JP2002215377A - Network printer, network printing method, and recording medium for network printing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase efficiency of printing processing in a network printer, capable of assuring a specified paper discharge tray so that it can be used continuously. SOLUTION: Based on the information on imaging page increasing identifiers, paper discharge trays 33a to 33n for discharging recording paper therefrom are allocated to corresponding identifiers. When all paper discharge trays are secured, when a new user outputs printing information, users with older registration dates for continuous printing request in the order, the information on image forming page increasing identifiers. The assurance of the discharge trays of the user who permits an increase in the number of pages of the image information for performing an image formation for one sheet of the recording paper is made to take priority and the assurance of the paper discharge trays of the other users with the oldest registration date for continuous printing is limited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network printing apparatus, a network printing method, and a recording medium storing a computer program for realizing the network printing method. In particular, the present invention
In order to improve the usability of the user, a discharge tray (discharge unit) is allocated to each terminal (image information output unit) or each user to discharge the recording paper after forming the image to a specific discharge tray. Regarding improvement.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as OA (Office Automation) has progressed, personal computers (hereinafter referred to as personal computers) and word processors (hereinafter referred to as word processors) have been developed.
A network environment in which information processing apparatuses (terminals) share a printing apparatus via a network or a switch is used.

A printing apparatus connected to such a network is used by many information processing apparatuses, and therefore includes a plurality of paper discharge trays for discharging printed recording paper. Then, during the printing operation, the paper discharge tray designated by the operator of the information processing apparatus is selected as the paper discharge tray to be used in the current printing operation, and the printed recording paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray.

As this type of network printing apparatus, for example, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-65790. In this publication, management data is stored as management data by associating “other party identifiers” assigned to each terminal or a user using the terminal with “output date and time information” for each paper output tray for each paper output tray. It is disclosed to be stored in the means. Further, when performing a new printing, if there is a vacant tray in which the “other party identifier” is not registered in the management data of the management data storage unit, the vacant tray is assigned as a discharge tray for new printing, It is also disclosed that when there is no empty tray, the oldest output tray in the "output date and time information" is assigned as the output tray for new printing. Thus, even when the number of terminals or users is larger than the number of output trays, it is possible to prevent recording papers of a plurality of different terminals and users from overlapping on the output tray,
Appropriately assign the output tray that discharges the recording paper for each terminal or each user and discharge the recording paper, so that the user can easily find the recording paper on which his or her print information is recorded from multiple paper output trays. I can do it.

[0005]

However, according to the above-mentioned publication, it is not possible to meet the demand when the user wants to perform the printing operation continuously. In other words, if a certain user operates the terminal to transmit print information to the printing apparatus to perform printing, and immediately thereafter, the same user transmits other print information to the printing apparatus to perform printing, the latter If the print information is transmitted from another user immediately before the print information is transmitted, the print information from the other user is prioritized and the recording paper printed according to the print information from the individual user is the same. There is a possibility that the paper will be discharged onto the paper discharge tray. In this case, recording papers printed based on print information from a plurality of users are mixed on the same paper ejection tray, and the operation of taking out only the recording paper of the user from the paper ejection tray becomes complicated. For this reason,
There has been a demand that even after performing the printing operation, the discharge tray used at that time should be monopolized and ensured so that it can be continuously used.

Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has realized that it is possible to monopolize a specific discharge tray so as to ensure continuous use, which is a user's request when performing continuous printing operation. Was considered. Then, the present inventor has come up with a concept that the user can monopolize a specific discharge tray by transmitting the request information of the user from the terminal used by the user to the printing apparatus.

However, if a specific user continues to monopolize a specific discharge tray for a long period of time, the use range of the discharge tray of another user will be narrowed. For example, for a printing apparatus having three output trays, 3
If two users individually secure the discharge trays, there is no empty tray, and other users cannot print.

[0008] As means for solving such a problem,
The following three means are conceivable. (1) Canceling the securing of the paper discharge tray for the user who has the longest securing time among the plurality of users who continuously secure the paper discharge tray. (2) Release of the securing of the paper discharge tray is canceled for the user who has the largest cumulative number of prints among the plurality of users who continuously secure the paper discharge tray. (3) The securing of the discharge tray is canceled for the user who has the longest accumulated print processing time among the plurality of users who continuously secure the discharge tray.

The specific operation of each means will be described below.

First, the case of the means (1) will be described. FIG. 13 shows an example in which three users (users 1 to 4) use three paper discharge trays A, B, and C. The triangles in FIG. 13 indicate the output timing (print job timing) of the print information from the terminal used by each user. First, after the user 2 outputs the print information and secures the tray B, the user 3 outputs the print information and secures the tray C, and then the user 1 outputs the print information and secures the tray A. It has become. Then, at the time when the user 4 outputs the print information (timing I in the figure), the user who has secured the discharge tray with the oldest tray number of the continuous print registration date and time is the user 2. In other words, this user 2 is the user who has the longest time to secure the discharge tray. In this case, the assignment of the tray B of the user 2 is forcibly released, and the right to use the tray B is transferred to the user 4.

Next, the case of the means (2) will be described. FIG. 14 also shows an example in which four users (users 1 to 4) use the three discharge trays A, B, and C. In FIG. 14, a suffix of a triangle indicating an output timing (print job timing) indicates the number of prints output by the print information. First,
After the user 2 outputs the print information and secures the tray B,
The user 3 outputs the print information to secure the tray C, and thereafter, the user 1 outputs the print information to secure the tray A. At the time when the user 4 outputs the print information (timing I in the figure), the cumulative number of prints of each user is 20 for user 1 and 8 for user 2.
The number of sheets is 5 and the number of users 3 is 100. In this case, the assignment of the tray C of the user 3 having the largest accumulated print number is forcibly released, and the right to use the tray C is transferred to the user 4.

Next, the case of the means (3) will be described. FIG. 15 is also an example of a case where four users (user 1 to user 4) use three paper discharge trays A, B, and C. In addition, in a case where monochrome image information and color image information are mixed, a subscript “C” in a bold line indicates that the image is color image information. Those without “C” added to the suffix are monochrome image information. (In this figure, a printing operation using color image information requires 30 seconds per sheet, and a printing operation using monochrome image information requires 10 seconds per sheet.) Required). In the situation shown in FIG. 15, the user 4 sends print information (4
As the cumulative print processing time of each user at the point of time (timing I in the figure) at which four monochrome images requiring 0 sec are output, the user 1 takes 180 sec (the number of color prints is 6).
Sheets), the user 2 is 110 seconds (monochrome print number 11)
), The user 3 is 130 seconds (monochrome printing 13
Sheets). In this case, the assignment of the tray A of the user 1 having the longest accumulated print processing time is forcibly released, and
The right to use tray A is transferred to user 4.

By the way, in such a configuration, when all the discharge trays are reserved, when a new user outputs print information, one of a plurality of users who have reserved the trays outputs the print information. The reservation will be forcibly released. Therefore, especially when there is a request to print a large number of pages or when printing takes a long time (such as when performing full-color printing), the output tray of the user who outputs the print information is used. Will be forcibly released. Therefore, after this release, the user has to perform the operation of securing the paper discharge tray again. If, after this release, print information is output from another user before re-securing, the output tray must be secured until the printing operation based on the print information ends. Cannot be performed, and the efficiency of the printing process is deteriorated and the user is dissatisfied.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of a printing process for a network printing apparatus that can secure a specific discharge tray so that it can be used continuously.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems-Summary of the Invention- In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a terminal (image) for monopolizing a specific discharge tray (discharge unit) and continuously using the information. The output tray can be assigned to a network printing apparatus that can receive the information from the information output unit) based on the image formation page increase identifier information issued by each user. The image formation page increase identifier information in the present invention is information for identifying whether to increase the value of the image formation page identifier, which is the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet. It is.
In other words, each user determines whether or not to permit increasing the number of pages of image information for which image formation is currently being performed on one sheet of recording paper as the image formation page increase identifier information to the network printing apparatus. Will be sending. In the present invention, increasing the value of the image forming page identifier includes a case where the image is formed on both the front and back surfaces of one recording sheet. For example, if it is set to form an image on both the front and back surfaces of one recording sheet and the “image forming page identifier” is set to “4”, each of the front and back surfaces of one recording sheet is divided into two, Image information for 2 pages on each side (4 pages of image information for both sides)
Will be recorded.

-Solution Means- Specifically, the present invention is connected to a network to which a plurality of image information output means are connected and has a plurality of discharge units, and each of the individual image information output from each of the image information output means is provided. It is assumed that a network printing apparatus forms an image on a recording sheet according to image information and discharges the recording sheet after the image formation to a discharge unit. The network printing apparatus includes a partner identifier receiving unit, a continuous printing identifier receiving unit, an image formation page increase identifier receiving unit, and a control unit. The partner identifier receiving means receives partner identifier information output together with the image information from the image information output means. The continuous print identifier receiving means receives continuous print identifier information for identifying whether or not to ensure continuous use of the discharge unit used when discharging the recording paper from the image information output means. The image formation page increase identifier receiving means forms an image on one sheet of recording paper when all the discharge units are secured by another image information output means when outputting image information from the image information output means. The image forming page increase identifier information for identifying the user's intention as to whether to increase the value of the image forming page identifier, which is the number of pages of the image information, is received from the image information output means. The control unit receives the outputs of the partner identifier receiving unit, the continuous print identifier receiving unit, and the image formation page increase identifier receiving unit, and receives the partner identifier information,
A discharge unit from which recording paper is discharged is assigned to each counterpart identifier based on the continuous print identifier information and the image formation page increase identifier information.

The network printing method executed by this network printing apparatus is as follows. That is, counterpart identifier information output together with the image information from the image information output means, continuous print identifier information for identifying whether or not to ensure continuous use of the discharge unit used when discharging the recording paper, The image forming page, which is the number of image information pages for forming an image on one sheet of recording paper, when all the output units are secured by another image information output unit when the image information is output from the information output unit. A discharge unit from which recording paper is discharged is assigned to each partner identifier based on image formation page increase identifier information for identifying a user's intention as to whether or not to increase the value of the identifier.

According to these specific items, when there is a user's request to secure the continuous use of the discharge unit used when discharging the recording paper, the continuous print identifier information output from the image information output means indicates that. Information will be included. The network printing apparatus that has received this information assigns a specific discharge unit to the partner identifier according to this information, and makes the user associated with this partner identifier monopolize the allocated discharge unit so that it can be used continuously. As a result, it is possible to allocate a discharge unit capable of responding to a user's request. Further, since the discharge section secured for the user does not include the recording papers of a plurality of users, the user can easily find the recording sheet on which the image information of the user is recorded from the plurality of discharge sections. . Then, based on the image formation page increase identifier information, the discharge unit from which the recording paper is discharged is assigned for each partner identifier. For example, if the user wants to continuously secure the currently secured paper output unit, it is possible to control the user to request that the value of the image forming page identifier be increased. As a result, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the printing process by increasing the number of pages of image information on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet without causing user dissatisfaction.

The specific storage operation of each identifier is associating a discharge unit for which continuous use is secured, a partner identifier to which the discharge unit is assigned, and an image forming page identifier for each partner identifier with each other. I remember. This allows the user of each image information output unit to determine whether or not to continue the image forming operation for the assigned discharge unit even if the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet is increased. Can be set and stored as needed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent interruption of image formation from the user of the image information output unit to the discharge unit, and it is possible to reduce the number of retries for securing the discharge unit.

Specific examples of the allocation operation based on the image formation page increase identifier information include the following. That is, the image forming page restriction identifier, which is the lower limit of the number of pages of image information on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet, is stored in association with the discharge unit, the partner identifier, and the image forming page identifier. The maximum value of the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information is unified as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier, and the image information of the unified page number is recorded on one recording sheet.

According to this specific matter, both the user who continuously secures the discharge section and the user who newly secures the discharge section,
Since the image information of the unified number of pages is recorded on one sheet of recording paper, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the printing process while ensuring fairness among the users.

In the above case, the user of all the partner identifiers is notified that the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet has been unified.

According to this specific matter, each user forms a plurality of pages of printed matter relating to his / her own output image information on one recording sheet, and similar images are formed by other users. Can be confirmed. As a result, it is possible for each user to recognize the printing state of the printed matter and to maintain the fairness of each user.

Further, when the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information in the individual image information output from each image information output means is smaller than the number of pages unified as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier, the recording paper 1 According to the image information output means which does not permit the recording of the image information based on the image forming page unification permission identifier information for identifying whether or not the recording of the image information of the unified number of pages is permitted for the sheet. The image information related to the other party identifier is discarded. In other words, by discarding the image information of a user who does not permit unification of the number of pages on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet (a user who does not cooperate with the speeding up of the printing process), the speeding up of the printing process is ensured So that you can do it. In this case, the user who has discarded the image information may continue to secure the paper discharge unit, or the reservation state may be eliminated.

In this case, a user associated with a counterpart identifier that does not permit recording of image information of a uniform number of pages per recording sheet is notified that the image information has been discarded. This allows the user to recognize that his or her own output image information has been discarded, and outputs the image information again as needed. In this case, the user recognizes that the image information may be discarded again unless the recording of the image information of the unified number of pages is performed on one recording sheet. More likely to allow. As a result, it is possible to provide a printed matter to this user while maintaining high efficiency of the printing process.

The operation for releasing the unified state includes the following. At the time of outputting image information from the image information output unit, if the state of securing the image information output unit for at least one discharge unit is released, the unification of the image forming page restriction identifiers is released. That is, since at least one discharge unit has a vacancy, a user who has newly output image information can secure the vacant discharge unit, and a plurality of pages corresponding to one sheet of recording paper can be obtained. There is no need to record image information. For this reason, the unified state can be canceled to return to the normal printing state.

In this case, the user relating to all the partner identifiers is notified that the unification of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet has been canceled. Thus, each user can easily confirm that the printed matter relating to his / her output image information has returned to a state where image formation for one page is performed on one recording sheet.

The following are specific examples of the assignment of the discharge section. When the assignment of the partner identifier to the discharging unit is updated, the association between the date and time information and the discharging unit at that time is managed as management data, and when the image information is output from the image information output unit, all the discharging units When the information is secured by the information output unit, the assignment update date and time among the users who have denied to increase the value of the image formation page identifier based on the date and time information and the image formation page identifier information associated with each discharge unit, The oldest paper output unit is newly associated with the partner identifier related to the image information output, and the recording sheet on which an image is formed in accordance with the image information related to the partner identifier is discharged to the discharge unit. .

In this case, at the time of outputting image information from the image information output means, immediately after confirming that all the output units have been secured by the other image information output means, the image is output to the paper output unit with the oldest update date and time. The notification of the transmission request of the image formation page increase identifier information is preferentially started to the user associated with the assigned partner identifier.

When the assignment of the counterpart identifier to the discharge unit is updated, the cumulative number of recording sheets discharged since the update is managed as management data in association with each discharge unit. At the time of information output, if all the output units are secured by another image information output unit, the output cumulative number of sheets information and the image forming page identifier information associated with each discharge unit stored in the cumulative processing time storage unit are used. Among the users who have denied to increase the value of the image formation page identifier, the paper discharge unit having the largest cumulative number of discharged sheets, and newly associate the partner identifier related to the image information output with this partner identifier. The recording paper on which an image is formed in accordance with the image information is discharged to the discharge unit.

In this case, at the time of outputting image information from the image information output means, immediately after confirming that all the output units are secured by the other image information output means, the image is output to the paper output unit having the largest cumulative number of output sheets. The notification of the transmission request of the image formation page increase identifier information is preferentially started to the user associated with the assigned partner identifier.

Further, when the assignment of the partner identifier to the discharge unit is updated, the accumulated image forming processing time from the time of the update is managed as management data in association with each discharge unit, while the image information from the image information output means is managed. At the time of output, if all the output units are secured by another image information output unit, the image forming process cumulative time information and the image forming page identifier information associated with each discharge unit stored in the cumulative processing time storage unit Of the user who has denied to increase the value of the image formation page identifier based on the above, newly associates the partner identifier related to the image information output with the discharge unit having the longest image formation processing accumulation time, The recording paper on which an image is formed in accordance with the image information related to the partner identifier is discharged to the discharge unit.

In this case, when outputting image information from the image information output means, immediately after confirming that all the output units are secured by the other image information output means, the image forming processing cumulative time is the longest. The notification of the transmission request of the image formation page increase identifier information is preferentially started to the user related to the partner identifier assigned to the copy unit.

With these specific items, it is possible to appropriately allocate the discharge units for each user while keeping the time for securing the discharge units, the cumulative number of discharge sheets or the cumulative time for image forming processing fair for each user.

In addition, the discharge unit to which the partner identifier is newly associated is notified to the user of the previously assigned partner identifier that the securing of the continuous use of the discharge unit has been released. .

Further, when a discharge partner is newly associated with a partner identifier related to image information output, the user associated with the new partner identifier is notified of the allocated discharge unit.

With these specific items, it is possible to make the user who has lost the association with the discharge unit and the user newly associated with the discharge unit easily confirm the situation.

A recording medium on which a computer program for realizing each of the above network printing methods is also included in the scope of the present invention. By using this recording medium, the distribution of the network printing method according to the present invention can be improved.

[0039]

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

(First Embodiment)-Description of Overall Configuration of Network Printing Apparatus-FIG. 1 shows a network printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.
2 is a block diagram showing terminals 40 and 40 connected to the network printing apparatus 1 via a network. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the network printing apparatus 1 includes a print server 10 and a printer 30.

The print server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 as control means, a mouse 1
2. Keyboard 13, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1
4, HDD I / F (hard disk interface) 15, HDD (hard disk) 16, RAM (Ra
ndom Access Memory) 17, Modem 18, RS-232
CI / F19, frame memory 20, printer I / F
21 and a display 22. The main components are connected by a bus 23 so that signals can be mutually transmitted and received.

The printer 30 is connected to the printer I / F 21 of the print server 10 and includes a plurality of recording paper cassettes 31a to 31n, a printing unit 32, and a plurality of discharge trays 33a to 33n as discharge units. Printer 30
Is the print server 10 via the printer I / F 21.
The print data is recorded and output on recording paper in a predetermined recording method, for example, an electrophotographic method, based on the print data and the control data, which are image information sent from the printer. Hereinafter, the configuration of the printer 30 will be described. This printer 30
Is configured as a digital color copying machine having a copying function.

-Description of Configuration of Printer 30- FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the printer 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 30 includes a double-sided automatic document feeder 5, an image reading unit 6, and an image forming unit 7. Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

<Description of Double-sided Automatic Document Feeding Unit 5> The double-sided automatic document feeding unit 5 is supported on a document table 51 made of transparent glass or the like so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 51.
1 are mounted with a predetermined positional relationship. The double-sided automatic document feeder 5 transfers the document to the image reading unit 6 when one side (for example, the front side) of the document
After the reading of the image on one side is completed, the document is temporarily retracted and inverted, and the document is placed on the other side (for example, the back side) of the document reading section 51 at a predetermined position. The document is conveyed toward the document table 51 so as to face the document table 6. Then, when the reading of the two-sided image for one document is completed, the two-sided automatic document feeder 5 discharges this document and then executes the two-sided conveyance operation for the next document. The above document transport and reversing operations are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire printer 30.

<Description of Image Reading Unit 6> The image reading unit 6
A portion for reading an image of a document placed on a document table 51 or an image of a document fed one by one by a two-sided automatic document feeder 5 to create image data; That is, it is provided below the document table 51. The image reading unit 6 includes an exposure light source 61, first to third reflecting mirrors 6,
2, 63, 64, an imaging lens 65, and a photoelectric conversion element 66. In this case, the exposure light source 61 and the first reflecting mirror 6
2 constitutes a first scanning unit 67, while the second and third reflecting mirrors 63 and 64 constitute a second scanning unit 68.

The exposure light source 61 irradiates light to an image placed on a document table 51 of the automatic double-sided automatic document feeder 5 or an image of a document conveyed through the automatic double-sided automatic document feeder 5. is there. Each of the reflecting mirrors 62, 63, and 64 deflects (reflects) the reflected light image from the document once in a predetermined direction (left direction in FIG. 2), and then deflects the reflected light image downward, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. After that, the light is deflected rightward in the figure so as to be directed to the imaging lens 65.

The first scanning unit 67 (the exposure light source 61 and the first reflecting mirror 62) reciprocates in parallel to the lower surface of the document table 51 at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a constant speed (FIG. 2).
Then, it moves left and right). Second scanning unit 68
The (second and third reflecting mirrors 63, 64) reciprocate (left and right in FIG. 2) in parallel to the lower surface of the document table 51 while maintaining a constant speed relationship with the first scanning unit 67. .

The imaging lens 65 is connected to the second scanning unit 6
The light reflected from the original deflected by the third reflecting mirror 64 is reduced, and the reduced light image is formed at a predetermined position on the photoelectric conversion element 66.

The photoelectric conversion element 66 is a device for sequentially performing photoelectric conversion on the formed optical image and outputting it as an electric signal. The photoelectric conversion element 66 reads a black-and-white image or a color image, and outputs a three-line color CCD (Charge) capable of outputting line data separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components. Coupled Device). The document image information converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion element 66 is transferred to an image processing unit (not shown) and subjected to predetermined image data processing.

<Description of Image Forming Unit 7> The image forming unit 7
An image forming system 71 and a transfer paper transport system 72 are provided.

The image forming system 71 includes a main body 3 of the printer 30.
4, and a paper feed mechanism 73 is provided below it. The paper feed mechanism 73 separates the recording papers P stored in the plurality of paper feed cassettes 31a to 31n mounted on the lower end portion of the main body 34 one by one and supplies them to the image forming system 71. ing. The recording paper P supplied to the image forming system 71 is cut sheet-shaped paper, and is formed by a pair of upper and lower registration rollers 70 provided before the image forming system 71 (right side in FIG. 2). The supply timing to the system 71 is controlled. Further, the recording paper P on which an image is formed on one side is again supplied (conveyed) to the image forming system 71 by the registration rollers 70, 70 in synchronization with the image formation in the image forming system 71.

Each of the recording paper cassettes 31a to 31n stores a plurality of recording papers P, P,..., And stores recording papers P of different sizes.

Below the image forming system 71, a transfer and transport belt mechanism 74 is provided. The transfer and transport belt mechanism 74 is provided at a substantially central portion of the main body 34 of the printer 30. The transfer conveyance belt mechanism 74 includes a drive roller 74a provided on one side (the left side in FIG. 2) and a drive roller 74a provided on the other side (FIG. 2).
In FIG. 2, a driven roller 74b provided on the right side) and an arrow Z shown in FIG.
And an endless transfer conveyance belt 74c driven in the direction
By electrostatically adsorbing the recording paper P on the surface of the transfer conveyance belt 74c, the recording paper P supplied from the registration rollers 70, 70 is conveyed from the other side (upstream side) to one side (downstream side). Has been made. A fixing device 75 is provided on the downstream side (the left side in FIG. 2) of the transfer paper conveyance belt mechanism 74 in the recording paper conveyance direction.
The toner image transferred and formed on the recording paper P is fixed on the recording paper P. The fixing device 75 includes a pair of upper and lower fixing rollers 75a, 75a, and the recording paper P conveyed on a transfer paper conveyance belt mechanism 74 (transfer conveyance belt 74c).
Is passed through a nip between the fixing rollers 75a, 75a. A switching gate 76 is provided on one side of the fixing device 75. The switching gate 76 discharges the fixed recording paper P passing through the nip between the fixing rollers 75a, 75a by a pair of upper and lower discharge rollers 78, 78 to a post-processing device 79 attached to one outer wall of the main body 34. And a re-supply path through which the image forming system 71 is re-supplied below the transfer / conveyance belt mechanism 74. This resupply path includes a switchback transport mechanism 77,
The switchback transport mechanism 77 reverses the front and back sides of the recording paper P conveyed to the re-supply path side by 6, and then resupplies the recording paper P toward the image forming system 71. The post-processing device 79 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays 33a to 33n, and the paper discharge trays 33a to 33n for discharging the recording paper P after image formation can be selected. The operation of selecting the discharge trays 33a to 33n will be described later).

Above the transfer belt mechanism 74, a first
The image forming station S1, the second image forming station S2, the third image forming station S3, and the fourth image forming station S4 each include the transfer conveying belt 7
4c, upstream of the recording paper transport path (right side in FIG. 2)
Are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals. In this case, the recording paper P on the transfer conveyance belt 74c is sequentially conveyed to the first image forming station S1, the second image forming station S2, the third image forming station S3, and the fourth image forming station S4. Will be.

Each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 has substantially the same configuration, and includes a photosensitive drum 8 as a photosensitive member which rotates in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. Around the photosensitive drums 8, a charger 81 for charging the photosensitive drums 8, and a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 8 into a visible image with toner A transfer device 83 for transferring a toner image (visible image) developed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 8 to the recording paper P; The cleaning device 84 for removing the photosensitive drum 8
Are sequentially provided along the rotation direction (the direction of arrow F).

A laser beam scanner unit 85 (hereinafter, referred to as LSU) is provided above each photosensitive drum 8. Each LSU 85 includes a semiconductor laser device (not shown) that emits dot light modulated in accordance with image data, and a polygon mirror 85a (deflecting device) for deflecting a laser beam from the semiconductor laser device in the main scanning direction. ), An fθ lens 85b for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 85a on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 8, and a mirror 85
c, 85d.

The LSU of the first image forming station S1
A pixel signal corresponding to the color original image or the black component image of the color image from the terminal 40 is input to the terminal 85, and the LSU 85 of the second image forming station S2 receives the cyan color of the color original image or the color image from the terminal 40. A pixel signal corresponding to the component image is input to the third image forming station S
A pixel signal corresponding to a color original image or a magenta color component image of a color image from the terminal 40 is input to the LSU 85 of the third image forming station S4.
A pixel signal corresponding to a color document image or a yellow component image of a color image from the terminal 40 is input to U85. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the color-converted document image information and the image information transmitted from the terminal 40 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 8.

The developing device 82 of the first image forming station S1 contains black toner, and the developing device 82 of the second image forming station S2 contains cyan toner. The magenta toner is stored in the developing device 82 in S3.
The yellow toner is contained in the developing device 82 of the image forming station S4. The electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of each photoconductor drum 8 is developed into a visible image by the toner of each color, whereby the image information color-converted in the image forming system 71 is converted into a toner image by the toner of each color. It is to be reproduced.

A recording paper suction charger 86 is provided between the first image forming station S1 and the paper feeding mechanism 73. The recording paper suction charger 86 charges the surface of the transfer / transport belt 74c.
From the first image forming station S1 to the fourth image forming station S4 by reliably adsorbing the recording paper P supplied from the printer onto the transfer / conveying belt 74c. To be transported.

On the other hand, between the fourth image forming station S4 and the fixing device 75, a discharger 87 for static elimination is provided almost directly above the drive roller 74a. An AC current for separating the recording paper P electrostatically attracted to the transfer / conveyance belt 74c from the transfer / conveyance belt 74c is applied to the discharging discharger 87.

When the recording paper P used in the printer 30 is sent out from the paper supply cassettes 31a to 31n and supplied into the guide of the recording paper transport path of the paper supply mechanism 73, the recording paper P The tip portion is detected by a sensor (not shown), and is temporarily stopped by a pair of registration rollers 70, 70 based on a detection signal output from the sensor. The recording paper P is transferred to each image forming station S
At a timing of 1 to S4, the sheet is fed onto the transfer / conveying belt 74c running in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. At this time, the recording paper suction charger 86 is attached to the transfer conveyance belt 74c.
The recording paper P is stably conveyed and supplied while passing through the image forming stations S1 to S4.

In each of the image forming stations S1 to S4, a toner image of each color is formed, and each of the image forming stations S1 to S4 is formed on the support surface of the recording paper P conveyed by being electrostatically attracted and conveyed by the transfer / conveyance belt 74c. Are superimposed and the image is transferred. Then, when the transfer of the image by the fourth image forming station S4 is completed, the recording paper P is sequentially discharged from the leading end portion of the discharger 8 for discharging.
The sheet is separated from the transfer / conveying belt 74c by 7 and guided to the fixing device 75. The recording paper P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 75 is discharged by discharge rollers 78 through recording paper discharge ports (not shown), through post-processing devices 79, and onto discharge trays 33a to 33n. Has become. At this time, the recording paper cassettes 31a to 31n and the paper discharge trays 33a to 33n are controlled based on the control data input via the frame memory 20 and the printer I / F 21.
33n will be selected.

-Description of Configuration of Print Server 10- As shown in FIG.
Alternatively, a network (not shown) via the RS-232C I / F 19, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network)
k), etc., and a plurality of terminals 40, 40,...
A personal computer or word processor is connected. The user who operates each terminal 40 or the terminal 40 is provided with the terminal 40 in advance.
Alternatively, a “party identifier” for identifying the user is provided. As the “other party identifier”, an IP address, a predetermined ID, or a telephone number is used.
The operator of each terminal 40 inputs the information through an operation unit (such as a keyboard), and stores the “other party identifier” in a memory such as a hard disk of the terminal 40. Each terminal 40, 40, ...
When a print request is issued to the network printing apparatus 1, specifically, the print server 10, an “other party identifier” is transmitted to the network printing apparatus 1 together with print data accompanying the print request. Further, each of the terminals 40, 40,... Can also transmit a “continuous print identifier” to the network printing apparatus 1 by a user operation. This “continuous print identifier” is used to identify whether or not there is a request for exclusive use of the discharge trays 33a to 33n used at that time, even after the printing operation is performed, for continuous use. Information. That is, when executing a printing operation, there is a possibility that a print job is transmitted in addition to the job for performing the printing, and information for continuously securing the output tray after the end of the print job is “continuous print identifier”. "Can be transmitted. The user sets the “continuous print identifier” on the printer driver screen of the terminal 40. The transmission of the "continuous print identifier" may be performed in synchronization with the transmission of the print data and the "identifier", or may be performed asynchronously.

The ROM 14 is a font ROM 14
A, a program ROM 14B, and a data ROM 14C. The font ROM 14A stores font data and the like used when generating an image signal. The program ROM 14B stores the network print device 1
And stores a computer program for implementing the network printing method according to the present invention. Further, the program ROM 14B is provided with a print time measuring unit 14D for measuring the time required for processing each print job. The control program and the like stored in the hard disk 16 are executed by the CPU.
11 may read and execute. The data ROM 14C stores various types of information for specifying the network printing device 1 from the terminal 40.

The RAM 17 stores the partner identifier storage means 17
A, a partner identifier update date / time storage unit 17B, a cumulative print number storage unit 17C, and a cumulative print processing time storage unit 17D.

The partner identifier storage means 17A stores the terminal 4
Based on the “partner identifier” transmitted from “0”, a discharge tray that is maintained for continuous use and a “partner identifier” related to print data for forming an image on recording paper discharged to the discharge tray Is managed as management data. Also, this partner identifier storage means 17A
Manages the “image formation page identifier” and the “image formation page restriction identifier” for each “other party identifier” in association with each other as management data.

The “image forming page identifier” means that all of the paper discharge trays 33 a to 33 b are output when image information is output from the terminal 40.
When the terminal 33n is secured by the other terminals 40, 40,..., It is information relating to the number of pages of image information on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet thereafter.
That is, for example, when the “image forming page identifier” is set to “4”, the surface of one recording sheet is divided into four, and image information for four pages is recorded on this one surface.
The “image forming page identifier” is the print server 1
The information is obtained by the user inputting at each of the terminals 40, 40,... In response to the request from 0.

The "image formation page restriction identifier" is used to set the lower limit of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet. That is, for example, when the “image formation page restriction identifier” is set to “6”, the printing operation on the recording paper discharged to each of the paper discharge trays 33a to 33n is performed on the front surface of one recording paper. Is divided into six parts, and image information for six pages is limited to be recorded on one side.

The partner identifier update date / time storage means 17B stores the partner identification, the paper discharge tray number, and the date and time information (continuous print registration date and time) when the terminal 40 or the user using the terminal 40 secured the paper discharge tray. It is remembered as. When the assignment (registration) of the “other party identifier” to the paper discharge tray is updated, the association between the date and time information at that time and the discharge unit is written and managed as management data. This management data is stored in RA
It may be stored in the hard disk 16 instead of M17.

The cumulative number-of-printed-sheets storing means 17C stores the counterpart identifier, the discharge tray number, and the terminal 40 or the terminal 40.
Is stored as management data as information on the cumulative number of sheets discharged (accumulated number of printed sheets) from the date and time when the user using the paper tray secures the discharge tray. When the assignment (registration) of the "partner identifier" to the discharge tray is updated, the association between the information on the cumulative number of recording sheets discharged from that point and the discharge tray is written and managed as management data. ing. This management data is also stored in the RAM 17.
May be stored in the hard disk 16 instead.

The cumulative print processing time storage means 17D stores the partner identifier, the discharge tray number, and the cumulative processing time of the image forming operation from the date and time when the terminal 40 or the user who uses the terminal 40 secures the discharge tray. (Cumulative print processing time) information is stored as management data. Then, when the assignment (registration) of the “partner identifier” to the discharge tray is updated, the association between the processing accumulated time information of the image forming operation from that point and the discharge trays 33a to 33n is written and managed as management data. It is supposed to. Incidentally, this management data may be stored in the hard disk 16 instead of the RAM 17.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the management state of the management data of each piece of information associated with each of the storage means 17A to 17D when there are four discharge trays 33a to 33n. In this way, each information is managed as a tray table.

The CPU 11 executes the basic processing as the print server 10 based on the program in the program ROM 14B, and also includes the “other party identifier” included in the print request from each of the terminals 40, 40,. And "continuous print identifier"
Execute the discharge tray control process. The CPU 11 also creates a tray table in the RAM 17.

The hard disk 16 has an HDD I / F 1
5, and stores print data and various data transmitted from the terminals 40, 40,... Connected to the network.

The modem 18 is connected to a line constituting a network, modulates a transmission signal, and demodulates a reception signal. The RS-232C I / F 19 is connected to the network and the terminal 4 connected to the network.
Data is exchanged with 0, 40,.

The modem 18 and the RS-232C I
/ F19 is a partner identifier receiving unit 18A, 19A, a continuous print identifier receiving unit 18B, 19B, an image forming page identifier receiving unit 18C, 19C, an image forming page unifying permission identifier receiving unit 18D, 19D, an image forming page increasing identifier receiving unit. 18E and 19E.

The partner identifier receiving means 18A and 19A receive partner identifier information transmitted together with the print data from the terminal 40.

Continuous print identifier receiving means 18B, 19B
Is for receiving, from the terminal 40 that is the transmission source of the image information, continuous print identifier information for identifying whether or not to ensure continuous use of the discharge tray used when discharging recording paper.

Image formation page identifier receiving means 18C, 1
9C forms an image on one sheet of recording paper after the terminal 40 when all the output trays 33a to 33n are secured by the other terminals 40, 40,. The number of pages of image information to be performed is received from the terminal 40 as image forming page identifier information.

Image forming page unified permission identifier receiving means 1
8D and 19D record when the number of pages related to the image forming page identifier information in the individual image information output from each terminal 40, 40,... Is smaller than the number of pages related to the unified image forming page restriction identifier. The image forming page unification permission identifier information as to whether or not the recording of the image information of the unified page number is permitted for one sheet of paper is transmitted to each of the terminals 40 and 4.
0,... In other words, the image formation page identifier information is “information on the number of pages on which image formation is performed per recording sheet” specified by each user, and the image formation page restriction identifier information is “information per page of recording paper”. Information that limits the number of pages on which images are formed
It is.

Image formation page increase identifier receiving means 18
E and 19E are image formation page increase identifier information for identifying the user's intention as to whether to increase the value of the image formation page identifier, which is the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet. Is received from the image information output means. The image formation page increase identifier information is
This relates to information on whether or not the user is allowed to increase the value of the image forming page identifier.

The frame memory 20 temporarily stores print data and control data, and transfers the print data and control data to the printer 30 connected to the printer I / F 21 to the printer 30 via the printer I / F 21. , Receives control data from the printer 30.

The display 22 is, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Tube).
Display) is used to display various information.

-Description of Operation of Network Printing Apparatus- Next, the operation of the network printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Network printing device 1
Means that the printer 30 is connected to the network via the print server 10 and the terminal 40 connected to the network
In response to the print request from the printer, the transmitted print data is recorded on the recording paper P and discharged to the discharge trays 33a to 33n. The feature is that, based on the “identifier” and the “continuous print identifier”, the discharge trays 33 a to 33 n for discharging the recording paper P are selected with reference to the tray table.

That is, when a print request is transmitted from the terminal 40, the CPU 11 interprets the print request, converts the print request into print data printable by the printer 30, transfers the print data to the frame memory 20, and transmits the print request. Of the terminal 40 included in the terminal 40, and selects the discharge trays 33a to 33n.

Upon receiving the print request, the CPU 11 refers to the tray table of the RAM 17 and selects the discharge trays 33a to 33n used to discharge the recording paper P according to a predetermined algorithm.

Hereinafter, the discharge trays 33a to 33a to be executed in accordance with the control program recorded in the program ROM 14B will be described.
The selection operation of 33n will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, when print data is received from the terminal 40 that has issued the print request signal in step ST1, the process proceeds to step S1.
At T2, the other party identifier receiving units 18A and 19A receive the "other party identifier" transmitted together with the print data.
Further, the “image forming page identifier” is also transmitted from the terminal 40, and the “image forming page identifier” is received in step ST3. As the operation of receiving the “image formation page identifier”, the user operates the terminal to operate the recording paper 1
The number of pages of image information for forming an image on a sheet is set, and the information is received by the image forming page identifier receiving means 18C and 19C as an “image forming page identifier”.

Thereafter, in step ST4, it is determined whether or not there is a paper discharge tray corresponding to the received "other party identifier". In other words, does the “other party identifier” received this time already secure the paper output trays 33a to 33n (when the previous print data was output, the “continuous print identifier” includes the continuous security information of the paper output trays). Is determined). If this determination is YES, step ST
5 (FIG. 5), it is determined whether or not there is a paper discharge tray for which the “other party identifier” is not registered. That is, it is determined whether or not there is an empty tray among the plurality of discharge trays 33a to 33n. Here, if it is determined that there is an empty tray, the process proceeds to step ST6, where the printing operation according to the print data is performed, and the printed recording paper is discharged to the already secured discharge tray. Paper. Then, in step ST7, the “continuous print identifier” is received from the terminal 40. The operation of receiving the “continuous print identifier” is that when the user has a request to monopolize the currently used output tray and continue using the same, the information is written to the “continuous print identifier” by the terminal operation. become. Then, it is determined in step ST8 whether or not the "continuous print identifier" received in step ST7 includes information on the continuation securing of the paper discharge tray, and if this information is included, the discharge is continued if YES. Maintain continuous paper trays. On the other hand, if the “continuous print identifier” received this time does not include the output tray continuation securing information, and the determination is NO, it is determined that the user has not requested continuation securing.
In step ST9, the "other party identifier" associated with the paper discharge tray is deleted. That is, the registration of the “other party identifier” is deleted from the tray table.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step ST4 is NO, that is, if the “other party identifier” received this time does not secure a paper discharge tray, then in step ST10, the “other party identifier” It is determined whether there is a discharge tray that has not been registered. That is, it is determined whether or not there is an empty tray. If the determination is YES here, in step ST11, the “other party identifier” of the transmission source is written into the other party identifier storage unit 17A in association with the empty tray. That is, the “other party identifier” is associated with the paper discharge tray. Then, in step ST12 and step ST13, the "image forming page identifier" and the "continuous print registration date and time" are written in the partner identifier storage means 17A in association with the tray number. In step ST14, the source terminal 40
Is notified of the current discharge tray assignment. For example, a discharge tray number is displayed on the display of the terminal 40. And, in this case, the "other party identifier"
If there is a paper discharge tray that is not registered, the process proceeds to step ST6 via step ST5, where the printing operation according to the print data is performed, and the post-printing discharge tray is assigned to the paper discharge tray assigned this time. Discharge the recording paper. After the end of the printing operation, the operation after step ST7 is performed. In other words, if the received continuous printing identifier includes the continuation securing information of the discharge tray, the discharge tray is continuously secured, while if the continuation securing information is not included, the discharge Delete the "other party identifier" associated with the paper tray.

In step ST10, there is no paper discharge tray in which the "other party identifier" is not registered.
Is determined, that is, when it is determined that there is no empty tray, the process proceeds to step ST15. After setting the variable n to “1” in step ST15, the process proceeds to step S15.
At T16, the transmission source of the image formation page increase identifier information is notified to the use source that has secured the output tray with the nth-oldest continuous printing registration date and time. Then, after receiving the image formation page increase identifier information from this use source in step ST17, in step ST18,
Whether or not the received image formation page increase identifier information is “impossible”, that is, the user who transmitted this image formation page increase identifier is the number of image information pages on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet. It is determined whether increasing the value of the image forming page identifier has been denied. If this determination is NO, that is, the image formation page increase identifier information is “OK”
In step ST19, the process proceeds to step ST19 to determine whether the value of n has reached the total number of paper discharge trays. If the value of n has not reached the total number of paper discharge trays, that is, if NO, step ST
The process proceeds to step 20 to add “1” to n. In this way,
The operations of steps ST16 to ST19 are repeated in order from the user having the successive print registration date and time until “impossible” is received as the image formation page increase identifier information.

If YES is determined in step ST19 without receiving "impossible" as the image formation page increase identifier information, the process shifts to step ST21, where continuous printing registration is performed among the use sources that have secured the respective output trays. Release the assignment of the original output tray that secures the output tray with the oldest tray number. In other words, the use of the longest securing time among the plurality of use sources for which the discharge tray has been continuously secured is restricted, and the step ST
Move to 23.

On the other hand, if "impossible" is received as the image formation page increase identifier information, the process proceeds from step ST18 to step ST22, where the continuous printing registration date and time is n among the sources that have secured the respective output trays. The allocation of the original output tray that secures the output tray with the second oldest tray number is released. In other words, the assignment of the discharge tray for the user who has transmitted “impossible” as the image formation page increase identifier information is released, the use is restricted, and step ST2 is performed.
Move to 3.

In step ST23, the "other party identifier" associated with the paper ejection tray to which the above-mentioned assignment has been released is deleted, and in step ST24, the terminal 40 of the use source from which this paper ejection tray has been allotted has been released.
Is notified of the current release of the paper discharge tray. For example, a release notification is displayed on the display of the corresponding terminal 40. Thereafter, in order to allocate this paper discharge tray to a new transmission source, step ST25 is performed.
In step ST26, the new transmission source is associated with the discharge tray, and in step ST26, the image forming page information in the partner identifier storage unit is increased for all the sources that have secured the discharge tray. After that, the operation after step ST11 is performed. That is, the new sender's “party identifier” is written in the partner identifier storage unit 17A of the paper discharge tray, and the new “party identifier” is continuously printed in the partner identifier storage unit 17A in association with the tray number. Update the registration date and time. Also, the new transmission source terminal is notified of the current assignment of the discharge tray, and the printing operation according to the print data is performed, and the newly output discharge tray is assigned to the newly assigned discharge tray. Discharge the recording paper.

After the "partner identifier" associated with the paper discharge tray is deleted in step ST9, the process proceeds to step ST27 to determine whether or not the value of the image forming page identifier information is restricted. It is determined whether or not the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet is forcibly set (steps ST30 to ST35 for details of this restriction). Where YE
If determined to be S, all the usage sources that have secured the discharge tray are notified that the restriction on the value of the image formation page identifier information has been released (step ST2).
8).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST5 that there is no paper discharge tray for which the “other party identifier” is not registered, that is, if there is no empty tray, the process proceeds to step ST29. In this step ST29,
The maximum value of the image forming page identifier of the partner identifier storage unit 17A is acquired for all the use sources that have secured the discharge tray. Then, in step ST30, all the use sources that have secured the discharge tray are notified that the value of the image forming page identifier information has been restricted. In step ST31, the received image forming page identifier is compared with the maximum value of the image forming page identifier acquired in step ST29, and if the latter is larger, the process proceeds to step ST6. ST
Move to 32. In this step ST32, a transmission request of the image forming page unification permission identifier information is notified to all the users who have secured the paper discharge tray. Then, after receiving the unified image forming page permission identifier information from each source in step ST33, it is determined in step ST34 whether the received unified image forming page permission identifier information is "impossible". And "permission"
In the case of NO, the process proceeds to step ST35 to update the values of the image formation page identifiers of the partner identifier storage unit 17A for all the sources that have secured the paper discharge tray to the maximum value, and to perform the operations after step ST6. Move on. On the other hand, if YES in step ST34, which is "impossible", the process proceeds to step ST36, where the print data relating to the use origin that transmitted the "impossible" signal is discarded, and in step ST37, printing is performed on this use origin. After notifying that the data has been discarded, the operation proceeds to the operation after step ST7.

In this way, while allocating the paper discharge tray based on the image formation page increase identifier information,
Of the use sources that secure the respective output trays, release the allocation of the output tray of the use source that secures the output tray of the oldest tray number of the continuous printing registration date and time, and unify the image formation page unification permission identifier. Discharge tray 33a while discarding the print data related to the source that transmitted the information "impossible" signal
To 33n, and paper is discharged to the selected paper discharge tray.

-Effects of Embodiment- As described above, according to the present embodiment, an increase in the value of the image forming page identifier, which is the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet, is denied. "Release identifier" for which the output tray is not secured in the situation where there is no empty tray while releasing the allocation of the output tray of the use source
When there is a new print request that includes, the allocation of the original discharge tray that has secured the discharge tray of the tray number with the oldest continuous print registration date and time is released. In addition, after the allocation of the discharge trays of the use sources is released in this way, the values of all “image forming page identifiers” of the use sources to which the respective discharge trays are allocated are unified. For this reason, it is possible to fairly provide each user with the state of securing the discharge tray. For example, referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows three discharge trays A, B, and C
An example in the case of using by one user (user 1 to user 4) is shown. 4 indicate the output timing (print job timing) of the print information from the terminal used by each user. First, after the user 2 secures the tray B, the user 3 secures the tray C, and thereafter, the user 1 secures the tray A.
Then, at the time when the user 4 outputs the print information (timing I in the figure), the user 2 assigns the image forming page increase identifier of “OK”, and the user 1 and the user 3 set the image forming page increase identifier of “NO”. The signal is being transmitted (open circles in the figure indicate "possible" signals, and black circles indicate "impossible" signals. The same applies hereinafter). In this case, out of the users who transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier, the assignment of the discharge tray C of the user 3 who secures the discharge tray of the tray number with the oldest consecutive print registration date and time is released,
The right to use the discharge tray C is transferred to the user 4. Further, the printing operation according to the print request signal from the user who has secured the paper discharge trays A, B, and C is based on the maximum value of the “image formation page identifier” (for example, an image of four pages for one sheet). This is performed in a unified state of “4”) for printing information.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in a situation where there is no empty tray, if there is a new print request including the “other party identifier” for which the output tray is not secured,
Among the users who transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier, the allocation of the discharge tray of the use source that has secured the discharge tray of the tray number with the largest cumulative number of prints is released. Other configurations and control operations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described here.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation performed in accordance with the control program recorded in the program ROM 14B in this embodiment. In this flowchart, steps that perform the same operations as the control operations in the first embodiment are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In steps ST16 ', 17', 21 'and 22' in the control operation according to the present embodiment, the "cumulative printing registration date and time" is replaced by "cumulative printing registration date" in steps ST16, 17, 21 and 22 in the first embodiment. Number of sheets ”. In other words, the use of the largest number of accumulated prints among the plurality of use sources for which the discharge tray is continuously secured is restricted. In step ST13 ', the partner identifier storage means 17A stores
The accumulated number of printed sheets is set to “0” in association with the tray number.

Further, after a determination of YES is made in step ST8 or after the operation of step ST28 is performed, the process proceeds to step ST38, where the number of printed sheets is added to the accumulated number of printed sheets.

According to the present embodiment, the association between the information on the cumulative number of printed sheets and the discharge tray since the user secured the discharge tray is stored as management data, and there is no empty tray. In the situation, if there is a new print request including the “other party identifier” for which the paper output tray is not secured, the cumulative number of printed sheets is the largest among the users who transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier. The assignment of the original output tray that has secured the output tray for the tray number has been released. In other words, the use of the source having the largest accumulated number of prints among the sources not permitted to increase the value of the “image formation page identifier” is restricted. In addition, after the allocation of the discharge trays of the use sources is released in this way, the values of all “image forming page identifiers” of the use sources to which the respective discharge trays are allocated are unified. For this reason, it is possible to fairly provide each user with the state of securing the discharge tray. For example, with reference to FIG. 9, FIG.
4 shows an example in which four users (users 1 to 4) use the three paper discharge trays. 4 indicate the output timing (print job timing) of the print information from the terminal used by each user.
The suffix of this triangle indicates the number of prints output by the print information. First, after the user 2 secures the tray B, the user 3 secures the tray C, and thereafter, the user 1 secures the tray A. And
At the time when the user 4 outputs the print information (timing I in the figure), the total number of prints of each user is 20 for user 1, 85 for user 2, and 100 for user 3. Further, the user 3 transmits the image forming page increase identifier of “OK”, and the user 1 and the user 2 transmit the image forming page increase identifier of “NO”. In this case, among the users who have transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier, the assignment of the output tray B of the user 2 who secures the output tray of the tray number with the largest cumulative number of prints is released. The right to use the discharge tray B is transferred to the user 4. In addition, these discharge trays A, B,
The printing operation according to the print request signal from the user who has secured C is the maximum value of the “image formation page identifier” (for example, 1
This is performed in a unified state of “4”) in which image information for four pages is printed on a sheet of paper.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in a situation where there is no empty tray, if there is a new print request including the “other party identifier” for which the output tray is not secured,
Among the users who transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier, the allocation of the discharge tray of the use source that has secured the discharge tray of the tray number with the longest cumulative print processing time is released. . Other configurations and control operations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described here.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing operations performed according to the control program recorded in the program ROM 14B in the present embodiment. In this flowchart, steps that perform the same operations as the control operations in the first embodiment are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In steps ST16 '', 17 '', 21 '' and 22 '' in the control operation according to the present embodiment, steps ST16, 17, 21 and 22 of the first embodiment are performed.
Is replaced with the "cumulative print processing time" instead of the "continuous print registration date and time." In other words, the use of the longest accumulated print processing time among the plurality of use sources for which the discharge tray is continuously secured is restricted. In step ST13 ″, the cumulative print processing time is set to “0” in the partner identifier storage unit 17A in association with the tray number.

Further, after the determination in step ST8 is YES or the operation in step ST28 is performed, the process proceeds to step ST38, where the number of printed sheets is added to the accumulated number of printed sheets.

According to the present embodiment, the association between the cumulative print processing time information of the recording paper from the time when the user secures the paper discharge tray and the paper discharge tray is stored as management data, and the empty tray exists. If there is a new print request that includes an “other party identifier” for which a paper output tray has not been secured in a situation where no The assignment of the original output tray that has secured the output tray with the longest tray number is released. In other words, the use of the image forming page identifier is restricted to the use source having the longest cumulative print processing time among the transmission sources that do not permit the increase of the value of the “image formation page identifier”. Also, after releasing the assignment of the original output tray in this way,
The values of all “image forming page identifiers” of the use source to which each paper ejection tray is assigned are unified. For this reason,
The state of securing the discharge tray can be imparted to each user fairly. For example, referring to FIG.
2 is an example of a case where four users (users 1 to 4) use three paper discharge trays A, B, and C, and shows a situation similar to the case of FIG. 15 described above. I have.
First, after the user 2 secures the tray B, the user 3 secures the tray C, and thereafter, the user 1 secures the tray A. At the time when the user 4 outputs the print information (timing I in the figure), the accumulated print processing time of each user is 180 seconds for the user 1, 110 seconds for the user 2, and 130 seconds for the user 3. Further, the user 1 transmits an image formation page increase identifier of “OK”, and the users 2 and 3 transmit an image formation page increase identifier of “NO”. In this case, of the users who transmitted the “impossible” image formation page increase identifier, the assignment of the tray C of the user 3 having the longest accumulated print processing time is released, and the right to use the tray C is changed to the user 4.
Will be moved to Then, these discharge trays A,
The printing operation according to the print request signal from the user who has secured B and C is the maximum value “4” of the “image forming page identifier”.
It is performed in a unified state.

-Other Embodiments- In the above embodiment, the case where the network printing apparatus 1 is composed of the print server 10 and the printer 30 has been described. And printer 30
Is not limited to the one in which the functions of the print server 10 are incorporated in the printer 30.

The present invention is not limited to a printer having one printer on a network, but can be applied to a printer having a plurality of printers connected to a network.
In this case, a paper output tray may be allocated for each “partner identifier” by controlling each printer individually, or a plurality of printers may be controlled in a comprehensive manner to discharge paper for each “partner identifier”. A tray may be assigned. In other words, when all the paper ejection trays of one printer are secured by another “other party identifier”, if there is another printer having a paper ejection tray that is not secured, that security is secured. A new “other party identifier” may be assigned to a non-ejecting tray. Also,
If all the output trays of multiple printers are reserved by another "counter identifier", release the allocation of the output tray with the longest print processing accumulated time among all the output trays. For example, a new “party identifier” may be assigned to this paper discharge tray.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a network printing apparatus capable of receiving from a picture information output unit information indicating that a specific discharge unit is to be monopolized and used continuously.
The paper discharge tray can be assigned based on the image forming page increase identifier information reflecting the intention of each user. For example, if the user wants to continuously secure the currently secured paper output unit, it is possible to control the user to request that the value of the image forming page identifier be increased. As a result, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the printing process by increasing the number of pages of image information on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet without causing user dissatisfaction.

Further, a partner identifier to which the discharge unit is assigned, an image forming page identifier for each partner identifier, and an image forming page which is the lower limit of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet. Restricted identifiers are associated with each other, the maximum value of the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information for each partner identifier is unified as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier, and this unified number of pages is used for one recording sheet. In the case where image information is recorded, both the user who continuously secures the discharge section and the user who newly secures the discharge section should record the image information of a uniform number of pages on one recording sheet. become. For this reason, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the printing process while ensuring fairness among the users.

Further, in a case where image information of a user who does not permit the unification of the number of pages on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet is discarded, the speed of the printing operation can be reliably increased. .

Further, when the image information output means secures the image information output means with respect to at least one discharge unit when the image information output means outputs the image information, the unification of the image formation page restriction identifiers is canceled. It is possible to cancel the unified state and return to the normal printing state.

In addition, the use of the discharge unit is restricted for the partner identifier of the user whose allocation update date is the oldest, and the use of the discharge unit is restricted for the partner identifier of the user with the largest number of accumulated sheets. Or, by restricting the use of the discharge unit for the partner identifier associated with the user who has the longest cumulative time of the image forming process, it is possible to fairly give each user the state of securing the discharge unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a network printing apparatus and terminals according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration inside a printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tray table.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an operation of assigning a discharge tray according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the operation of allocating the discharge tray according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a discharge tray securing operation and a release operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an operation of assigning a discharge tray according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the operation of assigning a paper discharge tray according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a paper output tray securing operation and a releasing operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of an operation of assigning a discharge tray according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the operation of assigning a discharge tray according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a discharge tray securing operation and a release operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 in a conventional example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 in a conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 network printing device 11 CPU (control means) 14B program ROM (recording medium) 17A partner identifier storage unit 17B partner identifier update date / time storage unit 17C cumulative print number storage unit 17D cumulative print processing time storage unit 18A, 19A partner identifier reception unit 18B , 19B Continuous print identifier receiving means 18C, 19C Image forming page identifier receiving means 18D, 19D Image forming page unified permission identifier receiving means 18E, 19E Image forming page increase identifier receiving means 40 Terminal (image information output means) 33a to 33n Tray (discharge unit)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP02 AP04 AQ06 AR01 AR03 AS02 HH03 HK11 HN18 HQ06 HQ12 3F054 AA01 AC05 BA02 BA04 BF03 BF07 CA31 5B021 AA01 BB01 EE01 KK01 KK03 5C062 AA53 AB22 AB

Claims (33)

[Claims] A plurality of image information output means connected to a network to which the plurality of image information output means are connected;
In a network printing apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet in accordance with individual image information output from each of the image information output units and discharging the recording sheet after the image formation to a discharge unit, the image information output unit outputs the image information. Means for receiving counterpart identifier information output together with the image data, and continuous printing identifier information for identifying whether or not to ensure the continuous use of the discharge unit used when discharging the recording paper is output as image information. Means for receiving a continuous print identifier received from the means, and, when outputting image information from the image information output means, when all of the discharge units are secured by another image information output means, the image is printed on one sheet of recording paper. Image formation page increase identification for identifying the user's intention as to whether to increase the value of the image formation page identifier which is the number of pages of the image information to be formed. Image forming page increase identifier receiving means for receiving information from the image information output means; receiving the output of the partner identifier receiving means, the continuous print identifier receiving means and the image forming page increase identifier receiving means, receiving the partner identifier information And a control unit for allocating a discharge unit from which recording paper is discharged to each counterpart identifier based on the continuous print identifier information and the image formation page increase identifier information. 2. The discharging unit according to claim 1, wherein the output unit receives the output of the other party identifier receiving unit, the continuous printing identifier receiving unit, and the image forming page increase identifier receiving unit, and ensures continuous use thereof. A network printing apparatus comprising: a partner identifier storage unit that stores a partner identifier to which a discharge unit is assigned and an image forming page identifier for each partner identifier in association with each other. 3. The network printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the partner identifier storage means discharges an image formation page restriction identifier which is a lower limit of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet. The control unit unifies the maximum value of the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information for each partner identifier as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier, A network printing apparatus configured to record image information of the unified number of pages on one recording sheet. 4. The network printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a user associated with all the other party identifiers is notified that the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet has been unified. A network printing apparatus characterized in that: 5. The network printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information in the individual image information output from each image information output unit is unified as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier. When the number of pages is smaller than the number of pages, the image forming page unification permission identifier information indicating whether to permit the recording of the image information of the unified number of pages on one recording sheet is received from each image information output unit. The image forming apparatus further comprises a formed page unified permission identifier receiving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to discard the image information related to the other party identifier related to the image information output unit that does not permit the recording of the image information. Network printing device. 6. The network printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image information is discarded for a user whose counterpart identifier does not permit recording of image information of a unified number of pages per recording sheet. Characterized in that the network print device notifies the user of the network print device. 7. The network printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit releases the image information output unit with respect to at least one discharging unit when the image information output unit outputs the image information. A network printing apparatus configured to cancel unification of image forming page restriction identifiers. 8. The network printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user associated with all the partner identifiers is notified that the unification of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet has been released. A network printing apparatus characterized in that the network printing apparatus is configured to: 9. The network printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the assignment of the partner identifier to the ejection unit by the control unit is updated, the date and time information at that time is associated with the ejection unit. Is provided as management data, and the control unit is configured to control when the image information is output from the image information output unit and all the discharge units are secured by another image information output unit. Among the users who have denied to increase the value of the image formation page identifier based on the date and time information and the image formation page identifier information associated with each discharge unit stored in the partner identifier update date and time storage means, The paper output unit with the oldest date and time is newly associated with a partner identifier associated with the image information output, and the image information associated with the partner identifier is newly associated with the image information output. Network printing apparatus characterized by image formation has a structure to discharge to the discharge portion of the recording sheet which is performed in accordance with. 10. The network printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit confirms that all the output units are secured by another image information output unit when the image information output unit outputs the image information. Immediately after that, notification of a transmission request of image formation page increase identifier information is started preferentially to a user associated with a partner identifier assigned to the paper output unit with the oldest update date and time. Network printing device. 11. The network printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the assignment of the partner identifier to the ejection unit by the control unit is updated, the ejection of the recording paper from the update is accumulated. A storage unit for managing the number of copies as management data in association with each discharge unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that when the image information is output from the image information output unit, all the discharge units are connected to another image information output unit. In the case where the number of image forming page identifiers has been secured, it is denied that the value of the image forming page identifier is increased based on the cumulative number of discharged sheets information and the image forming page identifier information associated with each discharging unit stored in the cumulative number of printed sheets storing unit. Among the users who have the largest cumulative number of discharged sheets, a counterpart identifier relating to the image information output is newly associated with the discharger. Network printing apparatus characterized by image formation has a structure to discharge to the discharge portion of the recording sheet is performed according to the image information on the. 12. The network printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit confirms that all the output units are secured by another image information output unit when the image information is output from the image information output unit. Immediately after that, a notification of a request for transmission of image formation page increase identifier information is preferentially started to a user associated with a counterpart identifier assigned to a paper discharge unit having the largest cumulative number of discharged sheets. Network printing device. 13. The network printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the assignment of the partner identifier to the discharge unit by the control unit is updated, the image forming process cumulative time from the time of the update. And a cumulative print processing time storage unit that manages the image data as management data in association with each of the discharge units. When the image information is output from the image information output unit, all of the discharge units are controlled by another image information output unit. In the case where the value of the image forming page identifier is increased, the value of the image forming page identifier is increased based on the image forming process cumulative time information and the image forming page identifier information associated with each discharge unit stored in the cumulative printing processing time storage unit. For the user who has denied the above, the counterpart identifier related to the image information output is newly added to the paper output unit having the longest image forming process accumulation time. Association, the network print apparatus, characterized in that it is configured to discharge the recording paper on which image formation is performed in accordance with image information relating to the other party identifier to the discharge portion. 14. The network printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit confirms that all the discharge units are secured by another image information output unit when outputting the image information from the image information output unit. Immediately after that, notification of a request for transmission of image formation page increase identifier information is preferentially started to a user associated with a counterpart identifier assigned to the paper output unit having the longest cumulative time of image formation processing. A network printing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 15. The network printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a user associated with a previously assigned partner identifier is assigned to a discharge unit associated with the new partner identifier.
A network printing apparatus configured to notify that release of continuous use of a discharge unit has been released. 16. The network printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a new partner identifier associated with image information output is associated with the discharging unit. A network print apparatus configured to notify a user according to the above (2) of the assigned discharge unit. 17. An image forming apparatus connected to a network to which a plurality of image information output units are connected and having a plurality of ejection units, wherein an image is formed on a recording sheet in accordance with individual image information output from each of the image information output units. And a network printing method for performing a printing operation of a network printing apparatus that discharges the recording paper after image formation to a discharge unit, wherein the other party identifier information output together with the image information from the image information output means; And continuous print identifier information for identifying whether or not to ensure continuous use of the discharge unit used when discharging the image information, and when the image information is output from the image information output unit, all the discharge units output other image information. The value of the image formation page identifier, which is the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet when secured by the output unit A network print method, wherein a discharge unit from which recording paper is discharged is assigned for each partner identifier based on image formation page increase identifier information for identifying a user's intention of whether or not to increase the number of print papers. . 18. The network printing method according to claim 17, wherein a discharge unit for which continuous use is ensured, a partner identifier to which the discharge unit is assigned, and an image forming page identifier for each partner identifier are associated with each other. A network printing method characterized in that the network printing method is stored. 19. The network printing method according to claim 18, wherein an image forming page restriction identifier, which is a lower limit value of the number of pages of image information on which image formation is performed on one recording sheet, is output by the discharging unit.
Stored in association with the partner identifier and the image forming page identifier, unify the maximum value of the number of pages of the image forming page identifier information for each partner identifier as the value of the image forming page restriction identifier, A network printing method characterized by recording image information of a unified number of pages. 20. The network printing method according to claim 19, wherein the user associated with all the partner identifiers is notified that the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet is unified. A network printing method characterized by the following. 21. The network printing method according to claim 19, wherein the number of pages of image forming page identifier information in individual image information output from each image information output unit is unified as a value of the image forming page restriction identifier. When the number of pages is smaller than the number of pages, the above-mentioned image is formed based on the image forming page unification permission identifier information for identifying whether or not the recording of the image information of the unified page number is permitted for one recording sheet. A network printing method characterized by discarding image information related to a partner identifier associated with an image information output unit that does not permit recording of information. 22. The network printing method according to claim 21, wherein the image information is discarded for a user associated with a counterpart identifier that does not permit recording of image information of a uniform number of pages per recording sheet. A network print method. 23. The network printing method according to claim 19, wherein when the image information output unit outputs the image information, the image information output unit for at least one discharging unit is released from the secured state. A network printing method, which cancels unification of formation page restriction identifiers. 24. The network printing method according to claim 23, wherein the user associated with all the partner identifiers is notified that the unification of the number of pages of image information for forming an image on one recording sheet has been released. A network printing method. 25. The network print method according to claim 17, wherein when the assignment of the partner identifier to the discharge unit is updated, the association between the date and time information at that time and the discharge unit is managed. On the other hand, at the time of outputting image information from the image information output unit, if all the discharge units are secured by other image information output units, the date and time information and image formation page identifier information associated with each discharge unit Among the users who have denied to increase the value of the image forming page identifier based on the image information output, newly associate the paper output unit with the oldest update date and time with the partner identifier related to the image information output. A network printing method, wherein a recording sheet on which an image is formed according to the image information is discharged to the discharge unit. 26. The network printing method according to claim 25, wherein when the image information is output from the image information output means, the assignment is performed immediately after confirming that all the discharge units are secured by the other image information output means. A network print method characterized by starting notification of a request for transmission of image formation page increase identifier information preferentially to a user associated with a partner identifier assigned to a paper output unit having the oldest update date and time. 27. The network printing method according to claim 17, wherein, when the assignment of the partner identifier to the ejection unit is updated, the cumulative number of sheets of recording paper ejected since the update is ejected. When the image information is output from the image information output unit and all the output units are secured by other image information output units, the output accumulation unit associated with each discharge unit is managed. Based on the number information and the image forming page identifier information, the user newly denying to increase the value of the image forming page identifier is to newly output the image information to the sheet discharging unit having the largest cumulative number of discharged sheets. A network for discharging a recording sheet on which an image is to be formed in accordance with the image information relating to the partner identifier to the discharge unit. How to work print. 28. The network printing method according to claim 27, wherein when outputting image information from the image information output means, immediately after confirming that all of the discharge units have been secured by other image information output means. A network print method characterized by starting notification of a transmission request for image formation page increase identifier information to a user associated with a counterpart identifier assigned to a paper discharge unit having the largest cumulative number of sheets with priority. 29. The network printing method according to claim 17, wherein when the assignment of the partner identifier to the discharge unit is updated, the cumulative time of the image forming process from the time of update is output to the discharge unit. When the image information is output from the image information output unit and all the output units are secured by other image information output units, the image forming process associated with each discharge unit is managed. Based on the accumulated time information and the image formation page identifier information, the image information is newly added to the paper output unit having the longest image formation processing accumulation time among the users who deny increasing the value of the image formation page identifier. Associating a partner identifier associated with the output, and discharging a recording sheet on which an image is formed in accordance with the image information relating to the partner identifier to the discharge unit Network printing method according to claim. 30. The network printing method according to claim 29, wherein when outputting image information from the image information output means, immediately after confirming that all ejection units are secured by other image information output means, A network printing method characterized by starting notification of a request for transmission of image formation page increase identifier information preferentially to a user associated with a partner identifier assigned to a paper discharge unit having the longest cumulative formation processing time. 31. The network printing method according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein a user associated with a previously assigned partner identifier is assigned to a discharge unit associated with a new partner identifier.
A network print method for notifying that release of continuous use of a discharge unit has been released. 32. The network printing method according to claim 25, wherein a new partner identifier associated with image information output is associated with the discharge unit. A network print method, which notifies the user according to (1) of the assigned discharge unit. 33. A recording medium on which a computer program for realizing the network printing method according to claim 17 is recorded.