JP2007076123A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control the order of execution of jobs so that a plurality of the jobs are provided to an image forming apparatus and these jobs are smoothly executed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a waiting job memory part 14 for memorizing the jobs J, a job priority judging part 31 for judging the priority of the jobs J, a printing order changing part 32 for re-arranging the order of the jobs stored in the waiting job memory part 14, and a printing executing part 33 for successively reading out the jobs stored in the waiting job memory part 14 and executing the printing processing. The job priority judging part 31 compares the amount P of staples in the image forming apparatus with the amount of the staples used in the jobs J, and compares the amount R of punched dregs to be able to store in a punched dregs recovering tank with the amount of the punched dregs discharged by the jobs J to determine the priority of the jobs J. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer and a copying machine, and more particularly to improvement in control of printing order in the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a multi-function copying machine having a so-called post-processing function capable of performing a stapling process or a punching process when discharging a printed matter is known. This multi-function copying machine is given print data (image data) to be printed as a job together with setting information for various processes such as stapling and punching. In this multi-function copying machine, for example, when a plurality of jobs for which stapling processing is set are given, if the stapling runs out while the previous job is being executed (printing), stapling processing is performed for the subsequent job I could not do it.

  For example, when the remaining number of staples is 12, Mr. A makes 15 copies with staple processing (the required number of staples is 15), and then Mr. B makes 10 copies with staple processing. (The required number of staples is 10). If registered as a job, the staple will be lost in the middle of Mr. A's job, and printing will be interrupted. Originally, Mr. B's job has a sufficient amount of staples that can be printed to the end, but cannot wait for staple supply in Mr. A's job to print out.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the inconveniences described above, there are proposals related to job execution as prior art.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 can effectively share limited resources of output devices such as paper, staples, and toners, and prioritizes execution of a job to a specific user or host when resources are low. An output device (image forming apparatus) is described that gives a right and avoids the problem that a specific job runs out of resources.
JP-A-11-165451

The proposed prior art is a technique in which a plurality of jobs are given to an image forming apparatus and printing of the plurality of jobs can be executed most effectively (for example, priority according to the remaining amount of staples). Change of job execution order), and there was room for improvement.
The present invention has been made in view of the background art, and in particular, the job execution order can be controlled so that a plurality of jobs are given to the image forming apparatus and the jobs are executed smoothly. It is an object to provide an easy-to-use image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, when image data is given as a job, an image of the given job is formed, printed on paper and output. A storage unit (14) for storing a job in a print standby state and a job priority determination unit (31, 21, 22) that determines the priority of the job in response to the job being given. ) And a print order changing means (32, 14) for rearranging the order of the jobs stored in the storage means based on the priority determined by the job priority determination means, and the storage means. The image forming apparatus includes: a print execution unit (33, 14, 15, 20) that sequentially reads out the current job and executes print processing.

The numbers in parentheses indicate corresponding components in the embodiments described later. The same applies hereinafter.
According to this configuration, when the job given to the image forming apparatus includes setting information for various types of processing (for example, stapling processing and punching processing), depending on whether the job can be processed as set, A priority indicating the degree of priority processing can be given to the job. As a result, jobs with priorities are processed in the order based on the priorities assigned to the jobs, not in the order in which they are input.

  The priorities have a plurality of ranks, such as rank A, rank B, and rank C, from the highest to the lowest, and are given to jobs. In this case, among the three, the highest priority of rank A represents a job that can perform job processing with priority over jobs having other ranks (rank B and rank C). The priority of rank B represents a normal job. Among the three, the priority of the lowest rank C represents a job for which stapling or punching is set but it is determined that the processing cannot be performed.

  This priority is determined (determined) by the job priority determining means and given to the job. The printing order changing means is stored in the storage means from a job having a high priority (rank A) to a job having a low priority (rank C) according to the priority given to the job. Rearrange jobs waiting to be printed. As a result, the print execution unit sequentially reads out the jobs stored in the storage unit from the top job according to the number of staples provided in the image forming apparatus and the amount of punch residue that can be accumulated in the punch residue collection tank. Can be processed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the job priority determination unit is set to staple processing for a given job, the number of staples (P) in the image forming apparatus and the job When P ≧ Q, the job execution order is the input order, and when P <Q, the priority is lowered, and the priority of the job is compared. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the degree is determined.

According to this configuration, the number of staples (remaining staple amount) (P) in the image forming apparatus can be compared with the number (Q) of staples used in the job.
For example, when the remaining amount (P) of staples is equal to or greater than the number (Q) of staples necessary for a given job (P ≧ Q), a desired staple process can be performed on this job. In this case, since the stapling process can be performed on the given job, the job priority determination unit gives the priority of rank B at which the normal process can be performed to the job.

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount (P) of staples is less than the number (Q) of staples necessary for a given job (P <Q), the desired staple processing cannot be performed on this job. In this case, since the desired stapling process cannot be performed for the given job, the job priority determination unit gives the priority of rank C to the job. Then, the job is processed after the job having the priority of rank A or rank B.

In addition, when the desired stapling process cannot be performed on the given job and the user cancels the stapling process set for the job, the job priority determination unit , Rank B priority.
In this way, the job priority determination unit compares the remaining amount (P) of staples in the image forming apparatus with the number (Q) of staples used in the job, and staples as many printed materials as possible. Priorities suitable for jobs can be assigned so that processing can be performed. The printing order changing unit rearranges the job order stored in the storage unit based on the priority given to the job, so that the job order corresponding to the number of staples in the image forming apparatus at that time is changed. Printing processing including stapling processing can be performed. Accordingly, printing is started from a job in which the staples in the image forming apparatus are not used up, so that the number of jobs that are interrupted due to the absence of staples can be reduced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the job priority determination means can store the punched-up collection tank provided in the image forming apparatus when punch processing is set for a given job. The punch waste amount (R) is compared with the punch waste amount (S) discharged in the job. When R ≧ S, the job execution order is set as the input order, and when R <S, the priority is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority of the job is determined.

According to this configuration, the amount of punch residue (R) that can be stored in the punch residue collection tank provided in the image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the amount of recoverable punch residue), and the amount of punch residue (S) that is discharged in the job. Can be compared.
For example, when the recoverable amount of punch residue (R) is equal to or greater than the amount of punch residue (S) discharged in a given job (R ≧ S), a desired punch process can be performed on this job. In this case, since the punching process can be performed on the given job, the job priority determination unit assigns a priority of rank B at which normal processing can be performed to the job.

  On the other hand, if the amount of recoverable punch residue (R) is less than the amount of punch residue (S) discharged in a given job (R <S), the desired punch process cannot be performed on this job. In this case, since a desired punching process cannot be performed for a given job, the job priority determination unit gives a priority of rank C to this job. Then, the job is processed after the job having the priority of rank A or rank B.

In addition, when a desired job cannot be punched for a given job and the user cancels the punch processing set for the job, the job priority determination unit , Rank B priority.
In this way, the job priority determination means compares the punch scrap recoverable amount (R) with the punch scrap amount (S) discharged by the job, so that punch processing can be performed on as many printed materials as possible. Priorities suitable for jobs can be given. The print order changing means rearranges the job order stored in the storage means based on the priority given to the job, so that the job order corresponding to the punch scrap recoverable amount (R) at that time is changed. The printing process including the punching process can be performed. As a result, printing is started from a job that falls within the amount of recoverable punch residue (R), so that the number of jobs that are interrupted by being unable to accumulate in the punch waste recovery tank can be reduced.

In the following, referring to the drawings, as a specific embodiment of the present invention, a multifunction copier capable of performing stapling or punching on printed (copied) paper or the like will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of a multi-function copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-function copier 1 includes a control unit 10, an operation unit 11, a scanner unit 12, an input interface (input IF) 13, a standby job memory unit 14, a printer engine unit 15, a finisher 20, a staple remaining amount detection unit 21, and a punch residue. A recovery tank remaining amount detection unit 22 is included.

The multi-function copying machine 1 reads a document placed on the scanner unit 12, prints it on a medium such as paper, and discharges it as a printed matter. In addition to this, the multi-function copying machine 1 has a function of performing a stapling process in which a “U” -shaped binding fitting is inserted and bound to a discharged printed material, and a punching process for forming a hole for binding the printed material. Have.
The multi-function copying machine 1 gives a signal for starting printing (document reading) to the control unit 10 by the user via the operation unit 11 including an operation panel and operation buttons. The user can also perform various settings such as setting of stapling and punching processing and setting of the number of copies of the printed material via the operation unit 11.

  Upon receiving the print start signal from the operation unit 11, the control unit 10 instructs the scanner unit 12 to execute image reading. An image of a document to be printed (copied) is read by the scanner unit 12. Then, the image data generated by reading the image by the scanner unit 12 is sent to the control unit 10, associated with various setting information performed on the image data, and generated as a job J.

Also, image data including various processing settings given from a terminal device such as a personal computer (not shown) is sent as a job J to the control unit 10 via the input interface 13.
The control unit 10 has a basic configuration as a microcomputer in terms of hardware, and substantially includes a plurality of function processing units that are realized in software by executing a program. These function processing units include a job priority determination unit 31, a print order change unit 32, and a print execution unit 33. The job J is sent to the job priority determination unit 31 in the control unit 10 and given priority. The priority given to a job is a rank based on various processing settings given to the job such as stapling, punching, and interrupt printing (in this embodiment, rank A, Rank B and Rank C).

  In addition, the control unit 10 controls processing performed by the finisher 20 based on detection results from the remaining staple amount detection unit 21 and the punch residue collection tank remaining amount detection unit 22. The staple remaining amount detection unit 21 detects the remaining amount P of staples remaining in the multi-function copying machine 1 and sends the detection result to the control unit 10. The punch residue recovery tank remaining amount detection unit 22 detects the amount of punch residue collected in a punch residue recovery tank (not shown) provided in the multi-function copying machine 1, and can be stored in the punch residue recovery tank. An amount (hereinafter, referred to as a punch scrap recoverable amount) R is calculated, and the detection result is sent to the control unit 10. Then, the control unit 10 determines whether a desired process can be performed on the printed material sent to the finisher 20.

  In this case, a job having a priority of rank A represents a job for which interrupt printing is set and for which job processing is to be performed preferentially compared to jobs having other ranks. A job having a priority of rank B represents a normal job. A job having a priority of rank C represents, for example, a job for which stapling processing or punching processing is set but it is determined that a desired processing cannot be performed. In this way, the job priority determination unit 31 assigns ranks A to C to a given job.

  The print order changing unit 32 in the control unit 10 reduces the registered job sequence representing the job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 from a higher priority to a lower priority based on the priority given to the job. Rearrange into things. Then, the printing order changing unit 32 can insert into the registered job sequence that is already stored in the printing order in the standby job memory unit 14 according to the rank assigned to the job J.

The print execution unit 33 in the control unit 10 sequentially reads out the first job from the registered job sequence and gives it to the printer engine unit 15 in order to sequentially print the registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14.
The printer engine unit 15 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging unit for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, an exposure unit, a developing unit for developing the formed electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and development. This is a known mechanism including a transfer unit for transferring the toner image to the paper, a fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper, and the like. Accordingly, the printer engine unit 15 executes image forming processing (printing processing) for the job given from the print execution unit 33, prints a toner image on a predetermined sheet, and outputs a predetermined number of copies. Then, the printer engine unit 15 sends the printed paper (printed material) to the finisher 20.

The finisher 20 performs a desired process such as a staple process or a punch process set for the job on the printed matter sent from the printer engine unit 15.
The control unit 10 can compare the remaining amount P of staples provided in the multi-function copying machine 1 with the number Q of staples necessary for job execution by executing the control operation described below. . Further, the control unit 10 can compare the punch scrap recoverable amount R with the punch scrap amount S discharged by execution of the job. Thereby, priority is given to the job J, and the execution order of the jobs can be controlled.

Next, features of the control operation in the multi-function copying machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit 10. Here, the processing performed in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a job J is input to the job priority determination unit 31 (step S1). When job J is input (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

  Next, the job priority determination unit 31 determines the priority of the job J (step S2). At this time, the job priority determination unit 31 determines whether stapling processing or punching processing is set, and determines the priority (rank) to be given to the job J depending on whether the multi-function copying machine 1 can process. decide. Details of the processing performed in step S2 will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the job priority determination unit 31 sends the job J to which the priority is given to the printing order change unit 32, and the process proceeds to step S3.

Next, the printing order changing unit 32 inserts the job J at a predetermined location on the registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 based on the rank indicating the priority given to the job J. And register (step S3). Details of the processing performed in step S3 will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.
On the other hand, when no job is input in step S1 (NO in step S1), the process proceeds to step S4.

  Next, the printing order changing unit 32 checks whether there is a registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 (step S4). When there is a registered job sequence (YES in step S4), the printing order changing unit 32 notifies the printing execution unit 33. Then, the print execution unit 33 reads the first job registered in the registered job sequence and performs a printing process (step S5). Details of the processing performed in step S5 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, when there is no registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 in step S4 (NO in step S4), this means that there is no job to be printed in the standby job memory unit 14, and therefore the control unit 10 Ends the printing process.
In this way, this processing is continued until there is no registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14.

Below, the process performed by step S2, step S3, and step S5 is demonstrated in detail.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the processing performed in step S2 of FIG. This flowchart is a subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 2, and is performed by the job priority determination unit 31. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

This processing is first performed when job J is input in step S1 of FIG. 2 (YES in step S1).
Next, the job priority determination unit 31 determines whether or not the job J is designated as the highest priority job (step S11). The highest priority job is a job that is processed with priority over other jobs, such as interrupt printing. When job J is designated as the highest priority job (YES in step S11), it is determined that job J has a priority of rank A (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S3.

On the other hand, when the highest priority job is not specified for job J in step S11 (NO in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12.
Next, the job priority determination unit 31 checks whether or not the job J has a setting for stapling (step S12). When the staple processing is set (YES in step S12), the remaining staple amount P and the job J are used to change the processing order according to the remaining staple amount P in the multi-function copying machine 1. Comparison with the quantity Q of staples to be performed is performed (step S13). The staple remaining amount P is detected by the staple remaining amount detecting unit 21. When the remaining amount P of staples is equal to or larger than the number Q of staples used in job J, that is, when P ≧ Q (YES in step S13), the staples used for the staple processing of job J at this time point Indicates that the job J can be stapled. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

  On the other hand, when the remaining staple amount P is less than the number of staples Q used in job J in step S13, that is, when P <Q (NO in step S13), the staple processing set for job J In order to perform the operation, since the remaining amount P of staples in the multi-function copying machine 1 is insufficient, the job priority determination unit 31 notifies the user that the staples are insufficient (step S14). The notification here is displayed, for example, on the operation panel, or on the printer driver via the monitor of the personal computer if a job is sent via a terminal such as a personal computer. In this way, the job priority determination unit 31 displays whether to cancel the staple setting set for the job J. If the setting of stapling processing for job J is not canceled (NO in step S15), job J is determined to be a rank C job (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S3.

When the setting of stapling processing for job J is canceled (YES in step S15), the processing proceeds to step S16.
Furthermore, when the stapling process is not set for job J in step S12 (NO in step S12), the process proceeds to step S16.
Next, the job priority determination unit 31 checks whether or not the job J has a punching setting (step S16). When the job J is set to punch processing (YES in step S16), the amount of recoverable punch waste R is compared with the amount of punch waste S discharged in job J, and the punch waste recovery tank is set to punch waste at the end of job J processing. It is checked whether or not it will be full (step S17). Here, even if punch processing is performed on job J, when the punch waste collection tank does not become full, that is, when R ≧ S (YES in step S17), rank B is assigned to job J (step S21). The process proceeds to step S3.

  On the other hand, when punch processing is performed for job J, when the punch scrap amount S exceeds the punch scrap recoverable amount R, that is, when R <S (NO in step S17), the job priority determination unit 31 determines that the user Is notified that the punch waste collection tank is full (step S18). When the user cancels the punching process set for job J (YES in step S19), it is determined that job J is a rank B job (step S21), and the process proceeds to step S3.

When punch processing for job J is performed and a punch waste amount S exceeding the recoverable amount R of punch waste is generated, and the setting of punch processing for job J is not canceled (NO in step S19), job J is , The job proceeds to step S3.
Furthermore, when punching processing is not set for job J in step S16 (NO in step S16), job J is determined as a rank B job (step S21), and the process proceeds to step S3.

In proceeding to step S <b> 3, the job priority determination unit 31 sends the job J to the printing order change unit 32.
In this way, the job priority determination unit 31 can determine the priority of the job J. In determining the priority of the job J, the job priority determination unit 31 determines whether there is a setting for stapling or punching, and assigns it to the job J depending on whether the multi-function copying machine 1 can process it. Priority (rank) can be determined.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the processing performed in step S3 of FIG. This flowchart is a subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 2 and is performed by the printing order changing unit 32. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the priority of the job J is determined in step S2 of FIG. 2 (see FIG. 3), the printing order changing unit 32 receives the job J from the job priority determining unit 31. Then, the print order changing unit 32 inserts the job J in a predetermined order in a series of registered job sequences stored in the standby job memory unit 14.

Here, for a job stored in the registered job row, for example, the symbol for the second job from the front in the group of jobs having the priority of rank A is “A ₂ ”. The registered job sequence that has already been stored will be described as A ₁ → A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → C ₁ .
First, the print order changing unit 32 checks whether the job J is a rank A job (step S31). When the job J is a job having a priority of rank A (the symbol is “A _J ”) (YES in step S31), the printing order changing unit 32 registers the registered job sequence A ₁ → A ₂ → B _{1. → B 2 → B 3 → C} 1 job sequence having a priority rank C a (C ₁₎ is shifted to one Bungo filtration, the registration job sequence _{a 1 → a 2 → B 1} → B 2 → B 3 → E → C ₁ (E represents an empty area on the standby job memory unit 14) (step S32). Next, the job sequence (B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ ) having a priority of rank B is shifted backward by one, and the registered job sequence is shifted from A ₁ → A ₂ → E → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → C ₁ is set (step S33). Then, the printing order changing unit 32 registers the job J (A _J ) in the empty area E, that is, registers it at the end of the job sequence (A ₁ → A ₂ ) having the rank A priority (step S34). . The registered job sequence at this time is A ₁ → A ₂ → A _J → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → C ₁ , and the process proceeds to step S4.

On the other hand, when the job J does not have rank A priority in step S31 (NO in step S31), the print order changing unit 32 checks whether the job J is a rank B job (step S35). ). When the job J is a job having a priority of rank B (the symbol is “B _J ”) (YES in step S35), the print order changing unit 32 has a job sequence having a priority of rank C (C ₁ ) is shifted backward by one, and the registered job sequence is set as A ₁ → A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → E → C ₁ (step S 36). Then, the printing order changing unit 32 registers the job J (B _J ) in the empty area E, that is, at the end of the job sequence (B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ ) having the priority of rank B ( Step S34). The registered job sequence at this time is A ₁ → A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → B _J → C ₁ , and the process proceeds to step S 4.

On the other hand, when the job J does not have the priority of rank B in step S35 (NO in step S35), the job J has the priority of rank C (the symbol is “C _J ”). It can be said. Then, the print order changing unit 32 registers the job C _J at the end of the registered job sequence (step S38). The registered job sequence at this time is A ₁ → A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → C ₁ → C _J , and the process proceeds to step S4.

  In this way, the print order changing unit 32 determines the priority assigned to the job J based on the order of the registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 (rank A). ) To lower (rank C). Then, the printing order changing unit 32 inserts and registers the job J at a predetermined location in the registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 according to the rank indicating the priority given to the job J. .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the processing performed in step S5 of FIG. This flowchart is a subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 2 and is performed by the print execution unit 33. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, the registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14 will be described as A ₁ → A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → B _J → C ₁ .

First, in step S4 of FIG. 2, when the registered job sequence is stored in the standby job memory unit 14 (YES in step S4), the print execution unit 33 performs information on the _first job (job A ₁ ) in the registered job sequence. Is read (step S41). Then, the print execution unit 33 executes print processing for the read job A ₁ (step S42).
Next, the print execution unit 33 checks whether or not the stapling process is set in the job A ₁ (step S43). When the stapling process is set for the job A ₁ (YES in step S43), the print execution unit 33 determines the remaining staple amount P in the multi-function copying machine 1 and the staple quantity Q required for the job A _1. Are compared (step S44). Print execution unit 33, the multifunction copier 1, when there is a remaining amount P of the staple number Q or more staples are required for the job A _1, i.e., when P ≧ Q (YES at step S44), the printout The stapled job A ₁ is stapled (step S45), and the staple remaining amount P is subtracted by the used amount (step 46). Then, the process proceeds to step S47.

On the other hand, in step S43, when there is no setting of stapling the job A ₁ (NO at step S43), the process proceeds to step S47.
Further, in step S44, the staple remaining amount P is, when less than the quantity Q required staple job A _1, i.e., P <When Q (NO at step S44), the print execution unit 33, the user On the other hand, whether or not printing can be executed without performing the stapling process is displayed on the operation unit 11 (step S53). Here, in order to continue printing, when the setting of the staple process is canceled (YES in step S53), the process proceeds to step S47.

Next, the print execution unit 33 checks whether or not the job A ₁ is set for punch processing (step S47). When the job A ₁ is set to punch processing (YES in step S47), the print execution unit 33 compares the punch waste recoverable amount R with the punch waste amount S discharged in the job A ₁ (step S48). Here, when the punch scrap amount S discharged in the punching process of the job A ₁ is equal to or less than the punch scrap recoverable amount R, that is, when R ≧ S (YES in step S48), the print execution unit 33 performs the job A _1. Punch processing is performed (step S49), and the punch scrap recoverable amount R is subtracted (step S50). Then, the process proceeds to step S51.

On the other hand, in step S47, the when there is no setting of the punching process the job A ₁ (NO at step S47), the process proceeds to step S51.
Further, in step S48, the when the punch residue recoverable amount R is less than the punch residue amount S ejected by the job A _1, i.e., when the R <S (NO at step S48), the print execution unit 33, the job A Whether to continue the printing process without performing the punching process ₁ is displayed on the operation unit 11 (step S54). Here, in order to continue printing, when the setting of punch processing is canceled (YES in step S54), the processing proceeds to step S51.

Next, the print execution unit 33 determines whether the printing process for the job A ₁ is completed (step S51). When the print process has ended (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52, and deletes the job A ₁ performing the printing process from the registration job sequence (registration job sequence in this case, A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → B _J → C ₁ ), the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, when the printing process is not finished in step S51 (NO in step S51), the process returns to step S42 again, and steps S42 to S51 are repeated until the printing process is finished.
By the way, when the printing process is not continued without releasing the stapling process at step S53 (NO at step S53), and when the printing process is not continued without releasing the punching process at step S54 (NO at step S54). print execution unit 33, to the user, whether to continue the print processing of the job a _1, is displayed on the operation unit 11 (step S55). When the printing process of job A ₁ is canceled (cancelled) (YES in step S55), the process proceeds to step S52, and job A ₁ is deleted from the standby job memory unit 14 (the registered job sequence at this time is A ₂ → B ₁ → B ₂ → B ₃ → B _J → C ₁ ). Then, the process returns to step S1.

In step S55, when the printing process is not canceled (cancelled) (NO in step S55), the printing process is temporarily interrupted, and the print execution unit 33 replenishes the staple needles to the user. An instruction is given or an instruction is given to remove the punch residue accumulated in the punch waste collection tank.
In this way, the print execution unit 33 performs the staple process and the punch process, and executes the printing. The print execution unit 33 then notifies the job priority determination unit 31 when returning to step S1.

These processes are continued until there is no registered job sequence stored in the standby job memory unit 14.
As described above, when the job given to the image forming apparatus includes setting information for various types of processing (stapling processing and punching processing), the job is processed according to whether the job can be processed as set. A priority indicating the degree of priority processing can be given. As a result, jobs with priorities are processed in the order based on the priorities assigned to the jobs, not in the order in which they are input. Then, the job execution order can be controlled so that more stapling and punching processes are executed, and usability can be improved.

  In the above description, the multi-function copying machine capable of performing stapling and punching has been described as an example. However, only a copying machine having only a stapling function and a punching function are provided. The present invention can also be applied to a copying machine. Further, even if the multifunction copying machine has functions of stapling and punching, even when only one of the functions is desired to be used, the present invention can be applied satisfactorily.

In the above description, the number of staples used is subtracted from the total number of staples. Instead, the remaining amount of staples such as an optical sensor provided in the staple cartridge holder is detected. The remaining amount of staples may be detected by a known mechanism.
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

1 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of a multi-function copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure performed by a control part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the process performed in step S2 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the process performed in step S3 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the process performed in step S5 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Multifunctional copier (image forming device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 14 Waiting job memory part 15 Printer engine part 20 Finisher 31 Job priority determination part 32 Print order change part 33 Print execution part P Staple remaining quantity Q Quantity of staples used in a job R Punch waste recoverable quantity S Job Amount of punch waste discharged in

Claims (3)

When image data is given as a job, the image forming apparatus forms an image of the given job, prints it on paper, and outputs it.
Storage means for storing a print standby job;
In response to the job being given, job priority determination means for determining the priority of the job;
A print order changing means for rearranging the order of jobs stored in the storage means based on the priority determined by the job priority determination means;
Print execution means for sequentially reading out the jobs stored in the storage means and executing print processing;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The job priority determination means includes:
If stapling is set for a given job,
The number of staples (P) in the image forming apparatus is compared with the number (Q) of staples used in the job,
When P ≧ Q, the job execution order is the input order,
When P <Q, the priority will be lowered.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority of the job is determined. The job priority determination means includes:
If punching is set for a given job,
The amount of punch residue (R) that can be stored in the punch residue collection tank provided in the image forming apparatus is compared with the amount of punch residue (S) discharged in the job.
When R ≧ S, the job execution order is the input order,
When R <S, the priority will be lowered.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority of the job is determined.

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