JP2009298066A - Image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience in use for a user in a technique of reducing a time loss by continuously executing a plurality of print jobs. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a print control part which controls the plurality of print jobs JB1, JB2, etc. so reserved as to be continuously executed after predetermined conditions are fulfilled, and a determining part which determines whether a predetermined period TE passes after a reservation reception time T1 of the first print job JB1 among the plurality of print jobs. The print control part starts execution of at least the first print job JB1 if the predetermined period TE passes after the reservation reception time T1 of the first print job JB1 even when the predetermined conditions are not fulfilled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and an MFP (multifunction peripheral).

  In some image forming apparatuses, for example, when a plurality of print jobs are executed, there is an apparatus that involves a mechanical change operation in accordance with a change in the type of printed matter. For example, in a color printer of a tandem system, color prints and monochrome prints, among four photosensitive drums, three drums for color output excluding a drum for monochrome output (specifically, a yellow output drum, The positions of the magenta output drum and cyan output drum) are mechanically switched. Specifically, when printing a color print, the three drums for color output are moved to a position in contact with the intermediate transfer belt, and when printing a monochrome print, the three drums for color output. Is moved to a position where it is separated from the intermediate transfer belt. This avoids unnecessary contact between the intermediate transfer belt and the three drums for color output during monochrome printing.

  However, when such a switching operation is performed, a time loss for switching occurs. In particular, when color prints and monochrome prints are printed alternately, the switching operation is performed very frequently, resulting in a large time loss.

  Accordingly, by printing a plurality of printed materials having the same color mode (for example, only a color printed material or only a monochrome printed material), the mechanical switching operation associated with the color mode change is suppressed, and the time loss is reduced. Technology exists (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-237190 A

  In the above technique, the time required for the mechanical switching operation can be reduced by continuously executing a plurality of print jobs.

  However, when a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, printing is not started until a predetermined number of print jobs are accumulated. Therefore, the user may have to wait for a very long time before obtaining the printed output, and in such a situation, there is a problem that the convenience of the user is sacrificed.

  Some image forming apparatuses switch to a power saving mode (also referred to as a hibernation state) to save power when there is no print job. However, it takes some time for the temperature of the fixing device to reach a predetermined temperature in order to return from the power saving mode (resting state) to a printable state. Therefore, when a print job occurs sporadically (intermittently), the printing operation, the transition to the power saving mode, and the return operation from the power saving mode are frequently repeated, resulting in time and energy loss. To do.

  On the other hand, a technique for reducing time loss required for a return operation from the power saving mode by continuously printing a plurality of print jobs after waiting for a predetermined number of print jobs to be accumulated. Is also possible.

  However, even in such a technique, as in the above technique (a technique for reducing the time required for the mechanical switching operation associated with the color mode change by continuously executing a plurality of print jobs in the same color mode). There is a problem that the convenience of the user is sacrificed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve user convenience in a technique for reducing time loss by continuously executing a plurality of print jobs.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, wherein the plurality of print jobs reserved to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition, and the plurality of print jobs are controlled. Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed from a reservation reception time of the first print job of the print jobs, wherein the print control means is a case where the predetermined condition is not satisfied. However, when the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job, at least the execution of the first print job is started.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the print control unit is configured to perform the first print job reservation reception time even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the plurality of print jobs are continuously executed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations relating to a print job reaches a predetermined value.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations for each color mode related to a print job reaches a predetermined value. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined period elapses from a procedure for receiving reservations for a plurality of print jobs to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition, and a reservation reception time for the first print job of the plurality of print jobs. Even if the predetermined condition has not been satisfied and the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job, at least the first print job It is a program for performing the procedure which starts execution of this.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a print control unit that controls a plurality of print jobs that are reserved to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition; and an urgent print designation for a reserved print job And the print control unit executes the print job to which the urgent print designation is given when the urgent print designation is accepted even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied. It is characterized by starting.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations relating to a print job reaches a predetermined value.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations for each color mode related to a print job reaches a predetermined value.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a procedure for accepting reservations for a plurality of print jobs to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition, a procedure for accepting an urgent print designation for a reserved print job, and the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Even if there is not, the program is a program for executing a procedure for starting execution of a print job to which the urgent print designation is given when the urgent print designation is accepted.

  According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job among the plurality of print jobs. Since the execution of at least the first print job is started, it is possible to prevent the waiting time from becoming excessive and improve user convenience.

  In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, when the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job among the plurality of print jobs. Since the plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, it is possible to improve user convenience and suppress time loss.

  According to the invention described in claims 6 to 9, even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, when the urgent print designation is accepted, the print job to which the urgent print designation is assigned is displayed. Since execution is started, it is possible to flexibly respond to user requests and improve user convenience.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1-1. System configuration outline>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 100 including a multi function peripheral (also abbreviated as MFP) 1 and a computer 90.

  The MFP 1 functions as an image forming apparatus. More specifically, the MFP 1 is configured as a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile communication function, and the like.

  The MFP 1 is connected to the computer 90 via the network NW, and data can be transmitted to and received from the computer 90. The network NW includes various networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

  In particular, the MFP 1 functions as a printer that executes a print job from the computer 90. Specifically, the computer 90 transmits a print job to the MFP 1 via a printer driver (software program) installed in the computer 90. On the other hand, the MFP 1 receives a print job transmitted from the computer 90 and executes the print job. Thereby, the print output process by the MFP 1 is executed.

  Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes an image reading unit 2, a print output unit 3, a communication unit 4, a storage unit 5, an input / output unit 6, a controller 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these components in a complex manner.

  The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads a document placed at a predetermined position of the MFP 1 and generates image data (also referred to as a document image) of the document.

  The print output unit 3 is an output unit that prints an image on various media such as paper based on image data related to the target image. Here, it is assumed that the print output unit 3 is configured as a tandem color print output unit.

  The communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 4 can perform network communication via the communication network NW. In this network communication, various protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) are used. By using the network communication, the MFP 1 can communicate with a desired destination. Various types of data (including usage information data) can be exchanged between them. Further, the MFP 1 can receive a print output instruction from the computer 90 by using this network communication.

  The storage unit 5 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 5 stores a document image (image data) generated by the image reading unit 2 or the like.

  The input / output unit 6 includes an operation input unit 61 that receives input to the MFP 1 and a display unit 62 that displays and outputs various types of information. Specifically, the MFP 1 is provided with an operation panel 63 (see FIG. 1). The operation panel 63 is configured by embedding a piezoelectric sensor or the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and functions as a part of the display unit 62 and also functions as a part of the operation input unit 61.

  The controller 9 is a control device that controls the MFP 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU and various semiconductor memories (such as a RAM and a ROM). Various functions of the MFP 1 are realized by operating various processing units under the control of the controller 9. For example, by scanning a desired image optically using the image reading unit 2 under the control of the controller 9, an image obtained by scanning a document (original image) is acquired, and a scanner function is realized. The controller 9 also controls various processes as described below.

  The controller 9 implements various processing units by executing predetermined software programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as programs) stored in a ROM (for example, an EEPROM) in the CPU.

  Specifically, the controller 9 implements various processing units including a print control unit 11, a reservation receiving unit 12, a print queue management unit 13, and an elapsed time determination unit 15.

  The print control unit 11 controls the control operation of the print output unit 3 and the like. For example, the print control unit 11 controls the execution timing and the like of a print job in which “eco mode (abbreviation of ecology mode)” (mode for suppressing power consumption) is set. Specifically, in the eco mode, the print control unit 11 does not immediately start printing when each print job is accepted (registered), but does not immediately start printing until the predetermined condition CA is satisfied. Wait without starting execution. Then, the print control unit 11 continuously executes each print job after the predetermined condition CA is satisfied. That is, in the eco mode, the print control unit 11 continuously executes a plurality of reserved print jobs as “continuous jobs” after satisfying the predetermined condition CA. As described above, by executing a plurality of print jobs continuously (in short, “collectively”), it is possible to suppress the occurrence of time loss due to the switching operation as described above. In the eco mode, the number of executions of the return operation from the hibernation state to the normal state is reduced, so that energy required for the return operation from the hibernation state can also be suppressed (that is, power consumption can be suppressed). Is possible.

  The reservation receiving unit 12 is a processing unit that receives a print job reservation. Specifically, the reservation receiving unit 12 receives reservations for a plurality of print jobs to be executed continuously after the predetermined condition CA is satisfied.

  The print queue management unit 13 manages a queue of print jobs instructed to start printing. The print queue management unit 13 controls the print operation of each print job in cooperation with the print control unit 11.

  The elapsed time determination unit 15 determines whether or not the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time (also referred to as registration time) of the first print job among a plurality of print jobs.

  In the MFP 1, the print control unit 11 controls the execution of the “continuous job” based on the determination result of the elapsed time determination unit 15. Specifically, even when the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied, the print control unit 11 determines that the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job among a plurality of print jobs. At least the first print job (all print jobs in this embodiment) starts to be executed. This operation will be described in detail later.

<1-2. Operation>
3 to 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the MFP 1. In particular, FIG. 4 shows an operation when receiving an eco-mode print job, and FIG. 5 shows an operation in a standby state.

  Operations in the MFP 1 will be described with reference to these drawings. Here, a case where the presence / absence of the eco mode setting is changed for each print job transmitted to the MFP 1 is illustrated. Specifically, a print job in which the eco mode is set is stored and accumulated in the “eco box”. In principle, the plurality of print jobs in the eco-box are continuously executed after satisfying the predetermined condition CA. Here, “eco box” is an abbreviation for ecology box, and is a virtual box for storing print jobs JB in eco mode. This “eco box” is configured in the storage unit 5, for example.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the eco mode may be set for the entire MFP 1. In other words, the eco mode may be set uniformly for all print jobs.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, in step S11, the MFP 1 determines whether or not there is a received job.

  When there is no reception job, the process proceeds to the standby state (step S41 and after in FIG. 5). This process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a received job, a print job is received from the computer 90 in step S12. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the eco mode is set for the print job JB. If the eco mode is set, the process proceeds to step S31 (FIG. 4). On the other hand, if the eco mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the fixing device in the image forming unit has reached a predetermined temperature for the fixing operation. If the temperature of the fixing device has reached the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to the next step S16. On the other hand, if the temperature of the fixing device has not reached the predetermined temperature, after performing the form-up process (step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. In short, in step S15, the return operation from the hibernation state is executed.

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the color mode of the print job JB to be executed next matches the setting related to the color mode in the MFP1. Here, the “color mode” includes a “color output mode” for printing a color printed matter and a “monochrome output mode” for outputting a monochrome printed matter.

  If both the color mode (device setting value) currently set in the MFP 1 matches the color mode of the print job JB to be executed next, the process proceeds directly to the next step S18.

  On the other hand, if the two do not match, the color mode switching operation (step S17) is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S18. In the color mode switching operation in step S17, among the four photosensitive drums, three drums for color output excluding the drum for monochrome output (specifically, the drum for yellow output, the drum for magenta output, The position of the cyan output drum) is mechanically switched. Specifically, in the “color output mode” in which a color print is printed, the three drums for color output are moved to a position in contact with the intermediate transfer belt. On the other hand, in the “monochrome output mode” for printing a monochrome printed matter, the three drums for color output are moved to positions separated from the intermediate transfer belt.

  In step S18, an image forming process (specifically, a printing process) in the image forming unit of the MFP 1 is executed. That is, the print job JB is executed.

  In step S19 after execution of the print job, it is determined whether or not the next print job JB exists. If the next print job JB exists, the process returns to step S16 to execute the next print job JB.

  On the other hand, if the next print job JB does not exist, the process proceeds to step S20 to shift to the power saving state.

  If the print job JB for which the eco mode is not set is sporadically accepted by the operations in steps S14 to S20, the process temporarily shifts to the power saving state every time the print job JB is executed. In particular, when a print job JB with a different color mode is accepted at any time, a color mode switching operation occurs each time the print job JB is executed. As described above, when such a transition to the power saving operation and the switching operation to the color mode occur, a time loss or the like occurs, which is not a desirable situation.

  Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to this embodiment, the print output operation in the eco mode can be selected for each print job JB.

  This “eco mode” is a mode for suppressing power consumption. In this eco mode, when each print job JB is received (also referred to as reservation reception), each print job JB is not immediately started, but each print job JB is kept until a predetermined condition CA is satisfied. Wait for execution. Then, after the predetermined condition CA is satisfied, each print job JB is continuously executed. As described above, in the eco mode, a plurality of reserved print jobs JB are continuously executed (in short, “collectively”), thereby generating a time loss due to the switching operation as described above. Is suppressed.

  Here, a case where “the number of print job reservations reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10)” is adopted as the predetermined condition CA is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined condition CA may be that “the number of print job reservations for each color mode reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10)” or the like. Specifically, “the number of print job reservations in monochrome output mode reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10)” and / or “the number of print job reservations in color output mode is a predetermined number (for example, 10). May be adopted.

  However, if a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed only in accordance with satisfaction of the predetermined condition CA, printing is not started until a predetermined number of print jobs are accumulated. Therefore, the user may have to wait for a very long time before obtaining the printed output, and the convenience of the user is sacrificed.

  Therefore, the MFP 1 according to this embodiment determines that a predetermined period TE (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the print job JB even if the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied. Assume that execution of the print job JB is started immediately. According to this, it is possible to improve user convenience. The predetermined period TE may be determined by an administrator or the like as a setting unique to the apparatus. Alternatively, the predetermined period TE may be changeable for each user.

  Such an operation will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  When it is determined in step S13 that the eco mode is set, the process proceeds to step S31. After step S31, the control operation related to the print job JB in the eco mode is executed.

  Specifically, first, in step S31 (FIG. 4), it is determined whether or not the “eco box” is empty. In other words, it is determined whether or not the “eco box” is empty before the print job JB is received in step S12.

  If the eco-box is empty, in other words, if the print job JB received in step S12 is the first print job JB (among a plurality of print jobs JB that can be designated for printing in the eco-mode). Then, the timer TM1 starts timing (step S32). The time measurement result by the timer TM1 is used in step S43 as will be described later.

  On the other hand, if the eco box is not empty, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the print job JB is newly added to the “eco box”. In principle, the print job JB added to the eco-box waits until the predetermined condition CA is satisfied. The predetermined condition CA is also expressed as a start condition for the print job JB in the eco box.

  In step S34, it is determined whether or not the start condition CA of the print job JB in the eco box is satisfied.

  When it is determined that the start condition CA is satisfied, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S35.

  In step S35, the print job JB in the eco-box is additionally registered in the print queue (queue waiting for printing).

  In step S36, the MFP 1 notifies the computer 90 that printing has started. When the computer 90 receives the notification from the MFP 1, the computer 90 displays the notification content on the display unit of the computer 90. As a result, the user can know that the execution of the print job JB related to the eco mode has started. Then, the user who has learned the matter can move to the place where the MFP 1 is placed, and can obtain a printed output related to the print job JB.

  Thereafter, the MFP 1 resets the timer TM1 in step S37, and proceeds to step S14 again. Then, by executing the processing after step S14, execution of the print job (print job in the eco-box) JB registered in the print queue is started (particularly, step S18, etc.). As a result, print output operations relating to a plurality of print jobs JB in the eco-box are sequentially executed. Specifically, when the predetermined condition CA stipulates that “the number of print job reservations reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10)”, the predetermined number of print jobs JB are sequentially executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S34 that the start condition CA is not satisfied, the process shifts to a standby state. More specifically, the process proceeds from step S34 to step S41 (FIG. 5).

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not the print job JB exists in the eco box. In other words, the presence / absence of an unprocessed print job (more specifically, a print job not registered in the print queue) is determined.

  If the print job JB does not exist in the eco-box, the process returns to step S11 (FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, if the print job JB exists in the eco-box, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, the timer TM1 is counted up. In other words, the time measurement result of the timer TM1 is updated. The timer TM1 is also expressed as a timer that measures the elapsed time from the reservation reception time of the first print job JB among the plurality of print jobs to be continuously processed.

  In step S43, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job JB.

  When it is determined that the predetermined period TE has not yet elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job JB, the process returns to step S11 and the same operation is repeated. In particular, while no new job is received, the operations of steps S11, S41, S42, and S43 are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job JB, the process proceeds to step S45. The operations in steps S45, S46, and S47 are the same as those in steps S35, S36, and S37, respectively.

  In step S45, the print job JB in the eco-box is additionally registered in the print queue (queue waiting for printing).

  In step S46, the MFP 1 notifies the computer 90 that printing has started. When the computer 90 receives the notification from the MFP 1, the computer 90 displays the notification content on the display unit of the computer 90.

  Thereafter, the MFP 1 resets the timer TM1 in step S47, and again proceeds to step S14. Then, by executing the processing after step S14, execution of the print job (print job in the eco-box) JB registered in the print queue is started (particularly, step S18, etc.). As a result, print output operations relating to a plurality of print jobs JB in the eco-box are sequentially executed.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the eco-mode print job JB should be started after the predetermined condition CA (specifically, the number of reservations for the print job JB reaches a predetermined value) is satisfied. Reserved as kimono (step S12). In principle, the print job JB is started after the predetermined condition CA is satisfied. At this time, a plurality of print jobs JB are continuously executed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when nine print jobs JB1 to JB9 are reserved and the tenth print job JB10 is further reserved, the execution of the ten print jobs JB1 to JB10 is started. The Ten print jobs are continuously executed. Here, it is assumed that “the number of reservations for print job JB reaches 10” is defined as the predetermined condition CA.

  According to this, as described above, it is possible to reduce time loss required for the return operation.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is also determined at any time whether or not the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the print job JB reservation acceptance time (step S43). Even when the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied (NO in step S34), the execution of the print job JB is started when the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the print job JB ( Steps S43, S45 to S48, S18).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when only two print jobs JB1 and JB2 are reserved, if a predetermined period TE elapses from the reservation reception time T1 of the first print job JB1, two from the elapsed time T20. Print jobs JB1 and JB2 are continuously executed.

  As described above, when the waiting time (time measurement result by the timer TM1) exceeds the certain period TE, the execution of the print job JB is automatically started, so that the waiting time of the user is prevented from becoming excessive. It is possible to improve user convenience.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, when only two print jobs JB1 and JB2 are reserved, when a predetermined period TE elapses from the reservation reception time T1 of the first print job JB1, a total of two print jobs JB1 and JB2 are reserved. Although the case where the print jobs JB1 and JB2 are continuously executed has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the print job JB1 that has passed the predetermined period TE may be executed. However, in this case, since the print job JB2 is subsequently executed alone, the power consumption reduction effect may be suppressed. Therefore, it is preferable that all of the reserved print jobs (here, two print jobs JB1 and JB2) are continuously executed. According to this, since a plurality of print jobs are continuously executed, it is possible to suppress a time loss while obtaining a relatively high reduction effect regarding power consumption.

<2. Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, even when the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied, execution of the print job JB is started when the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time T1 of the print job JB. The case was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, even when an urgent print designation regarding a reserved print job JB is received and the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied, when the urgent print designation is accepted from the user, the print to which the urgent print designation is given is given. Execution of job JB may be started. According to this, a print job to which an immediate print designation is given by the user can be started without waiting for satisfaction of the predetermined condition CA.

  In the second embodiment, such a modification is illustrated. Below, it demonstrates centering on difference with 1st Embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the operations of FIGS. 3 and 4 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the operation of FIG. 8 is executed instead of the operation of FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment.

  In step S51, it is determined whether an instruction to display the eco box has been accepted. The user can give the MFP 1 an instruction to display the contents of the eco-box using the operation screen G1 (FIG. 9) displayed on the operation panel 63. When the MFP 1 determines that such a “display instruction” has been received, the process proceeds to the next step S52.

  In step S52, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed print job JB exists in the eco-box. If there is an unprocessed print job JB, the unprocessed print job JB is displayed on the operation screen G2 of the operation panel 63 (step S53).

  Then, the user selects a print job to be subjected to “urgent print designation” from the print jobs JB (JB11 to JB14, etc.) displayed as a list on the operation screen G2 (FIG. 10). For example, the print job JB12 is selected as an urgent print designation target from the list of FIG. Specifically, when the user presses the display portion of the print job JB12 on the operation panel 63 with a finger, an urgent print designation operation for the print job JB12 is executed. Then, the MFP 1 displays the details of the selected print job on the operation screen G3 (FIG. 11) according to the designation operation. Further, the user confirms the contents of the print job JB displayed on the operation screen (confirmation screen) G3, and presses the print button BN21 to confirm the immediate print designation, and proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the designated print job JB is additionally registered in the print queue (print queue).

  In step S56, the MFP 1 notifies the computer 90 that printing has started. When the computer 90 receives the notification from the MFP 1, the computer 90 displays the notification content on the display unit of the computer 90.

  Thereafter, the MFP 1 resets the timer TM1 in step S57, and again proceeds to step S14. Then, by executing the processing after step S14, execution of the print job JB registered in the print queue is started (particularly, step S18 and the like). As a result, the print output operation related to the print job JB to which “urgent print designation” is given is executed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the eco-mode print job JB should be started after satisfying the predetermined condition CA (specifically, the number of reservations for the print job JB reaches a predetermined value). Reserved as kimono (step S12). In principle, the print job JB is started after the predetermined condition CA is satisfied. At this time, a plurality of print jobs JB are continuously executed. Thereby, for example, a time loss required for the return operation can be reduced.

  On the other hand, an urgent print designation for a reserved print job is also accepted (step S54). Even when the predetermined condition CA is not satisfied, when an urgent print designation for a certain print job JB is accepted, execution of the print job JB is started (steps S55 and S18).

  In this way, when the user cannot wait for the start of printing in the eco mode, the MFP 1 can start executing the print job JB according to the user's instruction. Therefore, it is possible to respond flexibly to user requests, prevent waiting time from becoming excessive, and improve user convenience.

<3. Other>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the above idea is applied to the MFP 1 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applied to various devices (for example, a printer, a scanner device, etc.) having an image forming function. Is also possible.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the MFP 1 including the power saving mode (also referred to as a hibernation state) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the above idea may be applied to an MFP that does not have a power saving mode. Specifically, even when there is no next job in step S19, the process may return to step S11 without performing the operation of step S20.

  In this case, for example, “the number of print job reservations for each color mode reaches a predetermined number” may be adopted as the predetermined condition CA. According to this, by printing the same color mode printed matter (for example, a color printing unit) collectively, the mechanical switching operation associated with the color mode change as described above is suppressed, and the time loss is reduced. Is possible.

  Even when such a condition CA is not satisfied, the execution of the print job JB is started when the predetermined period TE has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the print job JB, and thus the same as in the first embodiment. An effect can be obtained. Alternatively, even when such a condition CA is not satisfied, when the urgent print designation for the print job JB is accepted, the execution of the print job JB is started to obtain the same effect as in the second embodiment. Is possible.

  Further, the predetermined condition CA is not limited to the above. For example, “the number of reservations of print jobs having the same print resolution reaching a predetermined number” may be adopted. When the printing resolutions of a plurality of print jobs are different from each other (for example, 400 dpi and 800 dpi), the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum may be different from the feeding speed of the paper in the plurality of print jobs. At this time, since a predetermined time is required until the speed of the photosensitive drum or the like is stabilized, it is possible to reduce time loss by continuously printing out print jobs having the same print resolution. Become. The idea of the first embodiment and the idea of the second embodiment may be applied to such a continuous output technique. According to this, it is possible to improve user convenience.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a print system. 2 is a functional block diagram of an MFP. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a print job is executed. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which a print job is executed. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the MFP according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an operation screen. It is a figure which shows an operation screen. It is a figure which shows an operation screen.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP
3 Print Output Unit 9 Controller 11 Print Control Unit 15 Elapsed Time Determination Unit 63 Operation Panel 90 Computer 100 Print System BN21 Print Button CA Start Condition G1 to G3 Operation Screen JB, JB1 to JB10 Print Job T1 Reservation Reception Time TE Predetermined Period

Claims (9)

Print control means for controlling a plurality of print jobs reserved to be continuously executed after satisfaction of a predetermined condition;
Determining means for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed from a reservation reception time of a first print job among the plurality of print jobs;
With
The printing control means starts execution of at least the first print job when the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The print control unit continuously executes the plurality of print jobs when the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations related to a print job reaches a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations for each color mode related to a print job reaches a predetermined value. A procedure for accepting reservations for a plurality of print jobs to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition;
A procedure for determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed from a reservation reception time of a first print job among the plurality of print jobs;
A procedure for starting execution of at least the first print job when the predetermined period has elapsed from the reservation reception time of the first print job even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied;
A program for running Print control means for controlling a plurality of print jobs reserved to be continuously executed after satisfaction of a predetermined condition;
An accepting means for accepting an urgent print designation relating to a reserved print job;
With
The printing control unit starts execution of a print job to which the urgent print designation is given when the urgent print designation is accepted even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations related to a print job reaches a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the number of reservations for each color mode related to a print job reaches a predetermined value. A procedure for accepting reservations for a plurality of print jobs to be executed continuously after satisfying a predetermined condition;
A procedure for accepting an urgent print designation for a reserved print job;
Even when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, when the urgent print designation is accepted, a procedure for starting execution of a print job to which the urgent print designation is given;
A program for running

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