JP2006267610A - Image forming apparatus, system and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To contribute to the improvement of working efficiency by reducing the influence of device states in adjustment of a post-processing device, operator's experience, and so on. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus to which the post-processing device can be connected is provided with: a communication control part 111; a storage part 113 for post-processing device information to store information concerned with the functions of the post-processing device which is acquired through the communication control part 111; and a data storage part 116 for storing the image data of a layout to be post-processed in executing post processing. Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with an adjusting image generation part 115 for reading out image data concerned with post processing which can be executed by the post-processing device out of image data stored in the data storage part 116 on the basis of the information concerned with the functions of the post-processing device which is stored in the storage part 113 and a job control part 114 for forming a post-processed layout image on a recording medium on the basis of the image data read out by the adjusting image generation part 115 and discharging the layout image to the post-processing device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, and more particularly to setting of the post-processing apparatus.

  In general, an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine can be combined with a post-processing apparatus (finisher) that performs post-processing on a recording medium (sheet) after an image is formed. Today, as a post-processing apparatus, a sheet that has been discharged from an IOT (Image Output Terminal) of an image forming apparatus is simply sorted, and the sheet is cut, folded, or bound. Various apparatuses have been provided to perform complicated post-processing such as (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The post-processing executed by the post-processing apparatus involves physical operations such as punching, stapling, and folding. Therefore, the position of the punch hole on the sheet, the position of the staple needle, the folding position, etc. due to the limit of the assembly accuracy of the mechanism part that performs these post-processing operations and the influence of the installation environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) of the post-processing device There is an individual difference for each device. Therefore, when the post-processing device is installed, it is necessary to adjust these functions.

  This adjustment of the function of the post-processing device is performed by running the post-processing device and discharging the actually processed sheet, measuring the positions of punch holes and staples, folding positions, etc., and performing post-processing based on the measurement results. This is done by changing adjustment parameters such as the operation timing of the processing mechanism. Then, the function of the post-processing device is adjusted to a desired state by repeating the running of the post-processing device and changing the adjustment parameter.

JP-A-6-156852 JP-A-9-297502

  As described above, in order to adjust the function of the post-processing device, the post-processing device is actually traveled, and the adjustment parameters of the post-processing mechanism are corrected based on the actual execution result of the post-processing. It was necessary to do it repeatedly. For this reason, the time and work cost required for adjustment are greatly affected by the state of the apparatus and the familiarity and experience of the work of workers (service engineers, operators, etc.).

  In particular, there are many types of image forming apparatuses and post-processing apparatuses today, and post-processing functions that can be used in the post-processing apparatus can be changed by an optional mechanism. It extends to. Therefore, there are a wide variety of values to be measured in the function adjustment, and the influence of the state of the apparatus and the experience of the operator on the work efficiency is further increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve the technical problems as described above, and its object is to reduce the influence of the state of the apparatus and the experience of the operator in the adjustment of the post-processing apparatus. This contributes to improvement of work efficiency.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is realized as the following system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus. This system accepts post-processing device information acquisition means for acquiring information related to a post-processing function executable by the post-processing device, and selection of post-processing to be executed. Adjustment image generation means for generating an image representing the theoretical value of the post-processing characteristics when processing is performed, image formation means for forming an image generated by the adjustment image generation means on a recording medium, and post-processing by the image formation means Post-processing execution means for executing post-processing on a recording medium on which an image representing a theoretical value of characteristics is formed.

  More specifically, an image forming apparatus constituting this system includes a communication control unit that exchanges data with a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, and a post-processing apparatus that is acquired via the communication control unit. A first storage unit that stores information on functions, a second storage unit that stores image data of a layout of post-processing when post-processing is executed, and a post-processing device stored in the first storage unit An adjustment image generation unit that reads out image data related to post-processing that can be executed by the post-processing device from the image data stored in the second storage unit, based on the information related to the function of the image, and the adjustment image generation unit And a job control unit that forms a post-processing layout image on a recording medium based on the image data and outputs the image to a post-processing apparatus. Here, in more detail, the second storage unit stores image data indicating the punch hole position according to the size and shape of the recording medium in the punch hole punching mechanism of the post-processing device, and the job control unit includes: An image indicating the position of the punch hole is formed on the recording medium based on the image data. In addition, the second storage unit stores image data indicating the stapling position of the staple according to the size and shape of the recording medium in the staple binding mechanism of the post-processing device, and the job control unit records based on the image data. An image showing the hitting position of the staple needle is formed on the medium. Further, the second storage unit stores image data indicating a folding position according to the size and shape of the recording medium in the sheet folding mechanism of the post-processing apparatus, and the job control unit folds the recording medium based on the image data. An image showing the position is formed.

  Preferably, the adjustment image generation unit changes the image data read from the second storage unit based on predetermined customization information, and the job control unit is based on the image data changed by the adjustment image generation unit. The customized layout image can be formed on the recording medium. Further, the second storage unit stores image data of the recording medium and image data of a component image necessary for creating a layout image, and the adjustment image generation unit stores the image data of the recording medium and the image of the component image. The job control unit may be configured to form a layout image based on the adjustment image generated by the adjustment image generation unit by reading and combining the data and generating the adjustment image.

  The present invention can also be understood as a method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a post-processing apparatus. This control method accepts a step of acquiring information related to a post-processing function executable by the post-processing device and a selection of post-processing to be executed, and the post-processing device executes post-processing based on the information related to the post-processing function. Generating an image representing a theoretical value of the post-processing characteristic in the case.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to visually recognize the positional relationship (including deviation) between the theoretical value of the post-processing layout desired by the user and the execution position in the actual post-processing. Therefore, an appropriate change amount of the adjustment parameter in the post-processing apparatus can be intuitively grasped, and the adjustment can be easily performed. As a result, the influence of the state of the apparatus and the experience of the operator in the adjustment of the post-processing apparatus can be reduced, thereby contributing to the improvement of work efficiency.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a system configuration in which the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment and a post-processing apparatus are combined.
In the system shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of post-processing devices 200 having various functions are connected to the subsequent stage of the IOT 100 of the image forming apparatus. As illustrated, the post-processing device 200 can connect a plurality of devices having a desired function. Therefore, the user of the image forming apparatus can obtain a desired post-processing function by arbitrarily combining various post-processing apparatuses and connecting them to the IOT 100. If another post-processing function is required, a part or all of the connected post-processing devices can be replaced with a device having a different function. In the following description, when each post-processing device 200 shown in FIG. 1 is distinguished, the subscripts a, b, and c are added and described. When these are not distinguished, they are simply expressed as the post-processing device 200.

In FIG. 1, a post-processing apparatus 200a is a decurler and is a sheet (recording medium) to be transferred (recording medium) discharged from a preceding apparatus (IOT 100 in the illustrated example), such as a sheet such as an OHP sheet. (Including various transfer objects in the shape of the same).
The post-processing device 200b is a folder (sheet folding mechanism), and folds the paper discharged from the preceding device (the post-processing device 200a in the illustrated example) into a predetermined form.
The post-processing apparatus 200c is a multi-function machine that executes a plurality of post-processing selectively or in combination with respect to a sheet, and as a mechanism (post-processing mechanism) that realizes a post-processing function, a punch unit 210 that punches holes in the sheet. , A staple unit 220 for closing the paper with staples, and a bookbinding unit 230 for performing bookbinding processing. The tray 240 is a tray that discharges the sheet that has passed through the punch unit 210 as it is.
Note that at least the punching unit 210 of the post-processing device 200b and the post-processing device 200c can pass the fed paper without performing post-processing. In other words, the paper discharged from the post-processing apparatus 200a can be passed and discharged to the tray 240 as it is.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the post-processing apparatus 200 includes an adjusting mechanism that adjusts the characteristics of the post-processing mechanism described above. By changing the adjustment parameters in this adjustment mechanism, the position where post-processing is executed on the paper, that is, the position of the punch hole, the position of the staple needle, the position of folding the paper, etc. can be made with high accuracy (for example, 0.1 mm (mm Can be adjusted)).

  Further, the post-processing device 200c is equipped with a device control device 300 as a control unit of the post-processing mechanism of the post-processing device 200. The device control apparatus 300 is realized by, for example, a processor that functions by program control, a nonvolatile memory that stores a program that controls the processor, and a volatile memory that is used for data processing by the processor. The device control apparatus 300 exchanges data with the IOT 100 to make the IOT 100 recognize the type and function of the post-processing apparatus 200 that is currently connected, and in response to a request from the IOT 100 200 operations are controlled. Furthermore, the device control apparatus 300 also controls the adjustment mechanism in the post-processing apparatus 200.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, for convenience, the configuration in which the device control device 300 is mounted on the post-processing device 200c is described, but it is needless to say that the configuration is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, the device control apparatus 300 may be mounted on the post-processing apparatus 200b. Further, in order to connect various post-processing apparatuses 200 in an arbitrary combination, each post-processing apparatus 200 includes a device control apparatus 300 and cooperates, or a plurality of post-processing apparatuses 200 can be connected. It is also conceivable that only one of the device control devices 300 is enabled to control the operations of the post-processing devices 200 in an integrated manner. Furthermore, the device control apparatus 300 may be configured separately from each post-processing apparatus 200 and may be used by being mounted on any post-processing apparatus 200 connected to the IOT 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the IOT 100 includes a terminal control device 110. The terminal control device 110 is realized by a processor functioning by program control, a non-volatile memory storing a program for controlling the processor, and a volatile memory used for data processing by the processor, and the operation of the image forming mechanism of the IOT 100 is controlled. Control. Although not particularly illustrated, the IOT 100 includes an exposure device, a developing device, an image carrier, a transfer member, a fixing device, as an image forming mechanism that realizes the original function of image formation and transfer to a transfer target. Various components such as a tray for setting paper, a transport device for transporting paper, and a driving roller for driving the transport device are installed.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the casing of the IOT 100 is provided with an operation panel that is a user interface for inputting commands and conditions to the terminal control device 110. This operation panel is realized by, for example, an input key and a display, or a touch panel in which these are integrated. The user of the image forming apparatus operates the operation panel to execute an execution command for print output of image data and conditions (paper size and type, printing direction, number of copies, desired post-processing, etc.) at that time. Can be entered. Further, data exchange with the post-processing apparatus 200 and correction of the adjustment image in the present embodiment, which will be described later, can also be controlled by an instruction input from the operation panel.

Next, functions of the terminal control device 110 and the device control device 300 of the IOT 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the terminal control device 110.
Referring to FIG. 2, the terminal control device 110 includes a communication control unit 111 for exchanging data with the device control device 300, a post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 for holding post-processing device information, and a post-processing device. An information storage unit 113, a job control unit 114 for controlling the operation of the image forming mechanism of the IOT 100, an adjustment image generation unit 115 and a data storage unit 116 for generating a specific image used for function adjustment of the post-processing apparatus. Prepare.

The communication control unit 111 is connected to the device control apparatus 300 via a predetermined physical interface, and exchanges data with the device control apparatus 300 according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 receives information related to the post-processing device 200 received from the device control device 300 via the communication control unit 111 and stores the information in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. The information received here is information related to identification information and functions of the post-processing device 200. In addition, the post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 transmits an acquisition request for information regarding the post-processing device 200 to the device control device 300 of the post-processing device 200 at a predetermined timing.
The post-processing device information storage unit 113 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and holds information received by the post-processing device information acquisition unit 112.

  The job control unit 114 controls operations in a normal image forming process (job), but performs control according to post-processing to be executed according to information stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. It can be carried out. For example, when the post-processing apparatus 200 performs post-processing for folding the paper discharged from the IOT 100 as in the above example, it controls which side of the paper is used as the front surface according to the type of folding. In addition, the job control unit 114 according to the present embodiment controls the image forming mechanism to print an image generated by the adjustment image generation unit 115 in the adjustment mode in which the function adjustment of the post-processing apparatus 200 is performed.

  The adjustment image generation unit 115 reads the image data stored in the data storage unit 116, and generates an adjustment image used for adjustment of the post-processing function according to the setting of the post-processing function in the post-processing device 200. Details of the adjustment image will be described later. Information relating to the setting of the post-processing function in the post-processing device 200 can be read from the post-processing device information storage unit 113 and acquired.

  The data storage unit 116 is realized by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores image data used for the adjustment image generated by the adjustment image generation unit 115. Specifically, this image data includes image data representing the punch hole position, image data representing the stapling position of the staple needle, and the folding position corresponding to the type of folding such as bi-folding, tri-folding, and zet (Z) folding. Image data to be represented.

Here, the adjustment image will be described in detail.
The adjustment image is an image for confirming whether post-processing is executed at the correct position on the paper when post-processing is executed with a predetermined setting. If post-processing is executed correctly with that setting, post-processing is performed. This indicates the position (theoretical value) to be executed. The adjustment image is generated by the adjustment image generation unit 115 using the image data stored in the data storage unit 116 as described above. However, as described above, the data storage unit 116 stores the adjustment image according to the type of post-processing. Various image data are prepared.

  For example, when a punching process is performed on paper as post-processing, the type of punching hole itself, such as the number of holes and the hole spacing, such as 2 holes, 3 holes, and 4 holes, and the size and orientation of the paper to be punched Many layouts are assumed depending on the combination. Further, the position of the punch hole may be changed (customized) depending on user settings. Therefore, the image data of the punch hole layout based on the punch hole type, the paper size, and the orientation is stored in the data storage unit 116, and the adjustment image generation unit 115 performs the setting of the IOT 100 and the function of the post-processing device 200. In response, the corresponding image data is read out. When there is a change in the punch hole position, the adjustment image generation unit 115 converts the image data based on the customization information, corrects the position of the image representing the punch hole position, and generates an adjustment image. The same applies to the staple needle strike position and the paper folding position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data showing a layout of various punch hole positions in punching.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, three types of punch holes, 2 holes, 3 holes, and 4 holes, A3 landscape orientation (SEF), B4 landscape orientation, A4 portrait orientation (LEF), letter size (Letter) orientation, 11.0 A layout image is displayed for a combination of seven types of “× 17.0” size paper landscape, B5 portrait, and A4 landscape. The data storage unit 116 stores image data corresponding to these layouts. The adjustment image generation unit 115 reads out image data corresponding to the punch hole type and the paper type set in the IOT 100 from the data storage unit 116 and sends the image data to the job control unit 114 as an adjustment image. At this time, if the position of the punch hole has been changed by the user setting, the position of the punch hole in the read image data is corrected and sent to the job control unit 114. In the example shown in FIG. 3, image data for 21 types of layout images is prepared based on a combination of punch hole types and paper types. Of these image data, the image data can be actually used. The image data is limited according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100. In addition, the image data itself stored in the data storage unit 116 can be changed according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data showing a layout of various staple staple positions in staple binding.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the IOT 100 side when the paper is discharged is the upper side, and three types of hitting positions of upper right (Rear), upper left (Front), and two upper sides (Dual), A3 sideways (SEF), B4 Landscape, A4 landscape, A4 portrait (LEF), B5 landscape, B5 portrait, Letter size (Letter) landscape, Letter size (Letter) portrait, Legal (Lgal) landscape (8.5 "x 14.0" ) 11.0 "x 17.0" size paper landscape, 8 wide landscape, 16 wide portrait, legal size (8.5 "x 13.0"), 8.0 "x 10.0 “A layout image is displayed for a combination of 14 types of size paper vertically oriented. The data storage unit 116 stores image data corresponding to these layouts. The adjustment image generation unit 115 reads out image data corresponding to the stapling position and paper type set in the IOT 100 from the data storage unit 116, and sends the image data to the job control unit 114 as an adjustment image. At this time, if the staple setting position has been changed by the user setting, the staple setting position of the read image data is corrected and then sent to the job control unit 114. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the image data for 42 types of layout images is prepared based on the combination of the staple position and the paper type. Such image data is limited according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100. In addition, the image data itself stored in the data storage unit 116 can be changed according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data showing a layout of various folding positions in the folding of a sheet.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, three types of folding positions, bi-fold, tri-fold, and z-fold (Z) fold, A3 horizontal (SEF), B4 horizontal, A4 horizontal, letter size (Letter), legal size (Legal) 8 types of landscape orientation (8.5 "x 14.0"), 11.0 "x 17.0" size paper landscape, 8 wide landscape, legal size (8.5 "x 13.0") A layout image is displayed for the combination with paper. The data storage unit 116 stores image data corresponding to these layouts. The adjustment image generation unit 115 reads the image data corresponding to the folding type and the paper type set in the IOT 100 from the data storage unit 116 and sends the image data to the job control unit 114 as an adjustment image. At this time, if the sheet folding position has been changed by the user setting, the staple position of the read image data is corrected and then sent to the job control unit 114. In the example shown in FIG. 5, image data for 24 types of layout images is prepared based on a combination of the type of paper folding and the type of paper. Of these image data, the image data can actually be used. Such image data is limited according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100. In addition, the image data itself stored in the data storage unit 116 can be changed according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100.

  As described above, the specific layout image has been described with respect to the punch hole position, the staple needle hitting position, and the sheet folding position, but in addition to this, depending on the type of post-processing function provided by the post-processing device 200 Various adjustment images can be generated. Further, as described above, of the image data stored in the data storage unit 116, the image data that can actually be used is limited according to the function of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100. That is, based on the information stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113, the adjustment image generation unit 115 reads only image data corresponding to post-processing that can be executed by the post-processing device 200. Specifically, for example, even if the data storage unit 116 stores all the image data corresponding to the layout image shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing device 200 does not have a three-hole punching mechanism. Even if the punch hole punching function is selected as post-processing, only the image data of 2 holes and 4 holes are read out. In this case, the job control unit 114 refers to the information stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113 and displays on the operation panel display that only the 2-hole and 4-hole punching mechanisms can be used. It is also possible to notify the user.

  When customizing the image data read from the data storage unit 116 by user setting, the distance from the side of the paper to the image of the punch hole position or the staple needle strike position is changed based on the set value. For example, in the case where the staple needle is hit on the upper left side of the paper at the staple needle hitting position, it is assumed that the staple needle is hit at a position of 5 mm (millimeter) from the upper side and the left side of the paper by default. On the other hand, when the user makes a setting so as to perform stapling at a position 10 mm from the upper side of the paper, the adjustment image generation unit 115 reads the staples of the image data read from the data storage unit 116. Is corrected to a position 10 mm from the upper side of the paper and output.

  The user setting can be performed from an operation panel provided in the IOT 100, for example. In this case, the user operates the operation panel to select a desired post-process, and sets the layout value (punch hole position, staple needle strike position, paper folding position, etc.) in the selected post-process to an arbitrary value. change. The changed value is stored in the memory (for example, RAM) of the terminal control device 110 as customization information, and is referred to when the adjustment image generation unit 115 generates the adjustment image.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the device control apparatus 300.
Referring to FIG. 6, the device control apparatus 300 includes a communication control unit 301 for exchanging data with the IOT 100, a function control unit 302 that controls the operation of a post-processing mechanism that is a post-processing execution unit, and a post-processing device. An information holding unit 303 and an information providing unit 304 for providing information related to the 200 functions to the terminal control device 110 of the IOT 100 are provided.

The communication control unit 301 is connected to the IOT 100 via a predetermined physical interface, and exchanges data with the terminal control device 110 according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The function control unit 302 controls the operation of the post-processing mechanism in the normal post-processing execution mode, and performs predetermined post-processing (punch punching, stapling, folding, bookbinding, etc.) by the functions of the post-processing mechanism. Let it run. In addition, the function control unit 302 adjusts post-processing function settings (such as punch hole and staple needle positions and folding positions) in the adjustment mode.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the device control apparatus 300 includes an operation panel which is a user interface for receiving input of data and commands by a service engineer. This operation panel is realized by, for example, an input key and a display, or a touch panel in which these are integrated. The service engineer can operate the user interface to change the adjustment parameters of the adjustment mechanism and adjust the characteristics of the post-processing mechanism (punch hole position, staple needle strike position, paper folding position, etc.). .

  The information holding unit 303 holds identification information (ID) of the post-processing device 200 and information about what function the post-processing device 200 has. Information on functions may be stored in advance in a non-volatile memory, or information collecting means using a sensor or the like is provided so as to be appropriately collected from each functional unit of the post-processing apparatus 200 and stored in a volatile memory. Anyway. When dynamically collecting information related to the function of the post-processing apparatus 200, new function information can be acquired and retained as needed even when the function of the post-processing apparatus 200 is changed due to cartridge replacement or the like. In addition, when a plurality of post-processing devices 200 are connected to the IOT 100, if the device control device 300 mounted on each post-processing device 200 cooperates, the information holding unit 303 of each device control device 300 is It is only necessary to hold information on the mounted post-processing apparatus 200. On the other hand, when the single device control apparatus 300 is configured to control a plurality of post-processing apparatuses 200, the information holding unit 303 of the device control apparatus 300 holds information of each connected post-processing apparatus 200. It is necessary.

  In response to the information acquisition request received from the terminal control device 110 of the IOT 100 via the communication control unit 301, the information providing unit 304 acquires the identification information and function information of the post-processing device 200 from the information holding unit 303. Return to the terminal control device 110. Further, in an aspect in which the information holding unit 303 dynamically collects information related to the function of the post-processing device 200, the information providing unit 304 can change the information according to the function change regardless of whether there is a request from the terminal control device 110. Information on the new function acquired by the holding unit 303 is transmitted.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
As an initial operation, when the post-processing device 200 is connected to the IOT 100 and the system is powered on, information on the functions of the post-processing device 200 from the device control device 300 of the post-processing device 200 to the terminal control device 110 of the IOT 100 Is sent. Information regarding the function of the post-processing device 200 is stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113 of the terminal control device 110.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of data exchange (power-on sequence) when the power is turned on by the terminal control device 110 and the device control device 300 of the IOT 100 configured as described above.
When the system (IOT 100 and post-processing apparatus 200) is powered on, first, communication is established between the terminal control apparatus 110 and the device control apparatus 300 (step 701). Then, the post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 of the terminal control device 110 transmits a request for transmitting the identification information of the post-processing device 200 to the device control device 300 (step 702).

When the device control apparatus 300 receives the identification information transmission request of the post-processing apparatus 200, the information providing unit 304 acquires the identification information of the post-processing apparatus 200 from the information holding unit 303 and returns it to the terminal control apparatus 110 (step). 703). When a plurality of post-processing devices 200 are connected to the IOT 100 and the single device control device 300 controls the plurality of post-processing devices 200, for example, immediately after the power is turned on, the device control device 300 is used. Assume that information (identification information, function information and state information described later) of each post-processing device 200 is acquired and held in the information holding unit 303.
The post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 stores the received identification information in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. Thereafter, the terminal control device 110 can recognize which type of post-processing device 200 is connected to the IOT 100 based on the identification information stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113.

Next, the post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 of the terminal control device 110 transmits a function information (Capability) transmission request for the post-processing device 200 to the device control device 300 (step 704).
When the device control apparatus 300 receives the function information transmission request of the post-processing apparatus 200, the information providing unit 304 acquires the function information of the post-processing apparatus 200 from the information holding unit 303 and returns it to the terminal control apparatus 110 (step). 705).
The post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 stores the received identification information in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. Thereafter, the terminal control device 110 recognizes the function (executable post-processing) of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100 based on the function information stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. It becomes possible.

Next, the post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 of the terminal control device 110 transmits a transmission request for the status information (Configuration) of the post-processing device 200 to the device control device 300 (step 706).
When the device control apparatus 300 receives the transmission request for the status information of the post-processing apparatus 200, the information providing unit 304 acquires the status information of the post-processing apparatus 200 from the information holding unit 303 and returns it to the terminal control apparatus 110 (step). 707). The status information includes, for example, information such as the remaining number of staples in the staple function and which folding method is selected in the folding function.
The post-processing device information acquisition unit 112 stores the received identification information in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. Thereafter, the terminal control device 110 recognizes a usable function or a selected function among the functions of the post-processing device 200 connected to the IOT 100 based on the status information received from the device control device 300. It becomes possible to do.

Next, the operation in the adjustment mode of the post-processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the adjustment mode of the post-processing device 200.
Referring to FIG. 8, first, the system enters the adjustment mode by operating the operation panel of the IOT 100, and post-processing to be executed is selected (step 801). In response to this instruction, in the terminal control device 110, the adjustment image generation unit 115 reads desired image data from the data storage unit 116 (step 802). Here, the adjustment image generation unit 115 recognizes a post-processing function that can be executed by the post-processing device 200 based on information regarding the function of the post-processing device 200 stored in the post-processing device information storage unit 113. Therefore, the adjustment image generation unit 115 selects and reads out image data corresponding to the function corresponding to the post-processing selected in step 801 from the post-processing that can be executed by the post-processing device 200.

  If customization of the adjustment image is instructed by the user setting, the adjustment image generation unit 115 corrects the image data read from the data storage unit 116 based on the customization information (change value) stored in the memory ( Steps 803 and 804). Thereafter, the adjustment image generation unit 115 sends the adjustment image to the job control unit 114 (step 805). The job control unit 114 controls the image forming mechanism to draw the adjustment image received from the adjustment image generation unit 115 on the paper, and discharges it from the IOT 100 (step 806).

  The paper discharged from the IOT 100 is sent to the post-processing apparatus 200, and after the post-processing selected in step 801 is executed by the post-processing mechanism, it is discharged from the post-processing apparatus 200 (step 807). On the paper discharged from the post-processing apparatus 200, the theoretical values of the layout in the post-processing selected in step 801 (punch hole position, staple needle strike position, paper folding position, etc.) are drawn and selected. Post-processing is actually executed. Therefore, the user (including the service engineer) refers to the sheet discharged from the post-processing apparatus 200, and confirms that the position where the post-processing apparatus 200 actually executes post-processing matches the theoretical value. Alternatively, it is possible to visually determine how far away from the theoretical value. And the characteristic of a post-processing mechanism can be adjusted by operating the operation panel of the post-processing apparatus 200 and changing the adjustment parameter in an adjustment mechanism.

  By repeating the above operation, the actual post-processing execution position can be matched with the theoretical value of the post-processing layout desired by the user. According to the present embodiment, since the deviation between the theoretical value of the post-processing layout desired by the user and the execution position in the actual post-processing is visually recognized, the user can change the amount of change of the adjustment parameter. Can be grasped intuitively, and adjustment is easy. Thereby, the influence of the state of the apparatus and the experience of the operator in the adjustment of the post-processing apparatus can be reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved.

  In this embodiment, when image data corresponding to the post-process layout image is stored in the data storage unit 116 and the post-process layout is not customized, the image data read by the adjustment image generation unit 115 is read. Is sent to the job control unit 114 as an adjustment image. On the other hand, when the post-processing layout image is drawn and output in the adjustment mode, the adjustment image generation unit 115 can dynamically generate the adjustment image. In this case, the image data of the paper is stored in the data storage unit 116, and component images necessary for separately creating a layout image for post-processing, such as 2-hole punch holes, 3-hole punch holes, staples, etc. Image data such as a mark representing the needle strike position and a line representing the folding position is stored. For example, when post-processing for punching two holes in an A4 landscape paper is selected, the adjustment image generation unit 115 sends the image data of the A4 landscape paper and the components of the two holes from the data storage unit 116. The image data is read out, and the image of the punch hole is synthesized with the image of the paper to generate an adjustment image. At this time, if punch hole customization is not instructed, the punch hole is arranged at a position set by default, and if customization is instructed, the punch hole is arranged at a position described in the customization information. . With this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, it is not necessary to store image data as different data for each sheet for the same component image, and the memory usage can be reduced.

  Further, when an adjustment image generated based on image data is formed on a sheet, the value of the adjustment parameter may be written together. In this way, the adjustment parameters can be determined by comparing the processing results for a plurality of types of adjustment parameters, which facilitates the adjustment work.

  Today, some image forming apparatuses are connected to an external apparatus via a predetermined line to enable data exchange and remote operation. For example, a system that connects and controls a plurality of image forming apparatuses to a printer server via a LAN (Local Area Network), connects a host computer of a service center and an image forming apparatus via a telephone line, and remotely controls the image. It is used in a system for performing maintenance diagnosis of a forming apparatus. A service engineer may connect an operation terminal realized by a personal computer or the like to the image forming apparatus and operate the operation terminal to perform maintenance work. In such an image forming apparatus, the terminal control device 110 receives access from an external device, transmits and receives data, and performs an operation based on an instruction from the external device. By using this function, it is also possible to change the characteristics of the post-processing mechanism in the post-processing device 200 by transmitting adjustment parameters from the external device to the device control device 300 via the terminal control device 110.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a system configuration in which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment and a post-processing apparatus are combined. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the terminal control apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the image data which showed the layout of the various punch hole position in the punch hole drilling stored in the data storage part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the image data which showed the layout of the various staple stitching positions in staple binding stored in the data storage part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the image data which showed the layout of the various folding position in the paper folding stored in the data storage part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function structure of the device control apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the flow (power-on sequence) of the data exchange at the time of power activation by the terminal control apparatus and device control apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the adjustment mode of the post-processing apparatus of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... IOT (image output terminal), 110 ... Terminal control apparatus, 111, 301 ... Communication control part, 112 ... Post-processing apparatus information acquisition part, 113 ... Post-processing apparatus information storage part, 114 ... Job control part, 115 ... Adjustment Image generating unit 116 ... Data storage unit 200 ... Post-processing device 210 ... Punch unit 220 ... Stapling unit 230 ... Binding unit 240 ... Tray 300 ... Device control unit 302 ... Function control unit 303 ... Information Holding unit, 304 ... information providing unit

Claims (12)

In an image forming apparatus to which a post-processing device can be connected,
A communication control unit for exchanging data with the post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus;
A first storage unit that stores information regarding the function of the post-processing device acquired via the communication control unit;
A second storage unit storing image data of the layout of the post-processing when the post-processing is executed;
An image related to post-processing that can be executed by the post-processing device out of image data stored in the second storage based on information related to the function of the post-processing device stored in the first storage unit An adjustment image generator for reading data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a job control unit that forms a post-processing layout image on a recording medium based on the image data read by the adjustment image generation unit, and discharges the image to a post-processing device. The second storage unit stores image data indicating a punch hole position corresponding to the size and shape of the recording medium in the punch hole punching mechanism of the post-processing device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit forms an image indicating a punch hole position on a recording medium based on the image data. The second storage unit stores image data indicating a staple needle strike position according to the size and shape of the recording medium in the staple binding mechanism of the post-processing device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit forms an image indicating a staple needle strike position on a recording medium based on the image data. The second storage unit stores image data indicating a folding position according to the size and shape of the recording medium in the sheet folding mechanism of the post-processing device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit forms an image indicating a folding position on a recording medium based on the image data. The adjustment image generation unit changes the image data read from the second storage unit based on predetermined customization information,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit forms the customized layout image on the recording medium based on the image data changed by the adjustment image generation unit. The second storage unit stores image data of a recording medium and image data of a component image necessary for creating the layout image,
The adjustment image generation unit reads and combines the image data of the recording medium and the image data of the component image to generate the adjustment image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job control unit forms the layout image based on the adjustment image generated by the adjustment image generation unit. In a system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus,
Post-processing device information acquisition means for acquiring information on a post-processing function executable by the post-processing device;
An adjustment image generating means for receiving a selection of post-processing to be executed, and generating an image representing a theoretical value of post-processing characteristics when the post-processing device executes the post-processing based on information on the post-processing function;
Image forming means for forming the image generated by the adjustment image generating means on a recording medium;
An image forming system comprising: post-processing execution means for executing post-processing on the recording medium on which an image representing a theoretical value of the post-processing characteristics is formed by the image forming means. The adjustment image generation means receives an instruction to customize the image representing the theoretical value of the post-processing characteristic, and generates an image in which the theoretical value is changed based on the instruction.
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image forming unit forms an image obtained by changing the theoretical value generated by the adjustment image generating unit on the recording medium.   The adjustment image generation unit selects a recording medium and a component image corresponding to the post-processing selected from a storage unit storing image data of a recording medium and image data of a component image necessary for creating the layout image. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image data is read out and synthesized to generate an image representing a theoretical value of the post-processing characteristic. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus to which a post-processing apparatus is connected,
Obtaining information relating to a post-processing function executable by the post-processing device;
Receiving a selection of post-processing to be executed, and generating an image representing a theoretical value of post-processing characteristics when the post-processing device executes the post-processing based on information on the post-processing function;
A control method for an image forming apparatus. Generating the image comprises:
Reading out the image data of the layout of the post-processing at the time of executing the selected post-processing from a predetermined storage unit;
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving an instruction to customize the image representing the theoretical value of the post-processing characteristic, and changing the image data read from the storage unit based on the instruction. Image forming apparatus control method. Generating the image comprises:
Reading out the selected recording medium and image data of the component image from the storage means storing the image data of the recording medium and the image data of the component image necessary for creating the layout image; ,
The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: synthesizing the read image data to generate an image representing a theoretical value of the post-processing characteristic.

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