JP2006195332A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently implementing an optimum stop processing method for operation in execution which may vary depending upon the purpose and state of each of a variety of interruption processes. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has an interruption-in-copies mode wherein image formation is immediately stopped once an interruption is detected and an interruption-in-break of copies mode wherein image formation is stopped after the image formation is continued until the break of image formation once an interruption is detected, and has an interruption mode selecting means of selecting one of the modes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of performing an interrupt operation during image formation.

  In conventional copying machines and recently digitalized image forming devices such as printers, scanners, and their multifunction devices, a large amount of input can be achieved through automatic document reading, copying of large numbers of copies, and automation of post-processing. While the output processing can be automated, there is also an aspect that the processing work occupies the apparatus for a long time. In view of this, there is an image forming apparatus having an interrupt function that temporarily stops a process in progress and interrupts another process when there is a process to be executed immediately without requiring a long time.

  The interrupt function is a process in which processing is interrupted by performing a predetermined interrupt operation in the image forming apparatus, accepting other processing, and releasing the predetermined processing after the other processing is completed. It is a function that resumes the suspended processing work. For example, in the case of a copying apparatus, while performing an operation of copying dozens of pages of an original with tens of pages using the automatic document feeding function and the sort processing function, another operation of copying five copies of one original is performed. In response to the request, by operating the interrupt key, the work being executed is interrupted, and another work can be executed during that time. When other work is completed, the work is resumed by operating the interrupt key.

  On the other hand, in the interrupt function, there is a problem of how to hold information being worked on and a medium (document, recording paper, etc.) being worked on in order to interrupt the work being processed.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when an interruption copy is performed during document feeding, the document being read is temporarily moved to a save area and returned to the reading position upon resumption. Thereby, operability and operating efficiency are improved.
JP-A-6-67488

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, when an interrupt notification is received, a document save process is performed, but otherwise, the state during the work is maintained as it is. There were significant limitations on the use of automatic document feeders.

  On the other hand, if the degree of freedom of processing is increased in the interrupt work, it takes time until the interrupt work becomes possible after the interrupt operation is performed, and the immediacy of the interrupt function is lost.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of performing an interrupt operation during image formation. An image forming apparatus capable of efficiently executing an optimum stop processing method for each interrupt process that varies depending on the purpose and situation. Is to provide.

(Claim 1)
In an image forming apparatus capable of performing an interrupt operation during image formation, an interrupt detection unit for detecting an interrupt during image formation, and an intermediate copy mode for stopping image formation immediately when the interrupt detection unit detects an interrupt And a control unit having a copy-break interrupt mode in which image formation is stopped after image formation is continued until an image formation break when the interrupt detection means detects an interrupt, and the intermediate copy-interrupt mode or copy break An image forming apparatus comprising: an interrupt mode selection unit that selects an interrupt mode.

(Claim 2)
The control means includes a first mode for executing an interrupt mode preselected by the interrupt mode selection means when the interrupt detection means detects an interrupt, and the interrupt when the interrupt detection means detects an interrupt. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second mode in which an interrupt mode is selected by a mode selection unit.

(Claim 3)
2. An interrupt operation setting means for setting an operation during an interrupt operation, wherein the interrupt mode selection means selects an interrupt mode based on an operation setting set by the interrupt operation setting means. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2;

(Claim 4)
4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the interrupt mode selection unit selects an interrupt mode based on the changed operation setting when the operation setting set by the interrupt operation setting unit is changed. Forming equipment.

(Claim 5)
A post-processing device for post-processing the image-formed recording paper, wherein the interrupt mode selection means selects a copy-delimited interrupt mode when a predetermined post-processing function by the post-processing device is set in the interrupt operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

(Claim 6)
A document reading unit that reads a document to be imaged; and a document feeding unit that feeds the document to the document reading unit. The interrupt mode selection unit is configured to feed a document by the document feeding unit in an interrupt operation. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the function is set to operate, the copy number separation interrupt mode is selected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently execute an optimal stop processing method that will vary depending on the purpose and situation of each interrupt processing.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute a stop method desirable for the user for each interrupt operation. For example, a user who only wants to copy several originals does not want to wait for this amount of work. In such a case, the interruption can be performed in the shortest time by selecting the “intermediate copy interrupt” mode. Also, a user who wants to finish a certain number of multiple copies will be allowed to wait for a certain amount of time if such complicated processing can be interrupted. In such a case, an interrupt with a somewhat complicated process can be performed by selecting the “copy break interrupt” mode.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, instead of selecting a stop method for each interrupt operation, a predetermined stop method can be determined in advance, and stop processing can be executed according to the predetermined stop method. As described above, even if the stop method can be selected, in environments and users where the interrupt pattern is generally stylized, it is bothersome to select the stop method each time an interrupt is made. Let's go. In such a case, according to the present invention, a predetermined stop method can be executed by setting an interrupt mode in advance.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the user does not need to select a stop method at the time of interrupt operation, and the device automatically performs the stop process suitable for the setting only by setting the operation of the required processing function. To run. The processing function used during interrupt operation can be set on the operation screen. If the required function that is set for operation is a function that is restricted in the "Interrupt copies interrupt" mode, Mode is automatically selected and executed otherwise.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, when the operation setting of the processing function required by the user is changed even after the stop process is performed, the apparatus determines the process necessary for the change of the stop process, Switch the stop process according to the situation. For example, if it is determined to switch to the “copy break interrupt” mode even after the stop processing in the “interrupt number of copies” mode, the interrupted processing is resumed before the interrupt and the end of the document reading or the number of transfer copies Wait for a timing such as a break and re-execute the work stoppage.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention (a digital multi-function peripheral is shown as an example) and an outline of image forming processing will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a scanner unit. Here, it functions as a document reading means for optically reading a document image and converting it into digital data by a CCD. Reference numeral 12 denotes a printer unit. Here, the digital data is exposed on the photoconductor, and a series of printing processes such as development, transfer to recording paper, fixing, and ejection are performed. Reference numeral 13 denotes an automatic document feeder. This is called ADF, and functions as a document feeding means for feeding a plurality of documents sequentially and allowing the scanner unit 11 to read them continuously. Reference numeral 14 denotes a paper feed tray. This is a tray for preparing recording paper to be fed to the printer unit 12, and usually includes a plurality of trays according to the paper size. Reference numeral 15 denotes a large-capacity paper feed tray, particularly for paper used in large quantities. Reference numeral 16 denotes a post-processing apparatus. Also called FNS, the printing paper discharged from the printer unit 12 is subjected to finishing processing such as stapling and punching, and discharged to a paper discharge tray.

  The image forming process includes a scanner input process, a print output process, and an input / output process connected to an external device. An outline of a copy process combining the scanner input process and the print output process will be described below.

(Copy processing flow)
A case where an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a post-processing device (FNS) are used will be described. A document to be copied is set on a document setting table of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13. Make the necessary copy processing settings on the operation screen. Press the start key. A document is automatically sent to the scanner unit 11 by the automatic document feeder 13, read by the scanner unit 11, and then discharged to a document discharge tray. The document image data read by the scanner unit 11 is temporarily stored as digital data in the image memory DRAM in the main body. When all the documents set on the document setting table are read and all the documents are discharged, the automatic document feeder 13 stops. On the other hand, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory DRAM is subjected to necessary image processing and then sent to the printer unit 12 to perform writing processing on the photoconductor.

  After the photosensitive member is charged, image data is written by a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, development with toner and transfer of a toner image onto a recording sheet are performed, and cleaning is performed to return to the next charging. On the other hand, from the paper feed tray 14 or the large-capacity paper feed tray 15, the recording paper is conveyed to the printer unit 12 in synchronization with the image forming process, and the toner image on the photosensitive member is transferred to the recording paper. This transfer paper is sent to the post-processing device 16 through a fixing process. The transfer paper is temporarily stacked in the post-processing device 16, and when the number of delimiters is discharged, post-processing is performed and the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray. When all the image data to be processed is transferred to the recording paper and discharged, the copying process ends.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit configuration for image processing in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. The same components as those shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a scanner unit for inputting a document image. A printer unit 12 prints on recording paper. Reference numeral 23 denotes an operation unit, which uses the operation screen to display information related to processing of the apparatus, and to make settings and inputs for operation. A control unit 24 controls the processing and delivery of input image data from the scanner unit 11, output image data to the printer unit 12, and image data to be transmitted / received to the outside based on information from the operation unit 23. Function as. Reference numeral 25 denotes a controller for exchanging image data with the outside through a network. 26 shows a terminal as an example of a device connected through a network, and 27 shows a digital multi-function peripheral as an example.

(In the case of scanner input processing)
The scanner control unit 201 of the scanner unit 11 controls the scanning operation, and the CCD 202 reads a document image. The read image data enters the control unit 24 through the reading process 241 and is sent to the compression IC 242. The image data compressed by the compression IC 242 is stored in the compression memory 248 in the image memory DRAM by the DRAM control unit 243.

(For external input processing)
(1) The controller unit 25 receives image data from an external device (for example, the terminal 26) via the LAN I / F (LAN interface) 253 by the controller control unit 251, and sends it to the image memory 254. The DRAM control unit 252 sends the image data in the image memory 254 to the control unit 24 via the PCI bus 255. The DRAM control unit 243 of the control unit 24 stores the transmitted image data in the page memory 249 in the image memory DRAM.
(2) The DRAM control unit 243 of the control unit 24 sends the image data in the page memory 249 to the compression IC 242. The image data compressed by the compression IC 242 is stored in the compression memory 248 in the image memory DRAM by the DRAM control unit 243.

(For printer output processing)
The DRAM control unit 243 of the control unit 24 sends the image data in the compression memory 248 in the image memory DRAM to the decompression IC 244. The image data decompressed by the decompression IC 244 enters the printer unit 22 through the writing process 245, the printing operation is controlled by the printer control unit 221, and the data is written on the recording paper by the LD 222.

(For external output processing)
(1) The DRAM control unit 243 of the control unit 24 sends the image data in the compression memory 248 in the image memory DRAM to the decompression IC 244. The image data expanded by the expansion IC 244 is stored in the page memory 249 in the image memory DRAM by the DRAM control unit 243.
(2) The DRAM control unit 243 sends the image data in the page memory 249 to the controller unit 25 via the PCI bus 255. The DRAM control unit 252 of the controller unit 25 stores the transmitted image data in the image memory 254. The controller control unit 251 transmits the image data in the image memory 254 to an external device (for example, the terminal 26) through the LAN I / F 253.

  As described above, in an image forming apparatus in which image data processing has been digitized, processing functions such as automatic document reading, copying of a large number of copies, and automation of post-processing are usually equipped, and they have a large amount of input and output processing. This makes it possible to perform paperwork that makes a large number of copies and prints without human intervention.

  However, while these processing functions automate a large amount of work, there is also an aspect that the processing work occupies the apparatus for a long time. Therefore, there is an interrupt function for temporarily stopping the work being processed and performing another process by interrupting it.

  An example of the flow of processing at the time of interruption will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1) The interrupt operation detection operation unit 23 is provided with an interrupt key 231a. The operation control unit 231 detects that the interrupt key 231a is pressed by the user, and an interrupt is set. That is, the operation control unit 231 functions as an interrupt detection unit that detects an interrupt during image formation.

(2) Interrupt mode setting The LCD 24 (operation screen) of the operation unit 23 enters the interrupt mode, and interrupt mode selection keys 721 and 722 as shown in FIG. 7, for example, are displayed. The interrupt mode selection key that was pressed is detected and the interrupt mode is set. That is, the operation unit 23 functions as an interrupt mode setting unit.

(3) The interrupt and interrupt mode are notified to the control unit 24 by the work stop operation control unit 231 in the interrupt mode. The stop program is executed based on the stop processing setting corresponding to the interrupt mode in the nonvolatile memory unit 247.
By the stop process, the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the ADF 13, and the FNS 16 that are operating are stopped.

(4) Execution of interrupt operation After the operation of the scanner unit 11, the printer unit 12, the ADF 13, and the FNS 16 is stopped, the interrupt operation whose operation is set is executed.
The scanner unit 11 and printer unit 12 (ADF 13 and FNS 16 in some cases) operate to execute an interrupt operation (for example, copy).

(5) Canceling the interrupt After the interrupt operation is completed, for example, the interrupt cancel is set by pressing the interrupt key 231a of the operation unit 23 again.

(6) The work resumption operation control unit 231 notifies the control unit 24 of interrupt cancellation. At the same time, the suspended work is resumed.
When the work is resumed, the stopped scanner unit 11, printer unit 12, ADF 13, and FNS 16 are activated.

  As described above, the interruption is always accompanied by a stop operation of the process being executed. Then, there is always a problem of how to hold the working information and the working medium (original, recording paper, etc.) when the work is interrupted.

  For example, if an interrupt process using the automatic document feeder is performed while the automatic document feeder (ADF) is in use, an interrupt occurs during the original reading operation and the original reading operation is stopped. The original document before interruption remains in the paper discharge tray and is mixed with the original document of the interrupted work.

  In addition, if interrupt processing using the post-processing device is performed while the post-processing device (FNS) is used, an interrupt occurs during post-processing of the transfer sheet, and the transfer before the interrupt is made to a tray that is temporarily stacked for post-processing The paper remains and the transfer paper in the stack must be forcibly ejected in order to perform post-processing in the interrupted operation, and cannot be restored after the interrupt is released.

  In this way, maintaining a state in the middle of work (that is, a state where a part of the device is occupied) and increasing the degree of freedom of the interrupted work (ie, a state where the device is not occupied) In other words, it is an arrangement of devices, and which should be given priority depends on the situation. Also, the optimum processing method varies depending on how much immediacy is required even if it is an interrupt, and whether there is a time allowance for a stopping method that can easily maintain a state during work.

  In the present invention, such a central conflict point related to interruption is regarded as a problem, and the concept of stop processing for interrupting work is roughly divided into two directions. The idea is to stop the work at a timing that facilitates interruption processing, and the idea to limit the interruption to an interruption that does not disturb the holding immediately.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has two types of interruption programs, which have two types of interruption modes, and corresponding to each of the two types of stopping operations. These stop operations cannot be performed at the same time, and either one selected is executed. That is, when interrupt processing such as interrupt copy or interrupt print is specified, the two stop methods are used properly according to the purpose and situation of the interrupt as a method for stopping the processing in progress.

  Next, the two interrupt modes in the present invention and the stop operation corresponding to them will be described.

(Intermediate interrupt mode)
The first interrupt mode is referred to as “intermediate copy interrupt”. The basic idea of stopping by “interrupt of copies” is to stop the work in the shortest time if there is an interrupt instruction when copying a plurality of copies of a plurality of originals, for example. Therefore, even if the work is in progress, it stops immediately and works to keep it as it is. In a sense, this means that the apparatus is occupied as much, and on the other hand, the interrupted work process is also limited. For example, if a document is being read by the ADF, the ADF is occupied during the interruption, and the ADF cannot be used as an interrupt operation.

(Copies interrupt mode)
The second interrupt mode is referred to as “copie break interrupt”. The basic idea of stopping by “number of copies interrupt” is, for example, if you are instructed to interrupt multiple copies of multiple originals, wait for the timing of the end of original reading or the separation of the number of copies to stop the work. To do. Therefore, it takes some time to stop, but on the other hand, the limit on the work process of the interrupted person is minimized. For example, even if interrupted in the middle of printing, printing is performed up to the boundary of the number of copies and stopped after discharging is completed, so that it is possible to perform post-processing using the FNS in an interrupt operation without disturbing the interruption state.

  In the present invention, for these two stop methods, for example, stop processing settings corresponding to the respective interrupt modes are stored in a nonvolatile memory built in the image forming apparatus, and an appropriate timing for the interrupt request is stored. The interrupt mode, that is, the stop processing setting is selected by the above method, and the stop program executes the stop operation based on the selected setting.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal data configuration example. This represents the storage state of the internal data stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 247, that is, the stop processing setting data for interruption, and a storage position (also referred to as an address) corresponding to each setting data is assigned. ing.

  In the first storage position (0x00) of the stop processing setting data 30, the setting data of the stop method for “intermediate copy interrupt” is stored, and in the second storage position (0x01), the stop method setting for “copy break interrupt” is stored. In the third storage position (0x02), setting data for the “determined for each interrupt” mode, which will be described later, is stored.

  Therefore, when the setting of (0x00) is specified, stop processing is executed based on the stop setting corresponding to “interrupt of copies”, and when the setting of (0x01) is specified, “interrupt of copies” The stop process is executed based on the stop setting corresponding to.

  Next, the use of these interrupt modes in the present invention, that is, the selection method will be described. Processing examples 1, 2, and 3 below show examples of interrupt mode selection methods.

  Processing example 1 is an example in which a predetermined interrupt mode is selected in advance, and a stop operation is executed according to the interrupt mode. Processing example 2 is an example in which an interrupt mode is selected each time an interrupt occurs. Processing example 3 is an example in which when an interrupt operation setting is performed, an interrupt mode is automatically set according to the contents of the operation setting.

(Processing example 1)
Referring to FIG. 4, processing example 1 based on the present invention, that is, one of modes selected in advance from two set interrupt modes (“copy in progress interrupt mode” and “copy break interrupt mode”) The flow of the stop operation for interruption will be described in accordance with FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow in which the operation stop process is executed in accordance with a preselected interrupt mode.

  First, when an interrupt is detected through the interrupt key 231a of the operation unit 23 (step S401), the control unit 24 determines which interrupt mode the interrupt setting previously selected by the operation unit 23 is in ( Step S402). That is, in the processing example 1, the operation unit 23 functions as an interrupt mode selection unit.

  Based on the determination result of the interrupt mode, the control unit 24 operates the stop program based on the corresponding setting in the nonvolatile memory unit 247 and executes any of the following processes.

  (1) When the determination result is the “intermediate copy interrupt” mode (step S402; YES), the operation of the scanner unit (including ADF) is determined (step S403). If the scanner unit (and ADF) is operating (step S403; YES), an immediate stop is instructed (step S404). Next, the operation of the printer unit (including FNS) is determined (step S405). If the printer unit (and FNS) is operating (step S405; YES), an immediate stop is instructed (step S406). By stopping these operations, the stop operation due to the interrupt ends (step S411), and the interrupt operation can be executed.

  (2) When the determination result is the “copy separator interrupt” mode (step S402; NO), the operation of the scanner unit (including ADF) is determined (step S407). If the scanner unit (and ADF) is in operation (step S407; YES), an instruction to stop at the document reading break is given (step S408). Next, the operation of the printer unit (including FNS) is determined (step S409). If the printer unit (and FNS) is in operation (step S408; YES), a stop at a print break is instructed (step S410). When the instructed operation is finished, the stop operation by interruption is finished (step S411), and the interruption operation can be executed.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, a “determined for each interrupt” mode may be set as an option in advance in addition to the “interrupt copy interrupt” mode and the “break break interrupt” mode. If the “determined for each interrupt” mode is set, the interrupt mode at the time of interrupt by the operation unit 23 can be selected. That is, the selection method shown in Processing Example 2 described later can also be selected.

  The internal data configuration example of FIG. 3 also shows the setting of the “determination for each interrupt” mode. That is, in the third storage position (0x02), setting data for the “decision for each interrupt” mode is stored, and when the setting of (0x02) is designated in advance, each time an interrupt is detected (0x02) In the same way as in Processing Example 2 described below, the operation screen is an interrupt selection screen, that is, either the “number of copies interrupted” or the “number of copies interrupted”, according to the “decision for each interrupt” mode. A screen prompts for selection input.

(Processing example 2)
Next, referring to FIG. 5, processing example 2 according to the present invention, that is, two interrupt modes that have been set when an interrupt is detected ("copies in the middle of copying" mode and "intervals in copies" mode) A flow in which one of the modes is selected by the operation unit 23 and a stop operation for interruption is performed according to the selected mode will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of key processing through the operation screen.

  First, when an interrupt is detected through the interrupt key 231a of the operation unit 23 (step S501), the control unit 24 switches the operation screen of the LCD 24 to an interrupt mode selection screen, and “interrupt number of copies” mode and “interrupt number of interrupts” mode. The two-choice screen is displayed and either one can be selected (step S503).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a selection input of “interrupt number of copies” mode (step S504). If the determination result of step S504 is a selection input of the “intermediate interrupt” mode (step S504; YES), the control unit 24 executes a stop program based on the setting corresponding to the selected interrupt mode in the nonvolatile memory unit 247. In operation, the scanner unit and the printer unit are instructed to stop immediately in accordance with the “intermediate copy interrupt” mode (step S505).

  If the determination result in step S504 is other than the selection input for the “intermediate copy interrupt” mode (step S504; NO), it is determined that the input is a selection input for the “copy separator interrupt” mode, and the control unit 24 Based on the setting corresponding to the selected interrupt mode in 247, the stop program is operated to instruct the scanner unit and the printer unit to stop at a break according to the “copy break interrupt” mode (step S507).

  Next, the interrupt mode selection screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an interrupt mode setting screen selected in advance in the processing example 1 shown in FIG. 4 and an operation screen display example displayed in step S503 of the processing example 2 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 71 denotes an operation screen which functions as an input / output interface for displaying and notifying the user of various setting states and receiving input from the user. Reference numeral 72 denotes an interrupt mode selection screen, 721 is a selection input key for “interrupt number of copies” and 722 is “interrupt for number of copies”.

  When an interrupt is detected through pressing an interrupt key (not shown) on the operation screen 71, an interrupt mode selection screen 72 is displayed on the operation screen 71. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the interrupt mode selection screen 72 is displayed. The interrupt mode selection screen 72 includes a selection input key 721 for “interrupt number of copies” and a selection input key 722 for “number of copies interrupt”, and is a two-selection screen that waits for either input.

  When the selection input key for “Interrupt copies” is selected, the interrupt mode for copies is selected. When the selection input key for “Delimiter for copies” is selected, the interrupt mode for copies is selected and the interrupt mode is selected. The selection screen 72 disappears and the interrupt operation setting is entered.

(Processing example 3)
Next, referring to FIG. 6, in the third processing example according to the present invention, that is, when an interrupt is detected and an interrupt operation is set, two interrupts set according to the contents of the set interrupt operation A flow in which either mode is automatically selected from the modes (the “interrupt copy interrupt” mode and the “break break interrupt” mode) and the stop operation for the interrupt is performed according to the mode will be described.

  However, in practice, since the setting of the interrupt operation is generally performed after the interrupt is detected and the stop operation is executed, the stop processing is usually already performed in either mode. Therefore, the description will be made in a situation where the interrupt mode can be changed depending on the setting of the interrupt operation.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow in which the operation stop process is executed according to the setting of the interrupt operation. As described above, this is also a flow diagram based on the premise that stop processing has already been performed in either mode, and actually shows a flow of whether or not the mode of operation stop processing is changed.

  First, when an interrupt is detected through the interrupt key 231a of the operation unit 23 (step S600), the operation screen of the LCD 232 becomes an interrupt operation setting screen (not shown), and an interrupt operation is set through the keys of the operation screen (step S601). Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not ADF is used in the interrupt operation set in step S601 (step S602). That is, in the processing example 3, the control unit 24 functions as an interrupt mode selection unit. If the determination result is “use” in step S602 (step S602; NO), the “copy break interrupt” mode is selected, and the determination in step S607 is performed. If the determination result in step S602 is “not used” (step S602; YES), it is determined whether or not FNS sub-tray discharge is selected (step S603). If the determination result in step S603 is “not selected” (step S603; NO), the “copy break interrupt” mode is selected, and the determination in step S607 is performed. If the determination result in step S603 is “select” (step S603; YES), it is determined whether to use the applied function (step S604). If the determination result is “use” (step S604; NO), the “copy break interrupt” mode is selected, and the determination in step S607 is performed. If the determination result in step S604 is “not used” (step S604; YES), the “copy intermediate interrupt” mode is selected, and the determination in step S605 is performed.

  If “interrupt number of copies” mode is selected in step S604, the determination in step S605 (whether the scanner unit and the printer unit have been stopped after stopping processing or whether they are still operating) is performed. If the result is “still in operation” (step S605; YES), it means that the “copy separator interrupt” mode has been selected, and the scanner unit and printer unit immediately follow the “copy in progress interrupt” mode. The stop is instructed (step S606), and the change of the interrupt mode according to the interrupt operation setting is ended (step S609).

  When the “copy break interrupt” mode is selected in any of step S602, step S603, and step S604, the determination of step S607 (whether or not it is stopped in the “copy interrupt in progress” mode) is performed, and the determination result is “ If it is “stopped in the middle of the copy interrupt mode” (step S607; YES), the scanner unit and the printer unit are restarted to change to the “copy break interrupt” mode, and then set to the “copy break interrupt” mode. The stop is instructed accordingly (step S608), and the change of the interrupt mode according to the interrupt operation setting is ended (step S609).

  According to the above processing flow, if the operation is set to use an automatic document feeder (ADF), a post-processing device (FNS), or an application function as an interrupt operation, the copy separation interrupt mode is automatically selected. It will be.

  For example, when the operation is set to perform automatic document feeding as an interrupt operation, the determination result in step S602 becomes “use”, and the “copy separation interrupt” mode is automatically selected. Also, when the operation setting is performed so that the post-processing apparatus does not use the sub-tray paper discharge (sorting, stapling, etc.) as the interruption operation, the “copy separation interrupt” mode is automatically set based on the determination result in step S603. Selected. Similarly, when the application function is set to operate, the same selection is performed based on the determination result in step S604. Application functions are selectable on the operation screen, such as intersheet, aggregation, composition, booklet, insertion, continuous shooting, black and white reversal, automatic erasing outside the document, image position shift, reduction shift, PJOB, overlay, stamp, numbering, etc. It is.

  As a result, it is possible to solve the inconvenience that the original document before interruption and the original document of the interrupted work are mixed, or that the transfer paper in operation that is temporarily stacked on the tray must be forcibly discharged for post-processing.

  A predetermined stopping method can be determined in advance by the selection method shown in the processing example 1 and the stopping process can be executed according to the predetermined stopping method. In particular, for a user whose interrupt pattern is generally stylized, the default stop method can be executed without feeling bothered by selecting the stop method by setting in advance.

  In addition, by the selection method as shown in the above processing example 2, it is possible to execute a stop method desirable for the user for each interrupt copy. An interrupt can be made in the shortest time in the “interrupt number of copies” mode, an interrupt accompanied by complicated processing such as finishing processing can be made in the “number of interrupts” mode, and an appropriate process can be selected each time.

  In addition, the selection method as shown in the above processing example 3 does not require the user to select a stop method at the time of interrupt copying, and the device is suitable for the setting only by setting the required processing function on the operation screen. Stop processing is automatically executed. Even after the stop process is performed, if the setting of the processing function required by the user is changed, the stop process is automatically switched if the stop process needs to be changed.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to them, and various changes can be made. Embodiments including a combination of the above selection methods are also included in the present invention.

  As described in the above embodiment, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently executing an optimal stop processing method that will vary depending on the purpose and situation of each interrupt processing. it can.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an internal data structure memorize | stored in the non-volatile memory part of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of stop processing example 1 at the time of interruption in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of stop processing example 2 at the time of interruption in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of stop processing example 3 at the time of interruption in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 7 is an operation screen display example of interrupt mode selection in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

11 Scanner 12 Printer 13 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
14 Paper Tray 15 Large Capacity Tray 16 Post-Processing Device (FNS)
23 Operation Unit 24 Control Unit 25 Controller Unit 26 Terminal 27 Digital Multifunction Device 71 Operation Screen 72 Interrupt Mode Selection Screen

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus capable of an interrupt operation during image formation,
An interrupt detection means for detecting an interrupt during image formation;
When the interrupt detection unit detects an interrupt, the number of copies is interrupted immediately when the interrupt detection unit detects an interrupt, and when the interrupt detection unit detects an interrupt, the image formation is continued until the end of image formation. Control means having a copy-break interrupt mode to stop formation;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an interrupt mode selection unit that selects the intermediate copy mode or the copy break interrupt mode. The control means includes a first mode for executing an interrupt mode preselected by the interrupt mode selection means when the interrupt detection means detects an interrupt, and the interrupt when the interrupt detection means detects an interrupt. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second mode in which an interrupt mode is selected by a mode selection unit. It has an interrupt action setting means for setting the action at the time of interrupt action,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interrupt mode selection unit selects an interrupt mode based on an operation setting set by the interrupt operation setting unit. 4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the interrupt mode selection unit selects an interrupt mode based on the changed operation setting when the operation setting set by the interrupt operation setting unit is changed. Forming equipment. A post-processing device for post-processing the image-formed recording paper;
5. The interrupt mode selection unit selects a copy-delimited interrupt mode when a predetermined post-processing function by the post-processing device is set to operate in an interrupt operation. The image forming apparatus described. A document reading means for reading a document to be imaged;
Document feeding means for feeding the document to the document reading means,
6. The interrupt mode selection unit selects a copy number separation interrupt mode when an operation for setting a document feeding function by the document feeding unit in an interrupt operation is performed. The image forming apparatus described in 1.

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