JP2003241459A - Image forming apparatus, sheet housing device, sheet inserting device, image forming system, information storage control method, mixing control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lighten a burden imposed on a user by eliminating an input error and complicated input action in the case of setting mixing action for mixing color image output paper and black-and-white image output paper in one group. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system is equipped with computers 102 and 103, a color MFP 104, a black-and-white MFP 105, a stacker tray 1207 in which sheets delivered from the color MFP 104 are housed and which is equipped with a storage device 1202 from/in which information concerning the sheet can be read and written, and an inserter 108 mixing the sheets delivered from the MFP 105. The MFP 105 performs an image forming job by controlling so that the sheets housed in the tray 1207 may be mixed with the sheets delivered from the MFP 105 in accordance with information stored in the storage device 1202 of the tray 1207 according to the attachment of the tray 1207 to the inserter 108. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

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, a sheet storage device, a sheet insertion device, an image forming system, an information storage control method, a mixture control method, and a program, and more particularly to a plurality of image forming apparatuses on a network. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a sheet storage device, a sheet insertion device, an image forming system, an information storage control method, an intermingling control method, and a program, which are suitable for saving labor in an image forming system to which is connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus is connected to a network, when printing out a plurality of originals in which color originals and black-and-white originals are mixed, a user needs to use a color image forming apparatus (color copying apparatus). By printing out all the multiple originals, a printed matter in which color pages and black and white pages were mixed was obtained.

On the other hand, since the color copying apparatus takes a longer time and costs more in image forming processing than the black-and-white copying apparatus, only a black-and-white original becomes a black-and-white copying apparatus among a plurality of originals in which color originals and black-and-white originals are mixed. There is a request to print out. Therefore, when printing out multiple originals in which color originals and black-and-white originals are mixed, the black-and-white originals are printed out by the black-and-white copying apparatus.
It is conceivable that a color original is printed out by a color copying machine.

In this case, in order to combine the recording papers printed out by the black-and-white copying machine and the recording papers printed out by the color copying machine into a single original like a plurality of originals, the user must use one of the copying machines. It was necessary to manually insert the recording paper output from the other copying machine between the recording papers output in (1) and arrange the page order.

As described above, when it is desired to print out a plurality of images as one material, there is a portion that cannot be processed on the computer, and the user must spread the printed out on the desk and do the manual work. Must
It is inefficient and labor saving in this respect is desired.

[0006]

As a conventional method for solving the complexity of printing out a plurality of images as one material as described above, an inserter mounted on a black-and-white image forming apparatus is used. There is a mixing control method in which a color image output paper sheet printed in advance is stacked on the apparatus and is fed again. The mixture control method is generally used to store the output from the color image forming apparatus, which is generally inferior to the monochrome output in terms of output speed, in the insert tray and perform various information for performing color monochrome mixture, that is, the job number of the print target job. Information such as paper size, paper size, number of prints, paper stacking status in inserter device and material (type of paper such as plain paper or thick paper) is specified using the operation unit, etc. A color image is formed by downloading from a server connected to a network or reading from a storage unit in the image forming apparatus, and a mixing operation with the monochrome image is performed.

However, in the copy processing using the conventional mixing control method described above, a miscopy is generated due to an input error by the user, and complicated settings are bothered, which still imposes a heavy burden on the user. Especially when multiple black and white image forming apparatuses / color image forming apparatuses are connected via a network, there is no mistake in mixing color output paper and black and white output paper in an improper state due to an installation error of the inserter device. However, there was a problem that it caused a large downtime.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and eliminates an input error and a complicated input operation when setting a mixing operation for mixing color image output paper and monochrome image output paper into one group. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, a sheet storage device, a sheet insertion device, an image forming system, an information storage control method, a confusion control method, and a program that can reduce the burden on the user.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, and an image forming unit discharged from the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus having a storage unit for storing a plurality of completed sheets, the read / write storage unit provided in the storage unit, and a stacking state of the image-formed sheets stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by having control means for storing the information and the output setting information in the storage means.

Further, the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information,
Storage means for storing a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed and discharged from the image forming means, sheets on which the storage means can be detachably mounted and which has been formed on the storage means, and the image forming means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an inserting unit that mixes the image-formed sheets discharged from the storage unit, the storage unit storing the storage information about the image-formed sheets stored in the storage unit and stored in the storage unit. And a control unit that controls the image forming unit and the inserting unit according to the storage information stored in the storing unit according to mounting of the storing unit to the inserting unit.

Further, the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information,
Storing means for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming means, image-formed sheets in which the storing means is detachably attachable and stored in the storing means, and the image forming means An image forming apparatus, comprising: an insertion unit that mixes image-formed sheets discharged from the storage unit; a first storage unit that stores device information of the image forming unit; Second storage means for storing storage information including output setting information relating to the image-formed sheet stored in the storage means, and storing the storage information from the second storage means according to mounting of the storage means to the insertion means. It is characterized by comprising control means for reading information and controlling the operation of the inserting means when the stored information and the device information do not match.

Further, the present invention is a sheet storage device for storing a plurality of sheets on which image formation is completed in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, and the sheet storage device is stored. A storage unit that stores the storage information of the image-formed sheet, and is detachably attached to the sheet insertion device that mixes the stored image-formed sheet and the image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. It is attached to the.

According to the present invention, in the sheet inserting device, the sheet storing device is detachably mounted, and the image discharged from the image forming device for forming an image on the sheet based on the image data and the output setting information. It is characterized in that the formed sheets and the image formed sheets stored in the sheet storage device are mixed.

Further, the present invention is an image forming system for forming an image by dispersing an image forming job output from an information processing apparatus via a network by a plurality of image forming apparatuses, the first image forming apparatus. It is possible to store the plurality of image-formed sheets ejected from the storage unit, and to attach and detach the storage unit and the storage unit equipped with a storage unit capable of reading and writing information about the stored image-formed sheets. And an insertion unit that mixes the image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit and the image-formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus, wherein the second image forming apparatus is the insertion unit. According to the storage information stored in the storage means of the storage means according to the mounting of the storage means on the storage means, the image formed in the storage means has been formed. And executes the image forming job by controlling so that interwoven the sheet and the second image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus.

Further, the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information,
An information storage control method applied to an image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming unit, wherein The sheet stacking state information and the output setting information are stored in a readable / writable storage means provided in the storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information,
Storage means for storing a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed and discharged from the image forming means, sheets on which the storage means can be detachably mounted and which has been formed on the storage means, and the image forming means. A mixing control method applied to an image forming apparatus including: an insertion unit that mixes image-formed sheets discharged from a storage unit, the mixing unit being installed in the storage unit according to mounting of the storage unit to the insertion unit. The image forming means and the inserting means are controlled according to the storage information of the storage means for storing the storage information regarding the image-formed sheet stored in the storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information,
Storage means for storing a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed and discharged from the image forming means, sheets on which the storage means can be detachably mounted and which has been formed on the storage means, and the image forming means. A mixing control method applied to an image forming apparatus including: an insertion unit that mixes image-formed sheets discharged from a storage unit, the mixing unit being installed in the storage unit according to mounting of the storage unit to the insertion unit. The storage information is read from the second storage unit that stores the storage information including the output setting information regarding the image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit, and the storage information and the device information of the image forming unit are stored. When the device information in the first storage means does not match, the operation of the inserting means is controlled to be prohibited.

The present invention also provides an information processing apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form an image by dispersing image forming jobs output from the information processing apparatus via a network, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Among these, a storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the first image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a storage unit that can read and write information regarding the stored image-formed sheets,
Image formation including detachably attachable storage means and insertion means for mixing image-formed sheets stored in the storage means and image-formed sheets discharged from the second image forming apparatus A mixing control method applied to a system, wherein the second image forming apparatus follows the storage information stored in the storage means of the storage means according to mounting of the storage means to the insertion means. ,
An image forming job is executed by controlling so that the image formed sheet stored in the storage unit and the image formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus are mixed.

Further, the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data and the output setting information,
Storing means for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming means, image-formed sheets in which the storing means is detachably attachable and stored in the storing means, and the image forming means A program applied to an image forming apparatus comprising: an inserting unit that mixes image-formed sheets discharged from a storage unit, the program being installed in the storing unit according to mounting of the storing unit in the inserting unit. The storage information is read from the second storage unit that stores the storage information including the output setting information regarding the image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit, and the storage information,
When the device information of the first storage unit that stores the device information of the image forming unit does not match, a step of controlling the operation of the inserting unit is prohibited.

The present invention is also directed to an information processing apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form an image by dispersing image forming jobs output from the information processing apparatus via a network, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses. Among these, a storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the first image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a storage unit that can read and write information regarding the stored image-formed sheets,
Image formation including detachably attachable storage means and insertion means for mixing image-formed sheets stored in the storage means and image-formed sheets discharged from the second image forming apparatus A program applied to a system, wherein, in the second image forming apparatus, according to the storage information stored in the storage means of the storage means according to mounting of the storage means with respect to the insertion means, And a step of executing an image forming job by controlling to mix the image formed sheet stored in the storing means and the image formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus. .

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment of the present invention is an image forming system in which at least one color image forming apparatus, a black and white image forming apparatus, and a computer are connected to a network, based on a job output from the computer. The color image output paper or the black-and-white image output paper on which the image formation is completed by the forming device is stored in the storage means, and the stored color image output paper or the black-and-white image output paper is stored in the storage means provided in the storage means. Based on the information, it is inserted between the black-and-white image output paper or the color image output paper on which the image formation is completed, which is discharged from the black-and-white image forming apparatus or the color image forming apparatus, and is mixed into one group. That is, by mounting the stacker tray to the stacker or inserter connected to the image forming apparatus, the information is read from the storage means inside the stacker tray and the state inside the stacker tray is automatically recognized. And complicated settings are unnecessary, and the burden on the user is reduced. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of Image Forming System> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of computers are network-connected according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system
Computers 102, 103 on the network 101
a, 103b, an MFP (Multi Func) that is an image forming apparatus.
tion Peripheral: Multifunction peripherals) 1
04 and 105 are provided. Although not shown in the figure, on the network 101, the MFP 104,
In addition to the MFPs other than 105, other devices such as a scanner, a printer or a FAX are also connected.

The computer 102 connected to the network 101 is configured as a server computer, and the computers 103a and 103b are configured as client computers. Although not shown in this figure, many clients are connected in addition to these. Hereinafter, the client is represented as 103 on behalf.
The MFP 104 connected to the network 101 is a color MFP that performs scanning, printing, and the like in full color, and the output paper is sequentially stacked and stored in the stacker tray 1207 in the stacker 107 attached to the MFP 104. MFP 105 connected to network 101
Is a black and white MF that scans and prints in black and white
The output paper is P, and after the black-and-white image output paper and the color image output paper are mixed in the stacker tray 1207 in the inserter 108 installed in the MFP 105, the output paper is sequentially stacked on the stacker 109 connected to the inserter 108. Is stored.

The stacker tray 1207 of the stacker 107 mounted on the MFP 104 and the MFP 1
The stacker tray 1207 of the inserter 108 attached to the 05 is configured to be removable. MF
In P105, the sheets stacked on the stacker tray 1207 are set on the inserter 108 via the stacker tray 1207, so that the MFP 105 becomes a system capable of mixing color image output paper and monochrome image output paper. The output paper mixed in the MFP 105 is temporarily stored in a post-processing bucket (offside of the MFP 105) that is offline, and the post-processing device (not shown) executes bookbinding and the like.

On the computer 103, application software that executes so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing: desktop publishing) can be operated to create / edit various documents / graphics. The computer 103 converts the created document / graphic into PDL (Page Description Language). The data PDL converted by the computer 103 is sent to the MFP 10 via the network 101.
It is sent to 4, 105 and printed out.

The MFPs 104 and 105 are provided with computers 102 and 103 and a network 101, respectively.
It has communication means to exchange information via
The information and status of P104 and 105 are displayed on the computer 102,
It is a mechanism for sequentially informing the 103 side. Further, the computers 102 and 103 are provided with utility software that operates by receiving information from the MFPs 104 and 105.
02, 103 can be used for management.

<Arrangements of MFPs 104 and 105> Next, the arrangements of the MFPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is the difference between full-color and monochrome, and the part other than the color processing often includes the configuration of the monochrome device, the description will focus on the full-color device here.
A description of monochrome devices will be added as needed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The MFPs 104 and 105 include a scanner unit 201 and an IP unit (Image Processing) 2 respectively.
02, FAX (facsimile) unit 203, NIC (Netw
ork Interface Card: network interface card section 204, PDL section 205, core section 206, PW
M (Pulse Width Modulation) unit 207, printer unit 2
08 and the display part 210 are provided. 107 in the figure
Is the stacker section.

The scanner unit 201 reads an image from a document. The IP unit 202 performs image processing on the image data read by the scanner unit 201. FAX unit 203
Is typified by a facsimile or the like, and transmits and receives images using a telephone line. The NIC unit 204 is
Image data and device information are exchanged with the computers 102, 103 and the like using a network. PDL
The unit 205 develops the page description language (PDL) sent from the computer 103 into an image signal. Core part 2
An image signal 06 temporarily stores an image signal and determines a path of the image signal according to how to use the MFPs 104 and 105.

The PWM section 207 performs pulse width modulation on the image data output from the core section 206. The printer unit 208 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data output from the PWM unit 207. That is, the core portion 206
The image data output from the printer is sent to the printer unit 208. The sheets printed out by the printer unit 208 are sent to the stacker 107 and sequentially stacked. The display unit 210 is used to confirm the contents of the image without printing the image on the printer unit 208, and to confirm the state of the image before printing the image on the printer unit 208 (preview).

<Structure of Scanner Unit 201> FIG. 3 shows the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to the present embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the scanner part 201 of FIG. The configuration of the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner unit 201 includes a platen glass 301, a first mirror unit 310 having a mirror 304 and an illumination lamp 303, a second mirror unit 311 having mirrors 305 and 306, a lens 307, a CCD sensor 308, an image processing unit (IP.
Part) 202.

The original 302 to be read is placed on the upper surface of the original table glass 301. The original 302 is illuminated by an illumination lamp 303, and its reflected light is reflected by a mirror 304,
After passing through 305 and 306, an image is formed on the CCD sensor 308 by the lens 307. Mirror 304, lighting lamp 3
The first mirror unit 310 including 03 moves at the speed v, and the second mirror unit 3 including the mirrors 305 and 306 moves.
11 moves at speed (1/2) v
The entire surface of 02 is scanned. The first mirror unit 310 and the second mirror unit 311 are driven by the motor 309.

<Structure of Image Processing Unit 202> FIG.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing unit (IP unit) 202 of FIG. The configuration of the image processing unit (IP unit) 202 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing unit (IP unit) 202 is an A / D
Conversion unit 401, shading correction unit 402, line interpolation unit (line delay adjustment circuit) 403, input masking unit 404, LOG conversion unit (luminance / density conversion unit) 40
5, an output masking / UCR circuit unit 406, a gamma conversion unit 407, and a spatial filter 408. 30 in the figure
Reference numeral 8 is a CCD sensor.

The optical signal input to the scanner unit 201 is converted into an electric signal by the CCD sensor 308.
The CCD sensor 308 is a color sensor of R, G, and B lines, and is input from the CCD sensor 308 to the A / D conversion unit 401 as R, G, and B image signals. The A / D conversion unit 401 performs gain adjustment and offset adjustment, and then converts the R, G, and B color signals into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0. afterwards,
The shading correction unit 402 performs a known shading correction using the read signal of the reference white plate for each color. Further, each color line sensor of the CCD sensor 308 is
Since they are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line interpolator (line delay adjustment circuit) 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

Next, the input masking section 404 is a CCD
The read color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the sensor 308 is defined as NTSC (National Television System).
CC) standard color space, CC
3 × 3 using a device-specific constant in consideration of various characteristics such as the sensitivity characteristic of the D sensor 308 / spectral characteristic of the illumination lamp
Matrix operation of the input (R0, G0,
Convert the B0) signal to a standard (R, G, B) signal.
Further, the LOG conversion unit (luminance / density conversion unit) 405 includes a look-up table (LUT) RAM,
The R, G, and B luminance signals are converted into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

The output masking / UCR circuit section 406 is
The M1, C1, and Y1 signals are the toner colors of the image forming apparatus.
This is a part for converting Y, M, C, K signals by using matrix calculation, and R, G, B read by the CCD sensor 308.
The C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals based on the signals are corrected to CMY and K signals based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner and output. Next, in the gamma correction unit 407, a look-up table (LUT) R in consideration of various tint characteristics of the toner.
Using AM, it is converted into C, M, Y, K data for image output. The spatial filter 408 performs sharpness or smoothing. After the above processing is performed, the image signal is sent to the core unit 206.

When monochrome image processing is performed by the MFP 105, a monochromatic 1-line CCD sensor is used to perform A / D conversion and shading for a single color, followed by input / output masking, gamma conversion, and spatial filter. You may process in order.

<Structure of FAX Unit 203> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the FAX unit 203 of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The configuration of the FAX unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG. FAX section 20
3, a modem unit 502 having an NCU unit 501, a modulation unit 503 and a demodulation unit 504, a compression unit 505, a decompression unit 506,
The memory unit 507 is provided.

First, at the time of reception, the NCU section 501 receives the data coming from the telephone line, converts the voltage, and the demodulation section 504 in the modem section 502 performs A / D conversion and demodulation operation, and then the decompression section. At 506, raster data is developed. Generally, a run length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX. The image converted into raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and after it is confirmed that the image data has no transfer error, it is sent to the core unit 206. Next, at the time of transmission, the compression unit 505 compresses the image signal of the raster image sent from the core unit 206 by the run length method or the like, and the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502.
After performing D / A conversion and modulation operation at, the NCU unit 50
1 to the telephone line.

<Structure of NIC Unit 204> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the NCU unit 204 of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The configuration of the NCU unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG. NCU section 20
4 is a transformer unit 601 and a LAN controller unit 602
Is equipped with.

It is this NIC section 204 that has the function of an interface to the network 101.
For example, by using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable such as 10Base-T / 100Base-TX, etc., it plays a role of obtaining information from the outside or transmitting the information to the outside. When obtaining information from the outside, first, the transformer unit 601 converts the voltage of the information from the outside, and then the LAN controller unit 602.
Send to. The LAN controller unit 602 has a first buffer memory and a second buffer memory (not shown) therein, and after determining whether the information is necessary information, after sending the information to the second buffer memory. , A signal is sent to the PDL unit 205. Next, when providing information to the outside, P
The data sent from the DL unit 205 is added with necessary information in the LAN controller unit 602, and the transformer unit 6
01 is connected to the network 101.

<Structure of PDL Unit 205> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of the PDL unit 205 of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The configuration of the PDL unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. PDL section 20
5 includes a CPU unit 603, a memory unit (HDD) 604, and a memory unit (DRAM) 605.

The image data created by the application software running on the computer 103 is composed of a document, a figure, a photograph, etc., each of which is an element of an image description by a character code, a figure code, raster image data and the like. It is composed of a combination of. This is the so-called PDL (Page Description Lan)
guage: Page description language) and Adobe PostScript
(Registered Trademark) language.

The PDL unit 205 converts the PDL data into raster image data. First, NIC
The PDL data sent from the unit 204 is stored in the CPU unit 6
It is once stored in a large-capacity memory unit 604 such as a hard disk (HDD) via 03, and is managed and stored here for each job. Next, if necessary, the CPU unit 6
03 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data thus expanded is stored page by page for each job in a memory unit 605 such as a DRAM that can be accessed at high speed for each color component of C, M, Y, and K, and again according to the situation of the printer unit 208. C
It is sent to the core unit 206 via the PU unit 603.

<Structure of Core Unit 206> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the core unit 206 of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The configuration of the core unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The core unit 206 includes a bus selector unit 701, a compression unit 702, a memory unit (HD
D) 703 and an extension part 704.

The bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 is
It plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus selector unit 701 is
The bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105 such as a copy function, a network scan function, a network print function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, or a display display function.
The bus switching patterns for executing each function are shown below. -Copy function: scanner unit 201-> core unit 206-> printer unit 208 -Network scan function: scanner unit 201-> core unit 206-> NIC unit 204 -Network print function: NIC unit 204-> core unit 206-> printer unit 208 -Facsimile transmission Function: scanner unit 201 → core unit 2
06 → FAX unit 203 ・ Facsimile receiving function: FAX unit 203 → Core unit 20
6 → printer unit 208 ・ Display function: scanner unit 201 or FA
X unit 203 or NIC unit 204 → Core unit 206 → Display unit 210 Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is compressed by a compression unit 702, a memory unit 703 including a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and expanded. It is sent to the printer unit 208 (PWM unit 207) or the display unit 210 via the unit 704. As a compression method used in the compression unit 702, a general method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic) or ZIP may be used. The compressed image data is managed for each job and stored together with additional data such as a file name, creator, creation date and time, and file size.

Furthermore, by providing a job number and password and storing them together with the compressed image data, the personal box function can be supported. This is a function for temporarily storing the data or for printing out (reading from the HDD) only to a specific person. When an instruction to print out the stored job is issued, the compressed image data is called from the memory unit 703 after the authentication by the password is performed.
The compressed image data is decompressed into a raster image and sent to the printer unit 207.

<Structure of PWM Unit 207> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structures of the PWM unit 207 and the printer unit 208 of the MFPs 104 and 105 which are the image forming apparatuses according to this embodiment. The configuration of the PWM unit 207 will be described with reference to FIG. The PWM unit 207 includes a triangular wave generation unit 801, a D / A
The converter 802 and the comparator 803 are provided. The printer unit 208 includes a laser drive unit 804, a laser 805,
Polygon scanner 913, photosensitive drums 917, 921,
925 and 929.

The image data separated from the four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) (which becomes a single color in the case of the MFP 105) from the core unit 206 is An image is formed through each of the PWM units 207. The triangular wave generator 801 generates a triangular wave as illustrated. The D / A converter 802 converts the input digital image signal into an analog image signal. The signal from the triangular wave generator 801 (a in FIG. 8B) and D / A
The signal from the conversion unit 802 (b in FIG. 8 (2)) is compared in size by the comparator 803, becomes a signal like c in FIG. 8 (2), and is sent to the laser drive unit 804 of the printer unit 208. The laser drive unit 804 converts each of CMYK into a laser beam by each of the CMYK lasers 805. Then, each laser beam is scanned by the polygon scanner 913, and each photosensitive drum 91 is scanned.
Irradiate 7, 921, 925, 929.

<Structure of Printer Unit 208 (Color MFP)
104)> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the printer unit 208 of the color MFP 104 which is the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The printer unit 20 using FIG.
The configuration of No. 8 will be described. In the figure, 913 is a polygon mirror, which receives four laser beams emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805 (FIG. 8). One of them is the mirror 91
The photosensitive drum 917 is scanned via 4, 915, and 916. The next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 via the mirrors 918, 919 and 920. The next one is the mirror 922,
The photosensitive drum 925 is scanned via 923 and 924. The next one scans the photosensitive drum 929 via the mirrors 926, 927 and 928.

On the other hand, reference numeral 930 is a developing device for supplying yellow (Y) toner, which follows the photosensitive drum 9 according to the laser beam.
A yellow toner image is formed on 17. Reference numeral 931 is a developing device that supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 921 according to the laser light. A developing device 932 supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 925 according to the laser beam. A developing unit 933 supplies black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 according to the laser beam. Above 4
Color (Y, M, C, K) toner images are transferred onto a sheet (paper), and a full-color output image can be obtained.

Sheets fed from any of the sheet cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 are adsorbed on the transfer belt 938 via the registration rollers 937,
Be transported. In synchronization with the feeding timing, the toners of the respective colors have been developed on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 in advance, and the toners are transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet onto which the toners of the respective colors have been transferred is separated, conveyed by the conveyor belt 939, and the toner is fixed onto the sheet by the fixing device 940. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 940 is discharged. In this way, since the sheet is ejected in a face-up state with the print side facing up, printing is performed sequentially from the last page.

The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 9
Nos. 25 and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyor belt 939, and the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven by this timing synchronization. .

<Structure of Printer Unit 208 (Monochrome MFP 1
05)> FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the printer unit 208 of the monochrome MFP 105, which is the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Printer unit 20 using FIG.
The configuration of No. 8 will be described. In the figure, 1013 is a polygon mirror, which receives laser light emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805. Laser light is reflected by mirrors 1014, 1015, 1
The photosensitive drum 1017 is scanned via 016. On the other hand, 1
A developing device 030 supplies black toner, and forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser light. The toner image is transferred to the sheet, and an output image can be obtained.

Sheets fed from any of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 are
It is adsorbed on the transfer belt 1038 via the registration rollers 1037 and is conveyed. Toner is developed in advance on the photosensitive drum 1017 in synchronism with the sheet feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet on which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the fixing device 1
The toner is fixed on the sheet by 040. Fixing device 1
The sheet passing through 040 is discharged. In this case, since the sheet is discharged face up, printing is performed in order from the last page. Further, the reversing unit 1041 can also perform the face down state of the sheet and the first page processing for performing the print processing from the first page.

<Structure of Display Unit 210> FIG. 11 shows the MFP 104 which is the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display unit 210 of 105. FIG. The configuration of the display unit 210 will be described with reference to FIG. The display unit 210 includes the inverse LOG conversion unit 1
101, gamma conversion unit 1102, memory unit 1103, C
An RT (display device) 1104 is provided.

Since the image data sent from the core unit 206 is C, M, Y, K data, it needs to be converted into R, G, B data by the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101. Next, a display device 110 such as an output CRT is output.
4. In order to match the color characteristics of the MFP 105, the gamma conversion unit 1102 performs output conversion using a look-up table. The converted image data is once stored in the memory unit 1103 and displayed on the display device 1104 such as a CRT. Here, the display unit 210 is used when the image is confirmed by the preview function for confirming the output image in advance and the proof function for confirming whether the output image is the intended one or not.
Alternatively, this is to avoid waste of the print sheet when confirming an image that does not need to be printed.

<Network Utility Software> Utility software operating on the computers 103 and 102 will be described below. MFP
MIB is provided in the network interface parts (NIC part 204 and PDL part 205) in 104 and 105.
A standardized database called (Management Information Base) has been built, and SNMP (Simple
By communicating with a computer on a network via a network management protocol called Network Management Protocol, it is possible to manage the scanners, printers, faxes, etc. connected to the network including the MFPs 104 and 105.

On the other hand, a software program called a utility operates on the computers 103 and 102, and necessary information can be exchanged by using the MIB function by using the SNMP via the network. For example, it is detected whether the stacker 107 or the stacker tray 1207 is set as the equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, and whether the current print is possible as the status information, or the MFP 10
By using the MIB function such as filling in, changing or confirming the names of 4, 105 and installation locations, the user can use the MFPs connected to the network 101.
The information of 104 and 105 can be confirmed on the computers 103 and 102. It is also possible to limit the writing / reading of these pieces of information by distinguishing between the computer (server) 102 and the computer (client) 103.

Therefore, by using this MIB function, the equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, the MFP 104,
The user can obtain all kinds of information such as the status of 105, network settings, history of jobs, management of usage status, and control in front of the computers 103 and 102.

<GUI> Next, GUI (Graphic User I
A screen of utility software that runs on the computers 103 and 102, which is called an "interface", will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen example of the utility software according to the present embodiment. When the utility software is started on the computers 103 and 102, a screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 is a window, and 1320 is a cursor. When clicked with the mouse, another window opens or transitions to the next state. Reference numeral 1302 is called a title bar and is used to display the current window hierarchy and title. Each of 1303 to 1307 is called a tab and is organized according to each classification, and it is possible to see necessary information and select necessary information.

Here, 1303 is called a device tab, and the existence of a device and its outline can be known. In the device tab, the MFP 1 such as 1311, 1313
There is a bitmap image showing 04 and the MFP 105, and 1
310 (Device Ready), 1312 (Device Not Read
y) message, these MFPs 104, 105
Is displayed. The details of the device status can be understood by looking at the status tab 1304. Next, reference numeral 1305 denotes a queue tab, which allows the user to know the status of jobs queued in each device and the congestion of devices.

Next, the config tab 1306 can know the equipment information such as what function the finisher has on the MFPs 104 and 105.
As the equipment information, for example, whether an inserter is installed in the MFP 105, a finisher is installed, a letter size paper deck capable of storing up to 5000 sheets is installed, and how much sheet remaining is Or whether a unit for performing double-sided processing is mounted (FIG. 13 shows a finisher mounting example). Setup tab 130
7 can know the network setting information of the device.

<Structure of Stacker 107> In FIG. 12, the stacker 107 according to the present embodiment is mainly the color MFP 104.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration in the case of being used to stack and store the output paper of FIG. A stacker tray 1207 is stored in the stacker 107, and sheets are actually stacked in the stacker tray 1207. Color MFP 104
The sheets printed by the printer unit 208 are sent to the stacker 107, and the stacking method is selected from the following "S-place" and "F-place" according to the type of the job, and stacked / stored. Here, taking as an example the case where the number of color pages of the color image output paper to be mixed with the black and white image output paper is three, the method of stacking the same pages by the set number of copies is the "S-place" mode stacking. A case where three pages are sequentially stacked and stacked is referred to as “F-place” mode stacking. In FIG. 12, the sheet is placed in the F position.

The lifter device mounted on the stacker tray 1207 includes a lifter unit 1203 and a paper surface detection sensor 12.
05, lifter position detection sensor 1206, and lifter unit 1
It is composed of a mechanism (not shown) for driving 203. The lifter unit 1203 controls based on the output of the paper surface detection sensor 1205 that detects the position of the paper surface so that the height from the discharge port 1204 through which the paper on which the image is formed by the color MFP 104 is discharged is kept constant. Thus, the stackability of the image-formed sheets is improved. In addition, as an example of a method of driving the lifter unit 103 in the vertical direction, a motor (not shown) mounted on the stacker 107 is used for the coupling gear 1
By transmitting the drive to the gear 1209 capable of winding the wire connected to the lifter unit 1203 via 208, the lifter unit 1203 can be driven up and down.

The lifter position detection sensor 1206 detects the position of the lifter section 1203 to detect the stacker tray 1
This is for detecting the load amount of 207. By installing the lifter position detection sensor 1206 at a plurality of positions in the vertical direction of the lifter unit 1203, detection accuracy can be improved. The paper surface detection sensor 1205 and the lifter position detection sensor 1206 may have any structure such as a flag sensor, an optical sensor, and an image sensor, and each sensor is mounted on the stacker tray 1207 side. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the lifter device is a lifter device for keeping the height of the paper surface constant with respect to the paper feed roller when the stacker tray 1207 is attached to the inserter 108 and the paper is re-fed. But also.

A storage device (memory) 1202 installed in the stacker tray 1207 stores color image output paper on which an image is formed by the color MFP 104, in the monochrome MFP 10.
5 is a storage medium for inserting information into a black-and-white image output paper on which an image is formed according to No. 5, and writing information for mixing the color image output paper and the black-and-white image output paper. Also,
It may be a storage medium for writing information for inserting the black and white image output paper into the color image output paper. The data written in the storage device (memory) 1202 includes, for example, paper size, job ID, print number, number of prints, number of prints, output paper stacking method (output paper is stacked with the front surface facing upward, and stacked. Whether it is done or not), material (type of paper such as plain paper or thick paper), and the like, by which matching between color data and black-and-white data and page matching are performed, and the intermingling operation can be executed.

There is no control of the lifter unit 1203 by the lifter device when sheets are stacked on the stacker 107.
The output sheets of the color MFP 104 may be naturally stacked.

<Structure of Inserter 108> FIG. 18 shows the inserter 108 and the large-capacity stacker 109 mounted on the monochrome MFP 105, which is the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of. The inserter 108 outputs the color image output paper output from the color MFP 104 and stacked / stored in the stacker tray 1207 to the storage device 1202.
According to the information therein, the paper is fed and conveyed so as to be inserted between the black-and-white image output papers output by the black-and-white MFP 105, and the color black-and-white mixture is executed. Further, the stacker tray 1207 is used as a means for stacking and storing the color image output sheets for insert in order to mix them.

The color image output paper stored in the inserter 108 is lifted in the same manner as the stacker 107 by using the lifter unit, and the paper feed roller 1903 is controlled so that the height of the paper surface is always constant. Further, the double feed prevention roller 19
A mechanism that prevents a plurality of sheets from being fed at one time by rotating the sheet 04 in the opposite direction to the sheet feeding roller 1903 is adopted.

<Large-capacity stacker 109> Inserter 10
Job stack (stack of color image output paper on which image is formed by print job of color MFP 104) stacked on stacker tray 1207 in 8 and job bundle output from monochrome MFP 104 (image is formed on print job of monochrome MFP 105). The black-and-white image output paper bundle) is appropriately mixed by the above-described control, and the mixed output paper is installed in the large-capacity stacker 1 downstream of the inserter 108.
09 are sequentially stored. Large capacity stacker 10
The job bundle group stacked on the sheet 9 is thereafter subjected to processing such as bookbinding and finishing processing offline.

In this case, the finishing process is as follows:
Two (or three) for processing by a stapler to bind the output paper, processing by a Z-folder to fold the output paper into a Z shape, and a file to file the output paper
There is a process by a puncher for making a hole, and each process is performed according to the type of job. In addition, binding with glue (gluing) for bookbinding, or trimming with cutting for aligning the end surface on the opposite side to the binding side after binding is also possible. Further, it is more effective if the sheet storage means of the large-capacity stacker 109 can be used together with the above-mentioned stacker tray 1207.

<Job Division> Next, the job division of a color image and a monochrome image will be described. Computer 10
When printing a job in which color pages and black and white pages are mixed in one job using the MFPs 104 and 105 from Nos. 3 and 102, first, software operating on the computers 102 and 103 as shown in FIG. The job is transferred to the color MFP 104 by using the driver.

In the figure, reference numeral 1501 designates the computers 102 and 10.
3 is a driver window displayed on the screen of FIG. As a setting item in the driver window 1501, 15
Reference numeral 02 denotes a color printer selection column for selecting a color printer (color MFP 104); 1503, a monochrome printer selection column for selecting a monochrome printer (monochrome MFP 105); 1504, a page setting column for selecting an output page from a job; Is a copy number setting column for specifying the number of copies, 1506 is a job color mode column for instructing division of color / black and white images for a color / black and white mixed job, 1507 is an OK key for starting printing, 1508
Is a cancel key for canceling printing, and 1509 is a property key for making further detailed settings.

Here, the job color mode column 150
6 is one mode among automatic division for automatically dividing a job, manual division for manually dividing a job, all page color for printing all pages in color, all page black and white for printing all pages in black and white Can be selected. In the case of manual division, the user selects and sets which MFP outputs each page. That is, in the detailed setting window, it is manually set in advance whether each page is color or monochrome.

<Automatic job division and color / monochrome determination>
Next, automatic division of jobs will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the color / monochrome page division processing according to this embodiment. When the OK key 1507 is pressed in the driver window 1501 shown in FIG. 14, the driver on the computer (client) 103 determines that the job is a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages via the computer (server) 102. The information indicating the print job and the print job are displayed in the color MFP 104.
And to the monochrome MFP 105. In the case of automatic division, since it is not possible to determine which page is a monochrome page at this point, the job contents of all pages are set to the color MFP 10.
4 and the monochrome MFP 105 respectively. The color page and the black-and-white page may be sent in the order of the color MFP 104 and the black-and-white MFP 105 at different times, or 2
It may be sent to one of the MFPs 104 and 105 at the same time.

A monochrome MFP that has received information indicating that the job is a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages
105 is a color MFP that does not immediately start printing.
It waits for the black and white page number notification from 104.

In FIG. 15, the job is automatically divided (Auto
Separation) (step S160)
1 is YES), the driver on the computer (client) 103 is via the computer (server) 102,
The setting contents of the sampling cycle are sent to the color MFP 104 (step S1602).

However, the sampling period is set in advance in the detailed setting window displayed by the property key 1509 in FIG. Regarding the sampling period, if sampling is performed at a rate of 1 point per 100 pixels x 100 lines, the sampling time is 1
/ 10,000 is enough, and 0.25 for a 400 dpi image
Sampled in lattice units of inch (= 6.35 mm) period, 1500 sheets for letter size (11 "x8.5")
If it is near the point, it can be determined to some extent whether it is color or monochrome. If the image is still difficult to determine, set the sampling cycle further or set the job color mode column 1306 in FIG. 13 to Manual Separation, and set each page to color in the detailed setting window. Whether it is present or black and white is manually set in advance.

Next, the PDL unit 205 of the color MFP 104, which has received the job and the sampling period, sequentially rasterizes and develops the pages in the job from the last page (RIP), and the image after RIP is processed in page units in color components (RIP). Each of CMY and K) is stored in the memory unit (semiconductor memory) 605. The stored image is then subjected to color / monochrome determination by the CPU unit 603 (step S160).
3). Color / monochrome determination is performed based on whether or not each sample point in the memory unit 605 has a component (CMY component) other than black (K) (step S1604, step S1).
1605).

At this time, in order to increase the speed of color / monochrome determination, if even one point of the sampling points in the page has a color (CMY) component, the page is a color image, and at that time, The color / monochrome determination on the page is stopped, and the page is processed inside the color MFP 104 as a color page. In this case, since it is possible to reprint the job, the page number information of the page is notified to the computer (server) 102 via the network 101 together with information indicating that it is a color page (step). S1609). Then, the page is the color MFP 1
Color printing is performed at 04 (step S1610).
Further, the page number of the color page in the job is stored in the memory of the color MFP 104 for writing in the memory described later.

At the step S1605, one point is added to the color (CM
If the (Y) component does not exist, the page is black-and-white processed as a black-and-white page. Therefore, the page number information of the page is notified to the server 102 via the network 101 together with information indicating that the page is a black-and-white page ( Step S1611). At the same time, it is written as page information in the memory of the color MFP 104. The computer (server) 102 automatically sets the black and white page number information to the black and white MF.
It may be notified to P105 or may be notified by a request signal from the monochrome MFP 105.

Upon receipt of the notification in step S1611, the monochrome MFP 105, when the stacker tray 1207 loaded with color image output paper on which color images are formed is normally installed on the inserter 108, the stacker tray 120
7 and the color image output paper loaded on the black and white MFP 105
At, the mixing operation of the black and white image output paper on which the black and white image is formed is started. Then, based on the information read from the storage device 1202 installed in the stacker tray 1207, only the corresponding monochrome page is RIP-developed and printed.

Steps S1603 to S160
6. The processes of steps S1609 to S1611 are repeated until the final page unless a job cancel interrupt is input (step S1613), and the color M
The job in FP104 is completed.

If the automatic division is not set in step S1601, that is, if the manual division is set, the computer (server) 102 determines whether each page is color or black and white from the driver. Information of the color MFP 1
04 to print, and monochrome page is for monochrome MFP 105
A print instruction is issued to (step S1607). And
The color MFP 104 prints a color page, and the monochrome MFP 105 prints a monochrome page at a predetermined timing. In this way, a job in which color pages and black-and-white pages are mixed is processed by the color MFP 10 for color pages.
4 and the monochrome page can be printed by the monochrome MFP 105.

In the above description, the rasterization is sequentially performed for each page, but the entire job is once RIP-expanded in the large-capacity memory unit (HDD) 604, and the pages are sequentially stored in the memory unit (semiconductor memory) 605. The determination process may be performed by reading out each page or a plurality of pages. Further, although the above-described automatic job division is performed by dividing a color page and a monochrome page, the job may be divided by a predetermined number of copies, or may be divided by a photo page and a character page. Further, in the above description, the print information is sent from the driver to the color MFP 104, the color MFP 104 determines the color / monochrome of each page, and the color page is output first. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the monochrome MFP 105 may determine the color / monochrome of each page and output the monochrome page first.

<Memory Writing / Reading Operation> The color MFP 104 sends a color job for mixing color image output paper and monochrome image output paper to the stacker tray 1
When performing print output to 207, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 1805 of the color MFP 104 has a storage device (memory) 1 installed in the stacker tray 1207.
A write operation is performed on 202. That is, the CPU 18
Reference numeral 05 denotes a sheet size, the number of prints, the number of copies, a printer number, a job number, a page number of each sheet based on the color / monochrome determination result, and page order information indicating the order of the page numbers (S, F, etc.) , Materials (types of sheets such as plain paper and thick paper), and information on finishing processing such as finishing processing information, I / F unit 1803 of the color MFP 104 and I / F unit 1804 of the stacker tray 1207. A write operation is performed to the storage device 1202 via the.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, the monochrome MFP
The CPU 1705 of the MFP 105 uses the stacker tray presence / absence sensor (not shown) to cause the inserter 1 of the monochrome MFP 105 to operate.
If it is detected that the stacker tray 1207 is installed in the storage unit 08, the storage device 1 is operated via the I / F unit 1703 of the monochrome MFP 105 and the I / F unit 1704 of the stacker tray 1207.
The operation of reading the information in 202 is performed. Then, based on the read information, the monochrome MFP 105 and the inserter 108 are controlled to start the color monochrome mixing operation.

Here, the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP
105, the stacker tray 1207 has a large number of I / F units.
It may be parallel control having a bus width of it or may be realized by serial communication including infrared communication by including a serial control unit in the I / F unit. Also,
Even when the black-and-white MFP 105 prints out on the stacker tray 1207, the CPU 1705 of the black-and-white MFP 105 writes the same information in the storage device 1202 as described above. Further, the read operation in the color MFP 104 is similar. Further, the storage device 1202 can have a map of data for a plurality of jobs, and one stacker tray 1207 can handle a mixed operation of a plurality of jobs.

Further, the information (memory data) written in the storage device 1202 is stored in the storage device 1202 as EEP.
-If a non-volatile memory such as ROM or SRAM is used, color MFP 104, monochrome MFP 10
Stacker tray 1207 is separated from 5, and color MF
P104, black and white MFP 105 to stacker tray 120
Even when power is not supplied to the stacker 7, the power is supplied by the battery 1201 installed inside the stacker tray 1207 and is not lost.

FIG. 19 shows a storage device 12 according to this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the memory map of 02. The memory map is
For example, job numbers, printer numbers, etc. are assigned to the addresses shown in the figure. The memory map is divided into areas 0 to n when a plurality of jobs are written. In the illustrated example, there are a plurality of jobs corresponding to the output sheets stacked on the stacker tray 1207, and the job number to be processed first is “job 3”.
Is shown.

In the illustrated example, the monochrome MFP to which the inserter 108 to be installed is connected is “MFP10”.
5 ”, the desired combination is collated with the above job No., and the intermingling operation is performed only when it is determined that the combination should be printed. If the verification results do not match, the computer (server) indicates that fact.
A computer 102 (client) 103 is notified from 102, or a warning is issued on the display unit of the monochrome MFP 105. The warning notification may be displayed only, combined display and voice, or only voice. Further, in the illustrated example, when the printer No. is not designated, the inserter 108
Indicates that any black and white MFP installed can be used.

Further, in the illustrated example, even if the paper size is A4, the material of the stacked paper is "thick paper", and the processing peculiar to the thick paper, for example, control such as variably controlling the paper feeding speed is performed. Good. In the illustrated example, the stacking state in the stacker tray 1207 indicates that the color MFP 104 is
Indicates that the job bundle is a top-side processed job bundle (output sheet bundle) and that the color MFP 105 is in “state A” that requires face-up output, and print control is performed accordingly. . Further, in the illustrated example, it is shown that the page numbers to be printed in black and white are “3, 4, 5, 10, 12 ...”,
Only that page is printed.

<Automatic Mixing of Jobs> An outline of mixing jobs (mixing of color image output paper and monochrome image output paper) will be described with reference to FIG. A user sets the stack of sheets printed by the color MFP 104 and discharged to the stacker 107 on the inserter 108 connected to the monochrome MFP 105 together with the stacker tray 1207. Then, when the monochrome MFP 105 detects that the stacker tray 1207 has been set, the stacker tray 1207
Read the information in the storage device 1202 installed in
Based on the read information such as the job number, it is determined whether the job is a job to be mixed.

If it is determined that the jobs should be mixed,
The controller of the monochrome MFP 105 activates the computer (server) 102 or the computer (client) 103, and the job information is sent to the computer (server).
Received from 102. In accordance with the information, the color image output paper is mixed with the black and white image output paper, which page position is arranged, and what finishing process is performed is recognized. Alternatively, the computer (server) 10
2. Mixing is performed according to the print information downloaded in advance in the main body of the monochrome MFP 105 without activating the computer (client) 103.

In some cases, the paper feed speed and the transport speed are variably controlled by recognizing the material of the color image output paper mixed with the black and white image output paper. Also, color M
When a defective paper is stored in the stacker tray 1207 due to a paper jam of the FP 104 or a defect called double feeding, by reading the information of the job No. or the paper No. which cannot be used and is determined not to be mixed. The sheet may be forcibly discharged to an escape tray (not shown). In addition, it is effective to convey the information to the user by a transmission means such as a display unit.

<Stacking control> Depending on the stacking method of the color image output papers stored in the stacker tray 1207, black and white M
The output method of the FP 105 is controlled. This will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a plurality of loading states (for example, loading state A, loading state B, loading state C, loading state D) are assumed. The stacking state A is an output in which face-up output and processing from a rear document are performed in double-sided printing (output with the print surface facing upward and printing from the last page in order). Loading state B
Is a face-down output in double-sided printing, and an output from which processing is performed from the leading original (output with the printing surface facing downward and printing from the leading page in order). The stacking state C is an output in which face-up output and processing from a rear original are performed in single-sided printing. The stacking state D is an output in which face-down output and processing from the leading original is performed in single-sided printing.

When the output from the color MFP 104 is the face-up output and the output from the rear original is performed, the stack of output papers stacked in the stacker tray 1207 is in the stacking state A-1. . In this case, after the black-and-white image output paper and the color image output paper are mixed, face-down output is required as in the stacking state A-2. Therefore, the output from the black-and-white MFP 105 is face-down output and from the first document. The output for which the processing of is performed is selected.

Similarly, when the output from the color MFP 104 is the face-down output and the processing from the first original is performed, the bundle of output papers stacked in the stacker tray 1207 is as in the stacking state B-1. become. in this case,
After the black and white image output paper and the color image output paper are mixed,
Since face-up output is required as in the stacking state B-2, the output from the monochrome MFP 105 is face-up output and processing from the subsequent original is selected.

Therefore, it is necessary to control the image forming process of the black-and-white MFP 105 according to the output paper stacking method of the color MFP 104, and the information is the stacker tray 1207.
It is stored in the internal storage device 1202. Color MFP 10
4 performs a mixing operation based on the information. Output control relating to the above-mentioned loading state A and loading state B will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Processing of Color MFP 104> Next, the processing of the color MFP 104 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 21 is for a color MFP.
It is a program executed by the CPU 1805 in the 104, and the program is stored in a storage medium attached to the CPU 1805. The color MFP 104 determines whether to use the inserter 108 for color / black and white mixing according to the setting screen of the computer 103 or the job setting on the operation unit of the main body of the color MFP 104 (step S2101). When it is determined that the inserter 108 is not used, the normal printing is performed according to the control procedure described above (step S2102). On the other hand, when it is determined that the inserter 108 is used, the input image data is the data input by reading the original with the scanner unit 201 of the color MFP 104, or the input image data is input from the computer 103 and transmitted to the color MFP 104. It is determined whether the file is electronic file data (step S2103).

The input image data makes the color M
If it is determined that the data is input by reading with the scanner unit 201 of the FP 104, the color MFP
The original document on the lower surface of the original plate 104 or the original document conveyed by the automatic document feeder is read (step S2104), the data read from the original document is converted into digital image information, and the image is stored in the hard disk of the color MFP 104. Store in the device (step S210)
5). On the other hand, the input image data is the computer 1
If it is determined that the electronic file data is input from 03 and transmitted to the color MFP 104, the image information and various setting information of the job are downloaded from the computer (server) 102 to the color MFP 104, and the color MFP 104 stores the above image information. Various setting information of the job is directly registered in the image storage device such as a hard disk (step S2106).

Next, the color MFP 104 determines whether the stored page of the image to be formed is a color page or a monochrome page (step S210).
7). When it is determined that the page of the image to be image-formed is a monochrome page, the order information (page information) and the like are written on the memory map in the storage device 1202 of the stacker tray 1207. Further, among the data stored in the image storage device in the color MFP 104, the monochrome data is
An image storage device on the computer (server) 102, or the monochrome MFP 1 via the computer (server) 102.
05 image storage device (step S210)
8). The data to be transferred need not be image data because it is only necessary to send data indicating which page of the job data is black and white image data.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the page of the image to be image-formed is a color page, the color data is M
It is transferred to the image storage device of the FP 105 (step S2).
109). Next, according to the set stacking method or the stacking method automatically determined, either the first page processing in which the print processing is performed in order from the first page or the post page processing in which the print processing is performed in reverse order from the subsequent page is selected. ,
A print process according to the selection is performed (step S2
110), the stacker tray 120 in the inserter 108
Output sheets are stacked on sheet 7 (step S2111). At that time, information for color mixing as shown in the memory map shown in FIG. 19 is written in the storage device 1202 in the stacker tray 1207 (step S2112). If the processing for the final page is not completed (NO in step S2113), the process returns to step S2107 again to continue the processing, and if the processing for the final page is completed (YES in step S2113),
This process ends.

In the above control, the stacker tray 120
The timing of writing information in the storage device 1202 of No. 7 is for each sheet, but the timing is not limited to this, and the timing may be any time such as before the job, each job, each page, and after the job.

<Process of Monochrome MFP 105> Next, monochrome M
The processing of the FP 105 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts.
The program is a program executed by the CPU 1705 in the monochrome MFP 105, and the program is stored in a storage medium attached to the CPU 1705. Monochrome MFP 105
When the insertion of the stacker tray 1207 to the inserter 108 is detected (YES in step S2200), the color image output paper stored in the stacker tray 1207 is stored in the storage device 1202 in the stacker tray 1207 as a black and white MF.
It is confirmed whether or not the information for color mixing which is mixed in the black-and-white image output paper discharged from P105 is stored (step S2201). If the information can be confirmed, the CPU 1705 reads and analyzes the storage device 1202 (step S2202).

Here, analysis is performed based on the internal information of the memory map as shown in FIG. 19, and the printing operation is started. First, the “printer No.” indicating the MFP to which the job bundles in the stacker tray 1207 should be mixed is stored in the storage device 1202 built in the stacker tray 1207.
The MFP read from the (second storage unit) and stored in the memory (first storage unit) of the main body of the monochrome MFP 105.
105 device information (at least the stacker tray 120
7 is included in the inserter 108, including information indicating the serial number of the image forming job) (step S2203). If the matching results match,
The job ID to be processed first in the stacker tray 1207 is read from the storage device 1202, and the job ID
It is determined whether or not the job corresponding to is transmitted to the monochrome MFP 105 (step S2204). If the job corresponding to the job ID is transmitted, that is,
If there is a matching job ID, the monochrome MFP 10
Print at 5.

At this time, if the black and white data is stored in the computer (server) 102 (YES in step S2205).
S), the job ID written on the memory map
The image data of the job corresponding to the printer No. is downloaded from the computer (server) 102 to the monochrome MFP 105 and stored in the storage device 1202 such as HDD (step S2206). When the job ID and the printer number do not match, the operation of the inserter 108 is prohibited, and the user is informed of the mismatch by a display unit such as the operation unit of the black-and-white MFP 105 to warn the user.
The warning notification may be displayed only, combined display and voice, or only voice. By determining whether or not the job ID and the print number do not match, it is possible to prevent the print data other than the job specified by the user from being mixed and to perform the mixed operation using the MFP based on the user's request. To do.

If the image data is previously stored in the HDD of the monochrome MFP 105, it is determined whether the printer No. and the job ID match the image data in the HDD.
When it is determined that they do not match, a warning is given to the user by a display unit such as the operation unit of the monochrome MFP 105. The warning notification may be displayed only, combined display and voice, or only voice. On the other hand, if it is determined that they match, the printing operation is started based on the above-mentioned mixing control.

Next, based on the information on the stacking method, it is determined which pattern the stacking control described above corresponds to (step S2207). If it is determined that the stacking state is B, face-down output control is performed by the first page processing (step S2209). On the other hand, when it is determined that the stacking state is A, the face-up output control by the subsequent page process is executed (step S2208). Next, it is determined from the memory map or the page number information of the computer (server) 102 whether the current page processed as a mixed operation is a monochrome page or a color page (step S2210).

If it is determined that the current page processed as the mixed operation is a monochrome page, monochrome page printing for forming an image of the page is performed (step S22).
11) Output the output paper to the large-capacity stacker 109 mounted on the monochrome MFP 105. On the other hand, when it is determined that the current page processed as the mixed operation is a color page, the corresponding page is fed from the stacker tray 1207 installed in the inserter 108 attached to the monochrome MFP 105 (step S2212). , To the large-capacity stacker 109. The above operation is repeated for the set number of copies (YES in step S2213).
S), the intermingling operation ends. The stacker tray 120
If a plurality of jobs are stored in 7, the above steps S2200 to S2213 are repeated by the number of stored jobs.

In addition to the above, if there is information that is effective or necessary for color black-and-white mixing, the mixing operation is controlled based on that information. Also, color MF
P104 color image output paper to stacker tray 1207
Inserter 1 installed on the black and white MFP 105
Although the example in which the color image output paper is mixed with the black and white image output paper from 08 is described, the above configuration is reversed and the black and white MFP 10
The black and white image output paper No. 5 is stacked on the stacker tray 1207, and the inserter 108 installed in the color MFP 104 is installed.
Therefore, the black-and-white image output paper may be mixed with the color image output paper.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one or more color image forming apparatuses, monochrome image forming apparatuses, and an image forming system in which the computer is connected to the network are output from the computer. Based on the job, the color image output paper or the monochrome image output paper on which the image formation is completed by the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus is stored in the stacker tray 1207, and the stored color image output paper or the monochrome image output paper is stored. Storage device 12 mounted on stacker tray 1207
Based on the information stored in No. 02, it is inserted between the black-and-white image output paper or the color image output paper on which the image formation is completed, which is ejected from the black-and-white image forming apparatus or the color image forming apparatus, and the control for intermingling into one group is performed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate an input error and a complicated input operation when setting a mixed operation as in the related art, and it is possible to reduce the burden on the user.

[Other Embodiments] In the above embodiments, the image forming system has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of image forming apparatuses and computers installed. The network installation form can be arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as an image reading function, an image forming function and a facsimile function, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a copying machine having an image reading function and an image forming function, and a printer having only an image forming function.

In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming system of the image forming apparatus is the electrophotographic system has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an ink jet system, a thermal transfer system, a heat sensitive system, It can be applied to various image forming methods such as an electrostatic method.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. A medium such as a storage medium that stores a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the medium in the medium such as the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the executed program code.

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

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where a part or all of the processing of (1) is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the instruction of the program code is given. Based on the above, a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is not included in the present invention. Needless to say.

[0121]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In an image forming system in which at least one color image forming apparatus, a monochrome image forming apparatus, and a computer are connected to a network, image formation is completed by the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus based on a job output from the computer. The color image output paper or the black-and-white image output paper is stored in the storage means, and the stored color image output paper or the black-and-white image output paper is stored in the storage means, based on the information stored in the storage means. Alternatively, when the conventional mixing operation is set, the image is ejected from the color image forming apparatus and is inserted between the black-and-white image output papers or the color image output papers on which the image formation is completed, and the control is performed so that the image is mixed into one group. It is said that typographical errors and complicated input operations can be omitted and the burden on the user can be reduced. An effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of computers are network-connected according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IP unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a FAX unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a NIC unit and a PDL unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a core unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing configurations of a PWM unit and a printer unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing an internal structure of a printer unit of the color image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an internal structure of a printer unit of the monochrome image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a stacker of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of utility software of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of a printer driver of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing color / monochrome page division processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an I / F of an image forming apparatus and an inserter according to the present embodiment and a peripheral circuit of a storage medium.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an I / F and a storage medium peripheral circuit of the image forming apparatus and the stacker according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing configurations of an inserter and a large-capacity stacker mounted on the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of a storage device of a stacker tray mounted on the stacker or inserter of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a stacking state of output papers on the stacker tray and the large-capacity stacker in the inserter installed in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a print process when the inserter is used in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a printing process when the stacker tray is set on the inserter in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a printing process when the stacker tray is set on the inserter in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 101 network 102 server computer (information processing apparatus) 103 client computer 104 color MFP (image forming apparatus) 105 black and white MFP (image forming apparatus) 107 stacker (inserting means, sheet inserting apparatus) 108 inserter (inserting means, sheet inserting apparatus) 109 Large-capacity stacker (storage device after mixing) 201 Scanner unit (original reading unit) 208 Printer unit (image forming unit) 1202 Storage device (storage unit, second storage unit) 1207 Stacker tray (storage unit, sheet storage device) 1705 Monochrome MFP side CPU (control means) 1805 Color MFP side CPU (control means)

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 C 5C062 108 108K F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AR01 HJ04 HJ06 HQ12 2H027 DA32 DB08 DC03 DC11 DC12 DE04 EB04 EC06 ED17 ED19 ED21 EE01 EE07 EE08 EE10 EF09 FA24 FA28 FA30 ZA07 2H030 AB02 AD05 AD17 BB02 BB61 2H072 AA17 AA31 AA36 AB12 AB13 FB01 FC12 3F054 AA01 AC01 BA02 BC11 BD02 BF08 BF22 5C062 AA05 AA29 AB08 AB35 AB41 AB42 AC60 AC71 AE14 AF07 AF15

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. An image including image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, and storage means for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming means. A forming device, which is a readable / writable storage unit equipped in the storage unit,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: stacking state information of image-formed sheets stored in the storage means and control means for storing the output setting information in the storage means. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a document reading unit that reads a document and generates the image data, and an operation unit that sets the output setting information. 3. The image data and the output setting information are
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is transmitted from an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. 4. The stacking state information includes information indicating the page number of each image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit and the order thereof.
The image forming apparatus described. 5. The stacking state information includes information indicating whether or not the surface of the image-formed sheet stored in the storage means is discharged upward. 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 4. 6. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, a storing unit for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming unit, and the storing unit. An image forming apparatus which is detachably mountable and comprises an image-formed sheet stored in the storing means and an inserting means for mixing the image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming means, A storage unit that is installed in the storage unit and stores storage information about an image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit; and the storage unit stored in the storage unit according to mounting of the storage unit in the insertion unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: the image forming means and a control means for controlling the inserting means according to stored information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a document reading unit that reads a document and generates the image data, and an operation unit that sets the output setting information. 8. The image data and the output setting information are
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is transmitted from an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storage information includes information indicating a page number of each image-formed sheet stored in the storage unit and an order thereof. 10. The storage information includes information indicating whether or not the surface of the image-formed sheet stored in the storage means is discharged upward. The image forming apparatus described. 11. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, a storing unit for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming unit, and the storing unit. An image forming apparatus which is detachably mountable and comprises an image-formed sheet stored in the storing means and an inserting means for mixing the image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming means, First storage means for storing device information of the image forming means, and second storage for storing storage information including output setting information regarding an image-formed sheet that is installed in the storage means and stored in the storage means. The storage information is read from the second storage means according to the means and the insertion of the storage means to the insertion means, and the storage information and the device information do not match. An image forming apparatus characterized by a control means for controlling so as to prohibit the operation of the insertion means. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit controls to issue a warning when the stored information and the apparatus information do not match. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the stored information includes at least apparatus information in which the storage unit should be attached to the insertion unit. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the stored information includes a serial number of an image forming job. 15. A sheet storage device for storing a plurality of sheets for which image formation has been completed by an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, wherein The storage device has storage means for storing storage information of sheets, and is detachably attached to a sheet insertion device that mixes the stored image-formed sheets and the image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus. A seat storage device characterized by the above. 16. The sheet storage device according to claim 15, wherein the storage information includes stacking state information or output setting information. 17. The sheet storage device according to claim 16, wherein the stacking state information includes information indicating a page number of each of the stored image-formed sheets and an order thereof. 18. The stacking state information includes information indicating whether the surface of the stored image-formed sheets is discharged upward.
Alternatively, the seat storage device according to item 17. 19. The sheet storage device according to claim 16, wherein the output setting information includes at least device information for mounting the sheet storage device in the sheet insertion device. 20. The output setting information includes a serial number of an image forming job.
The seat storage device according to 6 or 19. 21. The sheet storage device according to any one of claims 15 to 20 is detachably mounted, and is discharged from an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information. A sheet insertion device, wherein the image-formed sheet and the image-formed sheet stored in the sheet storage device are mixed. 22. A post-mixing storage device for stacking and storing sheets mixed by the sheet insertion device can be connected to a downstream side of the sheet insertion device.
1. The sheet insertion device according to 1. 23. An image forming system for forming an image by dispersing an image forming job output from an information processing apparatus via a network by a plurality of image forming apparatuses,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the first image forming apparatus and that is equipped with a storage unit that can read and write information about the stored image-formed sheets, and the storage unit. The second image, which is detachably attachable and has an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an image-formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus. The forming device, according to the mounting of the storage means to the insertion means, according to the storage information stored in the storage means of the storage means, the image-formed sheet and the second sheet stored in the storage means. The image forming system is characterized in that an image forming job is executed by controlling so that the image formed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are mixed. 24. The second image forming apparatus downloads image data from the information processing apparatus according to the storage information stored in the storage unit of the storage unit. Image forming system. 25. The first image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image, and the second image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image. Item 23 or the image forming system according to Item 24. 26. The first image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms a black and white image, and the second image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image. Item 23 or the image forming system according to Item 24. 27. The first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus are a printer having only an image forming function, a copying machine having an image reading function and an image forming function, and an image reading function and an image. 24. A multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a forming function and a facsimile function is included.
27. The image forming system according to any one of 26 to 26. 28. An image comprising image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, and storage means for storing a plurality of image formed sheets discharged from the image forming means. An information storage control method applied to a forming apparatus, wherein the stacking state information of the image-formed sheets stored in the storage means and the output setting information are stored in a readable / writable storage means equipped in the storage means. An information storage control method characterized by storing. 29. Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, storing means for storing a plurality of image formed sheets discharged from the image forming means, and the storing means. The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming means are intermixed A mixed control method, wherein the storage information of the storage means is provided in the storage means and stores storage information about an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means according to mounting of the storage means to the insertion means. According to the method, the image forming means and the inserting means are controlled. 30. An image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, a storing means for storing a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from the image forming means, and the storing means. The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming means are intermixed A mixture control method, which stores storage information including output setting information relating to an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means, the storage information being installed in the storage means according to attachment of the storage means to the insertion means. When the stored information is read from the second storage unit and the stored information does not match the device information of the first storage unit that stores the device information of the image forming unit. In the case of the above, the intermixing control method is characterized by controlling the operation of the inserting means. 31. An information processing apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form an image by dispersing an image forming job output from the information processing apparatus via a network, and among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, A storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from one image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a storage unit capable of reading and writing information about the stored image-formed sheets; and attaching and detaching the storage unit. The present invention is applied to an image forming system that is freely attachable and that includes an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an insertion means that mixes the image-formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus. It is a mixture control method, The said 2nd image forming apparatus is memorize | stored in the said memory | storage means of the said storage means according to mounting | wearing of the said storage means with respect to the said insertion means. According to the storage information, it is possible to execute an image forming job by controlling to mix the image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and the image-formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus. A characteristic intermix control method. 32. Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on image data and output setting information, storing means for storing a plurality of image formed sheets discharged from the image forming means, and the storing means. The present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an image-formed sheet discharged from the image forming means are intermixed A second program for storing stored information including output setting information relating to an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means, the program being stored in the storage means according to mounting of the storage means on the insertion means. When the stored information is read from the storage unit and the stored information does not match the device information of the first storage unit that stores the device information of the image forming unit Is a program for controlling the operation of the inserting means to be prohibited. 33. An information processing apparatus, a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form an image by dispersing an image forming job output from the information processing apparatus via a network, and among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, A storage unit that stores a plurality of image-formed sheets discharged from one image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a storage unit capable of reading and writing information about the stored image-formed sheets; and attaching and detaching the storage unit. The present invention is applied to an image forming system that is freely attachable and that includes an image-formed sheet stored in the storage means and an insertion means that mixes the image-formed sheet discharged from the second image forming apparatus. A program,
In the second image forming apparatus, in accordance with the mounting of the storage means to the insertion means, according to the storage information stored in the storage means of the storage means, the image-formed image stored in the storage means has already been formed. A program having a step of executing an image forming job by controlling so that the sheet and the sheet on which the image is formed discharged from the second image forming apparatus are mixed.