JP2002157102A - Image forming method, image forming system, output medium sorting method, output medium sorting device, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming method and an image forming system capable of enhancing productivity in image forming. SOLUTION: When a plurality of image forming devices are used to form images as at least one printing job, a CPU(central processing unit) part 1502 separates sheets for the image formation, adds prescribed information to each of the separated sheets, mixes the separated sheets together based on the added information so as to return them to the original printing job, and performs control so as to detect errors in the job.

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 and an image forming system for forming an image by an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected on a network, and an output medium arrangement for rearranging output media such as printing paper. The present invention relates to a sorting method, an output medium sorting device, and a storage medium storing a control program for controlling the image forming system or the output medium sorting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming system in which a color printer or a monochrome printer is connected to a network, a user of a client computer selects one of a plurality of printers including the network and a monochrome printer. It is known to print.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional image forming system, despite the fact that color / monochrome originals are mixed in one job,
Printing could only be done with either a color or monochrome printer. A color printer can print in full color, but a monochrome printer is superior in terms of speed and cost. Therefore, it is desirable to print a page containing only a monochrome image on a monochrome printer. However, in the conventional system, the user determines whether each page is printed on a color printer or a monochrome printer. In addition, the user has to specify page printing for each page, and at this time the user has to perform the operation of selecting a printing machine each time, which is complicated.

[0004] In addition, the work of rearranging sheets (printing paper or the like as an output medium) respectively printed by a color printing machine and a monochrome printing machine in a page order has to be performed by a user, which is troublesome.

[0005] In particular, when a large amount of printing is performed,
Although the processing time and cost appear remarkably, the time required for the manual operation of the user becomes considerable, and it is desired to save labor in this respect.

Further, when a double feed of sheets or a print error occurs in the printing press, it is necessary to further troubleshoot the incorrect or missing pages.

Further, for example, when outputting a multi-page document in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed, a color page is output by a color printer, and a monochrome page is output by a monochrome printer. There are two piles of monochrome paper. In order to combine these two peaks to obtain the output result of the original document, it is necessary to take out each paper from the pile of each color paper and the pile of the monochrome paper and rearrange them in the correct order. FIG. 37 shows this operation as an image.

In FIG. 37, reference numeral 3701 denotes a monochrome printer, 3702 denotes a color printer, and 3703a to 3703c.
Are monochrome pages, and 3704a to 3704b are color pages.

The operation shown in FIG. 37 has conventionally relied on manual labor. This is a very time-consuming task,
In particular, the operation becomes more complicated when the page order or the front and back of the output paper sheet after printing is changed due to some mistake, or when the number of pages is large.

A collator called a collator performs collation by setting printed output sheets on a tray of the collator for each page. In this case, it is necessary to divide the output paper for each page and set the output paper in the tray in order. Further, it is impossible to rearrange the output sheets in an order different from the order in which the sheets are set on the tray. In order to rearrange the output papers in the collator, it is necessary to set the output papers in a collet tray in the order in which they are to be obtained, and this operation also conventionally relies on manual labor, and the operation becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and an image forming system capable of improving image forming productivity.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an output medium rearranging method and an output medium rearranging apparatus capable of automatically rearranging output media by a machine.

A third object of the present invention is to automatically rearrange output media by a machine, and to determine whether or not a page is missing or the position of a missing page at the time of the rearrangement. An object of the present invention is to provide an output medium rearranging method and an output medium rearranging apparatus that can be easily determined by a user.

Further, a fourth object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a control program for controlling the image forming system and the output medium rearranging apparatus of the present invention as described above.

[0015]

In order to achieve the first object, an image forming method according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises:
An image forming method for forming an image by an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, comprising: a dividing step of dividing at least one print job so that the plurality of image forming apparatuses form an image. An information adding step of adding predetermined information to each of the sheets on which an image is formed by being divided by the dividing step;
A mixing step of mixing the sheets divided by the division step based on the information added by the information addition step to return to an original print job; and an error detection step of detecting an error of the print job. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming method according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming method according to the first aspect, wherein the error detecting step includes:
It is characterized in that the mixing step is provided.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the first aspect, the information added in the information adding step is a pattern representing print job and page information. And

Further, in order to achieve the first object,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the first aspect, the information added in the information adding step is a barcode pattern representing print job and page information. There is a feature.

In order to achieve the first object,
In the image forming method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the first aspect, the information added in the information adding step is a pattern representing information of a print job and a page, and is invisible light. Is printed with a printing agent that reflects light.

Further, in order to achieve the first object,
An image forming method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the printing agent is ink.

Further, in order to achieve the first object,
In the image forming method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the first aspect, the mixing step includes a reading step of reading information added in the information adding step and a reading step of reading the information added in the information adding step. And a communication step of sharing the received information on a network, wherein the error detection step includes comparing information with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication step to detect an error in the print job. Features.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming method according to the seventh aspect, wherein the mixing step includes transmitting information on a print job error detected in the error detecting step on a network by the communication step. And a notification step of notifying and sharing the information.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming method according to the eighth aspect, wherein the specific page of the specific print job having an error is received again by receiving the error information of the print job in the notification step. The image processing apparatus further includes a control step of controlling the image forming apparatus to form an image on any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, wherein at least one print job is formed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A dividing unit for dividing the sheet to be divided by the dividing unit, an information adding unit for adding predetermined information to each of the sheets on which an image is formed by the dividing unit, and the dividing unit based on the information added by the information adding unit. The printing apparatus further includes a mixing unit that mixes the divided sheets to return to the original print job, and an error detection unit that detects an error in the print job.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the error detecting means is provided in the mixing means.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, the information added by the information adding means is a pattern representing print job and page information. And

In order to achieve the first object,
In the image forming system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, the information added by the information adding means is a barcode pattern representing print job and page information. There is a feature.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the information added by the information adding means is a pattern representing information of a print job and a page, and is invisible light. Is printed with a printing agent that reflects light.

Further, in order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the printing agent is ink.

Further, in order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the mixing means reads the information added by the information adding means, and reads the information added by the reading means. Communication means for sharing the received information on a network, the error detection means collating information with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication means, and detecting an error in the print job. Features.

In order to achieve the first object,
An image forming system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the mixing unit transmits information on an error of the print job detected by the error detecting unit to a network by the communication unit. And a notifying means for notifying and sharing the information.

In order to achieve the first object,
The image forming system according to claim 18 of the present invention, in the image forming system according to claim 17, receives the error information of the print job by the notifying unit and re-designates the specific page of the specific print job having an error. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus to form an image on any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19 of the present invention includes:
An output medium sorting method for sorting a plurality of output media output from the printing press by an output media sorting device connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A communication step of exchanging rearrangement information; a rearrangement step of rearranging output media supplied from a supply tray for setting an output medium printed by the printing machine based on the rearrangement information; and a rearranged state. And a discharge step of discharging the output medium to a discharge tray.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 20 of the present invention comprises:
20. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19, wherein the rearranging step includes: a determining step of determining whether the output medium is a target output medium; A first control step of controlling the output medium to be discharged to the discharge tray; and a return step of returning the output medium to the supply tray when the determination step determines that the output medium is not the target output medium. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 21 of the present invention,
21. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 20, wherein the output medium is supplied by a paper feeding step of supplying from an output medium located at the bottom of the output mediums placed on the supply tray, and the return step. And a second control step of performing control to return the output medium placed on the supply tray to the top while keeping the top and bottom as it is when returning to the supply tray.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 22 of the present invention,
20. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19, wherein the supply tray includes a plurality of supply trays, and supplies the output medium placed on the supply tray corresponding to each of the plurality of supply trays. A determination step of determining which of the plurality of supply trays the output medium to be supplied is in, and a control of controlling a supply step corresponding to each of the supply trays based on a determination result of the determination step And a process.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 23 of the present invention,
20. The output medium sorting method according to claim 19, further comprising: a judging step of judging whether or not there is a page to be rearranged; and determining which page is not to be rearranged by the judging step. A printing step of printing information indicating whether the information does not exist, and an insertion step of inserting a page on which the information is printed instead of a non-existing page are provided.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 24 of the present invention comprises:
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the information is an error code.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 25 of the present invention,
25. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19, wherein the output medium is paper.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26 of the present invention,
An output medium sorting apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and for sorting a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, wherein the communication exchanges sorting information with the computer via the network. Means, sorting means for sorting output media supplied from a supply tray for setting output media printed by the printing machine based on the sorting information, and outputting the sorted output media to a discharge tray. Discharging means for discharging.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging device according to claim 27 of the present invention,
27. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the rearranging unit determines whether or not the output medium is the target output medium. First control means for controlling the output medium to be discharged to the discharge tray; and return means for returning the output medium to the supply tray when the determination means determines that the output medium is not the intended output medium. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging device according to claim 28 of the present invention,
28. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the output medium is supplied from the output medium located at the bottom of the output media placed on the supply tray, and the output medium is returned by the return means. When returning to the supply tray, there is provided a second control means for controlling so as to return the output medium placed on the supply tray to the top while keeping the top and bottom as it is.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 29 of the present invention,
27. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the supply tray includes a plurality of supply trays, and a supply unit that supplies an output medium mounted on the supply tray corresponding to each of the plurality of supply trays, Determining means for determining which of the supply trays the output medium to be supplied is in the plurality of supply trays; and controlling the supply means corresponding to each of the supply trays based on the determination result of the determination means Means.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 30 of the present invention,
27. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a page to be rearranged exists; and a page that is determined when the determination unit determines that the page to be rearranged does not exist. It is characterized by comprising printing means for printing information indicating whether the information does not exist, and insertion means for inserting a page on which the information is printed in place of a non-existent page.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium sorting device according to claim 31 of the present invention,
31. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the information is an error code.

In order to achieve the second object,
The output medium rearranging device according to claim 32 of the present invention,
32. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output medium is paper.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 33 of the present invention,
An output medium rearranging method for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine by an output medium rearranging apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A supply step of supplying a medium, a reading step of reading information printed on the output medium, a sorting step of sorting the output medium based on the information read by the reading step, and a sorting step of sorting by the sorting step. A discharge step of discharging the changed output medium, and a control step of controlling the output medium to be shifted and discharged at the time of discharging the output medium in the discharge step are provided.

Further, in order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 34 of the present invention,
34. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 33, wherein the control step controls, when a page is missing, to shift the output medium between pages before and after the missing page and discharge the output medium. And

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging method according to claim 35 of the present invention comprises:
33. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 33, further comprising an orientation aligning step of aligning the orientation of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 36 of the present invention,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 33 or 35, further comprising a front / back aligning step of aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging method according to claim 37 of the present invention comprises:
The output medium sorting method according to any one of claims 33, 35, and 36, wherein the information read in the reading step is a page number.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging method according to claim 38 of the present invention comprises:
The output medium rearranging method according to any one of claims 33, 35, and 36, wherein the information read in the reading step is a document. , Characters and symbols representing the top and bottom, bar codes, and the like.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39 of the present invention,
An output medium rearranging apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, and a supply unit for supplying a plurality of output media before rearranging; A reading unit that reads information printed on the output medium, a sorting unit that sorts the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit, and an output medium that is sorted by the sorting unit. A discharge means for discharging, and a control means for controlling the output medium to be shifted and discharged when the discharge medium is discharged by the discharge means.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting device according to claim 40 of the present invention,
40. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, wherein, when a page is missing, the control unit controls to output the output medium by shifting the output medium between pages before and after the missing page. And

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting device according to claim 41 of the present invention,
40. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising an orientation aligning unit that aligns the orientation of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 42 of the present invention,
42. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising a front / back aligning unit for aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 43 of the present invention,
The output medium rearranging device according to any one of claims 39, 41, and 42, wherein the information read by the reading means is a page number.

Further, in order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging device according to claim 44 of the present invention is characterized in that:
43. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the information read by the reading unit is a front or back side of a document, characters or symbols indicating the top and bottom, a bar code, or the like. .

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 45 of the present invention,
An output medium rearranging method for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine by an output medium rearranging apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A supply step of supplying a medium, a reading step of reading information printed on the output medium, a sorting step of sorting the output medium based on the information read by the reading step, and a sorting step of sorting by the sorting step. A discharge step of discharging the output medium after the replacement and a notification step of notifying a result of the rearrangement in the rearrangement step are provided.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 46 of the present invention,
45. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the notification step notifies the occurrence of a missing page.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 47 of the present invention comprises:
47. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the notification step is performed by a lighting unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 48 of the present invention,
48. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 47, wherein the lighting means is an LED (light emitting diode).

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 49 of the present invention,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 45, further comprising a display step of displaying and notifying a result of the sorting in the sorting step.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 50 of the present invention,
50. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 49, wherein the occurrence of a page is notified by the display step.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting method according to claim 51 of the present invention,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, further comprising an orientation aligning step of aligning the orientation of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging method according to claim 52 of the present invention comprises:
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, further comprising a front / back aligning step of aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging method according to claim 53 of the present invention comprises:
54. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the information read in the reading step is a page number.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging method according to claim 54 of the present invention comprises:
45. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the information to be read in the reading step is a front or back side of a document, characters or symbols indicating the top and bottom, a bar code, or the like.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55 of the present invention,
An output medium rearranging apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, and a supply unit for supplying a plurality of output media before rearranging; A reading unit that reads information printed on the output medium, a sorting unit that sorts the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit, and an output medium that is sorted by the sorting unit. It is characterized by comprising discharging means for discharging, and notifying means for notifying the result of the sorting by the sorting means.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 56 of the present invention,
55. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the notification unit notifies the occurrence of a missing page.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 57 of the present invention,
57. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the notifying unit notifies by a lighting unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
An output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 58 of the present invention,
58. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the lighting means is an LED (light emitting diode).

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 59 of the present invention,
55. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a display unit for displaying and notifying a result of the rearrangement by the rearrangement unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 60 of the present invention,
60. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the display means notifies that a page is missing.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 61 of the present invention,
55. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising an orientation aligning unit that aligns the orientation of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium sorting device according to claim 62 of the present invention,
62. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising: front and back aligning means for aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read by the reading means.

Further, in order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 63 of the present invention,
63. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the information read by the reading unit is a page number.

In order to achieve the third object,
The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 64 of the present invention,
63. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the information read by the reading unit is a front or back side of a document, characters or symbols indicating the top and bottom, a bar code, or the like. .

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
A storage medium according to claim 65 of the present invention is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network, wherein the control program is A dividing module that divides at least one print job to form an image by the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and an information adding module that adds predetermined information to each of the sheets that are divided and image-formed by the dividing module. ,
A mixing module that mixes the sheets divided by the division module based on the information added by the information addition module to return to an original print job; and an error detection module that detects a print job error. It is characterized by.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
A storage medium according to claim 66 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the error detection module is included in the mixing module.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 67 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the information added by the information addition module is a pattern representing print job and page information. .

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 68 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the information added by the information addition module is a barcode-like pattern representing print job and page information. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 69 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the information added by the information adding module is a pattern representing print job and page information and reflects invisible light. It is characterized by being printed with a printing agent.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
A storage medium according to claim 70 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 69, wherein the printing agent is ink.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 71 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the mixing module is read by the reading module that reads information added by the information adding module, and is read by the reading module. A communication module for sharing information on a network, wherein the error detection module detects an error in the print job by comparing information with the plurality of image forming apparatuses via the communication module. I do.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 72 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 71, wherein the mixing module shares information on an error of a print job detected by the error detection module over a network by the communication module. And a notifying module for notifying.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 73 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 72, wherein the control program receives the information of the print job error by the notification module and specifies a specific page of the specific print job having an error. And a control module for controlling any of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image again.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
74. A storage medium according to claim 74, wherein the storage medium is connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and controls an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. A storage medium storing a program, wherein the control program includes: a communication module that exchanges sorting information with the computer via the network; and an output medium printed by the printing machine based on the sorting information. And a discharge module for rearranging the output media supplied from the supply tray and a discharge module for discharging the rearranged output media to a discharge tray.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 75 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 74, wherein the rearrangement module includes:
A determination module for determining whether or not the output medium is a target output medium; and a first control module for controlling to discharge the output medium to the discharge tray when the determination module determines that the output medium is the target output medium. A return module that returns the output medium to the supply tray when the determination module determines that the output medium is not the target output medium.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 76 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 75, wherein the control program starts from the lowest output medium among the output media placed on the supply tray. A second control for controlling the paper supply module to be supplied and returning the output medium to the top of the output medium placed on the supply tray when the output medium is returned to the supply tray by the return module. And a module.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 77 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 74, wherein the control program supplies an output medium corresponding to each of a plurality of supply trays and placed on the supply tray. Supply module, a determination module that determines which of the plurality of supply trays the output medium to be supplied is in, and a supply module corresponding to each of the supply trays based on the determination result of the determination module. And a control module for controlling the module.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 78 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 74, wherein the control program includes a determination module for determining whether there is a page to be rearranged, and a determination module for determining whether there is a page to be rearranged. A printing module that prints information indicating which page does not exist when it is determined that there is no page to be replaced; and an insertion module that inserts the page printed with the information in place of the non-existent page. It is characterized by.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
A storage medium according to claim 79 of the present invention is the storage medium according to any one of claims 74 to 78, wherein the output medium is paper.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
80. The storage medium according to claim 80, wherein the storage medium is connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and controls an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. A storage medium storing a program, wherein the control program includes a supply module that supplies a plurality of output media before sorting, a reading module that reads information printed on the output medium, and a reading module. A rearranging module for rearranging the output medium based on the read information; a discharging module for discharging the output medium after rearranging by the rearranging module; and a discharging module for discharging the output medium by the discharging module. And a control module for controlling the discharge to be shifted.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 81 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 80, wherein when a page is missing, the control module shifts an output medium between pages before and after the missing page. It is characterized in that it is controlled to discharge.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 82 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 80, wherein the control program includes an orientation alignment module for aligning the orientation of the output medium based on information read by the reading module. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 83 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 80 or 82, wherein the control program includes a front-back aligning module that aligns the front and back of the output medium based on information read by the reading module. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 84 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 80,
84. The storage medium according to any one of 82 and 83, wherein the information read by the reading module is a page number.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 85 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 80,
82. The storage medium according to any one of 82 and 83, wherein the information read by the reading module is a front or back side of a document, characters or symbols indicating the top and bottom, a bar code, or the like.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
86. A storage medium according to claim 86, wherein the storage medium is connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and controls an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. A storage medium storing a program, wherein the control program includes a supply module that supplies a plurality of output media before sorting, a reading module that reads information printed on the output medium, and a reading module. A rearrangement module for rearranging the output medium based on the read information; a discharge module for discharging the output medium rearranged by the rearrangement module; and a notification module for notifying a result of the rearrangement by the rearrangement module. And characterized in that:

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 87 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the storage medium according to claim 86, the notification module notifies that a page has been lost.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 88 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 86 or 87, wherein the notification module notifies by a lighting unit.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 89 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 88, wherein the lighting means is an LED (light emitting diode).

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 90 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 86, wherein the control program includes a display module for displaying and notifying a result of the sorting by the sorting module. Features.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
A storage medium according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the storage medium according to the ninety aspect, wherein the display module notifies that a missing page has occurred.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 92 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 86, wherein the control program includes an orientation alignment module for aligning the orientation of the output medium based on information read by the reading module. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 93 of the present invention is the storage medium according to claim 86 or 92, wherein the control program includes a front-back aligning module that aligns the front and back of the output medium based on information read by the reading module. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 94 of the present invention provides a storage medium according to claim 86,
93. The storage medium according to any one of 92 and 93, wherein the information read by the reading module is a page number.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object,
The storage medium according to claim 95 of the present invention provides the storage medium according to claim 86,
93. In the storage medium according to any one of Items 92 and 93, the information read by the reading module is the front and back of the document, characters and symbols indicating the top and bottom, a bar code, and the like.

[0110]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the image forming method and the image forming system of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Overview of Image Forming System] FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, network 1
01 is a server connected to the first computer 102,
The second and third computers 103a and 103b are clients. Although not shown, the clients are connected to the second and third computers 103a and 103a.
A number of connections are made in addition to 03b. Hereinafter, the client is represented as 103.

Further, to the network 101, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), which is an image forming apparatus, and a collator 106 are connected. One MFP 104 is a full-color MFP capable of scanning, printing, etc., and the other MFP 104 is a full-color MFP.
The FP 105 is a monochrome MFP that performs scanning, printing, and the like. The collator 106 is controlled via the network 101. The user is a color MFP 1
04, take out a sheet such as paper as an output medium printed from the monochrome MFP 105, and
When it is set to 6, the collator 106 performs collation processing of the color page and the monochrome page, and the user can obtain a job arranged in the page order of the job.

Although not shown, the network 1
01, MFP, scanner, printer or F
Other devices such as AX (facsimile) are also connected.

Here, the computer (client) 10
On 3, application software for executing so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing: desktop publishing) is operated to create / edit various documents / graphics. The computer (client) 103 converts the created document / graphic into PDL (Page Description Language), and the converted data is sent to the MFPs 104 and 105 via the network 101 and printed out.

The MFPs 104 and 105 and the collator (finisher unit) 106 are
It has a communication means capable of exchanging information with the computer 103 via the network 101, and has a mechanism for sequentially informing the computers 102 and 103 of the information and status of the MFPs 104 and 105 and the collator 106. Further, the computers 102 and 103 have utility software that operates by receiving the information, and
05 can be managed by the computers 102 and 103, and the operating states of the MFPs 104 and 105 and the collator 106 can be known.

[Configuration of MFPs 104 and 105]
The configuration of the FPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIG. However, the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is the difference between full color and monochrome, and in the portions other than the color processing, the full color device often includes the configuration of the monochrome device. A description of the monochrome device will be added as needed.

FIG. 2 shows an MFP 10 as an image forming apparatus.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 4,105.

As shown in FIG. 2, the MFPs 104 and 105 include a scanner unit 201 for reading an image and image processing (IP: Image Proceed) for image processing the image data.
ssing) unit 202 and facsimile unit 203 for transmitting and receiving an image using a telephone line represented by a facsimile or the like.
, An NIC (Network Interface Card) unit 204 for exchanging image data and device information using a network, and a page description language (PDL: Pa
PDL that expands geDescriptionLanguage) into an image signal
Unit 205. Then, the image signal is temporarily stored in the core unit 206 or the signal path is determined according to the usage of the MFPs 104 and 105.

Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 has a PWM (Puls) that changes the width of the carrier pulse by a signal wave.
eWidthModulation (pulse width modulation) unit 207
The data is sent to the printer unit 208 that performs image formation. A sheet such as paper, which is an output medium printed out by the printer unit 208, is sent to a finisher unit, for example, a sorter unit 209, and is subjected to sheet sorting processing, sheet finishing processing, and the like.

The display unit 210 is used to check the contents of the image without printing the image, and to check the state of the image before printing (preview).

[Configuration of Scanner Unit 201] Next, the configuration of the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the scanner unit 201. In FIG.
A document 302 to be read is placed. Manuscript 302
Is illuminated by a document illumination lamp 303, and the reflected light passes through mirrors 304, 305, and 306,
07, an image is formed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 308, and the image processing unit (IP unit) 20
Sent to 2. Original illumination lamp 303 and mirror 30
The first mirror unit 310 including the fourth moves at a speed V,
Second mirror unit 311 including mirrors 305 and 306
Scans the entire surface of the original 302 by moving at a speed of 1 / 2V. The first mirror unit 310 and the second mirror unit 311 are driven by a motor 309.

[Configuration of Image Processing Unit (IP Unit) 202] Next, the configuration of the image processing unit (IP unit) 202 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing section (IP section) 202. In FIG. 4, an input optical signal is converted into an electric signal by the CCD 308. The CCD 308 has R (red), G (green), B
This is a three-line color sensor (blue). CCD308
R, G, B image signals from the A / D converter 401
Is converted into an 8-bit digital image signal RO, GO, BO for each color (R, G, B). Thereafter, the shading correction unit 402 performs a known shading correction process using a reference white plate read signal for each color (R, G, B). Further, each color (R, G,
Since the line sensors in B) are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects a spatial shift in the sub-scanning direction.

The input masking section 404 includes a CCD 308
The reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the filters for each color (R, G, B) is described in NTSC (National Television System Co.).
mmittee: a part to be converted into a standard color space of the American Television System Committee), and uses a device-specific constant taking into account various characteristics such as the sensitivity characteristics of the CCD 308 and the spectral characteristics of the document illumination lamp 303. A 3 × matrix operation is performed, and the input digital image signal (R
O, GO, BO) into standard image signals (R, G, B).

Luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405
Is a look-up table (LUT) RAM (RandomAc
cessMemory: a read / write storage device), and the R, G, and B luminance signals are converted into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

Reference numeral 406 denotes an output masking / UCR circuit (input / output masking unit) which converts the density signals C1, M1, and Y1 into toner colors C (cyan) and M of the image forming apparatus.
(Magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) signals are corrected and output.

The output signal from the output masking section 406 is output to the gamma conversion section 407 by using a look-up table (LUT) RAM in consideration of various color characteristics of the toner, and C, M, Y for image output. , K are subjected to sharpness or smoothing processing by the spatial filter unit 408, and then sent to the core unit 206.

When monochrome image processing is performed by the monochrome MFP 105, a monochrome A / D conversion process and a shading correction process are performed using a monochrome one-line CCD sensor, and then an input / output masking unit 406 and a gamma conversion unit are used. 407 and the spatial filter unit 408 may be processed in this order.

[Configuration of FAX Unit 203] Next, the configuration of the FAX unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the facsimile unit 203. In FIG.
NCU (Networ
kControlUnit (network control device) unit 501 receives and performs voltage conversion processing, and demodulation unit 50 in modem unit 502
After performing A / D conversion processing and demodulation operation in step 4, the data is expanded into raster data by the expansion unit 506. In general, a run-length method or the like is used for compression / expansion processing by FAX. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507 and sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.

Next, at the time of transmission, the image signal of the raster image sent from the core unit 206 is compressed by the compression unit 5.
At 05, compression processing is performed by a run-length method or the like, and D / A conversion processing and modulation operation are performed at the modulation section 503 in the modem section 502, and then sent to the telephone line via the NCU section 501.

[Structure of NIC Unit 204] Next, the structure of the NIC unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the embodiment.

The NIC unit 204 has an interface function for the network 101.
For example, it plays a role of acquiring information from outside using an Ethernet cable or the like such as Base-T / 100Base-TX or transmitting information to outside.

In FIG. 6, when information is obtained from the outside, first, after voltage conversion is performed by the transformer unit 601, L
It is sent to an AN (Local Area Network) controller unit 602. LAN controller 602
Has a first buffer memory (not shown) therein, determines whether the information is necessary information, and sends it to a second buffer memory (not shown).
Send a signal to 5.

Next, when providing information to the outside, P
The data sent from the DL unit 205 is added with necessary information by the LAN controller unit 602, and
01 to the network 101.

[Configuration of PDL Unit 205] Next, the configuration of the PDL unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image data created by application software running on the computer 103 is composed of documents, figures, photographs, etc., each of which is an element of an image description element such as a character code, a figure code, and raster image data. Composed of combinations. This is so-called PDL (Page Description Language), which is represented by Adobe's PostScript (registered product) language.

The PDL unit 205 performs a process of converting the PDL data into raster image data. First, NI
The PDL data sent from the C unit 204 is once stored in a large-capacity memory unit 604 such as a hard disk (HDD) via a CPU unit 603, where it is managed and stored for each job. Next, if necessary, the CPU 60
Reference numeral 3 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop PDL data into raster image data. The developed raster image data is stored for each job in a memory unit 605 such as a DRAM which can be accessed at high speed for each color component of C, M, Y, and K for each job. The data is sent to the core unit 206 via the CPU unit 603.

[Structure of Core Unit 206] Next, the core unit 20
The configuration of No. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the core unit 206. In FIG. 7, the bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. . That is, a copy function, a network scan, a network printer, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display, etc.
Bus switching is performed according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105.

The following shows a pattern of switching the bus for executing each function. -Copy function: Scanner unit 201-> Core unit 206-> Printer unit 208-Network scan: Scanner unit 201-> Core unit 2
06 → NIC unit 204 ・ Network printer: NIC unit 204 → Core unit 20
6 → Printer unit 208 ・ Facsimile transmission function: Scanner unit 201 → Core unit 2
06 → FAX unit 203 ・ Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203 → Core unit 20
6 → Printer unit 208 ・ Display function: Scanner unit 201 or FA
X unit 203 or NIC unit 204 → core unit 206 → display unit 210 Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is compressed by a compression unit 702, a memory unit 703 including a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and a decompression unit. 704, the printer unit 208 (PWM unit 207) or the display unit 21
Sent to 0. The compression method used in the compression unit 702 is as follows.
A general method such as JPEG, JBIG, or ZIP may be used. The compressed image data is managed for each job,
It is stored together with additional data such as file name, creator, date and time of creation, and file size.

Furthermore, if a job number and a password are provided and stored together, the personal box function can be supported. This means that data can be temporarily stored or printed out only by a specific person (memory unit 703).
This is a function to prevent readout from the file. When an instruction to print out the stored job is issued, after performing authentication using a password, data is called from the memory unit 703, the image is decompressed and returned to raster image data, and the printer unit 208 is returned.
Sent to

[Configuration of PWM Unit 207] Next, the configuration of the PWM unit 207 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows the PWM unit 207 and the printer unit 2.
08 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration, and FIG. 9 is a signal waveform diagram.

In FIG. 8, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) exiting the core section 206.
Image data separated into four colors (monochrome MFP10
5 is a single color).
, And an image is formed. Reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator, and 802, a D / A converter (D / A converter) that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal.

The signal from the triangular wave generator 801 (a in FIG. 9)
) And the signal from the D / A converter 802 (b in FIG. 9)
The signals are compared by the comparator 803 and become signals as shown in FIG. 9C, and are sent to the laser driving unit 804 of the printer unit 208, where C, M, Y, and K are respectively converted to C, M, Y, and K.
Is converted into a laser beam by each of the semiconductor lasers 805.

Then, with the polygon scanner 1013,
By scanning each laser beam of C, M, Y, K,
C, M, Y, K photosensitive drums 1017, 1021, 1
025, 1029.

[Configuration of Printer 208 (Color MFP)
104)] Next, the configuration of the printer unit 208 in the case of the color MFP 104 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the printer unit 208 in the case of the color MFP 104. In FIG.
(Y, K) semiconductor laser 805 (see FIG. 8). The first one of the four laser beams scans the photosensitive drum 1017 via mirrors 1014, 1015 and 1016, and the next one is the mirror 1
018, 1019, and 1020, the photosensitive drum 1021
, And the next one is mirrors 1022, 1023, 1
After scanning the photosensitive drum 1025 via 024, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 1029 via mirrors 1026, 1027 and 1028.

Reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing unit for supplying yellow (Y) toner.
7, a yellow toner image is formed. A developing unit 1031 supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 1021 according to the laser beam. A developing unit 1032 supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 1025 according to the laser beam. A developing unit 1033 supplies black (K) toner, and forms a black toner image on the photosensitive drum 1029 according to the laser beam.

As described above, the toner images of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred to the sheet as the output medium, and a full-color output image can be obtained.

The output medium (sheet) supplied from one of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 1038 via the registration roller 1037 and conveyed. Synchronous with the supply timing of the output medium, the toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 1017, 1021, 1024, and 1029, and the toner is transferred to the output medium when the output medium is transported. The output medium to which the toner of each color has been transferred is separated and transported by the transport belt 1039, and the toner is fixed on the output medium by the fixing device 1040. The output medium that has passed through the fixing device 1040 is once guided downward by the flapper 1050, and after the rear end of the output medium has passed through the flapper 1050, is switched back and discharged outside the apparatus. As a result, each output medium is ejected to the outside of the apparatus in a face-down state, and is arranged in a correct order when printed from the first page.

The four photosensitive drums 1017 and 102
1, 1025 and 1029 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d. The output medium is transported at a constant speed V by the transport belt 1029, and the four semiconductor lasers 805 (see FIG. 8) are driven by synchronizing the timing.

[Configuration of Printer 208 (Monochrome MF
Next, the configuration of the printer unit 208 in the case of the monochrome MFP 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the printer unit 208 in the case of the monochrome MFP 105. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1113 denotes a polygon mirror which is a laser beam emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805 (see FIG. 8). Receive light. This laser light is transmitted to mirrors 1114, 1115, 1
The photosensitive drum 1117 is scanned via 116. 1130
Is a developing unit that supplies black toner, and according to the laser beam,
A toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1117, the toner image is transferred to an output medium, and an output image can be obtained.

Output medium (sheet) cassette 1134, 1
The output medium supplied from one of the 135 and the manual feed tray 1136 is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 1138 via the registration roller 1137 and transported. The toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1117 in advance in synchronization with the supply timing of the output medium, and the toner is transferred to the output medium when the output medium is transported. The output medium to which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed to the output medium by the fixing device 1140. The output medium that has passed through the fixing device 1140 is discharged out of the apparatus.

Since the output medium is discharged to the outside of the apparatus in a face-up state, printing is performed sequentially from the last page.

[Structure of Display Unit 210] Next, the structure of the display unit 210 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the structure of the display unit 210. In FIG. 12, the image data output from the core unit 206 is each data of C, M, Y, and K. The conversion unit 1201 needs to convert the data into R, G, and B data.

Therefore, the output CRT (Cathode Ray)
In order to match the color characteristics of the display device 1204 such as a tube (cathode ray tube), the gamma converter 1202 performs output conversion using a look-up table. The image data converted by the gamma conversion unit 1202 is once stored in the memory unit 1203 and displayed by the display device 1204.

Here, the display unit 210 is used for a preview function for confirming an output image in advance, a group function for verifying whether an output image is correct or not, or an image that does not need to be printed. This is to avoid waste of the output medium in the case of confirmation.

[Structure of Sorter Unit 209] Next, the structure of the sorter unit 209 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the sorter unit 209. In FIG. 13, the output medium printed by the printer unit 208 (see FIG.
09 to sort bin 1 according to the type of job.
301 or the non-sort bin 1302.

At this time, whether to output the output medium to the sort bin 1301 or the non-sort bin 1302 depends on the page in the job, the number of copies, the output type of color / monochrome, the format of the job, the OS (Operating System: Operating system), and here,
In accordance with the output of an output medium (sheet) presence / absence sensor for detecting the presence / absence of an output medium for each sort bin and an output medium (sheet) amount sensor for detecting the output medium amount, the bin is discharged while avoiding a complicated bin. .

[Structure of Collator 106] Next, the structure of the collator 106 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the collator 106. As shown in FIG.
Are input bins 1401 and 1402 for setting a bundle of output media (sheets) discharged from the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105;
A finishing unit 1403 for performing a finishing process on the output medium fed from 2 and a sort bin unit 1404 for sorting a collated bundle of output media (sheets) for each job.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the internal system configuration of the collator 106. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG.
Are connected to the network 101 and connected to the server 102, the client 103, the color MFP 104, and the monochrome M
Control of information exchange with the FP 105 is performed. The input bin control unit 1505, the finishing control unit 1504, and the sorter control unit 1506 respectively include the input bin units 1401 and 1402 and the finishing unit 1403 shown in FIG.
A controller for controlling the sort bin unit 1405. The controller operates in cooperation with the program operated by the CPU unit 1502 to perform the above-described functions. The sensor control unit 1503 is mounted on a transport path between the input bin units 1401 and 1402 and the finishing unit 1403, and optically reads information printed on an output medium.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the finishing unit 1403. Finishing unit 1403
In this case, the output medium can be stored for each job before the output medium is discharged to the sort bin unit 1404, and can be bound by the stapler 1602 immediately before the output medium is discharged.

In addition, Z for folding the output medium into a Z-shape
There are a folder 1601 and a puncher 1603 for making two (or three) holes for a file, and performs respective processes according to the type of job.

In addition, although not shown, a binding portion for performing binding by gluing (glue) for bookbinding, or a cutting portion for performing cutting for aligning the end surface opposite to the binding side after binding, or the like. It is also possible to add

FIG. 17 shows the input bin section 140 shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a path from the first and second finishing units 1402 to the finishing unit 1403. Input bins 1401, 140
2 is supplied to the finishing unit 140.
While being fed to the tray 3, the information is read from the sensor 1701 and stored in the tray 1702 or sent to the finishing unit 1403 by a process described later.

[Job Division] Next, job division of a color image and a monochrome image will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the printer driver.

When printing a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed in one job from the computers 103 and 102, first, a printer which is software operating on the computers 102 and 103 as shown in FIG. Color MFP 104 using driver
Transfer the job to.

Referring to FIG. 18, reference numeral 1801 denotes a driver window displayed on the screens of the computers 102 and 103. Reference numeral 1802 denotes a color printer (color MFP 10) as a setting item in the driver window 1801.
A color printer (ColorMFP) selection column for selecting 4), and a column 1803 for a monochrome printer (monochrome MF)
P / B monochrome printer (B / W)
An MFP) selection column 1804, a page (Pages) setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and 1805
Denotes a copy number setting column for designating the number of copies, 1806 denotes a job color mode (JobColorMode) column for instructing division of a color / monochrome image for a color / monochrome job mixture, 1807 denotes an OK key for starting printing, 1808 cancels printing (Ca
An ncel) key 1809 is a property key for performing further detailed settings.

Here, the job color mode column 180
6 can select one mode from automatic division, manual division, all page color, and all page monochrome. In the case of manual division, the user can select which MFP to use for each page. It is possible to select whether to output from.

[Automatic Job Division and Color / Monochrome Determination] Next, the automatic job division will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the color / monochrome division processing operation of a job.

The driver window 1801 shown in FIG.
When the OK key 1807 is depressed in the step (1), the driver on the computer 103
, A print job together with a job ID (identifier) indicated by a time stamp composed of six digits of hour / minute / second, information indicating that the job includes both color pages and monochrome pages, and the like. The data is sent to the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105, respectively. In the case of automatic division, since it is not possible to determine which page is a monochrome page at this time, the job contents of all pages are sent to the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105, respectively. The order of sending the color page and the monochrome page is as follows.
05 may be sent in a staggered order, or 2
It may be sent to two MFPs 104 and 105 at the same time.

The monochrome MFP 105 that has received the information indicating that the job is a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages does not immediately start printing, but receives the page number notification from the color MFP 104 without immediately starting printing. stand by.

Then, the job is automatically divided (AutoSeparati
If “on” is set (step S1901), the setting content of the sampling cycle is sent to the color MFP 104 (step S1902). However, the setting of the sampling period is performed in advance in a window for detailed setting displayed by the property key 1809. Regarding the sampling period, if sampling is performed at a rate of 1 point per 100 pixels × 100 lines, the sampling time is 1
/ 10000 is enough and 400 dpi image is inch
If sampling is performed on a grid unit (= 6.35 mm) cycle, if the output medium (sheet) of the letter size (11 ″ × 8.5 ″) is near 1500 points, it is determined to some extent whether the medium is color or monochrome. it can.

If the image is still difficult to judge, the sampling period may be set more finely or the job color mode column 1806 may be manually divided (manual separation).
n), and manually setting in advance in the detailed setting window whether each page is color or monochrome.

Next, upon receiving the job and the sampling period, the PDL unit 205 of the color MFP 104 rasterizes and expands the pages in the job in order from the top page (R
IP), and stores the image after the RIP in the memory unit 605 for each page and for each color component (C, M, Y, K). The image stored in the memory unit 605 is stored in the CPU unit 60.
The color / monochrome determination is performed by the step 3 (step S1903).

In the color / monochrome determination, the memory unit 60
5 is performed based on whether or not each sample in C.5 has components (C, M, and Y components) other than black (K) (step S1904).
Step S1905). At this time, if at least one color (C, M, Y) component is present at any one of the sampling points in the page in order to increase the speed, the page is a color image. The determination is stopped, and the page is processed inside the color MFP 104 as a color page. At this time, since it is conceivable that printing is performed again for this job, the page number information of the page is stored in the network 1 together with information indicating that the page is a color page.
01 to the server 102 (step S1).
908). Then, the page is color-printed by the color MFP 104 (step S1909). At this time, the page is printed, and a pattern that uniquely represents each page is generated from the already received job ID information and page number information, and the pattern is printed at the rear end of the page. The pattern generation method used here will be described later.

In step S1905, the sampling point in the page has one color (C,
If the (M, Y) component does not exist, the page is processed as a monochrome page by the monochrome MFP 105. Therefore, the page number information of the page is transmitted to the server via the network 101 together with information indicating that the page is a monochrome page. 102 and the monochrome MFP 105 are notified (step S1910). The monochrome MFP 105 that has received the notification in step 1910 performs RIP development and prints only the notified page. At this time, the monochrome MFP 105 also prints the RIP-decompressed data, generates a pattern uniquely representing each page from the already received job ID information and page number information, etc. Print the pattern.

Steps S1903 to S190
6. Steps S1908 to S1910 are repeated until the last page unless a job cancel interrupt is input, and the job in the color MFP 104 ends (step S1911).

At this time, various information on the job, for example, a Z-folding or binding instruction, etc.
The information is notified to the computer (server) 102 and stored.

If automatic division has not been set in step S1901, that is, if manual division has been set, the computer (server) 102 determines whether each page is color or monochrome from the driver. The information is received, and the color page is accordingly changed to the color MFP1.
04, and prints a monochrome page to the monochrome MFP 105 (step S
1907) At the same time, the job ID and the page number information are notified.

Color MFP 104 receiving print instruction
And the monochrome MFP 105 also has the job ID
And a unique pattern is generated from the page number information and the like, and the pattern is printed at the rear end of the page.

As described above, a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed, and a color page is a color M
In the FP 104, the monochrome page is converted to the monochrome MFP 105
You can print each.

Although the above-described automatic division of a job is performed by dividing a color page into a monochrome page, the present invention is not limited to this. The job may be divided into a predetermined number of copies, or a photo page may be divided. And a character page.

[Generation and Printing of Pattern] Color M
When the FP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 print a job, as shown in FIG. 20, a barcode-like pattern uniquely generated for a specific page of specific jobs 1 and 2 (hereinafter, referred to as a job information pattern) 20
01 is printed for each page. This job information pattern is read later by the collator 106 and is used for performing a finishing process.

In the generation of the job information pattern, the job ID and the page number are replaced with a bar code pattern so that the job ID and the page number are uniquely determined by the line width.

For printing these job information patterns, an image forming apparatus provided in the MFPs 104 and 105 may be used. However, another method such as discharging the ink that reflects light in the invisible light region to the MFPs 104 and 105 may be used. An image forming apparatus is prepared and pudding is performed.
It is also effective to read information using a sensor that receives invisible light even in the case of No. 6.

[Automatic Mixing of Jobs] Next, automatic mixing of jobs will be described. The user sets each of the output medium (sheet) bundles printed by the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 and discharged to the bins 1301 and 1302 of the sorter unit 209 in the empty bins of the input bins 1401 and 1402 of the collator 106. . Then, the server 102 or the client 10
3 or when activated by the activation switch provided in the collator 106, the collator 106
The bin in which the job bundle is set is searched from 402. When the bin in which the job bundle is set is found, FIG.
It operates according to the flowchart shown by.

That is, the sheet is pulled in from the searched bin (step S2101), and the sensor 170 in the transport path is moved.
1 to read the job information pattern (step S210)
2). Based on the read job ID information, the server 102
The job information is obtained from (step S2103). The job information includes information indicating what kind of finishing processing should be performed, information indicating the total number of pages and the number of copies, and the like.

When the first sheet is supplied, the read information is stored. When the second and subsequent sheets are supplied, the obtained information is compared with the already read and stored information. Then, it is determined whether or not the output medium (sheet) currently being transported is for a job in progress (step S210).
4). If the output medium currently being transported is not for the job in progress, the output medium is temporarily stored in the tray 17.
02 (step S2105).

If the currently transported output medium is for a job in progress, it is determined whether the page number is correct (step S2106). If the page number is not correct, the output The medium is stored in the tray 1702 (step S2107).

On the other hand, if the output medium being conveyed is for a job in progress and the page number is correct, the output medium is discharged to the sorter bin (step S2108). Next, it is determined whether the output medium (sheet) bundle still remains in each bin (step S2109). If no output medium (sheet) bundle remains in all bins,
An error is detected (step S2110). If there is an error, an error notification process is performed on the computers 102 and 103 (step S2111). Thereafter, the output medium on the tray 1702 is supplied to start the finishing process. (Step S2112).

Here, the error detection processing in step S2010 will be described.

If it is determined that no output medium remains in the input bin, the job information patterns of all output media are read by the sensor 1701 and stored in the tray 1702. In other words, at this stage, for example, all errors such as incorrect or missing pages during printing can be detected. If there is such an error, the server 102 or the client 103 is notified of the error, and only the error page is automatically printed, or the user is caused to print the error page and set it in the input bin. To

In the finishing process in which the output medium is supplied from the tray 1702, if there are a plurality of trays, the same process as the process from the input bin can be performed. When the supply of the output medium from the tray 1702 is started, the job information pattern is read by the sensor 1701, and if there is a mismatch between the output medium being transported and the job ID, the output medium is stored in a different tray. May be repeated.

By repeating such processing, it is possible to obtain a mixture of the divided job bundles in the sorter bin.

[Description of Network Utility Software] Next, network utility software operating on the computers 102 and 103 will be described.

A network interface portion (NIP unit 204 + PDL unit 20) in MFPs 104 and 105
In 5), a standardized database called MIB (ManagementInformationBase) is constructed.
It communicates with a computer on a network via a network management protocol called NMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), and can manage MFPs 104 and 105 as well as scanners, printers, faxes, and the like connected on the network.

On the other hand, a software program called a utility runs on the computers 102 and 103, and it is possible to exchange necessary information using a MIB (Management Information Base) by using the SNMP via a network. Become.

For example, as equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, it is detected whether or not a sorter unit 209 as a finisher unit is connected, or whether status information is used to detect whether or not printing is possible at present, or MFP1.
By using the MIB to enter, change, or check the names and installation locations of the MFPs 04 and 105, the user can use the MFP connected to the network 101.
The information of 104 and 105 can be confirmed on the computers 102 and 103. In addition, such information can be used to distinguish between the server 102 and the client 103 and to limit reading / writing.

Therefore, by using this function, the user can transmit all kinds of information such as equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, device status, network setting, job history, management of use status, and control in front of the computers 102 and 103. Will be available.

Next, the screen (GUI) of the utility software running on the computers 102 and 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the utility software is started on the computers 102 and 103, a screen as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. In FIG. 22, 2201 is a window, 2220 is a cursor, and another window is opened or transition to the next state is performed by clicking with the mouse.

Reference numeral 2202 denotes a title bar, which is used to display the current window hierarchy and title. Tabs 2203 to 2207 are called tabs, and are arranged for each classification, so that necessary information can be viewed and required information can be selected.

[0215] Here, 2203 is a device.
In the tab, you can see the existence of the device and its overview. The device tab 2203 includes MFPs 104 and 105
Are displayed, and messages 2210, 2211, 2212, and 2213 indicate what state the MFPs 104 and 105 are in. For details of the device status, see the Status tab 2
It is a mechanism that can be understood by looking at 204.

[0216] Reference numeral 2205 denotes a Queues tab which allows the user to know the status of jobs queued in each apparatus and the degree of device congestion. Reference numeral 2206 denotes a Config (Config.) Tab on which device information such as what type of finisher having a function is mounted can be known. For example, a finisher is mounted on the MFP 105, and the functions of the finisher include a stapler function, a saddle stitcher function, a folding function, a punch function, an inserter function, and the like, and an output medium (sheet).
Is installed, such as a letter-size output medium (sheet) deck capable of storing up to 5,000 sheets, the remaining amount of the output medium (sheet), or a unit for performing double-side processing. It is. Reference numeral 2207 denotes a setup tab on which network setting information of the apparatus can be known.

[Description of Finisher Utility Software] Next, the finisher utility software that operates on the computers 102 and 103 will be described.

The collator 106 and the computers 102 and 1
Also in 03, it is assumed that information can be exchanged using the MIB, and the state of the finishing process of the collator 106 can be known by operating the finisher utility on the computers 102 and 103.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the screen of this utility. In the figure, on a main screen 2301, there is a tab 2306 whose title is the name of the collator 106 connected to the network 101.
6 is clicked with a mouse or the like, and collators 106a to 106c whose status is to be managed are selected. This screen example shows a state where the collator 106a is selected.

In the selected collator 106a, the information of the finishing processing that is currently being performed is stored in tab 23.
02, 2303. Tab 2302
This indicates which job the sheet bundle set in the input bin of the collator 106a belongs to, and indicates the job ID or the like acquired from the collator 106a based on the job information pattern read by the sensor of the collator 106a. The job information is displayed, and the status of the finishing process of the job is displayed.

The tab 2303 displays the current status of the job in the finishing operation in real time. That is, based on the job information pattern read by the sensor of the collator 106a, information indicating how many pages are currently undergoing the finishing process, and in the case of a plurality of copies, what number of copies is obtained and displayed in real time. 2
Reference numeral 304 denotes a screen provided for displaying a document image of the page.

An error display pop-up 2305 is displayed when an error occurs during finishing of a job, and presents means for error recovery to the user.
The user sees this display, prints out again the page in which the error has occurred, and sets it in the collator 106a. Also, without performing such an error display, the DTP software on the client computer 102 is started, an error page is automatically printed out, and only the operation of setting the printed output medium in the collator 106a is performed. Such an error recovery means may be presented.

As described above, according to the image forming method and the image forming system according to the present embodiment, a job output from a computer connected to a network is divided into pages in accordance with a predetermined division rule. Then, each of the divided pages of the job is image-formed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses, predetermined information is added to each of the divided and image-formed sheets, and a sheet is formed in accordance with the added information. Can form an image faster than performing an image forming job with a single image forming apparatus. Even if images are formed with a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the sheets of the original job can be obtained as a single bundle. Can be. In addition, since errors such as double feeding of sheets and paper jams in the respective image forming apparatuses and collators can be detected and recovery can be easily performed, productivity of image formation can be greatly improved.

Note that the image forming method and the image forming system according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device.

Further, it goes without saying that the image forming method and the image forming system according to the present embodiment can be applied to the case where the image forming method and the image forming system are achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

In this case, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is read out to a system or an apparatus, or is read out to a system or an apparatus via a network, whereby the system or the apparatus is read out. Can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

Further, as the storage medium for storing the control program, a hard disk, a floppy disk,
An optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The present embodiment relates to an output medium rearranging method and an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging output media (sheets such as paper) which are printed materials output from a printer (printing machine). An output medium rearranging method and an output medium rearranging apparatus for a single sheet supply tray.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system having an output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 24, reference numeral 2401 denotes a computer;
Create a document in which monochrome pages and color pages are mixed. In FIG. 24, 2402a, 2402b,
2402c and 2402d are monochrome pages, 2403
a, 2403b shows an example of a document in which the page is a color page. 2404a, 2404b, ..., 2404
n is a printer (1), (2),..., (N), and 2405 is an output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment. These computers 2401, printers 2404a to 2404
4n and the output medium rearranging apparatus 2405 are connected to the network 2406.

The output medium rearranging device 2405 has one output medium (sheet) supply tray 2407 and one output medium (sheet) discharge tray 2408. The output medium rearranging device 2405 includes an output medium (sheet) supply unit 2409, a path switching unit 2410, and a reversion unit 2
411, a control unit 2412, a memory 2413, a communication unit 2414, and a discharge unit 2415.

When printing, the computer 2401 prints a monochrome page by the printer 2404a and a color page by the printer 2404b.
The print data is separated for each page and the printer 2404a,
2404b. When the printing is completed, the output media, which are the printed materials output by the respective printers 2404a and 2404b, are combined into one, and the output medium rearranging device 240
5 is placed on the supply tray 2407. At this time, as a method of combining printed matter (output media) into one, a method of combining the print matter in any order without considering the order or the like, and a method of combining the printed matter (output medium) by superimposing them in a designated order are considered.

In FIG. 24, a case is considered in which the images are superimposed and put together in the order specified.

For example, a mountain of a monochrome page (2402a
２４０2402d) followed by color pages (2403a, 243d).
03b) is considered. At this time, care should be taken not to change the order of the printed matter (output medium) in each mountain. If the order is changed due to some mistake, a method for coping with the change will be described as error processing in a fourth embodiment described later.

In the case of putting together by the operator,
The output of which printer should be followed by the output of which printer must be shown to the operator in some way. For example, when the computer 2401 issues a print instruction to the printer, a method of displaying a message such as "Please collect printed materials in the order of the printer 2404a first, then the printer 2404b" on the screen of the computer 2401 can be considered. Alternatively, each printer 2404
a, 2404b, a method of displaying a similar message on the display unit, and a method of displaying a similar message on a display unit (not shown) of the output medium rearranging apparatus 2405 are also conceivable. Alternatively, a cover (cover) page is additionally output to the output from each of the printers 2404a and 2404b, and the printed page is collectively printed in the order of "after removing this cover page, first the printer 2404a, and then the printer 2404b." Please print a message such as "Please." According to the instructions in these messages, the operator
The printed materials (output media) output by the respective printers 2404a and 2404b are put together and placed on the supply tray 2407 of the output medium sorting device 2405.

Further, without displaying the message, the printed matter (output medium) is transferred from the discharge section of each of the printers 2404a and 2404b to a supply tray 24 of an output medium rearranging apparatus 2405 by a conveyor such as a belt conveyor.
It is also possible to place them in the correct order on 07. In this case, the transport device is connected to the network 2406 or to the computer 2401 by a serial or parallel cable, and the print medium (output medium) is grouped in any order under the control of the computer 2401 and the output medium rearranging device 2405. Is to be placed on the supply tray 2407. This implementation can be easily imagined.

When all the printed materials (output media) are placed on the supply tray 2407 of the output medium rearranging device 2405, the output medium rearranging device 2405 starts the operation of rearranging the printed materials (output media). Computer 2401
Transmits the sorting information to the communication unit 2414 of the output medium sorting device 2405 via the network 2406 after grasping the order of the printed materials (output media) placed on the supply tray 2407. As the sorting information, for example, as shown in FIG.
A text file in which the order of the printed matter (output medium) placed on the document 7 is directly described is conceivable. After the rearrangement information is received by the communication unit 2414, it is sent to the control unit 2412 and analyzed by the control unit 2412. As a result of the analysis, the control unit 2412 outputs the printed matter (output medium) placed on the supply tray 2407.
Are stored in the memory 2413. For example, an array in the form of “TemporaryDocumentOrder” shown in FIG. 26 is created.

The control means 2412 is a one-chip microcomputer (1) having a built-in I / O (input / output) port and memory.
Chip microcomputer), but depending on the required performance, Windows (registered trademark)
PCs (personal computers) represented by s)
It is also possible to use the system.

The supply means 2409 supplies the first printed matter (output medium). TemporaryDocumentOrd shown in FIG. 26
From er, it is known that this first page is the first page, so the control unit 2409 instructs the path switching unit 2410 to convey the printed matter (output medium) along the path in the direction of the discharge unit 2415. Control. The discharge unit 2415 discharges the printed matter (output medium) to the discharge tray 2403 as it is. At the same time, the TemporaryDocumen shown in FIG.
Delete the first variable corresponding to the first page of tOrder. The TemporaryDocumentOrder after the deletion is shown in (1) of FIG.

Next, the supply means 2409 supplies the second printed matter (output medium). It is shown in FIG. 26 that the second printed matter (output medium) is the second page.
Similarly, the control means 2412 controls the route switching means 2410 to output the
Control is performed so that the printed matter (output medium) is conveyed along the path in the direction of 415, and the discharging unit 2415 discharges the printed matter (output medium) to the discharge tray 2408 as it is, and outputs the TemporaryD.
Delete the first variable of ocumentOrder. After removing
TemporaryDocumentOrder is shown in (2) of FIG.

Next, the TemporaryDocumentOrder in FIG.
Since it is understood from (2) that the page is not the third page, when the supply unit 2409 supplies the third printed material (output medium), the control unit 2412 sends the route to the route switching unit 2410 in the direction of the return unit 2411. Control means to convey the printed matter (output medium) to the
Is the printed matter (output medium) at the end of the supply tray 2407
Is placed. Move the first variable of TemporaryDocumentOrder to the end. TemporaryDocumentO after sent back
rder is shown in (3) of FIG.

Since the next page is not three pages, the printed matter (output medium) is similarly returned to the rear end of the supply tray 2407 by the return means 2411. Temp after sent back
oraryDocumentOrder is shown in (4) of FIG.

The next three pages are the target pages, and are sent to the discharging means 2415 as described above,
And delete the first variable of TemporaryDocumentOrder. Figure 2 shows TemporaryDocumentOrder after deletion
This is shown in 6 (5).

As described above, when all the printed materials (output media) are removed from the supply tray 2407, the discharge tray 240
In FIG. 8, printed materials (output media) are arranged in page order.

In the present embodiment, the printed matter (output medium) is placed face down on the supply tray 2407,
If the printed matter (output medium) returned by the return means 2411 is placed on the top of the supply tray 2407, that is, at the end, with the surface facing down, an output medium (sheet) feeding mechanism is provided. Becomes easier.

In FIG. 24, the computer 2
Printers 2404a and 2404a on a network 2406 to which an output medium sorting device 401 and an output medium sorting device 2405 are connected.
, 2404n exist, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the output medium rearranging device 2405 and the printers 2404a, 2404n
, 2404n need not be able to communicate.

As described above, according to the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the output medium rearranging operation relying on humans can be automatically performed by a machine. , Its work efficiency is improved.

The output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Is also good.

Further, it is needless to say that the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment can be applied to a case where the method is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

In this case, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is read out to a system or an apparatus, or is read out to a system or an apparatus via a network, whereby the system or the apparatus is read out. Can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

The storage medium for storing the control program includes a hard disk, a floppy disk,
An optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

This embodiment relates to an output medium rearranging method and an output medium rearranging apparatus when there are a plurality of output medium (sheet) supply trays.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system having an output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment equipped with a plurality of output medium supply trays, and is the same as FIG. 24 described above. The parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 27, a document containing a mixture of monochrome pages and color pages is stored in a computer 240.
Create with 1. In FIG. 27, 2402a and 2402
b, 2402c, 2402d are monochrome pages, 240
Reference numerals 3a and 2403b denote examples of documents which are color pages. When printing, the computer 2401 prints a monochrome page by the printer 2404a and a color page by the printer 2404b.
The print data is separated for each page and the printer 2404a,
2404b.

When the printing is completed, each printer 2
Printed matter (output medium) output in 404a and 2404b
, 2407n of the output medium rearranging device 2405a. For example, the printed matter (output medium) printed by the printer 2404a is placed on the supply tray 2407a, and the printed matter (output medium) printed by the printer 2404b is placed on the supply tray 2407b. At this time, care should be taken not to change the order of the printed matter (output medium) in each mountain. If the order is changed due to some mistake, a method of coping with the change will be described as error processing in a fourth embodiment described later.

When the operator manually places the printer on the supply tray of the output medium rearranging device 2405a, as described above, the operator determines which printer output is to be placed on which supply tray by some means. Must be shown. For example, the computer 2401
Issues a print instruction to the printer, a message such as "Place the printed matter of the printer 2404a on the supply tray 2407a and the printed matter of the printer 2404b on the supply tray 2407b" is displayed on the screen of the computer 2401. There is a way to do it.

Alternatively, a method of displaying a message similar to the above-described message on the display unit of each printer, and a method of displaying a similar message to the above-described message on the display unit of the output medium rearranging apparatus 2405a can be considered. Alternatively, a cover (cover) page is added to the output medium from each printer and output, and the cover page is displayed as "After removing this cover page, supply tray 2407a (or supply tray 2407b,
…, Put it on the supply tray 2407n). Is printed. In accordance with the instructions of these messages, the operator places the printed matter (output medium) output by each printer on the supply tray of the corresponding output medium rearranging device 2405a.

Alternatively, without displaying the above-mentioned message, it is also possible to place the printer on the correct supply tray of the output medium rearranging device 2405a from a discharge unit of each printer by a transport device such as a belt conveyor. The transport device in this case is connected to a network, or serial,
The output medium is connected to the computer 2401 by a parallel cable, and the output medium is sorted in any order under the control of the computer 2401.
It is instructed whether the sheet should be placed on the supply tray 5a. This implementation can be easily imagined.

When all the printed materials (output media) are placed on the supply tray of the output medium rearranging device 2405a, the output medium rearranging device 2405a starts the operation of rearranging the printed materials (output media). The computer 2401 recognizes the order of the printed matter (output medium) placed on the supply tray, and transmits the rearrangement information to the communication unit 2414 of the output medium rearranging apparatus 2405a via the network 2406. As the rearrangement information, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, a text file in which the order of printed materials (output media) placed on each supply tray is directly described is conceivable. This sort information is
After being received by the communication means 2414, the control means 24
12 and analyzed by the control means 2412.
As a result of the analysis, the control unit 2412 stores, in the memory 2413, the order of the printed matter (output medium) placed on each supply tray. For example, in FIG.
Create an array in the format shown in "ryDocumentOrder".

From this TemporaryDocumentOrder, it can be seen that for the first page, the output medium, which is the first printed material of the supply tray 2407a, is to be supplied and conveyed to the discharging means 2415. When the first output medium is supplied, TemporaryDoc
Delete the first variable in the Tray1 array of umentOrder. The TemporaryDocumentOrder after the deletion is shown in (1) of FIG.

The second page is the first page of the supply tray 2407a.
The sheet of the output medium is supplied and conveyed to the discharging means 2415,
Delete the first variable in Tray1 array of TemporaryDocumentOrder. TemporaryDocumentOrder after deletion
Is shown in (2) of FIG.

On the third page, TemporaryDocumentOrder
Even if Tray1 is searched, it does not exist, so the next Tray2 is searched. Then, it is found that page 3 exists in Tray2. Therefore, the third page is the first page of the supply tray 2407b.
The output medium of the sheet should be supplied and transported to the discharging means 2415. When the first output medium of the supply tray 2407b is supplied, the first variable in the Tray2 array of TemporaryDocumentOrder is deleted. TemporaryDoc after deletion
umentOrder is shown in (3) of FIG.

As described above, when all the output media are removed from the supply tray, the output media are arranged in the discharge tray 2408 in the page order.

Next, a case where a plurality of copies are rearranged will be described.

The computer 2401 operates as a printer 2404.
a, 2404b,..., 2404n, the group method (111.
222 ... 444 ... 666 ...) but not the sort method (1
2461246... 1246).

As described above, the output of the plurality of copies is
A plurality of supply trays 2407a, 2407b, ..., 24
It is placed on the corresponding supply tray of the output medium rearranging device 2405a having 07n. That is, the supply tray 2407
The output media of 1461246... 1246 are placed on a, and the output media of 3535... 35 are placed on the supply tray 2407b. Thereafter, the supply trays 2407a, 2407b,.
This is the same as the sorting method of the output medium sorting device 2405a having n. At this time, the sheets are rearranged and discharged one by one to the discharge tray 2408, and the operation is repeated by the number of copies. The number of copies is described in the rearrangement information as shown in FIG. 28 described above, and this information is read and repeated by the number of copies.

In FIG. 27, the computer 2
The printers 2404a, 2404a and 2404 are connected on a network 2406 to which the output medium 401 and the output medium rearranging device 2405a are connected.
Although 404b,..., 2404n are illustrated as being present, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output medium rearranging device 2405a and the printers 2404a, 24
, 2404n need not be able to communicate.

As described above, according to the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the output medium rearranging operation relying on humans can be automatically performed by a machine. , Its work efficiency is improved.

The output medium rearranging method and output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Is also good.

Further, it is needless to say that the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment can be applied to a case where the method is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

In this case, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is read out to a system or an apparatus, or is read out to a system or an apparatus via a network, whereby the system or the apparatus is read out. Can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

The storage medium for storing the control program includes a hard disk, a floppy disk,
An optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, error processing can be performed when the output media cannot be rearranged correctly for some reason.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system having an output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 30, the same parts as those in FIG. I have.

FIG. 30 differs from FIG. 24 in the configuration of the output medium rearranging apparatus. That is, the output medium rearranging device 2405b according to the present embodiment includes an image / code reading unit 3001, an error code printing & sending unit 3
002, buffer tray 3003, two discharging means 24
15a, 2415b, and two discharge trays 2408a, 2
The output medium reordering device 2405 shown in FIG. 24 is different from the output medium reordering device 2405 shown in FIG.

First, consider a case where a required page does not exist on the output medium (printed matter) placed on the supply tray 2407.

If code information such as a bar code is printed on each page, the output medium rearranging device 2405b
Supplies the output medium from the supply tray 2407 and scans and analyzes the code. As for the output medium, as described above, the page number of the output medium to be supplied next is known from the sort information as shown in FIG. At this time,
The page number of the output medium supplied from the supply tray 2407 is determined by scanning and analyzing the code information printed on the output medium. If the page number is not the desired page, it is processed as an error.

If the code information is not printed on each page, the supply tray 2 of the output medium sorting device 2405b
It cannot be determined whether the output medium supplied from 407 is a desired page. In that case, each page of the output medium can be individually recognized by matching the print image, and it can be determined whether or not the page is correct. Again,
After the determination, if the page is not the desired page, it is processed as an error.

Next, this image matching method will be described.

The image file of the output medium in the correct order to be obtained is supplied as information to the output medium rearranging device 2405b. The supplied image file is an image of the data file before being divided and printed by some method. For example, data can be created by printing data created in Word using an option to an image file in a print command of Word. The supply method is FD
(FloppyDisk: Floppy (registered trademark) disk) or M
It is supplied via a medium represented by O (MagnetOptical: magneto-optical disk) or via a network. In the former case, FD or
Reads an image file stored in a medium such as an MO disk and stores it in a memory on a system bus. In the latter case, the image file stored in the file existing on the network is read by the network connection means and stored in the memory on the system bus.

First, the image file of the first page is called from the memory and stored in the image storage means. The reading unit reads the image of the output medium supplied by the supplying unit, compares the read image with the image in the image storage unit, and determines whether or not they match. This is performed by the comparison determination means. If not, the supplied output medium is returned to the original stack, and the next output medium is supplied. If they match, they are sequentially stacked on the discharge means. Next, the image file of the next page is called from the memory, and the comparison is similarly determined. In this way, the process of supplying the output media one by one and comparing is repeated. If all the output media match the image and are sequentially stacked on the ejection unit, the output media are rearranged in a desired order. Of course, this comparison may be performed from the last page.

[0284] The format of the information provided to the output medium rearranging apparatus may be in the form of application software (for example, Word) for creating print data, in addition to the image file. In the data conversion means provided in the medium rearranging device, a word (Wor
d) Interpret the data and create a print image. Also,
Without having this data conversion means in the output medium rearranging device, an external PC-based image file conversion device was installed, and first the data file was received by this image file conversion device and converted to an image file Above, a method of transferring to the output medium rearranging device is also conceivable. As a method of comparing two image files and determining whether or not they match, many methods have already been proposed as image processing related techniques.

A specific method for treating an output medium supplied from the supply tray of the output medium rearranging apparatus as an error when the output medium is not a desired page will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 30, it is assumed that an output medium is placed on the supply tray 2407 in a state where the fourth page does not exist. The first output medium supplied by the supply unit 2409 is the image / code reading unit 30.
01, as described above, it is determined whether or not it is the first page shown in the sort information as shown in FIG. If it is determined to be correct, the information is temporarily stored in the buffer tray 3003 following the path of B. The second sheet is the same as the first sheet.

[0287] The third sheet is four pages that should be present, but is not present.
The output medium of the page is supplied. It is determined from the sorting information that the information is not correct. At this time, an error code indicating that the fourth page is an error is printed on the output medium by the error code printing and sending means 3002,
The output medium is temporarily stored in the buffer tray 3003 from the path C. Then, the supplied output medium of the sixth page reads the information next to the rearrangement information, and
It is determined that this is the sixth page on the sheet, and the return tray 2411 follows the path of A and returns to the supply tray 2 again.
407 is returned.

After that, the supply tray 24 is
07 are supplied and rearranged, and temporarily stored in the buffer tray 3003. The control means 2412 knows that an error has occurred,
An instruction is issued to the buffer tray 3003, and the output medium is discharged to the abnormal discharge tray 2408b via the discharging unit 2415b.

As described above, the output medium sorting device 2
405b determines which page does not exist, prints an error code describing the content on a paper or the like serving as the mark, and inserts the paper serving as the mark at the non-existent page, Normal discharge tray 2408a at normal time
It is possible to discharge to the abnormal discharge tray 2408b at the time of an error different from the above. The paper used as the mark may be color paper, paper of different sizes, or paper with ears.

Output medium rearranging apparatus 240 shown in FIG.
5b shows the case where the number of the supply trays 2407 is one, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be implemented even when there are a plurality of supply trays 2407.

Thereafter, the user takes out the paper or the like of the mark on which the error code has been printed from the output medium of the abnormal discharge tray 2408b at the time of error, and reads it with the scanner of the computer 2401. The read error code describes the ID of the print job and the page number at which the error occurred. The computer 2401, which has read this error code, searches for a print job on its own hard disk (HDD) (not shown), on a network server, or on the Internet 2406, and prints only the page corresponding to the error page number in the print job. At this time, the computer 2401 displays which printer to use for reprinting so that the user can understand. The user can obtain a pile of output media that is correctly rearranged by replacing the printed page with the mark paper or the like on which the error code is printed and inserting it.

When there are a plurality of error pages, in order to clarify which error page the reprinted output medium corresponds to, the error is displayed on a display (not shown) of the computer 2401 or when the printer prints again. For example, a method of adding a cover page to clarify or the like can be considered.

In FIG. 30, the computer 2
The printers 2404a, 2404a and 2404 are connected on a network 2406 to which the output medium 401 and the output medium rearranging device 2405b are connected.
Although 404b,..., 2404n are illustrated as being present, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output medium rearranging device 2405b and the printers 2404a, 24
, 2404n need not be able to communicate.

As described above, according to the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the output medium is automatically rearranged by a machine, it is determined whether or not a page missing has occurred. The user can easily determine the position of the missing page.

The output medium rearranging method and output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Is also good.

Further, it is needless to say that the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a case where the method is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

In this case, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is read out to a system or an apparatus, or is read out to a system or an apparatus via a network, whereby the system or the apparatus is read out. Can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

The storage medium for storing the control program includes a hard disk, a floppy disk,
An optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 3101 denotes an output medium sorting device according to the present embodiment, which is a supply tray 3102, a supply unit 3103, a reading unit 3104, a reversing unit 3105, a rotating unit 3106, a sorting unit 3107, a post-processing unit 3108, and a discharge tray 3.
109, display device 3110, LED (Light Emitting
A display 3111 such as a Diode (light emitting diode) is provided.

In FIG. 31, an output medium, which is a printed material to be rearranged and placed on the supply tray 3102, is drawn into the output medium rearranging apparatus 3101 by the supply means 3103. The page number printed on the output medium and the information indicating the top / bottom / front / back are read by the reading unit 3104, and if necessary, the output medium is inverted by the reversing unit 3105 or rotated by the output unit 3105.
5 is performed. That is, when the output medium is facing the back, the output medium is reversed by the reversing means 3105 so that the output medium is aligned to face the front. If the output medium is upside down or a horizontal output medium, the rotation means 3106 switches the output medium to 9
The rotation processing is performed at any rotation angle of 0 degrees / 180 degrees / 270 degrees to align the directions of the output media. After that, the pages are rearranged in the page order by the rearranging unit 3107, and the output medium is transferred to the post-processing unit 3108.

The post-processing means 3108 can temporarily store a plurality of output media and perform staple binding before discharging the output media. Also, the post-processing unit 3108 includes a folding function for bending the output medium into a Z-shape, a puncher function for punching a hole for a file, a binding function using glue (glue) for bookbinding, and a binding function after binding by the binding function. Each has a cutting function or the like for aligning opposite end surfaces. The output medium that has been subjected to the post-processing by the post-processing unit 3108 is finally discharged onto the discharge tray 3109.

The discharge tray 3109 has a plurality of stages, and the post-processing means 3108 can move up and down to discharge the output medium onto each of the discharge trays 3109. Thus, for example, in a case where the rearranged output media are sorted into a plurality of bundles, it is possible to discharge the output media in different discharge trays 3109 for each bundle.

The display device 3110 displays the operation status of the output medium rearranging device 3101 and the contents of an error that has occurred during processing. Also, it is possible to allow the user to input various designations (postal staple binding / Z-folding / perforation / glue binding / cutting / non-cutting) for the post-processing unit 3108 when rearranging. is there.

The display 3111 is an LED that lights up in green or red. For example, the display 3111 corresponding to the output tray 3111 from which the output media that has been properly rearranged is discharged is green, and is normal due to some error. The indicators 3111 corresponding to the discharge trays 3111 from which the output media that could not be rearranged were discharged are lit in red. Thereby, the user can display the display 311.
It is possible to roughly grasp the rearrangement processing result only by looking at the lighting state of No. 1.

Next, the operation of the output medium sorting apparatus 3101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

The output medium before rearrangement is divided into a plurality of peaks, and they are stacked on one mountain and set on the supply tray 3102 of the output medium rearranging device 3101.
At this time, a plurality of mountains may be stacked in any manner.

From the output media set on the supply tray 3102, the page numbers and the top / bottom / front / back information are read by the reading means 3104 from the output media supplied one by one to the output medium rearranging apparatus 3101 (step S32).
01).

In the case of the output medium of pattern 1 in FIG. 33A, only the page number is described, and only the rearrangement processing is performed as the subsequent processing.

In the case of the output medium of pattern 2 in FIG. 33B, a page number and top / bottom information are described.
The mark in the upper right corner of the output medium of the pattern 2 represents the top / bottom / front and back, and in the present embodiment, the direction in which the mark is in the upper right corner is the correct direction of the output medium.

[0311] The surface of the output medium on which the mark ● is described is the surface.

In the case of the output medium of pattern 3 in FIG. 33C, the page number and the top / bottom / front / back information are described as bar codes. In this case, after the bar code is read by the reading unit 3104, the bar code is analyzed and the page number and the top / bottom information are extracted.

Referring back to FIG. 32, when the top / bottom / front / back information of the output medium in which the top / bottom / front / back information is described is read, first, the front / back determination is performed (step S3202).

When the output medium is the back side,
The output medium is inverted by the inversion means 3105 (step S3203), and the output medium is finally aligned so that the surface of the output medium faces downward.

Subsequently, the top and bottom are determined (step S).
3204) When the top is not on the top, the output medium is rotated by the rotating means 310 so that the top of the output medium always faces one direction.
6 and the orientation is aligned (step S3205).

Finally, rearrangement processing is performed by the rearrangement means 3107 so that the output media are arranged on the discharge tray 3109 in page order (step S3206).

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the structure of the sorting means 3107. In the figure, 3401 is an intermediate tray,
Reference numerals 3402 to 3406 denote transport paths, and reference numerals 3407 and 3408 denote transport guides.

In FIG. 34, the output medium conveyed from the reading means 3104 or the rotating means 3106 is
The transport guide 3407 sorts the transport path 3402 or the transport path 3403 to transport.

If the transported output medium is a page to be rearranged, the output medium is sent to the post-processing means 3108 via the transport path 3402, and then is discharged to the output tray 310.
It is discharged to 9.

On the other hand, if the transported output medium is not the page to be rearranged, the transport path 340
The page number is conveyed to the intermediate tray 3401 and temporarily stored, and at the same time, the page number is stored in the memory.

That is, for example, at the time of rearrangement, when the first page of the output medium is searched for, the reading means 3
If the output medium sequentially transported from the rotation unit 104 or the rotation unit 3106 is the first page, the transport path 34
02, and if it is not the first page (for example, the second page), it is transported to the transport path 3403. At the same time, the fact that the second page has been stored in the intermediate tray 3401 is stored in the memory. In principle, the above operation is repeated to discharge the target page to the discharge tray 3109.

However, if the page to be rearranged is already stored in the intermediate tray 3401, the following processing is further performed.

Note that whether or not the target page is stored in the intermediate tray 3401 can be determined by storing the page number in the memory at the time of storage as described above.

In this case, the transport from the reading means 3104 or the rotating means 3106 is temporarily stopped, and the output medium is transported from the intermediate tray 3401 to the transport path 3404.
The transported output medium is sorted by the transport guide 3408 to which of the transport path 3405 and the transport path 3406. If the transported output medium is a page to be rearranged, the output medium is sent to the post-processing unit 3108 via the transport path 3405, and is then discharged to the discharge tray 3109. ,
The page number is deleted from the memory.

On the other hand, if the transported output medium is not the page to be rearranged, the transport path 340
6 and is again conveyed to the intermediate tray 3401 and is temporarily stored. By repeating this process, a target page is selected from the output media stored in the intermediate tray 3401,
The sheet is discharged to a discharge tray 3109.

By repeating the series of processes described above, 1
The pages selected as the second page, the second page, the third page,... Are sequentially conveyed to the post-processing unit 3108, where post-processing is performed as necessary, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 3109 in page order. Is done.

Next, a process performed when an error occurs in the rearrangement process will be described with reference to FIG.

An error that occurs relatively easily in the rearrangement process may be a missing page. Here, an example will be described in which the original before the rearrangement processing includes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 pages (3, 6 pages are missing).

FIG. 35 shows a state in which the output medium after the rearrangement processing is discharged onto the discharge tray 3109.

Incidentally, since the output medium is normally discharged so that the surface faces downward, the page number is invisible when viewed from above. However, in the present embodiment, virtual page numbers are shown as illustrated in order to easily explain the flow of error processing.

As described above, the output media rearranged by the rearranging unit 3107 are discharged onto the discharge tray 3109 in order from the first page.

FIG. 35 (a) shows a state in which the output medium up to the second page has been discharged.

Subsequently, the output medium rearranging device 3101
Tries to find the output medium of the third page, but if the output medium of the third page cannot be found due to the missing page, the next output medium of the fourth page is found. If the output medium of the fourth page can be found, the output medium of that page is ejected to the ejection tray 3109.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the output medium is ejected while being shifted in the horizontal direction. Further, the fifth page output medium is ejected so as to overlap the fourth page output medium, the missing sixth page is skipped, the seventh page output medium is searched, and the output medium is ejected to the ejection tray 3109. . At this time, FIG.
As shown in (c), the output medium is shifted in the horizontal direction again and discharged so as to overlap the output medium of the second page. FIG.
(d) is a diagram illustrating a state of discharge of the output medium as viewed from the front surface of the discharge tray 3109 (the direction of the oblique arrow in FIG. 35 (c)). As illustrated, the output media of the fourth and fifth pages are discharged onto the discharge tray 3109 in a state shifted in the horizontal direction.

In this way, by shifting the output direction of the output medium in the horizontal direction with the missing page as a boundary (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as shift ejection), the presence or absence of a missing page or which page is missing Can be easily determined.

In the output medium rearranging apparatus 3101 according to the present embodiment, when rearranging output media composed of a plurality of copies, the output media rearranged for each copy can be separately discharged to different discharge trays 3109. is there. On this occasion,
When a page is missing in any of the discharge trays 3109, the output medium is shifted and discharged on the discharge tray 3109. Depending on the state of the missing page of the output medium, when the rearrangement process for all the output media is completed,
A discharge tray that has performed the shift discharge and a discharge tray that has not performed the shift discharge are generated.

In the output medium rearranging apparatus 3101 according to the present embodiment, the display unit 31 corresponding to the discharge tray that has performed the shift discharge, that is, the discharge tray in which a page is missing has been generated.
11 is lit red. In addition, the display 3111 corresponding to the discharge tray for which the shift discharge has not been performed, that is, the discharge tray in which all the pages are aligned without missing pages, is lit in green. As a result, the user can easily recognize a discharge tray that has been successfully rearranged and a discharge tray that has been incompletely rearranged due to a missing page.

Also, as shown in FIG. 36, the display device 3
The result information of the rearrangement process is also displayed on 110. The display device 3110 also displays information about the missing page, so that more detailed error information can be provided to the user.

As described above, according to the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the output medium is automatically rearranged by a machine, it is determined whether or not a page missing has occurred. The user can easily determine the position of the missing page.

The output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. Is also good.

Further, it is needless to say that the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the present embodiment can be applied to a case where the present invention is attained by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Absent.

In this case, a storage medium storing a control program represented by software for achieving the present invention is read out to a system or an apparatus, or is read out to a system or an apparatus via a network, whereby the system or the apparatus is read out. Can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

The storage medium for storing the control program includes a hard disk, a floppy disk,
An optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-R, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.

[0343]

As described above in detail, according to the image forming method and the image forming system of the present invention, it is possible to form an image more quickly than when an image forming job is performed by one image forming apparatus. Even if an image is formed by the image forming apparatus, the sheets of the original job can be obtained as one bundle. Further, since errors such as double feeding and clogging of the output medium can be detected and recovery can be easily performed, productivity of image formation can be greatly improved.

Further, according to the output medium rearranging method and output medium rearranging apparatus of the present invention, the output medium rearranging operation, which has been manually performed, can be automatically performed by a machine, thereby improving the operation efficiency. I do.

According to the output medium rearranging method and the output medium rearranging apparatus of the present invention, when the output medium is automatically rearranged by a machine, the presence or absence of a missing page or the position of the missing page is determined by the user. Can be easily determined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an IP unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a NIC / PDL unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PWM unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a signal waveform of a PWM unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit of the color image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer unit of the monochrome image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sorter unit of the image forming apparatus in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a collator in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an internal system configuration of a collator in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a finishing unit of the collator in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveyance path of a collator in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of a printer driver in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a color / monochrome page division processing operation in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a job information pattern is printed on each page of a job in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a page mixing processing operation of the collator in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of utility software in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of finisher utility software in the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including an output medium rearranging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of sorting information in the output medium sorting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a TemporaryDocumentOrder in the output medium sorting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including an output medium rearranging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of sorting information in the output medium sorting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a TemporaryDocumentOrder in the output medium sorting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system having an output medium rearranging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an output medium rearranging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a flow of a sorting processing operation in the output medium sorting device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of description of page number / top / bottom / front / back on an output medium in an output medium rearranging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of an output medium rearranging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an output medium discharging method in the output medium rearranging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a display device in an output medium sorting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an operation of rearranging output media in a correct order in the image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Network 102 First Computer (Server), Second and Third Computers 103 Client 103a Second Computer (Client) 103b Third Computer (Client) 104 Color MFP (Multi Function Periphera)
l: Multi-function peripheral) 105 Monochrome MFP (Multi Function Periphe)
ral: multi-function peripheral) 106 collator 106a collator 106b collator 106c collator 201 scanner unit 202 image processing (IP)
Unit 203 FAX unit 204 NIC (Network Interface Card) unit 205 PDL (Page Description Language: page description language) unit 206 Core unit 207 PWM (Pulse Width Modulation: pulse width modulation) unit 208 Printer unit 209 Sorter unit 210 Display unit 210 301 Platen glass 302 Document 303 Document illumination lamp 304 Mirror 305 Mirror 306 Mirror 307 Lens 308 CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 309 Motor 310 First mirror unit 311 Second mirror unit 401 A / D conversion unit 402 Shading correction Unit 403 Line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 404 Input masking unit 405 Luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 406 Output masking / UCR circuit (input / output) (Sking unit) 407 gamma conversion unit 408 spatial filter unit 501 NCU (Network Control Unit) unit 502 modem unit 503 modulation unit 504 demodulation unit 505 compression unit 506 expansion unit 507 memory unit 601 transformer unit 602 LAN (Local Area Network: in the area) Communication network) controller 603 CPU 604 memory 701 bus selector 701 702 compression 703 memory 704 expansion 801 triangular wave generator 802 D / A converter (D / A converter) 803 comparator 804 laser driver 805 semiconductor laser 1013 mirror 1014 mirror 1015 mirror 1016 mirror 1017 photosensitive drum 1018 mirror 1019 mirror 1020 mirror 1021 photosensitive drum 1022 mirror 1023 mirror 1024 mirror 025 Photosensitive drum 1026 Mirror 1027 Mirror 1028 Mirror 1029 Photosensitive drum 1030 Developing device 1031 Developing device 1032 Developing device 1033 Developing device 1034 Output medium (sheet) cassette 1035 Output medium (sheet) cassette 1036 Manual feed tray 1037 Registration roller 1038 Transfer belt 1039 Transport belt 1040 Fixing device 1050 Flapper 1113 Polygon mirror 1114 Mirror 1115 Mirror 1116 Mirror 1117 Photosensitive drum 1130 Developing device 1134 Output medium (sheet) cassette 1135 Output medium (sheet) cassette 1136 Manual feed tray 1137 Registration roller 1138 Transfer belt 1140 Fixing device 1201 Reverse LOG conversion Unit 1202 gamma conversion unit 1203 memory unit 1204 display A device 1301 sort bin 1302 non-sort bin 1401 input bin 1402 input bin 1403 finishing 1404 sort bin 1501 NIC 1502 CPU 1503 sensor control 1504 finishing control 1505 input bin control 1506 sorter control 1601 Z-folder 1603 stapler 1602 Puncher 1701 Sensor 1702 Tray 1801 Driver window 1802 Color printer (ColorMFP) selection column 1803 Monochrome printer (B / W MFP) selection column 1804 Pages (Pages) setting column 1805 Copy number (Copies) setting column 1805 Job color mode (JobColorMode) column 1807 OK key 1808 Cancel key 1809 Property Key 2001 bar code-like pattern (job information pattern) 2201 window 2202 title bar 2203 device (Device) tab 2204 status (Status) tab 2205 queue (Queues) tab 2206 configuration (Config. ) Tab 2207 setup tab 2208 bitmap image 2209 bitmap image 2210 message 2211 message 2212 message 2213 message 2220 cursor 2301 main screen 2302 tab 2303 tab 2304 screen 2305 error display pop-up 2306 tab 2401 computer 2402a monochrome page 2402b monochrome page 2402c Monochrome page 2402d monochrome page 2403a color page 2403b color page 2404a printer (1) 2404b printer (2) 2404n printer (N) 2405 output medium rearranging apparatus 2405a output medium rearranging apparatus 2405b output medium rearranging apparatus 2406 network 2407 output medium ( Sheet) supply tray 2407a output medium (sheet) supply tray 2407b output medium (sheet) supply tray 2407n output medium (sheet) supply tray 2408 output medium (sheet) discharge tray 2408a output medium (sheet) discharge tray 2408b output medium (sheet) ) Ejection tray 2409 Output medium (sheet) supply means 2410 Path switching means 2411 Returning means 2412 Control means 2413 Memory 2414 Communication means 2415 Ejection means 2415a Ejection means 2415b Ejection means 3001 Image / code reading means 3002 Error code printing & sending means 3003 Buffer Tray 3101 Output medium sorting device 3102 Supply tray 3103 Supply means 3104 Reading means 3105 Inversion means 3106 Rotating means 3107 Rearranging means 3108 Post-processing means 3109 Discharge tray 3110 Display device 3111 Display device 3401 Intermediate tray 3402 Transport path 3403 Transport path 3404 Transport path 3405 Transport path 3406 Transport path 3407 Transport guide 3408 The transport guide.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B65H 39/042 B65H 39/042 3F343 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 B 5B021 C 5C062 E 108 108M (72) Inventor Kotaro Yamaguchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term within Canon Inc. (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR01 AS02 HH09 HJ04 HQ12 2C087 AA03 AA09 AA13 AA15 AB06 AB08 AC08 BA03 BA07 BA14 BB10 BD07 AC07 AD03 AE06 AE11 3F050 BB02 BD02 BD03 CD08 CE08 LA07 LB03 3F107 AA01 AB01 AC04 BA02 CB15 3F343 FA02 FB04 FC30 GA03 GB01 GC01 GD01 HC28 JA01 MA03 MA09 MA26 MA59 MB04 MB13 MC21 5B021 AA01 BB01 ABS AB05 ABS AB05 AB13A05 AB10 AB10 AB01A AB22 AB30 AB35 AB38 AC02 AC04 AC11 AC15 AC22 AC34 AE03 AE07 AE15 AF14 B A00

Claims (95)

[Claims] 1. An image forming method for forming an image by an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, wherein at least one print job is formed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A dividing step of dividing, an information adding step of adding predetermined information to each of the sheets on which an image is formed by being divided by the dividing step, and dividing by the dividing step based on the information added by the information adding step. An image forming method comprising: a mixing step of mixing mixed sheets to return to an original print job; and an error detection step of detecting an error in the print job. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the error detecting step includes the mixing step. 3. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the information added in the information adding step is a pattern representing print job and page information. 4. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein the information added in the information adding step is a barcode pattern representing print job and page information. 5. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information added in the information adding step is a pattern representing print job and page information, and is printed with a printing agent that reflects invisible light. Image forming method. 6. The image forming method according to claim 5, wherein the printing agent is ink. 7. The mixing step includes: a reading step of reading the information added in the information adding step; and a communication step of sharing the information read in the reading step on a network. 2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses is collated through the communication step to detect a print job error. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the mixing step includes a notification step of sharing and notifying error information of the print job detected in the error detection step on a network by the communication step. Image forming method. 9. A control step of receiving information on a print job error in the notifying step and controlling to cause any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to form a specific page of the specific print job having an error again. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein: 10. An image forming system comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, wherein the dividing unit divides at least one print job so that the plurality of image forming apparatuses form an image. Information adding means for adding predetermined information to each of the sheets on which an image is formed by being divided by the means; and a sheet divided by the dividing means based on the information added by the information adding means. An image forming system, comprising: mixing means for mixing to return to an original state; and error detecting means for detecting an error in a print job. 11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein said error detecting means is included in said mixing means. 12. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the information added by the information adding unit is a pattern representing print job and page information. 13. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the information added by the information adding unit is a barcode-like pattern representing print job and page information. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information added by the information adding means is a pattern representing print job and page information, and is printed with a printing agent that reflects invisible light. Image forming system. 15. The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein the printing agent is ink. 16. The mixing means includes: reading means for reading the information added by the information adding means; and communication means for sharing the information read by the reading means on a network. 11. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses is collated via the communication unit to detect a print job error. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said mixing means includes a notifying means for sharing and notifying error information of the print job detected by said error detecting means on a network by said communication means. Image forming system. 18. A control unit for receiving information on an error of a print job from the notifying unit and controlling to cause any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image of a specific page of a specific print job having an error again. The image forming system according to claim 17, wherein: 19. An output medium rearranging method for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine by an output medium rearranging apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A communication step of exchanging sort information with the computer via a sorting step of sorting output media supplied from a supply tray for setting an output medium printed by the printing machine based on the sort information; A discharge step of discharging the rearranged output media to a discharge tray. 20. The rearranging step includes: a determining step of determining whether or not the output medium is a target output medium; and discharging the output medium to the discharge tray when the determination step determines that the output medium is a target output medium. 20. A control method according to claim 19, further comprising: returning the output medium to the supply tray when it is determined that the output medium is not the target output medium in the determination step. 2. The output medium sorting method according to 1. 21. A paper feeding step for supplying from the output medium located at the bottom of the output mediums placed on the supply tray, and a supply when the output medium is returned to the supply tray by the return step. 21. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 20, further comprising a second control step of performing control so that the top and bottom are returned to the top of the output medium placed on the tray. 22. A supply step in which the supply trays are provided in a plurality of stages, a supply step corresponding to each of the plurality of supply trays and an output medium mounted on the supply trays, A determining step of determining which of the supply trays in the supply tray is located in the supply tray; and a control step of controlling a supply step corresponding to each of the supply trays based on a determination result of the determination step. 20. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19, wherein: 23. A determining step of determining whether there is a page to be rearranged, and printing information indicating which page does not exist when it is determined that the page to be rearranged does not exist in the determining step. 20. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 19, further comprising a printing step of inserting the information printed page in place of a non-existent page. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the information is an error code. 25. The method according to claim 19, wherein the output medium is paper. 26. An output medium sorting apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and for sorting a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, wherein the output medium sorting apparatus sorts the output medium and the computer via the network. Communication means for exchanging information; sorting means for sorting output media supplied from a supply tray for setting output media printed by the printing press based on the sorting information; and output in a sorted state. An output medium rearranging apparatus, comprising: a discharge unit that discharges a medium to a discharge tray. 27. A rearranging means for judging whether or not the output medium is a target output medium, and discharging the output medium to the discharge tray when the judgment means determines that the output medium is the target output medium. 27. A control device comprising: first control means for controlling the output medium; and returning means for returning the output medium to the supply tray when the determination means determines that the output medium is not the desired output medium. 3. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 1. 28. A sheet feeding means for feeding from an output medium located at a lowermost position among output media placed on the supply tray, and a supply means for returning the output medium to the supply tray by the return means. 28. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising: second control means for performing control so as to return the output medium placed on the tray to the top while keeping the top and bottom as it is. 29. A supply unit which has a plurality of stages of the supply trays, and supplies supply media corresponding to each of the plurality of stages of the supply trays and the output medium mounted on the supply trays, Determining means for determining which one of the supply trays is present in the supply tray; and control means for controlling a supply means corresponding to each of the supply trays based on the determination result of the determination means. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26, wherein 30. A judging means for judging whether or not there is a page to be rearranged, and printing information indicating which page does not exist when the judging means judges that there is no page to be rearranged. 28. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising: a printing unit that inserts a page on which the information is printed, in place of a page that does not exist. 31. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the information is an error code. 32. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the output medium is paper. 33. An output medium rearranging method for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine by an output medium rearranging device connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A supply step of supplying a plurality of output media, a reading step of reading information printed on the output medium, a rearranging step of rearranging the output medium based on the information read in the reading step, A discharge step of discharging the output media after the rearrangement in the rearrangement step; and a control step of controlling the discharge medium to be discharged by shifting the output medium when discharging the output medium in the discharge step. Output media sorting method. 34. The control method according to claim 33, wherein, in the case where a missing page occurs, the control step controls the output medium to be shifted between pages before and after the missing page and to discharge the output medium. Output medium sorting method. 35. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 33, further comprising an orientation aligning step of aligning the orientation of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step. 36. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 33, further comprising a front / back aligning step of aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step. 37. The information read in the reading step is a page number.
The output medium rearranging method according to any one of claims 5 and 36. 38. The output medium according to claim 33, wherein the information to be read in the reading step includes characters and symbols indicating the front and back of the document, a top and bottom, a bar code, and the like. Sorting method. 39. An output medium sorting apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and for sorting a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, wherein the plurality of output media before sorting are output. Supplying means for supplying; reading means for reading information printed on the output medium; sorting means for sorting the output medium based on the information read by the reading means; and sorting by the sorting means. An output medium rearranging apparatus comprising: a discharge unit that discharges a subsequent output medium; and a control unit that controls the output medium to discharge while shifting the output medium by the discharge unit. 40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the control means controls, when a page is missing, to shift and output the output medium between pages before and after the missing page. Output media sorting device. 41. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising an orientation aligning unit that aligns the orientation of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit. 42. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising a front / back aligning unit for aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit. 43. The information read by said reading means is a page number.
43. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to any one of 1 and 42. 44. The output medium according to claim 39, wherein the information to be read by the reading means includes characters and symbols indicating the front and back of the document, top and bottom, a bar code, and the like. Sorting device. 45. An output medium rearranging method for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing press by an output medium rearranging device connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network. A supply step of supplying a plurality of output media, a reading step of reading information printed on the output medium, a rearranging step of rearranging the output medium based on the information read in the reading step, An output medium rearranging method, comprising: a discharging step of discharging output media after rearranging in the rearranging step; and a notifying step of notifying a result of rearranging in the rearranging step. 46. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the notification step notifies that a page has been lost. 47. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, wherein the notification step is performed by a lighting unit. 48. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 47, wherein said lighting means is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). 49. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, further comprising a display step of displaying and notifying a result rearranged in the rearranging step. 50. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 49, wherein the occurrence of a page is notified by the display step. 51. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, further comprising an orientation alignment step of aligning the orientation of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step. 52. The output medium rearranging method according to claim 45, further comprising a front / back aligning step of aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read in the reading step. 53. The information read in the reading step is a page number.
53. The output medium sorting method according to any one of Items 1 and 52. 54. The output medium according to claim 45, wherein the information to be read in the reading step is a character or a symbol indicating a front and back of the document, a top and bottom, a bar code, or the like. Sorting method. 55. An output medium sorting apparatus connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and for sorting a plurality of output media output from the printing machine, wherein a plurality of output media before sorting are output. Supplying means for supplying; reading means for reading information printed on the output medium; rearranging means for rearranging the output medium based on the information read by the reading means; and rearranging by the rearranging means. An output medium rearranging apparatus comprising: a discharging unit that discharges a later output medium; and a notifying unit that notifies a result of rearrangement by the rearranging unit. 56. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the notification means notifies that a page has been lost. 57. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the notifying unit notifies by a lighting unit. 58. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said lighting means is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). 59. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising display means for displaying and notifying a result rearranged by said rearranging means. 60. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the display means notifies that a page has been lost. 61. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising an orientation aligning unit that aligns the direction of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit. 62. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a front / back aligning unit for aligning the front and back of the output medium based on the information read by the reading unit. 63. The information read by said reading means is a page number.
63. The output medium rearranging apparatus according to any one of Items 1 and 62. 64. The output medium according to claim 55, wherein the information read by the reading means is a character or a symbol indicating a front and back of the document, a top and bottom, a bar code, or the like. Sorting device. 65. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, wherein the control program stores at least one print job in the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A division module that divides an image to be formed by an image forming apparatus; an information addition module that adds predetermined information to each of the sheets that are divided and image-formed by the division module; and information that is added by the information addition module. A storage medium, comprising: a mixing module that mixes the sheets divided by the division module based on the original sheet to return to an original print job; and an error detection module that detects an error in the print job. 66. The error detection module is provided in the mixing module.
A storage medium according to claim 1. 67. The storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the information added by said information adding module is a pattern representing print job and page information. 68. The storage medium according to claim 65, wherein the information added by said information addition module is a barcode-like pattern representing print job and page information. 69. The information processing apparatus according to claim 65, wherein the information added by the information adding module is a pattern representing print job and page information, and is printed with a printing agent that reflects invisible light. Storage medium. 70. The storage medium according to claim 69, wherein said printing agent is ink. 71. The mixing module includes: a reading module that reads information added by the information adding module; and a communication module that shares information read by the reading module on a network. The storage medium according to claim 65, wherein information on the plurality of image forming apparatuses is collated via the communication module to detect a print job error. 72. The mixing module according to claim 71, wherein the mixing module includes a notification module for sharing and notifying error information of a print job detected by the error detection module on a network by the communication module. Storage media. 73. The control program receives the error information of the print job from the notification module, and controls the specific page of the specific print job having an error to cause one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image again. The storage medium according to claim 72, further comprising a control module configured to perform the control. 74. A storage medium that is connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and stores a control program for controlling an output medium rearranging apparatus that rearranges a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. The control program is supplied from a supply tray for setting an output medium printed by the printing machine based on the rearrangement information based on a communication module that exchanges rearrangement information with the computer via the network. A storage medium, comprising: a rearrangement module that rearranges output media that has been rearranged; and a discharge module that discharges the rearranged output media to a discharge tray. 75. A rearranging module, comprising: a judging module for judging whether or not the output medium is a target output medium; and discharging the output medium to the discharge tray when the judgment module determines that the output medium is the target output medium. 75. A first control module that controls the output medium to return to the supply tray when the determination module determines that the output medium is not the target output medium. A storage medium according to claim 1. 76. A control program, comprising: a sheet feeding module for feeding from an output medium located at the bottom among output media placed on the supply tray; and an output medium to the supply tray by the return module. The storage medium according to claim 75, further comprising: a second control module configured to perform control so as to return the output medium placed on the supply tray at the top when the return is performed, with the top and bottom kept as it is. . 77. The control program, comprising: a supply module corresponding to each of a plurality of supply trays and supplying an output medium placed on the supply tray; and an output medium to be supplied being supplied to the plurality of supply trays. 75. A determination module for determining which one of the supply trays is present, and a control module for controlling a supply module corresponding to each of the supply trays based on a determination result of the determination module. A storage medium according to claim 1. 78. The control program, comprising: a determination module for determining whether there is a page to be rearranged; and, when the determination module determines that there is no page to be rearranged, which page does not exist. 75. The storage medium according to claim 74, further comprising: a print module that prints information indicating information; and an insertion module that inserts a page on which the information is printed in place of a non-existent page. 79. The storage medium according to claim 74, wherein said output medium is paper. 80. A storage medium which is connected to a printing machine via a computer and a network and stores a control program for controlling an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. The control program may further include: a supply module that supplies a plurality of output media before sorting, a reading module that reads information printed on the output medium, and the output module based on the information read by the reading module. A rearranging module for rearranging the media, a discharging module for discharging the output media after the rearranging by the rearranging module, and controlling the discharging medium to discharge the output medium while discharging the paper by the discharging module. A storage medium comprising a control module. 81. The apparatus according to claim 80, wherein, when a missing page occurs, the control module performs control so as to discharge the output medium by shifting the output medium between pages before and after the missing page. Storage medium. 82. The storage medium according to claim 80, wherein said control program includes an orientation alignment module for aligning an orientation of an output medium based on information read by said reading module. 83. The storage medium according to claim 80, wherein the control program includes a front-back aligning module for aligning the front and back of the output medium based on information read by the reading module. 84. The information read by the reading module is a page number.
90. The storage medium according to any one of 0, 82, and 83. 85. The information read by the reading module includes characters and symbols indicating the front and back of the document, the top and bottom, a bar code, and the like.
The storage medium according to any one of the above. 86. A storage medium which is connected to a printing machine via a computer via a network and stores a control program for controlling an output medium rearranging apparatus for rearranging a plurality of output media output from the printing machine. The control program may further include: a supply module that supplies a plurality of output media before sorting, a reading module that reads information printed on the output medium, and the output module based on the information read by the reading module. A sorting module for sorting the media, an ejection module for ejecting the output media after the sorting by the sorting module, and a notification module for notifying a result of the sorting by the sorting module. Storage media. 87. The system according to claim 8, wherein the notification module notifies the occurrence of a missing page.
7. The storage medium according to 6. 88. The storage medium according to claim 86, wherein said notifying module notifies by a lighting unit. 89. The storage medium according to claim 88, wherein said lighting means is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). 90. The storage medium according to claim 86, wherein said control program includes a display module for displaying and notifying a result of the sorting by said sorting module. 91. The display module notifies that a missing page has occurred.
0. The storage medium according to 0. 92. The storage medium according to claim 86, wherein said control program includes an orientation alignment module for aligning an orientation of an output medium based on information read by said reading module. 93. The storage medium according to claim 86, wherein the control program includes a front / back aligning module for aligning the front and back of an output medium based on information read by the reading module. 94. The information read by the reading module is a page number.
The storage medium according to any one of 6, 92, 93. 95. The information read by the reading module includes characters and symbols indicating the front and back of the document, the top and bottom, a bar code, and the like.
The storage medium according to any one of the above.