JP2006001044A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the productivity by reducing a waiting time of a succeeding job during a post treatment at the time of continuously outputting a plurality of jobs. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus equipped with a RAM which receives and registers the plurality of jobs, and a control part which controls to discharge a recording medium after carrying out an image formation process and the post treatment to the recording medium in accordance with contents of the jobs registered in the RAM, the control part changes an execution order of the jobs in accordance with contents of the post treatment of the other jobs registered in the RAM when discharging the registered jobs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of receiving a plurality of job data, copying or printing based on a received job, and performing post-processing on the copied or printed recording medium.

  Execute print jobs (image data and image data output conditions) instructing image forming operations sent from a network-connected personal computer in the order received, perform image forming processing on the recording medium, and after image forming processing A finisher (post-processing function) that automatically performs part of the work that has been done manually, such as stapling, punching holes, cutting, etc. An image forming apparatus provided has been developed.

  When such conventional image forming apparatuses execute output in the order in which print jobs are received, it may take a long time to output all the jobs depending on the type of post-processing of each print job. Therefore, it takes a lot of time from receiving a print job to forming and outputting an image on a recording medium.

  Therefore, as a measure for solving such a problem, an image forming apparatus that changes the order of jobs based on conditions regarding post-processing is disclosed.

  For example, a memory that stores stapling processing or binding processing in advance as a processing mode, a needle sensor that detects the presence or absence of a staple, a cover sensor that detects the presence or absence of a cover, and any of the sensors has no needle or no cover. When detected, an executable processing mode other than the processing mode that cannot be executed because of no needle or no cover is executed first among the processing modes stored in the memory, and can be executed when any of the processing functions cannot be used. A finisher that preferentially performs processing is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when an image output request for a second job having a higher priority than this job occurs during execution of image output for the first job, at least one or both of the first and second jobs perform post-processing. Based on whether the job is set to be performed, interrupt processing for interrupting image output of the first job and executing image output of the second job, or image output of the first job is continued. Control means for performing post-processing to execute the image output of the second job after the end of the image output, and the output bundles of the first job and the second job overlap and are mixed in. An image forming apparatus that does not hinder the discharge state of a sheet or the like is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

  It is determined whether one of the input large-volume job discharge unit and one or more paper discharge units is designated as the discharge destination after the pause instruction is instructed to be canceled. , Jobs that specify a large-capacity discharge unit as the discharge destination are prohibited from being accepted, and subsequent jobs that use a paper discharge unit other than the large-capacity discharge unit as the discharge destination are accepted, and the operating rate of the imaging device is improved. A forming apparatus is disclosed (see Patent Document 3).

A receiving unit that receives a print job within a predetermined time; a time required for a first process including an image forming process performed by the first device (printer) for the print job received by the receiving unit; and a second device Based on the calculation means for calculating the time required for the second process, which is the post-processing performed in (offline finisher), and the time required for the first process and the time required for the second process, printing is performed. A printing management apparatus that includes a scheduling unit that schedules the job processing order and can efficiently perform print processing is disclosed (see Patent Document 4).
JP 10-194571 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188948 JP 2001-253625 A JP 2003-29956 A

  However, according to Patent Literature 1, the execution order of processing modes (jobs) is changed in the case where there is a problem with stapling processing or binding processing according to the presence or absence of a staple or the presence or absence of a cover. According to No. 2, since the execution order of post-processing is determined for jobs for which priorities are set in advance, neither time required for job output nor improvement in production efficiency is achieved. According to Patent Document 3, since the image forming apparatus changes the job execution order when the stacker of the post-processing unit is stopped, the job execution order is changed while the post-processing unit is operating. However, the waiting time during job execution is not shortened. According to Patent Document 4, a technique specialized for an online finisher, a job that requires post-processing and takes time for post-processing is preferentially output, and a waiting time for post-processing occurs. End up.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the waiting time of a subsequent job during post-processing and improve productivity when outputting a plurality of jobs continuously.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, job registration means for accepting and registering a plurality of jobs, and image forming processing and post-processing are performed on the recording medium in accordance with the contents of the job registered in the job registration means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control the job to be discharged; and when the control unit discharges the registered job, the job execution order is registered in the job registration unit. It changes according to the content of post-processing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the job registered in the job registration unit includes a job in which a plurality of execution copies are set, the control unit Controlling to output a registered job for each copy, and changing the execution order of each job according to the contents of post-processing of other jobs registered in the job registration means It is said.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the registered job is discharged, the first job registered in the job registration unit is an image forming process. And when the recording medium is discharged to the first discharge port.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a job registration unit that receives and registers a plurality of jobs, an image forming process that records an image on a recording medium in accordance with the job registered in the job registration unit, and a post-process. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control the discharge so that when the job is received and registered in the job registration unit, the registration order of the jobs is registered in the job registration unit; It is characterized in that it is changed according to the contents of post-processing of other jobs.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the content of the post-processing includes at least a type of post-processing and a recording medium when the post-processing is performed. It is characterized in that it is one of a conveyance path, an output port for an output recording medium, and a length of time required for post-processing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of jobs are output continuously, the waiting time of the subsequent job can be reduced during the post-processing, so that productivity can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained, and a plurality of execution copies are set for the job, and when a plurality of jobs are output continuously, The order of execution can be changed for each copy, and the waiting time of subsequent jobs can be reduced during post-processing, so that productivity can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the first or second aspect can be obtained, but also during the post-processing in which the image forming process is completed and discharged to the first discharge port, Since it is possible to execute an image forming process of a subsequent job that can be executed, productivity can be improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the total time required for outputting all accepted jobs can be shortened, and the waiting time for subsequent jobs can be reduced during post-processing. It is possible to improve the performance.

    According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the same effect as in any one of the first to fourth aspects can be obtained, and at least the type of post-processing and the recording medium when the post-processing is performed. Productivity can be effectively improved by changing the order according to any of the conveyance path, the output port of the output recording medium, and the length of time required for post-processing.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus A according to the first embodiment.
The image forming apparatus A receives an image from a copy function for reading an image from a document and forms the image on a recording medium P such as paper as a processing target paper or a personal computer, and the image represented by the image data Is a digital multi-function peripheral that has a printer function for forming and outputting the image on a recording medium, and post-processing functions such as stapling, punching, folding, and cutting for the recording medium on which an image is formed. . As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus A includes a main body unit 1 and a post-processing unit 2 as a means for performing post-processing.

The main body 1 includes an image reading unit 10 and a printing unit 20.
The image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit 12.
The document d placed on the document tray T1 of the automatic document feeder 11 is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading portion of the reading unit 12, and an image on one or both sides of the document d is read by the optical system of the reading unit 12. The image of the document d is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 12a. Here, the image means not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  An image (analog image signal) read by the reading unit 12 is output to an image control unit which will be described later, A / D converted by the image control unit, subjected to various image processing, and then output to the printing unit 20.

  The printing unit 20 as a means for performing image forming processing performs electrophotographic image forming processing based on input print data. The image forming unit 21, the paper feeding unit 22, and the paper feeding / conveying unit 23. The fixing unit 24 and the carry-out unit 25 are provided.

The image forming unit 21 includes an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device 21a, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser output unit that outputs laser light representing image data, and a polygon mirror that scans the laser light in the main scanning direction. A cleaning unit is provided.
Specifically, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photosensitive drum charged by a charging device with laser light using an exposure device. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image by attaching charged toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is formed. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum by the developing device is transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer device. In addition, after the toner image is transferred to the recording medium P, residual charges, residual toner, and the like on the surface of the photosensitive drum are removed by the cleaning unit.

  The paper feed unit 22 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 22a, paper feed means 22b, and a manual feed tray T2. The paper feed cassette 22a contains recording media P identified in advance for each size and type for each paper feed cassette 22a, and feeds the recording media P stored by the paper feed means 22b one by one from the top. Transport toward the transport unit 23. The manual feed tray T2 can be loaded with various types of recording media P according to the needs of the user each time, and the recording media P stacked by the paper feed rollers are fed one by one from the top. Transport toward

The sheet feeding / conveying unit 23 conveys the recording medium P conveyed from the sheet feeding cassette 22a and the manual feed tray T2 to the transfer device 21a via a plurality of intermediate rollers, registration rollers, and the like.
Further, the sheet feeding / conveying section 23 conveys the recording medium P that has undergone the single-sided image formation processing to the automatic duplex sheet feeding / conveying path 23b by the conveyance path switching plate 23a, and again passes through the intermediate roller and the registration roller 2 to the transfer device 21a. And carry.

  The fixing unit 24 thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P transported by the paper feed transport unit 23. The fixing-processed recording medium P is sandwiched between the paper discharge rollers 25a of the carry-out unit 25 and is output from the carry-out port 25b to the receiving port 80a of the post-processing unit 2.

  The post-processing unit 2 is a finisher that accumulates recording media P on which images are formed by the main body unit 1 for each copy, and performs post-processing such as stapling, folding, and cutting for each copy. As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing unit 2 includes a fixed discharge tray T3, a lift discharge tray T4, a booklet storage tray T5, a cover sheet supply unit 30, and a plurality of discharge ports from which the recording medium P is discharged. The shift processing unit 40, the staple unit 50, the folding unit 60, the cutting unit 70, and the transport unit 80 are configured.

  The post-processing unit 2 is provided with a receiving port 80a so as to coincide with the position of the unloading port 25b from which the recording medium P is unloaded from the main body unit 1. A transport path downstream from the receiving port 80a in the transport direction of the recording medium P is branched into four systems, a first transport path R1, a second transport path R2, a third transport path R3, and a seventh transport path R7. The recording medium P is conveyed to one of the conveyance paths by selecting the angle occupied by the two, three switching gates 81, 82, 84.

  The first transport path R1 is a transport path for the recording medium P when the stapling process and the sorting process are not performed on the image-formed recording medium P discharged from the main body 1. The recording medium P conveyed to the receiving port 80a passes through the conveyance path on the right side of the first switching gate 81, is nipped by the conveyance roller, is conveyed up, and is nipped by the discharge roller 83a to be fixed on the fixed sheet discharge tray T3. To be discharged.

The second transport path R2 transports the recording medium P when a shift process is performed on the image-formed recording medium P discharged from the main body 1 or when it is desired to output a large amount without performing the sort process. It is a route.
The recording medium P transported to the receiving port 80a passes through the transport path below the first switching gate 81, is sandwiched by the transport rollers, is sandwiched by the discharge roller 83ab via the shift processing unit 40, and a large number of recording media Is discharged onto a lifting / lowering discharge tray T4.

  The third transport path R3 is a transport path for the recording medium P when the stapling process is performed on the image-formed recording medium P discharged from the main body 1. The recording medium P transported to the receiving port 80a passes through a transport path below the second switching gate 82, and is discharged to a stack stage 51 (described later) that is sandwiched between transport rollers and arranged in an inclined manner. The storage medium P discharged to the stack base 51 is stopped when the leading end of the recording medium P in the conveyance direction comes into contact with the abutting surface of the movable stopper member near the stapler 52. When a predetermined number of recording media P are stacked and aligned on the stack base 51 at this stop position, the stapler 52 performs stapling, and the bundle of recording media P is bound. The bundle of recording media P slides on the mounting surface of the stack base 51, is pushed upward obliquely, is sandwiched between the discharge rollers 83b, and is discharged onto the lift paper discharge tray T4.

  The seventh transport path R7 is a transport path used in the case of performing a folding process that does not perform stapling. The storage medium P discharged from the main body is transported from the receiving port 80a to the seventh transport path R7 and is moved to a movable stopper. It stops at the abutting surface of the member 62. When a predetermined number of recording media P are stacked and aligned on the movable stopper member 62, various folding processes are performed by the folding unit 60 and conveyed to the cutting unit 70.

  The cover sheet feeding unit 30 includes a cover sheet placement unit 31 that accommodates slip sheets, cover sheet sheets, and the like, and a sheet feeding roller 32. The slip sheet or the cover sheet stored in the cover sheet feeding unit 30 is separated and fed by the sheet feeding roller 32, is sandwiched by a plurality of transport rollers, and is transported to the stack base 51. A range from the cover sheet placement unit 31 through the paper feed roller 32 to the third transport path R3 is defined as a fourth transport path R4.

  The staple unit 50 includes a stack base 51 and a stapler 52, and the recording medium P that has undergone image formation processing in the main body 1 and is transported to the receiving port 80a of the post-processing section 2 is placed on the stack base 51 by a plurality of transport rollers. A staple processing is performed in which the bundle of conveyed recording media P is width-aligned, and stapled by the stapler 52 with a binding needle. The bundle of recording media P subjected to the staple processing is conveyed to the folding unit 60 via the lifting / lowering discharge tray T4 or the fifth conveyance path R5.

  The folding unit 60 includes a stack base 61 and a movable stopper member 62, and performs an intermediate folding process on the recording medium P conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers via the fifth conveying path R5 or the seventh conveying path R7. Folding processing such as folding processing and Z-folding processing is performed. The folded recording medium is conveyed to the cutting unit 70 via the sixth conveyance path R6.

  The cutting unit 70 includes a cutting blade 71 that can move in the transport direction of the recording medium P or in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The cutting blade 71 cuts the length of the transported recording medium P in the transporting direction of the recording medium P or the direction orthogonal to the transporting direction into a specified size (cutting process). The cut recording medium is discharged to the booklet storage tray T5.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus A.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus A includes a main body control unit 1 a that controls the main body unit 1, a printer controller 1 b, and a post-processing unit 2 connected to the main body unit 1. The main body 1 is connected to a user terminal PC on the LAN through a LANIF (Local Area Network InterFace) 14b of the printer controller 1b so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other.

  The main body control unit 1a includes an image reading unit 10, a printing unit 20, an operation display unit 90, and an image control unit 100. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as each part demonstrated in FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The image control unit 100 includes a control unit 110 as a control unit, a nonvolatile memory 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130 as a job registration unit that accepts and registers a plurality of jobs, a reading processing unit 140, a compression IC 150, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 160, image memory 170, decompression IC 180, and write processing unit 190.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and centrally controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus A according to various processing programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 120. For example, according to the operation signal input from the operation display unit 90, the copy mode, the printer mode, and the scanner mode are switched, the processing program for each mode stored in the nonvolatile memory 120 is read, and copying, printing, and reading of image data are performed. Etc. are controlled. Further, post-processing of the recording medium P that is printed out is set in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation display unit 90 and output data input from the user terminal PC.

  In addition, in order to realize the first embodiment, the control unit 110 performs a job registration program, a job execution program, an interrupt determination data table according to the present embodiment from the nonvolatile memory 120, and a job queue and job data from the RAM 130. And the execution order of a plurality of jobs is controlled in cooperation with the program and data. That is, the control unit 110 according to the first embodiment executes a job (hereinafter referred to as an execution job) executed by the main body 1 and the post-processing unit 2 when executing a job registered in the order of reception (hereinafter referred to as a registration job). The job execution order is changed.

  A job refers to a series of operations relating to image forming processing and post-processing performed by the image forming apparatus A. For example, when outputting a plurality of documents, a series of operations relating to the output of the plurality of pages is one job, and when outputting a plurality of copies, a series of operations relating to the output for a plurality of copies is one job. .

  The nonvolatile memory 120 prints various processing programs and data relating to image formation, as well as post-processing for the recording medium P that has undergone image formation processing, a job registration program, a job execution program, an interrupt determination data table according to the first embodiment. Data for setting to the post-processing control unit 400 via the unit 20 and data processed by various programs are stored.

  The job registration program according to the first embodiment is a program for registering jobs in the order in which they are received and creating queue data (hereinafter referred to as a job queue) of registered jobs waiting for output execution.

  The job execution program according to the first embodiment refers to the interrupt determination data table when executing a registration job, and the execution job finishes the image forming process and executes post-processing, and the discharge set in the job data. This is a program for changing the execution order of jobs according to the post-processing contents of the execution job and the registration job registered in the RAM 130 when the recording medium is discharged to the tray.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the interrupt determination data table stored in the nonvolatile memory 120. The interrupt determination data table is a data table for determining whether or not the job is a registered job that can be executed after the execution job in accordance with the execution job, the registration job registered in the RAM 130, and the contents of the post-processing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the interrupt determination data table includes post-processing contents, that is, whether the types of post-processing of the execution job and the registered job are the same, and whether the transport paths in the post-processing unit 2 overlap. Whether the trays to be ejected are the same or not is preset based on the length of time required for post-processing of the registered job.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the execution job and the registered job are the same post-processing (shaded area in FIG. 3), the same transport path and post-processing unit are used, and it is not possible to process at the same time. Because it is possible, the execution order of registered jobs is not subject to change processing.
“◯” shown in FIG. 3 indicates that the interruption of the execution order of the registered job is permitted, and “X” indicates that the interruption of the execution order of the registration job is not permitted.

  Further, “× * 1” in FIG. 3 indicates that job interruption processing is not permitted when the post-processing transport path of the execution job is included in the post-processing transport path of the registered job to be compared. For example, when the post-processing of the execution job is stapling and the post-processing of the registered job that is compared with the execution job is saddle stitching, the registered job that is compared with the third transport path R3 as the transport path of the post-processing of the execution job Since it is included in the post-processing transport path (third transport path R3, fifth and sixth transport paths R5, 6), even if the registration job is started during the post-processing of the execution job (during stapling processing), the execution job Until the end of the stapling process (until the third transport path R3 is passed), the post-processing of the registered job must be waited, and the job interruption process is not permitted because there is no effect of changing the job order.

  “× * 2” in FIG. 3 indicates that job interruption processing is not permitted when the output trays after output execution are the same. For example, when the post-processing of the execution job has the middle folding cut and the post-processing of the registration job has the saddle stitch cutting, the post-processing recording medium discharge lay is the cut discharge tray T6 for both the execution job and the registration job. In this case, since the output recording media are mixed, job interruption processing is not permitted.

In FIG. 3 “× * 3”, when the time required for post-processing of an execution job is extremely short, job interruption processing is not permitted. For example, when the execution job is not punched or post-processed, the post-processing time is as short as 1 or 2 seconds.
In addition, in order to perform the image forming process of the registered job to be compared during the post-processing of the execution job, the state of the image forming unit (process linear velocity, fixing temperature, etc.) is changed based on the job data of the registered job to be compared Must be done. When image formation processing for a registered job that is compared while the execution job is punched is started, post-processing of the execution job is completed while the status of the image forming unit is being changed based on the job data of the registration job Resulting in. If the execution job has no post-processing, the output of the execution job ends. Therefore, since there is no waiting time for waiting for post-processing of an execution job, there is no need to change the execution order of registered jobs, and job interruption processing is not permitted.

In FIG. 3, “*” indicates that the post-processing transport path of the execution job includes the post-processing transport path of the registered job to be compared, and the post-processing transport path of the execution job is compared after the recording medium passes. Allow job interrupt processing so that registered jobs are executed.
For example, when the post-processing of the execution job is saddle stitching and the post-processing of the registered job to be compared with the execution job is staple, the post-processing transport path (third transport path R3, fifth, sixth transport path R5, 6) includes a post-processing conveyance path (third conveyance path) of the registered job to be compared, and therefore, when the execution job is stapling, the third conveyance path R3 is used, so the registration job is executed. However, if the folding process is started after the execution job is stapled, the third transport path R3 can be used. Therefore, if the execution job is after the stapling process, the post-processing (stapling) of the registered job to be compared is performed. Processing) and job interrupt processing is permitted.

The RAM 130 forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the control unit 110 and data related to these programs.
In order to realize the first embodiment, job data including job queues, job IDs for identifying each registered job, various operation settings, storage locations of image data, and various work data are stored. To do.

FIG. 4 shows an example of job data.
As shown in FIG. 4, the job data is composed of output page common data (page common data) and output page data (page-specific data) based on print conditions and image data. Has been.

  The page common data includes setting conditions based on output data input from the user terminal PC and operation signals input from the operation display unit 90 described later. For example, the set number of copies indicating the number of output copies of the recording medium P, the number of output copies indicating the value of the number of output copies, the number of sheets fed from the tray per copy, the image forming process or the post-processing Are the discharge tray from which the recording medium P is discharged, various post-processing settings indicating the type of post-processing, and the like.

  The page-specific data stores output image rotation angle, which is an angle at which the print data is rotated, and print data for each page in order to match the orientation of the output print data and the recording medium P to be used. It is composed of an image storage address indicating the existing address.

  The reading processing unit 140 performs various processes such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the reading control unit 200 of the image reading unit 10 and then generates digital image data. . The generated image data is output to the compression IC 150.

  The compression IC 150 performs compression processing on the input digital image data and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 160.

The DRAM control IC 160 controls the compression processing of the digital image data by the compression IC 150 and the decompression processing of the compressed image data by the decompression IC 180 according to the instruction from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of the image data to the image memory 170. .
For example, when an instruction to store the analog image signal read by the image reading unit 10 is given, the compression processing of the digital image data input from the reading processing unit 140 is executed by the compression IC 150, and the compressed image data is stored in the image memory 170. Stored in the compression memory 171. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 171 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 171, decompressed by the decompression IC 180, and stored in the page memory 172. Further, when an instruction to print out the uncompressed image data stored in the page memory 172 is given, the uncompressed image data is read from the page memory 172 and output to the write processing unit 190.

  The image memory 170 includes a compression memory 171 and a page memory 172 configured from DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The compression memory 171 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 172 is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed out before print output.

  The decompression IC 180 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 190 generates print data for image formation based on the uncompressed image data input from the DRAM control IC 160 and outputs the print data to the print unit 20.

  The image reading unit 10 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) 12a, an image reading control unit 200, and the ADF unit 11 and the reading unit 12 shown in FIG. The image reading control unit 200 controls the ADF unit 11, the reading unit 12, and the like to execute exposure scanning of the document surface placed on the contact glass, and performs photoelectric conversion of reflected light of the light by the CCD 12a to read an image. . The read analog image signal is output to the reading processing unit 140 of the image control unit 100.

  The operation display unit 90 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 91, an operation display control unit 900, and other operation key groups (not shown). A touch panel is provided on the LCD 91 so as to cover the LCD 91, and the operation display control unit 900 displays a basic screen for inputting print conditions, various processing results, and the like according to a display signal input from the control unit 110. Is displayed on the LCD 91. Further, the operation display control unit 900 outputs an operation signal input from the operation key group or the touch panel to the control unit 110.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the LCD 91.
FIG. 5A shows an example of the basic screen G0, and FIG. 5B shows an example of the post-processing setting screen G10 when the output setting button is pressed.

  The basic screen G0 includes a message area G1, an image quality / rotation display area G2, a print number / set number display area G3, a folder button G4 for displaying a job list, and a print condition selection area G5.

  The message area G1 is displayed when "Can copy", "Please set the document", "Can set the copy. Please wait for the document to be set", or press various buttons in the print condition selection area G5. An instruction for the user and a description of the state of the image forming apparatus A are displayed.

In the image quality / rotation display area G2, display of image quality such as normal, fine, super fine, and image rotation are displayed as icons.
In the print number / set number display area G3, the number of prints and the set number are displayed.

  The folder button G4 indicates the status of each job, that is, outputting (output JOB), reserved job (reserved JOB), reservation setting job (setting JOB), reading job (reading JOB), and empty job. (Free JOB) is displayed. By selecting each button of the folder button G4, the print conditions set for each job can be confirmed and set.

  The print condition selection area G5 includes a display button group G51 indicating print conditions such as output, double-sided selection, copy density, magnification, size selection, and application settings for each job, and a set button group G52 indicating the contents of each print condition. have.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the “output setting” button of the setting button group G52 is pressed, a post-processing setting screen G10 for setting and inputting a post-processing request is displayed.
The post-processing setting screen G10 includes a binding direction setting button group G11 indicating a binding direction, a staple setting button group G12 indicating a staple position, a post-processing setting button group G13 indicating a type of post-processing, and a data setting button group G14. And an operation auxiliary button group G15.

  The staple setting button group G12 is provided with a plurality of buttons according to the staple position and the number when the recording medium is stopped with the binding needle. An instruction signal for stapling processing corresponding to the pressed button of the stapling setting button group G12 is output to the control unit 110.

  In the post-processing setting button group G13, a post-processing instruction signal corresponding to the pressed button is output to the control unit 110. For example, when the half-fold button G <b> 13 a is pressed, an instruction signal for half-fold processing is output to the control unit 110.

  Each setting button can be set directly on the basic screen G0 or the setting screen G10, and another setting button cannot be displayed on the basic screen G0 or the setting screen G10 and is used to expand to the next screen. It is also possible to set print conditions from a group of operation keys (not shown).

  The print unit 20 includes various units related to print output, such as the image forming unit 21 shown in FIG. The print control unit 300 controls the operation of each unit of the print unit 20 such as the image forming unit 21 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, and forms an image on the recording medium P based on the image data input from the writing processing unit 190. And an instruction signal for operating each unit of the post-processing unit 2 according to an instruction from the control unit 110 is output to the post-processing control unit 400.

Next, each part of the printer controller 1b will be described.
The printer controller 1b includes a controller control unit 11b, a DRAM control IC 12b, an image memory 13b, and a LANIF 14b.

  The controller control unit 11b comprehensively controls the operation of each unit, and realizes a function of distributing output data input from the user terminal PC as a job to the main body control unit 1a via the LANIF 14b.

  The DRAM control IC 12b controls storage of output data received by the LANIF 14b in the image memory 13b and reading of output data from the image memory 13b. The DRAM control IC 12b is connected to the DRAM control IC 160 of the image control unit 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and reads output data to be printed from the image memory 13b in accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 11b. Output to the DRAM control IC 160.

  The image memory 13b is composed of a DRAM and temporarily stores output data that has been input.

  The LANIF 14b is a communication interface for connecting to a LAN such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and receives output data to be printed from the user terminal PC via the LAN. The received output data is output to the DRAM control IC 12b.

The post-processing unit 2 is provided with a stapling unit 50, a folding unit 60, a cutting unit 70, and conveying means 80 such as a conveying roller for conveying a recording medium to various post-processing units. Each unit is controlled by the post-processing control unit 400. Controlled.
The post-processing control unit 400 transports the recording medium P to a predetermined post-processing unit along the transport path in accordance with a post-processing instruction signal input from the control unit 110 via the print control unit 300, and sets each unit. Drive control is performed to cause the recording medium P to perform predetermined post-processing, and control to discharge to a predetermined discharge tray.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
First, FIG. 6 shows a conventional job execution operation example for comparison with the first embodiment.
The order in which the jobs are received is: the first job first, the second job second, the third job third, the fourth job fourth, the fifth job fifth, the sixth job sixth, If accepted, the jobs are registered in the accepted order, and the job queue of registered jobs is configured in the accepted order.
Note that only the job name, the number of output sheets, the type of post-processing, and the time required for output are displayed in the job queue shown in FIG. 6 in order to simplify the description.

  The time required for output means that after the recording medium P is fed from the paper feed cassette 22a or the manual feed tray T2 in the main body unit 1, image formation processing is performed, post-processing is performed in the post-processing unit 2, and the like. This is the time required until the time when the number of copies or the number of sheets of the recording medium detected by the sensor provided in the vicinity of the tray becomes equal to the set number of sheets of job data or the number of sheets fed.

  The time required for output includes a time required for the main body 1 (hereinafter referred to as image forming processing time) and a time required for the post-processing portion 2 (hereinafter referred to as post-processing time).

  As for the image forming process time, after the first sheet of the recording medium P is fed to the sheet feeding cassette 22a or the manual feed tray T2, the image forming process for the number of prints is completed, and the last recording medium P is transferred to the carry-out port 25b. This is the time until detection by the provided sensor. Here, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that one second is required to perform one image forming process. The image forming processing time is 30 seconds.

The post-processing time differs depending on the content (type of post-processing) processed in the post-processing unit 2. For example, when the folding process is performed in the post-processing unit 2, the recording medium P on which the folding process is performed from the time when the sensor provided in the vicinity of the receiving port 80a detects the recording medium P. Is a time required until the time when a sensor provided in the vicinity of the booklet storage tray T5 detects (hereinafter referred to as a half-fold cutting processing time), for example, 30 seconds per copy.
Further, for example, when the stapling process is performed in the post-processing unit 2, the bundle of the recording media P on which the stapling process is performed from the time when the recording medium P detects the storage medium P by the sensor provided in the vicinity of the receiving port 80 a. Is the time required for the time detected by the sensor provided in the vicinity of the lifting / lowering paper discharge tray T4 (hereinafter referred to as stapling processing time), for example, 5 seconds per copy.

An example of the execution operation of the conventional print job shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the jobs are sequentially executed in the registered order.
For the first job in which the number of fed sheets is 30 and the post-processing is half-fold cutting processing, post-processing is started in the post-processing section 2 after image forming processing is performed in the main body section 1. In the post-processing unit 2, the recording medium P that has undergone image formation processing is stored in the stack base 61, and then is folded in the folding unit 60 and conveyed to the cutting unit 70. The bundle of recording media P conveyed to the cutting unit 70 is cut and discharged to the booklet storage tray T5. When the bundle of recording media P is discharged to the booklet storage tray T5, it is determined that the post-processing of the first job is finished, that is, the execution of the first job is finished, and the execution of the second job is started.

  For the second job, after the execution operation of the first job is finished, the image forming process is started in the main body unit 1, and after the image forming process, the intermediate processing is performed in the post-processing unit 2 in the same process as the first job. . For the third job, after completion of the execution operation of the second job, the image forming process is started in the main body unit 1, and after the image forming process, the intermediate processing is performed in the post-processing unit 2 in the same process as the first job. .

  For the fourth job, image processing is started in the main body 1 after completion of the execution operation of the third job, image processing is performed, and post-processing is started in the post-processing unit 2. In the post-processing unit 2, after the number of fed sheets of the recording medium P subjected to the image forming process is stored in the stack base 51, the stapler 52 performs the stapling process. The bundle of recording media P subjected to the stapling process is discharged to the lifting / lowering discharge tray T4. When the bundle of recording media P is discharged onto the lifting / lowering discharge tray T4, it is determined that the post-processing of the fourth job is finished, that is, the execution of the fourth job is finished, and the execution of the fifth job is started.

  For the fifth job, after completion of the execution operation of the fourth job, image forming processing is started in the main body unit 1, and after the image forming processing, stapling processing is performed in the post-processing unit 2 in the same process as the fourth job. For the sixth job, after the execution operation of the fifth job is completed, image forming processing is started in the main body unit 1, and after the image forming processing, stapling processing is performed in the post-processing unit 2 in the same process as the fourth job.

  As described above, the conventional job execution operation is executed in the registered order, and therefore, the next job is executed after the preceding job execution operation is completed. The total time required to output all six jobs is 235 seconds.

  Such a conventional job execution operation is very inefficient because only one of the main body unit 1 and the post-processing unit 2 may be operating, which causes a reduction in productivity. Yes.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a job execution operation according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, at time t <b> 1 when the first job finishes the image forming process in the main body 1 and starts the middle folding process, in the main body 1 in parallel with the middle folding process of the first job. The image forming process for the fourth job is started. At time t2 when the image forming process for the fourth job is completed and the stapling process is started, the image forming process for the second job is started in parallel with the stapling process for the fourth job.

  Further, at time t3 when the image forming process of the second job is completed and the middle folding process is started, the image forming process of the fifth job is started in parallel with the middle folding process of the second job. At time t4 when the image forming process for the fifth job is completed and the stapling process is started, the image forming process for the third job is started in parallel with the stapling process for the fifth job. At time t5 when the image forming process for the third job is completed and the middle folding process is started, the image forming process for the sixth job is started in parallel with the middle folding process for the third job.

  As described above, in the job execution operation of the first embodiment, the total time required to output all the first to sixth jobs is 140 seconds.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a job registration operation according to the first embodiment.
The job registration operation shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the control unit 110 based on the job registration program and various data.

  First, the control unit 110 determines whether or not a job has been accepted (step S1). When the job is not accepted (step S1; No), the control unit 110 ends the registration operation.

  When the job is accepted (step S1; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a registered job registered in the job queue (step S2). When determining that there is no registered job (step S2; No), the control unit 110 registers the accepted print job (accepted job) at the head of the job queue (step S3). When registering the acceptance job, control unit 110 ends the registration operation.

  When it is determined that there is a registration job (step S2; Yes), the control unit 110 registers the reception job at the end (step S4), and ends the registration operation. In this way, the acceptance jobs are registered as registration jobs in the order in which they are accepted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for setting the job execution order according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a comparison operation between the execution job and the job queue registration job according to the first embodiment. 9 and 10 is executed by the control unit 110 based on a job execution program, an interrupt determination data table, job data of each job, various data, and the like.
It is assumed that the state of the image forming apparatus A when the job execution order setting operation flowchart operates is a state in which image forming processing and post-processing can be performed.

First, a description will be given of the job execution order setting operation flowchart in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The control unit 110 determines whether or not the main body unit 1 is on standby (step S11).
When it is determined that the main body unit 1 is on standby (step S11; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a registered job (step S12). If the control unit 110 determines that there is no registration job (step S12; No), the control unit 110 returns to step S11 and waits until there is a registration job. When determining that there is a registered job (step S12; Yes), the control unit 110 starts execution of the registered job registered at the head of the job queue (step S13).

  When the control unit 110 determines that the main body unit 1 is not waiting, that is, when it is determined that the image forming process is being performed (step S11; No), the image forming process of the execution job executed in advance is performed. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (step S14). When it is determined that the image forming process has not ended (step S14; No), the control unit 110 waits until the image forming process ends.

  When it is determined that the image forming process of the execution job that has been executed in advance has ended (step S14; Yes), the control unit 110 refers to the job data of the execution job to determine whether the execution job has post-processing. (Step S15).

  When determining that the execution job has post-processing (step S15; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a registered job in the job queue (step S16).

  If the control unit 110 determines that there is no registered job in the job queue (step S16; No), the job execution order setting operation is terminated.

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S16; Yes), the control unit 110 sequentially performs a comparison operation between the execution job and the registered job queue job from the top of the job queue (steps S17 to S19). .

  After comparing the execution job with the last registered job (Nth registered job) (after step S19) or when the control unit 110 determines that there is no post-processing (step S15; No) Then, execution of the registered job registered at the head of the job queue is started (step S20).

  After starting execution of the registered job registered at the head of the job queue (after step S20), the control unit 110 determines whether there is no registered job in the job queue (step S21).

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S21; No), the control unit 110 returns to step S11. When determining that there is no registered job in the job queue (step S21; Yes), the control unit 110 ends the job execution order setting operation. When newly registering a received job, control unit 110 starts the job execution order setting operation from step S11.

  Next, FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the comparison operation between the execution job of FIG. 9 and the job queue registration job. Here, a flowchart of a comparison operation between the execution job and the registered job registered in the Nth position from the head of the job queue (step S19 in FIG. 9) is shown.

  The control unit 110 refers to the job data of the registered job to be compared (here, the Nth registered job) and determines whether there is post-processing (step S31).

  If the control unit 110 determines that the registered job has post-processing (step S31; Yes), the post-processing of the registered job and the post-executed job are referred to by referring to the job data of the registered job and the job data of the executed job. It is determined whether the processes are equal (step S32).

  When the control unit 110 determines that the post-processing of the registration job is equal to the post-processing of the execution job (step S32; Yes), the control unit 110 proceeds to a comparison operation with the next registration job.

  When the control unit 110 determines that the registered job has no post-processing (step S31; No), or determines that the post-processing of the registered job is not equal to the post-processing of the execution job (step S32; No). Reference is made to the interrupt determination data table (step S33).

  The control unit 110 refers to the interrupt determination data table and determines whether or not it is possible to interrupt in the registration order to be executed next to the execution job by giving priority to the registration job (step S34).

  If the control unit 110 determines that interruption is not possible (step S34; No), the control unit 110 proceeds to a comparison operation with the next registered job.

  When the control unit 110 determines that the interrupt is possible (step S34; Yes), the control unit 110 inserts the registration job at the head of the job queue (that is, a job executed after the image forming process of the execution job). One registered job from the registered job after the interruption to the registered job is arranged in descending order (step S35).

  After completing the registration job order change (step S36), the control unit 110 proceeds to step S20 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 110 sequentially performs the comparison operation between the execution job and the job queue registration job from the head of the job queue. The comparison operation from the first registered job to the execution job of the (N-1) th registered job shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the job execution order of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 based on the job execution order setting operation flowchart shown in FIGS.
In FIG. 11, a thick line indicates an execution job during the image forming process, a thick broken line indicates an execution job during post-processing, a thin line indicates a registration job, and an arrow indicates an execution direction.

  FIG. 11A shows a queue of registered jobs registered in the accepted order, that is, a job queue. The job queue is composed of six registered jobs of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth jobs in the accepted order.

  When the control unit 110 receives the job queue shown in FIG. 11A, the control unit 110 starts execution of the first job registered at the head of the job queue (FIG. 11B).

  When the image forming process of the first job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the first job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process), and that there is a registered job, and then executes from the first registered job in the job queue. A comparison operation with the job (first job) is performed, and an interruptible fourth job is registered as an interrupt at the head of the job queue. After registering the fourth job at the head of the job queue, the control unit 110 starts execution (FIG. 11C). At this time, the first job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the fourth job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the fourth job has post-processing (staple processing), and that there is a registered job. The fourth job is compared, and the second job that can be interrupted is registered as an interrupt at the head of the job queue. The control unit 110 starts execution after registering the second job at the head of the job queue (FIG. 11D). At this time, the fourth job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the second job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the second job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process), and that there is a registered job, and then executes from the first registered job in the job queue. A comparison operation with the job (second job) is performed, and an interruptible fifth job is registered as an interrupt at the head of the job queue. The control unit 110 starts execution after registering the fifth job at the head of the job queue (FIG. 11E). At this time, the second job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the fifth job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the fifth job has post-processing (staple processing), and that there is a registered job. The fifth job) is compared and the third job that can be interrupted is registered as an interrupt at the head of the job queue. The control unit 110 starts execution after registering the third job at the head of the job queue (FIG. 11 (f)). At this time, the fifth job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the third job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the third job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process), and that there is a registered job, and then executes from the first registered job in the job queue. A comparison operation with the job (third job) is performed, and an interruptible sixth job is registered as an interrupt at the head of the job queue. The control unit 110 starts execution after registering the sixth job at the head of the job queue (FIG. 11 (g)). At this time, the third job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the sixth job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the sixth job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process) and that there is no registered job, and ends the job execution order setting operation. (FIG. 11 (h)). At this time, the sixth job is post-processed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a plurality of jobs are continuously output, the execution order of the jobs is preferentially executed according to the contents of the post-processing of the registered job registered in the RAM 130. If there is a registration job that can be executed, the total time required to output all the first to sixth jobs is reduced from the conventional 235 seconds to 140 seconds by executing the registration job that can be executed with priority by changing the execution order. Further, the waiting time for the subsequent job can be reduced during the post-processing, so that productivity can be improved.

[Embodiment 2]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
Since the cross-sectional configuration of the image forming apparatus A, the example of the interrupt determination data table, the example of job data, and the example of the screen displayed on the LCD 91 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description are omitted. To do.
Unlike the first embodiment, the control block of the image forming apparatus A differs from the first embodiment in that the job execution program stored in the nonvolatile memory 120 and the RAM 130 store the number of execution copies as work data. Since the unit 110 executes registered jobs registered in the order of acceptance, it is the same except that the execution order of the jobs executed by the main body unit 1 and the post-processing unit 2 is changed for each job part and executed. Illustration of the control block diagram of the image forming apparatus A and other explanations are omitted.

  The job execution program according to the second embodiment refers to the interrupt determination data table when executing a registration job, and the execution job completes the image forming process and executes post-processing, and the discharge set in the job data. This is a program for changing the execution order of each copy of a job according to the post-processing contents of the execution job and the registered job registered in the RAM 130 when the recording medium is discharged to the tray.

  The number of copies executed is work data indicating the number of copies of an execution job to be executed from now.

First, FIG. 12 shows a conventional job execution operation example for comparison with the second embodiment.
When the first job is received first and the second job is received second, the jobs are registered in the received order, and the job queue of registered jobs is configured in the received order. And

  In the job queue shown in FIG. 12, for the sake of simplicity, the job name, the number of sheets fed, the number of copies to be set, the type of post-processing, the time required to output the entire job, the image processing time and post-processing of each unit Time is displayed. Since the time required for output, the image processing time, and the post-processing time are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

An example of the execution operation of the conventional print job shown in FIG. 12 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the jobs are sequentially executed in the registered order.
The first job is a job in which the number of sheets fed per copy is 30, the post-processing is half-fold cutting processing, and the set number of copies is 3, and one image forming process is performed in the main body 1 for each copy. After that, the post-processing unit 2 starts the post-processing. In the post-processing unit 2, the recording medium P that has undergone image formation processing is stored in the stack base 61, and then is folded in the folding unit 60 and conveyed to the cutting unit 70. The bundle of recording media P conveyed to the cutting unit 70 is cut and discharged to the booklet storage tray T5. When the bundle of recording media P is discharged to the booklet storage tray T5, it is determined that the post-processing of the first copy of the first job has been completed, that is, the execution of the first copy of the first job has been completed. Execution of the second copy is started.

  As for the second copy of the first job, after the execution operation of the first copy of the first job is completed, the image forming process is started in the main body unit 1, and the first copy of the first job is processed by the post-processing unit 2 after the image forming process. The middle folding process is performed in the same process. As for the third copy of the first job, after the execution operation of the second copy of the first job is completed, the image forming process is started in the main body unit 1, and the first copy of the first job is processed by the post-processing unit 2 after the image forming process. The middle folding process is performed in the same process.

  The second job is a job in which the number of fed sheets per copy is 40, the post-processing is stapling, and the set number of copies is two. After the execution of the third copy of the first job is completed, Image processing is started for each copy, and after image formation processing is performed, post-processing is started in the post-processing unit 2. In the post-processing unit 2, after the number of fed sheets of the recording medium P subjected to the image forming process is stored in the stack base 51, the stapler 52 performs the stapling process. The bundle of recording media P subjected to the stapling process is discharged to the lifting / lowering discharge tray T4. It is determined that the post-processing of the first copy of the second job has been completed because the bundle of recording media P has been discharged to the lifting / lowering discharge tray T4, that is, the execution of the first copy of the second job has been completed. Execution of the second copy is started.

  In the second copy of the second job, after the execution operation of the first copy of the second job is completed, the image forming process is started in the main body unit 1, and after the image forming process, the post-processing unit 2 performs the first copy of the second job. The stapling process is performed in the same process.

  As described above, the conventional job execution operation is executed in the order of registration, and after the execution operation of all the parts of the job being executed is completed, the next job is executed. The total time required to output all the two jobs is 270 seconds.

  Such a conventional job execution operation is very inefficient because only one of the main body unit 1 and the post-processing unit 2 may be operating, which causes a reduction in productivity. Yes.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a job execution operation according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the first copy of the first job is time t11 when the image forming process is completed in the main body 1 and the middle cut processing is started, the first cut processing of the first copy of the first job is performed. At the same time, the image forming process for the first copy of the second job is started in the main body 1. Then, at time t12 when the first image forming process of the second job is completed and the stapling process is started, the second image of the first job is executed in parallel with the stapling process of the first job of the second job. The forming process is started.

  Further, at time t13 when the image forming process for the second copy of the first job is completed and the middle folding process is started, the second job 2 is executed in parallel with the second folding process for the second job of the first job. The image forming process for the second copy is started. At the time t14 when the second image forming process of the second job is completed and the stapling process is started, the third image forming process of the first job is performed in parallel with the second stapling process of the second job. Is started.

  As described above, in the job execution operation according to the second embodiment, the total time required to output all the first and second jobs is 200 seconds.

  The job registration operation flowchart in the second embodiment is the same as the job registration operation flowchart in the first embodiment, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for setting the job execution order in the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for comparing the execution job and the job registered in the job queue in the second embodiment. 14 and 15 is executed by the control unit 110 based on a job execution program, an interrupt determination data table, job data of each job, various data, and the like.
It is assumed that the state of the image forming apparatus A when the job execution order setting operation flowchart operates is a state in which image forming processing and post-processing can be performed.

First, a description will be given of a job execution order setting operation flowchart in the second embodiment shown in FIG.
Steps S41 to S43 shown in FIG. 14 are the same as steps S11 to S13 shown in FIG.

  When the control unit 110 determines that the main body unit 1 is not waiting, that is, when it is determined that the image forming process is being performed (step S41; No), the image forming process of the execution job executed in advance is performed. It is determined whether or not one copy has been completed (step S44). When it is determined that one copy of the image forming process has not been completed (step S44; No), the control unit 110 waits until one copy of the image forming process is completed.

  If the control unit 110 determines that the image forming process of the execution job that has been executed in advance is completed (step S44; Yes), the job data of the execution job indicates whether the execution job has post-processing. (Step S45).

  When determining that the execution job has post-processing (step S45; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a registered job in the job queue (step S46).

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S46; Yes), the control unit 110 sequentially performs a comparison operation between the execution job and the registered job queue job from the top of the job queue (steps S47 to S49). .

  When the control unit 110 compares the execution job with the last registered job (Nth registration job) (after step S49) or determines that the execution job has no post-processing (step S45; No), the job If it is determined that there is no job registered in the queue (step S46; No), it is determined whether the set number of copies of job data of the execution job is equal to the value of the number of output copies. The presence or absence is determined (step S50).

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is an unexecuted copy in the execution job (that is, the value of the number of copies set in the job data of the execution job is not equal to the value of the number of output copies) (step S50; Yes) The number of copies is set to a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the number of output copies of the execution job, and the copy to be executed is set (step S51).

  After setting the number of copies to be executed (after step S51), the control unit 110 determines whether or not post-processing of the previously executed execution job has been completed (step S52).

  If the control unit 110 determines that the post-processing of the previously executed execution job has not been completed (step S52; No), the control unit 110 waits until the post-processing is completed.

  When the control unit 110 determines that the post-processing of the previously executed execution job has been completed (step S52; Yes), the control unit 110 causes the execution job number set for the execution job to be executed (step S52). S53), the process returns to step S41.

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is no unexecuted copy in the execution job (that is, the value of the number of copies set in the job data of the execution job is equal to the value of the number of output copies) (step S50; No), the job queue It is determined whether or not there is a registered job (step S54).

  When determining that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S54; Yes), the control unit 110 sets the first registered job in the job queue as an execution job (step S55) and starts executing the set execution job. (Step S56), the process returns to Step S41.

  When determining that there is no registered job in the job queue (step S54; No), the control unit 110 ends the execution order setting operation. When newly registering a received job, control unit 110 starts the job execution order setting operation from step S41.

  Next, FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the comparison operation between the execution job of FIG. 14 and the job registered in the job queue. Here, a flowchart of a comparison operation between the execution job and the registered job registered in the Nth position from the head of the job queue (step S49 in FIG. 14) is shown.

  If the control unit 110 determines that interruption is not possible (step S64; No), the control unit 110 proceeds to a comparison operation with the next registered job.

  If the control unit 110 determines that the interrupt is possible (step S64; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether the value of the set number of job data of the registered job is equal to the value of the number of output copies. It is determined whether or not there is an execution part (step S65).

  If the control unit 110 determines that there is no unexecuted copy in the registered job (that is, the value of the number of copies set in the job data of the registered job is equal to the number of output copies) (step S65; No), Move on to the comparison operation with the registered job.

  When the control unit 110 determines that there is an unexecuted copy in the registered job (that is, the value of the set number of copies of the job data of the registered job is not equal to the value of the number of output copies) (step S65; Yes), execute The number of copies is set to a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the number of output copies of the execution job, and the copy to be executed is set (step S66).

  After setting the number of copies to be executed (after step S66), the control unit 110 sets the registered job as an execution job (that is, a job executed after the image forming process of the execution job executed in advance). In step S67), one registered job is arranged in descending order (step S68).

  After completing the registration job order change (step S69), the control unit 110 proceeds to step S53 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 110 sequentially performs the comparison operation between the execution job and the job queue registration job from the head of the job queue. The comparison operation from the first registered job to the execution job of the (N-1) th registered job shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the job execution order according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 based on the job execution order setting operation flowchart shown in FIGS.
In FIG. 16, a thick line indicates an execution job during image forming processing, a thick broken line indicates an execution job during post-processing, a thin line indicates a registration job, and an arrow indicates an execution direction.

  FIG. 16A shows a queue of registered jobs registered in the accepted order, that is, a job queue. The job queue is composed of two registered jobs, the first and second jobs, in the order of acceptance.

  When the control unit 110 receives the job queue shown in FIG. 16A, the control unit 110 starts executing the first copy of the first job registered at the head of the job queue (FIG. 16B).

  When the first image forming process of the first job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the first job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process), and that there is a registered job. After comparing the registered job with the execution job (first job), identifying the second job that can be interrupted, and determining that there is an unexecuted copy in the second job, The value (here, 0) is set to a value obtained by adding 1 (that is, the number of copies to be executed = 1). The second job is set as an execution job, the execution job (the first job in this case) executed in advance is descended, and the number of copies (first copy) set as the number of execution copies of the second job Execution is started (FIG. 16C). At this time, the first copy of the first job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process for the first copy of the second job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the second job has post-processing (staple processing) and has a registered job, and then the first registered job in the job queue. Is compared with the execution job (second job), the first job that can be interrupted is identified, and it is determined that there is an unexecuted copy in the first job. Here, a value obtained by adding 1 to 1) (that is, the number of copies to be executed = 2) is set. The first job is set as an execution job, the execution job (the second job in this case) executed in advance is descended, and the copy (second copy) of the copy number set for the first job is set. Execution is started (FIG. 16 (d)). At this time, the first copy of the second job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the second copy of the first job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the first job has post-processing (intermediate cutting processing) and that there is a registered job, and then the head of the job queue. After comparing the registered job with the execution job (first job), identifying the second job that can be interrupted, and determining that there is an unexecuted copy in the second job, It is set to a value obtained by adding 1 to the value (here, 1) (that is, the number of copies to be executed = 2). The second job is set as an execution job, the execution job (first job in this case) executed in advance is descended, and the number of copies (second copy) set in the execution job number of the second job Execution is started (FIG. 16E). At this time, the second copy of the first job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the second copy of the second job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the second job has post-processing (staple processing), and that there is a registered job, and then the first registered job in the job queue. Is compared with the execution job (second job), the first job that can be interrupted is identified, and it is determined that there is an unexecuted copy in the first job. Here, a value obtained by adding 1 to 2) (that is, the number of copies to be executed = 3) is set. The first job is set as the execution job, the execution job (second job in this case) executed in advance is descended, and the copy set for the number of copies of the first job (the third copy) Execution is started (FIG. 16 (d)). At this time, the second copy of the second job is post-processed.

  When the image forming process of the third copy of the first job is completed, the control unit 110 determines that the first job has post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process), and that there is no registered job, and then does not execute the execution job. It is determined that there is no registered job, it is determined that there is no job registered in the job queue, and the job execution order setting operation is terminated (FIG. 16G). At this time, the third copy of the first job is post-processed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a plurality of jobs are output continuously, when a plurality of execution copies are set for the registered job, control is performed so that the registered job is output for each copy. When one part of the execution job finishes the image forming process and starts the post-processing, there is a registered job that can be executed with priority according to the content of the post-processing of the registered job registered in the RAM 130. In some cases, by executing a registered job that can be executed with priority by changing the execution order, the total time required to output all of the first and second jobs can be reduced from the conventional 270 seconds to 200 seconds, Since it is possible to reduce the waiting time for subsequent jobs during post-processing, productivity can be improved.

[Embodiment 3]
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
Since the cross-sectional configuration of image forming apparatus A, an example of job data, and an example of a screen displayed on LCD 91 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof are omitted.
The control block of the image forming apparatus A may store a job registration program, a job execution program, an example of an interrupt determination data table stored in the nonvolatile memory 120, and a final post-processing as work data by the RAM 130. Unlike the first embodiment, when registering a reception job, the control unit 110 according to the third embodiment receives a reception job that can be output to a discharge port other than the discharge tray of a registered job registered in advance. Since the processing is the same except that the reception job is given priority and the registration order is changed and the registration jobs are sequentially executed according to the registration order, the illustration of the control block diagram of the image forming apparatus A and other explanations are omitted.

  When the received job is received and registered, the job registration program of the third embodiment registers the received job and the registered job registered in advance according to the contents of post-processing, and executes the output. This is a program that creates queue data (hereinafter referred to as a job queue) of waiting registration jobs.

  The job execution program according to the third embodiment is a program for sequentially executing job queues.

  The interrupt determination data table according to the third embodiment is data for determining whether or not the job is a reception job that can be executed after the registration job in accordance with the reception job, the registration job registered in the RAM 130, and the contents of the post-processing. It is a table.

  In the interrupt determination data table, the contents of post-processing, that is, whether the types of post-processing of the received job and the registered job are the same, whether the transport paths in the post-processing unit 2 overlap, and the trays to be ejected are the same The “execution job” in FIG. 3 illustrated as an example of the interrupt determination data table of the first embodiment is “accepted job”, which is set in advance based on the length of time required for post-processing of the registered job. Since it is the same except that it is changed to, illustration and description are omitted.

  The final post-processing is work data indicating post-processing of jobs to be compared in a comparison operation between a reception job and a registered job, which will be described later.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a job registration operation according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a comparison operation between the received job and the job queue registration job according to the third embodiment. 17 and 18 is executed by the control unit 110 based on a job reception program, an interrupt determination data table, job data for each job, various data, and the like.
Note that the state of the image forming apparatus A when the job registration operation flowchart operates is a state in which image forming processing and post-processing are possible.

First, a job registration operation flowchart according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 17 will be described.
The control unit 110 determines whether or not a job has been accepted (step S71). When the control unit 110 determines that the job has been received (step S71; No), the registration operation is terminated.

  When determining that the job has been received (step S71; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is an execution job (step S72). When determining that there is no execution job (step S72; No), the control unit 110 registers the reception job at the head of the job queue and starts execution (step S73). That is, the reception job is set as an execution job after being registered.

  When determining that there is an execution job (step S72; Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether there is a registered job in the job queue (step S74). When determining that there is no registered job in the job queue (step S74; No), the control unit 110 registers the received job as the first registered job to be executed immediately after the execution job (step S75).

  When determining that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S74; Yes), the control unit 110 refers to the execution job job data and sets the final post-processing as post-processing of the execution job (step S76).

  After setting the final post-processing, the control unit 110 sequentially performs a comparison operation between the received job and the job queue registration job from the top of the job queue (steps S77 to S79).

  After comparing the execution job with the last registered job (Nth registered job) (after step S79), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the accepted job is registered in the job queue (step S80). ).

  When determining that the received job is registered in the job queue (step S80; No), the control unit 110 ends the registration operation.

  When determining that the received job is not registered in the job queue (step S80; Yes), the control unit 110 registers the received job at the tail of the job queue (step S81) and registers the received job after registration. End the operation.

  When the control unit 110 newly receives a reception job, the control unit 110 starts a job registration operation from step S71.

  Next, FIG. 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the comparison operation between the received job and the job queue registration job of FIG. Here, a flowchart of the comparison operation between the received job and the registered job registered in the Nth position from the head of the job queue (step S79 in FIG. 17) is shown.

  First, the control unit 110 refers to job data of a registration job (here, the Nth registration job) to be compared with the received job, and determines whether the post-processing of the registration job is not equal to the final post-processing. (Step S91).

  When the control unit 110 determines that the post-processing of the registered job is equal to the final post-processing (step S91; No), the post-processing of the received job is equal to the final post-processing with reference to the received job job data. It is determined whether or not there is (step S92).

  When determining that the post-processing of the received job is not equal to the final post-processing (step S92; Yes), the control unit 110 refers to the interrupt determination data table (step S93).

  The control unit 110 refers to the interrupt determination data table to determine whether or not the accepted job can be interrupted (step S94).

  When the control unit 110 determines that the post-processing of the registration job is not equal to the final post-processing (step S91; Yes), the post-processing of the reception job is equal to the final post-processing (step S92; No). Alternatively, when it is determined that interruption is not possible (step S94; No), the final post-processing is set as the post-processing of the registration job (N-th registration job here) (step S95), Move on to compare operation.

  When determining that the interrupt is possible (step S94; Yes), the control unit 110 preferentially registers the reception job before the registration job (here, the Nth registration job), and the registration jobs subsequent to the job. 1 in descending order (step S96).

  After completing the registration of the received job (step S97), the control unit 110 proceeds to step S80 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 110 sequentially performs a comparison operation between the received job and the job queue registration job from the top of the job queue. The comparison operation between the first registration job and the reception job of the (N-1) th registration job shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the job registration process according to the third embodiment, based on the registration process flowchart of the reception job shown in FIGS.
The thick line shown in FIG. 19 indicates an execution job, and the thin line indicates a registration job.

  FIG. 19A shows a reception job to be received from now on, and it is assumed that the first job to the sixth job are received in order.

  When the first job shown in FIG. 19A is received, there is no execution job, so the control unit 110 registers the first job at the head of the job queue and starts execution (FIG. 19B).

  When the control unit 110 accepts the second job, the controller 110 determines that there is a first job as an execution job and there is no registration job. Then, the control unit 110 sets the second job as a registration job to be executed immediately after the first job. The first job is registered, the second job is registered as the first registered job in the job queue, and the second job registration operation is terminated (FIG. 19C).

When the control unit 110 accepts the third job, the controller 110 determines that there is a first job as an execution job and a second job as a registered job, and then performs final post-processing as post-processing (intermediate folding) of the first job. The cutting operation is performed, and the comparison operation with the received job (that is, the third job) is performed from the first registered job in the job queue.
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (intermediate folding processing) of the second job at the head of the job queue is equal to the post-processing of the first job (intermediate cutting processing) as the final post-processing, and the third job After determining that the post-processing (middle folding processing) is equal to the first job post-processing (middle folding processing), the final post-processing is set to the second job post-processing (middle folding processing). The control unit 110 determines that the second job is the last registered job in the job queue and the third job is not yet registered, registers the received three jobs at the end of the job queue, and registers the third job. The operation is terminated (FIG. 19 (d)).

When the control unit 110 accepts the fourth job, it determines that there is a first job as an execution job and there are second and third jobs as registration jobs, and then performs final post-processing on the first job post-processing ( In this case, a comparison operation is performed from the first registered job in the job queue to the received job (that is, the fourth job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (intermediate cutting process) of the second job at the head of the job queue is equal to the post-processing of the first job (intermediate cutting process) as the final post-processing, and the fourth job After determining that post-processing (staple processing) is not equal to post-processing (first folding processing) for the first job, the interrupt determination data table is referred to to determine that interrupt is possible, and the fourth job is Registration is performed before two jobs, one registration job after the second job is descended, and the registration operation of the fourth job is completed (FIG. 19E).

When the control unit 110 accepts the fifth job, it determines that there is a first job as an execution job and there are fourth, second, and third jobs as registered jobs, and then performs final post-processing after the first job. The process is set to the process (half-fold cutting process), and the comparison operation with the received job (that is, the fifth job) is performed from the first registered job in the job queue.
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (staple processing) of the fourth job at the head of the job queue is not equal to the post-processing of the first job (intermediate cutting process) as the final post-processing, and the final post-processing Is set as post-processing (staple processing) for the fourth job, and then the operation proceeds to comparison operation with the second registered job (second job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (second folding processing) of the second registered job (second job) is not equal to the final post-processing (staple processing), and the final post-processing is performed after the second job. After setting the process (half-fold cutting process), the process proceeds to the comparison operation with the third registered job (third job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (middle folding processing) of the third registered job (third job) is equal to the final post-processing (middle folding processing), and the fifth job post-processing (stapling processing). ) Is not equal to the post-processing of the third job (intermediate folding processing), and it is determined that the interrupt is possible by referring to the interrupt determination data table, and the fifth job is registered before the third job. Then, one registration job after the third job is descended, and the registration operation of the fifth job is completed (FIG. 19 (f)).

The control unit 110 determines that when the sixth job is received, there is a first job as an execution job and there are fourth, second, fifth, and third jobs as registered jobs, and then performs final post-processing as the first job. The post-processing (intermediate folding cutting process) is set, and the comparison operation with the received job (that is, the sixth job) is performed from the first registered job in the job queue.
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (staple processing) of the fourth job at the head of the job queue is not equal to the post-processing of the first job (intermediate cutting process) as the final post-processing, and the final post-processing Is set as post-processing (staple processing) for the fourth job, and then the operation proceeds to comparison operation with the second registered job (second job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (second folding processing) of the second registered job (second job) is not equal to the final post-processing (staple processing), and the final post-processing is performed after the second job. After setting the process (half-fold cutting process), the process proceeds to the comparison operation with the third registered job (third job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (staple processing) of the third registered job (fifth job) is not equal to the final post-processing (intermediate folding processing), and the final post-processing is performed after the fifth job. After setting the process (staple process), the process proceeds to the comparison operation with the fourth registered job (third job).
The control unit 110 determines that the post-processing (middle folding processing) of the fourth registered job (third job) is not equal to the final post-processing (staple processing), and the final post-processing is performed after the third job. Set to processing (half-fold cutting processing).
The control unit 110 determines that the third job is the last registered job in the job queue and that the sixth job has not been registered, registers the receiving six jobs at the tail of the job queue, and registers the sixth job. The operation is terminated (FIG. 19 (g)).

  Accordingly, the accepted first to sixth jobs are registered to be executed in the order of the first job, the fourth job, the second job, the fifth job, the third job, and the sixth job.

  The execution of the registered job queue as in the third embodiment is performed by the execution operation shown in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, and therefore the illustration and description of the execution operation of the registered job are omitted.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when a reception job is registered, the registration order of the reception jobs is switched according to the post-processing contents of the registration job and the reception job registered in advance. As a result, the total time required for output of all accepted jobs can be shortened, and the waiting time for subsequent jobs during post-processing can be reduced, thereby improving productivity. it can.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus A according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus A. FIG. 4 is an example of an interrupt determination data table stored in a nonvolatile memory 120. It is an example of job data. It is an example of the screen displayed on LCD91. 10 is an example of a conventional job execution operation for comparison with the first embodiment. 3 is an example of a job execution operation according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a job registration operation according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a job execution order setting operation according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of a comparison operation between an execution job and a job queue registration job in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the job execution order of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 based on the job execution order setting operation flowchart shown in FIGS. It is an example of a conventional job execution operation for comparison with the second embodiment. 10 is an example of a job execution operation according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for setting a job execution order according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a comparison operation between an execution job and a job queue registration job in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the job execution order according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 based on the job execution order setting operation flowchart shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a job registration operation according to the third embodiment. 14 is a flowchart of a comparison operation between a reception job and a job queue registration job in the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a job reception registration operation according to the third embodiment based on the reception job registration operation flowchart illustrated in FIGS.

Explanation of symbols

1 Main Unit 1a Main Unit Control Unit 1b Printer Controller 11b Controller Control Unit 12b DRAM Control IC
13b Image memory 14b LANIF
2 Post-processing unit 10 Image reading unit 11 ADF unit 12 Reading unit 12a CCD image sensor 20 Printing unit 21 Image forming unit 21a Transfer device 22 Paper feeding unit 22a Paper feeding cassette 22b Paper feeding means 23 Paper feeding conveyance unit 23a Conveyance path switching plate 23b Automatic double-sided paper feed path 24 Fixing unit 25 Unloading unit 25a Discharge roller 25b Unloading port 30 Cover sheet feeding unit 31 Cover sheet placing unit 32 Paper feed roller 40 Shift processing unit 50 Staple unit 51 Stacking platform 52 Stapler 60 Folding unit 61 Stack base 62 Movable stopper member 70 Cutting unit 71 Cutting knife 80 Conveying means 80a Receiving port 81, 82, 84 First, second, third switching gate 83a, 83b Discharge roller 90 Operation display unit 91 LCD
100 Image control unit 110 Control unit 120 Non-volatile memory 130 RAM
140 Reading processing unit 150 Compression IC
160 DRAM control IC
170 Image memory 171 Compression memory 172 Page memory 180 Expansion IC
190 Writing processing unit 200 Image reading control unit 300 Print control unit 400 Post-processing control unit 900 Operation display control unit A Image forming apparatus d Document G0 Basic screen G1 Message area G2 Image quality / rotation display area G3 Print number / set number display area G4 Folder button G5 Print condition selection area G10 Post-processing setting screen G11 Binding direction setting button G12 Staple setting button group G13 Post-processing setting button group G14 Data setting button group G15 Operation auxiliary button group G51 Display button group G52 Setting button group P Recording medium R1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th transport path T1 Document tray T2 Manual feed tray T3 Fixed paper discharge tray T4 Lifting paper discharge tray T5 Booklet storage tray

Claims (5)

Job registration means for receiving and registering a plurality of jobs, and control means for controlling the image forming process and the post-processing to be discharged on a recording medium in accordance with the contents of the job registered in the job registration means; In an image forming apparatus comprising:
The control means, when discharging the registered job, changing the job execution order according to the content of post-processing of another job registered in the job registration means;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When the job registered in the job registration unit includes a job for which a plurality of execution copies are set,
The control unit controls the registered job to be output for each copy, and the execution order of each job is determined according to the contents of post-processing of other jobs registered in the job registration unit. Changing,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The time when the registered job is discharged is when the first job registered in the job registration unit executes image forming processing and discharges the recording medium to the first discharge port.
An image forming apparatus. Job registration means for accepting and registering a plurality of jobs, and control means for controlling the image forming process for recording an image on a recording medium according to the job registered in the job registration means, post-processing, and discharging the image. In an image forming apparatus comprising:
The control means, when the job is accepted and registered in the job registration means, changing the registration order of the job according to the contents of post-processing of other jobs registered in the job registration means;
An image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The content of the post-processing is at least one of the types of post-processing, the transport path of the recording medium when the post-processing is performed, the output port of the recording medium to be output, and the length of time required for the post-processing,
An image forming apparatus.

Images