JP2003103878A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which a job registered later than a job under confirmation can be executed smoothly even during confirmation of the test print of a proof print. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises a control means for leaving proof print in a state waiting for designation if execution of job is not designated upon elapsing a specified time after test print and starting proof print if other job is present.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a digital type image forming apparatus which stores image data in a storage means and forms an image based on these image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a digital image forming apparatus, image data is transferred from an information processing apparatus through a communication means and stored in a storage means, and is stored in a predetermined recording medium based on the image data at a predetermined time. An image is formed and output.

As described above, since the image data is temporarily stored in the storage means, there has been proposed a function of performing various processes using the image data. As an example of the function,
There is one that registers (stores) the transferred image data and setting data (operating environment conditions, etc.) in which processing for forming an image of this image data is set as a “job”.
This job can be registered in plural by making various settings, and the image forming apparatus forms an image as set in the job.

The job is stored in the volatile first storage means as a set of image data and setting data. The sequentially stored image data forms an image based on the setting data, and the job is executed. It The contents of the executed job are
Since it is only stored in the volatile first storage means, it is sequentially erased.

When the set job is to be reused later, the job content may be copied (data copy) to the non-volatile second storage means and stored semipermanently. An image forming apparatus that can be used is also known. As the non-volatile second storage means, for example, a hard disk (HDD) having suitable specifications such as storage capacity and read / write speed is used.

The storage in the second storage means is performed by the image forming apparatus by setting in the setting data that the image data is stored in the second storage means at the time of transfer from the information processing apparatus. Store in the second storage means. Alternatively, the operation means of the image forming apparatus is operated to duplicate the image data stored in the first storage means, and the image data is stored in the second storage means.

[0007] One of the jobs is proof printing, in which a part of the trial printing is first performed and then the total number of printings is performed. For example, DTP (Desk Top Pub)
When used as an image forming device for
It can be expected that the number of print copies will increase. If it is necessary to change the print magnification or the position of the stapling process after printing all the numbers at once, the already printed ones will be wasted, so such waste will not occur. It is for.

[0008]

However, in the proof printing, the image processing apparatus, after performing the test printing,
Awaiting user confirmation. While waiting for confirmation, the image processing apparatus displays a confirmation screen including a screen for changing various setting conditions, a screen for starting the printing of all copies, and a screen for deleting the job, and the job that is being reserved. Was waiting.

Therefore, if the user takes a long time to confirm or forgets the confirmation, the apparatus is in the same state as when the apparatus is stopped, and the pending jobs are delayed.

On the other hand, since it is possible to receive registration of a new job even while waiting for confirmation, the storage means
Jobs were registered one after another, and more jobs were delayed.

That is, due to the confirmation of the test print, the utilization efficiency of the apparatus is significantly reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to execute a reserved job or cancel proof printing even during confirmation of proof printing trial printing. Therefore, it is to provide an image forming apparatus having high utilization efficiency. further,
When the image data of the proof printing that has been stopped is stored in the first storage means, the image data is stored in the second non-volatile storage means so that the image data stopped due to power-off will not be lost. Another object is to provide an image forming apparatus that safely stores image data.

[0013]

The present invention takes the following means in order to solve the above problems.

That is, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function in which image data is stored in a storage unit and a print job is performed after a job execution instruction is issued after the test printing. If there is no job execution instruction even after a lapse of a predetermined time after, proof printing is kept in an instruction waiting state, and a control means for controlling to start if there is another job is provided. Is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the proof printing function of storing the image data in the storage means and performing the print job after the job execution instruction after the test printing, the test printing is performed. If there is no job execution instruction even after a predetermined time elapses after that, a control means for stopping the proof printing is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image data is stored in the volatile first storage means or the non-volatile second storage means, and after the test printing, the job execution instruction is given before printing. In an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function for performing a job, if there is no job execution instruction even after a predetermined time has passed after test printing, the proof printing is stopped and the image data is stored in the first storage means. In this case, it has a control means for transferring to the second storage means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the proof printing function of storing the image data in the storage means and executing the print job after the job execution instruction after the test printing, the test printing is performed. After the first predetermined time has elapsed, if there is no job execution instruction, proof printing remains in the instruction waiting state, and while controlling to start if there is another job, the first predetermined time After the lapse of time, if there is no job execution instruction even after the lapse of the second predetermined time, a control means for stopping the proof printing is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image data is stored in the volatile first storage means or the non-volatile second storage means, and after the test printing, there is a job execution instruction before printing. In an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function for performing a job, if there is no job execution instruction even after the first predetermined time has passed after the test printing, the proof printing remains in the instruction waiting state, and there is another job. If there is no job execution instruction even after the second predetermined time has elapsed after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the proof printing is stopped and the image data is stored in the first storage. When it is stored in the means, it has a control means for transferring to the second storage means.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function of storing image data in a storage means and performing a print job after a job execution instruction after the test printing, the test printing is performed. If there is no job execution instruction even after the lapse of the first predetermined time, the proof print job remains in the instruction waiting state, and if there is another job, the proof print job is activated and the proof printing is stopped. It is characterized by that.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image data is stored in the volatile first storage means or the non-volatile second storage means, and after the test printing, the job execution instruction is given before printing. In an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function for performing a job, if there is no job execution instruction even after the first predetermined time has passed after the test printing, the proof printing remains in the instruction waiting state, and there is another job. If it is started, the proof printing is stopped, and if the image data is stored in the first storage unit, the control unit transfers the image data to the second storage unit. .

In the image forming apparatus having the proof printing function of storing the image data in the storage means and performing the print job after the job execution instruction is given after the test printing, the proof confirmation can be performed. It is characterized in that it has display means for displaying a basic screen including keys.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the proof printing function of storing the image data in the storage means and performing the print job after the test printing after the job execution instruction is issued, the proof confirmation is performed. It is characterized by further comprising display means for displaying a basic screen including keys, and control means for controlling the display means so as to display a proof confirmation key when there is proof printing that has been stopped.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the image device of this example. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus of this example includes a control unit 1 for controlling each component according to a predetermined control program, a print recording unit 2 as an image forming unit for forming an image on a transfer sheet, and image data. A RAM 3 (first storage means) for storing the above, a HDD 4 (second storage means) as a non-volatile storage means, and a display section 5 for displaying a display screen according to various functions using, for example, an LCD touch panel, It is configured to include an operation unit 6 which is an operation unit having a large number of keys for setting various modes and inputting the number of prints, and an interface 7 as an interface with the information processing apparatus.

The control means 1 manages and controls the state of each part of the image forming apparatus, and also has a function as a control part for controlling the drive of the print output means 2 and a control for managing and executing jobs. Function as a control unit, a function as a control unit for controlling the display unit 5, a function as a control unit for storing, transferring, deleting image data, and the like, and enlarging / reducing an image, rotating, changing a print position, etc. And a function as an image processing control unit. In order to achieve this function, specifically, the CPU 1a, various control programs, and various data necessary for executing the control programs are stored, and a work area for executing the control programs is configured. System memory 1b for
have.

The print output means 2 is, for example, a laser optical system, a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic pattern (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface by scanning with a laser beam, a charger for precharging the photosensitive drum, an electrostatic latent image. Conveying the transfer paper, a developing device that attaches negatively charged toner to the image to form a visible image, a printing device such as a transfer device that transfers the visible image formed by the toner formed on the photosensitive drum onto the transfer paper, and the transfer paper. Transport means, sort processing,
It has stapling and punching functions.

The sort process is a process in which transfer paper sheets to be continuously discharged are arranged in a desired order or stacked in the order. Further, the sheet discharge position is sequentially changed, and the sheet discharge processing is performed so that the bundle of transfer sheets can be separated part by part. Further, the stapling process is, for example, a process similar to stapling, which is generally called, and when a plurality of transfer sheets on which images have been formed are stacked, a binding tool is provided at a predetermined position so that a plurality of transfer sheets can be provided. The binding is processed. Further, in the punching process, instead of providing a binding tool in the stapling process, a "binding hole" for passing a binding cord or the like is formed at a predetermined position of the output paper P having a plurality of sheets stacked therein. Processing.

The operation section 6 is formed by stacking a touch panel for accepting operations and a display section 5 made of an LCD for displaying patterns and characters, and pressing the touch panel at the position displayed on the LCD for operation. The display operation unit is configured as described above. In addition, "0" to "9"
It has key buttons including a ten-key pad, "*" key, "#" key, etc., a stop / clear button, a start button, etc.

The interface 7 is for connecting to an external information processing device such as a personal computer and for exchanging data, and is a microprocessor for controlling transmission, a hard disk or RAM for storing various data, a SCSI or a device 1.
It is configured to include an interface such as 0BaseT and the like, and members for mounting.

Next, the case of forming an image based on the image data created by the information processing device such as the personal computer will be described. A user forms image data using various software on a personal computer and inputs setting data relating to image formation (setting data relating to image formation) using a printer driver (software) installed on the personal computer. . When the image data and the setting data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus, the transmitted image data and the setting data are registered as a job. The image data stored as the job content is stored in the RAM 3 (R
Multiple jobs can be stored in AM3).
After that, jobs that have been sequentially registered are processed, and jobs for which image formation has been performed are deleted from the RAM 3.

Here, an example of the screen (of the printer driver) displayed on the personal computer is shown in the explanatory view of FIG.
This screen 23 is operated in the same manner as the "print setting" displayed in a window format on a general personal computer, and the size information such as A4 / B5 regarding the original and the output paper, plain paper / thick paper / thin paper (type ), And information relating to the magnification (zoom) of the image when the image is formed on the output paper. Further, as a simple processing of the output paper, it is possible to set a sequence, a boundary, a stapling process, an image formation on both sides or one side of the output paper, a punch hole processing, etc. regarding page layout.

When setting the image forming apparatus using the printer driver, the number of output copies of the general setting items,
Select the output tray to output the output paper, select the output post-processing such as sorting or sorting when the number of output copies is large, and select "normal print", "save HDD", "save" for image data processing. "Save HDD + print", "proof print", "Save HDD + proof print" can be selected by the button 23a.

The "normal printing" is to transmit image data and setting data to the image forming apparatus after each setting is made in the printer driver, and sequentially form an image based on the data (general printing). It is similar to the screen printing of a computer).

"HDD storage" means the current user terminal PC2.
The image data in 1) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus together with the setting data as described above, and is stored in the HDD 4 of the image forming apparatus, and thereafter, the output operation of image formation is not performed unless otherwise specified.

The "save HDD + print" stores the image data and the setting data sent from the personal computer in the HDD 4, as in the case of the above "save HDD", and further forms an image based on this data. The output operation and processing are performed.

In the "proof printing", similar to the case of the "normal printing", the image data and the setting data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus, and based on the data, the image is first formed and a part of the trial printing is performed. It is to output and to output all numbers after confirmation by the user.

The "HDD storage + proof printing" stores the image data and the setting data sent from the personal computer in the HDD 4, similarly to the description of the "HDD storage", and further, based on this data, first, An image is formed, a part of the test print is output, and after the confirmation by the user, all the output operations and processes are performed.

Further, FIG. 11 shows an example of the confirmation screen 20 for changing the setting data regarding the output after the trial printing. The display unit 5 shown in FIG. 11 includes a touch panel 10 and an LC.
The display unit 11 such as D is laminated and configured, and the function of the operation unit 6 for inputting a predetermined item (data or the like) by directly pressing a predetermined portion on the displayed screen with a finger or the like is performed. Some have. Further, on the confirmation screen 20 shown in FIG. 11, a start key (not shown) is pressed to execute printing, and a delete key 20a is pressed to delete proof printing, as well as magnification, output settings (sort, staple, etc.). Can be set). Also,
Various settings are performed by operating various icons displayed on the confirmation screen 20 to make desired settings.

The proof printing process will be described below. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of proof printing processing according to the present invention.

First, the control means 1 uses the RAM 3 or HD.
Start the proof printing stored in D4 (step S1
01), part of the test print is made (step S10).
2). The display unit 5 of the apparatus transits from the basic screen 21 display to the confirmation screen 20 and waits for an instruction (steps S103 and S104). The basic screen 21 mainly includes the delete key 20a hidden from the confirmation screen and the proof confirmation key 21a.
Although the display is different, they have almost the same functions. The proof confirmation key 21a will be described later.

Normally, on the confirmation screen 20, by pressing a start key (not shown), all the numbers are printed as they are (steps S107 and S108), or various setting data is changed (step S105), and a ten key (not shown) is used. By pressing "1", the test printing is performed again (step S106), or the proof printing is stopped by pressing the delete key 20a (step S106).
109) can be performed. The image data stored in the RAM 3 is deleted after all the proof prints have been printed and the delete key 20a has been pressed (step S110), and the proof print ends. The image data in the HDD 4 is saved even after printing.

If no instruction is given on the confirmation screen 20, conventionally, the confirmation screen 20 is still displayed as shown by the broken line in FIG. 2. However, an example of the process after the test printing is continued below. Will be described.

3 to 9 show an example of the processing after the trial printing. 3 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the process after the test printing.

First, FIG. 3 will be described. When the time t after the trial printing is less than or equal to the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to FIG. 2 (step S201), and the confirmation screen 20 is displayed as in the conventional case.
While displaying, the display waits for an instruction. If the confirmation screen 20 is operated during this period, processing is performed based on the operation content on the confirmation screen 20. However, if no instruction is given even after the predetermined time T1 (step S
While displaying the confirmation screen 20 in 201), another print job is searched (step S202), and if there is another print job, the print job is activated (step S204). Since another print job is transitioned to after being activated, the confirmation screen 20 is displayed while the other print job is being executed, and the user can confirm the confirmation screen 2 as in the conventional case.
It is possible to operate at 0. When the confirmation screen 20 is operated, the print job being executed is terminated, and the process is performed based on the operation content of the confirmation screen 20. It should be noted that the predetermined time T1 is sufficient if the user can confirm the test print and change various setting data.

Next, FIG. 4 will be described. When the time t after the trial printing is less than or equal to the predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to FIG. 2 (step S201), and the confirmation screen 20 is displayed as in the conventional case.
While displaying, the display waits for an instruction. If the confirmation screen 20 is operated during this period, processing is performed based on the operation content on the confirmation screen 20. However, if no instruction is given after the predetermined time T2 (step S
In step 301, the proof printing is stopped (step S3).
02) Processing is performed. Needless to say,
When the proof printing is stopped, the control means 1 becomes ready to search and start another job. The predetermined time T2
Also, similarly to T1, it is sufficient that the user has time to confirm the test print and change various setting data.

The process shown in FIG. 5 is similar to the process shown in FIG. 4, when the proof printing is stopped when the instruction is not given even after the predetermined time T2, the image data of the stopped proof printing is If the image data is stored in the RAM 3, the image data is automatically transferred to the HDD 4 (step S401).

Next, FIG. 6 will be described. Figure 6
The process shown in is similar to the process shown in FIG.
If no instruction is given even after passing (step S501)
Prompts the user to display the confirmation screen 20 and at the same time search for another print job (step S502) or activate (step S504) and then the next predetermined time T3 has elapsed. If not (step S505), proof printing is stopped (step S506). It should be noted that the predetermined time T3 is T1, and if there is sufficient time for the user to confirm the test print and change various setting data, T1 is set.
Shorter than is sufficient.

Similar to the process shown in FIG. 5, the process shown in FIG. 7 is performed when the image data of the proof printing which has been stopped is stored in the RAM 3 after the proof printing is stopped. A process of automatically transferring the image data to the HDD 4 is performed (step S601).

Next, FIG. 8 will be described. Figure 8
The process shown in is similar to the process shown in FIG.
If no instruction is given even after passing (step S701)
The confirmation screen 20 is displayed, and at the same time, another print job is searched (step S702), the other job is activated (step S703), and then the proof printing is stopped (step S704). Perform processing.

Similar to the process shown in FIG. 8, the process shown in FIG. 9 cancels the proof printing, and if the image data of the proof printing is stored in the RAM 3, the image data is stored. A process for automatically transferring to the HDD 4 is performed (step S801).

The set time of T1, T2 or T3 may be zero seconds. In that case, processing such as immediate interruption and immediate cancellation is possible. Further, by setting T1, T2, or T3 to be as large as possible, it is possible to keep the interruption as long as possible.

After the proof printing of the processing shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 is stopped, if the image data of the stopped proof printing is the one stored in the RAM 3, RA
It may be deleted from M3.

The time t after the trial printing is the confirmation screen 2
If any key of 0 is pressed, it may be reset.

Here, the processing of the image data of the proof printing which has been stopped or transferred will be described. FIG. 12 shows an example of the basic screen 21 and FIG. 13 shows an example of the selection screen 22. For example, by providing a proof confirmation key 21a on the basic screen 21 and pressing the proof confirmation key 21a (step S112), the selection screen 22 from the basic screen 21 is displayed.
Transition to. In addition to the image data of the proof printing transferred to the HDD 4, the selection screen 22 may display the image data if it is stopped and remains in the RAM 3 (22b). It is possible to process the image data of the proof printing that has been canceled or transferred by moving the highlighted display with the move key 22a to select the desired proof printing, pressing the OK key 22c, and displaying the confirmation screen 20 from the selection screen 22. is there.

The proof confirmation key 21a may be displayed only when the image data for proof printing is transferred or stopped.

Needless to say, in the above-described embodiment, the functions described above can be easily applied to a multifunction machine having a printer function, a copying function, or a facsimile function.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, even after the trial printing, another print job is started and processed, so that the print job is not delayed.

Since print jobs are processed, a memory space can be secured.

The image data of the proof printing which has been canceled is RA
If it is stored in M, the image data is automatically
Since the image data is transferred to the DD, the image data is not lost due to the power interruption, and is safely stored.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a proof printing process in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of processing after proof printing of proof printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of processing after proof printing of proof printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of processing after proof printing of proof printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing after proof printing of test printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing after proof printing of test printing in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing after proof printing of proof printing in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing after proof printing of test printing in the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printer driver screen displayed on the screen of a personal computer.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a confirmation screen displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection screen displayed on the display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 control means 2 Print output means 3 RAM 4 HDD 5 Display 6 Operation part 7 interface 20 Confirmation screen 21 Basic screen 22 Selection screen

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a proof printing function, which stores image data in a storage unit and performs a print job after a job execution instruction is given after a test printing, even if a predetermined time has elapsed after the test printing. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the proof printing to remain in the instruction waiting state when there is no job execution instruction, and to start the proof printing when there is another job. 2. An image forming apparatus having a proof printing function, wherein image data is stored in a storage means, and a print job is performed after a job execution instruction is given after trial printing, even if a predetermined time has elapsed after trial printing. An image forming apparatus having a control means for stopping proof printing when there is no job execution instruction. 3. An image having a proof printing function in which image data is stored in a volatile first storage unit or a non-volatile second storage unit, and a print job is performed after a job execution instruction is given after test printing. In the forming apparatus, if there is no job execution instruction even after a lapse of a predetermined time after the trial printing, the proof printing is stopped, and if the image data is stored in the first storage means, An image forming apparatus having a control means for transferring to the storage means. 4. An image forming apparatus having a proof printing function, wherein image data is stored in a storage means, and a print job is performed after a test printing is instructed and a first predetermined time has elapsed after the test printing. Even if there is no job execution instruction, the proof printing remains in the instruction waiting state, and it is controlled to start if there is another job. An image forming apparatus having a control means for stopping proof printing when there is no job execution instruction even after a lapse of time. 5. An image having a proof printing function in which image data is stored in a volatile first storage means or a non-volatile second storage means, and a print job is performed after a job execution instruction is given after test printing. In the forming apparatus, if there is no job execution instruction even after the first predetermined time has passed after the trial printing, the proof printing is kept in the instruction waiting state, and control is performed so as to start if there is another job. If there is no job execution instruction even after the second predetermined time has elapsed after the first predetermined time has elapsed, the proof printing is stopped, and if the image data is stored in the first storage means, An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that transfers the data to the second storage unit. 6. An image forming apparatus having a proof printing function, wherein image data is stored in a storage means, and a print job is performed after a test printing is instructed and a first predetermined time has elapsed after the test printing. Even if there is no job execution instruction, the proof printing job remains in the instruction waiting state, is activated if there is another job, and has a control means for stopping the proof printing. 7. An image having a proof printing function in which image data is stored in a volatile first storage means or a non-volatile second storage means, and a print job is executed after a job execution instruction is given after test printing. In the forming device, if there is no job execution instruction even after the first predetermined time has passed after the trial printing, the proof printing remains in the instruction waiting state, and if there is another job, it is activated and the proof printing is stopped. If the image data is stored in the first storage unit, the image forming apparatus has a control unit that transfers the image data to the second storage unit. 8. An image forming apparatus having a proof printing function of storing image data in a storage unit and performing a print job after a test execution after a job execution instruction displays a basic screen including a proof confirmation key. An image forming apparatus having display means. 9. A display for displaying a basic screen including a proof confirmation key in an image forming apparatus having a proof printing function of storing image data in a storage unit and performing a print job after a job execution instruction after a trial printing. An image forming apparatus comprising: a means and a control means for controlling the display means so as to display a proof confirmation key when proof printing is stopped.