JP2005208124A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus where an image forming operation requiring a long time hardly interrupt the improvement of working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: A time required to form an image is estimated on the basis of information on an image forming method such as the number of originals, the size of an original, and the number of image forming parts, and when the estimated time is below a prescribed time, the image forming operation is immediately started, on the other hand, when the estimated time is equal to or exceeding the prescribed time, the image forming operation is started at a prescribed time. Alternatively, when the estimated time is below the prescribed time, the image is formed with high priority, on the other hand, when the estimated time is equal to or exceeding the prescribed time, the image is formed with low priority. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that forms an image on a sheet.

  Image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers are often shared by a plurality of users. In that case, when a certain user tries to form an image, a situation in which the apparatus is forming an image for another user is likely to occur. In such a case, a user who intends to newly perform image formation normally waits for the ongoing processing to end, but if the ongoing processing forms many images, the waiting time Will become longer. In addition, it is difficult to know how long to wait before an ongoing process is completed.

Therefore, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-132008, the time required for image formation is calculated based on the number of documents, and the time from completion of the calculated time and processing progress until the end of image formation is calculated. An image forming apparatus has been proposed in which the waiting time is notified to the user by displaying.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-132008

  There is also an image forming apparatus having a function of interrupt processing for temporarily interrupting ongoing image formation and performing another image formation. In such an apparatus, a user who intends to newly form an image can quickly perform his / her own image formation by utilizing the interrupt processing function even when the ongoing processing forms many images. Can be done.

  However, when interrupt processing is performed, it is necessary to confirm with the user whether or not the ongoing processing can be temporarily interrupted, and the procedure is complicated. Moreover, if the user cannot be contacted, the end of the ongoing process must be waited for. In addition, informing the waiting time as in the above publication can avoid waiting more than necessary and is convenient for the user, but does not directly contribute to shortening the waiting time.

  As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when image formation that requires a long time is in progress, it is not always possible to quickly form another image, and it is difficult to improve the overall work efficiency. Have. The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which image formation that requires a long time is unlikely to hinder improvement in work efficiency.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that reads an image from a document and receives information about an image forming method from a user and forms the read image on a sheet according to the given information. The number of originals and the size of the originals are detected, and the time required for image formation is estimated based on the detected number and size of the originals and given information. When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is performed. Is immediately started, and when the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, image formation is started at the predetermined time.

  This image forming apparatus functions as a copying machine, and forms an image read from a document on a sheet according to information relating to an image forming method given by a user, for example, the number of copies, enlargement (reduction) rate, resolution, and the like. However, when an image is read from a document, image formation is not necessarily started immediately, but the time required for image formation is estimated, and when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, image formation is started at a predetermined time. By setting this predetermined time during a time period in which the user is unlikely to give an instruction for image formation, for example, after lunch break or working hours, image formation that requires a long time causes delay in other image formation. Can be avoided. Since the estimation of the time required for image formation is performed based on information on the image forming method in addition to the number and size of documents, the accuracy is high.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides data representing an image and information on an image forming method from another apparatus, and forms an image represented by the given data on a sheet according to the given information. The image forming apparatus estimates the time required for image formation based on the number of images represented by the given data and the given information. When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, the image forming apparatus immediately starts image formation, and the estimated time The image formation is started at a predetermined time when is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

  This image forming apparatus functions as a printer or a facsimile machine, and forms data representing an image given from another apparatus on a sheet according to information relating to the image forming method given together with the data. This image forming apparatus also does not necessarily start image formation immediately when given data, but estimates the time required for image formation, and starts image formation at a predetermined time when the estimated time exceeds a predetermined time. To do. By setting the predetermined time in a time zone in which the user is unlikely to give an instruction to form an image, it is possible to prevent image formation that takes a long time from causing a delay in other image formation. Since the estimation of the time required for image formation is performed based on the number of images represented by the data, that is, the number of image pages to be formed and the information on the image forming method, the accuracy is high.

  These image forming apparatuses can start image formation immediately when an instruction to immediately start image formation is given even when the estimated time is a predetermined time or more. In this way, it is possible to quickly perform image formation that should be performed promptly regardless of the length of time required.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus further reads an image from a document, and receives information about an image forming method from a user, and forms the read image on a sheet according to the given information. Detects the number of documents and the size of the document, estimates the time required for image formation based on the detected number and size of the documents and the given information, and if the estimated time is less than a predetermined time, It is assumed that image formation is performed with a priority of 1, and image formation is performed with a second priority lower than the first priority when the estimated time is a predetermined time or more.

  This image forming apparatus functions as a copying machine, and forms an image read from a document on a sheet according to information relating to an image forming method given by a user, for example, the number of copies, enlargement (reduction) rate, resolution, and the like. However, instead of performing all image formations with the same priority, the time required for image formation is estimated, and if the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, the first priority is relatively high, and the estimated time is predetermined. If it is more than the time, the second priority is relatively low. Then, image formation with the first priority is performed with priority over image formation with the second priority, and image formation with the second priority is interrupted while image formation with the first priority is performed. .

  Therefore, even when image formation requiring a long time is performed, it is possible to perform image formation that ends in a short time, and the latter can be completed quickly. Since the estimation of the time required for image formation is performed based on information on the image forming method in addition to the number and size of documents, the accuracy is high.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides data representing an image and information on an image forming method from another apparatus, and forms an image represented by the given data on a sheet according to the given information. The image forming apparatus estimates the time required for image formation based on the number of images represented by the given data and the given information, and forms the image with the first priority when the estimated time is less than the predetermined time. When the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, image formation is performed with the second priority lower than the first priority.

  This image forming apparatus functions as a printer or a facsimile machine, and forms data representing an image given from another apparatus on a sheet according to information relating to the image forming method given together with the data. This image forming apparatus also does not perform all image formation with the same priority, but estimates the time required for image formation, and the relatively high first depending on whether or not the estimated time is less than a predetermined time. The second priority is relatively low with respect to the priority. Then, image formation with the first priority is performed with priority over image formation with the second priority, and image formation with the second priority is interrupted while image formation with the first priority is performed. .

  Therefore, even when image formation requiring a long time is performed, it is possible to perform image formation that ends in a short time, and the latter can be completed quickly. Since the estimation of the time required for image formation is performed based on the number of images represented by the data, that is, the number of image pages to be formed and the information on the image forming method, the accuracy is high.

  These image forming apparatuses perform image formation with the first priority when an instruction to perform image formation with the first priority is given even when the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. be able to. In this way, it is possible to quickly perform image formation that should be performed promptly regardless of the length of time required.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to estimate the time required for image formation and immediately start image formation when the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, and to start image formation at the predetermined time when the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Then, it is possible to set the predetermined time in a time zone in which the user is unlikely to give an instruction to form an image, so that an image formation that requires a long time causes a delay in other image formation. It can be avoided and the overall work efficiency is improved.

  Further, the time required for image formation is estimated. When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is performed with the first priority. When the estimated time is greater than the predetermined time, the second lower than the first priority is performed. In the image forming apparatus of the present invention configured to perform image formation with priority, it is possible to perform image formation that ends in a short time even when image formation that requires a long time is performed. As a result, the overall work efficiency is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An upper surface of the copying machine 1 according to the first embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. The copying machine 1 includes a contact glass 11 for placing a document, a document supply unit 12 that transports the document D on the contact glass 11, a plurality of operation keys, an operation unit 14 that receives a user's operation, and The display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal panel and displays the setting status and operation guidance of the copying machine 1. Further, the copying machine 1 moves in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 1 while irradiating light toward the contact glass 11, and reads a document image by reflected light from the document on the contact glass 11. The part 13 is provided inside.

  The document supply unit 12 is rotatable about its one edge, and can be in a closed state in which the document supply unit 12 is horizontal and covers the contact glass 11, and an open state in which the contact glass 11 is exposed by being inclined. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the document supply unit 12 is closed.

  The configuration of the copying machine 1 is schematically shown in FIG. The copying machine 1 includes an image forming unit 16, a communication unit 17, a memory 18, a program memory 19, and a control unit 20 in addition to the above-described units. The image forming unit 16 forms an image read from the original by the image reading unit 13 on a sheet. The communication unit 17 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) and a public telephone line (not shown).

  The control unit 20 controls the operation of the entire copying machine 1 and processes data representing an image. The memory 18 stores data representing an image read by the image reading unit 13 and parameters used by the control unit 20 for processing temporarily. The program memory 19 stores programs and parameters representing the operation of the control unit 20.

  The copier 1 connected to the LAN via the communication unit 17 has a function as a printer that receives data representing an image from a personal computer on the LAN and forms the image on a sheet. The copier 1 also has a function of a facsimile machine that transmits image data to an external facsimile machine via a public telephone line and forms data received from the external facsimile machine via a public telephone line on a sheet. Data received from a personal computer or an external facsimile machine is temporarily stored in the memory 18 and formed as an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 16.

  When the copying machine 1 operates as a copying machine which is an original function, the image reading unit 13 reads an image from a document, and the user is given information about an image forming method via the operation unit 14 and reads the image. An image is formed on a sheet according to given information. The information regarding the image formation given by the user includes the number of copies of the image to be formed per document, the resolution of the image to be formed, the gradation of the image to be formed, and the size of the image to be formed (enlargement ratio, reduction ratio). The number of images to be formed per sheet, whether to form images on both sides of the sheet, and the like are included.

  When operating as a printer and as a facsimile receiving apparatus, the copier 1 is provided with information representing an image and information on an image forming method from a personal computer or other facsimile apparatus, and provides the given data. It forms in a sheet according to the information given. The information given from the personal computer is the same as the information given by the user when operating as a copying machine. The same applies to information given from other facsimile apparatuses, but does not include the number of image forming copies or whether or not to form images on both sides of the sheet.

  The copying machine 1 estimates the time required for image formation. If the estimated time is less than a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as a reference time), image formation (including preparation processing for image formation) is immediately performed. If the estimated and estimated time is equal to or greater than the reference time, the image forming apparatus has a function of starting image formation at a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as a reservation time). Accordingly, it is possible to avoid delaying image formation that should be performed promptly due to image formation that requires a long time.

  The reference time and the reserved time are set by the user when the copying machine 1 is not performing operations such as image reading, image formation, and communication. The reference time is preferably about several minutes (for example, 5 minutes). The reservation time is not limited to one, and a plurality of reservation times can be set, and the copier 1 selects the closest one of the set reservation times. The reserved time is preferably set in a time zone in which the frequency of use of the copying machine 1 is low, such as a lunch break or after the end of working hours.

  When operating as a copying machine, the time required for image formation is estimated based on the number and size of originals and information on the image formation method given by the user. When operating as a printer and a facsimile receiving apparatus, the estimated time required for image formation is given together with the number of images represented by the given data (the number of pages transmitted by the personal computer or facsimile apparatus on the transmission side) and the data. This is performed based on the information relating to the image forming method. The number of images represented by given data can be determined by analyzing the data.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine 1 includes a sensor group 21 for detecting the number and size of documents, and a timer unit 22 for forming an image at a reserved time. The timer unit 22 includes an RTC (real time clock) that outputs the actual time. The timer unit 22 has a unique power source, and continues the timing operation while the power supply to the copying machine 1 is stopped.

  The sensor group 21 is arranged in a document supply path to the contact glass 11 by the document supply unit 12. An example of the arrangement of the sensor group 21 is schematically shown in FIG. In this example, the sensor group 21 includes four sensors 21a to 21d, and these sensors 21a to 21d are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the document D is transferred by the document supply unit 12 (shown by a white arrow). Yes.

  Documents of various sizes (in this example, B5, A4, B4, A3) can be placed on the document supply unit 12 in portrait orientation or landscape orientation, and any of the sensors 21a to 21d can be mounted. From the detection of the original and the duration of the detection, the size and orientation of the original can be known. Further, the number of documents can be determined from the number of detections by the sensors 21a to 21d. The document is placed so that one end E parallel to the transport direction is constant.

  FIG. 4 shows a flow of processing at the time of image reading when the copying machine 1 operates as a copying machine. First, information regarding the image forming method input via the operation unit 14 is acquired (step # 105), and the size and number of documents are detected by the sensor group 21 (# 110), while the image reading unit 13 detects the size and number of documents. Read an image from the document. Based on the number and size of the detected originals and the acquired information, the time required for image formation is calculated (# 115).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated time is equal to or longer than the reference time (# 120). If the calculated time is less than the reference time, image formation is started immediately (# 125).

  On the other hand, when the calculated time is equal to or longer than the reference time, a warning is displayed on the display unit 15 (# 130). In this display, since it is expected that the time required for image formation will be long, a question asking whether image formation will be performed later, the time to start image formation (the closest reserved time), and whether image formation can be performed later is asked. Include it. Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction to prohibit image formation later is given within a predetermined time via the operation unit 14 (# 135). When the instruction is given, image formation is immediately performed. Start (# 125).

  If no instruction is given that image formation cannot be performed later, it is set to start image formation at the nearest reserved time (# 140). This setting is stored in the memory 18, and the control unit 20 starts image formation when the actual time represented by the output of the time measuring unit 22 becomes the reserved time.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of processing at the time of data reception when the copying machine 1 operates as a printer or a facsimile receiver. First, information about an image forming method transmitted together with data representing an image is acquired (step # 205), and the number of images is obtained by analyzing the data (# 210). Based on the obtained number of images and the acquired information, the time required for image formation is calculated (# 215).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated time is greater than or equal to the reference time (# 220). If the calculated time is less than the reference time, image formation is started immediately (# 225).

  On the other hand, if the calculated time is equal to or greater than the reference time, a warning is sent to the personal computer that sent the data (# 230). This warning includes a question asking whether image formation will be performed later because it is expected that the time required for image formation will be long, the time for starting image formation (the closest reserved time), and whether or not image formation can be performed later. Include it. Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction to prohibit image formation later has been transmitted within a predetermined time (# 235), and when the instruction has been transmitted, image formation is immediately started (#). 225).

  When an instruction to prohibit image formation later is not transmitted, it is set to start image formation at the nearest reserved time (# 240). This setting is stored in the memory 18, and the control unit 20 starts image formation when the actual time represented by the output of the time measuring unit 22 becomes the reserved time.

  When operating as a facsimile receiving apparatus, the processing in steps # 230 and # 235 is omitted, and if the calculated time is equal to or longer than the reference time in the determination in step # 220, the process proceeds to step # 240.

  The copier 2 of the second embodiment will be described. Since the copying machine 2 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the copying machine 1 of the first embodiment, a duplicate description will be omitted and only the differences will be described.

  The copying machine 2 estimates the time required to form an image. If the estimated time is less than the reference time, the copying machine 2 forms the image with the first priority. If the estimated time is equal to or more than the reference time, the first time It has a function of forming an image with a second priority lower than the priority. When another (second) image formation is instructed while performing the (first) image formation with the second priority, the time required for the second image formation is estimated, and the estimated time When the time is less than the reference time, the second image formation is performed with the first priority. While the second image formation is performed at the first priority, the first image formation at the second priority is interrupted, and the first image formation is performed when the second image formation is completed. Resume. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid delaying image formation that should be performed promptly due to image formation that requires a long time.

  FIG. 6 shows a flow of processing at the time of image reading when the copying machine 2 operates as a copying machine. First, information on the image forming method input via the operation unit 14 is acquired (step # 305), and the size and number of documents are detected by the sensor group 21 (# 310), while the image reading unit 13 Read an image from the document. Based on the detected number and size of the originals and the acquired information, the time required for image formation is calculated (# 315).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated time is greater than or equal to the reference time (# 320). If the calculated time is less than the reference time, the first priority is set (# 325), and image formation is started (# 345).

  On the other hand, when the calculated time is equal to or longer than the reference time, a warning is displayed on the display unit 15 (# 330). This display includes a question that the image formation is performed with a low priority because it is expected that the time required for the image formation is long, and a question as to whether or not the image formation can be performed with a low priority. Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction to prohibit image formation with a low priority is given within a predetermined time via the operation unit 14 (# 335). (# 325). When the instruction is not given, the second priority is set (# 340), and image formation is started (# 345).

  FIG. 7 shows a flow of processing at the time of data reception when the copying machine 2 operates as a printer or a facsimile receiving apparatus. First, information about an image forming method transmitted together with data representing an image is acquired (step # 405), and the number of images is obtained by analyzing the data (# 410). Then, based on the obtained number of images and the acquired information, the time required for image formation is calculated (# 415).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated time is greater than or equal to the reference time (# 420). If the calculated time is less than the reference time, the first priority is set (# 425), and image formation is started (# 445).

  On the other hand, if the calculated time is equal to or greater than the reference time, a warning is transmitted to the personal computer that has transmitted the data (# 430). This warning includes a question that the image formation is performed with a low priority because it is expected that the time required for the image formation is long, and a question as to whether or not the image formation can be performed with a low priority. Then, it is determined whether or not an instruction that disables image formation with a low priority has been transmitted within a predetermined time (# 435). When the instruction is transmitted, the first priority is set. If the instruction is not transmitted, the second priority is set (# 440), and image formation is started (# 445).

  When operating as a facsimile receiving apparatus, the processing in steps # 430 and # 435 is omitted, and if the calculated time is equal to or greater than the reference time in the determination in step # 420, the process proceeds to step # 440.

  In the present embodiment, if the discharge destination of the sheet on which the image is formed is constant, the sheet on which image formation has been performed with the first priority is mixed between the sheets on which image formation has been performed with the second priority, The operation | work which isolate | separates both may become complicated. Therefore, it is preferable to change the discharge destination of the sheet on which the image is formed according to the priority.

FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing a copying machine according to first and second embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a copying machine according to first and second embodiments. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of arrangement of sensor groups provided in the copying machine according to the first and second embodiments. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of image reading when the copier of the first embodiment operates as a copier. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of data reception when the copier according to the first embodiment operates as a printer or a facsimile receiving apparatus. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of image reading when the copier of the second embodiment operates as a copier. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing at the time of data reception when the copier of the second embodiment operates as a printer or a facsimile receiving apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Copy machine 11 Contact glass 12 Document supply part 13 Image reading part 14 Operation part 15 Display part 16 Image formation part 17 Communication part 18 Memory 19 Program memory 20 Control part 21 Sensor group 21a-21d Sensor 22 Time measuring part

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that reads an image from a document and receives information about an image forming method from a user and forms the read image on a sheet according to the given information.
The number of documents and the size of the document are detected, and the time required for image formation is estimated based on the detected number and size of the documents and the given information.
When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is started immediately,
An image forming apparatus, wherein image formation is started at a predetermined time when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In an image forming apparatus in which data representing an image and information on an image forming method are given from another apparatus, and an image represented by the given data is formed on a sheet according to the given information.
Based on the number of images represented by given data and given information, estimate the time required for image formation,
When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is started immediately,
An image forming apparatus, wherein image formation is started at a predetermined time when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein even when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, when an instruction to immediately start image formation is given, image formation is immediately started. . In an image forming apparatus that reads an image from a document and receives information about an image forming method from a user and forms the read image on a sheet according to the given information.
The number of documents and the size of the document are detected, and the time required for image formation is estimated based on the detected number and size of the documents and the given information.
When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is performed with the first priority,
An image forming apparatus, wherein an image is formed with a second priority lower than the first priority when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In an image forming apparatus in which data representing an image and information on an image forming method are given from another apparatus, and an image represented by the given data is formed on a sheet according to the given information.
Based on the number of images represented by given data and given information, estimate the time required for image formation,
When the estimated time is less than the predetermined time, image formation is performed with the first priority,
An image forming apparatus, wherein an image is formed with a second priority lower than the first priority when the estimated time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein even when the estimated time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, when an instruction to perform image formation with the first priority is given, image formation is performed with the first priority. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to Item 5.

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