling each unit.
Is provided. The control unit 11 is connected to a reserved job registration memory 22 as a job registration unit, and registers a plurality of jobs (job 1, job 2, job 3,...) Including image forming processing. . The job including the image forming process is managed in units of one page of the document image. One job may end with one page (single form), or may extend over a plurality of pages. A nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (electrically writable and erasable read-only memory) is used for the job registration means.

The reservation of a job is made by a setting operation by a user. For example, when the copy function is selected to copy the desired number of copies of the original image, when the facsimile function is selected to print out all the received images related to the memory reception, or when the printer function is selected and the external computer is selected. For example, the received CG image may be copied.

The control means 11 manages the reservation status of the job registered in the reserved job registration memory 22 and sequentially executes the jobs registered in the reserved job registration memory 22. For example, control means 1
When the next job is reserved and registered in the reserved job registration memory 22 when the last recording sheet of the job being executed is fed, the reservation registration is performed during the image forming process of the last page of the job. The job is started, and the first sheet of the job related to the reservation registration is controlled to be fed after the recording sheet by the image forming processing of the last page of the job. This does not stop each time a job in which a drive system such as a developing device related to the image forming process, a photosensitive drum, and a conveyance belt is completed is terminated, and the recording paper is formed by the image forming process on the last page of the job. This is because the image forming process of the job related to the reservation registration is performed continuously. An example of managing these reserved jobs will be described later in detail.

The control means 11 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned reserved job registration memory 22, a document reading means 12, an image memory, a communication means 14, a decoding means 15, an encoding means 16,
The recording unit 17, the paper feeding / transporting unit 18, the operation unit 19, the display unit 21, the print management memory 24, the data communication unit 6, and the like are connected.

In the original reading means 12, when a copy function or a facsimile function is selected by the operating means 19 and these operating conditions are set, an image of the original is read based on the operating conditions and original image data is generated. . As the document reading means 12, an automatic document reading device (scanner) or the like is used. The document reading means 12 includes the control means 1
1, an image memory 13 is connected, a copy area 13A is allocated for a copy function, and a facsimile area 13B is allocated for a facsimile function.

In the copy area 13A, document image data read by the document reading means 12 is mainly stored. In this example, the copy area 13A is a facsimile area 13B
And a larger memory area is allocated. In the copy area 13A, image data for printing is temporarily stored in addition to the original image data. As the image memory 13, it is preferable to use a DRAM or the like which requires a storage holding operation. Of course, it is desirable to have a backup power supply. For example, the image memory 13 has a memory capacity of about 16 Mbytes in total. In this case, the copy area 13
14M bytes (for 20 sheets of A3 size) are allocated to A as a standard, and 2M bytes are allocated to the FAX area 13B.

Further, in the communication means 14 connected to the control means 11, the facsimile function is selected, and when this operation condition is set, data communication is performed according to a predetermined communication control procedure based on the operation condition. Communication means 14
Then the network control unit (network controller)
A connection control such as a call from the image forming apparatus 100, a call from an unspecified number of other parties, a restoration, a disconnection process, etc. is performed with a line network such as a public communication line.
For example, this unit performs ring detection,
A transmission request made by the other party is received.

The communication means 14 is provided with a communication modem and a network controller (not shown), which demodulate the modulated signal transmitted by the line network to convert the signal into digital received image data at the time of reception. The original image data is modulated so as to match the frequency band of the network and converted into a modulated signal. The received image data received by the communication means 14 is stored in the facsimile area 13B.
Is stored.

A decoding means 15 is connected to the communication means 14 via the control means 11, and upon reception, the received image data is decoded and decompressed. The encoding means 16 is connected to the communication means 14 via the control means 11, and at the time of transmission,
The document image data is compressed and encoded.

A recording unit 17 is connected to the control unit 11, selects a copy function, a facsimile function or a printer function, and sets these operation conditions. When the operation conditions are set, the original stored in the copy area 13A based on the operation conditions is selected. An image is formed on a recording sheet based on image data or received image data stored in the FAX area 13B. The recording unit 17 includes a recording paper storage device (one or more paper feed trays) (not shown), a developing device, a photosensitive drum, a fixing device, a cartridge, and the like. The recording unit 1
7 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, a paper feeder 18, a display 21 and a print management memory 24 are connected to the controller 11 in order to drive the recording unit 17. Paper feeder 1
At 8, a sheet of a predetermined size is supplied and conveyed from the recording sheet storage device to the image forming system. The print management memory 24 includes print mode (single-sided / double-sided), paper size information, its tray information, copy magnification information, copy density information, and discharge mode information set by the user using the operation unit 19. Are stored. These information are displayed on the display unit 21
Are displayed as setting items on the display screen of. Since the data communication unit 6 has the same function as the conventional example, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, an example of the configuration of the recording unit 17 and the automatic document feeder / reader (RADF) 40 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The automatic document feeder 40 is shown in FIG.
, A document placing portion 41, rollers 42a, 42b,
Roller 43, reversing roller 44, reversing unit 45, and paper discharge tray 4
6.

The image reading section 50 includes a first platen glass 51, a second platen glass 52, a light source 53,
It has mirrors 54, 55, 56, an imaging optical system 57, a CCD imaging device 58, and an optical drive system (not shown). The recording unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum 71, a charging unit 72, a developing unit 73,
It has a transfer section 74, a separation section 75, a cleaning section 76, a transport mechanism 77, and a fixing section 78.

For example, the original placing section 41
A plurality of originals 20 are placed with the front side of the page facing up. Then, when the rollers 42 a and 42 b are driven by an ADF control unit (not shown), the first sheet of the document 20 fed out via the rollers 42 a and 42 b is conveyed via the rollers 43.

At this time, under the control of a reading control unit (not shown), the light source 53 of the image reading unit 50
Light is applied to the 0 image plane. This reflected light is reflected on mirror 5
The reflected light is taken into the CCD imaging device 58 via the imaging optical system 57.
As a result, an image of the document 20 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD imaging device 58.

Here, the original 20 is placed on the platen glass 51.
When the original 20 is placed on the original placing portion 41 with the reading surface of the original facing downward, the platen glass 51
The original image is captured by the CCD image pickup device 58 by scanning the optical drive system along. Then, the read image acquisition signal Sin of the document 20 is transmitted to the CCD image pickup device 58.
To an image processing circuit (not shown). In the image processing circuit, the image data Din after converting the image acquisition signal Sin into digital data is stored in the image memory 13. The above-mentioned image memory 13 is backed up by a power supply,
Even if the main power is turned off due to a momentary interruption, the image data D
Since in can be backed up, it is possible to prevent the loss of valuable image data Din read for image editing processing or the like.

In the operation mode in which the document 20 is automatically fed in the automatic document feeder 40,
The document 20 turns around the roller 43. In this case, the document image is read by the image reading unit 50 with the light source 53 and the mirror 54 fixed below the platen glass 52. When the first page of the document 20 is read, a winding operation using the roller 43 is performed again via the reversing roller 44, and the image on the back surface of the document is read by the image reading unit 50. The image acquisition signal Sin is output to the image processing circuit.

The original 20 from which the front and rear images have been read in this way is again inverted by the reversing rollers 44 and is stacked on the paper output tray 46 with the front surface facing downward. At the same time, after the image acquisition signal Sin read by the image reading section 50 is converted into digital image data Din by the image processing circuit, the image memory 1 shown in FIG.
3 is stored.

On the other hand, the recording paper 30 is fed out from the paper feed cassette 30A or 30B on which the recording paper 30 is stacked and fed to the recording unit 17. The recording paper 30 is fed to the photosensitive drum 71 after synchronization is established by the registration rollers 61 at the entrance. The paper supply from the registration roller 61 is referred to as a second paper supply. A recording paper sensor 62 is provided near the registration roller 61, and detects that the sheet has reached the registration roller 61.

In this state, the image data Dout read from the image memory 13 is output to the image writing section 60 after the image processing. The image data Dout is read from the image processing unit first from the back of each document 20. In the image writing section 60, a laser beam corresponding to the image data Dout is irradiated from the laser diode onto the photosensitive drum 71 to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is developed
3 to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 71.

This toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 30 by a transfer section 74 provided below the photosensitive drum 71. Then, the recording paper 30 adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 71
Is separated from the photosensitive drum 71 by the separation unit 75. Thereafter, the recording paper 3 separated from the photosensitive drum 71
0 is sent to the fixing unit 78 via the transport mechanism 77, and the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. As a result, an image of the back surface of the document (second page image) is formed on the recording paper 30. Hereinafter, it is also simply referred to as an image forming process.

Following the image forming process on the back side of the document, the recording paper 30 on which the toner image has been fixed is moved to the guide section 8.
1 and is conveyed downward and sent to the reversing unit 83.
Next, the recording paper 30 sent to the reversing unit 83 is
2, the sheet is fed upward again, passes through the reverse conveyance path 84 provided on the sheet cassette 30 </ b> A, and is again
Is forwarded to

In the recording section 17 where the image formation on the back surface of the original 20 has been completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 71 is removed by the cleaning section 76, and the apparatus stands by to cope with the next image formation. In this state, the recording paper 3
0 surface (the surface on which no image has been formed)
The recording paper 30 is sent to the recording unit 17 via the registration roller 61. In the recording unit 17, an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the document is formed on the photosensitive drum 71, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 73, so that a toner image on the surface of the document is formed on the photosensitive drum 71. .

Since this toner image is transferred onto the recording paper 30 by the transfer section 74, an image of the first page is formed on the surface thereof. The recording paper 30 adsorbed on the photoconductor drum 71 is separated from the photoconductor drum 71 by the separation unit 75 and then sent to the fixing unit 78 via the transport mechanism 77, where the toner image is fixed by heat and pressure. . As a result, it is possible to form an image (first page image) of the document surface on the recording paper 30.

After that, the recording paper 30 on which the image formation is completed on the back surface and the front surface is processed by the finisher unit 80 in accordance with the output form (operation instructions such as the sorter function and the stepler function).
The sheet is discharged to the outside as it is, or the sheet is again inverted by the reversing section 83 and is discharged to the outside by the discharge roller 85. Thus, the images on the front and back (both sides) of the original 20 can be copied on the front and back of the recording paper 30. Of course, when forming an image on only one side of the recording paper 30, only the above-described image forming process for the second page need be performed. The reason why the second page is executed first at the time of double-sided copying is to make the first page face upward at the time of paper ejection.

Next, an example of registration of a reserved job will be described. The reservation job 1 shown in FIG. 3A includes image data D11 to D1n of n pages. In this example, the first
Header information H1 is added to the head of the image data D11 for the page.
Are added, and the operation setting information is written. Here, the operation setting information refers to information for setting operation conditions necessary for executing the copy function, the facsimile function, or the printer function. This is for executing a print job based on the operation setting information.

The second job of the reserved job 2 (FIG. 3B)
The image data D12 of the page is registered, and the image data D1n of the last page is registered in the same manner. Then, for example, end (flag) information E1 is added to the end portion of the image data D1n relating to the last page. The end information E1 is information indicating the last page related to the job. The end information E1 makes it possible to identify whether or not the page related to the job is final.

Of course, the end information E1 is added to each page so that the flag = 0 indicates the non-final page, and the flag = 1
May be used to indicate the last page. By causing the control means 11 to determine the content of this flag, the last page of the job can be recognized.

Similarly, in the reserved job 2, the image data D21 of the first page and the image data D22 of the second page with the header information H2 are registered, and similarly, the image data D2n of the last page are registered. Is done. Similarly, for the reserved job 3, the image data D31 of the first page and the image data D32 of the second page with the header information H3 are registered, and the image data D3n of the last page are similarly registered.

In this example, by monitoring the end information by the control means 11, the last page of the job can be recognized. Therefore, when the job 2 being executed, for example, the job 2 is reserved and registered in the reserved job registration memory 22 as another job after the job 1, the image forming process of the last page of the job 1 is performed. During the start, the job 2 according to the reservation registration is started, and the first sheet of the job 2 according to the reservation registration is controlled to be fed after the recording paper by the image forming processing of the last page of the job 1. Therefore, after the last sheet of the previous job 1 is printed, the print processing of the next job 2 can be continuously executed without stopping the motor such as the drum and the conveyance.

Next, an operation example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. In this example, in order to copy a document or print out a facsimile by memory reception, operation setting information relating to a copy function is input by a user in advance, and a reservation job based on the information is, for example, an image relating to a copy function. It is assumed that the jobs 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 3, such as data, image data related to the print function, and image data related to the facsimile function, are registered in the reserved job registration memory 22. Then, without stopping the drive systems such as the photosensitive drum 71 and the transport motor, the reserved job 1 and the job 2
And a case where job 3 is executed continuously.

Assuming this, first, in step A1 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the control means 11 waits until the start button provided on the operation means 19 is pressed (step A1 in FIG. 4). Here, the user presses a start button on the operation unit 19 to copy a document or print out a facsimile. When the start button is pressed (YES in step A1 in FIG. 4), control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step A2. Step A2
Then, the control unit 11 starts the paper feed cassette 30A and the drive system such as the drive roller, the photosensitive drum 71, and the transport motor for the first job, Job 1, and enters the idling state.

Thereafter, in step A3, the operation setting conditions relating to the print function are read from the print management memory 24 by the control means 11. This is to start print job 1. Then, the process proceeds to step A4, and reading of the image data D11 related to job 1 acquired in advance by the copy function, the print function, or the facsimile function is started. At this time, image data D11 to D1n and image data D21 to D2 related to jobs 1 to 3.
n, and the image data D31 to D3n are transferred from the image memory 13 to the recording unit 17. At the same time, the operation setting information read from the print management memory 24 is written in the header information and transferred from the printer management memory 24 to the recording unit 17.

Thereafter, in step A5, the control means 11
Feeding of the recording paper 30 by the feed tray 30A through the feed transport unit 18 is started. Then, in step A6, it is determined whether the reading of the image data relating to the job has been completed. If the reading of the image data is not completed, the reading is continued. When the reading of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to step A7 to detect whether the recording paper 30 has reached the second paper feed position. The presence or absence of the arrival of the recording paper 30 is detected by a recording paper sensor 62, and a recording paper detection signal is output to the control unit 11. The control means 11 can detect whether or not the recording paper 30 has arrived based on the recording paper detection signal.

If the recording paper 30 does not reach the second paper feeding position, the detection is continued until the recording paper 30 reaches. After detecting the arrival of the sheet, the sensor is reset. If the recording paper 30 has reached the second paper feed position, the process proceeds to step A8. In step A8, the recording paper 30 is conveyed below the photosensitive drum 71, and the transfer unit 74 and the fixing unit 78.
Then, the second paper feeding for conveying the recording paper 30 is started, and the image forming process is started.

When the image forming for the first page is completed by this image forming process, the process proceeds to step A9, where it is determined whether or not there is an image forming for the next page. If there is image formation for the next page, the process returns to step A6,
It is determined whether the reading of the image data D12 of the next page from the image memory 13 to the recording unit 17 is completed. When this reading is completed, steps A7 to A9 are repeated. Therefore, when all the image formations for the job 1 are completed in step A9, the process proceeds to step A10.

In step A10, the control unit 11 checks whether or not the next job is reserved and registered in the registration memory 22 at the timing when the last transfer sheet of the job being executed is fed. That is, the control unit 11 recognizes that the image formation is for the last page from the end information E1 of the job 1, and determines the existence of the job 2.

If there is no reservation for the next job, the process proceeds to step A12, where the photosensitive drum 71 or
The control unit 11 controls the driving system such as the transport motor and the image forming process to stop.

In this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, job 2 is registered for reservation. Accordingly, since there is a reservation for the next job 2, the process proceeds to step A12, where the execution conditions of the job being executed and the next job are compared.

If the execution conditions do not match (NO in step A14 in FIG. 4), the drive system (photosensitive drum 71 and transport motor) and image The forming process is temporarily stopped (Step A15 in FIG. 4), and thereafter, the process returns to Step A3 to start execution of the next job, Job 2.

When the execution conditions match, the control unit 11 executes control for continuously forming an image on a transfer sheet without stopping the image forming process. That is, a developing device related to the image forming process,
The image forming process of the job related to the reservation registration is continuously performed after the recording paper by the image forming process of the last page of the job without stopping at the end of the job in which the driving system such as the drum and the conveyance belt is completed. It can be carried out. This allows
The productivity of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

Here, examples in which the execution conditions match in order to continuously execute a plurality of jobs are as follows: • One-sided image formation is set; • Sort / group output sort setting is matched.・ Staple processing settings match ・ Face-up / face-down output directions match ・ Paper tray settings match ・ Transfer paper top paper size matches • The job types of the copy job / printer job match, and • The offset specifications match.

On the other hand, examples of the case where the execution conditions do not match in order to continuously execute a plurality of jobs, or the case in which a plurality of jobs are not continuously executed, are a booklet,
Memory copy, insertion page, confirmation copy, inter-sheet,
Rotation sort, rotation group, watermark, stamp, date, page, numbering, overlay, mixed APS
Is included.

Note that, in this case, "any one is included"
This includes, for example, a case where not only one of a plurality of jobs but also both jobs include a booklet. This means that if a condition like a booklet is entered,
This is because it is desirable not to perform continuous execution in consideration of the complexity of the processing.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 100 applied to the MFP according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of jobs 1 to 3 including the image forming process are registered in the reserved job registration memory 22, , The reserved job registration memory 22
Is reserved by the control means 11, and the jobs registered in the reserved job registration memory 22 are sequentially executed.

In addition, if another job 2 is reserved and registered in the reserved job registration memory 22 at the time of feeding the last transfer sheet of the job 1 being executed, the last page of the job 1 During the image forming process, the job 2 related to the next reservation registration is prepared, and the first recording paper 30 of the job 2 related to the reservation registration is controlled by the control unit following the recording paper by the image forming process of the final transfer paper of the job. 11 controls continuous feeding.

Therefore, the developing section 73 related to the image forming process
Also, the drive system such as the photosensitive drum 71 and the transport mechanism 77 and the stoppage each time the job in which the image forming process is being executed are not stopped, and the recording registration by the image forming process of the last page of the job and the reservation registration The image forming process of such a job can be performed continuously.

FIG. 5 shows a method according to the present embodiment for continuously outputting a running job to the next job.
Will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. When a setting (job input) related to copying is performed by the operation unit 19 (user interface (UI) in FIG. 5), the image reading unit 12
Then, the start of the job is notified to the recording unit 17 (job start, process start). Thereby, the job is executed ().

When the recording unit 17 detects the ready-feed of the last page, the last sheet of the job relating to the sheet feeding is determined, and the presence or absence of the next job is determined (). If there is a next job, the next job is requested without stopping the process (), and feeding of the next job is started ().

If the last page of each job has been discharged and the next job is being executed, a job change notification is issued to switch the screen display on the operation means 19 ().

Thereafter, the same processing is repeated and continued until there is no next registered job, and when the last page of the last job is completely discharged (), the job is terminated and the process is stopped ().

In the conventional method, when the start button is pressed to execute the job 1, the start signal SS shown in FIG. 6A rises, and the drive system is turned off (OF).
It is turned on (ON) from F). When the job 1 is completed, the driving system is turned off. Job 2 after Job 1
Is performed, the drive system is turned on (ON) from off (OFF). When the job 2 ends, the driving system is turned off (temporary stop). On the other hand, according to the present invention, when the start button is pressed, FIG.
The start signal SS shown in (1) rises, and the drive system is turned on (ON) from off (OFF). When the job 1 is completed, the paper feed, the second paper feed, and the paper discharge are continuously performed while the drive system is not turned off and the drive system and the image forming process are continuously turned on.

As a result, the time required for stopping the motors such as the photosensitive drums and the transport mechanism and restarting them between jobs as in the conventional system can be reduced. The time required for image processing is reduced, and the user's request for quick printing can be sufficiently satisfied. The productivity of the copy function by the image forming apparatus 100 can be increased.

Next, a comparison of productivity between the image forming apparatus of this embodiment and another image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. First, in the case of a copying apparatus that does not have a job reservation function (hereinafter simply referred to as a “reservation function”), when reading of one page is completed, reading of the second page and image formation and output of the first page are started simultaneously.
Image formation output is performed up to the last page.

The next job is executed after the user makes the setting, so that the reading and the output are stopped during the setting. In other words, there is a period in which both reading and image formation are stopped during the period in which settings are being accepted. Output to copy, output to copy,... In FIG.

Next, in the case of a conventional general copying apparatus having a reservation function, the image forming output timing of the first job is the same as the output timing of the copying apparatus having no reservation, but after completion of reading the last page. Productivity is improved because the settings for the next job can be reserved. However, with respect to the image forming output, after completing the image forming output of the last page, the transport unit and the image forming process are temporarily stopped after the image forming output of the last page is completed, and then the image forming output of the next job is started. For this reason, continuous image formation cannot be performed. Output to output, output to output,... In FIG. 7B are the discontinuous image forming timings.

In the case of a copying apparatus having both the reservation function and the continuous output function as described above, the reading process is the same as that of the copying apparatus having the reservation function. Is to determine the presence or absence of the next job at the start of feeding the last page of each job, and if there is the next job, to continuously output (7 (c) output, output, output,...) Without stopping the image forming process. ,
Productivity will be greatly improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the multifunction peripheral is used as a specific example. However, even in the case of a simple copier having no facsimile function, the effect of continuously executing jobs and improving productivity can be obtained. Can be obtained.

[0085]

As described above, in the image forming method and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of jobs including the image forming process are registered, and the image forming process according to the registered job is executed to transfer. When forming and outputting an image on a sheet, if the next job is reserved when feeding the final transfer sheet of the running job, the image forming process is continuously stopped without stopping. By performing control for executing image formation on transfer paper at the same time, the driving system such as a developing device, a drum, and a conveyance belt for the image forming process is not stopped every time a job being executed is completed. Following the recording paper by the image forming process of the last page of the job,
The image forming process of the job related to the reservation registration can be performed continuously.

Thus, the productivity of the image forming apparatus can be improved. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming method and an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity of a copying function by devising management of a continuous job including image forming processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, by function.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration example of a cross section of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a data string showing an example of registration of a reserved job according to the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in comparison with a conventional operation.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the productivity of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention in comparison with the productivity of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional multifunction peripheral 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the conventional multifunction peripheral 10.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 control means 12 original reading means 13 image memory (storage means) 14 communication means 15 decoding means 16 encoding means 17 recording unit 19 operating means 21 display means 22 reserved job registration memory (job registration means) 24 print management memory 100 image Forming equipment (composite machine)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Akihiko Oda 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo F-term within Konica Corporation (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR03 HJ03 HN17 2H027 DA46 DC03 DC19 ED17 ED21 EE07 EF10 FA23 FA24 FA30 FB02 FB07 ZA07 2H072 AA07 AA13 AA32 AB07 BA12 CA01 CA02 CB09 5C062 AB17 AB20 AB22 AB42 AC22 AC66 AE15 AF00 BA00

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image forming method in which a plurality of jobs including an image forming process are registered, an image forming process corresponding to the registered job is executed, and an image is formed on transfer paper and output. If the next job is reserved when feeding the final transfer paper of the job, the control to continuously execute the image formation on the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process is performed. Performing an image forming method. 2. A job registration unit for registering a plurality of jobs including an image forming process, a recording unit for executing an image forming process corresponding to the job to form and output an image on a transfer sheet, and Control means for managing the jobs registered in the means and controlling the sequential execution of the registered jobs, wherein the control means controls the next job when feeding the final transfer paper of the job being executed. Is registered in the job registration means,
An image forming apparatus for performing control for continuously forming an image on transfer paper without stopping an image forming process. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to continuously form the image on the transfer sheet without stopping the image forming process when the setting of the single-sided image formation is performed in both the job being executed and the next job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for executing the step (c) is performed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to continuously form the image on the transfer sheet without stopping the image forming process when the output / sort setting of the sort / group matches in the job being executed and the next job. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for executing the image forming is performed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to continuously form an image on a transfer sheet without stopping an image forming process when a stapling process is set in a current job and in a next job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control is performed. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the output direction related to face-up / face-down is identical between the job being executed and the next job, the image forming is continuously performed on the transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for executing the step (c) is performed. 7. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the sheet tray setting is the same in the job being executed and the next job.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed for continuously forming an image on transfer paper without stopping the image forming process. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the size of the leading sheet of the transfer sheet in the job being executed and the next job match, the image formation on the transfer sheet is continuously performed without stopping the image forming process. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed to perform the control. 9. When the job type of a copy job / printer job is identical between a running job and a next job, the control unit continuously prints an image on a transfer sheet without stopping an image forming process. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control for executing the formation is performed. 10. A control for continuously executing image formation on a transfer sheet without stopping an image forming process when an offset designation is matched between a running job and a next job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: 11. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a job being executed and a next job includes a booklet, a memory copy, an insertion page, a confirmation copy, an inter-sheet, a rotation sort, a rotation group, a watermark, and a stamp. , Date, page, numbering, overlay, mixed A
3. The image according to claim 2, wherein when any one of the PSs is included, the control for continuously executing the image formation on the transfer paper is not performed without stopping the image forming process. Forming equipment.