JP2006267598A - Image forming apparatus and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively consume expendable supplies to form an image regardless of reduction of a residual amount of expendable supplies. <P>SOLUTION: When starting a job of image formation, an image forming apparatus 20A estimates an amount of colorants which will be consumed for image formation, before forming an image on recording paper. The image forming apparatus 20A detects the residual amount of colorants for use in image formation. When the estimated consumption is larger than the detected residual amount, the image forming apparatus 20A transfers image data of images left unformed on recording paper in the job being executed to an image forming apparatus 20B. The image forming apparatus 20B receives the transferred image data to form images to be represented by the received image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for forming image by processing job data.

  An image forming apparatus called a multifunction peripheral that has a FAX function, a copying function, a scanner function, and the like is connected to a communication network such as a public telephone network or a LAN (Local Area Network), and a job transmitted via the communication network. An image forming job such as a document is performed according to the data. The multifunction peripheral performs an image forming job such as a document according to job data while consuming consumables such as a color material. For example, the color material may be used up in the middle of the image forming job. In this way, if the consumables are used up in the middle of the image forming job, the image of the document cannot be formed until the consumables are replenished. Therefore, the user who sent the job data cannot obtain the document immediately. It will be inconvenient.

  As a technique for preventing such a problem, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. When the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 receives job data, it calculates a color material consumption amount when image formation is performed according to the received data. Then, the image forming apparatus compares the calculated color material consumption amount with the remaining color material remaining amount, and determines that the held color material is used up during the image forming job. A job transfer request notification for obtaining permission for transferring job data is transmitted to an image forming apparatus connected to the same communication network.

The image forming apparatus that has received the job transfer request notification determines whether or not the color material is used up when receiving job data from the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the job transfer request notification and performing image formation. If it is determined that it will not be used up, a job transfer OK notification notifying that it is possible to receive the job data and perform image formation is sent to the image forming apparatus that is the transmission source of the job transfer request notification. Upon receiving this notification, the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the job transfer request notification transfers the job data to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the job transfer OK notification, and the image forming apparatus that has received the transferred job data receives the received job data. The image is formed according to the job data. As described above, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not the consumables are used up in the middle of image formation before starting image formation, and determines that they are used up. Since the job data is transferred to another image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus performs image formation, the image formation can be performed to the end.
JP 2003-149931 A

The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 checks the amount of color material before starting an image formation job, and determines that the held color material is used up during execution of the image formation job. Then, job data is transferred to another image forming apparatus. Since the job is transferred to another image forming apparatus without being executed, the image forming apparatus that transferred the job does not use a small amount of color material that is insufficient to complete the job. Will remain.
If the user replaces the cartridge holding the color material just because the job cannot be completed, the remaining color material is discarded without being used.

  The present invention has been made under the above-described background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of consuming a consumable item and completing a job until image formation cannot be performed.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus including job execution means for executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to image data, wherein the job execution means includes a recording medium. Predicting means for predicting the amount of consumption of consumables that are consumed when an image is formed on the recording medium before forming an image on the recording medium, and the remaining amount of consumables that is consumed when forming an image on the recording medium And when the consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection unit, the remaining image data of the remaining image that is not formed on the recording medium during the job execution process The image forming apparatus includes a transfer unit that transfers the image to another image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including job execution means for executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media in accordance with image data, the job execution means before forming an image on a recording medium. Detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables consumed during image formation, and when the remaining amount detected by the detecting means is less than a predetermined value, it is not formed on the recording medium during the job execution process. There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising transfer means for transferring remaining image data of the remaining image to another image forming apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage unit that stores a plurality of image data, and a job execution that sequentially reads the image data stored in the storage unit and executes a job that sequentially forms images on a plurality of recording media according to the read image data. An image forming apparatus comprising: a prediction unit configured to predict a consumption amount of a consumable that is consumed when image formation is performed according to image data read from the storage unit; A detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of consumables consumed when performing image formation; and a consumption amount predicted by the predicting unit exceeds a remaining amount detected by the detecting unit; A reading unit that reads image data, and when the reading unit reads image data, a job that forms an image according to the read image data To provide an image forming apparatus characterized by rows.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a job execution unit that executes a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to image data. And detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables to be consumed, and for a job being executed, image formation is continued even if the consumables are consumed exceeding the remaining amount detected by the detecting means. An image forming apparatus is provided.

  Further, the present invention is an image forming method having a job execution step of executing a job for forming images on a plurality of recording media sequentially according to image data, wherein the job execution step is performed before forming an image on a recording medium. A prediction step for predicting a consumption amount of consumables consumed when image formation is performed on the recording medium; a detection step for detecting a remaining amount of consumables consumed when image formation is performed on the recording medium; If the consumption amount predicted by the prediction step exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection step, the remaining image data of the remaining image not formed on the recording medium during the job execution process is transferred to another image forming apparatus. And a transfer step of transferring. An image forming method is provided.

  The present invention is also an image forming method including a job execution step of sequentially reading image data from a storage unit storing a plurality of image data and executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to the read image data. The job execution step is a prediction step for predicting a consumption amount of a consumable that is consumed when image formation is performed according to the image data read from the storage unit, and is consumed when image formation is performed on the recording medium. A detection step of detecting the remaining amount of consumables, and a reading step of reading other image data from the storage unit when the consumption amount predicted by the prediction step exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection step. And when the image data is read out by the reading step, a job for forming an image according to the read image data. To run to provide an image forming method comprising.

  According to the present invention, even when the remaining amount of consumables decreases, it is possible to perform image formation while effectively consuming the consumables.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of the embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a communication network 30 is a communication network such as a LAN, for example. PCs (personal computers) 10A, 10B, and 10C and image forming apparatuses 20A, 20B, and 20C are connected to the communication network 30, and the apparatuses can communicate with each other via the communication network 30.

  The PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C are so-called computer devices that include a storage device such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and hard disk, a communication interface that performs communication via a communication network, a display device such as a keyboard and a liquid crystal display, and the like. Since the PCs 10A, 10B, and 10C have the same configuration, hereinafter, the PCs are referred to as PC10 when it is not necessary to distinguish between the PCs. The PC 10 stores document creation software such as word processor software (hereinafter referred to as word processing software). After the word processing software is executed in the PC 10, when a user inputs a print instruction for a document created using the word processing software, the PC 10 stores document data indicating an image of the document and a recording sheet on which the document is printed. Job data including size information and document layout information is generated. Then, the PC 10 transmits the generated job data to the image forming apparatus set as the document printing destination.

  The image forming apparatuses 20A, 20B, and 20C are apparatuses that have a plurality of functions such as a print function, a copy function, and a scan function that reads a document and generates image data representing the read document. Since the image forming apparatuses 20A, 20B, and 20C have the same configuration, the image forming apparatuses 20 are hereinafter referred to as the image forming apparatus 20 when it is not necessary to distinguish between the image forming measures. The image forming apparatus 20 includes a control unit having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, a hard disk device that stores various data, etc., operates according to a program stored in the ROM, and transmits job data transmitted from the PC 10. Based on the above, an image of the document represented by the document data is formed on the recording paper. Further, the image forming apparatus 20 includes various keys for operating the image forming apparatus 20 and a liquid crystal display for displaying various information, and stores a device name representing each image forming apparatus in the hard disk device. ing. The image forming apparatus 20 is also used when performing image formation in accordance with a function for detecting the remaining amount of color material (consumables) used when performing image formation (document printing, copying, etc.) and job data. A function for calculating the amount of color material and a function for detecting the amount of color material and transferring job data to another image forming apparatus when the color material is insufficient and image formation cannot be continued. In the present embodiment, a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus is assumed. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus of another system (inkjet system or the like). It may be.

[Operation of the embodiment]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the operation will be described assuming that the PC 10A transmits job data with the image forming apparatus 20A as a destination.

  First, when the PC 10A transmits job data including document data to the image forming apparatus 20A, the job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20A via the communication network 30. When the image forming apparatus 20A receives this job data (FIG. 2: step SA1), it determines whether or not the image forming process is being executed according to the job data received before this job data (step S1). SA2) When it is determined that the image forming process is being executed (step SA2; YES), the job data received in step SA1 is stored in the hard disk device (step SA3). Then, it is determined whether or not the job being processed has ended. If it is determined that the job has ended (step SA17; YES), the process of step SA12 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SA2, the image forming apparatus 20A performs image processing such as color conversion processing, gradation processing, and screen processing on the image represented by the received document data (step SA4). When the process of step SA4 is completed, the image forming apparatus 20A initializes the value of the counter N (step SA5), and determines the amount of color material used in the image formed on the Nth page of the recording paper by the number of pixels of the image, Prediction is made from the paper size of the recording paper, document layout information, etc. (step SA6). Then, the remaining amount of the color material held by the image forming apparatus 20A is detected (step SA7), and the usage amount predicted in step SA6 is compared with the remaining amount of color material detected in step SA7 (step SA8). ).

  Here, when the usage amount predicted in step SA6 is the same as the remaining amount detected in step SA7 or smaller than the remaining amount detected in step SA7 (step SA8; NO), the image forming apparatus 20A reads the document. The Nth page image of the image represented by the data is formed on the recording paper (step SA9). Then, it is determined whether all the images represented by the document data have been formed on the recording paper (step SA10). If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SA10, it increments the value of the counter N (step SA11) and returns the process flow to step SA6.

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step SA10, the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether or not the processing of all stored job data has been completed (step SA12). When unprocessed job data is stored in the hard disk device (step SA12; NO), image forming apparatus 20A reads unprocessed job data from the hard disk device. Then, the process flow is returned to step SA4, and the processes after step SA4 are performed according to the read job data. If job data that has not been processed is not stored in the hard disk device (step SA12; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A ends the image forming process.

If YES is determined in step SA8 (when the usage amount predicted in step SA6 is larger than the remaining amount detected in step SA7), the image forming apparatus 20A may form images on and after the Nth page. A possible image forming apparatus is searched (step SA13).
Specifically, the image forming apparatus 20A transmits a job transfer message for inquiring whether job data can be received to the image forming apparatus 20B and the image forming apparatus 20C via the communication network 30. When receiving the job transfer message, the image forming apparatus 20B and the image forming apparatus 20C determine whether it is possible to receive the job data and perform image formation. For example, the image forming apparatuses 20B and 20C may receive job data when the color material used to form an image is used up and image formation cannot be performed even when job data is received. An unreceivable message is sent to the transmission source of the job transfer message to notify that it cannot be performed. In addition, when the image forming apparatuses 20B and 20C can receive the job data and perform image formation, the image forming apparatus stores a receivable message informing that the job data can be received. It is transmitted to the transmission source of the job transfer message together with the device name of the device.

  Here, when the image forming apparatus 20B transmits an apparatus name and a receivable message and the image forming apparatus 20C transmits a non-receivable message, the image forming apparatus 20A receives the apparatus name of the image forming apparatus 20B and the job data. A possible device is displayed on the liquid crystal display (step SA14). When the image forming apparatus 20B and the image forming apparatus 20C transmit the apparatus name and the receivable message, the apparatus names of the image forming apparatus 20B and the image forming apparatus 20C are displayed on the liquid crystal display as apparatuses capable of receiving job data. When any of the image forming apparatuses transmits a reception impossible message, the apparatus name of any of the image forming apparatuses is not displayed.

  After the apparatus name of the image forming apparatus 20B is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the image forming apparatus 20A, the user operates the keys of the image forming apparatus 20A to specify the transfer destination of the job data to the image forming apparatus 20B and execute the job data When the operation for instructing the transfer of the image is performed (step SA15), the image forming apparatus 20A, the image data of the Nth and subsequent pages for which image formation has not been completed, the size information of the recording paper to be used, and the layout information of the document Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20B (step SA16).

  When the image forming apparatus 20B receives the job data (step SA1), the image forming apparatus 20B performs the processing after step SA2 shown in FIG. 2 as in the image forming apparatus 20A, and forms an image on a recording sheet according to the job data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the consumables are used up in the middle of image formation, job data can be transferred to another image forming apparatus and image formation can be continued. Further, since the consumables are used until they are almost used up, the consumables can be used effectively. Further, when the job data is transferred to another image forming apparatus and the image is formed according to the job data from the beginning, the image output from the transfer source image forming apparatus is wasted. In this case, since another image forming apparatus takes over the remaining image formation at a place where the image separation is good, such waste is not generated. In this embodiment, the amount of consumables used is predicted for each page. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the amount of consumables used may be predicted for each job. Then, when outputting a plurality of copies of a plurality of pages or duplex printing, the remaining jobs may be transferred to another image forming apparatus by separating them by a break of a copy unit or a duplex unit. Also according to such an aspect, the consumables can be used effectively.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 20. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the overall configuration of the image forming system and the configurations of each PC and each image forming apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment receives job data. For example, when the PC 10A transmits job data including document data to the image forming apparatus 20A, the job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20A via the communication network 30. When the image forming apparatus 20A receives this job data (FIG. 3: step SB1), it determines whether image forming processing is being executed according to the job data received before this job data (step SB1). If it is determined that the image forming process is being executed (step SB2; YES), the job data received in step SA1 is stored in the hard disk device (step SB3). Then, it is determined whether or not the job being processed has ended. If it is determined that the job has ended (step SB16; YES), the process of step SB11 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SA2, the image forming apparatus 20A performs image processing such as color conversion processing, gradation processing, and screen processing on the image represented by the received document data (step SA4). When the process of step SB4 ends, the image forming apparatus 20A initializes the value of the counter N (step SB5). Then, the remaining amount of the color material held by the image forming apparatus 20A is detected (step SB6), and it is determined whether or not the detected remaining amount is 0 (step SB7).

  Here, when the remaining amount detected in step SB6 is not 0 (step SB7; NO), the image forming apparatus 20A forms the Nth page image of the image represented by the document data on the recording sheet (step SB8). Then, it is determined whether or not all the images represented by the document data have been formed on the recording paper (step SB9). If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SB9, it increments the value of the counter N (step SB10) and returns the process flow to step SB6.

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in the step SB9, the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether or not the processing of all stored job data has been completed (step SB11). When unprocessed job data is stored in the hard disk device (step SB11; NO), image forming apparatus 20A reads the unprocessed job data from the hard disk device. Then, the process flow is returned to step SB4, and the processes after step SB4 are performed according to the read job data. If job data that has not been processed is not stored in the hard disk device (step SB11; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A ends the image forming process.

  If YES is determined in step SB7 (when the remaining amount detected in step SB6 is 0), image forming apparatus 20A searches for an image forming apparatus connected to communication network 30 (step SB12). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 20A transmits a request message requesting transmission of the apparatus name to the image forming apparatuses 20B and 20C via the communication network 30 by broadcast. Upon receiving the request message, the image forming apparatuses 20B and 20C transmit the stored apparatus name to the image forming apparatus 20A. When the image forming apparatus 20A receives the apparatus names of the image forming apparatuses 20B and 20C, the apparatus names of the image forming apparatus 20B and the image forming apparatus 20C are displayed on the liquid crystal display of the image forming apparatus 20A (step SB13).

  Next, when the user operates the key of the image forming apparatus 20A to designate the job data transfer destination as the image forming apparatus 20B and instruct the transfer of job data (step SB14), the image forming apparatus 20A Then, the image data of the Nth and subsequent pages for which image formation has not been completed, and job data including the size information of the recording paper to be used and the layout information of the document are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20B (step SB15).

  When the image forming apparatus 20B receives the job data (step SB1), the image forming apparatus 20B performs the processing from step SB2 shown in FIG. 3 onward as in the image forming apparatus 20A, and forms an image on a recording sheet according to the job data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the consumables are used up in the middle of image formation, job data can be transferred to another image forming apparatus and image formation can be continued. Further, since the consumables are used until they are used up, the consumables can be used effectively.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is detected after receiving job data whether the remaining amount of color material is 0 (step SB17), and the detected remaining amount is 0. In some cases (step SB18; YES), the processing after step SB12 may be performed. According to such an aspect, even if the job data is transferred to the image forming apparatus 20 in which the remaining amount of the color material is 0, the job data can be transferred to another image forming apparatus and the image formation can be continued.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 20. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the overall configuration of the image forming system and the configurations of each PC and each image forming apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment. Description is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment receives job data. For example, when the PC 10A transmits job data including document data to the image forming apparatus 20A, the job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20A via the communication network 30. When the image forming apparatus 20A receives the job data (FIG. 5: step SC1), it first initializes the counter M (step SC2). Next, it is determined whether the image forming process is being executed according to the job data received before the received job data (step SC3), and the image forming process is being executed. (Step SC3; YES), the job data received in step SC1 is stored in the hard disk device (step SC4). Then, it is determined whether or not the job being processed has ended. If it is determined that the job has ended (step SC21; YES), the process of step SC19 is performed.

  On the other hand, if NO in step SC3, image forming apparatus 20A performs image processing such as color conversion processing, gradation processing, and screen processing on the image represented by the received document data (step SC5). When the process of step SC5 is completed, the image forming apparatus 20A initializes the value of the counter N (step SC6), determines the amount of color material used in the image formed on the recording paper, the number of pixels of the image, and the recording paper Prediction is made from the paper size, document layout information, etc. (step SC7). Then, the remaining amount of the color material held by the image forming apparatus 20A is detected (step SC8), and the usage amount of the color material predicted in step SC7 is compared with the remaining amount of the color material detected in step SC8. (Step SC9).

  If the usage amount predicted in step SC7 is larger than the remaining amount detected in step SC8 (step SC9; NO), the image forming apparatus 20A indicates that the job data replacement count M (counter M) is It is determined whether or not the upper limit number of data replacement times is exceeded (step SC10). If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SC10, it changes the order of the job data stored in the hard disk and reads the next unprocessed job data (step SC12). Then, the value of the counter M is incremented (step SC13), and the process flow returns to step SC5.

  On the other hand, if the usage amount predicted in step SC7 is the same as the remaining amount detected in step SC8 or less than the remaining amount detected in step SA7 (step SC9; NO), the image forming apparatus 20A uses the document data Is formed on the recording paper (step SC14). Then, the remaining amount of the color material held by the image forming apparatus 20A is detected (step SC15), and it is determined whether or not the detected remaining amount of the color material is 0 (step SC16). If it is determined that the remaining amount of the color material is 0 (step SC16; YES), it is displayed on the liquid crystal display that the remaining amount of the color material is 0 (step SC20). If NO is determined in step SC16, it is determined whether or not all the images represented by the document data are formed on the recording sheet (step SC17). If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SC17, it increments the value of the counter N (step SC18) and returns the process flow to step SC14.

  On the other hand, if “YES” is determined in step SC17, the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether or not the processing of all stored job data has been completed (step SC19). When unprocessed job data is stored in the hard disk device (step SC19; NO), image forming apparatus 20A reads the unprocessed job data from the hard disk device. Then, the process flow is returned to step SC5, and image forming processing is performed according to the read job data. If job data that has not been processed is not stored in the hard disk device (step SC19; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A ends the image forming process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the processing order of job data is changed so that consumables are used up effectively, so that image formation can be performed using consumables effectively. Further, since the consumables are used until they are used up, the consumables can be used effectively. In an image forming apparatus having a FAX function, image data received by the FAX function may be preferentially processed to form an image.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the processing performed by the image forming apparatus 20. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the overall configuration of the image forming system and the configurations of each PC and each image forming apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment. Omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing performed when the image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment receives job data. For example, when job data including document data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20A, the job data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20A via the communication network 30. When the image forming apparatus 20A receives the job data (FIG. 6: step SD1), the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether the image forming process is being executed according to the job data received before the job data (step S1). SD2). When the image forming apparatus 20 determines that the image forming process is being executed (step SD2; YES), the image forming apparatus 20 stores the job data received in step SD1 in the hard disk device (step SD3). Then, it is determined whether or not the job being processed has ended. If it is determined that the job has ended (step SD17; YES), the process of step SD15 is performed.

  On the other hand, if NO in step SD2, the image forming apparatus 20A performs image processing such as color conversion processing, gradation processing, and screen processing on the image represented by the received document data (step SD4). When the process of step SD4 is completed, the image forming apparatus 20A initializes the value of the counter N (step SD5), and predicts the film thickness of the photosensitive drum consumed by, for example, image formation (step SD6). Then, the image forming apparatus 20A detects the film thickness of the photosensitive drum (step SD7), and compares the consumption predicted in step SD6 with the film thickness detected in step SD8 (step SD8).

  Here, when the consumption predicted in step SD6 is larger than the remaining amount detected in step SD7 (step SD8; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A increases the film thickness of the photosensitive drum by the consumption predicted in step SD6. It is determined whether or not image formation can be continued even if consumed (step SD9). In the case of a color material, if the remaining amount becomes zero, image formation cannot be performed. However, the photosensitive drum, transfer member, fixing member, fixing oil, etc. reach the set remaining amount. However, image formation cannot be performed immediately, and image formation can be continued to some extent. When the image forming apparatus 20A determines that image formation cannot be performed when the film thickness of the photosensitive drum is consumed at the consumption amount predicted in step SD6 (step SD9; NO), it is time to replace the consumables. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal display (step SD16), and the image forming process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that image formation can be continued even if the film thickness of the photosensitive drum is consumed at the consumption amount predicted in step SD6 (step SD9; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A represents the document data. An image of page N of the image is formed on a recording sheet (step SD10). Next, the image forming apparatus 20A detects the film thickness of the photosensitive drum (step SD11). Then, it is determined whether or not the detected film thickness of the photosensitive drum is 0 (step SD12). If it is determined that the film thickness of the photosensitive drum is 0 (step SD12; YES), it is displayed on the liquid crystal display that it is time to replace the photosensitive drum (step SD16).

  If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SD12, the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether all the images represented by the document data have been formed on the recording paper (step SD13). If the image forming apparatus 20A determines NO in step SD13, it increments the value of the counter N (step SD14) and returns the process flow to step SD10.

  On the other hand, if YES is determined in step SD13, the image forming apparatus 20A determines whether or not the processing of all stored job data has been completed (step SD15). When unprocessed job data is stored in the hard disk device (step SD15; NO), image forming apparatus 20A reads unprocessed job data from the hard disk device. Then, the process flow is returned to step SD4, and image forming processing is performed according to the read job data. If job data that has not been processed is not stored in the hard disk device (step SD15; YES), the image forming apparatus 20A ends the image forming process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to perform image formation even when it is predicted that the consumables will be used up, it is possible to perform image formation to the end without stopping image formation according to job data. Can do. In the above embodiment, image formation is performed even when it is predicted that the consumables are used up. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the remaining amount of consumables is detected and detected as used up, the image is formed. When it is determined that the image can be formed, the image formation according to the job data may be performed to the end without stopping the image formation. Further, in an image forming apparatus having a FAX function, even when it is predicted or detected that the consumables are used up, image formation may be performed on image data received by the FAX function.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, It can implement with another various form. For example, the present invention may be implemented by modifying the above-described embodiment as follows.

  In the above-described embodiment, a color material is cited as an example of a consumable item, but the consumable item is not limited to a color material. In the present invention, job data is transferred to another image forming apparatus based on the usage amount and remaining amount of a material consumed during image formation, such as a transfer member, a fixing member, and fixing oil. The order may be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user designates the transfer destination of the job data. However, the transfer destination is set in the image forming apparatus in advance, and the user is not allowed to select the transfer destination. Job data may be transferred.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where image formation is performed according to the job data transmitted from the PC 10 has been described. However, the job data is not limited to that transmitted from the PC 10, and a job for copying in the image forming apparatus. Job data.

  A storage unit may be provided in a unit including a consumable item, and the remaining amount (or usage amount) of the consumable item may be stored in the storage unit. By reading the remaining amount (or usage amount) of the consumable item from this storage means, it becomes possible to detect or predict the remaining amount (or usage amount) of the consumable item even if the unit is replaced.

  Job data management and consumable management in the image forming apparatus may be performed by a host computer device connected to a communication network, and job data transfer and job data processing order change may be performed by the host computer device. Good.

  In the embodiment described above, job data is transferred to another image forming apparatus when the remaining amount of consumables becomes 0. However, when the remaining amount of consumables reaches a predetermined value, another image formation is performed. Job data may be transferred to the apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus having a FAX function, when image formation is performed in accordance with data received via the telephone network, data formation is continued by transferring data to another image forming apparatus as in the above-described embodiment. You may make it do.

  In the above-described embodiment, job data is transferred between image forming apparatuses connected via a communication network. However, each image formation is performed in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming units in one housing. Job data may be transferred between units, or job data may be distributed to each image forming unit.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an image forming apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  10A, 10B, 10C... PC, 20A, 20B, 20C... Image forming apparatus, 30.

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus including job execution means for executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to image data,
The job execution means includes:
A predicting means for predicting a consumption amount of consumables consumed when an image is formed on the recording medium before the image is formed on the recording medium;
Detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables consumed when performing image formation on the recording medium;
If the consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection unit, the remaining image data of the remaining image not formed on the recording medium in the course of executing the job is transferred to another image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit configured to transfer to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the remaining amount detected by the detecting unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the transfer unit transfers the remaining image data to another image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus including job execution means for executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to image data,
The job execution means includes:
Detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of consumables consumed when forming an image before forming an image on a recording medium;
A transfer means for transferring the remaining image data of the remaining image not formed on the recording medium during the job execution process to another image forming apparatus when the remaining amount detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined value; An image forming apparatus comprising: A search unit for searching for an image forming apparatus connected via a communication network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit transfers the remaining image data to the image forming apparatus searched by the search unit. Receiving means for receiving image data;
When the remaining amount of consumables consumed during image formation is less than a predetermined value when the image data is received by the receiving unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data received by the receiving unit is transferred to another image forming apparatus.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a facsimile unit that receives image data by facsimile communication, wherein the image data is image data received by the facsimile unit.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses are provided in one casing, and the transfer unit transfers residual image data to any one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in the casing. The image forming apparatus described in 1. An image comprising storage means for storing a plurality of image data, and job execution means for sequentially reading out the image data stored in the storage means and executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to the read image data A forming device,
The job execution means includes:
Predicting means for predicting the consumption amount of consumables that are consumed when image formation is performed according to the image data read from the storage means;
Detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables consumed when performing image formation on the recording medium;
A reading means for reading out other image data from the storage means when the consumption amount predicted by the prediction means exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection means;
An image forming apparatus, wherein when image data is read by the reading unit, a job for forming an image is executed according to the read image data. A facsimile means for receiving image data by facsimile communication;
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image data is image data received by the facsimile unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reading unit preferentially reads the image data received by the facsimile unit. An image forming apparatus including job execution means for executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to image data,
The job execution means includes:
A detecting unit configured to detect a remaining amount of consumables consumed when forming an image on the recording medium, and for the job being executed, the consumables are consumed exceeding the remaining amount detected by the detecting unit; However, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that image formation is continued. Before forming an image on a recording medium, having a predicting means for predicting the amount of consumption of consumables consumed when an image is formed on the recording medium;
12. The image formation is continued for a job being executed even when the consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection unit. Image forming apparatus.   12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a facsimile unit that receives image data by facsimile communication, wherein the image data is image data received by the facsimile unit. An image forming method having a job execution step of executing a job for forming images on a plurality of recording media sequentially according to image data,
The job execution step includes:
A prediction step of predicting the consumption amount of consumables consumed when an image is formed on the recording medium before the image is formed on the recording medium;
A detection step of detecting a remaining amount of consumables consumed when performing image formation on the recording medium;
If the consumption amount predicted by the prediction step exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection step, the remaining image data of the remaining image that is not formed on the recording medium in the course of executing the job is transferred to another image forming apparatus. And a transfer step of transferring to the image forming method. An image forming method having a job execution step of sequentially reading image data from a storage unit storing a plurality of image data and executing a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of recording media according to the read image data,
The job execution step includes:
A predicting step of predicting a consumption amount of a consumable that is consumed when image formation is performed in accordance with image data read from the storage unit;
A detection step of detecting a remaining amount of consumables consumed when performing image formation on the recording medium;
When the consumption amount predicted by the prediction step exceeds the remaining amount detected by the detection step, a reading step of reading out other image data from the storage unit,
An image forming method, wherein when image data is read in the reading step, a job for forming an image is executed according to the read image data.

Images