JP2008012755A - Image forming system and image formation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem wherein the ease of use of a user is damaged if an aftertreatment is forcibly released when an aftertreatment prohibition rule is laid in a job with staple processing and punching processing set therein. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system equipped with an image forming apparatus and an aftertreatment apparatus is preliminarily given proper setting as a behavior when the aftertreatment prohibition rule is generated. When an aftertreatment becomes NG, on the basis of the proper setting, the system continues printing by releasing the aftertreatment (steps S20 and S22) or produces an error by stopping the printing (step S18). The user arbitrarily determines the proper setting, so that the user can control the operation of the system optimally when the aftertreatment prohibition rule is laid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming system capable of forming an image by a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a complex machine combining these, and performing some post-processing on a sheet onto which the image has been transferred and discharging it. Regarding the method.

  As a prior art related to this type of image forming system or image forming method, an image forming apparatus having a finisher function for performing stapling, punching, or the like on a sheet discharged to a sheet discharge unit is known (for example, (See Patent Document 1). In this prior art, the mechanism for stapling and punching can be moved within the movement range set in the paper discharge unit, so that even if the paper size is different, the stapling mechanism or punching mechanism is moved to an appropriate position on the paper. It is possible to respond by moving.

  In the above prior art, it is possible to instruct the print command data to include an instruction for discharging the paper on which the image has been formed to the paper discharge unit and stapling the paper, or opening a punch hole in the paper. The contents instructed by the print command data include information such as a staple position when stapling the paper and a punch position when punching holes.

Further, in the above prior art, when the designated staple position is outside the movement range of the staple mechanism, or when the punch position is outside the movement range of the punch mechanism, the staple instruction or the punch instruction itself is obtained from the print command data. It is supposed to be deleted automatically. For this reason, according to the prior art, it is possible to avoid the printing stop or the inoperability due to the excessive stapling instruction or punching instruction, and to forcibly advance the printing process.
Japanese Patent No. 3766164

  When the above-described prior art is viewed as a machine, it can be considered that it is effective in that the progress of the printing process is not delayed even if an unreasonable instruction is received and the operation efficiency is not lowered. However, when this is viewed from the user side, even though the user has surely performed the stapling instruction or punching process, if the machine actually ignores the instruction and completes only the printing process, the user It is impossible to immediately understand whether or not the user's instruction is ignored, and a sense of discomfort or distrust with the machine may occur. In an extreme case, the user may misunderstand that the machine is out of order.

  In the prior art, if it is impossible to perform stapling instructions or punch processing, the instructions are unilaterally deleted by the machine so as to pursue operational efficiency. For this reason, the staple binding and punch punching desired by the user are completely ignored, and there is a problem that the user's convenience is lacking. It is necessary to reset the setting and perform the work again, which rather deteriorates the efficiency.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of realizing a balance between work efficiency and usability improvement.

  The present invention provides an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. The present invention also provides an image forming method. The image forming method of the present invention is executed with the operation of the image forming system according to the first invention.

  The image forming apparatus of the system has a function of processing image data for each page, transferring an image formed based on the processed image data to a sheet, and discharging the sheet. Further, the post-processing apparatus receives the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus and performs either a predetermined post-processing on the paper to discharge the post-processed paper or the post-processing without discharging. It has a function to execute such an operation. Examples of post-processing for a sheet on which an image has been transferred include, but are not limited to, a stapling process for stapling a bundle of sheets and a punching process for opening a filing punch hole in a sheet.

  In the image forming system of the present invention, it is possible to set whether or not post-processing should be performed for each job unit in which image data processing and image forming operation based on the image data processing are performed. When a predetermined failure occurs in the post-processing during the execution of the operation for forming an image with the post-processing set, the system causes the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus to execute a specific operation set in advance. This solves the above problem.

  Problems related to post-processing include, for example, stapling for staple binding, excess number of sheets, incompatibility of paper size and paper type, etc., punch punch fullness for punch punching, incompatibility of paper size and paper type, etc. However, it is not limited to these. In any case, when an event that causes some trouble in the image forming system in performing post-processing occurs, the behavior (behavior) of the subsequent system is a unique operation set in advance.

  If, for example, a content that emphasizes improvement in mechanical efficiency is set as the unique operation at this time, the behavior of the system cancels the setting for post-processing and gives priority to the image forming operation. On the other hand, if the contents that place importance on the convenience of the user are set as unique operations, the behavior of the system is to inform the user that a post-processing failure has occurred by stopping the image forming operation. Become.

  The user (or system administrator, etc.) can arbitrarily select in advance when operating the system which content to set the unique operation. Therefore, when the user thinks that it is beneficial to operate the system with priority on work efficiency, the user can set a specific action with the contents corresponding to it, and there is a problem in post-processing on the contrary If it is more convenient for the system to stop the operation, it is possible not only to pursue the efficiency as a machine but also to the user because it is possible to set a specific operation with the contents according to it. The system can be operated while improving convenience for the user.

  The image forming system of the present invention has a separate independent aspect. The basic configuration of the system is an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. However, in an independent mode, when a job for which post-processing is set is executed, the contents of an operation to be performed by the system when a failure occurs in the job are described. Can be set individually.

  According to the independent aspect of the present invention, for a job for which post-processing is set by the user, the user can set an individual operation when a failure occurs in advance for each job. There are two types of settings related to individual operations. The first is to cancel the post-processing setting when a failure occurs and continue the operation of forming an image. The second content is that an operation for forming an image is stopped to generate an error state, and an instruction from the user is awaited for the subsequent operation of the system. For this reason, when the user wants to prioritize the work efficiency in units of jobs, the first setting can be selected. Conversely, when the user wants to improve convenience, the second setting can be selected.

  Further, in the independent mode of the image forming system, the following features are added when the second setting is selected as the individual setting. In other words, when a failure occurs for a job for which post-processing is set and an error state occurs as a result, the post-processing set for the job is canceled and image formation by the image forming apparatus is continued. Alternatively, it is possible to selectively instruct whether to change the post-processing condition set in the job and execute the post-processing by the post-processing apparatus.

  In this case, it is possible to make the user recognize that some kind of failure has occurred regarding post-processing due to the occurrence of an error state. Then, the user's convenience is improved by asking the user whether to cancel the post-processing and give priority to the work anyway, or to change the conditions related to the setting of the post-processing and to execute the post-processing. It can be greatly improved.

  In the image forming system and the image forming method of the present invention, the operation (behavior) of the system when a failure occurs in post-processing is set in advance, thereby improving work efficiency and improving user convenience. Can be. For this reason, both can be realized in a balanced manner without sacrificing one of work efficiency or usability.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming system of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing apparatus 4. The image forming system operates in a state in which the post-processing apparatus 4 is connected adjacent to the image forming apparatus 2 in the paper discharge direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 4 are equipped with an image forming control unit 120 and a post-processing control unit 250, respectively. These control units 120 and 250 are composed of, for example, an electronic circuit provided with a central processing unit (CPU), and the electronic circuit is formed on the circuit board in the image forming apparatus 2 or the post-processing apparatus 4. Each is built-in. In addition, storage units 130 and 280 are connected to the control units 120 and 250, respectively. These storage units 130 and 280 have a storage device (ROM, RAM), a mass storage device (hard disk), and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 2, data set by operating the operation / display unit 110 is stored in the storage unit 130 via the image formation control unit 120. This setting includes paper size, type and feeding direction, document density, frame erasing, binding margin, 4-in-1 aggregation processing, and the like, and image processing is performed according to each setting. The time required for image processing by the image forming apparatus 2 depends on the contents of this setting. A storage unit 130 coupled to the image formation control unit 120 stores a multi-function application program that performs multi-thread processing.

  For example, in image processing involving copying of a document, a document is placed on the tray 140 of the auto sheet feeder 400, and when a user presses a start button (not shown) of the operation / display unit 110, the operation is performed. The following processing is performed. First, when the paper sensor 143 built in the auto sheet feeder 400 detects a document sheet, the auto sheet feeder 400 feeds the documents one by one and discharges them, and the scanner 144 scans the document image along the way. Is done. The image data read at this time is stored in the storage unit 130 via the image formation control unit 120 in units of one job.

  The image formation control unit 120 performs preprocessing such as image noise removal on the image data, performs image processing according to various settings, and supplies the data to the print engine 150 for each page. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum of the print engine 150, and this is developed with toner.

  On the other hand, inside the image forming apparatus 2, the sheet taken out from the sheet feeding unit 160 is sent to the registration roller 170 and is temporarily stopped here. When the photosensitive drum of the print engine 150 reaches a predetermined rotation angle, the sheet is conveyed again by the registration roller 170 at this timing, and thereby the toner image is transferred to the sheet. The sheet is heated and pressurized through the fixing device 180, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred becomes a transfer sheet, and the transfer sheet is discharged between the pair of upper and lower discharge rollers 191 and delivered to the post-processing device 4.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view in front sectional view for explaining the internal structure of the post-processing device 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing device 4 punches a filing hole on the transfer paper P (punching process), and binds the temporarily stocked paper bundle P1 with staples (binding needles). (Staple processing). The transfer paper P that has been subjected to such punching and binding is discharged from the post-processing device 4 as post-processed paper.

  The post-processing device 4 includes a housing (device main body) 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the housing 11, a paper carry-in port 111 is formed at a portion facing the discharge roller pair 191 of the image forming apparatus 2. A discharge device 20 that receives the transfer paper P discharged from the post-processing device 4 is provided on the side surface of the housing 11 opposite to the paper carry-in port 111.

  The discharge device 20 has two trays arranged in two upper and lower stages. In the present embodiment, the lower tray is the main tray 30, and the upper tray is the sub-tray 40. Among them, the sheet bundle P1 after the stapling process is discharged to the main tray 30. The stapling process is performed in a state where the discharge mode of the post-processing device 4 is set to the staple mode. When the stapling mode is set, the post-processing device 4 temporarily stores the sheet bundle P1 in the central portion of the housing 11 and performs an operation of discharging the main stack 30 after performing stapling processing. It has become. On the other sub-tray 40, the transfer paper P that is discharged one by one without being subjected to stapling is discharged. Between the main tray 30 and the sub-tray 40, an alignment member 50 for aligning the sheet bundle P1 on the main tray 30 is installed. The trays 30 and 40 are inclined so as to rise toward the downstream side in the paper discharge direction. In addition to the staple mode described above, the discharge mode set by the post-processing device 4 includes a non-staple mode, a sorting mode, a non-sorting mode, and the like in which no staple processing is performed.

  In any case, the transfer paper P discharged from the discharge roller pair 191 of the image forming apparatus 2 is introduced into the post-processing apparatus 4, where punching processing and stapling processing are performed, and then the main discharge target is discharged. The paper is discharged to the tray 30 or the sub-tray 40. The transfer paper P includes tracing paper, OHP sheets and other sheet-like recording media in addition to plain paper.

  A pair of upper and lower guide plates 112 are provided at the paper carry-in port 111, and these guide plates 112 are arranged in a tapered shape (tapered shape) from upstream to downstream as viewed in the discharge direction of the transfer paper P. In order to perform the above punching process, the punching machine 12 is disposed at a position adjacent to the paper carry-in port 111. The transfer paper P discharged from the discharge roller pair 191 is conveyed to the punching machine 12 while being guided by these guide plates 112.

  The punching machine 12 includes, for example, two punching rods 121 for punching. The punch rods 121 are arranged at a constant interval (for example, an interval defined for binding two holes) in a direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the transfer paper P. When the transfer paper P is conveyed, the punching machine 12 temporarily stops the leading end position of the transfer paper P with a stopper (not shown), and lowers the punch rod 121 in a state where the transfer paper P is positioned there. A punching hole is drilled at a predetermined position. As the punch rod 121 descends, the punch rod 121 passes through the transfer paper P, and is inserted into a predetermined punch receiving hole provided on the lower pedestal. A punch scrap receiver 122 is disposed below the punching machine 12, and punch scrap generated by punching (a portion removed by punching) is accommodated in the punch scrap receiver 122. After the punching process is performed on the transfer paper P in this way, when the stopper of the punching machine 12 is retracted, the transfer paper P is then sent to the curl removal device 13 by driving the discharge roller pair 191.

  The curl removing device 13 is for removing the curl (curved bend) generated on the transfer paper P in the fixing process by heating of the image forming apparatus 2. The decurling device 13 includes two sets of decurling roller pairs 131 and 132. The two sets of decurling roller pairs 131 and 132 restore the transfer paper P to a flat state by correcting curls in opposite directions. The curl direction differs depending on the image formation state on the transfer paper P (whether the image is copied on one side or both sides of the transfer paper P), but the image forming apparatus 2 has a double-sided printing mechanism. In some cases, correction in both directions is particularly effective.

  A large and small transport roller pair 14 is disposed in the housing 11 at a downstream position of the curl removal device 13 when viewed in the paper discharge direction. Further, a first paper transport path 113 extending obliquely upward toward the sub-tray 40 and a second paper transport path 114 extending diagonally downward on the contrary are formed downstream of the transport roller pair 14. The first paper transport path 113 and the second paper transport path 114 are branched up and down at the position of the transport roller pair 14. Branching claws 141 are arranged at these branching points, and the transfer destination of the transfer paper P is switched to the first or second paper transporting path 113, 114 by the branching claw 141. That is, when the branching claw 141 closes the second paper transport path 114, the first paper transport path 113 is opened. In this state, the transfer paper P sent out from the conveyance roller pair 14 is guided to the branch claw 141 and the first paper conveyance path 113 and conveyed to the nip portion of the sub-tray discharge roller pair 142, and the sub-tray discharge roller pair 142. It is discharged toward the sub-tray 40 by driving. On the other hand, when the branching claw 141 closes the first paper transport path 113, the second paper transport path 114 is now opened, and the transfer paper P sent out from the transport roller pair 14 is transferred to the branch claw 141 and the second paper. It is guided to the conveyance path 114 and carried into the intermediate tray 15.

  In the second paper conveyance path 114, four paper carry-in mechanisms 151 are sequentially arranged in series. By these paper carry-in mechanisms 151, the transfer paper P is guided onto the paper tray 152 of the intermediate tray 15 through different paths depending on the size. The capacity of the paper receiving tray 152 is set so that a plurality of (for example, about 20 plain paper) transfer sheets P can be held. The transfer paper P fed onto the paper tray 152 is further fed downward by the pressing roller 153 and stops in a state where it is positioned on the receiving member 154. Next, the transfer paper P transported through the second paper transport path 114 is positioned by the receiving member 154 so that the transfer surface (in the case of single-sided printing) is superimposed on the back surface of the previous transfer paper P. In this manner, when the sheet bundle P1 is formed in a state where the plurality of transfer sheets P are aligned on the sheet receiving tray 152, the stapler 16 performs the stapling process on the sheet bundle P1.

  A driving pulley 154 a is installed in the vicinity of the upper end of the second paper transport path 114, that is, at the uppermost position of the paper tray 152. On the other hand, a driven pulley 154 b is installed at the lowermost position of the paper receiving tray 152 near the lower end of the second paper transport path 114. An endless belt 155 is wound around the pulleys 154a and 154b, and the receiving member 154 is fixed to the endless belt 155. Accordingly, when the driving pulley 154a is rotated after stapling the sheet bundle P1, the sheet bundle P1 supported by the receiving member 154 is lifted upward and conveyed to the nip portion of the main tray discharge roller pair 156. The sheet bundle P1 is discharged onto the main tray 30 by driving the main tray discharge roller pair 156.

  The main tray 30 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the side surface of the post-processing device 4. In the post-processing device 4, the upper surface position of the main tray 30 is detected by the sensor 17, and the upper surface position of the main tray 30 is always controlled to be an optimal height position for stacking the sheet bundle P1. . As a result, even when a large amount of transfer paper P is discharged onto the main tray 30, the newly discharged paper bundle P1 is obstructed by the paper bundle P1 stacked on the discharged main tray 30. It is discharged without.

  Between the main tray 30 and the sub-tray 40, an alignment member 50 for aligning the leading ends of the sheet bundle P1 discharged to the main tray 30 is provided. The sheet bundle P1 sequentially discharged onto the main tray 30 through the main tray discharge roller pair 156 by driving the endless belt 155 from the sheet receiving base 152 is subjected to alignment processing by the operation of the alignment member 50. The inconvenience that a plurality of stacked paper bundles P1 are not aligned is eliminated.

  As described above, the post-processing device 4 has a post-processing function for performing punching processing and stapling processing on the transfer paper P after image transfer. In the image forming system, whether or not to perform punching processing or stapling processing in the post-processing device 4 can be set for each job by the user operating the operation / display unit 110 of the image forming device 2, for example. it can.

  In other words, when the user requests the transfer paper P to be punched for filing in a job to be executed from now on, the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, button operation, touch operation, etc.) through the operation / display unit 110, and the post-processing device 4. The setting for executing the punching process can be performed.

  Alternatively, when the user requests that the transfer sheets P be bundled and bound in a job to be executed in the future, the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, button operation, touch operation, etc.) through the operation / display unit 110, and Staple setting for executing staple processing can be performed in the processing device 4. Furthermore, the user can also make settings for executing both the punching process and the stapling process in a job to be executed.

  The settings (setting values) set by the user for each job are received by the image formation control unit 120 of the image forming apparatus 2 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 130. Then, the image formation control unit 120 transmits an operation instruction signal to the post-processing control unit 250 based on the setting for each job. This operation instruction signal includes information such as the paper type and paper size for each job, the number of sheets to be printed, and the printing form (single-sided or double-sided), as well as instruction contents related to the punching processing and stapling processing. The single-sided or double-sided printing mode is a setting that is effective when the image forming apparatus 2 includes a double-sided printing mechanism. The post-processing control unit 250 controls the operations of the punching machine 12 and the stapler 16 according to the received instruction signal, and also performs the operations of the branching claw 141, the paper carry-in mechanism 151, the drive pulley 154a, the vertical operation of the main tray 30, and the like. Control. As a result, when the user performs an operation for individually setting the content of the post-processing for each job, the post-processing device 4 performs various necessary operations according to the setting.

  The basic configuration and operation of the image forming system have been described above. In addition, the present embodiment has the following characteristics regarding various obstacles that occur in performing post-processing.

First, an example of a failure that occurs during post-processing will be described.
When the staple processing is set for the job executed by the user, the transfer paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 is sequentially transported to the second paper in order to perform the staple processing by the stapler 16 in the post-processing device 4 in principle. It is sent to the road 114. However, since the stapler 16 has a limited number of sheets (for example, about 20 sheets) as described above, with respect to a job for which stapling processing is set exceeding the limited number of sheets, the post-processing device 4 performs stapling on all the pages. Cannot be performed, and a failure occurs in post-processing.

  Alternatively, when the user sets a staple process and the stapler 16 is not stocked (or used up) in the stapler 16, the staple process cannot be executed with respect to the job. Is an obstacle.

  When a punching process is set for a job to be executed by a user, the punching machine 12 is operated in principle to punch a filing hole on the transfer paper P. However, when the above-mentioned punch waste receptacle 122 becomes full (punch waste full) during the execution of the job, in order to avoid mechanical troubles due to punch waste clogging, there is an obstacle in post-processing.

  Furthermore, the size and type of paper used in a job may not be suitable for post-processing such as punching processing or stapling processing. For example, when punching processing is set even though a relatively small size paper (such as a postcard size) is used, or when stapling processing is set even when a relatively thick paper is used Since the post-processing itself becomes nonconforming (prohibited), it becomes an obstacle in the post-processing.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, optimal operation control of the image forming system is performed in anticipation of a failure that may occur in post-processing. Hereinafter, the system operation control performed in the present embodiment will be described with an example. In addition, the following description will clarify an example of an image forming method that is performed along with the operation of the image forming system.

[First example]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of system operation control executed by the image formation control unit 120. When the image forming process (drawing) is completed, the image forming control unit 120 executes the system operation control of FIG. 3 as a first example. Hereinafter, a specific procedure will be described.

  Step S10: The image formation control unit 120 reads out the printing conditions set in the current job from the storage unit 130. The printing conditions are determined based on the content set by the user for each job through the operation / display unit 110 as described above, and stored in the storage unit 130.

  Step S12: Next, the image formation control unit 120 determines whether or not the read printing condition includes a setting related to post-processing. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the printing conditions include post-processing settings such as stapling and punching. In particular, if there is no setting related to post-processing (No), the image formation control unit 120 continues the printing process as it is (step S22 in the figure), and here, the system operation control is terminated. On the other hand, if the setting related to post-processing is included (Yes), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to the next step S16.

  Step S14: The image formation control unit 120 determines whether a post-processing failure (NG) has occurred in the current job. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the various types of failures described above for the current job has occurred. As a result, if no failure has occurred (No), the image formation control unit 120 continues the printing process as it is (step S22 in the figure), and the system operation control is terminated for the time being. On the other hand, if any failure has occurred (Yes), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to the next step S16.

  Step S16: The image formation control unit 120 determines whether or not the setting value (unique setting value) unique to the image forming system corresponds to the content that causes the post-processing error. The unique setting value here means a unique value that represents the content of an operation (behavior) that should be taken by the image forming system when a failure related to post-processing occurs. Such unique setting values are stored in advance in the storage unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 2, and the image formation control unit 120 executes the determination in step S <b> 16 based on the unique setting values read from the storage unit 130.

  The unique setting values are roughly divided into two, for example. The first is a setting value (represented as ON in binary) corresponding to a series of operations in which the operation of the image forming system is stopped and an error is generated when a failure related to post-processing occurs. The second is a setting value (represented by OFF) corresponding to a series of operations for automatically canceling post-processing when a failure occurs and continuing printing without causing an error. If the former has the first unique setting value (= ON) (step S16 = Yes), the image formation control unit 120 proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, when the latter has the second unique setting value (= OFF) (step S16 = No), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to step S22 following another step S20. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

  Step S18: The image forming control unit 120 generates a post-processing error based on the unique setting value of the image forming system. Accordingly, the image formation control unit 120 stops the operation of the image forming system. Further, when a post-processing error occurs, the image formation control unit 120 displays character information such as an error message or outputs an error notification sound by using the operation / display unit 110, for example.

  Step S20: The image forming control unit 120 automatically cancels the post-processing based on the unique setting value of the image forming system. As a result, the post-processing set by the user in the current job is canceled.

  Step S22: When the post-processing is canceled in step S20, the image formation control unit 120 continues the printing process in this state. In this case, post-processing such as stapling and punching is not performed, and the transfer paper P is sequentially discharged to the upper sub-tray 40, for example.

[Second example]
Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of system operation control executed by the image formation control unit 120. When the image forming process (drawing) is completed, the image forming control unit 120 can also execute the system operation control of FIG. 4 as a second example. Since steps S10 to S14 in FIG. 4 have the same contents as steps SS10 to S14 of the first example described above, only different procedures will be described below.

  Step S24: The image formation control unit 120 determines whether or not the individual setting value (individual setting value) corresponds to the content that causes the post-processing error. Here, the individual set value is a value set individually for how the image forming system should operate (behave) when a failure related to post-processing occurs. Individual setting values can be set for each job executed by the user, for each department (section within the same company organization) where the image forming system is installed, or for each printing color condition (monochrome or full color) Or set for each paper size (media type).

  For example, when the user sets a stapling process or a punching process for a job, the user determines an individual setting value (selected from a menu or the like) for each job by operating the operation / display unit 110. In this case, the operation / display unit 110 displays “stop printing” and “print without post-processing” together with character information such as “Do you want to stop printing when post-processing cannot be performed?”. A menu button such as “Yes” is displayed. The user can arbitrarily select and press the menu button to determine an individual setting value for each job.

  The individually determined setting values (ON / OFF) are stored (updated) in the storage unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 2 each time. The image forming control unit 120 reads out individual setting values from the storage unit 130 each time a job is executed in the image forming system, and executes the determination in step S24 based on the setting values at that time.

  The individual set values are also roughly divided into two, but the contents are different from the case of the first example. That is, the first is a setting value (ON) corresponding to a series of operations in which an operation of the image forming system is stopped and an error is generated when a failure related to post-processing occurs, and a user's selection (instruction) is requested for the subsequent operation. ). The second is a setting value (represented by OFF) corresponding to a series of operations for automatically canceling post-processing when a failure occurs and continuing printing without causing an error. Which one is set as an individual setting value is set by the user for each job, set for each department in advance, or automatically set in association with the print color condition for each job and the paper size to be used. You can do it.

  In any case, when the first individual setting value (= ON), which is the former, is given (step S24 = Yes), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to step S26 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, when the second individual setting value (= OFF), which is the latter, is given (step S24 = No), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to step S22 following another step S20. The contents when proceeding to steps S20 and S22 from here are the same as in the first example. Hereafter, the case where it progresses to step S26 from here is demonstrated.

  Step S26: The image forming control unit 120 generates a post-processing error based on the individual setting value of the image forming system. Accordingly, the image formation control unit 120 stops the operation of the image forming system. Further, when a post-processing error occurs, the image formation control unit 120 displays character information such as an error message or outputs an error notification sound by using the operation / display unit 110, for example.

  Step S28: When a post-processing error occurs, the image formation control unit 120 waits for a selection operation by the user. The selection operation here is performed by the user instructing whether to cancel the post-processing and continue the printing process or to change the setting and execute the post-processing.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the image formation control unit 120 displays, for example, a “post-processing error in the operation / display unit 110. Post-processing cannot be executed under the specified conditions. Character information such as “Do you want to continue forcibly?” Is displayed in a dialog box format, and operation buttons displaying character information such as “Forced continuation” and “Change settings” are also displayed. At this time, when the user touches one of the operation buttons, it is possible to selectively instruct an operation to be performed by the image forming system thereafter.

  If the user instructs setting change instead of forced continuation in step S28 (No), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to the next step S30. On the other hand, when the user instructs forced continuation (Yes), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to step S20. Hereinafter, each case will be described.

  Step S30: If the user instructs setting change instead of forced continuation in the previous step S28 (No), the image forming control unit 120 is in a standby state until the setting is changed.

  The change of setting here means a specific change of condition setting for removing the failure occurring at that time or avoiding the occurrence of the failure. For example, when the post-processing failure is caused by the phenomenon of “stapling out” of the stapler 16, the “stapling out” is resolved by the user replenishing a sufficient amount of staples. Is removed.

  In addition, when a failure occurs because the number of sheets to be printed exceeds the upper limit number of stapling processes, the user changes the printing condition from one side to both sides, for example, or the so-called 4-in-1 printing format (images for four pages). If it is reduced to a format that fits on one page), the number of printed sheets becomes equal to or less than the upper limit, and the trouble in post-processing is also removed.

  Or, even though the type of paper that is not suitable for the stapling process is used in the current job, a failure (prohibition of post-processing) occurs due to the stapling process being set together with the punching process. In this case, the condition setting is changed by the user canceling the stapling process or changing the paper type (paper cassette), thereby preventing the occurrence of a failure. On the other hand, if the punching process is set together with the staple process for a paper type that is not suitable for the punching process, a failure occurs when the user cancels the punching process or changes the paper type (paper cassette). Will be avoided.

  In addition to the above, when the post-processing failure is caused by the phenomenon of “punch waste full”, the user can remove the failure by performing an operation of removing the punch waste accumulated in the punch waste receiver 122.

  In any case, as illustrated above, when the user performs an operation to change any setting (step S30 = Yes), the image formation control unit 120 returns to step S14 to determine whether a post-processing failure has occurred. It is determined again whether or not. As a result, if a failure still occurs (Yes), the image formation control unit 120 executes step S24 and subsequent steps again. On the other hand, if the failure does not occur (No), the image forming control unit 120 proceeds to step S22 and continues the printing process.

  Step S20: On the other hand, when the user selects and instructs the forced continuation in the previous step S28 (Yes), the image formation control unit 120 cancels the post-processing. As a result, the post-processing set by the user in the current job is forcibly canceled.

  Step S22: When the post-processing is canceled in step S20, the image formation control unit 120 continues the printing process in this state. In this case, post-processing such as stapling and punching is not performed, and the transfer paper P is sequentially discharged to, for example, the upper sub-tray 40.

[Preferred examples of individually set values]
Here, regarding the individual setting values used in the system operation control process shown in FIG. 4 as the second example, the inventors of the present invention provide the following preferred specific examples.
(1) Individual setting value for each business division For example, when multiple business divisions use the image forming system in common in the same company organization, etc., a copy card that magnetically records an identification (ID) code in advance is assigned to each business division. In addition, an operation mode in which insertion of a copy card is essential when the image forming system is activated is common. In this case, by registering the individual setting values for each business unit in the storage unit 130 in advance, the image formation control unit 120 determines the business unit from the identification code of the inserted copy card, and the registered individual The system operation control can be executed by reading the set value. In this way, if the operation at the time of occurrence of a failure is determined in advance for each business department, each user can take a fixed action in the business department to which the user belongs, so that the response at the time of the occurrence of the failure is facilitated.

(2) Individual setting value for each printing color condition For example, an individual setting value can be assigned in advance for each condition of full color printing or monochrome printing. In this case, for monochrome printing jobs with a relatively low printing unit price, the post-processing is automatically canceled without causing an error and the printing process is continued. However, for full-color printing jobs with a relatively high printing unit price, an error occurs. Can be generated each time and the will of the user (forced continuation or setting change) can be asked. Such individual setting values are effective when an image forming apparatus having a color printing mechanism is applied to the image forming system.

(3) Individual setting values for each paper size (media type) For example, the paper sizes can be classified into two types, large and small, and the individual setting values can be assigned according to the size used at that time. In this case, in a job that uses a small-size paper with a relatively low printing unit price, the post-processing is automatically canceled without causing an error, and the printing process is continued. For a job that uses paper (for example, A3 or more), an error is generated and the user's will (forced continuation or setting change) can be asked each time. In addition to the size of the paper size, individual set values may be assigned to OHP films and thick paper with a high unit price and plain paper with a low unit price.

  According to the first example of the system operation control shown in FIG. 3, the user side preliminarily assigns machine-specific setting values to the image forming system, thereby unifying the operation when a failure occurs into a pattern convenient for the user. can do. For example, if it is convenient for the user to stop printing when a failure occurs, a unique setting value can be assigned according to the behavior. Conversely, it is convenient for the user to continue printing even if a failure occurs. If so, a unique setting value can be assigned in accordance with the behavior. In this respect, it is more convenient for the user to adopt the first example of the system operation control as compared with the case where the machine can always take only one fixed operation when a failure occurs.

  Further, according to the second example of the system operation control shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the user assigns an individual setting value for each job in advance, the user determines the operation when the failure occurs for each job. Can do. For example, if it is convenient to stop printing when a failure occurs in this job and reflect the user's will each time, it is possible to assign individual setting values according to the behavior, and conversely a failure occurs Anyway, if it is convenient for the user to continue printing anyway, an individual set value can be given according to the behavior. Therefore, it is more convenient for the user to adopt the second example of the system operation control as compared with the case where the machine can always take only one fixed operation when a failure occurs.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications and replacements. The post-processing device 4 shifts the transfer paper P on the intermediate tray in the transverse direction of the paper transport path (for example, in the back direction when viewed from the user) and aligns the staple paper with a predetermined staple position. May be provided. In this case, if a paper size (such as a postcard size) that is not suitable for the shift operation is used for a job for which stapling processing is set, shifting is prohibited (prohibited), and a post-processing failure occurs.

  The various types of failures in the post-processing described in the present embodiment are merely examples, and when another failure is assumed depending on the configuration of the image forming system, the first example of system operation control according to the failure or A second example can be performed.

  In addition, the various members and driving components mentioned in the embodiment are all preferable examples, and these can be appropriately modified and implemented.

1 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of an image forming system. It is explanatory drawing of front sectional view for demonstrating the internal structure of a post-processing apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of system operation control executed by an image formation control unit. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of system operation control executed by the image formation control unit. It is the figure which showed the example of the dialog box displayed on the operation / display part at the time of error occurrence.

Explanation of symbols

2 Image forming apparatus 4 Post-processing apparatus 12 Punching machine 16 Stapler 120 Image forming control unit 130 Storage unit 150 Print engine 250 Post-processing control unit 280 Storage unit

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus that processes image data for each page, transfers an image formed based on the processed image data to paper, and discharges the image;
The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is received, and the post-processed paper is discharged by performing predetermined post-processing on the paper, or the post-processing is not performed on the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system provided with a post-processing device that executes any operation of discharging,
Image processing means for processing image data in predetermined job units when forming an image by the image forming apparatus;
Post-processing setting means for setting whether or not post-processing should be performed by the post-processing device for each job unit in which image data is processed by the image processing means;
Occurrence of failure that determines whether or not a predetermined failure has occurred with respect to post-processing while the image forming apparatus is performing an operation for forming an image in a state in which post-processing is set by the post-processing setting unit Judgment means,
An image is provided with a unique operation control means for causing the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus to execute a unique action set in advance when the failure occurrence determining means determines that a failure has occurred. Forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1,
The specific operation control means includes:
The first unique operation for canceling the setting for performing post-processing by the post-processing device and continuing the operation for forming an image by the image forming device, or for forming an image by the image forming device An image forming system characterized in that any one of the second specific operations for stopping the operation and generating an error state can be set as the specific operation. An image forming apparatus that processes image data for each page, transfers an image formed based on the processed image data to paper, and discharges the image;
The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is received, and the post-processed paper is discharged by performing predetermined post-processing on the paper, or the post-processing is not performed on the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus. In an image forming system provided with a post-processing device that executes any operation of discharging,
Image processing means for processing image data in predetermined job units when forming an image by the image forming apparatus;
Post-processing setting means for setting whether or not post-processing should be performed by the post-processing device for each job whose image data is processed by the image processing means;
Occurrence of failure that determines whether or not a predetermined failure has occurred with respect to post-processing while the image forming apparatus is performing an operation for forming an image in a state in which post-processing is set by the post-processing setting unit Judgment means,
Individual operation control means for causing the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus to execute individual operations set in advance when it is determined by the failure occurrence determination means that a failure has occurred;
When the image forming apparatus executes an operation for forming an image with respect to a job for which post-processing is set by the post-processing setting unit, the individual operation control unit performs the image forming apparatus and the post-processing for the job. An image forming system comprising: an individual setting unit configured to set contents of individual operations to be executed by a processing apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 3.
The individual setting means includes
A first individual setting value that includes canceling a setting for performing post-processing by the post-processing device and continuing an operation for forming an image by the image forming device;
An operation for forming an image by the image forming apparatus is stopped to generate an error state, and a second individual setting value is set to wait for an instruction from the user regarding the subsequent operation,
One of the first and second individual setting values can be selectively set. The image forming system according to claim 4.
When an error state is generated by the individual operation control unit as a result of the second individual setting value being set by the individual setting unit for a job set to be post-processed by the post-processing setting unit, Whether post-processing set in the job is canceled and image formation by the image forming apparatus is continued, or post-processing by the post-processing apparatus is executed by changing the conditions related to the post-processing set in the job An image forming system, further comprising selection instruction means for selectively instructing any of the above. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The post-processing setting means includes
A punching process for perforating at least a predetermined position of the paper;
An image forming system characterized in that at least one of a stapling process in which a plurality of sheets are stacked to form a sheet bundle and the ends of the sheet bundle are bound can be set as post-processing. An image forming step of processing image data for each page in the image forming apparatus, transferring an image formed based on the processed image data to a sheet, and discharging the image from the image forming apparatus;
The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus through the image forming step is received by a post-processing device, and the paper is discharged after being subjected to predetermined post-processing, or the paper discharged from the image forming device is In an image forming method comprising post-processing steps for executing any operation of discharging without performing processing,
An image processing step for processing image data in a predetermined job unit upon execution of the image forming step;
Prior to the image processing step, a post-processing setting step for setting whether or not post-processing should be performed in the post-processing step for each job whose image data is processed through the image forming step;
A failure occurrence determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined failure has occurred in the post-processing during the execution of the image forming step in a state in which post-processing is set through the post-processing setting step;
When it is determined that a failure has occurred in the failure occurrence determination step, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are caused to execute unique operations preset in the execution of the image forming step and the post-processing step. An image forming method comprising a unique operation control step. The image forming method according to claim 7.
In the natural motion control step,
The first unique operation for canceling the setting for performing post-processing by the post-processing device and continuing the operation for forming an image by the image forming device, or for forming an image by the image forming device An image forming method characterized in that any one of the second specific operations for stopping an operation and generating an error state can be set as a specific operation. An image forming step of processing image data for each page in the image forming apparatus, transferring an image formed based on the processed image data to a sheet, and discharging the image from the image forming apparatus;
The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus through the image forming step is received by a post-processing device, and the paper is discharged after being subjected to predetermined post-processing, or the paper discharged from the image forming device is In an image forming method comprising post-processing steps for executing any operation of discharging without performing processing,
An image processing step for processing image data in a predetermined job unit upon execution of the image forming step;
Prior to the image processing step, a post-processing setting step for setting whether or not post-processing should be performed in the post-processing step for each job whose image data is processed through the image forming step;
A failure occurrence determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined failure has occurred in the post-processing during the execution of the image forming step in a state in which post-processing is set through the post-processing setting step;
When it is determined in the failure occurrence determination step that a failure has occurred, when the image forming step and the post-processing step are executed, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing device are caused to execute individual operations set in advance. Individual operation control steps;
Prior to executing the image forming step for a job that is set to perform post-processing through the post-processing setting step, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus to be executed individually in the individual operation control step. An image forming method comprising an individual setting step for setting the content of an operation. The image forming method according to claim 9.
In the individual setting step,
A first individual setting value including canceling the setting for performing the post-processing performed in the post-processing step and continuing the image forming step;
The execution of the image forming step is stopped, an error state is generated in the image forming apparatus, and any one of the second individual setting values including waiting for an instruction from the user regarding the subsequent operation is selected. Image forming method, wherein the image forming method can be set automatically. The image forming method according to claim 10.
When an error condition is generated during execution of the individual operation control step because the second individual setting value is set in the individual setting step for a job set to perform post-processing through the post-processing setting step Cancel post-processing set in the job and continue image formation by the image forming apparatus, or change post-processing conditions set in the job and execute post-processing by the post-processing apparatus An image forming method, further comprising a selection instruction step for selectively instructing whether to perform the operation. The image forming method according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
In the post-processing setting step,
A punching process for perforating at least a predetermined position of the paper;
An image forming method, wherein a plurality of sheets are stacked to form a sheet bundle, and at least one of a stapling process for binding the end of the sheet bundle can be set as a post-process.

Images