JP2004195927A - Printer, method of controlling the same, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily facilitate preventing wasting of staples which may occur when a cartridge having the staples is thrown away and preventing of lowering of the throughput without troublesome confirming of progress of printing by allowing an operator to grasp a time point for supplying the staples so that the operator can do another work by only concerning the supplying time or prepare the staples to be supplied. <P>SOLUTION: When sorting of a staple is set to a copy job, a CPU 3011 calculates an amount of the staples necessary for performing the copy job. When it is predicted that the staples will run out in the performing of the copy job by comparing the calculated amount of staples with the amount of residual staples, the time when the staples will run out is predicted and is indicated on a display panel as an alarm based on the number of copies in the copy job, the setting mode and the amount of residual staples. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that performs printing processing on a sheet based on a print job; and a staple sorting unit that performs a staple sort that closes a staple of a printed sheet bundle output by the printing unit. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a control method for a printing apparatus, a program, and a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a conventional printing apparatus such as a copying machine, when performing staple sorting (a staple closing function for each copy), if the remaining number of staples is smaller than the number of copies requested by the user, a warning of the number of copies is displayed in advance. was there.
[0003]
In some cases, when it is determined in advance that the number of staples is insufficient, a warning is issued as to how many copies can be printed or how many staples are missing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Normally, staples provided in a copying machine are supplied by a cartridge containing a plurality (for example, 5,000) of the staples, and replenishment of the staples is performed by replacing the cartridge. Therefore, there is a problem in that if the cartridge is replaced while the staple remains in the cartridge, the staple remaining in the cartridge is wasted.
[0005]
Therefore, when the remaining needles are very small, the user supplies on the spot, but when the needles remain to some extent, the user often replenishes them after using them up to the end. The print job is executed in advance, and when the print job is interrupted due to a shortage of staples, the print job returns and staple supply is performed.
[0006]
However, a printing apparatus that specifically indicates the time until the print job is interrupted and the print job is interrupted has not been proposed yet.
[0007]
Also, even if the user attempts to estimate the time to complete the set, the selected paper size (A3, A4, etc.), paper type (plain paper, thick paper, etc.), finishing (double-sided, single-sided), paper feed position (cassette, manual feed) Etc.), it is necessary to calculate in consideration of various factors, and it is difficult to accurately predict time.
[0008]
Taking an example of a copier capable of performing a one-sided copy process of a document on plain paper A4 from the shortest sheet feeding position at a speed of 60 sheets / min. In the case of single-sided copying, it takes 100 minutes to output 100 copies.
[0009]
Also, if one side of 60 sheets of A3 original is copied on A3 thick paper at the same magnification, it takes 300 minutes to output 100 copies (about twice as long between A4 and A3, and about 30 minutes between plain paper and thick paper). Twice as long).
[0010]
Therefore, in a conventional copying apparatus, when a warning is displayed indicating how many copies can be printed with the current staple remaining amount, how many staples are insufficient, etc., whether to replenish at the timing or replenish later. In some cases, it is difficult to make a decision, and there is a problem that the throughput is reduced.
[0011]
For example, in the case of a copy center where a large number of copies are undertaken using a plurality of copying machines, a case where a certain copying machine performs copying with staple sorting of 10 originals and 5000 copies is described. I do. At this time, it is assumed that there are only 3000 remaining needles.
[0012]
In the case of the conventional copier, after the 3000 copies have been printed, the staples are exhausted and the printer is interrupted, or the user is warned that 2,000 staples are insufficient before starting printing. However, an operator operating a conventional copying machine cannot know how long it takes to print 3000 copies as described above.
[0013]
If a print job is stopped without staples, the operator will have to constantly check the copy progress, because if the operator is not there, the job will be stopped and the throughput will be reduced. There was a problem that it was complicated.
[0014]
As described above, in the conventional copying machine, if the needles are replaced while remaining in the cartridge with emphasis on throughput, the needles are wasted, and conversely, the needles are not replaced to prevent waste. There is a dilemma that if the printing process is executed, the throughput will be reduced unless a complicated printing progress is confirmed.
[0015]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to calculate the amount of staples required for executing a print job when staple sort is set for the print job. If it is predicted that a staple shortage will occur during the execution of the print job as compared to the remaining staples, a part of the print job is partially printed based on the number of print pages, the set print mode, and the number of prints. By calculating the printing time of, and predicting the time required for replenishing the needle based on the partial printing time and the remaining amount of the needle and displaying a warning, the operator can determine the time to replenish the needle. It is possible to perform other work or to prepare a needle for replenishment only by considering the replenishment time. Prevention and complicated printing An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a control method of the printing apparatus, a program, and a recording medium capable of easily constructing a staple-sort printing environment that easily realizes both prevention of a decrease in throughput without checking the line status. .
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing unit (a printer unit 3004 shown in FIG. 2) for performing printing processing on a sheet based on a print job, and a print sheet bundle output by the printing unit for each part. In a printing apparatus having a staple sorter (Sorter 2090 shown in FIG. 1) for performing staple sort for closing a staple, a detector (CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the remaining amount of staples of the staple sorter, and a print job If staple sort is set, the amount of staples required to execute the print job is calculated and compared with the remaining amount of staples detected by the detection unit, and the occurrence of staple shortage in the execution of the print job is calculated. The predicting means (CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2) for predicting, and when the predicting means predicts that a staple shortage will occur, the print job and the detecting means detect A warning display means for predicting a time when a needle shortage occurs based on the detected remaining needle amount and displaying a warning (the CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2 predicts a needle shortage warning display screen (FIG. 5) to display a display panel 620 ( 3) shown in FIG. 3).
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, when a print job is executed without performing staple supply after a warning display is performed by a warning display unit, the staple displayed with the warning is displayed in accordance with the progress of the printing process. Updating means for updating the time when the shortage occurs (the CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2 updates the needle shortage notice display screen (FIG. 6)) is provided.
[0018]
In a third aspect according to the present invention, the warning display means calculates a partial printing time based on the number of print pages of one copy of the print job, the set print mode, and the number of print copies. The time required for replenishing the staple is calculated based on the printing time of the set and the remaining amount of the staple.
[0019]
A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the updating means updates the time at which the needle supply is required, which is displayed on the warning display means, every time a part is printed.
[0020]
In a fifth aspect according to the present invention, the print job is a first print job (copy job) for reading image data from a document bundle and performing print processing, and a print job input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium. It is characterized by including a second print job (print job) for performing print processing based on data, and a third print job (personal box print job) for performing print processing based on image data stored in a storage device.
[0021]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing unit for performing a printing process on a sheet based on a print job, and a staple for performing a staple sort for partially closing a printed sheet bundle output by the printing unit for each part. In a control method of a printing apparatus having a sorting unit and a detecting unit for detecting a remaining amount of staples of the staple sorting unit, when staple sorting is set for a print job, the amount of staples necessary for executing the print job is determined. The predicting step (Step S103 in FIG. 4) for calculating and comparing the remaining amount of the staples to predict the occurrence of a staple shortage in the execution of the print job. A warning display step (S105 to S107 in FIG. 4) for predicting a time when the needle shortage occurs based on the remaining needle amount and displaying a warning.
[0022]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when a print job is executed without performing staple supply after the warning display is performed, the staple shortage displayed as the warning is generated according to the progress of the printing process. An update step (steps S110 and S112 in FIG. 4) for updating the time to perform is provided.
[0023]
An eighth invention according to the present invention is a program for executing the control method of a printing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.
[0024]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium storing a computer readable program for executing the method of controlling a printing apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a copier to which a printing process according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
[0026]
In the figure, reference numeral 2080 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF), which feeds documents one by one from a document bundle placed on a document feeder to a document table (platen glass) 2001 of the copying machine 118. A scanner 2002 includes a document illumination lamp 2003, a scanning mirror 2004, and the like. The scanner 2002 is reciprocally driven in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown) to scan the original, scans the original through scanning mirrors 2004 to 2006, passes through the lens 2007, and reflects reflected light from the original into a CCD image in the image sensor unit 2008. An image is formed on a sensor (CCD).
[0027]
The image sensor unit 2008 performs predetermined image processing on a signal obtained by converting reflected light from a document into an electric signal to generate an image signal. An exposure control unit 2009 includes a laser generation unit, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 2009 generates a laser beam 2019 modulated based on an image signal generated by the image sensor unit 2008 and irradiates the photoconductor drum 2011 with the laser beam.
[0028]
Reference numeral 2010 denotes an image forming unit which includes a photosensitive drum 2011, a primary charger 2012, a developing unit 2013, a transfer charger 2016, a separation charger 2017, a pre-exposure lamp 2014, and a cleaner device arranged around the photosensitive drum 2011. 2015 and the like.
[0029]
In the image forming unit 2010, the photosensitive drum 2011 is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow A in the figure. The primary charger 2012 charges the photosensitive drum 2011 to a predetermined potential. The photosensitive drum 2011 charged by the primary charger 2012 is irradiated with the laser light 2019 generated by the exposure control unit 2009 to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing device 2013 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2011 and visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2011 as a toner image.
[0030]
2021 is a first cassette, 2022 is a second cassette, 2023 is a third cassette, 2024 is a fourth cassette, and stores transfer paper. The transfer paper stored in the first cassette 2021, the second cassette 2022, the third cassette 2023 or the fourth cassette 2024 is picked up by the big up rollers 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, and is supplied by the paper feed rollers 2029, 2030, 2031. The sheet is sent to the copier 118 by 2032 and is conveyed to the image forming unit 2010 by the registration roller 2033.
[0031]
The transfer charger 2016 transfers the visualized toner image on the photosensitive drum 2011 to the transferred transfer paper. The cleaner 2015 cleans the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2011 after transferring the toner image to the transfer paper. The pre-exposure lamp 2014 erases the residual charge on the photoconductor drum 2011 after cleaning the residual toner by the cleaner 2015.
[0032]
The separation charger 2017 separates the transfer paper after the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 2011. Reference numeral 2034 denotes a transport belt which transports the transfer paper separated by the separation charger 2017 to the fixing device 2035. The fixing device 2035 fixes the toner image on the transfer paper by pressing and heating the transfer paper. A paper discharge roller 2036 discharges the transfer paper on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 2035 to the outside of the copying machine (main body) 118.
[0033]
Reference numeral 2037 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the transfer path of the transfer paper to one of the transport path 2038 side and the discharge path 2043 side. Reference numeral 2040 denotes a lower transport path, which guides the transfer paper that has been transported by the discharge rollers 2036 and the reversing rollers 2045 and turned over via the reversing path 2039 to the re-feeding path 2041.
[0034]
Reference numeral 2042 denotes a re-feed roller, which re-feeds the transfer sheet guided to the re-feed path 2041 to the image forming unit 2010. A discharge roller 2044 is disposed near the paper discharge flapper 2037 and discharges the transfer paper conveyed when the paper is switched to the discharge path 2043 by the paper discharge flapper 2037.
[0035]
In the copying machine 118, when performing double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the discharge flapper 2037 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is re-transmitted via the transport path 2038, the reversing path 2039, and the lower transport path 2040. It leads to the paper feeding path 2041. At this time, the rear end of the transfer paper is completely pulled out of the transport path 2038 by the reversing roller 2045, and the transfer paper is drawn into the reversing path 2039 to a position where the transfer paper is bitten by the reversing roller 2045, and then the reversing roller 2045 is reversed. Thus, the sheet is sent to the lower transfer path 2040.
[0036]
When the transfer paper is inverted and discharged from the copying machine (main body) 118, the discharge flapper 2037 is raised upward, and the reverse roller 2045 moves the transfer paper to the position where the rear end of the transfer paper remains in the transport path 2038. The transfer paper is turned upside down and sent to the discharge roller 2044 side by reversing the reversing roller 2045.
[0037]
Reference numeral 2090 denotes a sheet discharge processing device (sorter) which sorts the transfer sheets discharged from the copying machine 118 into different discharge bins or transfers the transfer sheets discharged from the copying machine 118 by a stapler (not shown) provided inside the sorter 2090. The paper is arranged and closed (performs staple sort) for each part, and the transfer paper discharged for each sheet is stacked and aligned on the processing tray 2094, and a part (one bundle) of image formation is discharged. Is completed, the transfer paper bundle is stapled by a stapler (not shown) in the processing tray 2094, and the bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 2092 or the discharge tray 2093. The discharge trays 2092 and 2093 are controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and move to the position of the processing tray 2094 before the image processing operation starts. Note that a cartridge storing a plurality of staples (for example, 5,000 staples) is set in the staple in the sorter 2090, and the staples can be supplied by replacing the cartridge. Further, when the replacement of the cartridge is detected, the CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2 described below stores the number of needles stored in the cartridge in the ROM 3012, the hard disk 3008, or the like. The stored number of needles is counted down every time the stapling process is executed, and the CPU 3011 can detect “insufficient needles” in real time based on the stored number of needles.
[0038]
Reference numeral 2091 denotes a paper tray on which separator sheets to be inserted between the discharged transfer sheets are stacked. Reference numeral 2095 denotes a Z-folding machine, which is a device for Z-folding the discharged transfer paper. Reference numeral 2096 denotes a bookbinding machine, which performs bookbinding by collectively folding a part (one book) of the discharged transfer paper and center stapling the staples, and the bound paper bundle is discharged to a discharge tray 2097.
[0039]
The copying machine (body) 118 is provided with a paper deck 2050 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 2051 of the paper deck 2050 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the pickup roller 2052, and the transfer paper is sent to the main body by the paper feed roller 2053. Further, a multi-bypass 2054 capable of storing 100 transfer papers is provided.
[0040]
The developing device 2013 may be one that replenishes toner by replacing the toner cassette, or one that can directly replenish toner in the developing device 2013. Further, the developing device 2013 can detect the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 2013.
[0041]
Also, here, the configuration of the monochrome copying machine has been described as an example of the image output apparatus of the present invention, but a color copying machine may be used.
[0042]
In this case, the developing device 2013 includes four developing units of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). Further, the developing device 2013 can individually detect the remaining amounts of various yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk) toners.
[0043]
Further, the copying machine 118 can detect the remaining amount of transfer paper stored in each of the first to fourth cassettes and the paper deck 2050. Further, the sheet discharge processing device (sorter) 2090 can detect the remaining amount of the staples for storing the transfer paper bundle in the processing tray 2094. Further, a paper discharge processing device (sorter) 2090, a Z-folding machine 2095, and a paper deck 2050 are detachably mounted on a copying machine (body) 118 as optional devices.
[0044]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.
[0045]
In the figure, an operation unit 3002 is used to perform various settings of the digital copying machine (body) 118 and instructions of various operations. Reference numeral 3003 denotes a reader unit which includes the units 2001 to 2008 shown in FIG. 1 and reads a document image and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 3004 and the control unit 3009. The printer unit 3004 includes the components 2009 to 2045 illustrated in FIG. 1, and outputs an image corresponding to image data from the reader unit 3003 and the control unit 3009 onto transfer paper.
[0046]
The control unit 3009 is connected to the reader unit 3003, the facsimile unit 3006, the network interface unit 3007, and the hard disk unit 3008, and controls the entire copying machine 118.
[0047]
The facsimile unit 3006 decompresses the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the decompressed image data to the control unit 3009, compresses the image data transferred from the control unit 3009, and The compressed image data is transmitted via a line. The compressed image data received by the facsimile unit 3006 can be temporarily stored in the hard disk unit 3008.
[0048]
The network interface unit 3007 is an interface between the personal computer / workstation (PC / WS) 110 and the LAN and the control unit 3009, and stores code data (PDL (Page Description Language, page) representing an image transferred via the LAN 130. (Description language) data) is developed into image data recordable by the printer unit 3004 and passed to the control unit 3009.
[0049]
The control unit 3009 includes a CPU 3011, a ROM 3012, a RAM 3013, and the like. Based on data stored in the ROM 3012 and data received from other units, a reader unit 3003, a facsimile unit 3006, a network interface unit 3007, The data flow between the hard disk units 3008 is controlled.
[0050]
The hard disk unit 3008 includes a hard disk (HD) (not shown), a page memory, and the like, and can store a plurality of image data. A plurality of image data stored in the hard disk unit 3008 can be output in an order according to the editing mode specified by the operation unit 3002 of the digital copier (body) 118.
[0051]
The control unit 3009 controls the remaining amount of toner, the remaining amount of transfer paper for each size, the remaining amount of staples, the state of the copying machine (door is open, paper jam, etc.), and various optional devices (FIG. 1). Can be notified to the devices connected to the LAN and the WAN via the network interface unit 3007 whether or not the paper discharge processing device (sorter) 2090, the Z-folder 2095, and the paper deck 2050) shown in FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 3002 shown in FIG.
[0053]
In the figure, reference numeral 621 denotes a power lamp, which is a lamp for indicating that the power is on. A power switch 613 turns on and off when the power is turned on / off. A numeric keypad 622 is used for inputting numerical values such as setting the number of copies. The numeric keypad 622 is used for inputting a telephone number on a facsimile setting screen.
[0054]
Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which is used to clear the settings entered using the ten keys 622. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key for returning the set number of images to be formed, the operation mode, the selected paper feed stage, and other modes to default values. Reference numeral 614 denotes a start key, and when this key is pressed, an image forming operation is started. Further, at the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether or not the image forming process can be started. When the image forming operation cannot be started, the red LED is turned on. When the image forming operation can be started, the green LED is turned on.
[0055]
A stop key 615 is used to stop the copying operation. Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When another key is pressed after pressing this key, a description of a function that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel 620. To cancel the guide display, the guide key 617 is pressed again.
[0056]
A user setting key 618 is used when the user changes the setting of the copying machine. The settings that can be changed by the user include, for example, the time until the settings for the copying machine are automatically cleared, the setting of the mode default value when the reset key 616 is pressed, and the like. An ID key 619 is used to input a password.
[0057]
A display panel 620 is formed of a liquid crystal or the like, and switches display contents according to a setting mode to facilitate detailed mode setting. The screen is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the displayed function. In FIG. 3, the display panel 620 displays a copy operation mode setting screen.
[0058]
The copy mode setting screen displayed on the display panel 620 includes a screen key 624, a sorter key 625, an application mode key 626, a paper selection key 627, a reduction key 628, a 1: 1 key 629, an enlargement key 630, and a zoom key 631. Is displayed. The user touches these keys to set the mode for the copying machine. For example, by touching the sorter key 625, it is possible to set a sort mode for sorting the transfer paper discharged from the copying machine 118, a staple mode for aligning the output transfer paper, and the like. In this staple mode, the number of staples to be hit in one copy, such as one-point fixing (single-stroke) and two-point fixing (two-stroke), can be specified.
[0059]
A paper selection key 627 is a key for selecting a paper, and a reduction key 628, an equal-magnification key 629, an enlargement key 630, and a zoom key 631 set a copy magnification (reduction, equal-size, enlargement, zoom) of a copy operation. The key to use when doing
[0060]
The application mode key 626 is used to set an image synthesizing function for synthesizing the read image and the form image, to set a pamphlet mode for performing image forming processing in an order suitable for creating a pamphlet, These keys are used to set multiplex operation, a reduced layout mode, an enlarged layout mode, and an applied function mode such as a cover / insert mode for inserting a cover insert into a sheet. By touching the application mode key 626, a screen for setting each application function mode as described above is displayed on the display panel 620. The user sets the application function mode on this screen.
[0061]
Keys that cannot be used among the keys displayed on the display panel 620 are indicated by dotted lines (shaded) to indicate that the keys cannot be operated.
[0062]
In the upper part of the display panel 620, the contents of the set copy operation and the current operation state are displayed in a range where one line can be displayed. FIG. 3 shows a setting screen for copy A.
[0063]
Further, the operation states of the other function modes are displayed in a lower part of the display panel 620 within a range in which one line can be displayed. FIG. 3 shows “outputting copy B” indicating that copy B is being output to the printer unit.
[0064]
A copy A function key 601 and a copy B function key 604 are function keys used when switching display contents on the display panel 620 of the operation unit for setting each function of the copy operation. Further, a fax function key 607 is a function key used when switching the display contents of the display panel 620 of the operation unit to set each function of the facsimile operation. Reference numeral 610 denotes a printer function key, which is a function key used when switching display contents on the display panel 620 of the operation unit in order to set each function of the printer operation. Reference numeral 634 denotes a personal box key, which is a function key used when switching the display content of the display panel 620 of the operation unit in order to set the personal box function.
[0065]
These function keys 601, 604, 607, 610, and 634 are constituted by translucent key buttons, and inside the keys are display lamps (not shown) such as LEDs. Then, when the user selects any one of these keys, only the lamps inside the keys corresponding to the selected operation screen are turned on, and the lights inside the other keys are turned off. . The green LEDs 603, 606, 609, 612, and 633 arranged on the right side of the function keys 601, 604, 607, 610, and 634 are controlled to be turned on so as to indicate the operation status of each function.
[0066]
For example, the user presses a copy B function key 604 to display a copy B operation screen on the display panel 620. While the copy B is in standby, the LED 606 of the copy B is turned off. For example, when the copy B is in the output operation, the LED 606 of the copy B is controlled to blink. The image of the copy B is stored in the hard disk unit 3008, and the lighting control is performed when the print operation of the copy B is not performed.
[0067]
The LED 609 of the fax function key is controlled to blink during a communication operation, during a printing operation, and during reading of received data, and is controlled to be turned on when a fax image is stored in the hard disk unit 3008.
[0068]
Further, red LEDs 602, 605, 608, 611, and 632 arranged on the left side of the function keys 601, 604, 607, 610, and 634 are turned on so as to indicate that an abnormality has occurred in each function. Is done.
[0069]
For example, when an abnormality such as a paper-out interruption or a JAM occurs in copy B, the LED 605 of copy B is controlled to blink. At this time, by pressing the copy B function key 604 to switch to the copy B function, the display panel 620 displays the abnormal status of the copy B, and the details thereof can be known.
[0070]
These function keys 601, 604, 607, 610, and 634 can be pressed regardless of the operation status, and the operation unit is switched by changing the content displayed on the display panel 620. Keys that are not in the display panel 620, such as the above-mentioned stop key 615, start key 614, reset key 616, are a copy A function key 601, a copy B function key 604, a fax function key 607, a printer function key 610, and a personal box key. An operation corresponding to the function selected from among 634 can be performed.
[0071]
Therefore, for example, even when the stop key 615 is pressed while the operation screen of the copy A is displayed on the display panel 620 as shown in FIG. 5, the output operation of the copy B does not stop. To stop the copy operation of copy B when the operation screen of copy A is displayed on the display panel 620, press the copy B function key 604, switch the operation screen, and then press the stop key 615. This stops the copy operation of copy B.
[0072]
Further, since the content changed by the user setting key 618 is reflected on the function selected at the time of the change, it is possible to independently set each function.
[0073]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in the printing apparatus of the present invention, which is executed by the CPU 3011 shown in FIG. 2 based on a program stored in the ROM 3012 or another recording medium. And S101 to S120 indicate each step.
[0074]
When the copy start key 614 is pressed, first, document reading is started (S101). Then, it is determined whether or not the staple sort is set (S102). If it is determined that the staple sort is not set, the process proceeds to step S120, the printing process is started (S120), and the process ends.
[0075]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that staple sorting has been set, the number of copies designated by the user (× the number of staples used for staples of 1 copy) is compared with the remaining amount of staples set in the device. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of copies designated by the user is larger than the remaining number of stitches (the number of copies designated by the user (× the number of stitches used for staple of 1 copy)> the remaining amount of stitches) (S103). If it is determined that the number of staples to be applied to one copy is not larger than the remaining number of staples (the number of copies designated by the user (× the number of staples used for staples of one copy) ≦ the remaining amount of staples), the process proceeds to step S120 and printing is performed. The process starts (S120), and ends.
[0076]
On the other hand, in step S103, it is determined that the number of copies designated by the user (× the number of staples to be hit in one copy) is larger than the remaining amount of the staple (the number of designated copies of the user (× the number of staples used for staples in the one copy) ≦ the remaining amount of the staple). In this case, after completion of document reading (S104), a part of the output time is calculated from the number of documents and the setting mode (S105), and the staples are eliminated from the part of the output time and the number of copies designated by the user (the staple becomes insufficient). ) (The time when the printing process is interrupted due to the shortage of the staples and the replenishment of the staples is required for resumption) is calculated (S106), and the staple shortage warning shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. It is displayed (S107). A warning message 501 to the user including the time until the staple runs out, such as “The remaining staple is not enough. Replenishment is required after 100 minutes.” A stop button 502 capable of instructing the stop of printing is provided. At this timing, the user replenishes the staples on the spot, or presses the copy start key 614 to print the remaining amount of the staples, and then replenishes the staples. Or cancel the copy job itself.
[0077]
Here, it is determined whether or not the copy start key 614 has been pressed (S108). If it is determined that the start key 614 has been pressed, the printing process is started (S109).
[0078]
Then, it is determined whether there is no needle (insufficient needle) detection (S110), and until the absence of needle (insufficient needle) is detected, the time during which the needle is insufficient is calculated in consideration of the elapsed time. 6 is displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. 3 (S112). The staple shortage notice is displayed by counting down (1 in FIG. 6) the time until the staple is exhausted (701 in FIG. 6) every time one copy is printed until the staple out (needle deficiency) is detected. The time for each print is subtracted) and updated. In addition, this needle shortage warning display indicates that the needle will run out after 30 minutes, calculated in consideration of the elapsed time such as "The needle runs out after 30 minutes, please prepare for replenishment." A time notification 701, a current copy progress notification 702, and a stop button 703 that allows the user to instruct stop of the copy job are provided. At this timing, the user touches the stop button 703 to copy the copy job. Can be stopped.
[0079]
Then, in step S110, when it is detected that there is no staple (insufficient staple), the printing process is interrupted (S111), and the staple-less (insufficient staple) display shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. (S113). As shown in FIG. 7, the staple-less display includes a message 801 for notifying the user that the staple has run out (the staple has run out), such as "The staple has run out. Please replenish." A notification 802 of the progress status of the current copy and a stop button 803 that allows the user to instruct the stop of the copy job are provided. At this timing, the user can supply the staples to resume the printing process or You can choose to cancel itself.
[0080]
Then, it is determined whether or not the stop button 803 shown in FIG. 7 has been touched (S114). If it is determined that the stop button 803 has been touched, the process is terminated.
[0081]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S114 that the stop button 803 has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the completion of the needle supply has been detected (S115), and it has been determined that the completion of the needle supply has not been detected. In this case, the process returns to step S114.
[0082]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S115 that the completion of the staple supply has been detected, the printing process is restarted (S116).
[0083]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the copy start key 614 has not been pressed, it is determined whether the completion of the needle supply has been detected (S117), and if it has been determined that the completion of the needle supply has been detected. Then, the printing process is started (S118).
[0084]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S117 that the completion of the needle supply has not been detected, it is determined whether or not the stop button 502 has been touched. If it is determined that the stop button has been touched, the process is performed as it is. finish.
[0085]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S119 that the stop button 502 has not been touched, the process returns to step S108.
[0086]
As described above, when performing staple sorting (a staple closing function for each copy), the number of required staples is obtained from the number of documents and the setting mode, etc., and if staple shortage is predicted, replenishment is required. The user is warned of the time, and the user is allowed to select whether to replenish immediately or replenish after the elapsed time indicated in the warning, and the user presses the “replenish immediately” or presses the start key according to the circumstances. You can select `` Proceed ahead of the staple shortage and replenish when the remaining amount is exhausted ''. When "yes" is selected, the predicted time until the needle shortage occurs is displayed in real time, so that the timing of replenishment can be known.
[0087]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a staple shortage warning display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention. When the remaining amount of staples is smaller than the number of copies designated by the user (× the number of staples to be hit in one copy), the operator is prompted. Corresponds to the screen that warns.
[0088]
Since the staple shortage warning display screen warns the time when there is no staple (needle shortage), the screen is displayed after all the originals have been read and the number of output sheets per copy can be calculated.
[0089]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a staple shortage notice display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention, in which the staple shortage warning display screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed and the copy process is executed without replenishing staples. Will be displayed.
[0090]
In this staple shortage notice display screen, each time one copy is printed, the notification 701 of the time until the staple runs out is counted down and updated.
[0091]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a staple shortage display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention, which is displayed when a staple shortage is detected.
[0092]
In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration in which, when performing staple sorting in a copy job in which image data is read from a bundle of originals and printing processing is performed, a time required for staple supply is warned and updated in accordance with the progress of the printing processing. However, even when staple sorting is performed in a print job that performs print processing based on print data such as PDL data input from an external device such as the PC / WS 110 shown in FIG. Even when performing staple sorting in a personal box print job that performs print processing based on image data stored in the personal box in 3008, a warning is given of the time when staple supply is required and updated as the print processing proceeds. May be configured. However, in the case of a print job, the above-described warning display and the like are performed on the display unit of the external device that has transmitted the print data.
[0093]
In the case of a print job, part of the output time is calculated based on the number of pages of the job, the setting mode, and the like. In the case of a personal box print job, the part of the output time is calculated based on the number of pages Number, setting mode, etc.
[0094]
As described above, when performing staple sorting (a staple closing function for each copy), the number of required staples is obtained from the number of documents, the setting mode, and the like. And prompt the user to replenish on the spot or replenish after the elapsed time indicated in the warning, and the user can select `` replenish on the spot '' or `` Copy ahead and replenish when the remaining amount is exhausted. " When the latter “supply later” is selected, the predicted time until the needle shortage occurs is displayed in real time, so that the timing of supply can be known.
[0095]
In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the printer unit (printer engine) is a laser beam system has been described as an example. However, in an electrophotographic system (for example, an LED system) other than the laser beam system, a liquid crystal shutter system and an inkjet system may be used. The present invention is applicable to thermal transfer, sublimation, and other printing methods.
[0096]
Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.
[0097]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0098]
Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, a creator, and the like are also stored, and information that depends on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, identifies and displays the program. Icons and the like may also be stored.
[0099]
Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a decompression program or the like may be stored.
[0100]
The functions shown in FIG. 4 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Things.
[0101]
As described above, the recording medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved by reading and executing the program code.
[0102]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium implements the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0103]
As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.
[0104]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0105]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0106]
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention to the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0107]
Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when staple sorting is set for a print job, the amount of staples required to execute the print job is calculated and compared with the remaining amount of staples. In the execution of the above, when it is predicted that a staple shortage will occur, the operator predicts the time at which the staple shortage will occur based on the print job and the remaining amount of the staple, and displays a warning. It is possible to perform other operations or prepare a needle for replenishment only with the replenishment time in mind, and to waste the needle by exchanging the cartridge still having the replenished needle. This makes it possible to construct a staple-sort printing environment that easily realizes both prevention of printing and reduction of throughput without checking complicated printing progress.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a copier to which a printing process according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of a staple shortage warning display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a staple shortage notice display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a staple shortage display screen in the printing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
3002 Operation unit
3003 Reader unit
3004 Printer section
3008 Hard disk unit
3011 CPU
3012 ROM
3013 RAM

Claims (9)

A printing unit that performs printing processing on paper based on a print job, and a staple sorting unit that performs staple sorting that staples a bundle of printed sheets output by the printing unit for every part thereof,
Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of staples of the staple sorting means,
When staple sort is set for the print job, the amount of staples required to execute the print job is calculated, and compared with the remaining staples detected by the detection unit, the amount of staples shortaged during execution of the print job is calculated. Predicting means for predicting occurrence;
A warning display unit for predicting a time at which a needle shortage will occur based on the print job and the remaining amount of the needles detected by the detection unit, and displaying a warning when a shortage of the needle is predicted by the prediction unit; ,
A printing device comprising: Updating means for updating the time at which the staple shortage indicated by the warning is displayed in accordance with the progress of the printing process, when the print job is executed without performing staple supply after the warning display is performed by the warning display means; The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The warning display means calculates a part of the printing time based on the number of printed pages of one copy of the print job, the set print mode, and the number of printed copies, and calculates the part of the printing time and the remaining amount of hands. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a time required for replenishing the staple is calculated based on the time. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the updating unit updates the time required for needle supply, which is displayed on the warning display unit, every time printing is partially performed. The print job includes a first print job for reading image data from a document bundle and performing print processing, a second print job for performing print processing based on print data input from an external device via a predetermined communication medium, and storage. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third print job that performs a printing process based on image data stored in the apparatus. A printing unit that performs a printing process on paper based on a print job; a staple sorting unit that performs staple sorting that closes a staple of the printed sheet bundle output by the printing unit for each part; and a staple of the staple sorting unit A control method of the printing apparatus having a detection unit for detecting the remaining amount,
When staple sorting is set for the print job, the amount of staples required to execute the print job is calculated and compared with the remaining amount of staples to predict the occurrence of staple shortage in the execution of the print job. Process and
A warning display step of predicting a time at which a staple shortage will occur based on the print job and the staple remaining amount, when a staple shortage is predicted to occur,
A method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: When a print job is executed without performing staple supply after the warning display is performed, an update step is provided for updating the time at which the staple shortage is displayed according to the progress of the printing process. 7. The method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: A program for executing the control method for a printing apparatus according to claim 6. A recording medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the method for controlling a printing apparatus according to claim 6.

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