JP2004295675A - Processing method of image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restore jobs divided by a plurality of image forming apparatuses to be image-formed when the jobs are mixed when the mixing has been abnormally finished. <P>SOLUTION: Jobs outputted from an information processor 103 are divided into page units in accordance with a predetermined division rule, and each divided page is image-formed by image forming apparatuses 104 and 105. The image forming apparatuses 104 and 105 mix the image-formed pages in accordance with the order of the jobs, and restore the jobs when the mixing has been abnormally finished. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming system including an information processing apparatus connected via a network and a plurality of image forming apparatuses.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a system in which a color printer or a monochrome printer is connected to a network, it is known that a user of a client computer selects one of a plurality of printers including a color printer and a monochrome printer to print.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, even when a color or black-and-white document is mixed in one job, either a color printer or a black-and-white printer is selected and printing is performed by the selected printer. A color printer can print in full color, but a black-and-white printer is superior in terms of speed and cost.
[0004]
Therefore, it is desirable to print a page containing only a black-and-white image on a black-and-white printer. It was necessary to specify page printing. Each time, a user must select a color printer or a black-and-white printer, which is troublesome.
[0005]
In addition, the user has to perform the operation of rearranging the sheets printed by the color printer or the black-and-white printer in page order, which is troublesome. In particular, when a large amount of printing is performed, the processing time and cost are remarkable, but the time required for the manual operation of the user is also considerable, and labor saving in this respect is desired.
[0006]
Also, for each page of a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed, it is determined whether the page is a color page or a monochrome page, and in accordance with the determination result, the color page is formed by the color image forming apparatus, and the monochrome page is formed. When performing an intermingling operation in which the images are formed by the apparatus and each of the divided and image-formed sheets is mixed in order to return to a predetermined page order of the job, in a situation in which the printed matter such as a jam is damaged in the image forming apparatus. When a missing page occurs, it is necessary to print the missing page again. In addition, the operation of remixing the reprinted materials occurs. In this case, if the mixing operation is interrupted halfway due to a jam or the like, a means for returning from the state is required, and it is necessary that the operation can be easily performed. In addition, the operation of confirming whether or not the mixing has been performed correctly by checking the page order of the job is a complicated operation. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism capable of performing minimum confirmation such as whether or not the number of pages of a job matches the number of discharged pages after mixing.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to return a job when mixing is abnormally terminated when mixing jobs formed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses and forming images. And
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a processing method of an image forming system including an information processing device and a plurality of image forming devices connected via a network, Dividing the divided job into pages in accordance with a predetermined division rule, forming an image on each of the divided pages by the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and It is characterized by comprising a mixing step of mixing according to the order of jobs, and a return step of returning the job when the mixing ends abnormally in the mixing step.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
[System Overview]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a network, which may be connected to the Internet via a local area network (LAN) or a communication device such as a router or gateway (not shown). Reference numerals 102, 103a, and 103b denote information processing apparatuses such as personal computers, which are connected via a network 101. In this embodiment, the information processing apparatuses are servers 102 and clients 103a and 103b. Although not shown, a large number of clients may be connected in addition to the above. In the following description, the client will be referred to as 103.
[0011]
Reference numerals 104 and 105 denote MFPs (Multi Function peripherals), which are connected to the network 101. In the present embodiment, the MFP 104 is a color MFP capable of scanning and printing in full color, and the MFP 105 is a monochrome MFP performing scanning and printing in monochrome.
[0012]
Although not shown, not only the MFPs 104 and 105 but also other devices such as a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile machine may be connected on the network 101.
[0013]
Here, in the client 103, application software for executing so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) is operated, and various documents / graphics can be created / edited. The client 103 converts the created document / graphic into PDL (Page Description Language: page description language) data and sends it out to the MFPs 104 and 105 via the network 101 to execute printout.
[0014]
Each of the MFPs 104 and 105 includes a communication unit capable of exchanging information with the server 102 and the client 103 via the network 101, and has a mechanism for sequentially informing the server 102 and the client 103 of information and status of the MFPs 104 and 105. Further, the server 102 and the client 103 have utility software that operates by receiving the information, and the MFPs 104 and 105 can be managed by the server 102 and the client 103.
[0015]
[MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, the difference between the MFPs 104 and 105 is the difference between full-color and monochrome, and since the full-color device often includes the configuration of the monochrome device except for the color processing, only the full-color device will be described here. The description of the monochrome device will be added as needed.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the MFP according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFPs 104 and 105 use a scanner unit 201 for reading an image, an IP (Image Processing) unit 202 for performing image processing on the read image data, and a telephone line typified by a facsimile. (Facsimile) unit 203 for transmitting and receiving the image, a NIC (Network Interface Card) unit 204 for transmitting and receiving image data and device information using a network, and a PDL code sent from the client 103 as an image. It has a PDL unit 205 for developing a signal. Then, the core unit 06 temporarily stores an image signal or determines a route according to how to use the MFPs 104 and 105.
[0017]
Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 is sent to a printer unit 208 that performs image formation. Then, the sheet printed out from the printer unit 208 is sent to the finisher unit 209, and a sheet sorting process and a sheet finishing process are performed.
[0018]
The display unit 210 is used to check the contents of the image without printing the image, or to check the state of the image before printing (preview display).
[0019]
[Scanner unit 201]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the scanner unit 201 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a platen glass on which a document 302 to be read is placed. Here, the original 302 is irradiated by an illumination lamp 303, and the reflected light is imaged on a CCD 308 by a lens 307 via mirrors 304, 305, and 306. Then, the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination lamp 303 moves at a speed v, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 moves at a speed of 1 / 2v, thereby scanning the entire surface of the document 302. I do. The first mirror unit 310 and the second mirror unit 311 are driven by a motor 309.
[0020]
[IP (Image Processing) Unit 202]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the IP (image processing) unit 202 shown in FIG. First, the input optical signal is converted into an electric signal by the CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is a three-line RGB color sensor, and the A / D converter 401 converts the RGB image signals into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0 for each color signal. After that, a known shading correction using a read signal of the reference white plate is performed for each color by the shading correction of 402. Furthermore, since the line sensors of each color of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects a spatial shift in the sub-scanning direction.
[0021]
Next, an input masking unit 404 is a part that converts a read color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 308 into a standard color space of NTSC. Performs a 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants taking into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and converts the input signals (R0, G0, B0) to standard signals (R, G, B) I do.
[0022]
A luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405 is configured by a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts the RGB luminance signals into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.
[0023]
An output masking / UCR (under color removal) circuit 406 corrects the C1, M1, and Y1 signals into C, M, Y, and K signals, which are toner colors of the image forming apparatus, and outputs the corrected signals. Then, the data is converted into C, M, Y, and K data for image output by a gamma correction unit 407 using a look-up table (LUT) RAM in consideration of various color characteristics of the toner. After being subjected to sharpness or smoothing, it is sent to the core unit 206 as an image signal.
[0024]
When monochrome image processing is performed by the MFP 105, a single-color one-line CCD sensor is used to perform single-color A / D conversion and shading, and then processed in the order of input / output masking, gamma conversion, and spatial filter. It does not matter.
[0025]
[FAX 203]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the FAX unit 203 shown in FIG. First, at the time of reception, the data coming from the telephone line is received by the NCU 501, the voltage is converted, the demodulation unit 504 in the modem unit 502 performs A / D conversion and demodulation operation, and the decompression unit 506 expands the data into raster data. I do. In general, a run-length method or the like is used for compression / expansion by FAX. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507 and sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.
[0026]
Next, at the time of transmission, the compression unit 505 performs compression such as a run-length method on the image signal of the raster image sent from the core unit 206, and performs D / A conversion and modulation by the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502. After performing the operation, the data is transmitted to the telephone line via the NCU 501.
[0027]
[NIC unit 204 and PDL unit 205]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205 shown in FIG. The NIC unit 204 has an interface function for connecting to the network 101. For example, it plays a role of acquiring information from the outside or flowing information to the outside by using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable such as Basa-T / 100Base-TX.
[0028]
When the NIC unit 204 obtains information from the outside via the network 101, the voltage is first converted by the transformer unit 601 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602. The LAN controller unit 602 has a first buffer memory (not shown) therein, determines whether the information is necessary information, and sends it to the second buffer memory (not shown). A signal flows through the PDL unit 205.
[0029]
When providing information to the outside, the LAN controller 602 adds necessary information to the data sent from the PDL unit 205, and is connected to the network 101 via the transformer 601.
[0030]
Next, the PDL unit 205 connected to the NIC unit 204 will be described. In the present embodiment, the image data created by the application software operating on the client 103 is composed of a document, a figure, a photograph, and the like. Each of the image data includes a character code, a figure code, and an image description using raster image data. It shall consist of a combination of elements. This is a so-called PDL (Page Description Language), which is represented by Adobe's PostScript (registered trademark) language.
[0031]
The PDL unit 205 performs the above-described conversion processing from PDL data to raster image data. First, the PDL data sent from the NIC unit 204 is once stored in a large-capacity memory 605 such as a hard disk (HDD) via the CPU unit 603, and is managed and stored here for each job. Next, if necessary, the CPU unit 603 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop the PDL data into a raster image. The expanded raster image data is stored for each job on a page-by-page basis in a memory 604 such as a DRAM that can be accessed at high speed for each color component of CMYK, and is again sent from the CPU unit 603 to the core unit 206 according to the status of the printer unit 208. Sent to
[0032]
[Core unit 206]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the core unit 206 shown in FIG. First, the bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105, such as a copy function, a network scan, a network printer, facsimile transmission / reception, and display.
[0033]
A bus switching pattern for executing each function is shown below.
Copy function: scanner unit 201 → core unit 206 → printer unit 208
Network scan: scanner unit 201 → core unit 206 → NIC unit 204
Network printer: NIC unit 204 → core unit 206 → printer unit 208
Facsimile transmission function: scanner unit 201 → core unit 206 → FAX unit 203
Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203 → core unit 206 → printer unit 208
Display display function: one of the scanner unit 201, the FAX unit 203 and the NIC unit 204 → the core unit 206 → the display unit 210
Here, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is transmitted to the printer unit 208 (PWM unit 207) or display via a compression unit 702, a memory unit 703 including a large-capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and a decompression unit 704. Sent to the section 210. As a compression method used in the compression unit 702, a general method such as JPEG, JBIG, or ZIP may be used. The compressed image data is managed for each job and stored together with additional data such as file name, creator, date and time of creation, and file size.
[0034]
Furthermore, if a job number and a password are provided and stored together, the function of the personal box can be supported. This function is a function for temporarily storing data and making it possible to print out (read from the HDD) only to a specific person. Here, when an instruction to print out a desired job is issued, after performing authentication using a password, the compressed image data is called from the memory unit 703, decompressed, returned to a raster image, and sent to the printer unit 208. Send out.
[0035]
[PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Unit 207]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration and signals of the PWM unit 207 shown in FIG. Here, the image data (single color in the case of the MFP 105) color-separated into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) output from the core unit 206 are each PWM. An image is formed through each of the units 207. Since the configuration of the PWM unit 207 is the same for each of YMCK, FIG. 8A shows only one color.
[0036]
In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generating unit, which generates a triangular wave signal 810 of one pixel cycle shown in FIG. 8B. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A conversion unit (converter) that converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal 811 shown in FIG. A comparator 803 compares the triangular wave signal 810 with the analog signal 811 and outputs a signal 812 shown in FIG. 8B. A laser driver 804 drives the semiconductor laser 805 based on the signal 812 output from the comparator 803. Then, each of CMYK is converted into a laser beam by the semiconductor laser 805 of each of CMYK.
[0037]
A polygon scanner 913 scans each laser beam and irradiates each photosensitive drum 917, 921, 925, 929.
[0038]
[Printer Unit 208 (for Color MFP 104)]
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the color printer. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 913 denotes a polygon mirror which receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805 described above. One scans the photosensitive drum 917 via mirrors 914, 915, 916, the next scans the photosensitive drum 921 via mirrors 918, 919, 920, and the other scans the mirrors 922, 923. , 924, and the next one scans the photosensitive drum 929 via mirrors 926, 927, 928.
[0039]
On the other hand, a developing device 930 supplies yellow (Y) toner, and forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 917 according to the laser beam. A developing unit 931 supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 921 according to the laser beam. Reference numeral 932 denotes a developing unit that supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 925 according to the laser beam. A developing device 933 supplies black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 according to the laser beam. As described above, the four color toner images of YMCK are transferred to the sheet, and a full-color output image can be obtained.
[0040]
The sheet supplied from any of the sheet cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 is conveyed to the registration roller 937. The toners of the respective colors are developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929, and are conveyed in synchronization with the sheet feeding timing, and the toners of the respective colors are transferred to the sheet adsorbed on the transfer belt 938. You. The sheet on which the toner of each color has been transferred is separated, transported to a transport belt 939, and the toner is fixed to the sheet by a fixing device 940. The sheet that has passed through the fixing device 940 is once guided downward by the flapper 950, and after the rear end of the sheet has passed through the flapper 950, the sheet is switched back and discharged. As a result, the sheet is ejected face down, and when printed in order from the first page, the order is correct.
[0041]
The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at regular intervals at a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyor belt 939. Then, the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.
[0042]
[Printer unit 208 (for monochrome MFP 105)]
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the monochrome printer. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1013 denotes a polygon mirror which receives laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 805. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 1017 via mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016. On the other hand, reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet to obtain an output image.
[0043]
Sheets fed from any of the sheet cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 are adsorbed onto the transfer belt 1038 via the registration rollers 1037 and conveyed. The toner is developed in advance on the photosensitive drum 1017 in synchronization with the sheet feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the sheet as the sheet is conveyed. The sheet to which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed to the sheet by the fixing device 1040. The sheet having passed through the fixing device 1040 is once guided downward by the flapper 1050, and after the rear end of the sheet has passed through the flapper 1050, the sheet is switched back and carried out. As a result, the sheet is discharged face down, and the correct page order is obtained when printing is performed in order from the first page.
[0044]
[Display unit 210]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of the display unit 210 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, since the image data output from the core unit 206 is CMYK data, it is necessary to convert the image data into RGB data by the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101. Next, the gamma conversion unit 1102 performs output conversion using a look-up table in order to match the color characteristics of the display device 1104 such as a CRT to be output. The converted image data is stored once in the memory unit 1103 and displayed by the display device 1104.
[0045]
Here, the display unit 210 is used for a preview function for confirming an output image in advance, a group function for verifying that an output image is correct as intended, or a confirmation of whether or not printing is necessary. In this case, it is to eliminate waste of the print sheet.
[0046]
[Finisher 209]
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the finisher unit. The sheet exiting the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 208 is input to the finisher unit 209. The finisher unit 209 has a sample tray 1202, which is switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.
[0047]
Here, there are two types of sorting methods, a bin sorting method in which a plurality of bins are assigned to each bin, and an electronic sorting function which will be described later in detail, and a bin (or tray) is shifted in a direction before placing the bins, and the bins are sorted for each job. Sorting can be performed by a shift sort method in which main sheets are sorted. The electronic sort function is called a collate function. If the above-described core unit 206 has a large-capacity buffer memory, the order of buffered pages and the order of discharge are changed using the buffer memory. By using, the function of electronic sorting can be supported. Next, the group function is a function of sorting pages by page, while sorting sorts jobs by job.
[0048]
Further, when the sheets are discharged to the stack tray 1202, the sheets before the sheets are discharged may be stored for each job, and the sheets may be bound by the stapler 1205 immediately before the sheets are discharged.
[0049]
In addition, there are a Z-folder 1204 for folding paper in a Z-shape and a puncher 1206 for making two (or three) holes for files before reaching the two trays described above. The respective processes are performed according to the requirements.
[0050]
Further, the saddle stitcher 1207 binds the central part of the sheet at two places, and then folds the sheet in half by folding the central part of the sheet with a roller to perform processing for creating a booklet such as a weekly magazine or a pamphlet. . The sheet created by the saddle stitcher 1207 is discharged to the booklet tray 1208.
[0051]
In addition, although not shown, it is also possible to add binding by glue (glue) for bookbinding, cutting after binding, and the like for aligning the end face opposite to the binding side.
[0052]
An inserter 1203 is for sending a sheet set on the tray 1210 to any of the trays 1201, 1202, and 1208 without passing through a printer. Thus, the sheet set in the inserter 1203 can be inserted (inserted) between the sheets fed to the finisher unit 209. It is assumed that the tray is set face up by the user on the tray 1210 of the insert 1203, and the sheet is fed by the pickup roller 1211 in order from the uppermost sheet. Therefore, the sheet from the inserter 1203 is discharged face-down by directly discharging it to the trays 1201 and 1202. Further, when sending to the saddle stitcher 1207, after sending once to the puncher 1206 side, the face is adjusted by switching back and sending.
[0053]
[Job division]
Next, job division for dividing a job in which a color image and a monochrome image are mixed into a job of a color image and a monochrome image will be described.
[0054]
When printing a job in which color pages and black-and-white pages are mixed in one job from the client 103 and the server 102, a driver which is software operating on the server 102 and the client 103 as shown in FIG. To transfer the job to the color MFP 104. Reference numeral 1301 denotes a driver window displayed on the screens of the server 102 and the client 103. As setting items in the window, 1302 denotes a color printer selection column for selecting a color printer (color MFP 104), and 1303 denotes a monochrome printer. (Black and white MFP 105) selection column, 1304 is a page setting column for selecting an output page from a job, 1305 is a copy number setting column for specifying the number of copies, 1306 is a color / black / white job for mixed color / monochrome jobs A job color mode column supporting division of a monochrome image, 1307 is an OK key for starting printing, 1308 is a cancel key for canceling printing, and 1309 is a property key for performing further detailed settings.
[0055]
Here, the job color mode column 1306 can select one mode from automatic division (Auto Separation), manual division (Manual Separation), all page color, and all page black and white. Allows the user to select which MFP to output for each page.
[0056]
[Automatic job division and color / black and white judgment]
Next, when the automatic division of the job is selected in the job color mode column 1306 shown in FIG. 13, the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 regarding the process of determining the page numbers of the color page and the monochrome page where the color MFP 104 is mixed. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0057]
When an OK key 1307 is pressed in the driver window 1301 described above, the driver on the client 103 transmits, via the server 102, information indicating that the job is a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages and a print job to the color MFP 104 and the Each is sent to the monochrome MFP 105. In the case of automatic division, since it is not possible to determine which page is a black-and-white page at this time, the job contents of all pages are sent to the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105, respectively. The order of sending the color page and the black and white page may be staggered in the order of the color MFP and the black and white MFP, or may be sent to the two MFPs at the same time.
[0058]
Here, the monochrome MFP that has received the information indicating that the job is a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages does not immediately start printing, but waits for a color page set to be performed later.
[0059]
First, if the job is set to automatic division (YES in step S1401), the setting content of the sampling cycle is sent to the color MFP 104 (step S1402). However, the setting of the sampling period is performed in advance in a window for detailed setting displayed by the property key 1309. Regarding the sampling period, if sampling is performed at a rate of one point per 100 pixels × 100 lines, the sampling time is 1/10000. In the case of a 400 dpi image, when sampling is performed in a grid unit of an inch (= 6.35 mm) period, a letter If the size of the sheet (11 × 8.5 inches) is close to 1500 points, it can be determined to some extent whether the sheet is color or monochrome. If the image is still difficult to determine, set the sampling period more finely or set the job color mode column 1306 to manual division, and check in advance in the detailed setting window whether each page is color or black and white. Set manually.
[0060]
On the other hand, the PDL unit 205 of the color MFP 104 that has received the job and the sampling cycle sequentially rasterizes and develops (RIP) the pages in the job from the first page, and processes the image after the RIP in page units for each color component (CMYK). Is stored in the semiconductor memory 604. Then, the CPU 603 determines whether the stored image is color or black and white (step S1403). This determination process is a process of detecting whether or not each sample stored in the semiconductor memory 604 has a component (CMY component) other than black (K) (steps S1404 and S1405). At this time, if at least one color (CMY) component is included in the sampling points in the page in order to increase the speed (NO in step S1405), the page is determined to be a color image. Then, 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. At this time, since it is conceivable to print the job again, the page number information of the page is notified to the server 102 via the network 101 together with the information indicating that the page is a color page (step S1409). Then, the page is printed in color by the color MFP 104 (step S1410).
[0061]
In the above-described color / monochrome determination, when no color (CMY) component exists at any one of the sampling points in the page (YES in step S1405 to YES in step S1406), the monochrome MFP 105 determines the page as a monochrome page. For processing, the server 102 and the monochrome MFP 105 are notified of the page number information of the page along with the information indicating that the page is a monochrome page via the network 101 (step S1411). Upon receiving this notification, the monochrome MFP 105 waits for the start of printing until the color page printed by the color MFP 104 is set in the inserter 1203 of the finisher 209.
[0062]
Steps S1403 to S1406 and S1409 to S1411 are repeated until the last page unless a job cancel interrupt is input (step S1412), and the job in the color MFP 104 ends.
[0063]
If automatic division has not been set, that is, if manual division has been set (NO in step S1401), the server 102 sends information indicating whether each page is color or black and white from the driver. Upon receipt, the color page is instructed to print to the color MFP 104, and the monochrome page is instructed to print to the monochrome MFP 105 (step S1407). Then, the color MFP 104 starts color printing of a color page, and the monochrome MFP 105 waits for the start of printing until the color page printed by the color MFP 104 is set in the inserter 1203 of the finisher unit 209.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, the rasterization is described to be performed sequentially for each page. However, after the entire job is once RIP-developed in the large-capacity memory (HDD) 605, the pages are sequentially stored in the semiconductor memory 604 or for a plurality of pages. The determination processing may be performed by reading.
[0065]
In this manner, a color page and a monochrome page can be printed by the color MFP 104, and a monochrome page can be printed by the monochrome MFP 105.
[0066]
[Automatic mixing of jobs]
Next, an operation of combining jobs in which color pages and black-and-white pages are separately output will be described. Here, this operation is referred to as “mixing”.
[0067]
As described above, since the color / monochrome determination is performed by the color MFP 104, the monochrome MFP 105 does not need to determine again. Therefore, the monochrome MFP 105 prints only the page of the page number notified in step S1411 shown in FIG.
[0068]
Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the user sets a bundle 1501 of color pages printed by the color MFP 104 on the inserter 1203 mounted on the monochrome MFP 105. At this time, the bundle 1501 of color pages set in the inserter 1203 corresponds to the page number notified in step S1409 shown in FIG.
[0069]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the automatic mixing process in the monochrome MFP 105. First, the monochrome MFP 105 waits until the color page bundle 1501 is set in the inserter 1203. Thereafter, when the bundle 1501 of color pages is set (YES in step S1601), it is determined based on the information notified from the color MFP 104 whether or not the pages are monochrome pages in order from the first page. Here, if the page is a monochrome page (YES in step S1604), the RIP developing process (step S1605) and the printing process of the monochrome page (step S1606) are performed, and the monochrome page is discharged to the tray face-down.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the page is a monochrome page, that is, if it is a color page (NO in step S1604), one sheet is fed from the top of the bundle 1501 of color pages on the inserter 1203 (step S1603), and face down to the tray. The paper is discharged in the state. By performing this processing up to the last page (step S1607), the job bundle 1503 discharged to the tray becomes a mixture of color pages and monochrome pages.
[0071]
[Network Utility Software]
Next, utility software operating on the server 102 and the client 103 will be described. A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface portion (NIP unit 204 + PDL unit 205) in the above-described color MFP 104 and monochrome MFP 105, and a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Protocol) is used. It is possible to communicate with a computer on the network via the MFP and manage the MFP 104, the MFP 105, the scanner, the printer, the FAX, and the like connected on the network.
[0072]
On the other hand, a software program called a utility runs on the server 102 and the client 103, and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB via the network 101 by using SNMP.
[0073]
For example, using the equipment information of the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 to detect whether or not the finisher unit 209 is connected, to use the status information to detect whether or not printing is currently available, or to use the name of the MFP 104 or the MFP 105 By using the MIB, the user can check the information of the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 connected to the network on the server 102 and the client 103, for example, by entering, changing, and confirming the location and the installation location. In addition, such information can be used to limit reading and writing by distinguishing the server 102 and the client 103.
[0074]
Therefore, by using the above-described functions, the user obtains all information on the server 102 and the client 103, such as the equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, the state of the apparatuses, the network settings, the history of the job, the management of the use status, and the control. It becomes possible.
[0075]
[Utility software (GUI)]
Next, a screen of utility software called GUI (Graphic User Interface) that runs on the server 102 and the client 103 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0076]
When the utility software is started on the server 102 and the client 103, a screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Here, 1701 is a window, and 1720 is a cursor. Clicking with the mouse opens another window or transits to the next state. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a title bar, which is used to display the current window hierarchy and title. Tabs 1703 to 1707 are called tabs, and are arranged for each classification, so that necessary information can be viewed and required information can be selected.
[0077]
Here, reference numeral 1703 is called a device tab, and the user can know the existence of the device and its outline. The device tab 1703 has bitmap images indicating the MFPs 104 and 105 as indicated by 1708 and 1709, and messages 1710 and 1712 indicate the states of the MFPs 104 and 105. It should be noted that the details of the device status are configured to be understood by looking at the status tab 1704.
[0078]
Next, a queue tab 1705 allows the user to know the state of jobs queued in each apparatus and the degree of device congestion. Next, a configuration tab 1706 allows the user to know device information such as what type of finisher is installed. For example, the MFP 105 is equipped with a finisher, and the finisher includes a stapler, a saddle stitcher, a folding machine, a punching machine, an inserter, and a letter-size paper deck capable of storing up to 5000 sheets. Or the amount of remaining sheets, or a unit for performing double-sided processing is mounted.
[0079]
Reference numeral 1707 denotes a setup tab, from which network setting information of the apparatus can be known.
[0080]
[Create multiple copies]
Next, a case where a plurality of copies of output are generated by the above-described method will be described. First, the PDL unit 205 of the color MFP 104 holds all the color pages after the RIP expansion in the large capacity memory 605. For example, during the job of 1 to 10 pages, pages 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are colored. To create three copies of these pages, the core unit 206, the PWM unit 207, and the printer unit 208 send 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 1, 3, Signals are sent in the order of 5, 7, 8, and a color print bundle 1501 is created in this order. Then, the user sets the bundle 1501 in the inserter 1203 of the monochrome MFP 105.
[0081]
Next, when printing is performed by the PDL unit 205 of the monochrome MFP 105, pages 2, 4, 6, 9, and 10 of the monochrome page are RIP-developed, and the developed data of this page is stored in a large capacity in the same manner as the color MFP 104 described above. The data is stored in the memory 605 and developed and printed in the order of 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, and the timing of the color page By feeding one sheet at a time from the bundle 1501 set in the inserter 1203, three bundles of 1 to 10 pages can be completed. By outputting in this order, the finisher unit 209 can perform a binding process such as staple or saddle stitch on each set.
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, the color MFP 104 performs color / monochrome page determination and performs page mixing using an inserter connected to the monochrome MFP 105, but these may be reversed. That is, the same result can be obtained in a configuration in which color / monochrome page determination is performed in the monochrome MFP 105 and page mixing is performed using an inserter connected to the color MFP 104.
[0083]
[Mixing by collator]
Next, in addition to the configuration in which mixing is performed by the finisher unit 209 connected to the monochrome MFP 105 or the color MFP 104, the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 are connected to none of the MFPs, respectively, using a “collator” described later in detail. A configuration for mixing printed sheet bundles will be described. According to this configuration, it is possible to operate the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 at the same time, and it is possible to shorten the time during which one job occupies the MFP.
[0084]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including a collator. In FIG. 18, reference numerals 1807 and 1808 denote collators, and 1801 denotes a computer 1801 for controlling the collators, which are connected to the network 101, respectively. Here, when the server 102 receives a job in which color pages and monochrome pages are mixed from the client 103, the server 102 sends the job to the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 as described above. The color MFP 104 prints the color page and sends information indicating the page number of the color page to the computer 1801. The monochrome MFP 105 prints a monochrome page and sends information indicating the page number of the monochrome page to the computer 1801.
[0085]
On the other hand, the computer 1801 determines which of the MFPs to print a sheet on in each of the collators 1807 and 1808 based on the information sent from the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105 and displays it on the screen. Then, the user sets the print output according to the screen in each inserter of the collator. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the computer 1801 determines that the sheet output from the color MFP 104 is set to the inserter 1809 of the collator 1807 and the sheet output from the monochrome MFP 105 is set to the inserter 1810 of the collator 1807. is there.
[0086]
The computer 1801 causes each inserter to feed paper at a timing based on the information of whether the page is a color page or a monochrome page received from each MFP. As a result, the mixed sheet 1805 is discharged to the output bin 1806.
[0087]
In addition, if a plurality of inserters are prepared and the computer 1801 gives an instruction on which job in the scatter is to be set to which inserter, the expandability is further expanded.
[0088]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the structure of the collator. A collator 1900 shown in FIG. 19 is collated with input bins 1901 and 1902 for setting a bundle of sheets discharged from the color MFP 104 and the monochrome MFP 105, and a finishing unit 1903 for collating the sheets fed from the input bins 1901 and 1902. The sort bin unit 1905 sorts the sheet bundle for each job.
[0089]
FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the finishing unit 1903. In the finishing unit 1903, sheets can be stored for each job before the sheets are discharged to the sort bin unit 1905, and can be bound by the stapler 2005 immediately before the sheets are discharged. In addition, there are a Z-folder 2004 for folding paper in a Z-shape and a puncher 2006 for punching two (or three) holes for files, and perform respective processes according to the type of job.
[0090]
Although not shown in the drawing, it is also possible to add binding by glue (glue) for bookbinding, or cutting to align the end face opposite to the binding side after binding.
[0091]
[Mixed job]
Next, under the control of the computer 1801, the finishing unit 1903 of the collator 1900 mixes the color original (bunch of color pages) and the black-and-white original (bundle of black and white pages) of the input bins 1901 and 1902 and discharges them to the sort bin unit 1905. Will be described. Note that a black and white page bundle 1908 is set in the input bin 1901, and a color page bundle 1907 is set in the input bin 1902.
[0092]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart in the case where a color original and a black and white original are mixed. First, the process waits until the color page bundle 1907 and the black and white page bundle 1908 are set in the input bins 1902 and 1901 respectively. After that, when the original is set, the state of the original set in the input bins 1902 and 1901 is determined (step S2101). If the original is not properly placed on the input bin (NO in step S2101), it is determined that the setting on the input bin is inadequate, a warning message is sent to the computer 1801, and the confusion is interrupted (step S2103). ).
[0093]
If it is determined that a document is normally placed in the input bin and that mixing is possible (YES in step S2101), the input bin in which the page to be fed next is set according to the page order of the job. select. That is, in the case of a monochrome page (NO in step S2102), paper is fed from the input bin 1901 in which the monochrome page is set (step S2104), and in the case of a color page (YES in step S2102), Paper is fed from the set input bin 1902 (step S2105).
[0094]
Next, when paper is discharged from each input bin to the paper discharge bin in the order of paper supply and page, it is determined whether or not the paper discharge has been normally completed (step S2106). Here, if it is determined that a jam or the like has occurred and the job does not end normally (NO in step S2106), the page that could not be ejected normally from the page order of the job is notified to the printer that has printed each page, and re-printed. A print instruction is issued (step S2107). Further, after the next page, the sheet is discharged while being shifted so that the missing page can be easily recognized (step S2108).
[0095]
Note that the notification to each printer can be made by a wireless notification (not shown) in addition to the wired connection of the network 101 shown in FIG.
[0096]
When the above processing is completed, the total number of pages of the job is compared with the total number of discharged sheets (step S2109). Steps S2101 to S2109 are repeated until the comparison results match.
[0097]
By performing the above processing until the end, the job bundle discharged to the discharge bin is a mixture of color pages and black and white pages.
[0098]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, after an image is formed by dispersing a color page and a black and white page, when mixed by a collator and a finisher, a user may recover from an error state that may fall into the error state. Can be provided.
[0099]
Usually, the larger the number of mixed pages, the more work is required to determine whether or not mixing has been performed correctly. If the mixing is not performed correctly, the operation becomes very complicated. That is, if a missing page occurs due to a jam or the like in the middle of the confusion, a notification is automatically sent to the monochrome MFP or the color MFP, and reprinting is performed. The reinserted page position can be easily determined. Further, when there is a defect such as a shortage of pages in the bundle of pages set in the input bin, it is possible to recognize a mixing error. Therefore, the efficiency of the mixing operation can be improved.
[0100]
Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), the present invention can be applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile device, etc.) including one device. May be applied.
[0101]
Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the recording medium in the recording medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code thus read.
[0102]
In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, 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 floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. be able to.
[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 case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0105]
Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the 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]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a job in which a plurality of images are divided and formed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses is mixed, if the mixing is abnormally terminated, the job can be returned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an MFP according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a scanner unit 201 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IP unit (image processing unit) 202 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile unit 203 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a NIC unit 204 and a PDL unit 205 illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a core unit 206 shown in FIG.
8 is a diagram showing a configuration and signals of a PWM unit 207 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the color printer.
FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the monochrome printer.
11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display unit 210 shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the finisher unit 209.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a driver operating on a computer.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing automatic job division and color / monochrome determination processing.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user sets a bundle 1501 of color pages printed by the color MFP 104 in an inserter 1203 mounted on the monochrome MFP 105.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an automatic mixing process in the monochrome MFP 105.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a screen of utility software operating on a computer.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system including a collator.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a structure of a collator.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a finishing unit 1903.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart in a case where a color original and a black and white original are mixed.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Network
102 server
103 Client
104 color MFP (multifunctional peripheral device)
105 Black and White MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral Equipment)
201 Scanner unit
202 IP (Image Processing) Unit
203 FAX (Facsimile)
204 NIC (Network Interface Card)
205 PDL (Page Description Language) Part
206 core
207 PWM (pulse width modulation) unit
208 Printer section
209 Finisher section
210 Display section

Claims (1)

A processing method of an image forming system including an information processing apparatus and a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network,
An image forming step of dividing the job output from the information processing apparatus into pages in accordance with a predetermined division rule, and causing each of the divided pages to form an image by the plurality of image forming apparatuses;
A mixing step of mixing the respective pages on which images are formed by the plurality of image forming apparatuses in accordance with the order of jobs;
And a return step of returning the job when the mixing is abnormally terminated in the mixing step.

Images