JP2007168331A - Image forming device and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which facilitates operation equal to job resetting when a power source fails during simultaneous storage and printing, and to provide an image forming method. <P>SOLUTION: According to the image forming method, when a job of the simultaneous storage and printing is received, storage processing and printing processing are carried out in parallel (step S1). If the power source is cut off during the simultaneous storage and printing, data processing (printing processing/storage processing) by the device is interrupted. When the power source is turned on again, (step S2/Yes), document data in the course of the storage are destroyed (step S3), and the printing is canceled without re-starting (step S4). Then a notification of an error that "neither printing nor storage of data is executed" is issued to the operator, so that the processing is terminated. In this manner, if the power source fails during the simultaneous storage and printing, the data in the course of the storage are destroyed to cancel the printing. As a result, operation equal to the job resetting can be easily carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method having a function of simultaneously printing and storing documents.

  2. Description of the Related Art In image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals and printers, document data is generally stored in the apparatus, and printing is performed using the data.

For example, a trial printing technique has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In the trial printing technique, in order to confirm the printing of document data or the like, a part of the trial printing is performed before actual printing, and at the same time, the document data is temporarily stored in the apparatus. As a result of the trial printing, if a defect is found in a part, the user can change and correct the printing conditions etc. correspondingly, and the main printing can be performed for the purpose of improving the convenience of reprinting. .
JP 2002-127570 A

  However, the purpose of the above technique is to temporarily store document data in the apparatus before the actual printing in order to confirm the output, and is not intended for permanent storage. That is, it is not assumed that the stored data is continuously used.

  Further, in the above technique, if storage or printing cannot be performed for some reason at the time of printing of the first part, both storage and printing are canceled.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and in order to meet the need to store the created document data in the apparatus at the same time as printing, when the first part of the storage or printing fails The purpose is to further improve user convenience.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and an on / off power supply of the image forming apparatus. power monitoring means for monitoring off, and when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the stored data is discarded and the printing that has been executed An image forming apparatus is characterized in that processing is stopped without restarting.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and an on / off power supply of the image forming apparatus. power supply monitoring means for monitoring off and storage completion monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the storage of the data has been completed. During the simultaneous printing, the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again. In this case, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the data that has been stored is retained, and the printing process that has been executed is stopped without restarting.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and a power on / off of the image forming apparatus. When the power monitoring means for monitoring off, the storage completion monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the data accumulation is completed, and when the power is once turned off and turned on again during the printing simultaneous accumulation, Setting means for setting whether to store or discard data that has been stored, and when the power is once turned off and turned on again during the printing simultaneous storage, According to the setting by the setting means, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the stored data is held or discarded, and the printing process being executed is stopped without restarting.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit for printing input data, a storage unit for storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and on / off of a power source of the image forming apparatus. power monitoring means for monitoring off, data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means, and data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored by the storage means, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that when the simultaneous printing accumulation is started, if the data is already stored up to the limit of the number of data, the accumulation is not performed and the printing is not performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image printing means for printing input data, storage means for storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means, and power on / off of the image forming apparatus. power monitoring means for monitoring off, data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means, and data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored by the storage means, When data is already stored up to the limit of the number of data at the start of simultaneous printing accumulation, the data is not accumulated, but printing is performed by the specified number of copies. is there.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image printing means for printing input data, storage means for storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means, and power on / off of the image forming apparatus. power monitoring means for monitoring off, data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means, data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored in the storage means, and simultaneous printing And setting means for setting whether to print all the specified number of copies or not to print if the document has already been saved up to the limit of the number of data. When simultaneous storage of printing is started, if the data has already been stored up to the limit of the number of data, the storage is not performed and the printing follows the setting by the setting unit. An image forming apparatus.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided image printing means for printing input data, storage means for storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means, and power on / off of the image forming apparatus. power supply monitoring means for monitoring off, and remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the storage is in progress The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the printing is interrupted after discarding the data and printing only the current printing part.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and a power on / off of the image forming apparatus. power supply monitoring means for monitoring off, and remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the storage is in progress The image forming apparatus is characterized by discarding the data and printing all the specified number of copies.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and power on / off of the image forming apparatus. power supply monitoring means for monitoring off, and remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means, and if the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the data in the middle is discarded and printing is interrupted on the spot.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing unit that prints input data, a storage unit that stores the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing unit, and an on / off of a power source of the image forming apparatus. Power supply monitoring means for monitoring off, remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous accumulation of printing, only the printing part is printed Or setting means for setting whether to print all of the designated number of copies or to stop printing on the spot, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing, In the image forming apparatus, the data is discarded and the printing is performed according to the setting by the setting unit.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising output means for notifying storage and printing operation information of the image forming apparatus.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the step of printing the input data, the step of storing the input data simultaneously with the printing by the image printing step, and the on / off of the power supply of the image forming method are monitored. And when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the stored data is discarded and the printing process that was being executed is not restarted. The image forming method is characterized in that the process is stopped.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the step of printing the input data, the step of storing the input data simultaneously with the printing by the image printing step, and the on / off of the power supply of the image forming method are monitored. And a step of monitoring whether or not the accumulation of the data is completed. During the simultaneous printing, when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again, the accumulation is completed. The image forming method is characterized in that the data is retained and the printing process being executed is stopped without restarting.

  The invention according to claim 14 is a step of printing input data, a step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of the power supply of the image forming method And monitoring whether or not the accumulation of the data is completed, and during the simultaneous printing accumulation, if the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again, the accumulated data is retained, Or a setting step for setting whether to discard, and when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous printing accumulation, the accumulated data is retained according to the setting in the setting step. Alternatively, the image forming method is characterized in that the print processing that has been executed is canceled without being restarted.

  The invention according to claim 15 is a step of printing input data, a step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of the power source of the image forming method And a step of monitoring the number of data stored in the step, and a step of limiting the number of data that can be stored in the step. When the data is stored up to the limit, the image forming method is characterized in that accumulation is not performed and printing is not performed.

  The invention according to claim 16 is a step of printing input data, a step of storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of a power source of the image forming method. And a step of monitoring the number of data stored in the step, and a step of limiting the number of data that can be stored in the step. When the data is stored up to the limit, the data is not accumulated, but printing is an image forming method characterized by printing all the specified number of copies.

  The invention according to claim 17 is a step of printing input data, a step of storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of a power source of the image forming method. And a step of monitoring the number of data stored by the step, a step of limiting the number of data that can be stored by the step, and the limit of the number of data has already been reached when the simultaneous printing accumulation is started. A setting step for setting whether to print all the specified number of copies or not to print when the document is stored, and the number of data is already limited when starting the simultaneous print accumulation When the data is stored up to the limit, the image forming method is characterized in that accumulation is not performed and printing is performed according to the setting in the setting step.

  The invention according to claim 18 is a step of printing input data, a step of storing the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of a power source of the image forming method. And a step of monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored in the process, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the data that was being stored is discarded, and only the part that is being printed An image forming method, wherein printing is interrupted after printing.

  The invention according to claim 19 is a step of printing input data, a step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of the power source of the image forming method And a step of monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the process, and when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the data that was being stored is discarded, and printing is designated. An image forming method characterized in that all copies are printed.

  The invention according to claim 20 is a step of printing input data, a step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of the power supply of the image forming method And the step of monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the above process, and if the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous accumulation of printing, the data that was being accumulated is discarded, An image forming method is characterized in that the image forming method is interrupted on the spot.

  The invention according to claim 21 is a step of printing input data, a step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step, and a step of monitoring on / off of the power supply of the image forming method And monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the above process, and if the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing, whether to print only the part that is being printed, or print all of the specified number of copies. And a setting step for setting whether or not the data is being accumulated when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing. An image forming method is characterized in that printing is performed according to a setting in a setting step.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the method according to any one of the twelfth to twenty-first aspects, the method includes a step of notifying storage and printing operation information of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off during simultaneous printing of data, the user can easily perform an operation equivalent to job reset.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore technically preferable various kinds of limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. As long as there is no description which limits, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram summarizing all configurations of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. A network interface 1 connected to the network 25 (FIG. 2), a CPU 2, a storage unit 3 (for example, ROM) for storing a control program of the image forming apparatus, and a non-volatile memory (for example, HDD) for storing print data. A storage unit 4, a document storage status monitoring unit 5 which is a means for monitoring document data storage status, a printing status monitoring unit 6 which is a means for monitoring printing status, a print engine interface 8, a print engine 9, and an operator instruct An operation panel 11 that is an input means for performing the operation, an operation panel interface 10 connected to the operation panel 11, a storage unit for processing print data received by the network interface 1 (a rewritable memory such as a working memory and a RAM) ) 12, storage medium 14, and storage medium 14 Storage medium drive interface 13 connection to the power supply monitoring unit 15 is a means for monitoring the ON / OFF of the power supply, the document management section 16, a memory capacity monitoring section 17, and an internal bus 7 connecting them.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the information processing apparatus. A plurality of information processing apparatuses (print request source computers) 20 to 22 and image forming apparatuses 23 and 24 are connected through a network 25.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a power supply monitoring unit 15 as means for monitoring power on / off in order to perform printing and storage stop processing. For example, the power supply monitoring unit 15 detects a drop in the power supply voltage and writes data that needs to be retained even during power-off to the nonvolatile memory (FIG. 1, storage unit 4), and the power supply is cut off during printing. It is conceivable to keep a parameter representing the above. Also, there is means for notifying the operator of the error. As such means, for example, display on the operation panel 11 as shown in FIG. 3 can be considered. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, it is conceivable that the image forming apparatus 26 according to the present embodiment transmits an error content 28 to a print data transmission source computer 27 that is a host PC.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, accumulation processing and printing processing are started in parallel (step S1). If the power is turned off during the storage simultaneous printing, the data processing (print processing / storage processing) as the device is interrupted. Thereafter, when the power is turned on again (step S2 / Yes), the document data that has been stored up to that point is discarded (step S3), and printing is stopped without restarting (step S4). The operator is informed of “no printing or storage” as an error, and the process ends.

  According to the above embodiment, the operator can easily perform an operation equivalent to job reset. That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned off during the simultaneous storage printing, the accumulated data is discarded and the printing is canceled. For example, the user transmits erroneous data. If you want to reset the job immediately, you can easily cancel printing and storage. Further, since an error notification is given, the user can easily understand that the simultaneous printing at the time of saving has failed.

  Another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiment, there is provided means for monitoring on / off of the power supply and means for notifying the operator of an error. Furthermore, there is a means for determining whether or not the accumulation process has been completed. As a means for determining, it is conceivable to have a document storage status monitoring unit 5 that directly monitors the progress of storage, or to have a print status monitoring unit 6 that monitors the progress of printing, and determine the completion of storage from there. .

  As a means for monitoring the accumulation status, when the accumulation is completed, the parameter is stored as a flag indicating completion, and the determination is made by looking at the flag when restarting after power-off / on. As a means to monitor the printing status, save the parameter of how many copies are currently printed, check the parameters when restarting after power off / on, and if one copy has been completed, accumulation is complete And As in the former case, if a parameter indicating completion of storage is prepared, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the storage has been completed. In the latter case, if monitoring is performed from the printing status, the operator can complete the storage. There is an advantage that it is easy to understand whether or not it was done.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, accumulation processing and printing processing are started in parallel (step S6). If the power is turned off during the storage simultaneous printing, the data processing (print processing / storage processing) as the device is interrupted. Thereafter, when the power is turned on again (step S7 / Yes), it is determined whether or not the accumulation process is completed (step S8). At that time, if completed (step S8 / Yes), the document data is stored as it is (step S12). If not completed (step S8 / No), the document data that was being accumulated is discarded (step S12). S9). Regardless of whether or not the accumulation process has been completed, the printing process is stopped without being resumed (steps S10 and S13). Depending on whether or not the accumulation process has been completed, the operator is notified as an error that “printing has been stopped but accumulation has been performed” or “printing and accumulation has not been performed” (steps S11 and S14), and the process ends. .

  According to the above-described embodiment, the operator can easily resume desired printing based on the accumulated document data if necessary, if accumulation has been performed. That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned off during the simultaneous storage printing, if the accumulation is completed, the accumulated document data is preserved as it is. As a result, even if the power is turned off due to an unexpected accident such as a power failure, it can be easily reprinted under the conditions desired by the user as long as it is stored.

  Another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there are means for monitoring on / off of the power supply, means for notifying the operator of an error, and means for judging whether or not the accumulation process is completed. Furthermore, the present embodiment includes means for setting an operation mode for holding or discarding a document when the accumulation process is completed.

  As the operation mode setting means, for example, a method of setting the operation mode from the operation unit (operation panel 11) of the device in advance can be considered. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operator (print data transmission source computer 30) transmits a print job to the device (image forming apparatus 31), parameters for determining the operation mode setting in the print data main body 32 are displayed. A method of assigning 33 is conceivable. If the operation mode is set in advance from the operation unit, the operator can save the trouble of setting the operation mode every time a job is sent, and the operation mode can be flexibly switched if it is set at the time of job transmission. There is.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, accumulation processing and printing processing are started in parallel (step S15). If the power is turned off during the storage simultaneous printing, the data processing (print processing / storage processing) as the device is interrupted. Thereafter, when the power is turned on again (step S16), it is determined whether or not the accumulation process is completed (step S17). If the accumulation process has been completed (step S17 / Yes), the set operation mode is further determined (step S21). At this time, if the accumulation process is not completed (step S17 / No), or if the operation mode is the accumulation discard mode (step S21), the document data being accumulated is discarded (step S18). If the accumulation process is completed and the operation mode is the accumulation execution mode, the document data is stored as it is (step S22). Regardless of the two conditions (steps S17 and S21), the printing process is stopped without being resumed (steps S19 and S23). Depending on whether or not the document data is stored without being discarded, an error “printing has been stopped but stored” (step S24) or “printing and storage has not been performed” (step S20) is notified to the operator. Notify and exit.

  According to the embodiment described above, the operator can easily perform an operation equivalent to job reset if the operation mode is set to the accumulation cancel mode. In this case, there is a merit when the power supply is often turned off / on as an alternative to job resetting on its own intention. If the operation mode is set to the accumulation execution mode, even if the printing process is canceled due to an unexpected power failure, etc., if the accumulation is performed, the desired printing can be easily resumed based on the accumulated document data. Will be able to.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there is a means for notifying the operator of an error. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a means for monitoring the number of documents stored in the image forming apparatus and a means for limiting the maximum number of the numbers in order to determine whether or not to execute the accumulation process. The document management unit 16 (FIG. 1) is included.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, first, the number of documents already stored in the apparatus and a preset limit on the number of storable documents are confirmed (step S25). At this time, if there is still a margin in the number of documents that can be stored (step S25 / Yes), simultaneous storage printing is started (step S26). On the other hand, if the document has already been saved up to the maximum value of the number of documents that can be saved (No in step S25), the accumulation process is not performed and the printing is not performed. Therefore, the storage simultaneous printing has been completed without starting "is notified to the operator (step S27).

  According to the above embodiment, the operator can save paper resources without outputting a document that has failed to be stored. In other words, since printing is stopped when the number of stored documents cannot be stored because the number of stored documents is maximum, a document that has failed to be stored is not output, and paper resources can be saved. Further, since the error is notified, the user can easily understand that the simultaneous printing at the time of saving has failed.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiment, there is provided means for monitoring the number of documents stored in the image forming apparatus, means for limiting the maximum number, and means for notifying an operator of an error.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, first, the number of documents already stored in the apparatus and a preset limit on the number of storable documents are confirmed (step S30). At this time, if there is still a margin in the number of documents that can be stored (step S30 / Yes), simultaneous storage printing is started (step S31). On the other hand, if the document has already been saved up to the maximum value of the number of documents that can be saved (No in step S30), the accumulation process is not performed, and printing is performed for the designated number of copies (step S32). As an error, the operator is notified that “the printing has been performed as specified but the maximum number of documents that can be stored has been reached and has not been stored” (step S33).

  According to the above-described embodiment, the operator can obtain a desired output because printing is executed even when the number of stored documents cannot be stored due to the maximum number.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the above-described embodiment, means for monitoring the number of documents stored in the image forming apparatus, means for limiting the maximum number (FIG. 1, document management unit 16), and means for notifying an operator of an error (For example, the operation panel 11 of FIG. 1). Further, the present embodiment includes means for setting an operation mode for performing only printing or stopping printing when the number of stored documents reaches the maximum number. Specifically, the operation mode is set in advance from the operation unit of the device or is notified to the operation unit when an error occurs, and the operator determines the operation mode (see FIG. 11). Etc. are considered. As a means for performing the setting in advance, an item for setting is prepared in the menu item of the operation unit (FIG. 1, operation panel 11), and when the operator likes himself, the corresponding item is selected and changed from the operation unit. You can also If the operation mode is set in advance from the operation unit, the operator does not have to set the operation mode every time an error occurs. If the operation mode is set each time, the operation mode can be flexibly switched. There is a merit that can be.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation process in the case where the mode is set in advance in the manner of setting the operation mode. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, first, the number of documents already stored in the apparatus and the limit on the number of documents that can be stored are confirmed (step S35). At that time, if there is still a margin in the number of documents that can be stored (step S35 / Yes), the simultaneous storage printing is started (step S36). On the other hand, when the documents have already been stored up to the maximum number of documents that can be stored (No in step S35), the operation mode is confirmed (step S37). At this time, if the operation mode is the print execution mode, all the printing for the designated number of copies is executed without being stored (step S39). If the operation mode is the print cancel mode, neither accumulation nor printing is performed. According to whether or not printing has been performed, the operator is notified as an error of “No accumulation but printing has been performed” (step S40) and “No accumulation or printing has been performed” (step S38). finish.

  According to the above embodiment, the operator can save paper resources if it is set to cancel printing, and can obtain a desired output even if it cannot be stored if it is set to execute printing. . Since the user can set the behavior when the maximum number of saved documents cannot be stored, the user can save paper resources by setting to cancel printing, and can be stored if setting to execute printing. At least the desired output can be obtained.

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation process in the case where an error occurs in the method for setting the operation mode, which is notified on the operation unit, and the operator determines the operation mode. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, first, the number of documents already stored in the apparatus and the limit of the number of documents that can be stored are confirmed (step S41). At this time, if there is still a margin in the number of documents that can be stored (step S41 / Yes), the simultaneous storage printing is started (step S42). On the other hand, if the documents have already been saved up to the maximum number of documents that can be saved (No in step S41), the operator is notified that the number of documents is full and cannot be stored (step S43), and the operation mode is set. Is received (step S44). At this time, if the operation mode is the print execution mode (step S45), only the printing for the specified number of copies is executed without being stored (step S47). If the operation mode is the print cancel mode, neither accumulation nor printing is performed. According to whether or not printing has been performed, the operator is notified as an error of “No accumulation but printing has been performed” (step S48) and “No accumulation or printing has been performed” (step S46). finish.

  According to the above embodiment, the operator can save paper resources if it is set to cancel printing, and can obtain a desired output even if it cannot be stored if it is set to execute printing.

  Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there is a means for notifying the operator of an error. Further, in the present embodiment, means for monitoring the remaining capacity of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 that can be used for storing document data in order to determine whether or not to execute the accumulation process (FIG. 1, memory capacity monitoring unit) 17).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, the accumulation process and the printing process are started in parallel (step S50). If the remaining capacity of the usable storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 becomes 0 during the simultaneous saving printing (step S51 / Yes), the document data accumulated until then is discarded (step S52). Only the copy that is being printed is printed, and the subsequent copy is not printed (step S53). An error is notified to the operator that “accumulation has failed because there is no remaining capacity and printing has been interrupted in the middle” (step S54), and the process ends.

  According to the above embodiment, when the free space of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory for storage) 4 is insufficient during the simultaneous saving printing, the stored data is discarded, only the current printing is printed, and the remaining copies are Since printing is not performed, the operator does not have half-output paper and can save paper resources.

  Another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there are means for monitoring the remaining capacity of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 (FIG. 1, memory capacity monitoring unit 17) and means for notifying the operator of an error (for example, the operation panel 11). .

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, accumulation processing and printing processing are started in parallel (step S55). If the remaining capacity of the usable storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 becomes 0 during the simultaneous saving printing (step S56 / Yes), the document data accumulated until then is discarded (step S57). Printing is performed for the designated number of copies (step S58). As an error, the operator is notified that “accumulation has failed because there is no remaining capacity and printing has been interrupted in the middle” (step S59), and the process ends.

  According to the above embodiment, when the storage unit (nonvolatile memory for storage) 4 has insufficient free space during the simultaneous saving printing, the accumulated data is discarded and printing is executed up to the last copy. Can obtain a desired output even if it cannot be accumulated.

  Another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there are means for monitoring the remaining capacity of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 (FIG. 1, memory capacity monitoring unit 17) and means for notifying the operator of an error (for example, the operation panel 11). .

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. When the job for simultaneous printing is received, the accumulation process and the printing process are started in parallel (step S60). If the remaining capacity of the usable storage unit (non-volatile memory) 4 becomes 0 during the simultaneous saving printing (step S61 / Yes), the document data accumulated so far is discarded (step S62). Printing is interrupted on the spot (step S63). An error is notified to the operator that “accumulation has failed because there is no remaining capacity and printing has been interrupted in the middle” (step S64), and the process ends.

  According to the above-described embodiment, when the storage unit (nonvolatile memory for storage) 4 runs out during the simultaneous storage printing, the accumulated data is discarded and printing is interrupted on the spot. Therefore, it is possible to save paper resources without unnecessarily outputting unsuccessfully stored documents.

  Another embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Similar to the above embodiment, there are means for monitoring the remaining capacity of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 (FIG. 1, memory capacity monitoring unit 17) and means for notifying the operator of an error (for example, the operation panel 11). . Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the remaining capacity of the storage unit (nonvolatile memory) 4 is insufficient, whether to perform printing only, stop printing, or print only the part that is continuing to print is interrupted. Means for setting an operation mode; Specifically, the operation mode is set in advance from the operation unit of the device or is notified to the operation unit when an error occurs, and the operator determines the operation mode (see FIG. 17). , Etc. can be considered. If the operation mode is set in advance from the operation unit, the operator does not have to set the operation mode every time an error occurs. If the operation mode is set each time, the operation mode can be flexibly switched. There is a merit that can be.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing when the mode is set in advance in the setting of the operation mode. When a job for simultaneous printing is received, the accumulation process and the printing process are started in parallel (step S65). If the remaining capacity of the usable storage unit (non-volatile memory) 4 becomes 0 during the simultaneous saving printing (step S66 / Yes), the document data accumulated up to that point is discarded (step S67). At that time, the set operation mode is determined (step S68). If the operation mode is “print execution mode”, all the specified number of copies are printed (step S71). If the operation mode is “partial print mode”, only the part that was being printed is printed, and the remaining part is not printed (step S69). If the operation mode is “printing stop mode”, the printing process is also interrupted on the spot (step S73). Depending on whether or not printing has been performed, the error is “No accumulation but printing has been completed” (step S72), “No accumulation and printing has been interrupted” (step S70, 74) is notified to the operator, and the process ends.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the operator can obtain a desired output even if the printing is not performed as long as printing is set to be executed. If it is set to print only the part that is being printed, paper resources can be saved without having an odd output. If you set up to cancel printing on the spot, you can save more paper resources.

  Next, FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of an operation process in the case where an error occurs in the method of setting the operation mode, which is notified on the operation unit, and the operator determines the operation mode. When the job for simultaneous printing is received, the accumulation process and the printing process are started in parallel (step S80). If the remaining capacity of the usable storage unit (non-volatile memory) 4 becomes 0 during the simultaneous saving printing (step S81 / Yes), the document data accumulated until then is discarded (step S82). The operator is notified that there is no capacity and cannot be stored (step S83), and the operation mode input is accepted (step S84). At this time, if the operation mode is “print execution mode”, all the specified number of copies are printed (step S88). If the operation mode is “partial print mode”, only the part that was being printed is printed, and the remaining part is not printed (step S86). If the operation mode is “printing stop mode”, printing is also stopped on the spot (step S90). Depending on whether or not printing has been performed, the error is “No accumulation but printing has been executed to the end” (step S89), “No accumulation and printing was interrupted halfway” (step S87). 91) to the operator, and the process ends.

  According to the embodiment, the user can set the behavior when the storage unit (nonvolatile memory for saving) 4 runs out during the simultaneous saving printing. Therefore, if the operator sets the printing to be executed to the end, the operator can obtain a desired output even if the printing cannot be performed. If you set to print only the part that is being printed, you can save paper resources without getting odd output. If you choose to cancel printing on the spot, you can save more paper resources.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

1 is a block configuration diagram summarizing all configurations of an image forming apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an information processing apparatus. It is an example screen transition diagram displayed on the operation panel when notifying an error according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the data flow from the screen formation apparatus at the time of notifying the error which concerns on embodiment of this invention to host PC. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating job transmission when an operation mode is assigned to print data according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is an error screen display when the number of accumulated documents according to the embodiment of the present invention is maximum. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an error screen display at the time of the capacity shortage of the memory | storage part for document storage which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

25 Network 25
1 Network interface 2 CPU
3, 4, 12 Storage unit 5 Document accumulation status monitoring unit 6 Print status monitoring unit 8 Print engine interface 9 Print engine 11 Operation panel 10 Operation panel interface 10
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Storage medium 13 Storage medium drive interface 15 Power supply monitoring part 16 Document management part 17 Memory capacity monitoring part 7 Internal bus 20-22 Print request origin computer 23, 24, 26 Image forming apparatus 27 Print data transmission origin computer

Claims (22)

Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power supply monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power supply of the image forming apparatus,
If the power is turned off and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the data being stored is discarded and the printing process being executed is stopped without restarting. Image forming apparatus. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Accumulation completion monitoring means for monitoring whether or not the accumulation of the data is completed,
When the power is turned off and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous print accumulation, the accumulated data is retained, and the print processing being executed is stopped without restarting. Image forming apparatus. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Accumulation completion monitoring means for monitoring whether accumulation of the data is completed;
During the simultaneous printing and storage, when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again, the storage unit completes the storage, or setting means for setting whether to discard,
If the power is turned off once and turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the stored data is retained or discarded according to the setting by the setting means, and the printing process that was being executed is not restarted. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is stopped. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means;
Data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored by the storage means,
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the simultaneous printing accumulation is started, if the data is already stored up to the limit of the number of data, the accumulation is not performed and the printing is not performed. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means;
Data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored by the storage means, and when starting the simultaneous printing accumulation, if the data is already stored up to the limit of the data number, the accumulation is An image forming apparatus that prints all the specified number of copies, although not performed. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Data number monitoring means for monitoring the number of data stored in the storage means;
Data number limiting means for limiting the number of data that can be stored by the storage means;
A setting means for setting whether to print all the specified number of copies or not to print if a document is already stored up to the limit of the number of data when starting the simultaneous printing accumulation; Have
An image forming apparatus characterized in that when the simultaneous printing accumulation is started, if the data has already been stored up to the limit of the number of data, the accumulation is not performed and the printing follows the setting by the setting unit. . Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
And remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation, the data that was being accumulated is discarded, and only the part that is being printed is printed, and then the printing is interrupted. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
And remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation, the data that was being accumulated is discarded, and all the specified number of copies are printed. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
And remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means,
If the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the data that was being stored is discarded, and printing is interrupted on the spot. Image printing means for printing input data;
Storage means for accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the image printing means;
Power monitoring means for monitoring on / off of the power of the image forming apparatus;
Remaining capacity monitoring means for monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the storage means;
Setting means for setting whether to print only the current copy, print all the specified number of copies, or interrupt printing on the spot when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation; Have
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation, the data that was being accumulated is discarded, and the printing is performed according to the setting by the setting means.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit configured to notify the storage and printing operation information of the image forming apparatus. Printing the input data; and
The step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with the printing by the image printing step;
Monitoring the on / off of the power supply of the image forming method,
If the power is turned off and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the data being stored is discarded and the printing process being executed is stopped without restarting. Image forming method. Printing the input data; and
The step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with the printing by the image printing step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring whether the data accumulation is complete,
When the power is turned off and the power is turned on again during the simultaneous print accumulation, the accumulated data is retained, and the print processing being executed is stopped without restarting. Image forming method. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring whether the accumulation of the data is completed;
During the printing simultaneous storage, when the power is turned off once and the power is turned on again, a setting step for setting whether to store the data that has been stored or to be discarded is included.
If the power is once turned off and turned on again during the simultaneous printing, the stored data is retained or discarded according to the setting in the setting step, and the printing process that was being executed is not restarted. An image forming method, wherein the image forming method is stopped. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the number of data stored in the step;
Limiting the number of data that can be stored by the process,
An image forming method, wherein, when starting the simultaneous printing accumulation, if the data has already been stored up to the limit of the number of data, the accumulation is not performed and the printing is not performed. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the number of data stored in the step;
A step of limiting the number of data that can be stored by the step, and when starting the simultaneous storage of printing, if the data is already stored up to the limit of the number of data, the storage is not performed, An image forming method characterized in that printing is performed for all designated copies. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the number of data stored in the step;
Limiting the number of data that can be stored by the process;
A setting step for setting whether to print all the specified number of copies or not to print if the document has already been saved up to the limit of the number of data when starting the simultaneous printing accumulation; Have
An image forming method characterized in that, when data is already stored up to the limit of the number of data when starting the simultaneous printing accumulation, the accumulation is not performed and the printing is performed according to the setting in the setting step. . Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the process,
An image forming method characterized in that, when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation, the data that was being accumulated is discarded, and only the part that is being printed is printed, and then the printing is interrupted. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the process,
When the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous storage of printing, the data that was being stored is discarded and all the specified number of copies are printed. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the process,
An image forming method, wherein if the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing, the data that was being stored is discarded and printing is interrupted on the spot. Printing the input data; and
A step of accumulating the input data simultaneously with printing by the step;
A step of monitoring the power on / off of the image forming method;
Monitoring the remaining capacity that can be stored by the process;
A setting step for setting whether to print only the current copy, print all the specified number of copies, or interrupt printing on the spot when the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous printing accumulation, Have
When the remaining capacity becomes 0 during the simultaneous print accumulation, the data being accumulated is discarded, and the printing is performed according to the setting in the setting step.   The image forming method according to any one of claims 12 to 21, further comprising a step of notifying storage and printing operation information of the image forming apparatus.

Images