JP2005258151A - Image output device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image output device capable of effectively using the output trays by switching them effectively even if paper can not be supplied to the next output tray because the number of pages to output to the next job is unknown or exceeds the capacity of an output tray or from the reason the output tray specified next is full or out of order. <P>SOLUTION: The image output device having two or more output trays of this invention has a specifying means to instruct the device to virtually control some or all of the trays as one output tray, and a switch means to switch another tray to the virtual tray specified as above according to its conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions, to which an electrophotographic system is applied, and in particular, an image output having a plurality of output trays for outputting sheets on which images are formed. It relates to the device.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-48645 JP 2002-60116 A

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image output apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions, to which this type of electrophotographic method is applied, there is a printer apparatus having at least two output trays. This printer apparatus is configured to have a function of discharging paper on which an image has been printed to a predetermined output tray and automatically switching to another output tray when the output tray becomes full. is there. In such a printer device, an output tray to be automatically switched when a predetermined output tray becomes full is fixedly designated in advance in a ROM in the printer device, and the output tray to be switched to is automatically set. It is designed to switch.

  More specifically, in the printer apparatus, as shown in FIG. 16, the controller of the printer apparatus determines whether or not a job exists (step 401). Tray, discharge tray, print mode, etc.). Then, the controller determines whether or not the designated output tray is full (step 402), and if it is full, the output tray is full and stops the printing process (step 406). If the output tray is not full, after the print instruction command is sent to the printer of the printing apparatus in units of paper (step 403), the processing from step 403 is repeated until the processing of all pages is completed. ing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the printer of the printer apparatus determines whether or not a print instruction command exists (step 501). If the print instruction command exists, whether or not the designated output tray is full. Is determined (step 502). If the designated output tray is not full, print processing is executed (step 506), and the process returns to step 501, and if the designated output tray is full, automatic switching is set in the ROM. It is determined whether or not (step 503). If automatic switching is set in the ROM, the printer determines whether any of the output trays designated for switching can be used (step 504). If any one of the output trays designated for switching can be used, after switching to the output tray designated by the automatic output tray switching command (step 505), the print processing is executed (step 506), and the process goes to step 501. Return.

  If automatic switching is not set in the ROM, the controller is notified that the output tray is full, and the process is stopped (step 507). If none of the output trays designated for switching can be used, the controller again notifies the controller that the output tray is full and stops the processing (step 507).

  However, in the case of the printer device, the output tray to be automatically switched when the output tray is full is fixedly designated in advance in the ROM in the printer device, so that it can be used according to the user's application. When changing the output tray setting that automatically switches when the output tray is full, you must remove the printer cover, etc., and replace the ROM attached to the control unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation of changing the output tray to be switched automatically becomes very complicated.

  Therefore, as a technique that can solve such a problem, for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 6-48645 and 2002-60116 have been proposed.

  The output list output method according to the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-48645 is an output list output method in a printing system for continuously outputting an output list of a plurality of job execution results to a printer having at least two stackers. It manages each stacker capacity and the number of pages in the output list of each job execution result, compares the remaining capacity of the stacker currently output with the number of pages in the output list to be output next, and stores the stacker If it is within the range, it is continuously output to the same stacker, and if it does not fall within the storage range of the stacker, it switches to the next stacker and outputs the next output list.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-60116 is an image forming apparatus that discharges output paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined discharge tray. A means for designating a paper tray, a means for selecting a paper discharge tray for the designated usage category when the usage mode is selected, and an output paper are automatically discharged to the paper ejection tray according to the usage category of the document to be imaged. It is configured to have means for paper.

  However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, in the case of the output list output method according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-48645, in order to compare the remaining capacity of the currently output stacker with the number of pages of the output list to be output next, It is necessary to manage the number of pages of the output list to be output in advance, and when the number of pages of the output list to be output next is unknown, there is a problem that it cannot be applied.

  Also, in the case of the output list output method according to the above-mentioned JP-A-6-48645, the remaining capacity of the stacker currently being output is compared with the number of pages of the output list to be output next, and the storage range of the stacker is compared. Output to the same stacker, and if it is not within the storage range of the stacker, it switches to the next stacker and outputs the next output list. If the number of pages exceeds the storage range of any stacker, as a result, the next output list cannot be output even when switching to the next stacker, and the present invention can be applied. It has the problem that it cannot be done.

  On the other hand, in the case of the latter image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-60116, a discharge tray is designated and discharged in advance for each use mode according to the use classification of the use mode. When the designated paper discharge tray is full, there is a problem in that the print process must be stopped.

  Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-60116, when a designated paper discharge tray cannot be used due to a failure or the like, there is another usable paper discharge tray, There is a problem that a plurality of paper discharge trays cannot be effectively used by effectively switching the paper discharge trays.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is when the number of pages of a job to be output next is unknown or the next output. Paper is discharged to the output tray to be switched because the number of pages of the job to be exceeded exceeds the capacity of one output tray, or because the next specified output tray is full or has failed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image output device capable of effectively using a plurality of output trays by effectively switching a plurality of output trays even when it is not possible.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 is an image output apparatus having a plurality of output trays.
Designation means for designating a part or all of the plurality of output trays to be virtually controlled as one output tray,
An image output apparatus comprising switching means for switching one virtual output tray designated by the designation means in accordance with the state of another output tray.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image output apparatus according to the first aspect, when the designating unit virtually controls as one output tray, the one virtual output tray is used. The image output apparatus is characterized in that a priority order for switching the output tray can be designated.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the image output apparatus described in claim 2, wherein the specifying means can specify the order of switching the output tray in a loop shape. An image output device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image output apparatus according to the first aspect, the designation means can invalidate a function of designating a virtual output tray. An image output device.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is the image output apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the switching means switches the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full. This is an image output apparatus.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image output apparatus according to the first aspect, the switching means outputs the output tray when the output tray to which paper is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure. It is an image output device characterized by performing switching.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is an image output apparatus having a plurality of output trays.
A designation means for designating a plurality of output trays among the plurality of output trays by adding a switching order when automatically switching and using a plurality of output trays;
An image output apparatus comprising switching means for switching the output tray designated by the designation means in accordance with the state of another output tray.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 8 is the image output apparatus described in claim 7, wherein the specifying means can specify the order of switching the output tray in a loop shape. An image output device.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image output apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the designating unit can invalidate a function of designating a plurality of output trays with priorities. An image output apparatus is characterized by being.

  Further, the invention described in claim 10 is the image output apparatus described in claim 7, wherein the switching means switches the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full. This is an image output apparatus.

  The invention described in claim 11 is the image output device according to claim 8, wherein the switching means outputs the output tray when the output tray to which the sheet is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure. It is an image output device characterized by performing switching.

  According to the present invention, the instruction means for instructing to control a part or all of the plurality of output trays as one output tray, and the virtual designated by the instruction means. One output tray is configured to include switching means for switching according to the state of the other output tray, and one output tray has a limit in the capacity to output paper. By instructing all of the plurality of output trays to be virtually controlled as one output tray, a large-capacity print output is possible without providing a special output tray corresponding to a large capacity.

  According to the present invention, when printing is performed by instructing to control a part or all of the plurality of output trays as one output tray virtually, the user is allowed to Paper can be safely removed from the output tray where no is output. When the user takes out the paper from the output tray that is outputting, the paper discharge port may be blocked when the paper is taken out, which may cause a jam.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the controller may control a part or all of the plurality of output trays as one output tray virtually, and the controller controls output tray switching. Can be performed without managing the state of the output tray of the printer, and has the secondary effect that the development of the controller software is ready.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The configuration is shown. This digital multi-function peripheral prints an image based on image data sent from a host computer such as a personal computer and a copy mode in which an image of the original is read by a scanner and the image of the original read by the scanner is copied. The mode can be switched to the fax mode that scans and transmits the image of the document with a scanner and prints the image data sent via the telephone line, so that operations based on each mode can be executed. It is configured.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the digital multi-function peripheral, and an automatic document feeder that automatically conveys the original 2 in a state of being separated one by one at the top of the digital multi-function peripheral main body 1. (ADF) 3 and a scanner 4 for reading an image of the document 2 conveyed by the automatic document feeder 3 are provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner 4 illuminates a document 2 placed on a platen glass 5 with a light source 6, and converts a reflected light image from the document 2 into a full-rate mirror 7 and half-rate mirrors 8, 9 and The image reading element 11 made up of a CCD or the like is scanned and exposed through a reduction optical system made up of the imaging lens 10 and read.

  The inside of the digital multi-function peripheral body 1 is mainly configured to function as the printer 50. However, the printer 50 is not limited to the print mode, and the image is printed on the paper not only in the copy mode but also in the fax mode. It functions as an image output device (IOT: Image Output Terminal) to be formed. The printer 50 has not only a hardware configuration as an image output device (IOT) but also a function of controlling an image output operation based on an instruction from a controller as will be described later. It is.

  The image data of the document 2 read by the scanner 4 is stored in a temporary storage device (not shown), and is subjected to predetermined image processing by an IPS (Image Processing System) 12 as necessary. The image information thus sent is sent to the printer 50.

  In the printer 50, image exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 14 by a ROS (Raster Output Scanner) 13 in accordance with image information subjected to image processing, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The ROS 13 sensitizes a semiconductor laser 15 that emits a laser beam according to image information, a polygon mirror 16 that scans the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 15, and a laser beam that is scanned by the polygon mirror 16. It comprises mirrors 17 and 18 for exposing on the body drum 14. Prior to image exposure by the ROS 13, the photosensitive drum 14 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential having a predetermined polarity by a primary charger 19 composed of a charging roll, a scorotron, or the like, and then, as described above, by the ROS 13. The image of the original 2 is exposed to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 14 is developed by the developing device 20 to become a toner image. The toner image is transferred onto a sheet 22 as a recording medium by charging of the transfer corotron 21, and the sheet 22 on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 14 by charge removal of the separation corotron 23. The sheet 22 onto which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 14 is fed from any of sheet feeding trays 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 serving as sheet feeding means disposed inside the multifunction machine main body 1. The paper is fed by the paper feed roll 30 and is once transported to the registration gate 33 via the transport roll 31 and the pre-registration roll 32 and then stopped. The sheet 22 passes through a resist gate 33 that opens in synchronization with the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 14, and is exposed to light by a resist roll 34 disposed on the downstream side of the resist gate 33. As described above, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoconductive drum 14 is transferred to the surface of the photoconductive drum 14 and then separated from the surface of the photoconductive drum 14.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral, the paper transport path from the paper feed trays 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 is formed as short as possible, and the paper 22 is transported at a high speed. Number of copies per hour)

  The sheet 22 separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 is conveyed to a fixing device 35, and a toner image is fixed on the sheet 22 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 35. In the case of normal single-sided copying, the sheet 22 on which the toner image is fixed is discharged as it is onto the main first output tray 38 outside the apparatus by the discharge roll 37 in the case of normal single-sided copying. In the case of double-sided copying, the sheet 22 having a toner image fixed on one side is not discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roll 37 as it is, but the conveyance direction is changed downward by the reversing gate 39 and three rolls are set. By the press-contacted tri roll 40 and the reverse roll 41, it is once conveyed to the reverse passage 42. Then, the paper 22 is conveyed to the double-sided passage 44 by the reversing roll 41 and the double-sided roll 43 that are reversed, and is temporarily conveyed from the double-sided passage 44 through the pre-registration roll 32 to the registration gate 33 and stopped. As described above, the toner image is conveyed in synchronism with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 14 by the resist gate 33 and the resist roll 34, and after the toner image transfer / fixing process is performed, the discharge roller 37 performs the first process. Are discharged onto the output tray 38.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 after the toner image transfer process is completed by the cleaning device 45, and the surface is prepared for the next image forming process.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the image forming unit of the digital multi-function peripheral configured as described above.

  The photosensitive drum 14 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential having a predetermined polarity by a primary charger 19 composed of a charging roll or a scorotron, and then the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 is subjected to an image or image of the original 2 by the ROS 13. Scanning exposure is performed according to image data sent from a host computer or the like, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 14 is developed by the developing device 20 to become a toner image. The toner image is subjected to auxiliary charging by the pre-transfer charger 46, and as described above, The paper 22 transferred and transferred from the desired paper feed trays 24 to 28 by charging of the transfer corotron 21, and the paper 22 on which the toner image is transferred is removed by the charge of the separation corotron 23. It is separated from the drum 14. The sheet 22 separated from the photosensitive drum 14 is conveyed to the fixing device 33, and the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 35. In the case of single-sided copying, the sheet 22 is discharged onto the output tray 38 as it is, In the case of copying, the image forming process on the back surface is repeated.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 14 after the toner image transfer process has been completed is subjected to exposure by an erase lamp 48 after residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed by the cleaning brush 47 of the cleaning device 44 and the like. The electric charge is erased to prepare for the next image forming process.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the digital multi-function peripheral according to this embodiment has a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of output trays 38 and 71 to 73. The digital multi-function peripheral includes a sorter 74 on one side, and four output trays 38 and 71 to 73 are attached to the sorter 74. Of the four output trays 38 and 71 to 73, the uppermost first output tray 38 is used for outputting the paper 22 in a normal printing operation or the like, and the other three second to fourth. The output trays 71 to 73 are configured to output the paper 22 by being switched together with the first output tray 38 or separately from the first output tray 38.

  Above the sorter 74, a transport roll 75 for transporting the paper 22 introduced into the sorter 74 and a switching gate 76 for switching the transport direction of the paper are disposed. When the paper 22 is discharged, the transport direction of the paper 22 transported by the transport roll 75 is switched upward by the switching gate 76. When the paper 22 is discharged to the auxiliary second to fourth output trays 71, 72, 73, the transfer direction of the paper 22 is switched to the lower paper transport path 77 by the switching gate 76, and the paper The paper 22 is transported downward by a transport roll 78 provided in the transport path 77. Then, the sheet 22 conveyed along the sheet conveying path 77 is switched to the horizontal direction by a switching gate 79 provided in the middle of the sheet conveying path 77, and the second to second sheets are discharged by the discharge roll 80. The four output trays 71, 72, and 73 are configured to be discharged onto one of the output trays.

  1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a controller that controls the printer 50 of the digital multi-function peripheral. The controller 51 includes a CPU 52 that controls the print operation of the digital multi-function peripheral, and the CPU 52 and the bus bridge 53. And a connected memory 54. The memory 54 includes a ROM or RAM in which a program to be executed by the CPU 52 is stored, a page memory for developing image data, or the like.

  The CPU 52 is connected to a user interface (UI) 56, a scanner interface 57, a printer interface 58, and a fax interface 59 via a bus 55. Further, the scanner interface 57 is connected to the scanner 4, the printer interface 58 is connected to the printer 50, and the fax interface 59 is connected to the fax 60. The fax 60 is used to transmit image data transmitted via a communication line, such as decompressing image data sent via the communication line or compressing image data read by the scanner 4. The output is performed by the printer 50.

  Further, the CPU 52 can be connected to a personal computer (PC) 63 or a workstation via a network 55 such as a LAN or a telephone line via a bus 55 and a communication control mechanism 61.

The user interface (UI) 56 selects a print mode executed by the digital multi-function peripheral, a copy mode, a fax mode, or the like. In the print mode or the copy mode, a paper feed tray that feeds paper to be printed. , Selection of a discharge tray for discharging printed sheets, selection of the number of prints, copy magnification, and the like, and a start button is pressed to start a printing operation or the like.
The digital multi-function peripheral is connected to a personal computer (PC) 63 or a work station via a network 62, and software such as a printer driver for controlling the print operation of the digital multi-function peripheral to the personal computer 63 or the like. By installing the software, it is possible to control the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral by the personal computer 63 or the like. In this case, the personal computer 63 installed with software such as a printer driver functions as a controller.

  By the way, in this embodiment, in an image output apparatus having a plurality of output trays, a part or all of the plurality of output trays are virtually controlled as one output tray. Designating means for designating and switching means for switching to one virtual output tray designated by the designating means according to the state of the other output tray are provided.

  In this embodiment, the designation means can designate the priority order for switching the output trays of the virtual one output tray when virtually controlling as one output tray. It is configured.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the designation means is configured so that the order when switching the output tray can be designated in a loop.

  In this embodiment, the designation means is configured to be able to invalidate the function of designating a virtual output tray.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switching means is configured to switch the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full.

  In this embodiment, the switching means is configured to switch the output tray when the output tray to which paper is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first to fourth output trays 38 are connected by a personal computer (PC) 63 connected to the digital multi-function peripheral via the network 62 and functioning as a designation means. A part or all of a plurality of output trays 71 to 73 are designated to be virtually controlled as one output tray 80, and a virtual designated by the personal computer (PC) 63 as the designation means. A single output tray 80 is configured to be switched by the CPU 52 of the printer 51 that functions as a switching unit according to the state of the other output tray.

  As described above, when the digital multi-function peripheral is used as a printer, as shown in FIG. 1, when a print instruction is issued by a personal computer (PC) 63 connected to the controller 51 via the network 62, The personal computer (PC) 63 functions as a designation unit as described above. In the personal computer (PC) 63, the designation of the print mode, the selection of the paper feed tray, the number of prints, etc. are set, and at the same time, the output tray is selected, and further, the first to fourth output trays 38, 71-73, a part or all of a plurality of output trays are designated to be virtually controlled as one output tray 80, and the first designated output tray is full or designated first. A priority order designation icon displayed on the screen is provided as a designation means for outputting a priority designation command for designating the priority order of the output tray to be switched next when the output tray is in a failure state.

  Further, the digital multi-function peripheral itself has functions as the controller 51, the printer 50, and the like, and the controller 51 of the digital multi-function peripheral also has a function as specifying means. Specifically, the priority order designation button 65 provided on the user interface 56 of the controller 51 has a function as a designation unit, and the CPU 52 of the controller 51 is configured to function as a switching unit.

  Now, the virtual output tray 80 and the priority order are designated by the priority order designation icon of the personal computer (PC) 63 and the priority order designation button 65 provided on the user interface 56 of the controller 51. For this, the following automatic output tray switching command 81 is used.

  As the automatic output tray switching command 81, as shown in FIG. 5, a virtual output tray designation for virtually controlling a part or all of a plurality of output trays as one output tray 80 among a plurality of output trays. The command 82 and the automatic output tray switching mode “priority” mode for specifying priority, or “loop” designation 83 for switching a plurality of output trays in a specified order in a loop form, and a switching target. The output tray number specification 84, an identifier specification 85 indicating that the output tray is a virtual output tray, and an individual output tray specification 86 of priority order or loop order are configured.

  In the automatic output tray switching command 81 shown in FIG. 5A, “priority” is designated as the automatic output tray switching mode, the number of output trays to be switched is “2”, and the virtual output tray The identifier indicating that there is “virtual output tray A” indicates that the designation of the individual output trays in the priority order is “output tray 2” and “output tray 3”.

  Further, in the automatic output tray switching command 81 shown in FIG. 5B, “loop” is designated as the automatic output tray switching mode, the number of output trays to be switched is “3”, and the virtual output tray switching command 81 The identifier indicating “virtual output tray B” and the designation of the individual output trays in the priority order are “output tray 2”, “output tray 3”, and “output tray 4”. With this “loop” designation, the output tray is “output tray 2” → “output tray 3” → “output tray 4” → “output tray 2” → “output tray 3” → “output tray 4”. It is automatically specified as an endless loop.

  Further, the automatic output tray switching command 81 shown in FIG. 5C indicates a command in which “0” is designated as the number of output trays to be switched, and the virtual output tray designation function is invalidated. Yes.

  When the priority order of the output tray to be switched next is designated for each print mode or the like, the priority order designation button 65 of the priority order designation icon or the user interface (UI) 56 is displayed together with the start signal of the print mode. An automatic output tray switching command 81 that specifies the priority order of the output tray to be switched next is output to the printer 50.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the digital multi-function peripheral is provided with full detection sensors 66 to 69 for detecting that the recording paper 22 output to the output trays 38 and 71 to 73 is full. These full detection sensors 66 to 69 are connected to the control circuit of the printer 50. In addition to the full detection sensors 66 to 69, sensors for detecting failure of the output trays 38 and 71 to 73 are also provided.

  In the above configuration, in the digital multifunction peripheral according to this embodiment, the number of pages of the job to be output next is unknown as follows, or the number of pages of the job to be output next is Even if it is not possible to eject paper to the output tray to be switched because the capacity of one output tray has been exceeded or the next specified output tray is full or has failed, etc. It is possible to effectively switch the output trays and effectively use a plurality of output trays.

  That is, in the digital multi-function peripheral according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when executing print processing based on image data sent from the personal computer 63 or the like by the digital multi-function peripheral, Based on an instruction from the controller 51, a plurality of print command processes can be received on the printer 50 side at the same time or with a time difference.

  In this case, the screen of the personal computer (PC) 63 is operated by the user, and the automatic output tray switching command 81 is set by a plurality of print instructions and priority order designation icons.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 51 of the digital multi-function peripheral determines whether or not a job exists (step 101) and waits until a job is instructed. If the controller 51 determines that a job exists, the controller 51 instructs the printer 50 on the job attributes (paper feed tray, output tray, print mode, etc.) (step 102), and then the automatic output tray switching command 81. It is determined whether or not the setting is to automatically switch the output tray depending on whether or not there is (step 103). If the setting is to automatically switch the output tray, the automatic output tray switching command 81 is sent to the printer 50 (step 104), and then the print instruction command is sent to the printer 50 in units of paper (step 105). Then, it is determined whether or not the print processing for all pages has been completed (step 106), and the operation from step 105 is repeated until the print processing for all pages of one job is completed. Further, when the print processing of all pages of one job is completed, the controller 51 returns to step 101 and determines whether or not the next job exists.

  If the setting for automatically switching the output tray is not made in step 103, the process immediately proceeds to step 105, where a print instruction command is sent to the printer 50 for each sheet, and the printing process is started.

  In the above embodiment, the digital copying machine itself functions as a printer for the personal computer (PC) 63. In this case, the personal computer (PC) 63 is a controller and the digital copying machine itself is a printer. On the other hand, when a printing operation is executed by the digital copying machine alone, the controller 51 of the digital copying machine is the controller and the printer 50 is the printer itself. The CPU 52 of the controller 51 serves as the CPU of the printer 50 as well as the CPU of the controller 51. Of course, the printer 50 may include a separate CPU as switching means for controlling the output tray switching operation.

  Now, in the printer 50 of the digital multi-function peripheral, as shown in FIG. 5A, as an output tray for outputting paper 22 on which an image is printed in one job, there are a plurality of output trays. A case where the two output trays 71 and the third output tray 72 are designated to be virtually controlled as one output tray 80 will be described.

  Since the two output trays of the second output tray 71 and the third output tray 72 are virtually controlled as one output tray 80, basically, the second output tray 71 first has the paper 22 on the second output tray 71. Is output (discharged), and when the second output tray 71 becomes full, the CPU 52 as the switching means automatically switches to the third output tray 72.

  Further, “priority” and “loop” can be designated as the order of switching between the second output tray 71 and the third output tray 72. If there are two output trays virtually controlled as one output tray 80, the result is the same regardless of whether "priority" is specified or "loop" is specified. There is no need to specify whether to specify "priority" or "loop". There is also a designation method for designating either “priority” designation or “loop” designation.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 52 as the printer 50 of the digital multi-function peripheral determines whether there is a print designation command sent from the controller 51 (step 201), and sends the print designation command. Wait until. Note that the print designation command includes the automatic output tray switching command 81 described above. If the CPU 52 determines that there is a print designation command, the CPU 52 determines whether or not output is possible on the designated output tray (step 202). Here, if the designated output tray is broken or the designated output tray is already full, it is determined that the output is impossible.

  When the CPU 52 determines that the output cannot be performed on the designated output tray, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the output tray is the virtual output tray 80 for which automatic switching is set by the automatic output tray switching command 81. A determination is made (step 203). If the CPU 52 determines that the data can be output to the designated output tray, the CPU 52 executes print processing (step 206).

  Further, if the CPU 52 cannot output to the designated output tray and the output tray is determined to be the virtual output tray 80 for which automatic switching is set by the automatic output tray switching command 81, the switching designation is performed. It is determined whether or not any of the virtual output trays 80 that have been used can be used (step 204). If one of the virtual output trays designated for switching is usable, the virtual output tray designated by the automatic output tray switching command 81 is switched to the output tray having the highest priority (step 205). Then, print processing is executed by the printer 50 (step 206), and the process returns to step 201.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 52 can output to the designated output tray, but the output tray is determined not to be a virtual output tray set to automatic switching by the automatic output tray switching command 81, the CPU 52 outputs the output tray. The personal computer (PC) 63 that has instructed printing is notified via the controller 51 that the data cannot be output (step 207).

  The CPU 52 also informs the personal computer (PC) 63 that has instructed printing via the controller 51 that none of the virtual output trays designated for switching can be output to the output tray. (Step 207).

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the print operation of job 1 is executed, and first, the paper 22 on which the image is printed is output to the second output tray 71, but the image is output to the second output tray 71. When 30 sheets of paper 22 printed with "" are output and it is detected by the full detection sensor 67 that the second output tray 71 is full, the CPU 52 automatically transfers it to the third output tray 72. Can be switched.

  Further, in the digital copying machine, when a “loop” is designated by the automatic output tray switching command 81 when a print instruction is given, the digital copying machine operates as shown in FIG.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. However, when the output tray is switched by the virtual output tray 80 specified by the automatic output tray switching command 81 in step 205, “ It is configured to automatically switch to an output tray in which the loop order is designated by “loop” designation.

  FIG. 10 shows an operation different from that in FIG. 8 in the digital multi-function peripheral.

  Now, in the digital multi-function peripheral, as shown in FIG. 10, in one job, paper 22 on which an image is printed is used as an output tray, a plurality of output trays, in the illustrated example, a second output tray 71, and a second output tray. In this case, the third output tray 72 and the fourth output tray 73 are designated to be virtually controlled as one output tray 80.

  Further, “priority” is designated as the order in which the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72, and the fourth output tray 73 are switched. Further, as the priority of the three output trays of the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72, and the fourth output tray 73, the second output tray 71 has the priority 1 and the third output tray has the third output. The tray 72 is designated as priority 2 and the fourth output tray 73 is designated as priority 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral automatically outputs the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the second output tray 71 and, when the second output tray 71 becomes full, automatically 3 to the output tray 72. If the user takes out the paper 22 output to the second output tray 71 while outputting the paper 22 on which an image is printed on the third output tray 72, the second output tray 71 is not full. It becomes empty. Next, when the third output tray 72 is full, the second output tray 71 is empty, and the paper 22 can be output. Is output.

  Further, when the user takes out the paper 22 output to the third output tray 72 while outputting the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72 is full. Therefore, when the second output tray 71 becomes full, it is automatically switched to the third output tray 72 and the paper 22 is output to the third output tray 72.

  Thus, the three output trays of the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72, and the fourth output tray 73 are designated as the virtual output tray 80, and the second output tray 71, the third output tray 73, and the third output tray 73 are designated. Even when the “priority” is specified in the order of the output tray 72 and the fourth output tray 73, when one output tray becomes full, an output tray with a high priority can be used. For example, the paper 22 is always preferentially output to the output tray having a high priority. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 10, the fourth output tray 73 having the priority 3 is used. Not.

  FIG. 11 shows an operation different from that in FIG. 10 in the digital copying machine.

  In the digital multi-function peripheral, as shown in FIG. 11, in one job, the paper 22 on which an image is printed is used as an output tray, and a plurality of output trays, in the illustrated example, the second output tray 71, In this case, the third output tray 72 and the fourth output tray 73 are designated to be virtually controlled as one output tray. Further, “loop” is designated as the order in which the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72, and the fourth output tray 73 are switched.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral outputs the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the second output tray 71, and when the second output tray 71 becomes full, the second output tray 71 automatically becomes the first. 3 to the output tray 72. Then, while outputting the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the third output tray 72, the user takes out the paper 22 output on the second output tray 71, and the second output tray 71 is not full. May be empty. Next, when the third output tray 72 is full, even if the second output tray 71 is empty, the fourth output is placed next to the third output tray 72 by the loop designation. Since the tray 73 is designated, the paper 22 is output to the fourth output tray 73.

  Further, while outputting the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the fourth output tray 73, the user takes out the paper 22 output to the third output tray 72, and the third output tray 72 is full. Even when the fourth output tray 73 becomes full even if it is empty, the paper is automatically switched to the second output tray 71 and the second output tray 71 has the paper 22 Is output.

  Thus, the three output trays of the second output tray 71, the third output tray 72, and the fourth output tray 73 are designated as the virtual output tray 80, and the second output tray 71, the third output tray 73, and the third output tray 73 are designated. When “loop” is designated in the order of the output tray 72 and the fourth output tray 73, whenever one output tray becomes full, the second output tray 71 → the third output tray 72 → the fourth output. The output tray is automatically switched in the order of the tray 73.

  Therefore, even when a large amount of print processing is executed, it is possible to take out the paper 22 output to the output tray with a margin.

  As described above, in the digital multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment, the number of pages of the job to be output next is unknown, or the number of pages of the job to be output next exceeds the capacity of one output tray. Switch between multiple output trays effectively, even if the next designated output tray is full or has failed, for example, because paper cannot be ejected to the output tray to be switched. Thus, a plurality of output trays can be used effectively.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, an image having a plurality of output trays is shown. In the output device, when using a part or all of the plurality of output trays by switching automatically, a designation means for adding a switching order and designating by the designation means The output tray is provided with switching means for switching according to the state of the other output tray.

  In the second embodiment, the designating unit is configured so that the order when switching the output tray can be designated in a loop.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the designating unit is configured to be able to disable the function of designating a plurality of output trays with priorities.

  In the second embodiment, the switching means is configured to switch the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the switching means is configured to switch the output tray when the output tray to which paper is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure.

  That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, “priority” is designated as the automatic output tray switching mode 81 as the automatic output tray switching command 81, and the number of output trays to be switched. Is “2”, and the designation of the individual output trays in the priority order is “output tray 2” “output tray 3”.

  In the automatic output tray switching command 81 shown in FIG. 12B, “loop” is designated as the automatic output tray switching mode, the number of output trays to be switched is “3”, and individual output The designation of the tray indicates that the order is “output tray 2”, “output tray 3”, and “output tray 4”. With this “loop” designation, the output tray is “output tray 2” → “output tray 3” → “output tray 4” → “output tray 2” → “output tray 3” → “output tray 4”. It is automatically specified as an endless loop.

  Further, the automatic output tray switching command 81 shown in FIG. 12C is a command in which “0” is designated as the number of output trays to be switched, and the automatic switching mode is invalidated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral determines whether or not a print designation command exists (step 301) and waits until a print designation command is sent. The print designation command includes the automatic output tray switching designation command 81 described above. If the CPU 52 determines that a print designation command exists, the CPU 52 determines whether or not output to the designated output tray is possible (step 302). Here, if the designated output tray is broken or the designated output tray is already full, it is determined that the output is impossible.

  If the CPU 52 determines that output to the designated output tray is impossible, the CPU 52 determines whether or not automatic output switching is set by the automatic output tray switching command 81 (step 303). If the CPU 52 determines that the data can be output to the designated output tray, the CPU 52 executes print processing (step 306).

  Further, when the CPU 52 cannot output to the designated output tray and the automatic output tray switching command 81 determines that the automatic output switching is set, any of the output trays designated for switching is selected. It is determined whether or not it can be used (step 304). If any of the output trays designated for switching is usable, the output tray designated by the automatic output tray switching command 81 is switched to the output tray having the highest priority (step 305), and then the printer. 50 is executed (step 306), and the process returns to step 301.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 52 can output to the designated output tray, but determines that the output tray is not an output tray set to automatic switching by the automatic output tray switching command 81, the CPU 52 outputs to the output tray. The fact that it is not possible is notified to the personal computer (PC) 63 that has instructed printing via the controller 51 (step 307).

  Further, the CPU 52 notifies the personal computer (PC) 63 that has instructed printing via the controller 51 that none of the output trays designated for switching can be used. (Step 307).

  As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral executes the print operation for job 1 and automatically fills the next designated second output tray 71 when the first output tray 38 becomes full. Switch. Next, when the second output tray 71 becomes full, the CPU 52 automatically switches to the third output tray 72 and outputs the paper 22 on which the image is printed on the third output tray 72. When the user takes out the paper 22 output to the first output tray 38 and the third output tray 72 that is being output becomes full, it is automatically switched to the next designated first output tray 38. It has become.

  In the digital copying machine, when a “loop” is designated by the automatic output tray switching command 81 when a print instruction is given, the digital copying machine operates as shown in FIG.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. However, when the output tray is switched by the output tray 80 specified by the automatic output tray switching command 81 in step 305, the “loop” ”Is automatically switched to the output tray in which the loop order is specified.

  As described above, the second embodiment does not control some or all of the plurality of output trays as virtual output trays, but individually controls the plurality of output trays. Thus, when the plurality of output trays are automatically switched and used, the switching order is added and designated.

  In the second embodiment, the command indicating that it is a virtual output tray is unnecessary, but when looking at the relationship between the controller and the printer, the plurality of output trays are always controlled as separate output trays. On the other hand, when a command indicating a virtual output tray is used as in the first embodiment, a plurality of output trays can be controlled as one virtual output tray. Has the advantage that the printer can be easily controlled.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

1 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external configuration diagram showing a digital multi-function peripheral as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a digital multi-function peripheral as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIGS. 5A to 5C are tables each showing an automatic output tray switching command. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 12A to 12C are tables each showing an automatic output tray switching command used in a digital multi-function peripheral as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a printing operation of a digital multi-function peripheral as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the printing operation of the digital multi-function peripheral as the image output apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a printing operation of a digital multi-function peripheral as an image output apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of a conventional printer. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a printing operation of a conventional printer apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

  1: digital multifunction peripheral, 22: recording paper, 38: first output tray, 50: printer, 51: controller, 52: CPU (switching means), 56: user interface, 62: personal computer (designating means), 65 : Priority order designation button (designating means) 71 to 72: Second to fourth output trays.

Claims (11)

In an image output apparatus having a plurality of output trays,
Designation means for designating a part or all of the plurality of output trays to be virtually controlled as one output tray,
An image output apparatus comprising: a switching unit that switches a virtual output tray designated by the designation unit according to a state of another output tray. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation unit can designate a priority order for switching the output tray of the virtual one output tray when controlling as one virtual output tray. An image output apparatus characterized by the above. 3. The image output apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the designation means can designate the order of switching the output tray in a loop shape. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designating unit can invalidate a function of designating a virtual output tray. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching means switches the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full. 2. The image output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the output tray when the output tray to which paper is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure. . In an image output apparatus having a plurality of output trays,
A designation means for designating a plurality of output trays among the plurality of output trays by adding a switching order when automatically switching and using a plurality of output trays;
An image output apparatus comprising switching means for switching the output tray designated by the designation means in accordance with the state of another output tray. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the designation unit can designate the order of switching the output tray in a loop shape. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the specifying unit can disable a function of specifying a plurality of output trays with priority. 8. The image output apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the switching unit switches the output tray when the output tray that is outputting paper is full. 9. The image output apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit switches the output tray when the output tray to which paper is to be output becomes unusable due to a failure. .

Images