JP2002225400A - Imaging system, image producing apparatus, imaging apparatus, outputting medium processing apparatus, outputting controlling method, and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system, capable of realizing an imaging system allowing a stacking operation on a sorting bin by designating the kind of papers and a stacking mode to the imaging apparatus by a controller and administering the total number of discharged sheets to the sorting bin of an imaging apparatus, an image producing apparatus, an imaging apparatus, an outputting controlling method and a memory medium. SOLUTION: An imaging system comprises a controller 102 for interpreting and developing to an image PDL data transmitted from a host computer 101, a staple sorter 301 for processing a paper with an image formed, and a controller 102 for designating a stacking mode and the kind of papers to the imaging apparatus 103 at the time of executing an imaging operation according to the stacking mode of an imaging apparatus 103 and controlling the total number of discharged sheets from the imaging apparatus 103 to the staple sorter 301.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image generating apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an output medium processing apparatus,
In particular, the present invention relates to an output control method and a storage medium, and particularly includes a host computer that transmits image data, a controller configured to be able to communicate data with the host computer and the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus configured to communicate data with the controller. The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image generating device, an image forming device, an output medium processing device, an output control method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are provided image reading means for reading an image and converting it into an image signal, storage means for holding the image signal, and image output means for outputting the held image signal.
2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus that operates as a color copying machine that copies a color image of a document onto paper has been put to practical use. Further, the image forming apparatus is connected to the host computer via a controller, a color image created by the host computer is rasterized by the controller, stored in a memory inside the controller, and then output by the image forming apparatus as a color printer. An image forming apparatus system that operates and operates as a color copying machine or a color printer based on an operator's instruction has been put to practical use.

Further, the controller for connecting the image forming apparatus and the host computer has a large-capacity memory and can compress a large amount of pages of raster data by compressing the image data. ing. Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is possible to start printing a page that has already been developed while the image is being developed into a bitmap. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a staple sorter (a mechanism for sorting printed sheets and binding the ends thereof with staples), a stacker (a mechanism for storing a large number of printed sheets regardless of page order), a puncher (printing apparatus). Finishing processing by connecting accessory devices such as a mechanism for punching holes at the end of the completed paper), a saddle finisher (a mechanism for folding the printed paper in half and binding the center with a staple), and a trimmer (a mechanism for cutting the printed paper). It is possible to

[0004]

However, the staple sorter, which is one of the accessory devices connectable to the above-mentioned conventional image forming apparatus, has the following problems. That is, when a staple sorter is installed in the image forming apparatus, when a non-sort tray having a structure that does not sort print-completed paper is used without using a sort bin having a structure that sorts print-completed paper, a non-sort tray generally has a non-sort tray. Only a predetermined number of sheets of paper (for example, 250 sheets) can be output, and the user can print a large amount (for example, printing more than 250 sheets).
When performing the above, it is necessary to remove the output paper from the non-sort tray on the way, and there is a problem that it is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned point, and a controller specifies a sheet type and a stack mode for an image forming apparatus and manages the total number of sheets discharged to a sort bin of the image forming apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system, an image generating apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an output medium processing apparatus, an output control method, and a storage medium that can realize an image forming system capable of stacking stacks on sort bins.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a host device, and an image generating means for generating an image based on the image data. Image forming means for forming the image formed on the output medium, and an output medium processing means for processing the output medium on which the image is formed by the image forming means, wherein the image generating means, At the time of image formation in the output medium processing mode using the output medium processing means in the image forming means, the output medium processing mode and the type of output medium are specified to the image forming means, and from the image forming means. It is characterized in that the total number of output media discharged to the output media processing means is controlled.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the output medium processing mode is a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups of the same page numbers. A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of the page order are included.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to a third aspect includes communication means for communicatively connecting the image generating means and the image forming means, wherein the image generating means comprises:
In forming an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing unit in the image forming unit, the stack mode and the type of output medium are specified to the image forming unit, and the output from the image forming unit is performed. The total number of output media discharged to the medium processing means is controlled via the communication means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the output medium processing means includes at least one output medium storage means for storing an output medium, wherein the output medium processing mode is specified in advance. The output medium storage means is controlled according to the following.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the output medium processing means outputs the next output medium storage object every time a predetermined number of output media are stored in the output medium storage means. It is characterized by switching to medium storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, cardboard, and the thickest opening.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that said image generating means is adapted to execute said image forming preparation when said number of image formation ready sheets which can be formed by said image forming means is larger than said total discharge number. The number of sheets is set to the total number of sheets discharged, the image forming unit starts image formation, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storage unit after the image forming unit is stopped is removed, the image forming unit It is characterized in that image formation is restarted.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the image generating means includes a display means for performing a display urging removal of the output medium discharged to the output medium storing means. And

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the image generating means and the image forming means are provided in separate housings.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the image generating means and the image forming means are provided in the same housing.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an output medium processing device for processing an output medium on which an image is formed is mounted and communicated with an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the output medium. An image generation device that is connected to be capable of generating an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-level device, and when forming an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing device in the image forming device, The output medium processing mode and the type of output medium are specified for the image forming apparatus, and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus to the output medium processing apparatus is controlled.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the output medium processing mode includes a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, and a group mode in which output media are stacked in groups of the same page numbers. A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which the output medium is sorted by a predetermined number of sheets regardless of the page order.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in forming an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing device in the image forming apparatus, the stack mode is designated to the image forming apparatus. And the type of output medium is specified, and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus to the output medium processing apparatus is controlled via communication means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, thick paper, and the thickest opening.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that, when the number of ready images for image formation that can be formed by the image forming apparatus is larger than the total number of discharged sheets, the number of prepared images for image formation is reduced to the total number of discharged sheets. After the image forming apparatus is started to form an image, and after the image forming apparatus is stopped, the output medium discharged to the output medium storage unit of the output medium processing apparatus is removed. It is characterized in that the formation is restarted.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 16 is provided with display means for displaying a message prompting removal of the output medium discharged to the output medium storage means of the output medium processing apparatus. And

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 17 is communicably connected to an image generating apparatus for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-level device and forms an image. An image forming apparatus mounted with an output medium processing device for processing an output medium, and forming an image on an output medium.When forming an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing device, by the image generating device, The output medium processing mode and the type of output medium are specified, and the total number of output media discharged to the output medium processing device is controlled.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 18, wherein the output medium processing mode is a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups of the same page numbers. A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of the page order are included.

[0024] In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 19 is that, when forming an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing device, the image generation device specifies the stack mode and the type of output medium. And the control of the total number of output media discharged to the output medium processing device is performed via communication means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, cardboard, and the thickest opening.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 21 is characterized in that when the number of image formation ready sheets that can be formed by the image generating apparatus is larger than the total number of ejections, the number of image formation preparation sheets is equal to the total number of ejections. The image forming is started with the number of sheets set, the image forming operation is stopped, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storage device is removed, the image forming is restarted.

[0027] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 22 is directed to an image forming apparatus for forming an image generated by an image generating apparatus for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a host device on an output medium. An output medium processing device which is mounted and processes an output medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus performs the image forming by the image generating apparatus when forming an image in the output medium processing mode in the image forming apparatus. The total number of output media discharged from the device is controlled.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 23, wherein the output medium processing mode is a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted in groups of the same page numbers, A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of the page order are included.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in forming an image in the stack mode in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus controls the total amount of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus. The control of the number of discharged sheets is performed.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 25 is provided with at least one output medium storage means for storing an output medium, wherein the output medium storage means is provided in accordance with the output medium processing mode specified in advance. It is characterized by controlling.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 26 switches the output medium storage target to the next output medium storage means every time a predetermined number of output media are stored in the output medium storage means. Features.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 27 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, cardboard, and the thickest opening.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a host device, and an image generated by the image generating means being output to an output medium. An output control method executed by an image forming system comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image; and an output medium processing unit that processes an output medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. When forming an image in the output medium processing mode using the output medium processing unit, the image generation unit specifies the output medium processing mode and the type of output medium to the image forming unit, and the image forming unit And controlling the total number of output media discharged to the output media processing means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 29, wherein the output medium processing mode is a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups each having the same page number, A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of the page order are included.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 30 is characterized in that, when forming an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing means in the image forming means, the image forming means uses the image forming means. In addition, the stack mode and the type of output medium are specified, and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit is controlled via a communication unit.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, at least one output medium processing means is provided in the output medium processing means and stores an output medium in accordance with the predetermined output medium processing mode. It is characterized by controlling the means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 32 is characterized in that the output medium storage object provided in the output medium processing means stores an output medium storage object every time a predetermined number of output media are stored. It is characterized by switching to the next output medium storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 33 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, cardboard, and the thickest opening.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 34 is characterized in that, when the number of images ready for image formation that can be formed by the image forming means is larger than the total number of ejected sheets, the image forming means causes the image forming preparation The number of sheets is set to the total number of sheets discharged, the image forming unit starts image formation, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storage unit after the image forming unit is stopped is removed, the image forming unit It is characterized in that image formation is restarted.

[0040] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 35 is characterized in that the image generating means performs a display urging removal of the output medium discharged to the output medium storing means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 36 provides an image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a host device, and an image generated by the image generating means as an output medium. A computer that stores a program that executes an output control method applied to an image forming system including an image forming unit that forms an image and an output medium processing unit that processes an output medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit; A possible storage medium, wherein the output control method, when forming an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing means in the image forming means,
A step of designating the output medium processing mode and a type of output medium to the image forming means by the image generating means, and a step of specifying an output medium from the image forming means to the output medium processing means by the image generating means. Controlling the total number of discharged sheets.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 37, wherein the output medium processing mode is a sort mode for arranging output media in page order, a group mode for sorting output media into groups of the same page numbers. A staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of the page order are included.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 38, wherein the output control method comprises the steps of: when the image forming means forms an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing means; By specifying the stack mode and the type of output medium to the image forming means, by the image generating means,
Controlling the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit via a communication unit.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the present invention, at least one of the output medium processing means is provided in the output medium processing means in accordance with a predetermined output medium processing mode. Controlling the output medium storing means for storing the

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 40 is characterized in that the output control method comprises a step of storing a predetermined number of output media in the output medium storage means provided in the output medium processing means. And a step of switching the output medium storage target to the next output medium storage means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 41 is characterized in that the types of the output medium include plain paper, cardboard, and the thickest opening.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 42, wherein in the output control method, when the number of images ready for image formation capable of forming an image by the image forming means is larger than the total number of discharged sheets, Setting the number of sheets ready for image formation to the total number of sheets discharged and causing the image forming means to start image formation; and removing the output medium discharged to the output medium storage means after the image forming means is stopped. And restarting the image forming by the image forming means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 43, in the output control method, wherein the image generating means performs a display for prompting removal of the output medium discharged to the output medium storage means. It is characterized by having.

[0049]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment of the present invention,
A full-color copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[Overview of Image Forming System] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus 103, a controller 102,
For example, it is composed of two host computers 101A and 101B. In the figure, 242,
243 is a connection cable. Note that the host computer 101A and the host computer 101B are referred to as the host computer 101 in the following description for convenience.

In detail, the host computer 101 comprises a connection cable 243, a controller 10
2. Data communication with the image forming apparatus 103 via the connection cable 242 is possible. Image forming apparatus 103
Has a function of copying a document placed on a platen on a sheet in color (color copying function), forms a color image transmitted from the host computer 101 via the controller 102 on the sheet, and outputs the color image. (A color printer function), and a finisher 301 is mounted. The controller 102 translates and rasterizes PDL, which will be described later, transmitted from the host computer 101.

Here, on the host computer 101, various documents / graphics are created / edited by operating so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) application software. The host computer 101 converts the created document / graphic into a PDL (Page Descr).
iption Language: Page description language, eg Po from Adobe
st Script) and convert the PDL to connection cable 243
To the controller 102 via the

The controller 102 translates the PDL transmitted from the host computer 101 and performs rasterization. The image signal rasterized by the controller 102 is
The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103 via the connection cable 242, and the image is formed on a sheet and output.

The finisher (staple sorter) 301 mounted on the image forming apparatus 103 includes, for example, a 20-stage sort bin (output medium storage means), and has a function of folding the sheet on which printing has been completed by the image forming apparatus 103 in two. The image forming apparatus includes a saddle stitcher and a trimmer having a function of cutting a sheet on which printing has been completed by the image forming apparatus 103. In this case, the sheet that has been printed by the image forming apparatus 103 is sent to the finisher 301 via a transport mechanism (not shown). Further, communication is performed between the image forming apparatus 103 and the finisher 301 via a communication line (not shown).

[Structure of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a platen glass 201, an illumination light source 203,
Optical system 207, CCD 208, motor 209, first mirror unit 210, second mirror unit 211, image processing circuit unit 212, polygon mirror 213, mirror 214
~ 216, 218 ~ 220, 222 ~ 224, 226 ~
228, photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, 229,
Developing units 230 to 233, paper cassettes 234 and 235,
A manual feed tray 236, a registration roller 237, a transfer belt 238, a transport belt 239, a fixing device 240, a discharge tray 241, a two-sided path 244, a two-side reversing unit 245, a discharged vertical path 246, and a two-sided path pre-conveyance unit 247 are provided. .
In the drawing, the upper arrow indicates the driving direction of the first mirror unit 210 and the second mirror unit 211, and the lower arrow from the center indicates the sheet conveying direction.

The above configuration will be described in detail together with the operation.
When copying an original when the image forming apparatus 103 is used as a copying machine (in the case of a copying machine operation),
A document 202 to be read is placed on 01. The document 202 on the platen glass 201 is illuminated by the illumination light source 203 of the first mirror unit 210. The first mirror unit 210 includes an illumination light source 203 and a mirror 2.
And is mechanically driven by a motor 209 at a speed V in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. Second mirror unit 21
1 has mirrors 205 and 206 and has a speed (1/1).
2) The document 202 is mechanically driven in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
Are scanned. The reflected light from the document 202 is formed as an image on the CCD 208 by the optical system 207 via mirrors 204, 205, and 206.

The image processing circuit 212 processes image information read by the CCD 208 as an electric signal, temporarily holds the image information on the image memory 108 (see FIG. 1), and outputs it as a print signal. Image processing circuit section 212
Is output to a laser driver (not shown) to drive four semiconductor lasers (not shown).

The polygon mirror 213 is a rotary polygon mirror that receives and reflects four laser beams emitted from four semiconductor lasers (not shown). One of the light beams reflected by the polygon mirror 213 scans the photosensitive drum 217 via mirrors 214, 215 and 216, and the next one scans the photosensitive drum 221 via mirrors 218, 219 and 220. The next one scans the photosensitive drum 225 via mirrors 222, 223, and 224, and the next one scans the mirror 2
The photosensitive drum 229 is scanned via the reference numerals 26, 227 and 228.

The developing unit 230 supplies a yellow (Y) toner, and forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 217 according to the laser beam. Developing device 23
Reference numeral 1 denotes a developing device that supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 221 according to the laser beam. The developing device 232 is a developing device that supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 225 according to the laser beam. The developing unit 233 is a developing unit that supplies black (Bk) toner, and forms a black toner image on the photosensitive drum 229 according to the laser beam. Above, four colors (Y, M, C, B
The full-color output image can be obtained by transferring the toner image of k) onto the paper.

Paper cassette 234, paper cassette 235
, Paper is stored in a stacked state. Paper is inserted into the manual feed tray 236 during manual feed. Paper cassette 234, paper cassette 235, manual feed tray 23
6 is fed to the registration rollers 2
It is attracted onto the transfer belt 238 via the transfer belt 37 and transported. The photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, 229
The toner of each color is developed in advance in synchronization with the paper feed timing, and the toner is transferred to the paper via the photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, and 229 as the paper is transported. The paper on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated, transported by the transport belt 239, and fixed by the fixing device 240.
As a result, the toner is fixed on the sheet, and the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 241.

In the case of a duplex operation in which copying is performed on both sides of a sheet, sheets fed from any of the sheet cassette 234, the sheet cassette 235, and the manual feed tray 236 are transferred onto the transfer belt 238 via the registration rollers 237. Adsorbed and transported. Photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225,
In 229, the toner of each color is developed in advance in synchronization with the paper feed timing. When the paper is transported, an image is formed on the first surface of the paper, and the toner is transferred to the paper.

The paper on which the toners of the four colors (Y, M, C, and Bk) have been transferred is separated, transported by a transport belt 239, the toner is fixed on the paper by a fixing device 240, and discharged by a discharge deflection plate. The paper is passed through a paper vertical path 246 and transported to a double-sided reversing unit 245. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the passage of the sheet, the entrance roller of the double-side reversing unit 245 rotates in the reverse direction. You. At this time, the upper side of the sheet on the duplex path 244 is the image of the first side. When the paper is transported to the duplex path,
After the paper is aligned, the paper is immediately re-fed, and the image is formed on the second surface of the paper, and after the paper is passed through the fixing device 240,
The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 241.

When performing a continuous double-sided operation by supplying a plurality of sheets, re-feeding from the double-sided path 244
Paper supply unit (paper cassette 234, paper cassette 23
5, paper feed from one of the manual feed trays 236) is performed alternately.

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 103 is used as a printer (in the case of a printer operation), the controller 1
When an image is formed on a sheet and output based on the PDL transmitted from the host computer 101A or 101B through the connection cable (interface cable) 242, the connection of the image forming apparatus 103 is performed. Image data is transferred directly to the illustrated PWM (pulse width modulation) circuit, and an image is formed in the same manner as in the above-described copying machine operation.

In the image forming apparatus 103, the above 4
The two photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, and 229 are arranged at regular intervals with a distance d.
9, the sheet is being conveyed at a constant speed v, and the four semiconductor lasers are driven by synchronizing the timing of the photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, and 229.

[Flow of Image Signal] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus and a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention and showing a flow of an image signal.
The image forming apparatus 103 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a CC
D208, luminance / density conversion unit 104, character / line image detection circuit 105, masking / UCR circuit 106, compression / expansion circuit 107, image memory 108, masking circuit 112
The controller 102 includes the image memory 10
9, a CPU 110, a hard disk 111, and a display unit (not shown). The brightness / density conversion units 104 to
The masking circuit 112 is provided inside the image processing circuit unit 212.

The above configuration will be described in detail.
In 3, the image read by the CCD 208 is
Each of the three color components of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) is output to the image processing circuit unit 212 as a digital signal. The masking circuit 112 of the image processing circuit unit 212 calculates the CCD 2
The signal (R0, G0, B0) inputted from the step 08 is converted into a standard (R, G, B) signal.

[0068]

(Equation 1)

Where c ij (i = 1, 2, 3 j = 1, 2,
3) is a constant unique to the image forming apparatus in consideration of various characteristics such as the sensitivity characteristics of the CCD 208 and the spectral characteristics of the illumination light source 203.

The brightness / density conversion unit 104 is constituted by a look-up table of RAM or ROM, and performs an operation shown by the following equation. C1 = −K × log10 (R / 255) M1 = −K × log10 (G / 255) (2) Y1 = −K × log10 (B / 255) (K is a constant) Output masking / UCR circuit 106 Is M1, C1, Y
One signal is represented by Y, M, C, and B, which are the toner colors of the image forming apparatus.
This is a part for converting into a k signal, and the operation shown in the following equation is performed.

[0071]

(Equation 2)

Where aij (i = 1, 2, 3, 4 j = 1,
2, 3, and 4) are constants unique to the image forming apparatus in consideration of various color characteristics of the toner. Further, Bk1 = min (C1, M1, Y1) (4) In the image forming apparatus 103, The above (2), (3), (4)
Based on the formula, the C1, M1, Y1, and Bk1 signals based on the R, G, and B signals read by the CCD 208 are corrected and output as C, M, Y, and Bk signals based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner. .

The character / line drawing detection circuit 105 determines whether each pixel constituting the original image is a part of a character or a line drawing, and generates a character / line drawing determination signal TEXT. The compression / expansion circuit 107 outputs the image signal (R,
G, B) and the character / line drawing determination signal TEXT are compressed to reduce the amount of information, and then stored in the image memory 108.
Image signal (R, G, B) and character / line drawing determination signal TEX
This is a circuit for expanding T. The compression / expansion circuit 107 is not particularly described except for the above.

On the other hand, in the controller 102, the CP
U110 controls each part of the controller 102, and Y, M, and M corresponding to the above-described spectral distribution characteristics of the toner.
The C and Bk signals are stored in the image memory 109, and the Y, M, C, and Bk signals are read from the image memory 109 in synchronization with the image forming timing of the image forming apparatus. Further, the CPU 110 executes processing shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 described later. The image memory 109 holds an image signal read from a document by the CCD 208 of the image forming apparatus 103 via the connection cable 242, and a computer image transmitted from the host computer 101 via the connection cable 243. The signal may be retained. The display unit (not shown) displays a message (described later) and the like based on the control of the CPU 110.

[Operation of Image Forming Apparatus Alone] In the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention, both the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 alone and the system operation of the image forming apparatus 103 including the controller 102 are performed. Exists.

First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 alone will be described. In the case of the operation of the image forming apparatus 103 alone and the operation of the copying machine, the CCD 208
The image signal read from the original by the masking circuit 1
12. After being compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 107 via the luminance / density conversion unit 104, the data is written to the image memory 108. The character / line drawing determination signal TEXT determined by the character / line drawing detection circuit 105 is also written into the image memory 108 after being compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 107. Further, the data read from the image memory 108 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 107 and sent according to the image forming timing of the image forming apparatus 103.
The data is sent to the laser driver via a PWM circuit (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus alone according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, image data read by the CCD 208 is written to the image memory 108 at the timing indicated by 401. Further, the image data written on the image memory 108 is read out at timings indicated by 402, 403, 404 and 405. 402,
The timing relationships shown in 403, 404 and 405 are read out at intervals of time d / v as shown in the figure. Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, d is the four photosensitive drums 217, 221, 22 arranged at equal intervals.
5, 229, and v is the speed of the sheet conveyed by the conveyor belt 239.

[System Operation Including Controller] Next, a system operation including the controller 102 in the image forming apparatus 103 will be described. The system operation including the controller 102 in the image forming apparatus 103 is roughly divided into a scan operation, a PDL expansion operation, and a printout operation.

First, the scanning operation will be described. In the scanning operation, image data read from a document by the CCD 208 of the image forming apparatus 103 is transferred to the controller 10.
2 is an operation to be taken in. The image data is converted into RGB data or YMCK data,
Is held.

Next, the PDL expansion operation will be described.
The PDL expansion operation is performed by transmitting the PDL data sent from the host computer 101 to the CPU 110 of the controller 102.
Is translated into a full-color image by the image memory 109.
This is the operation of writing on the top. This full-color image corresponds to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (B
The image data is developed as image data separated into four colors k).

Next, the printout operation will be described. In the printout operation, the full-color image signal developed on the image memory 109 and the character / line image determination signal TEXT signal indicating the identification of the character / line image are synchronized with the operation of the four photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, and 229. This is the operation of reading out the data, sending it to the laser driver via a PWM circuit (not shown), and printing out.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the system operation including the controller in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a PDL expansion operation is performed in a section indicated by 501, and a character / line drawing determination signal TEXT is generated in a section indicated by 502, and a writing operation to the image memory 109 is performed at the same time. Image memory 10
9 are 503, 504, 5
It is read at the timings indicated by 05 and 506.
The timing relationships indicated by 503, 504, 505 and 506 are read out at intervals of time d / v as shown. Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, d is the four photosensitive drums 217, 221 arranged at regular intervals.
225, 229, and v is the speed of the sheet conveyed by the conveyor belt 239.

Here, the characteristic feature is that the PDL expansion operation and the generation of the character / line image determination signal TEXT are performed simultaneously, and the PDL expansion operation and the character / line image determination signal TEXT are performed.
As compared with the case where the image generation is sequentially performed, the processing speed in the image forming apparatus is increased. Control for simultaneously processing the PDL expansion operation and the generation of the character / line drawing determination signal TEXT is performed by the CPU 110 of the controller 102.

[Duplex Printing from Host Computer] Next, the host computer 101
A case will be described in which the image forming apparatus 103 performs double-sided printing via the printer 2. On the host computer 101, PDL data for double-sided printing is generated by a printer driver, and the PDL data is generated by the host computer 101.
Is transmitted to the controller 102 via a network such as a parallel cable or an Ethernet cable (Ethernet: LAN having a bus structure jointly developed by Xerox, DEC, and Intel Corporation in the United States).

In the controller 102, the PDL data transferred from the host computer 101 is stored in the hard disk 111 in the controller, and the PDL data is developed as a raster image in the image memory 109 by the CPU 110 in the controller. The raster data developed in the image memory 109 is sent to the laser driver of the image forming apparatus 103 via the connection cable (interface cable) 242, and printing is started.

When printing is started in the image forming apparatus 103, paper is fed from one of the paper cassette 234, the paper cassette 235, and the manual feed tray 236 in accordance with an instruction from the controller 102, and then the paper is transferred. The image on the first surface is formed on the sheet while the sheet is conveyed by the transfer belt 238 while being attracted onto the belt 238. At this time, the controller 102 first needs to send the image of the first side of the sheet to the image forming apparatus 103.

After the sheet on which the image of the first side is formed passes through the duplex path 244 and is re-fed, the sheet is fed from the sheet cassette 235 or the manual feed tray 236, and
Refeeding from the two-sided pass 244 is performed alternately. From the controller 102, for example, if the number of pages is 16
The image forming apparatus 103 sorts a document having one copy on a page in ascending order.
To send to 1-3-5-7-2-9
−4−11−6−13−8−8−15−10
Send in the order of -12-14-16.

[Stack Mode Printing] Next, a staple sorter (finisher) 301 is connected to the image forming apparatus 103 as an accessory device.
The following describes a stack mode in which when the printer is used as a printer, the host computer 101 designates stack mode printing and outputs a print result (printed paper) to the bin of the staple sorter 301.

In this case, in the staple sorter 301, as described above, for example, 20 sort bins are arranged in the up-down direction, and sorting (a function of arranging printed completed papers in page order), grouping (printing completed papers in the same order). Functions for sorting page numbers into groups, staples (a function to bind the ends of printed sheets with staples), and stacks (a function to stack printed sheets on a predetermined number of sheets in multiple sort bins regardless of page order) Can be operated.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing communication control between the controller and the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, T601 to T610 indicate communication steps.
First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 103 is turned on, the image forming apparatus 103 acquires the configuration information of the connected accessory device (staple sorter 301) through communication with the accessory device via a communication line.

In order to use the staple sorter 301 from the host computer 101, it is necessary to install a printer driver. After the installation, the staple sorter 301 is selected by the configuration setting of the printer driver. Depending on the type of printer driver installed in the host computer 101,
With the auto-configuration function, it is possible to automatically obtain the connection state of the accessory device such as the staple sorter 301 from the communication between the image forming apparatus 103 and the controller 102 and reflect the connection state on the printer driver.

In order to perform stack mode printing by the image forming apparatus 103, printing is started by the image forming apparatus 103 by specifying stack mode printing from the printer driver on the host computer 101.

Upon receiving the PDL data from the host computer 101, the controller 102 develops the data as a bit map in the image memory 109 for the frame buffer. Then, in T601, the controller 102
Before printing is started by the image forming apparatus 103, Sta
A tus command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 103, and an inquiry about the state of the staple sorter 301 is made with the image forming apparatus 103. In T602, the image forming apparatus 103
The controller 10 informs the controller 102 of the state of the paper, the presence or absence of an error, and the state of the image forming apparatus 103 and the staple sorter 301 (preparation or printing).
Reply to 2.

At T603, the controller 102 sends information on the page to be printed to the image forming apparatus 103. The Ready Page command in T603 includes a portion for sending the number of sheets, a paper feeding location for forming an image on the first side, a paper discharging location, a print instruction in a color mode, and a material (for example, plain paper, thick paper, Thick mouth, O
A portion for sending information such as HP, coated paper, film, etc.), a paper feeding point for forming an image on the second side (two-sided pass), a paper discharging point (outside the machine), and a color mode. And a part for sending information such as print instructions and materials. In single-sided printing for printing on one side of a sheet, only the information on the first side is used.

At T604, the image forming apparatus 103 stores the information sent from the controller 102,
The controller 102 notifies the controller 102 that the information has been received. If the storage of the information fails, a retransmission request is sent to the controller 1.
02. At this time, in the image forming apparatus 103,
Information on the first side and information on the second side of the sheet are separately managed. The controller 102 transmits information to the image forming apparatus 103 by a Ready Page command each time the information on the previous sheet is different from the information on the first or second side of the current sheet. However, the second and subsequent Ready Page commands may be transmitted during printing.

At T605, printing is started by the image forming apparatus 103. At this time, from the controller 102,
An instruction for stack mode printing is also given to the image forming apparatus 103 at the same time. In T608, the image forming apparatus 103 notifies the controller 102 whether printing can be started. During printing by the image forming apparatus 103, the controller 1
02 periodically indicates the status as shown in T609.
By transmitting a command to the image forming apparatus 103,
The state of the image forming apparatus 103 is checked. In T610, the image forming apparatus 103 returns a print report to the controller 102.

The paper that has been printed and discharged by the image forming apparatus 103 is sent to a staple sorter 301 mounted on the image forming apparatus 103, and the staple sorter 301
Are discharged to the sort bins arranged in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction. In this case, the first bin at the top is used as the sort bin for discharging the print completed paper.
In the staple sorter 301, each time the stack mode stacking sheet number of sheets determined from the print start stack mode instruction and the sheet feeding location and material sheet information in T607 is discharged to the sort bin (ie,
Each time the number of stacked bins reaches the specified number, the sort bin is switched, and sheets are discharged to the next sort bin.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the number of sheets stacked in the stack mode in the sort bin of the staple sorter 301 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the maximum number of stacked bins depends on the operation mode, paper size, and material. In the figure, PP is plain paper, TRA
Represents OHP, HVY represents thick paper, ExH represents the thickest opening, SP1 represents special paper 1, SP2 represents special paper 2, THN represents thin paper, and Auto represents automatic detection.

Then, the controller 102 sends the Repo at T610 in FIG.
By returning the number of printed sheets in the print report of the rt command, it is known whether or not the image forming apparatus 103 has stopped. In the stack mode in the staple sorter 301, after the printing is completed, the outputs of the second and subsequent sort bins are stacked on the output of the first sort bin, so that all print outputs that match the output order from the image forming apparatus 103 can be obtained. it can.

As described above, the controller 102 only issues an instruction for the stack mode to the image forming apparatus 103, and the control of the sort bin from which the print completed paper is discharged is performed by the image forming apparatus 103 and the staple sorter 301. Also, in the non-sort tray output and the stack mode in which the print completed paper is not output to the sort bin, the controller 1
02 does not change the output order. In the stack mode of the present embodiment, for example, in the case of A4 plain paper, the non-sort tray output not using the stack mode is up to 250 sheets, whereas the number of stacked sheets per sort bin is 3 sheets.
If the number of sheets is 0, 600 sheets can be stacked in all 20 sort bins.

[Print Job Control in Stack Mode] Next, the host computer 101 sends an image to the image forming apparatus 103.
The control of the controller 102 in the stack mode in the print job transmitted to the printer will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing control processing in the stack mode by the controller 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, in step S801, the controller 102 receives a print job from the host computer 101, and in step S802, the controller 102 develops the received print job into a raster image. In step S803, the controller 102 compares the printable number of printable sheets with the total number of stackable sheets for the print job. If the number of printable sheets is equal to or smaller than the total number of stackable sheets, the controller 102 proceeds to the process of step S805 and performs printing. If the prepared number exceeds the total number of stacked sheets, the process proceeds to step S804.

The total stacking number is set by the controller 102 based on the attributes of the print job. In the sort bin equipped with 20 tiers in the staple sorter 301, for example, the total stacking number of print jobs of thick paper and A4 paper size is 15 sheets per sort bin as shown in FIG. (Sheets) × 20 (sort bins) results in 300 sheets.

In step S804, the controller 10
In step S2, the number of print preparation sheets is set to the total number of stacked sheets, and the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805,
The controller 102 notifies the image forming apparatus 103 of the number of sheets ready for printing. The information on the number of print ready sheets is shown in FIG.
In the Ready Page command in T603. Also in step S806, the information on the paper feeding location and the material is stored in the Read in T603 in FIG.
The controller 102 notifies the image forming apparatus 103 of the information on the paper feeding point and the material, which is included in the y page.

In step S807, the controller 102
Issues a command to start printing to the image forming apparatus 103. Thus, printing is started in the image forming apparatus 103. The command to start printing corresponds to the Start command in T607 in FIG. An instruction to start printing is sent from the controller 102 to the image forming apparatus 10.
3, the image forming apparatus 103 notifies the staple sorter 301 of attributes such as the operation mode of the print job (in this case, the stack mode), the material, and the paper size, and starts printing in step S808.

In step S809, the image forming apparatus 10
3 terminates printing when the print job is completed,
Return to idle state. If the print job has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S810, the image forming apparatus 103 stops, and the controller 102 displays a message “Please remove paper from the sort bin” on the display unit. In step S811, when the user removes the sheet from the sort bin, the process returns to step S803, and the image forming apparatus 103 resumes the print processing of the remaining print job.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the P
A controller that translates the DL data and develops the image into a color image; an image forming apparatus that forms an image generated by the controller on paper;
Staple sorter 3 for processing paper on which an image has been formed
01, the controller 102 performs image formation in the stack mode using the staple sorter 301 in the image forming apparatus 103.
Since the stack mode and the type of paper are specified for the image forming apparatus 103 and the total number of sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 103 to the staple sorter 301 is controlled, the following effects are obtained.

The controller 102 specifies to the image forming apparatus 103 the type of paper to be printed and the stack mode (a mode in which a predetermined number of printed sheets are stacked in a plurality of sort bins regardless of page order). By managing the total number of printed sheets discharged to the sort bin of the staple sorter 301 mounted on the 103, an image forming system capable of stacking the sort bin on the sort bin can be realized.

[Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment of the present invention, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is taken as an example of the image forming system, but the number of image forming apparatuses, controllers, and host computers can be set arbitrarily. It can be a number.

(2) In the above embodiment of the present invention, a finisher (staple sorter) mounted on the image forming apparatus
However, the case where a saddle stitcher having a function of folding the print completed paper in half and a trimmer having a function of cutting the print completed paper is provided as an example, Alternatively, a configuration in which another function is added to, or a configuration in which part of the above function is replaced with another function may be adopted.

(3) In the above embodiment of the present invention, the case where the image forming apparatus and the controller are configured separately (in a separate housing) is described as an example. However, from the gist of the present invention, A configuration in which a controller is integrated with the image forming apparatus (a configuration with the same housing) or a configuration in which the image forming apparatus has a function of the controller (a configuration with the same housing) may be employed.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus constituted by a single device. A medium such as a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the medium in the medium such as a storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code thus set.

In this case, the program code itself read from a medium such as a storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the medium such as a storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Will be. Examples of a medium such as a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-RO.
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card,
ROM or download via a network can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes, and the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instructions of the program codes. It goes without saying that a part or all of the above-described processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read out from a medium such as a storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the instruction of the program code is written. It is needless to say that the CPU of the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the above, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a conceptual example in which a program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data are supplied from a storage medium to a device such as a computer. A program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data are stored in a storage medium 1 such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM.
101 is supplied by inserting it into an insertion slot 1103 of a storage medium drive provided in a device 1102 such as a computer. Thereafter, a program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data are temporarily installed from a storage medium 1101 to a hard disk and RA
The program and related data can be executed by loading the program into the M or directly loading the program into the RAM without installing the program on the hard disk.

In this case, when the program for executing the output control method of the present invention is executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, the computer or the like as described with reference to FIG. The program and related data are supplied to a controller, an image forming apparatus, and a host computer constituting the image forming system via the apparatus, or the program, the controller, the image forming apparatus, and the host computer constituting the image forming system. By storing the related data, the program can be executed.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the storage contents of a storage medium storing a program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data. The storage medium includes storage contents such as volume information 1001, directory information 1002, a program execution file 1003, and a program-related data file 1004. A program for executing the output control method of the present invention is a program code based on the above-described flowchart and control procedure.

[0119]

As described above, according to the image forming system of the present invention, the image generating means controls the type of paper on which an image is formed by the image forming means and the stack mode (image forming completed papers are irrespective of page order). (A mode in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked on a plurality of output medium storage units) is specified for the image forming unit, and the total number of image formation completed sheets discharged to the output medium storage unit of the output medium processing unit is managed.
There is an effect that an image forming system capable of stacking on the output medium storing means can be realized.

In the image generating apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the output medium processing apparatus of the present invention, the output control method of the present invention, and the storage medium of the present invention, the output medium processing is performed in the same manner as described above. By managing the total number of ejected sheets of image formation paper to the output medium storing means of the means, it is possible to realize an image forming system capable of stacking the output medium storing means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus and a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention and showing a flow of an image signal.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, a staple sorter, a controller, and a host computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as a single unit.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a system operation including the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating communication between the image forming apparatus and the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the number of stacked stacks in the staple sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control process in a stack mode by the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process in a stack mode by the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of storage contents of a storage medium storing a program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual example in which a program for executing the output control method of the present invention and related data are supplied from a storage medium to a device such as a computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

101A, 101B Host computer (upper device) 102 Controller (image generating means, image generating apparatus) 103 Image forming apparatus (image forming means, image forming apparatus) 110 CPU 242 Connection cable (communication means) 301 Staple sorter (output medium processing means) , Output media processing device)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 108 H04N 1/00 108K 5C062 F term (Reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AR01 AS02 HN05 HN15 HN20 2H027 DC02 DC09 DC19 FA05 FA23 FA24 FA35 GB07 ZA07 2H072 AA32 AB07 BA12 CA01 CA02 CA05 CB09 FC06 FC20 3F108 GA01 HA02 HA32 5B021 AA01 KK01 KK02 5C062 AA05 AB22 AB30 AC11 AC60 AF07

Claims (43)

[Claims] 1. An image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a host device, an image forming means for forming an image generated by the image generating means on an output medium,
An output medium processing unit that processes an output medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, wherein the image generating unit uses the output medium processing unit in the image forming unit. In forming an image in the output medium processing mode, the output medium processing mode and the type of output medium are specified to the image forming unit, and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit is calculated. An image forming system for performing control. 2. The output medium processing mode includes: a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order; a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups each having the same page number;
2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a staple mode in which the output medium is bound with a staple, and a stack mode in which a predetermined number of output media are stacked irrespective of page order. 3. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a communication unit communicably connecting the image generating unit and the image forming unit, wherein the image generating unit operates in the stack mode using the output medium processing unit in the image forming unit. At the time of image formation, the stack mode and the type of output medium are specified to the image forming unit, and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit is controlled via the communication unit. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein 4. The output medium processing means includes at least one output medium storage means for storing an output medium, and controls the output medium storage means in accordance with the output medium processing mode specified in advance. Claims 1 to 3
The image forming system according to any one of the above. 5. The output medium processing unit switches the output medium storage target to the next output medium storage unit every time a predetermined number of output media are stored in the output medium storage unit. The image forming system as described in the above. 6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the type of the output medium includes plain paper, thick paper, and a thickest opening. 7. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein, when the number of image formation ready sheets that can be formed by the image forming means is larger than the total number of ejected sheets, the image forming section sets the number of image formation ready sheets to the total number of ejected sheets. 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit starts image forming, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storing unit after the image forming unit is stopped is removed, the image forming unit restarts image forming. An image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein said image generating means includes a display means for performing a display urging removal of the output medium discharged to said output medium storage means. 9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image generating unit and the image forming unit are provided in separate housings. 10. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said image generating means and said image forming means are provided in the same housing. 11. An output medium processing device for processing an output medium on which an image is formed is mounted, communicably connected to an image forming device for forming an image on the output medium, and image data transmitted from a higher-level device. An image generating apparatus that generates an image based on an output medium processing mode in the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus generates an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing apparatus. An image generating apparatus, wherein the type of medium is designated and the total number of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus to the output medium processing apparatus is controlled. 12. The output medium processing mode includes a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups of the same page number, a staple mode in which output media are bound with staples, and an output medium in page mode. The image generating apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a stack mode in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked in any order. 13. When the image forming apparatus forms an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing apparatus, the stack mode and the type of output medium are specified to the image forming apparatus, and the image is formed. 13. The image generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control of the total number of output media discharged from the forming apparatus to the output medium processing apparatus is performed via a communication unit. 14. The output medium type includes plain paper, cardboard, and thickest opening.
The image generation device according to any one of the above. 15. When the number of images ready for image formation that can be formed by the image forming apparatus is greater than the total number of discharged sheets, the number of images ready for image formation is set to the total number of discharged sheets and image formation is started in the image forming apparatus. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein after the image forming apparatus is stopped, the output medium discharged to the output medium storing unit of the output medium processing apparatus is removed, and then the image forming apparatus resumes image formation. 1
5. The image generation device according to any one of 4. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising display means for displaying a message prompting removal of the output medium discharged to said output medium storage means of said output medium processing device.
The image generation device according to any one of the preceding claims. 17. An image processing apparatus for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-level device, communicatively connected to the image generating apparatus, and an output medium processing apparatus for processing an output medium on which an image is formed is mounted. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on an output medium, wherein, when forming an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing apparatus, the image generation apparatus specifies the output medium processing mode and determines the type of output medium. An image forming apparatus, wherein the designation is performed and the total number of output media discharged to the output medium processing device is controlled. 18. The output medium processing mode includes a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted in groups of the same page number, a staple mode in which output media are bound with staples, and an output medium in page mode. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a stack mode in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked in any order. 19. When an image is formed in the stack mode using the output medium processing device, the image generation device specifies the stack mode and the type of output medium, and performs image processing for the output medium processing device. 19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein control of the total number of output media discharged is performed via communication means. 20. The type of output medium includes plain paper, cardboard, and thickest opening.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 21. When the number of image formation ready sheets that can form an image by the image generation device is larger than the total number of ejected sheets,
The image formation preparation number is set to the total discharge number, the image formation is started, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storage device is removed after the image forming operation is stopped, the image formation is restarted. 17. The method according to claim 17, wherein:
0. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 22. An image forming apparatus that forms an image generated by an image generating apparatus that generates an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-order apparatus on an output medium, and the image forming apparatus forms the image. An output medium processing apparatus for processing an output medium, wherein, when forming an image in an output medium processing mode in the image forming apparatus, controlling the total number of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus by the image generating apparatus. An output medium processing device, wherein: 23. The output medium processing mode includes a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted into groups of the same page number, a staple mode in which output media are bound with staples, and an output medium in page mode. 23. The output medium processing apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a stack mode for sorting a predetermined number of sheets regardless of order. 24. When forming an image in the stack mode in the image forming apparatus, the image generating apparatus
24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the total number of output media discharged from the image forming apparatus is controlled.
An output medium processing device according to claim 1. 25. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising at least one output medium storing means for storing an output medium, wherein said output medium storing means is controlled in accordance with said output medium processing mode specified in advance. An output medium processing device according to any one of the above. 26. The output medium storage means is switched to the next output medium storage means every time a predetermined number of output media are stored in the output medium storage means.
An output medium processing device according to claim 1. 27. The type of output medium includes plain paper, cardboard, and thickest opening.
The output medium processing device according to any one of the above. 28. An image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-level device, an image forming means for forming an image generated by the image generating means on an output medium, and an image And an output medium processing means for processing an output medium on which is formed an output medium processing method, the output control method being executed by an image forming system using the output medium processing mode using the output medium processing means in the image forming means. At the time of image formation, the image generating means designates the output medium processing mode and the type of output medium to the image forming means, and the total number of output media output from the image forming means to the output medium processing means. An output control method characterized by performing the following control. 29. The output medium processing mode includes a sort mode in which output media are arranged in page order, a group mode in which output media are sorted in groups of the same page numbers, a staple mode in which output media are bound with staples, and an output medium in page mode. 29. The output control method according to claim 28, further comprising a stack mode in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked in any order. 30. When the image forming means forms an image in the stack mode using the output medium processing means, the image generating means specifies the stack mode and the type of output medium for the image forming means. 30. The output control method according to claim 28, wherein the control of the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit is performed via a communication unit. 31. An output medium storage means provided in at least one of the output medium processing means and storing an output medium according to the output medium processing mode designated in advance. 30. The output control method according to any one of 30. 32. Each time a predetermined number of output media are stored in said output medium storage means provided in said output medium processing means, the output medium storage target is switched to the next output medium storage means. The output control method according to claim 31. 33. The type of output medium includes plain paper, cardboard, and thickest opening.
The output control method according to any one of the above. 34. When the number of images ready for image formation capable of forming an image by the image forming means is larger than the total number of discharged sheets, the image forming means sets the number of ready images for image formation to the total number of discharged sheets and sets the total number of discharged sheets. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit starts image forming, and after the output medium discharged to the output medium storing unit after the image forming unit stops is removed, the image forming unit restarts image forming.
34. The output control method according to any one of items 8 to 33. 35. The output control method according to claim 34, wherein a display urging removal of the output medium discharged to said output medium storage means is performed by said image generation means. 36. An image generating means for generating an image based on image data transmitted from a higher-level device, an image forming means for forming an image generated by the image generating means on an output medium, and an image A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that executes an output control method applied to an image forming system including an output medium processing unit that processes an output medium formed with
In the output control method, when forming an image in an output medium processing mode using the output medium processing unit in the image forming unit, the image generation unit specifies the output medium processing mode to the image forming unit and outputs the output medium. And a step of controlling the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit by the image generating unit. 37. The output medium processing mode includes: a sort mode for arranging output media in page order; a group mode for sorting output media into groups of the same page number; a staple mode for binding output media with staples; 37. The storage medium according to claim 36, further comprising a stack mode in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked in any order. 38. The output control method, wherein, when the image forming unit uses the output medium processing unit to form an image in the stack mode, the image generating unit specifies the stack mode to the image forming unit and Specifying the type of output medium, and controlling the total number of output media discharged from the image forming unit to the output medium processing unit via the communication unit by the image generation unit. The storage medium according to claim 36 or 37. 39. The output control method includes a step of controlling at least one output medium storage means provided in the output medium processing means and storing an output medium according to the output medium processing mode specified in advance. The storage medium according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein: 40. The output control method, wherein each time a predetermined number of output media are stored in the output medium storage means provided in the output medium processing means, the output medium storage target is transferred to the next output medium storage means. The storage medium according to claim 39, further comprising a step of switching. 41. The type of the output medium includes plain paper, cardboard, and thickest opening.
The storage medium according to any one of the above. 42. The output control method according to claim 27, wherein, when the number of image formation preparation sheets which can form an image by said image forming means is larger than said total discharge number, said image generation means sets said image formation preparation number to said total discharge number. Setting the image forming unit to start image formation, and causing the image forming unit to resume image formation after the output medium discharged to the output medium storage unit after the image forming unit is stopped is removed. 37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising:
42. The storage medium according to any one of claims 41 to 41. 43. The storage according to claim 42, wherein the output control method includes a step of performing a display prompting the image generation unit to remove the output medium discharged to the output medium storage unit. Medium.