JP2007203741A - Image forming system, method for controlling image forming system, image forming apparatus, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an output result of the same job to be output so as not to be split into a plurality of ejecting ports, thus preventing a user from forgetting to take his output result. <P>SOLUTION: When the load quantity of a loading means reaches a predetermined load quantity while sheets of a first job on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus are being output to the loading means, the system is controlled so that the remaining sheets of the first job are output to the loading means and sheets of a second job to be executed next to the first job is not output to the loading means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system for controlling a plurality of option devices that perform a predetermined expansion process that is optionally connected to an image recording apparatus capable of recording an image on a recording medium based on print information input from an external device, The present invention relates to an image forming system control method, an image forming apparatus, a storage medium, and a program.

  In the conventional image recording apparatus, the host computer and the image recording apparatus are often used in a one-to-one relationship, and most image recording apparatuses have only one discharge port. The output was discharged to the outlet, and the user selected and acquired his / her output result. Also, in an image recording apparatus having a plurality of discharge openings, an image recording apparatus having only a function of designating one of the discharge openings and discharging the paper to the designated discharge opening has been mainstream.

  The configuration of an image recording apparatus such as a laser beam printer using a conventional electrophotographic process having a plurality of paper supply / discharge ports will be described below with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional image recording apparatus, which can be equipped with an optional apparatus for paper supply / discharge, and has a paper handling function (for example, from a paper deck) to the basic image recording apparatus. This corresponds to the case where the recording medium feeding function and the discharged recording medium sorting function are expanded.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes an image recording apparatus main body, which has a video controller 1002 and an engine controller 1003 described later. The video controller 1002 mainly performs control related to image processing. The video controller 1002 analyzes image information transferred from an external device 1009 such as a personal computer via a general-purpose interface 1010 such as a Centronics interface and develops it into bit data. . The engine controller 1003 controls charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance and the like mainly related to the electrophotographic process, and performs image recording based on a video signal output from the video controller 1002. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a video interface, which connects the video controller 1002 and the engine controller 1003 to enable mutual communication.

  A paper deck option 1005 accommodates a large amount of recording paper and has a paper deck controller 1005a inside. The paper deck controller 1005a controls feeding of the recording paper to the image recording apparatus 1001 in response to an instruction from the engine controller 1003. To do. A paper deck interface 1006 connects the engine controller 1003 and the paper deck option 1005 to enable mutual communication. A finisher option 1007 has a plurality of stacking trays, and has a finisher controller 1007a inside. The finisher controller 1007a receives recorded recording paper discharged from the image recording apparatus 1001 according to a command from the engine controller 1003. Load control for sorting into predetermined classifications. A finisher interface 1008 connects the engine controller 1003 and the finisher option 1007 to enable mutual communication.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each of the above parts will be described.

  In the image recording apparatus configured as described above, the video controller 1002 receives image information and a print command from the external device 1009, analyzes the received image information and converts it into bit data, and the converted video signal And a print command to the engine controller 1003 via the video interface 1004. At this time, the video controller 1002 instructs the external device 1009 or the operation panel (not shown) connected to the video controller 1002 to use the paper deck option 1005 or the finisher option 1007. Is also sent out.

  The engine controller 1003 controls an engine related to an electrophotographic process built in the image recording apparatus 1001, that is, charging, exposure, development, transfer, fixing, paper conveyance, and the like, and performs image recording based on the received video signal. At the same time, based on the instruction from the video controller 1002, the paper deck option 1005 is controlled via the paper deck interface 1006 to instruct the paper feed timing, and the finisher option 1007 is controlled via the finisher interface 1008. To instruct recording paper sorting.

  However, in recent years, the engine speed of image forming apparatuses has increased, and large-capacity printing has become possible in a short time. A plurality of host computers can be connected to one image forming apparatus in a network environment. As the number of image forming apparatuses having a paper supply / discharge port capable of large-capacity paper feed and large-capacity paper discharge has increased, the position of image forming apparatuses can be increased. Is changing.

  In such a situation, for example, there are various image forming apparatuses that can be equipped with an optional device having a plurality of discharge ports for outputting printed recording paper, such as by company department, by paper size, by color such as black and white and color, etc. It may be used as a mailbox that outputs different output destinations for different purposes.

  And in the case of an image forming apparatus having an automatic paper discharge mode that continuously outputs a large amount of printing results to an empty discharge port, the loading amount of each discharge port is detected, and when it becomes full, the user does not intend, Another empty outlet may be used as a high capacity stacker. In this case, the output result of a certain job may straddle a plurality of discharge ports, and the user has forgotten to output the output result.

  In addition, in the case of an image forming apparatus equipped with a stapling discharge option device, if the full output is detected and the staple is automatically output when stapling is specified in the automatic discharge mode, stapling will occur. The discharge port is changed before the completion, and there is a situation in which the stapling for each unit desired by the user cannot be executed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. For example, the output result of the same job can be output so as not to cross a plurality of discharge ports, and the user forgets his / her output result. Image forming system, image forming system control method, image forming apparatus, storage medium, and program are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to execute staple output in units desired by a user even when output results from the same job are output across a plurality of discharge ports.

  For example, the first job is output when the load amount of the stacking unit reaches a predetermined stacking amount while outputting the sheet of the first job image-formed by the image forming apparatus to the stacking unit. The remaining sheets are output to the stacking means, and the sheet of the second job executed after the first job is controlled not to be output to the stacking means.

  Further, for example, in order to prevent a plurality of sheets output by executing one job by the image forming apparatus from being divided into a first stacking unit and a second stacking unit, the first stacking is not performed. Control is performed so that sheets for one job are output to one of the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit in accordance with the maximum stacking amount of the unit.

  Further, for example, the stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the first stacking unit has reached a predetermined amount while a plurality of sheets image-formed by the image forming apparatus are continuously output to the first stacking unit. Accordingly, when the sheet is continuously output to the second stacking unit and the sheet output to the second stacking unit is part of the same job as the sheet stacked on the first stacking unit, the sheet is output. It is characterized in that the stapling process is prohibited.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for example, the output result of the same job can be output so as not to straddle a plurality of discharge ports, and the user can be prevented from forgetting his / her output result.

  Further, for example, even when output results from the same job are output across a plurality of discharge ports, stapling output in units desired by the user can be executed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a laser beam printer to which an image recording apparatus and an image forming apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In the figure, reference numeral 102 denotes a laser beam printer (printer) to which various optional devices can be connected, which is connected to an external device 101 such as a host computer via a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and external devices via the general-purpose interface. Image recording based on print data (including control information such as code data based on a predetermined printer language (PDL) such as PostScript, LIPSIII, IV (product name), and image data) is performed.

  A video controller 103 is connected to the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, receives print data (ESC code, various PDL data, etc.) transferred from the external device 101 via the general-purpose interface, and is based on the print data Print information composed of dot data is generated, and page information representing control information necessary for image recording of each page is generated. The page information includes a job ID that can identify a job break, paper feed designation information that indicates where the paper is fed from, and where the paper is ejected, and paper ejection designation information.

  The video controller 103 transmits print information (binary or multivalued) to the engine controller 105 described later via the video interface 80. Further, the video controller 103 transmits a paper feed designation command and a paper ejection designation command to the option controller unit 106 described later via the overall interface 90 based on the page information. The engine controller 105 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by a known electrophotographic process based on the print data transferred from the video controller 103, and performs printing by transferring and fixing it on the fed paper. The engine controller 105 instructs the option controller unit 106 via the video controller 103 in conjunction with the image forming operation, for example, to supply and discharge timing.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a panel unit, which is an interface with a user including various switches (buttons) for operation, an LED display, an LCD display, and the like. The operation can be instructed. Various data set by the user are stored and managed in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) such as NVRAM, EEPROM, hard disk, and the like.

  The option controller unit 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), and one or more options are supplied based on a paper supply / discharge designation transferred from the video controller 103 and a paper supply / discharge instruction from the engine controller 105. This is a general controller that performs overall control of devices (units), and communicates with an optional controller unit provided in various optional devices via an optional unit interface 70 to control various optional devices centrally.

  Further, in the RAM of the option controller unit 106, there is a shared memory (shown in FIG. 10 described later) that can be accessed by the video controller 103. The shared memory includes a transport status management area and a basic status area for about 40 pages. , A command and status management area, a startup processing area, and the like, and the video controller 103 designates each option device via each area of the shared memory.

  The transport status management area includes an area where the video controller 103 notifies each option device of the printing method (paper feed port, paper discharge port, color, stapling, shifting, etc.), and each option status (how far the printing has been performed) , The paper discharge is completed, etc.).

  The basic status area is an area for notifying the video controller 103 of an abnormality of each optional device, the command and status management area is an area for exchanging command status with the video controller 103, and the startup processing area is the video controller. Reference numeral 103 denotes an area for designating the startup processing of each option device.

  A paper feed option device (paper deck option unit) 107 includes a paper deck controller (large capacity cassette controller) 107 a and performs paper feed control based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. The paper deck controller 107a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper feed option device 107 based on a program. Further, the ROM stores extension information of the paper feed option device 107, such as information on the paper size that can be stored in the paper deck.

  A paper discharge option device (finisher option unit) 108 includes a finisher controller (large-capacity paper discharge stacker controller) 108 a and performs a paper discharge operation based on control information transmitted from the option controller unit 106. Details of the paper discharge option device 108 will be described later. The finisher controller 108a includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown), and the CPU is stored in the ROM and controls the paper discharge option device 108 based on a program. Further, the ROM includes extended information of the paper discharge option device 108, for example, the number of paper discharge bins, the presence / absence of a stapling function, the presence / absence of a shift function for shifting the paper discharge paper in a predetermined direction, and the orientation of the face of the paper discharge paper. Information about the presence or absence of the inversion function is stored.

  The paper feed option device 107 and the paper discharge option device 108 are provided with display means 107b and 108b, respectively, and can display a message to the user, an operation method, and the like when using each option.

  A control unit 109 includes an engine controller 105 that controls the printing process of the printer 102, a video controller 103 that controls the entire printer 102, analyzes data from the external device 101 such as a host computer, and converts the data into image data, and various options. An option controller unit 106 controls the unit in an integrated manner.

  The option controller unit 106 manages each option unit using a common option unit interface 70 and communicates with the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90. The present embodiment is characterized in that the video controller 103 controls each paper supply / discharge option unit via the option controller unit 106.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numeral 230 denotes a paper cassette that holds a recording paper (sheet material) S and has a mechanism for electrically detecting the size of the recording paper S by a partition plate (not shown). A cassette feeding clutch 231 separates only the topmost recording sheet S of the recording sheet S placed on the sheet cassette 230, and the recording sheet S separated by a driving means (not shown) is supplied to the sheet feeding roller 204. It is a cam to be conveyed, and rotates intermittently each time paper is fed, and feeds one sheet of recording paper corresponding to one rotation. A recording paper detection sensor 230S detects the amount of the recording paper S held in the paper cassette 230.

  Reference numeral 227 denotes a registration shutter that presses the sheet and stops feeding. The paper feed roller 204 conveys the leading end of the recording paper S to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 202 denotes a manual feed tray on which the recording paper S is placed. Reference numeral 203 denotes a manual paper feed clutch that conveys the recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 202 to the registration shutter 227. Reference numeral 233 denotes an optional paper feed roller (paper feed relay transport roller) that feeds the recording paper S fed from the paper feed option device 107 into the printer 102 main body.

  Further, a registration roller pair 205 that synchronously conveys the recording sheet S is provided downstream of the manual sheet feeding roller 203, the cassette sheet feeding clutch 231, and the optional sheet feeding roller 233, and downstream of the registration roller pair 205, An image recording unit 207 that forms a toner image on the recording paper S by a known electrophotographic process by laser light emitted from the laser scanner unit 206 is provided.

  In the laser scanner unit 206, a laser unit 215 emits laser light based on an image signal (VDO signal) sent from the video controller 103. Laser light emitted from the laser unit 215 is scanned by the polygon mirror 216 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 220 via the imaging lens group 218 and the folding mirror 219. A beam detector 217 detects a laser beam emitted from the laser unit 215 and outputs a main scanning synchronization signal. A light amount sensor 270 detects the amount of laser light emitted from the laser unit 215.

  In the image recording unit 207, reference numeral 222 denotes a primary charger, which uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 220. A developing unit 223 is charged by the primary charger 222 and is laser-exposed by the laser scanner unit 206 to develop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 220 with toner. A transfer charger 224 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 220 developed by the developing unit 223 onto the recording sheet S fed by the registration roller pair 205. A cleaner 225 removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 220. Reference numeral 221 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that performs static electricity removal on the photosensitive drum 220.

  A fixing device 208 heat-fixes the toner image formed on the recording paper S by the image recording unit 207 on the recording paper S. A conveyance roller 210 discharges and conveys the recording paper S. A paper discharge sensor 209 detects the discharge state of the recording paper S. A flapper 211 switches the transport direction of the recording sheet S on which recording has been completed to the discharge tray 213 side or the discharge option device 108 side. Reference numerals 214 and 212 denote discharge rollers, which discharge the recording sheet S conveyed by switching the flapper 211 to a discharge tray 213. Reference numeral 213S denotes a paper discharge stack amount detection sensor that detects the stack amount of recording sheets stacked on the paper discharge tray 213.

  An engine controller 105 in the control unit 109 controls the electrophotographic process by the laser scanner unit 206, the image recording unit 207, and the fixing device 208, and controls the conveyance of the recording paper in the printer 102 body.

  Furthermore, the video controller 103 is connected to an external device 101 such as a personal computer through a general-purpose interface (for example, Centronics, RS232C, etc.), and develops print data sent via the general-purpose interface into bit data (print information). The bit data is sent to the engine controller 105 through the video interface 80 as a VDO signal.

  Next, various option units detachably connected to the printer 102 main body will be described.

  The option controller unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the printer main body 102 shown in FIG. 2, and is configured so that various option units can communicate with each other using the same protocol via an option unit interface 70 serving as a common bus. The option controller unit 106 is connected to the video controller 103 via the overall interface 90.

  In a paper feed option device 107 such as a paper deck option unit, reference numeral 241 denotes a paper deck, which loads a large amount of recording paper S on a deck that moves up and down. Reference numeral 242 denotes a paper deck feeding roller that feeds the recording paper S stacked on the paper deck 241. A conveyance roller 244 conveys the recording sheet S fed from the paper deck sheet feeding roller 242 toward the option sheet feeding roller 233. Reference numeral 243 denotes a sheet feeding relay conveyance roller, which is fed from another sheet feeding option unit (which can feed recording sheets of different sizes or the same size) that can be detachably connected to the lower part of the paper deck option unit 107. The recording paper to be relayed. Reference numeral 241S denotes a recording paper storage amount detection sensor that detects the amount of the recording paper S placed on the paper deck 241.

  When there are several stacks of paper feed option units, the distance from the lower unit to the printer 102 is longer, so paper is fed from the lower unit in the job following the job being executed. In this case, the paper is controlled to be fed before the job being executed is completed.

  The paper deck option unit 107 is controlled by a paper deck controller 107a.

  In the paper discharge option device 108 such as a finisher option unit, 251 is a first paper discharge bin, 252 is a second paper discharge bin, and 253 is a third paper discharge bin, which sorts and stacks the recorded recording paper S. It is. A bin lifting motor 260 moves the paper discharge bins 251 to 253 up and down to sort the recording paper S into the bins. Reference numeral 254 denotes a flapper that performs conveyance switching so that the recording sheet S distributed by the flapper 211 of the main body of the printer 102 and sent to the finisher option unit 108 is switched according to an instruction from the video controller 103. Reference numerals 251S to 253S denote discharge stack amount detection sensors that detect the stack amounts of the recording sheets stacked on the discharge bins 251 to 253, respectively.

  The discharge stack amount detection sensors 251S to 253S are sensors for detecting the height, and the height of the recording sheets stacked on the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253 is, for example, 88 mm (about 700 sheets). The finisher controller 108a notifies the video controller 103 of the full load via the option controller unit 106 when it reaches (detects).

  Further, the first paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253 can stack approximately 700 sheets in each bin, that is, approximately 2000 sheets in 3 bins, but when stapled sheets are stacked. Since there is a risk of collapsing when the bin is moved by the bin lifting motor 260, the standard for detecting the full load of paper loaded in each bin is 44 mm, which is half of the normal value (88 mm in this case).

  When the face-up designation is made through the overall interface 90 by the video controller 103, the recording paper S is led to the roller 255 by the flapper 254 and sent to the paper discharge port as it is. Further, when face down is designated by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, the recording sheet S is guided to the rollers 256 and 257 by the flapper 254 until the trailing edge of the recording sheet S once exceeds the roller 256. Then, the roller 257 is reversed and sent from the trailing edge of the recording paper S to the roller 258 and sent to the paper discharge port.

  Reference numeral 259 denotes a stapler. When the staple is specified through the overall interface 90 by the video controller 103, the recording paper S is stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording paper S is aligned, and the stapler 259 performs stapling to execute the first stapling. Paper is discharged to any one of the paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253. When the shift designation is performed by the video controller 103 through the overall interface 90, the sheets are stored in a staple tray (not shown), the recording sheets S are aligned, and the recording sheets S are placed in the tray (as in the case of stapling designation). The first paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253) are shifted by a motor (not shown), that is, the placement area (tray) of the recording paper S to be discharged is shifted, and then the first paper discharge bins 251 to 251 are moved. The paper is discharged to one of the third paper discharge bins 253.

  The finisher option unit 108 is controlled by a finisher controller 108a.

  The option controller unit 106, the paper deck controller 107, and the finisher controller 108 are connected by connectors, and perform serial communication through the option unit interface 70. Each option unit is connected in series by the same connector. Therefore, the paper deck option unit 107 and the finisher option unit 108 can be connected by switching their connection order.

  Further, the number of option units to be connected is not limited to two, and any number of units can be connected in series with a connector.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the figure, 91 is a serial communication interface, and commands such as paper feed designation to the paper deck option unit 107 and paper discharge bin designation to the finisher option unit 108 are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the option controller unit 106, and the paper deck. Statuses such as the paper presence / absence status of the option unit 107 and the stacking status of each discharge bin of the finisher option unit 108 are transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103. The option controller unit 106 and the video controller 103 can be directly connected by a CPU bus.

  An OPTRDY signal 92 functions as a signal indicating whether the option designated by the video controller 103 can be used, and is transmitted from the option controller unit 106 to the video controller 103. Reference numeral 93 denotes a POUTT signal, which functions as a timing signal when the printer 102 main body discharges the recording paper. A PFEDT signal 94 functions as a signal indicating the timing at which the printer 102 receives the recording paper from the option unit. Reference numeral 95 denotes an SPCNG signal, which functions as a signal for reducing the speed of the recording paper S that has been conveyed at high speed in the option unit and matching it with the conveying speed of the printer 102 main body.

  81 is a communication interface, and commands such as paper feed designation to the paper feed cassette of the printer 102 main body and paper discharge designation and printing to the paper discharge tray 231 of the printer 102 main body are transmitted from the video controller 103 to the engine controller 105. Status such as paper presence / absence or paper jam in the paper feed cassette 230 of the printer 102 is transmitted from the engine controller 105 to the video controller 103. A VDO signal 82 indicates bit data transmitted from the video controller 103.

  The general interface 90 includes a serial communication interface 91, an OPTRDY signal 92, a POUTT signal 93, a PFEDT signal 94, and a SPCNG signal 95.

  The three signals POUTT signal 93, PFEDT signal 94, and SPCNG signal 95 are output from the engine controller 105, passed through the video controller 103 via the video interface 80, and input to the option controller unit 106.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the figure, 401 is a panel interface (I / F) unit, which receives various settings and instructions from the operator from the panel unit 104 by data communication with the panel unit 104. A host interface (I / F) unit 402 is a signal input / output unit for the external device 101 such as a host computer. Reference numeral 406 denotes an engine interface (I / F) unit, which is a signal input unit with the engine controller 105 and transmits a data signal from an output buffer register (not shown) and controls communication with the engine controller 105.

  An image data generation unit 403 generates print information (bitmap data) for actual printing based on print data (code data) sent from the external device 101. An image memory 405 stores image data. Reference numeral 409 denotes a CPU which controls the entire video controller 103. Reference numeral 404 denotes a ROM that stores control codes for the CPU 409. Reference numeral 407 denotes a RAM which functions as a temporary storage unit used by the CPU 409. 410 is an EEPROM, which is composed of a nonvolatile memory medium.

  Reference numeral 408 denotes a DMA control unit that transfers bitmap data in the image memory to the engine interface unit 406 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 409. An option interface (I / F) unit 412 communicates with the option controller unit 106 in response to an instruction from the CPU 409. Further, the POUTT signal 93, the PFEDT signal 94, and the SPCNG signal 84 are sent from the engine interface unit 406 to the overall interface 90 through.

  A system bus 411 has an address bus and a data bus. Panel interface unit 401, host interface unit 402, image data generation unit 403, ROM 404, image memory 405, engine interface unit 406, RAM 407, DMA control unit 408, CPU 409, EEPROM 410, and option interface unit 412 are each connected to system bus 411. Thus, all functional units on the system bus 411 can be accessed.

  It is assumed that the control code for controlling the CPU 409 is composed of an OS that performs time-sharing control of a plurality of tasks (load modules) using a system clock (not shown) and a plurality of tasks that operate on a functional unit basis.

  The control operation of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following, the process (task) shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 is executed by the CPU 409 of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing optional control processing of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly corresponds to automatic paper discharge mode processing in which the discharge amount is automatically determined by detecting the stack amount of the discharge port and discharging. To do. In addition, (1)-(9) shows each step.

  First, from the engine controller 105 for the paper discharge unit (stack tray 213) of the printer 102, and from the option controller unit 106 for the optional paper discharge units (first paper discharge bin 251 to third paper discharge bin 253), When the status notification of each discharge port is received through the command status (the option controller unit 106 acquires the loading amount detected by the paper discharge sensors 251a, 252a, and 253a from the finisher controller 108a and notifies the video controller 103) (8) Then, based on the received status notification, it is determined whether or not the discharge port currently being output is full (1). If it is determined that the discharge port currently being output is not full, a discharge specification is made. Without changing, the process (5) and the printing process are continued by the normal scheduling (9).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the currently output outlets are full, the job breaks are based on the job information held by the scheduling task shown in FIG. Detect (2). Note that the job information held by the scheduling task is managed by a job ID for identifying the job, and it is determined whether or not there is a job break in the page processed by the schedule task. Detect.

  Here, if the break of the job cannot be detected in step (2), all the previous jobs have been printed, and the printing apparatus cannot determine the end of the job with a large number of pages. Cannot output all pages of the same job to the discharge outlet that is currently discharging them. Therefore, the output is changed to a discharge port that can be discharged immediately so that the discharge is changed to a discharge port that can discharge even if the job is not cut, and the job offset is specified for the first sheet. At that time, a shift designation is made such that only the first page to be output to another discharge port is shifted in a predetermined direction and discharged so that the user can know that a job has been discharged across a plurality of discharge ports. (6). Next, the process proceeds to step (9). In this case, even if the stapling process is set, the stapling process is not performed and a message indicating that the stapling process is not performed is displayed on the panel unit 104.

  On the other hand, when a job break is detected in step (2), the status of each page is acquired from the information table held by the scheduling task. This information includes the option I / F task shown in FIG. 9 described later immediately after the start of feeding of each page, during feeding in the feeding option, during printing, during feeding in the delivery option, during stapling, completion of delivery, etc. The information is monitored and acquired from the option controller unit 106.

  Based on this information, it is determined whether or not the job has moved to the job next to the job break detected in step (2) (there is no first page that has not started printing in the already scheduled page) ( 3) If it has not shifted to the next job (the first page that has not started printing among the pages already scheduled), specify the same non-exit until the job break detected in step (2) Then, a re-designation process is performed to change the discharge port for the first and subsequent pages that have not started printing, with the break of the job as a break (7), and the process proceeds to step (9). In other words, the contents (including the discharge port designation) already designated for the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105 are changed.

  On the other hand, in step (3), it is determined that the job has moved to the job following the job break detected in step (2) (there is no first page that has not started printing in the already scheduled page). In this case, the designation is changed to the discharge port that can be discharged from the head of the job to be scheduled, scheduling is performed (4), the printing process is performed again, the print result is discharged to the discharge port (9). In other words, the change designation is made to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105 from the beginning of the job to be designated (or the beginning of the job not designated to the option controller unit 106 and the engine controller 105), and the printing process is performed. Is to do.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a schedule redesignation process executed by the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 for the option controller unit 106 or the engine controller 105, and (1) to (7) show the steps. In the following processing, the engine I / F task (to be described later), the option I / F task (to be described later), the panel unit 104, the scheduling task, etc. are detected and specified for change, such as full load, panel value change, no paper, etc. I do. Here, a case where the conveyance change designation is performed will be described in particular.

  First, it compares the already specified content with the specified content from each task to determine whether re-designation is necessary (1). The specified content and the specified content from each task are If equal re-designation is not required, the process proceeds to step (5).

  On the other hand, if the designated content differs from the designated content from each task in step (1) and it is necessary to re-designate it, the transfer status management area in the shared memory secured in the option controller unit 106 is set. The contents designated in the above are temporarily saved in the RAM 407 (2). Next, a specification for canceling the already specified content is made to the option controller unit 106 (that is, the transfer status management area specification is cleared) (3), and the change content specified by each task is stepped. It is reflected in the designation saved in (2), the saved designation is corrected, the number of redesignated pages (the number of corrected pages) is calculated and stored in the RAM 407 (4).

  Next, it is determined whether there is a redesignated page calculated in step (4) (whether the number of redesignated pages is “0”), and there is no redesignated page (the number of redesignated pages is “0”). "), The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that there is a re-designated page (the number of re-designated pages is not “0”), the specifiable state is determined based on the status notification transmitted from the option controller unit 106. (6) If it is determined that designation is possible, the option controller unit 106 (conveyance status management area) is designated based on the designation information saved in step (2) and the number of redesignated pages calculated in step (4). The schedule is designated again (7), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the designation is impossible, the system waits for the designation possible state. It should be noted that the state that cannot be redesignated corresponds to a state in which print processing is being performed on a previously designated page.

  The paper discharge control process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is actually executed by a plurality of tasks, and each task will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a scheduling task process in which the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 performs scheduling based on print data transferred from the external apparatus 101. In addition, (1)-(5) shows each step.

  First, it is determined whether or not the print data (print data) from the external device 101 such as the host computer is received by the host I / F unit 402 (1), and if the print data is received, the received print data is received. The page information and print information are created based on (2). Next, based on the page information and print information created in step (2), printing is designated for an engine I / F task shown in FIG. 8 described later and an option I / F task shown in FIG. 9 described later. Each task designates printing for the engine controller 105 and the option controller unit 106 (3). Next, from the engine I / F task and the option I / F task, for example, when the completion of discharge of a page that has already started printing is monitored and a completion notification is received (4), page information and printing regarding the completed page are received. The information is discarded, the state update process of the designated page for creating an empty state of the image memory 405 is performed (5), and the process returns to the reception determination process of step (1). On the other hand, if there is no completion notification in step (4), the process returns to the reception determination process in step (1).

  On the other hand, if no new print data is received from the external device 101 such as the host computer in step (1), only the status update process for the designated page in step (4) is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the engine I / F task for executing printing based on the page information and print information created by the scheduling task shown in FIG. In addition, (1)-(4) shows each step.

  First, the engine I / F task monitors the status of the printer 102 (printing is possible, etc.), monitors abnormalities (no paper, doors open, paper jams, etc.), and notifies the necessary tasks (1). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a print designation from the scheduling task (2). If it is determined that there is a print designation, the print designation is made to the engine controller 105 via the engine I / F unit 406, and printing is performed. The process is executed (3). Further, through the option I / F task shown in FIG. 9, status notifications such as paper feed start and print start are sent to the option controller 106 (4), and the process returns to step (1).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that there is no print designation from the scheduling task, the process proceeds to a state notification process in step (4).

  FIG. 9 shows the monitoring of the page state specified by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 7 and the option I / F task for notifying the option controller unit 106 of information redesignated from the engine I / F task and other tasks. It is a flowchart explaining a process. In addition, (1)-(6) shows each step.

  First, the presence / absence of a page designated for printing by the scheduling task is determined (1). If it is determined that there is no page designated for printing, the process proceeds to step (3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is a page designated for printing by the scheduling task, the status of the page designated for printing is monitored. Then, it is notified that the information can be discarded (2).

  Next, abnormalities such as the absence of options, paper jam, full paper, etc. are monitored, and necessary tasks are notified, and operator call display, redesignation execution, etc. are instructed (3). Also, status monitoring of options, for example, the status of the remaining amount of paper for the paper feed option, the stacking amount of the paper delivery option, the remaining amount of staples, etc. is monitored and updated, and the necessary tasks are notified (4). Next, upon receiving a re-designation notification from the engine I / F task or the like, it is determined whether or not there is re-designated data (page) (5). Based on the designation data, re-designation is executed for the option controller unit 106 via the option I / F unit 412 (6), and the process returns to step (1).

  On the other hand, if a re-designation notification is received from the engine I / F task or the like in step (5) and it is determined that there is no re-designation data (page), the process returns to step (1).

  The engine I / F task executes print processing based on the re-designation in step (6).

  With the above processing, the output result of the same job can be discharged so as not to straddle a plurality of discharge ports, and the user can be prevented from forgetting his / her output result.

  In addition, even when the output result of the same job is discharged across multiple discharge ports, the user can make the discharge straddle multiple discharge ports by shifting the paper and discharging it to the next discharge port. You can be informed.

  Further, when performing stapling or the like, it is possible to always execute the staple output of the unit desired by the user, not the staple output halfway due to the discharge port movement due to full load.

  In addition, an option controller unit 106 is provided between the video controller 103 and the engine controller 105 to collectively control a plurality of various option units and give commands to the engine controller 105. The video controller 103 instructs the option controller unit 106 to Thus, various option units can be used without increasing the cost of the engine controller 105.

  Furthermore, by connecting option units with a unified option unit interface 70 and identifying and controlling the option units by ID, the versatility of connection of option units can be enhanced.

  Further, each option unit has character data, image data, etc. as ROM data, and displays or prints using the data in a display or printer state, thereby reducing the load on the video controller 105.

  Furthermore, a virtual unit is formed by logically combining a plurality of option units as a single unit, and a wide variety of usage forms can be provided by an external device or an operator.

  Further, by providing the display unit in the option unit itself, the information can be easily understood by the user and the risk of malfunction can be reduced.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller 103 secured in a RAM provided in the option controller unit 106 shown in FIG.

  The video controller 103 specifies each option device via the shared memory.

  As described above, it is possible to eliminate the complicated work of searching for the user's own discharge results from a large number of discharge results and a plurality of discharge ports, and to easily obtain the user's output results.

[Second Embodiment]
The control operation of the image forming apparatus showing the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following, the processes (tasks) shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 are executed by the CPU 409 of the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 based on a program stored in the ROM 404 or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a scheduling task process in which the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 performs scheduling based on print data transferred from the external device 101. In addition, (1)-(5) shows each step.

  First, it is determined whether or not the print data is received by the host I / F unit 402 from the external device 101 such as the host computer (1). If the print data is received, the page information is based on the received print data. And print information is created (2). This page information includes outlet information. In this scheduling task, unless there is an instruction from another task, it is discharged to the same discharge port as the preceding sheet (recording paper).

  Next, based on the page information and print information created in step (2), printing is designated for an engine I / F task shown in FIG. 12 described later and an option I / F task shown in FIG. Each task designates printing for the engine controller 105 and the option controller unit 106 (3). This print designation is performed regardless of the job break. Prior to the image forming operation by the engine controller 105, the scheduling task creates page information and print information based on the print data transferred from the external device 101, and print information expanded into a bitmap image in the image memory 405. Do as much as you can remember. Therefore, the engine I / F task and the option I / F task hold scheduled page information for several pages on which no image is formed.

  Next, from the engine I / F task and the option I / F task, for example, the completion of discharge of a page that has already started printing is monitored. When a completion notification is received (4), page information and printing regarding the completed page are received. The information is discarded, the state update process of the designated page for creating an empty state of the image memory 405 is performed (5), and the process returns to the reception determination process of step (1).

  On the other hand, if no new print data is received from the external device 101 such as the host computer in step (1), only the specified page status update process in step (4) is performed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the engine I / F task for executing printing based on the page information and print information created by the scheduling task shown in FIG. In addition, (1)-(4) shows each step.

  First, the engine I / F task monitors the status of the printer 102 (printing is possible, etc.), monitors abnormalities (no paper, doors open, paper jams, etc.), and notifies the necessary tasks (1). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a print designation from the scheduling task (2). If it is determined that there is a print designation, the print designation is made to the engine controller 105 via the engine I / F unit 406, and printing is performed. The process is executed (3). Further, through an option I / F task shown in FIG. 13 to be described later, status notification such as paper feed start and print start is sent to the option controller unit (4), and the process returns to step (1).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is no print designation from the scheduling task, the process proceeds to a state notification process in step (4).

  13 shows an option I / F task for notifying the option controller unit 106 of re-designated information (to be described later) from the monitoring of the page state designated by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 11 and the engine interface task and other tasks. It is a flowchart explaining a process. In addition, (1)-(6) shows each step.

  First, the presence / absence of a page designated for printing by the scheduling task is determined (1). If it is determined that there is no page designated for printing, the process proceeds to step (3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is a page designated for printing by the scheduling task, the status of the page designated for printing is monitored. Then, it is notified that the information can be discarded (2).

  Next, abnormalities such as the absence of options, paper jam, full paper, etc. are monitored, and necessary tasks are notified, and operator call display, redesignation execution, etc. are instructed (3). Also, status monitoring of options, for example, the status of the remaining amount of paper for the paper feed option, the stacking amount of the paper delivery option, the remaining amount of staples, etc. is monitored and updated, and the necessary tasks are notified (4). Next, upon receiving a re-designation notification (to be described later) from the engine I / F task or the like, it is determined whether or not there is re-designated data (page) (5), and if it is determined that there is re-designated data (page) Based on the redesignation data, redesignation is executed for the option controller unit 106 via the option I / F unit 412, and the process returns to step (1).

  On the other hand, if a re-designation notification is received from the engine I / F task or the like in step (5) and it is determined that there is no re-designation data (page), the process returns to step (1).

  The engine I / F task executes print processing based on the re-designation in step (6).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing optional control processing of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly corresponds to automatic paper discharge mode processing in which the discharge amount is automatically determined by detecting the stack amount of the discharge port and discharging. To do. In addition, (1)-(9) shows each step.

  First, from the engine controller 105 for the paper discharge unit (stack tray 213) of the printer 102, and from the option controller unit 106 for the optional paper discharge units (first paper discharge bin 251 to third paper discharge bin 253), When the status notification of each discharge port is received through the command status (the option controller unit 106 has acquired the load amount detected by the paper discharge sensors 251S, 252S, and 253S from the finisher controller 108a and notified the video controller 103) (8) Then, based on the received state notification, it is determined whether or not the discharge port (stacking unit such as a stacking tray or a discharge bin) currently being output is full (1).

  The criterion for determining whether or not the stacking unit such as the stacking tray and the discharge bin is full is as follows. When it is detected that the sheets subjected to stapling are stacked, it is determined that the stacked sheets are full when it is detected that the height of the stacked sheets is 44 mm.

  Note that each time the staple processing is executed, the CPU 409 displays a history of staple processing indicating which paper discharge outlet (stacking unit such as a stacking tray or a discharge bin) is stapled and how many sheets are stacked. It is stored and managed in the EEPROM 410. The staple history is cleared when the user removes the stapled paper from the stacking unit.

  Therefore, the full load determination is made based on the stacking amount of the stacking unit and the staple history notified from the option controller unit 106.

  Note that the standard for determining the full load is considered so that dozens of sheets can be loaded in the bin even after the full load determination, and depends on the structure of the bin, and is limited to the above-described 88 mm and 44 mm. Instead, it may be obtained from the paper discharge option 108 via the option controller unit 106.

  If it is determined in step (1) that the discharge outlet (loading unit) currently being output is not full, the page information already scheduled in the scheduling task of FIG. 11 is not changed (the discharge outlet is changed). (5) The printing process is executed (9). While the scheduling is not changed, the job is discharged to the same discharge port (loading unit) even if the job changes to the next job.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the discharge ports (stacking units) currently being output are full, it is determined whether all pages of the job being image-formed have been scheduled (2). If it is determined in step (2) that all the pages of the job currently being executed have not been scheduled, the discharge is performed by changing the designation to another discharge port (loading unit) instead of the job break. As described above, the scheduled page information is changed (however, the scheduling is not changed for the page that has started feeding).

  At that time, only the first page to be output to another discharge port (loading unit) is specified to be shifted in a predetermined direction and discharged, and the user is notified that the job has been discharged across multiple discharge ports. Make it understandable (6). Next, the process proceeds to step (9). In this case, even if the stapling process is set, the stapling process is not performed and a message indicating that the stapling process is not performed is displayed on the panel unit 104.

  As described above, when the apparatus cannot determine how many sheets are discharged from the time when the full job is detected until the current job is completed (that is, when the last page of the current job cannot be recognized). Controls so as not to continue discharging paper to the full discharge port (stacking unit) (that is, controls to discharge the sheet of this job to another discharge port (stacking unit) during the job) ).

  On the other hand, if all pages of the job currently being executed have been scheduled in step (2), it is determined whether or not the next job is being fed (3).

  This is because, as described above, when several stages of paper feed system option units are stacked and scheduling for feeding paper from a unit away from the printer 102 is set for the next job, This is a step for responding to the control of feeding paper before completion. In other words, even if the job being executed is not completed, if the feeding of the next job by the option controller 106 has started, the scheduling cannot be changed, so at least the sheet (sheet) of the first page of the next job is not stored. The outlet cannot be changed. Accordingly, in such a case, rescheduling is performed so as to change the discharge port (discharged stacking unit) of the next job.

  If it is determined in step (3) that feeding of the next job has not yet started, the scheduling for the job currently being executed for image formation is not changed, and the discharge port (discharge) for the next job is not changed. Rescheduling to change the loading unit) (7). In step (9), printing is executed. That is, until the paper (sheet) of the job in which image formation is being executed is discharged, the discharge continues with the current discharge port (stacking portion) even after the full load is detected. Therefore, one job does not extend over a plurality of discharge ports (stacking units).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that the next job has already been fed, the scheduling of the next job is not changed without changing the scheduling for the current job and the next job. Reschedule to change the outlet of the minute (loading section to be discharged). In step (9), printing is executed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the rescheduling executed by the video controller 103 shown in FIG. 4 for the option controller unit 106 or the engine controller 105, and (1) to (7) show each step.

  The processing shown below includes the engine I / F task shown in FIG. 12, the option I / F task shown in FIG. 13, the panel unit 104, the scheduling task shown in FIG. Change and designation of change are detected. Here, in particular, the case where the conveyance change designation is performed will be described.

  First, it compares the already specified content with the specified content from each task to determine whether re-designation is necessary (1). The specified content and the specified content from each task are If equal re-designation is not required, the process proceeds to step (5).

  On the other hand, if the designated content differs from the designated content from each task in step (1) and it is necessary to re-designate it, the transfer status management area in the shared memory secured in the option controller unit 106 is set. The contents designated in the above are temporarily saved in the RAM 407 (2). Next, a specification for canceling the already specified content is made to the option controller unit 106 (that is, the transfer status management area specification is cleared) (3), and the change content specified by each task is stepped. It is reflected in the designation saved in (2), the saved designation is corrected, the number of redesignated pages (the number of corrected pages) is calculated and stored in the RAM 407 (4). Next, it is determined whether there is a redesignated page calculated in step (4) (whether the number of redesignated pages is “0”), and there is no redesignated page (the number of redesignated pages is “0”). "), The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that there is a re-designated page (the number of re-designated pages is not “0”), the specifiable state is determined based on the status notification transmitted from the option controller unit 106. (6) If it is determined that designation is possible, the option controller unit 106 (conveyance status management area) is designated based on the designation information saved in step (2) and the number of redesignated pages calculated in step (4). The schedule is designated again (7), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the designation is impossible, the system waits for the designation possible state. It should be noted that the state that cannot be redesignated corresponds to a state in which print processing is being performed on a previously designated page.

  As described above, when it is detected that the loading amount of the predetermined stacking unit has reached a predetermined amount while the sheets of the first job are continuously discharged to the predetermined stacking unit, The remaining sheets of one job are also discharged to the predetermined stacking unit, and the sheets of the second job to be performed next to the first job are controlled to be discharged to another stacking unit. This prevents the delivery destination from being changed in the middle of a job and prevents forgetting to remove a sheet, which is likely to occur when one job's sheets are delivered to multiple stackers. it can.

  With the above processing, the output result of the same job can be discharged so as not to straddle a plurality of discharge ports, and the user can be prevented from forgetting his / her output result.

  In addition, even when the output result of the same job is discharged across multiple discharge ports, the user can make the discharge straddle multiple discharge ports by shifting the paper and discharging it to the next discharge port. You can be informed.

  Further, when performing stapling or the like, it is possible to always execute the staple output of the unit desired by the user, not the staple output halfway due to the discharge port movement due to full load.

  In addition, an option controller unit 106 is provided between the video controller 103 and the engine controller 105 to collectively control a plurality of various option units and give commands to the engine controller 105. The video controller 103 instructs the option controller unit 106 to Thus, various option units can be used without increasing the cost of the engine controller 105.

  Furthermore, by connecting option units with a unified option unit interface 70 and identifying and controlling the option units by ID, the versatility of connection of option units can be enhanced.

  Further, each option unit has character data, image data, etc. as ROM data, and displays or prints using the data in a display or printer state, thereby reducing the load on the video controller 105.

  Furthermore, a virtual unit is formed by logically combining a plurality of option units as a single unit, and a wide variety of usage forms can be provided by an external device or an operator.

  Further, by providing the display unit in the option unit itself, the information can be easily understood by the user and the risk of malfunction can be reduced.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, when it is determined that the discharging outlets (stacking portions such as a stacking tray and a discharge bin) that are being output are full, a plurality of sheets discharged by the job are a plurality of outlets. Rescheduling to change the discharge port of the next job (or the next next job) so as not to be divided and discharged (steps (4) and (7) in FIG. 5 and step (4) in FIG. 14) , (7)) has been described, but it is based on the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked in a discharge port (stacking unit such as a stacking tray or a discharge bin) and the number of sheets discharged by a job (one job). In order to prevent a plurality of sheets discharged by the job from being divided into a plurality of discharge ports, the plurality of sheets discharged by the job are discharged in advance to any one discharge port. Scheduling tasks may be configured to create each page information of the job (Step 7 (2), Step (2) of FIG. 11).

  The “maximum stacking capacity of sheets that can be stacked at the discharge port” is the detection standard for the full load of sheets stacked in each bin (about 700 sheets for normal sheets and about 350 sheets for stapled sheets). And

  Further, the scheduling task adds up the number of sheets discharged by each job of a plurality of jobs that are sequentially executed, and while the integrated value does not exceed the “maximum stacking amount of sheets that can be stacked at the discharge port”, As long as there is no instruction | indication from another task, you may comprise so that it may discharge | emit to the same discharge port as a preceding job.

  As described above, a plurality of output results (sheets) of one job (each job of a plurality of jobs executed sequentially) are divided into the predetermined discharge port and the other discharge port according to the maximum load capacity of the predetermined discharge port. So that the output result of one job (a plurality of jobs) is discharged to either one of the discharge port or the other discharge port so that the output result of one job is a plurality of stacks. Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to take the output result, and to allow the predetermined stacking unit to stack the maximum output result.

  Therefore, even when executing the automatic paper discharge mode that continuously outputs a large amount of printing results to an empty discharge port (stack section), the output result of one job is not discharged across a plurality of stack sections. , It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to take the output result, and to allow the maximum stacking of the output result to be performed on a predetermined stacking unit, and the stacking unit such as the image forming apparatus main body or the paper discharge option device is effective. It can be used for.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the description has been given of the case where the determination of the discharge port for discharging the paper is made based only on the loading amount of the discharge port. A determination may be made based on the discharge port to be discharged.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the timing for switching the discharge port is described only in the automatic discharge mode in which the discharge amount is detected by automatically detecting the stack amount of the discharge port, and discharging is performed. In the fixed paper discharge mode in which the paper discharge port is explicitly specified, a full operator call is displayed on the panel unit 104 at the timing shown above to determine whether to prompt the user's intervention (designation of the discharge port). May be.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the case where a job break is detected is described based on only job information obtained from data received by a scheduling task. However, the number of job pages as control data from an external device in advance is described. Even before receiving all the print data, it may be configured so that it can be determined where each job breaks (how many pages ahead the job breaks).

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, the input print information is analyzed for each job, the scheduling task performs scheduling based on the sequence of the printer 102, and the discharge option device 108 is instructed for each job. Although the description has been given of the case where the discharge port for discharging the paper is designated, the printing process is performed, the full discharge of the discharge port is detected, the rescheduling is performed to change the discharge port, and the discharge port is redesignated. The paper supply source that feeds paper for each job to the paper supply option device 107 (the printer main body, the paper supply source of the paper supply option device that can be mounted in a stack at the bottom of the printer 102 main body) Print processing, and rescheduling to change the paper source when the remaining amount of recording paper is insufficient (same or It may be configured to the size of the paper made to re-specify the feedable) paper source.

  Further, the paper feed option device that can be mounted in the lower part of the printer 102 is not limited to the large-capacity paper deck option unit 107 shown in FIG. 2, but has a plurality of paper cassettes and a plurality of types of paper. An apparatus that can selectively feed paper may be used.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case where the output result of the same job is discharged across a plurality of discharge ports has been described for the case where the paper is shifted and discharged to the next discharge port. When the output result by the printer is discharged across multiple outlets, the paper is reversed by the reversing roller and discharged to the next outlet. It may be configured to notify the user, or the feeding direction (short side feed, long side feed) of the paper to be fed is changed to notify the user that the discharge extends over a plurality of discharge ports. You may comprise as follows.

  The image recording apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention are not limited to electrophotographic printers such as laser beam printers, and needless to say, may be printers of other printing systems such as sublimation type and ink jet type. . Although the case where two optional units are connected has been described, more optional units can be connected, and the functions of the optional units may be shared by the main body.

  Through the above processing, the output result of the same job can be discharged so as not to cross a plurality of discharge ports, and the user is less likely to forget his / her output result. In addition, even when the output result of the same job is discharged across multiple discharge ports, the user can make the discharge straddle multiple discharge ports by shifting the paper and discharging it to the next discharge port. You can be informed.

  Further, when performing stapling or the like, it is possible to always execute the staple output of the unit desired by the user, not the staple output halfway due to the discharge port movement due to full load.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, when detecting the stacking amounts of the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253 of the discharge option device 108, each discharge bin has a sensor (discharge stacking amount). Although an example in which the detection sensors 251S to 253S) are provided to detect the stack amount of each discharge bin has been described, only one sensor is provided near the discharge port, and each bin is moved to detect the stack amount of each bin. You may comprise as follows. The embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a laser beam printer to which the image recording apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The same components as those in FIG. It is.

  In the drawing, reference numeral 261 denotes a discharge stack amount detection sensor that detects the stack amount of recording sheets discharged to the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253 that are raised and lowered by a bin lifting motor 260.

  Note that the discharge stack amount detection sensor 261 is a height sensor, and the height of the recording sheets stacked on the first discharge bin 251 to the third discharge bin 253 is, for example, 88 mm (corresponding to about 700 sheets). When reaching (detected), the finisher controller 108a notifies the video controller 103 of the full load via the option controller unit 106.

  The first paper discharge bin 251 to the third paper discharge bin 253 can stack approximately 700 sheets in each bin, that is, approximately 2000 sheets in 3 bins. However, when stapled sheets are stacked. Since there is a risk of collapsing when the bin is moved by the bin lifting motor 260, the standard for detecting the full load of paper loaded in each bin is 44 mm, which is half of the normal value (88 mm in this case).

  With the above configuration, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by reducing the cost by the configuration in which the stack amount of the discharged paper stacked in a plurality of bins is detected by only one sensor.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like is used. it can.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the video controller shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing option control processing of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a schedule re-designation process executed by the video controller shown in FIG. 4 for an option controller unit or an engine controller. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a scheduling task in which the video controller shown in FIG. 4 performs scheduling based on print data (print data) transferred from an external device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of an engine I / F task that executes printing based on page information created by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of an option I / F task for monitoring the page state specified by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 7 and notifying the option controller unit of information redesignated from the engine I / F task and other tasks. It is. It is a schematic diagram of a shared memory with the video controller ensured in RAM provided in the option controller part shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a scheduling task in which the video controller shown in FIG. 4 performs scheduling based on print data transferred from an external device. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an engine I / F task that executes printing based on page information created by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the page status specified by the scheduling task shown in FIG. 11 and processing of the option I / F task for notifying the option controller unit of information redesignated from the engine I / F task and other systems. It is. 6 is a flowchart showing option control processing of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a schedule re-designation process executed by the video controller shown in FIG. 4 for an option controller unit or an engine controller. It is sectional drawing explaining the structure of the image recording device which shows 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the conventional image recording apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 External device 102 Laser beam printer 103 Video controller 104 Panel part 105 Engine controller 106 Option controller part 107 Paper feed option apparatus (paper deck unit)
107a Paper deck controller (large capacity cassette controller)
108 Output Option Device (Finisher Unit)
108a Finisher controller (large capacity stacker controller)
109 Control unit

Claims (21)

An image forming system for outputting a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus to a stacking unit,
If the stacking amount of the stacking unit reaches a predetermined stacking amount while the sheets of the first job are being output to the stacking unit, the remaining sheets of the first job are output to the stacking unit. An image forming system comprising: control means for controlling the sheet of the second job executed next to the first job not to be output to the stacking means. An image forming system for outputting a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus to a stacking unit,
If the stacking amount of the stacking unit reaches a predetermined stacking amount while the sheets of the first job are being output to the stacking unit, the remaining sheets of the first job are output to the stacking unit. And a control unit that controls to output a sheet of a second job executed next to the first job to another stacking unit different from the stacking unit without outputting the sheet to the stacking unit. An image forming system.   The control means outputs the sheets of the second job to the stacking means when all the sheets of the first job are output to the stacking means when the stacking means does not reach the predetermined stacking amount. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is scheduled to be output.   The control means schedules the sheets of the second job to be output to the stacking means, and when the stacking means reaches the predetermined stacking amount, the sheets of the second job are loaded in the stacking means. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system reschedules the output to another stacking unit different from the unit.   The control unit is configured to start feeding the second job sheet when the predetermined stacking amount is reached while outputting the first job sheet to the stacking unit. The second job sheet is scheduled to be output to the stacking means, and the sheet of the third job executed next to the second job is output to another stacking means different from the stacking means. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.   When the last page of the first job is unrecognizable, the control unit cannot recognize the first job sheet in the middle of the first job. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is controlled so as to output the image. An image forming system for outputting a sheet image formed by an image forming apparatus to a first stacking unit or a second stacking unit,
In order to prevent a plurality of sheets output by executing one job from being divided and output to the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit, the maximum stacking amount of the first stacking unit And a control unit that controls to output a sheet for the one job to any one of the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit. system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit performs control so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are output to the first stacking unit according to a maximum stacking amount of the first stacking unit. system. An image forming system for outputting a sheet image formed by an image forming apparatus to a first stacking unit or a second stacking unit,
The stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the first stacking unit reaches a predetermined amount while continuously outputting the plurality of sheets formed with the image forming apparatus to the first stacking unit. According to the output means, the output means for continuously outputting the sheet to the second stacking means,
When the sheet output to the second stacking unit by the output unit is part of the same job as the sheet stacked on the first stacking unit, it is prohibited to perform a stapling process on the sheet. And an image forming system. An image forming system control method for outputting a sheet image formed by an image forming apparatus to a stacking unit,
If the stacking amount of the stacking unit reaches a predetermined stacking amount while the sheets of the first job are being output to the stacking unit, the remaining sheets of the first job are output to the stacking unit. A control method for an image forming system, wherein control is performed so that a sheet of a second job executed next to the first job is not output to the stacking unit. An image forming system control method for outputting a sheet image formed by an image forming apparatus to a stacking unit,
If the stacking amount of the stacking unit reaches a predetermined stacking amount while the sheets of the first job are being output to the stacking unit, the remaining sheets of the first job are output to the stacking unit. The second job sheet to be executed next to the first job is controlled not to be output to the stacking unit but to another stacking unit different from the stacking unit. A method for controlling an image forming system.   If all the sheets of the first job are output to the stacking unit, and the stacking unit does not reach the predetermined stacking amount, the sheet of the second job is scheduled to be output to the stacking unit. 12. The image forming system control method according to claim 10, wherein the image forming system is controlled.   The second job sheet is scheduled to be output to the stacking unit, and the second job sheet differs from the stacking unit in response to the stacking unit reaching the predetermined stacking amount. 13. The control method for an image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the scheduling is performed again so as to output to the stacking unit.   When feeding of the second job sheet is started when the predetermined stacking amount is reached while outputting the sheet of the first job to the stacking unit, the second job 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is scheduled to be output to the stacking unit, and the sheet of the third job executed next to the second job is output to another stacking unit different from the stacking unit. The method of controlling an image forming system according to claim 10.   When the last page of the first job cannot be recognized, the first job sheet is output to another stacking unit different from the stacking unit in the middle of the first job. 15. The method of controlling an image forming system according to claim 10, wherein control is performed. An image forming system control method for outputting a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus to a first stacking unit or a second stacking unit,
In order to prevent a plurality of sheets output by executing one job from being divided and output to the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit, the maximum stacking amount of the first stacking unit In accordance with the control method, the image forming system is controlled so that one of the first stacking unit and the second stacking unit outputs the sheet for the one job.   17. The image forming system control method according to claim 16, wherein control is performed so that sheets of a plurality of jobs are output to the first stacking unit in accordance with a maximum stacking amount of the first stacking unit. An image forming system control method for outputting a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus to a first stacking unit or a second stacking unit,
The stacking amount of the sheets stacked on the first stacking unit reaches a predetermined amount while continuously outputting the plurality of sheets formed with the image forming apparatus to the first stacking unit. In response to this, the sheet is continuously output to the second stacking means,
When the sheet output to the second stacking unit is part of the same job as the sheet stacked on the first stacking unit, the stapling process is prohibited from being performed on the sheet. Image forming system control method.   An image forming apparatus that executes the control method for an image forming system according to claim 10.   A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the image forming system control method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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