JP2011062938A - Printing apparatus and printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus and a printing system which can switch a resumption operation for giving priority to a post-treatment and a resumption operation for giving priority to save printing resources corresponding to a request of a user when a printing job performing the post-treatment of a copy unit is interrupted and resumed. <P>SOLUTION: When a printing job performing a staple processing is interrupted and this interrupted printing job (the interrupted job) is resumed by an own machine, a composite machine 10 switches a resumption operation for giving priority to the staple processing which performs a printing from the head page of a copy and performs the staple processing, and a resumption operation for giving priority to save the printing resources which performs the printing from the interrupted page of the copy where the printing is interrupted and the staple processing is not performed, in accordance with a selection condition of the normal mode and an environmental mode which the user selects in advance as an operation mode for the own machine, and resumes the interrupted job by this switched operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing system that switch a resumed operation of interrupted printing.

  In a printing device such as a printer or a multifunction device equipped with a printer function, when a print job is interrupted due to an abnormality, printing can be resumed on the machine that has recovered from the abnormality, or the print job (print data) Or printing is resumed by another printing apparatus. In addition, when a print job that performs post-processing such as bookbinding or stapling after printing is resumed, it is devised to switch to a resume operation that is desirable for the user in accordance with the subsequent processing and the content of printing.

  For example, when resuming a print job that performs bookbinding printing (a format that enables bookbinding by bundling a specified number of sheets into a bundle and binding the bundle), the top of the sheet containing the print interrupted page Printing is resumed from the page and bookbinding is performed to prevent page misalignment after bookbinding. When resuming a print job that performs stapling, printing is resumed from the first page of the print job and stapling is performed. For example, printing is resumed from a print suspended page and only halfway pages are stapled. For example, there is a technique that can output data faithful to the result expected by the user (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when a print job for stapling is restarted, if the print job has a large number of prints (if it exceeds the specified number), only the printing can be resumed from the point of interruption after the abnormality of the printer is cleared. Although the user performs stapling, a large amount of wasted prints is prevented. When the number of printed sheets is small (less than a predetermined number), printing from the first page to the last page with the alternative machine and stapling is performed, so that the print output up to the middle page on the own machine is wasted. However, there is a technique in which the user does not need to perform stapling (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-167719 A JP-A-10-136143

  The printing process by the printing apparatus consumes paper (recording paper), toner (printing agent), etc., but when resuming interrupted printing, resources related to such printing are not consumed as much as possible. It is desirable to do. In recent years, due to the growing interest in environmental issues, the number of users who are highly conscious of the environment is increasing by actively working to save printing resources.

  On the other hand, in the technique of Patent Document 1, for example, when a print job for performing a stapling process is resumed, printing is resumed from the first page of the print job and stapling is performed. If the user wants this result, there is no problem. However, if the user wants to consider the environment by saving resources, the print output up to the middle page before the interruption is wasted. Can not respond to.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, a restart operation that gives priority to prevention of occurrence of wasted printing that allows omission of stapling processing and a restart operation that gives priority to stapling processing while allowing generation of wasted printing are printed. Since switching is performed based on the number of sheets, the result may not be desired by the user.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted and restarted, priority is given to resuming operation that prioritizes post-processing and saving of printing resources. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing system that can switch the resuming operation to be performed in accordance with a user's request.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] An input part of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job with respect to the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
A selection unit for accepting selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When resuming an interrupted print job, a first restart operation for causing the printing unit to perform printing from the first page of the copy and causing the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing for each copy unit; A second resumption operation in which printing is performed from the interrupted page to the printing unit and the post-processing unit is not subjected to the post-processing of the unit is selected between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. And a control unit that restarts the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation,
Printing device with

  In the above invention, when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted by the printing apparatus, and the interrupted print job (suspended job) is restarted by the printing apparatus (self apparatus), printing is started from the first page of the copy. The first restart operation for performing post-processing of the copy unit and the second restart operation for performing printing from the interrupted page of the copy-interrupted page and not performing the post-processing of the copy unit. Are switched according to the selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode selected in advance by the user, and the suspended job is restarted by the switched first or second restart operation.

  The first resuming operation can be rephrased as a resuming operation that prioritizes post-processing, and the second resuming operation can be rephrased as a resuming operation that prioritizes saving of printing resources such as recording paper and printing agent. The selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode reflects the user's desire (intention) that the user wants to operate and use the printing apparatus.

  Here, based on the operation of the printing apparatus desired by the user, the suspended job restart operation is switched to post-processing priority or printing resource saving priority. That is, unlike the configuration in which the user directly selects the first or second resume operation and switches to the selected resume operation when the print job is interrupted, The first or second resumption operation is determined indirectly and automatically from the first or second operation mode in which the operation method is shown, and the determined resumption operation is switched. As a result, when a print job that performs post-processing of a copy is interrupted and restarted, a restart operation that prioritizes post-processing and a restart operation that prioritizes saving of print resources are (indirectly) performed by the user. You can switch according to your needs.

[2] An input part of a print job including processing conditions related to post-processing of a copy unit;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job with respect to the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
An output unit for outputting the print job to another printing device;
A selection unit for accepting selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When the interrupted print job is output from the output unit to another printing apparatus and restarted, the printing unit of the other printing apparatus is caused to print from the first page of the copy and the post-processing unit performs post-processing of the unit. And a second resumption that does not cause the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing of the unit by causing the printing unit of the other printing apparatus to perform printing from the interrupted page of the unit where printing was interrupted. A control unit that switches the operation according to the selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and causes the other printing apparatus to restart the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation;
Printing device with

  In the above invention, when a print job that performs post-processing of a copy unit is interrupted in the printing apparatus (self apparatus), and this interrupted job is output (transferred) to another printing apparatus (other apparatus) and resumed, The first restart operation that prints from the first page of the copy by the device (transfer destination) and performs post-processing of the copy unit, and the print from the interrupted page of the copy that was interrupted by the other device (transfer destination) Switching between the second resumption operation in which the unit is not post-processed according to the selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode selected in advance by the user as the operation mode of the own device (transfer source) Then, the interrupted job is restarted in the other apparatus by the switched first or second restarting operation.

  Here, the restart operation by the other device (transfer destination) of the interrupted job is switched to post-processing priority or print resource saving priority based on the user's desired operation of the own device (transfer source). As a result, when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted by the own apparatus, transferred to another apparatus and restarted, a restart operation that gives priority to post-processing, and a restart action that gives priority to saving print resources Can be switched according to the request of the user who uses the apparatus on the side where the job is input (input).

[3] The control unit sends the interrupted print job, the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part where the printing is interrupted, and the restart operation information indicating the switched restart operation from the output unit to the other The printing apparatus according to [2], wherein the other printing apparatus resumes the interrupted print job by the switched resuming operation by outputting to the printing apparatus.

  In the above invention, when a print job interrupted by the own device is output (transferred) to another device and restarted, the own device (control unit) shows the interrupted print job and the interrupted page of the part where printing is interrupted. The suspension information and the restart operation information indicating the first or second restart operation switched according to the selection state of the first or second operation mode in the own device are output to another device, and the switched first In the first or second restart operation, the interrupted print job is restarted by another apparatus. In this configuration, when the resuming operation information indicating the first resuming operation is input, the other device prints on the recording paper according to the input print job, and the recording paper of the unit on which the printing is performed On the other hand, post-processing can be performed for each copy according to the processing conditions included in the print job. When resuming operation information indicating the second resuming operation is input, printing is performed on the recording paper from the interrupted page of the portion where printing in the print job is interrupted based on the input interrupt information, and is included in the print job. The post-processing performed in accordance with the processing conditions can be omitted.

[4] When the control unit switches to the first resuming operation, the control unit outputs the interrupted print job from the output unit to the other printing apparatus and switches to the second resuming operation. , By generating a new print job that prints from the interrupted page of the part where the printing was interrupted and does not perform post-processing, and outputs it to the other printing device from the output part, thereby interrupting the interrupted operation by the switched restart operation The printing apparatus according to [2], wherein the printing job is restarted by the other printing apparatus.

  In the above invention, when a print job interrupted by the own device is output (transferred) to another device and restarted, the own device (control unit) displays the interrupted print job when switching to the first restart operation. By outputting to the other device as it is and switching to the second resuming operation, a new print job is generated from the interrupted page of the part where printing was interrupted and no post-processing is performed and output to the other device. The interrupted print job is restarted in another apparatus by the switched first or second restart operation. In this configuration, the other apparatus can restart the interrupted print job by the first or second restart operation only by executing the input print job.

[5] A print job input unit including processing conditions relating to post-processing in units of copies;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job with respect to the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
A selection unit for accepting selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When resuming a print job that has been interrupted by the other printing device that has been input from the other printing device to the input unit and that includes interruption information indicating an interrupted page of the part for which printing has been interrupted, The first restart operation for causing the printing unit to perform printing from the first page and causing the post-processing unit to perform post-processing for each unit, and based on the suspension information, the printing from the suspended page of the portion where printing is suspended A second resuming operation in which printing is performed on a copy and post-processing is not performed on the copy processing unit in accordance with a selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. A control unit for resuming a print job interrupted by the other printing device by the resuming operation switched;
Printing device with

  In the above-described invention, when a print job that performs post-processing of a copy unit is interrupted in another printing apparatus (another apparatus), and the interrupted job is input (transferred) to the printing apparatus (self apparatus) and resumed. The first restart operation for printing from the first page of the copy at the own device (transfer destination) and performing post-processing of the copy unit, and from the interrupted page of the portion at which printing is interrupted at the own device (transfer destination) A selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode in which the user pre-selects the second restart operation that performs printing and does not perform post-processing for each copy as the operation mode of the own device (transfer destination). And the suspended job is restarted by the own device by the switched first or second restart operation. Note that the interrupted print job input from the other device includes the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part where printing was interrupted, and the own apparatus interrupts the part where printing was interrupted based on this interrupt information. Recognize the page.

  Here, based on how the user's own device (transfer destination) wants to operate, the resumption of the print job interrupted by another device (transfer source) is switched to post-processing priority or print resource saving priority. As a result, when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted by another device, transferred to the own device, and restarted, post-processing is given priority, and resume operation is given priority to saving print resources. Can be switched in accordance with the desire of the user who uses the own apparatus that resumes upon receiving the job transfer.

[6] a display unit;
One of an automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the display unit and a reselection operation is received on the selection unit before the interrupted print job is resumed are received. A setting section;
The printing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], comprising:

  In the above invention, the automatic mode in which the resuming operation is automatically switched, or the manual mode in which the selection state of the operation mode of the own apparatus is displayed and the reselection operation is accepted before restarting the interrupted print job can be selected in the setting. , Improve convenience.

[11] a first input unit of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A first printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A first post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job for the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the first printing unit;
A first selection unit that accepts selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode that are different in how the device operates.
Output the interrupted print job, the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part in which printing has been interrupted in the interrupted print job, and the operation mode information indicating the operation mode selected by the selection unit to the second printing apparatus. An output unit to
A first printing device comprising:
A second input unit that has the function of the first input unit and that receives the interrupted print job, the interrupt information, and the operation mode information that are output from the output unit of the first printing apparatus. When,
A second printing unit having the function of the first printing unit;
A second post-processing unit having the function of the first post-processing unit;
A first resuming operation for causing the second printing unit to perform printing from the first page of a copy and causing the second post-processing unit to perform post-processing of the copy unit when resuming the interrupted print job; Based on the interruption information, a second restart is performed in which the second printing unit is caused to print from the interruption page of the part where printing is interrupted, and the second post-processing unit is not allowed to perform the post-processing of the unit. A controller that switches the operation based on the operation mode information, and restarts the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation;
A second printing device having:
Printing system equipped with.

  In the above-described invention, in a printing system in which a print job that performs post-processing of a copy unit is interrupted by the first printing apparatus, and the interrupted job is output (transferred) from the first printing apparatus to the second printing apparatus and restarted. The first printing apparatus, the interrupted print job, the interrupt information indicating the interrupted page of the part in which printing in the interrupted job is interrupted, and the operation indicating the first or second operation mode selected by the own apparatus. The mode information is output to the second printing apparatus. When the second printing apparatus resumes the interrupted job input from the first printing apparatus, the second printing apparatus performs printing from the first page of the copy and performs post-processing for each copy, and the first printing. Based on the interruption information input from the apparatus, the second restart operation in which printing is performed from the interrupted page of the part in which printing is interrupted and no post-processing is performed for each unit, and the operation mode input from the first printing apparatus Switching based on information (first or second operation mode selected by the first printing apparatus), and the interrupted job input from the first printing apparatus in the switched first or second restart operation To resume.

  As a result, when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted by the first printing apparatus, transferred to the second printing apparatus, and resumed, post-processing priority is resumed, and printing resources are saved. Can be switched according to the desire of the user who uses the first printing apparatus on the side on which the job is input (input).

[12] The first printing apparatus includes:
A first display unit;
An automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed, and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the first display unit before the interrupted print job is output, and a reselection operation is received by the first selection unit. A first setting unit that accepts one of the settings;
[11] The printing system according to [11].

  In the above invention, in the first printing apparatus, the automatic mode in which the resuming operation by the second printing apparatus is automatically switched, or the operation mode selection state of the own apparatus before output of the interrupted print job (before transfer) The user can select the manual mode that accepts the re-selection operation by setting, thereby improving convenience.

[13] The second printing apparatus includes a second selection unit that receives selection of one of a third operation mode and a fourth operation mode in which the operation of the apparatus is different.
The control unit performs the switching based on the operation mode information, a selection state of the third operation mode and the fourth operation mode selected by the second selection unit. The printing system according to [11] or [12].

  In the above-described invention, the operation modes (first to fourth operation modes) of both the first printing apparatus serving as the output side (transfer source) of the interrupted print job and the second printing apparatus serving as the input side (transfer destination). ) Is comprehensively considered and the restart operation is switched. Note that the third operation mode in the second printing apparatus may be the same operation mode as the first operation mode in the first printing apparatus. The fourth operation mode in the second printing apparatus may be the same operation mode as the second operation mode in the first printing apparatus.

  Thereby, the resuming operation can be switched according to the user's request of both apparatuses.

[14] The second printing apparatus includes:
A second display;
An automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed, and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the second display unit and a reselection operation is received by the second selection unit before the interrupted print job is resumed. A second setting unit that accepts one of the settings;
[13] The printing system according to [13].

  In the above invention, in the second printing apparatus, the automatic mode in which the resuming operation for the print job interrupted by the first printing apparatus is automatically switched, or the operation mode of the own apparatus before the interrupted printing job is resumed. Convenience is improved by selecting a manual mode that displays a selection state and accepts a reselection operation.

[7] A plurality of paper discharge units for discharging the recording paper printed by the printing unit are provided,
In the second resuming operation, the control unit discharges a recording sheet that is not subjected to post-processing of the set unit different from a discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet that is subjected to post-processing of the set unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the printing apparatus is discharged to a portion.

[15] The second printing apparatus includes a plurality of paper discharge units from which the recording paper printed by the second printing unit is discharged,
In the second resuming operation, the control unit discharges a recording sheet that is not subjected to post-processing of the set unit different from a discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet that is subjected to post-processing of the set unit. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the printing system is discharged to a printing unit.

  In the above inventions [7] and [15], the recording paper that is not subjected to the post-processing of the copy unit is discharged to a paper discharge unit that is different from the recording paper that is subjected to the post-processing of the copy unit. In this way, by separating and ejecting the recording paper from which the post-processing is omitted, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being mixed into the recording paper that has been subjected to the post-processing, and the user takes out the recording paper. It becomes easy.

[8] When the print job is a print job in which a plurality of copies are printed, the control unit may include, in the second resume operation, only the portion that has been printed from the interrupted page is included in the post-processing portion. The printing apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3] and [5] to [7], wherein the unit is not post-processed.

[16] In the case where the print job is a print job in which a plurality of copies are printed, the control unit may include the second post-processing unit only in a portion where printing has been performed from the interrupted page in the second restart operation. The printing system according to any one of [11] to [15], wherein post-processing of the unit is not performed.

  In the inventions of the above [8] and [16], for a print job that prints a plurality of copies, only the portion that was printed from the interrupted page in the second restart operation (the first copy after restart) No unit post-processing is performed. When there is a portion after the first copy after the restart (second copy after the restart), post-processing is performed on that portion. For example, when the user performs post-processing manually, only the first copy after resumption needs to be post-processed, so the work load can be reduced.

[9] The first operation mode is a normal operation mode in which the device itself operates normally,
The printing according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the second operation mode is a resource saving operation mode in which the apparatus operates with less resources than the normal operation mode. apparatus.

[17] The first operation mode is a normal operation mode in which the device itself operates normally,
The printing according to any one of [11] to [16], wherein the second operation mode is a resource saving operation mode in which the device is operated with resource saving as compared with the normal operation mode. system.

  In the above inventions [9] and [17], the switching of the resume operation for the interrupted print job is performed according to the selection state of the normal operation mode and the resource saving operation mode. For example, when the user selects the normal operation mode and operates the printing apparatus normally, the printing apparatus is switched to the first resuming operation in which post-processing is prioritized, and the user selects the resource saving operation mode. Can be used by operating with less resources than in the normal operation mode, it is possible to switch to the second restarting operation that prioritizes saving of printing resources.

[10] The first operation mode and the second operation mode are operation modes related to functions different from functions related to resuming the interrupted print job. [1] to [9] ] The printing apparatus of any one of.

[18] The first operation mode and the second operation mode are operation modes related to different functions different from the functions related to resuming the interrupted print job. [11] to [17] ] The printing system of any one of.

  In the above inventions [10] and [18], the switching of the resume operation for an interrupted print job is performed according to the selection state of an operation mode related to a function different from the function related to restart of an interrupted print job (resume function). Will be done. As an operation mode here, for example, an operation mode not related to a printing operation (printing function) or an operation mode related to a printing operation among operation modes provided in the printing apparatus as device settings that can be selected by the user. Etc. are included. For example, the former is a power saving mode for reducing power consumption (mode for setting a transition time to a sleep state) and the latter is a resource saving mode for reducing print resource consumption (toner save mode, duplex mode, multiple modes). (Aggregation mode for aggregating pages into one page). It can be said that these modes are included in the resource saving operation modes in [9] and [17].

  Here, for example, if the above mode is not selected (device setting off state), the first operation mode is selected. If the above mode is selected (device setting on state), the first mode is selected. The selected operation mode may be the second operation mode. In addition, when a plurality of the above modes are provided, the second operation mode may be selected as long as at least one mode is selected.

  In this case, for example, when the user operates and uses the printing apparatus without selecting the above mode (selected state of the first operation mode), the user switches to the first resuming operation that prioritizes post-processing. When the user selects the above mode and uses the printing apparatus (second operation mode selected state), it is possible to switch to the second resuming operation giving priority to saving of printing resources.

  According to the printing apparatus and the printing system of the present invention, when a print job that performs post-processing for each copy is interrupted and restarted, a restart operation that prioritizes post-processing and a restart operation that prioritizes saving of print resources Can be switched according to the user's request. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user who desires post-processing with high convenience without imposing a burden that the user has to perform post-processing separately. For users who want to consider the environment by saving printing resources, it is possible to provide a high level of satisfaction that can contribute to that.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine as a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode setting screen displayed on a display unit of the multifunction machine. 6 is a diagram illustrating a switching mode setting screen displayed on the display unit of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation mode confirmation selection screen displayed on the display part of the multifunctional device. It is a figure which shows the determination table with which the multifunctional device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement (normal mode) of the multifunctional device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement (environment mode) of the multifunctional device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an operation of a multifunction peripheral (print job transfer source) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an operation of a multifunction peripheral (print job transfer destination) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration example of a printing system 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The printing system 5 includes a multi function peripheral / multi function printer (MFP) 10 and 11 as a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and an arbitrary number of terminal devices 15 and a local area network (LAN). ) Or the like. The terminal device 15 is configured by a general-purpose personal computer (PC) or the like. The MFP 10 (MFP 1) and the MFP 11 (MFP 2) have the same configuration. In this embodiment, functions, configurations, and operations related to the multifunction machine are described using the multifunction machine 10. A description of the multifunction machine 11 will be given in the second embodiment.

  The multifunction machine 10 (11) optically reads a document image, prints the duplicate image on a recording sheet and outputs it, stores the read document image data as a file, or stores the terminal device 15 or a server. A scan function for transmitting to the printer, a printer function for printing an image relating to the print data received from the terminal device 15 and an image relating to the image data stored in the multi-function peripheral 10 on a recording paper, and sending and receiving the image data And a post-processing function for post-processing the printed recording paper (print).

  Further, the multifunction machine 10 suspends a print job that performs post-processing for each unit, and resumes the suspended print job (suspended job) with the multifunction machine 10 (self machine), giving priority to post-processing. A post-processing priority restarting operation (first restarting operation) and a resource saving priority restarting operation (second restarting operation) that is a restarting operation that prioritizes saving of printing resources such as recording paper and toner. Switching according to the selected state of the normal mode (first operation mode) and the environment mode (second operation mode) selected by the user in advance as the operation mode of the own device, and restarting the interrupted job by the switched restart operation It has a function to let you.

  The post-processing priority restart operation is a restart operation in which printing is performed from the first page of a copy that has been interrupted and post-processing is performed in units of copies. The resource saving priority restart operation is a restart operation in which printing is performed from the interrupted page of the part in which printing is interrupted and no post-processing is performed for each unit. For a print job that prints a plurality of copies, the resource saving priority restart operation does not perform post-processing for each copy of only the copy that has been printed from the interrupted page (the first copy after the restart). When there is a part after the first copy after the restart (the second copy after the restart), post-processing is performed for that part.

  The normal mode in the operation mode of the multifunction device 10 is an operation mode (normal operation mode) in which the multifunction device 10 is normally operated. The environment mode is an operation mode (resource saving operation mode) in which the multifunction machine 10 is operated with less resources than in the normal mode. This environmental mode can be rephrased as an environmental mode or an energy saving mode.

  In the environment mode, for example, the following control is performed as compared with the normal mode.

(1) Printing with default setting in toner save mode (2) Printing with default setting in duplex mode (3) Printing with default setting in 2-in-1 mode (aggregation mode) (4) Sleep state Reduce migration time

  The toner save mode is a mode for reducing the amount of toner used (consumption) in printing more than usual. The default setting refers to an initial setting at the time of job setting. For example, the modes (1) to (3) are set in advance on the print job setting screen. The default setting can be changed by the user when setting the job.

  When the environment mode is selected in the multifunction machine 10, for example, one or more of the controls (1) to (4) described above are performed. The controls (1) to (4) are merely examples, and may include other controls that cause the multifunction device 10 to operate with less resources than in the normal mode. When the environmental mode is selected, control such as limiting functions that can be used in the normal mode may be performed. For example, color functions that can be used in the normal mode may be limited in the environment mode.

  Further, the multi-function device 10 is one of an automatic mode that automatically switches the resuming operation and a manual mode that displays a selection state of the current operation mode and accepts a reselection operation before resuming the interrupted print job. In the function of accepting the setting and the resource saving priority restart operation, in a plurality of paper discharge trays, the recording paper that is not subjected to post-processing of the copy unit is discharged, and the paper discharge tray that is discharged of the recording paper that is subjected to copy processing of the copy unit A function for discharging to a different paper discharge tray is also provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the multifunction peripheral 10 (11). The multifunction machine 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 as a control unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, a nonvolatile memory 25, a hard disk device 26, and the like via a bus 22. The display unit 27, the operation unit 28, the scanner unit 29, the image processing unit 30, the printer unit 31, the facsimile communication unit 32, the network communication unit 33, the post-processing unit 34, and the like are connected. The

  The CPU 21 controls the operation of the multifunction machine 10 based on a program stored in the ROM 23. The RAM 24 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 21 executes a program, and is also used for an image memory for temporarily storing image data.

  The non-volatile memory 25 is a memory that retains memory even when the power is turned off, and stores device-specific information and various setting information. The hard disk device 26 stores various types of stored data, and also stores various types of input image data.

  The display unit 27 includes a liquid crystal display and displays various screens such as an operation screen, a setting screen, a confirmation screen, and a notification screen. The operation unit 28 includes various buttons such as a start key, a stop key, and a numeric keypad, and a touch panel that is provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display and detects a pressed coordinate position. Accepts various operations to be performed.

  The scanner unit 29 optically reads a document and acquires image data. The scanner unit 29 sequentially moves, for example, a light source that irradiates light to a document, a line image sensor that receives the reflected light for one line in the width direction, and a reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document. An optical path composed of a lens, a mirror and the like for guiding the reflected light from the document to the line image sensor to form an image, a conversion unit for converting the analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data, etc. It is configured with.

  The image processing unit 30 performs various kinds of image processing such as image correction, rotation, enlargement / reduction, compression / expansion on the image data.

  The printer unit 31 forms and outputs an image based on the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The printer unit 31 includes, for example, a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an LD (Laser Diode) that is controlled to be turned on according to input image data, and laser light emitted from the LD. It is configured as a so-called laser printer having a scanning unit that scans on a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a transfer separating device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. Instead of an LED printer that irradiates a photosensitive drum with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a laser beam, other types of printers may be used.

  The facsimile communication unit 32 transmits / receives image data to / from an external apparatus having a facsimile function through a public line. The network communication unit 33 communicates with a terminal device or a server through a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The post-processing unit 34 performs post-processing for post-processing the recording paper on which the image is printed by the printer unit 31 and output. In this embodiment, the post-processing is a stapling process that staples the printed recording paper in units of copies (post-processing unit = stapler (staple processing unit)).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 10 (11) includes a plurality of paper discharge trays 35 on which printed or printed and stapled recording paper is discharged.

  Next, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an outline of a restart operation when a print job is interrupted in the multifunction machine 10. The print job includes a print job in which the user operates the terminal device 15 to instruct the multifunction device 10 and a print job instructed by the user by operating the multifunction device 10, for example, a print job when copying a document. There is. Here, a print job by copying will be described as an example. As the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10, a normal mode or an environment mode is selected in advance by a user (or an administrator).

  When copying with the multifunction device 10, the user sets a job related to copying through the display unit 27 and the operation unit 28 of the multifunction device 10, sets a document on the scanner unit 29, and presses the start button. Then, a job is input to the multifunction machine 10. Here, an example is described in which 10 originals are copied with the setting of the number of copies 1 (“number of copies: 1”) and the presence of staples (“staple: present”).

  Upon receiving the above job input (P1), the multi-function device 10 reads the set 10 originals with the scanner unit 29 and acquires 10 original (10 pages) image data and job processing conditions. Then, a print job including the number of copies information indicating the number of copies 1 and staple information indicating the presence of staples is generated (P2). The printer unit 31 prints an image on recording paper according to this print job (based on the image data of the print job). In this example, according to a print job of 10 sheets × 1 copy, 10 pages of images are sequentially printed on 10 sheets of recording paper one page at a time. When printing is completed normally, the post-processing unit 34 staples the 10 sheets × 1 copy of the recording paper output from the printer unit 31 according to the staple information included in the print job, and discharges the output tray. To 35.

  When an abnormality such as a paper jam (jam) occurs in the multifunction device 10 during printing by the printer unit 31, for example, an abnormality has occurred in the multifunction device 10 when print output is completed up to the fifth sheet as shown in the figure. In this case (P3), the printing is temporarily interrupted at this point, the output from the first sheet to the fifth sheet is completed, the sixth sheet is an interrupted page, and the sixth sheet to the tenth sheet are not output. Become. The five printed recording sheets are discharged from the post-processing unit 34 (staple stage) to the paper discharge tray 35 when the multifunction machine 10 is recovered from the abnormality, or post-processed by a recovery operation by the user. For example, it is taken out from the unit 34. When the multifunction machine 10 recovers from the abnormality, it switches the resume operation for the interrupted print job in accordance with the selected operation mode, and resumes the print job by the resume operation (P4).

  When the normal mode is selected, printing is performed from the first page of the part where printing is interrupted, switching to a resuming operation for performing stapling, and the resuming operation is executed. Here, since the number of copies is 1, the first copy is interrupted. Printing is resumed from the first copy of the first copy, printing is performed for all sheets up to the tenth copy, stapling is performed, and output is performed. In this case, the first to fifth recording sheets that have already been output before resuming are wasted, but the user obtains a recording sheet bundle (printed matter) that is all aligned and bound with staples. can do.

  When the environmental mode is selected, printing is performed from the interrupted page of the part where printing is interrupted, the operation is switched to the resuming operation in which the stapling process is not performed, and the resuming operation is executed. Here, since the number of copies is 1, the first copy is interrupted, and printing is resumed from the sixth page where printing of the first copy is interrupted, and only the non-output pages up to the tenth page are printed. Is output without stapling. In this case, the user manually superimposes the first to fifth recording sheets already output before the restart and the sixth to tenth recording sheets output after the restart. However, the output first to fifth recording sheets are not wasted.

  Here, a print job with 1 copy has been described as an example, but a restart operation for a print job with 2 or more copies is as follows.

  When the M-th copy (N> M ≧ 1) of the print job with N copies (N ≧ 2) is interrupted, in the restart operation in the normal mode selected state, printing is performed from the first page of the M copy in which printing is interrupted. Staple processing is performed for the Mth copy and the remaining NM copies. In the restart operation in the selected state of the environmental mode, printing is performed from the interrupted page of M copies where printing has been interrupted, stapling is omitted for the Mth copy, and stapling is performed for the remaining NM copies.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the operation of the multifunction machine 10 described in FIG.

  As described above, the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 is selected and set. In addition, the automatic mode that automatically switches the resuming operation, or the manual mode that displays the current operating mode selection status and accepts the reselection operation before resuming an interrupted print job is selected and set. ing. These settings are made through a setting screen displayed on the display unit 27. First, this setting screen will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation mode setting screen 50 displayed on the display unit 27 of the multifunction machine 10.

  The operation mode setting screen 50 includes a message 51 prompting the user to set the operation mode of the MFP 10 (MFP), a normal mode selection button 52 for selecting the normal mode, and an environment mode selection button 53 for selecting the environment mode. Then, an OK button 54 for accepting confirmation (setting) of the selected operation mode and a Cancel button 55 for accepting an operation for turning off the display of this screen and returning the display screen to the previous screen are displayed.

  A user (or an administrator or the like) can select and set the operation mode of the multifunction machine 10 to the normal mode or the environment mode through the operation mode setting screen 50.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the switching mode setting screen 60 displayed on the display unit 27 of the multifunction machine 10.

  On the switching mode setting screen 60, a message 61 prompting the setting of the switching mode of the restarting operation, an automatic switching mode selection button 62 for selecting an automatic switching mode for automatically switching the restarting operation, and switching of the restarting operation are displayed. Manual switching mode selection button 63 for selecting a manual switching mode to be performed manually, an OK button 64 for accepting confirmation (setting) of the selected switching mode, and an operation for turning off the display of this screen and returning the display screen to the previous screen A Cancel button 65 is displayed.

  A user (or an administrator or the like) can select and set the switching mode of the restart operation of the multifunction machine 10 to the automatic switching mode or the manual switching mode through the switching mode setting screen 60.

  Further, the multifunction machine 10 is configured to accept a change setting for the paper discharge tray 35 as a setting related to the restart operation. When this setting is made, the recording paper that does not perform the stapling process in the interrupted print job with staples (the page after the interruption in the part where printing is interrupted) is the recording paper on which the stapling process is performed. If the sheet is discharged to a different sheet discharge tray 35 and no setting is made, the sheet discharge tray 35 operates to discharge to the same sheet discharge tray 35.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the multifunction machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When a print job is input, the CPU 21 of the multifunction machine 10 starts this operation (Start), and causes the printer unit 31 to start print processing based on this print job (step S101).

  If an abnormality occurs in the multifunction machine 10 during printing (SS01), the CPU 21 interrupts the print job being executed and stops the printing process by the printer unit 31. The user specifies and eliminates the cause of abnormality of the multifunction device 10 and performs a restart process such that the multifunction device 10 is recovered from the abnormality (SS02). When the multifunction machine 10 recovers from the abnormality, the CPU 21 confirms the switching mode (step S102).

  If it is the automatic switching mode (step S102; Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. When it is the manual switching mode (step S102; No), the CPU 21 displays an operation mode confirmation screen on the display unit 27, accepts an operation mode reselection operation (step S103), and proceeds to step S104.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation mode confirmation selection screen 70 displayed on the display unit 27.

  On the operation mode confirmation selection screen 70, a message 71 prompting confirmation of the current operation mode and reselection of the operation mode, an environment mode selection button 72 for selecting an operation in the environment mode, and an operation in the normal mode are displayed. A normal mode selection button 73 to be selected is displayed.

  The user confirms the current operation mode of the MFP 10 through the operation mode confirmation selection screen 70, and sets the resume operation for the interrupted print job as the resume operation corresponding to the normal mode or the resume operation corresponding to the environment mode. It is possible to select whether to operate.

  In step S104, the CPU 21 confirms the operation mode (step S104).

  If it is the normal mode (step S104; No), the CPU 21 causes the printer unit 31 to resume printing in the mode (setting contents) set from the top of the copy (step S105), and the processing (print job) is performed. When completed, this operation ends (End).

  If it is the environmental mode (step S104; Yes), the CPU 21 confirms the staple setting (step S106). If there is no stapling (step S106; No), the printer unit 31 restarts printing in the mode (setting contents) set from the interrupted location (interruption page) (step S107), and the processing (print job) is performed. When completed, this operation ends (End).

  When there is a staple (step S106; Yes), the CPU 21 causes the printer unit 31 and the post-processing unit 34 (stapler) to resume printing without stapling only print data from the interrupted location (interrupted page) (step S108). ).

  If there is a setting for changing the discharge tray (step S109; Yes), the printed recording paper is output after changing the discharge tray (step S110). If there is no change setting for the discharge tray (step S109; No), the printed recording paper is output without changing the discharge tray.

  If there is no remaining part (step S111; No), the operation is terminated when the process (print job) is completed (End). If there is a remaining part (step S111; Yes), the remaining part is printed with stapling (step S112). When the process (print job) is completed, this operation is ended (End).

  As described above, in the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment, when a print job for performing stapling as post-processing for each unit is interrupted and the interrupted print job (interrupt job) is restarted by the own machine, Resuming operation for printing from the first page of the copy and performing stapling processing, that is, resuming operation for giving priority to stapling processing, and resuming operation for performing printing from the interrupted page of the portion where printing is suspended and not performing stapling processing, that is, print resources The resuming operation giving priority to saving is switched according to the selection state of the normal mode and the environment mode that the user has previously selected as the operation mode of the own device, and the suspended job is resumed by the resuming operation thus switched. The selection state of the operation mode reflects the user's desire (intention) as to how the user wants to operate and use the multifunction machine 10. For example, when the environmental mode is selected, the intention is displayed that the user uses the multifunction machine 10 while saving resources in consideration of the environment. The resume operation of the interrupted job is switched to post-processing priority or print resource saving priority based on the operation of the multifunction machine 10 desired by the user.

  As a result, when a print job for performing stapling processing is interrupted and restarted, a resuming operation that prioritizes stapling processing and a resuming operation that prioritizes saving of print resources can be switched according to the user's request. . Therefore, it is possible to provide the user who desires the staple processing with high convenience without imposing a burden that the user has to separately perform the staple processing. For users who want to consider the environment by saving printing resources, it is possible to provide a high level of satisfaction that can contribute to that by reducing waste of recording paper.

  Also, for a print job that prints multiple copies, only the copy that has been printed from the interrupted page (the first copy after the restart) is not performed in the restart operation that prioritizes saving of print resources. It becomes like this. If there is a portion after the first copy after the restart (second copy after the restart), stapling is performed on that portion. For example, when the user performs staple binding manually, it is only necessary to perform staple binding only for the first copy after resumption, so that the work load can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the automatic mode in which the resuming operation is automatically switched, or the manual mode in which the current operation mode selection state is displayed before resuming the interrupted print job and the reselection operation is accepted can be selected in the settings. As a result, convenience is improved. Further, by separating and ejecting the recording paper from which the stapling process is omitted, the recording paper can be prevented from being mixed into the recording paper on which the stapling process has been performed, and the user can easily take out the recording paper.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the interrupted print job is restarted by the own machine has been described. In the second embodiment, a case where the interrupted print job is transferred to another apparatus and restarted is described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 5 includes two multifunction peripherals 10 and 11, and a print job interrupted by one multifunction peripheral can be transferred to the other multifunction peripheral and resumed. . Here, an example will be described in which a print job interrupted by the multifunction device 10 is transferred to the multifunction device 11 and resumed.

  The transfer destination when the print job is interrupted can be set in advance for each multifunction device. Here, it is assumed that the transfer destination of the multifunction device 10 is set to the multifunction device 11, and the transfer destination of the multifunction device 11 is set to the multifunction device 10.

  In the first embodiment, the resume operation of the interrupted print job is switched according to the selected state of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral in which the interrupt job occurred. However, in this embodiment, the interrupt job transfer source Are switched based on the operation mode of the MFP and the operation mode of the transfer destination MFP. Specifically, only when both operation modes are in the normal mode, switching to a post-processing priority restart operation corresponding to the normal mode, and if at least one of the operation modes is the environmental mode, priority is given to resource saving corresponding to the environmental mode. It is designed to switch to the resume operation.

  The determination relating to the switching is performed by the transfer destination multifunction peripheral using the determination table. The determination table is stored in the non-volatile memory 25 in the MFPs 10 and 11 of the printing system 5.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the determination table 80 included in the multifunction peripherals 10 and 11. This table shows the determination results ("operate as normal mode" / "operating mode (" normal mode "/" environment mode ") of the own machine (transfer destination) and the other machine (transfer source). It is a table storing “operating as an environmental mode”) in a matrix. Here, a determination result of “operate as a normal mode” is assigned to a combination in which both are in the normal mode, and a combination in which at least one of the operation modes is an environmental mode is assigned to the “environment mode” The determination result of “operating as” is assigned. The transfer destination multifunction peripheral refers to the determination table 80 and makes a determination related to switching of the restart operation.

  Next, operations of the multifunction machines 10 and 11 will be described.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams schematically illustrating an outline of a restart operation when a print job is interrupted in the multifunction device 10 and the print job is transferred to the multifunction device 11 to be resumed. This embodiment will also be described by taking a print job by copying the same 10 sheets of originals × 1 copy as in the first embodiment. As the operation mode of each of the MFPs 10 and 11, the normal mode or the environment mode is selected in advance by a user (or an administrator or the like).

  As shown in the figure, the MFP 10 receives the above job (P11), generates a print job (P12), starts print output according to the print job (P13), and prints up to the fifth sheet. When printing is interrupted due to the occurrence of an abnormality when it is completed, output is completed for the first to fifth sheets, the sixth page is an interrupted page, and no output is performed for the sixth to tenth sheets. The multi-function device 10 print data (image data) relating to the interrupted print job, operation mode information indicating the operation mode of the own device, interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part in which printing is interrupted, and job settings The job setting information indicating the number of copies, the presence or absence of stapling, and the discharge tray change information indicating the contents of the change setting of the discharge tray are transferred to the multifunction machine 11 (P14), and a request is made to resume the interrupted print job. .

  Upon receiving the above request from the multifunction device 10, the multifunction device 11 refers to the determination table 80, and from the operation mode of the own device and the operation mode of the other device indicated by the operation mode information received from the multifunction device 10. It is determined whether the operation mode is the mode or the environment mode.

  When the normal mode is determined (see FIG. 9), the restart operation corresponding to the same normal mode as in the first embodiment, that is, printing is performed from the first page of the part where printing is interrupted, and the job setting information includes stapling Is included, the operation is switched to the resuming operation for performing the stapling process, and the resuming operation is executed (P15). In this case as well, the first to fifth recording sheets that have already been output by the multifunction machine 10 are wasted, but the user has recorded all the sheets in the multifunction machine 11 and bound with staples. A bundle (printed material) can be acquired.

  When the environment mode is determined (see FIG. 10), the restart operation corresponding to the same environment mode as in the first embodiment, that is, printing is performed from the interrupted page of the part where printing is interrupted, and the job setting information includes stapling Is switched to a resuming operation in which stapling is not performed, and the resuming operation is executed (P16). Also in this case, the user manually operates the first to fifth recording sheets that have already been output by the multifunction peripheral 10 and the sixth to tenth recording sheets that have been output by the multifunction peripheral 11. However, the output first to fifth recording sheets are not wasted.

  The restart operation for a print job with two or more copies performed by the transfer destination multifunction peripheral is also the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the operation of the transfer source multifunction device 10 described in FIGS. 9 and 10.

  When a print job is input, the CPU 21 of the multifunction machine 10 starts this operation (Start), and causes the printer unit 31 to start print processing based on this print job (Step S201).

  If an abnormality occurs in the multifunction machine 10 during printing (SS01), the CPU 21 interrupts the print job being executed, stops the printing process by the printer unit 31, and confirms the switching mode (step S202).

  If it is the automatic switching mode (step S202; Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. When it is the manual switching mode (step S202; No), the CPU 21 displays an operation mode confirmation screen on the display unit 27 (see FIG. 7), accepts an operation mode reselection operation (step S203), and step S204. Migrate to

  In step S204, the CPU 21 creates transfer data (step S204). The details of the transfer data are the various data described above. That is, the print data (image data) relating to the interrupted print job, the operation mode information indicating the operation mode of the own machine, the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the copy where printing has been interrupted, and the setting contents of the job (number of copies, stapling) Job setting information indicating presence / absence), and paper discharge tray change information indicating the content of the discharge tray change setting. Then, the CPU 21 transmits this transfer data to the multi-function device 11 as the transfer destination (step S205), and ends this operation (End).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the operation of the transfer destination multifunction machine 11 described in FIGS. 9 and 10.

  When the CPU 21 of the multifunction device 11 receives the interrupted print job transfer and restart request from the multifunction device 10, the CPU 21 starts this operation (Start), and receives the transfer data from the multifunction device 10 (step S211). Then, referring to the determination table 80, which of the normal mode and the environment mode is to be operated from the operation mode of the own device and the operation mode of the other device indicated by the operation mode information received from the multifunction device 10 To decide.

  When both are in the normal mode (step S212; No → Step S213; No), the CPU 21 determines to operate in the normal mode, performs Step S214 having the same contents as Step S105 in FIG. 4, and performs this operation. End (End). When at least one of them is the environmental mode (step S212; Yes or step S212; No → step S213; Yes), the CPU 21 determines to operate in the environmental mode, and has the same contents as steps S106 to S112 in FIG. Steps S215 to S221) are performed, and this operation is terminated (End).

  As described above, even when an interrupted print job is transferred and resumed, the resuming operation that prioritizes stapling processing and the resuming operation that prioritizes saving of print resources can be switched according to the user's request. Further, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained in that the switching of the resuming operation can be set to automatic or manual, and the recording paper in which the stapling process is omitted is separately ejected.

  In this embodiment, the restart operation is switched in consideration of the operation modes of both the multifunction machine 10 that is the transfer source of the interrupted print job and the multifunction machine 11 that is the transfer destination. Thereby, resumption operation | movement can be switched according to the request of both users.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and the present invention can be changed or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention.

  In the resuming operation (first resuming operation) giving priority to the post-processing described in the embodiment, printing is performed from the first page (first page) of the interrupted copy and post-processing is performed in units of copies. Printing may be performed from the first page of the job (the first page of the first copy in the print job) to perform post-processing for each copy. That is, the “first page of the copy” in the “first restart operation” described in the claims means the first page (first page) of the interrupted copy and the first page of the print job (one copy in the print job). 1st page).

  For example, when one print job is interrupted or when the first copy of a plurality of print jobs is interrupted, the first page of the interrupted copy and the first page of the print job are the same. When the second and subsequent copies are interrupted in a multiple-copy print job, the first page of the interrupted copy is different from the first page of the print job (first first page). If the second and subsequent copies are interrupted in the multiple-copy print job, the first restart operation may print from the first page of the interrupted copy and perform post-processing for each copy. Printing may be performed from the first page (the first page of the first copy in the print job) to perform post-processing for each copy.

  The switching to the resuming operation (second resuming operation) giving priority to saving print resources is performed when the environmental mode is selected, but the operation mode to be switched may be other than the environmental mode. For example, toner save mode, duplex mode, 2 in 1 mode (aggregation mode), power saving mode (when the transition time is set to be short in the mode for setting the transition time to the sleep state) are selected as the default settings of the apparatus. In such a case, a configuration may be adopted in which the operation is switched to a resuming operation that prioritizes saving of printing resources.

  The environment mode, the toner save mode, the power saving mode, and the like described in the embodiment are resource saving operation modes in which the printing apparatus (multifunction machine) is operated in resource saving, and functions related to resuming an interrupted print job ( This is an operation mode related to another function different from the resume function. Therefore, when using these environmental mode, toner save mode, power saving mode, etc., the first or second mode is selected according to the selection (setting) of the operation mode related to the function different from the resume function of the interrupted print job. The configuration is switched to the resuming operation.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which estimates the height of the directivity regarding a user's environmental preservation etc. from the setting condition of these functions (operation mode), and switches restart operation | movement according to the estimation result. For example, points are set for each of a plurality of functions (operation modes) such as toner save mode and power saving mode according to the setting contents (for example, the level of resource saving effect), You may comprise so that resumption mode may be switched from the comparison result with a threshold value. Further, the restart mode may be switched based on the setting history (usage history) of the function (operation mode) such as the double-sided mode and the 2-in-1 mode.

  In other words, the “selection of one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode” and the “selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode” described in the claims are the embodiments. In addition to the current selection state in which one of the two operation modes (normal mode / environment mode) described above is selected, the current and past selection states (setting states) in one or more types of operation modes are displayed. Is included.

  Specifically, a state in which use (on) / non-use (off) is selected in one operation mode (individual operation modes such as an environmental mode, a toner save mode, and a power saving mode), a plurality of types In a state in which each use (on) / non-use (off) is alternatively selected in one of the operation modes, the setting contents including setting contents and setting history (usage history) in one type or a plurality of types of operation modes are indicated. This includes the selection state. In addition, in the environment mode, the toner save mode, the power saving mode, and the like, when non-use (off) is selected, the first operation mode is selected, and use (on) is selected. In some cases, the second operation mode may be selected.

  In the second embodiment in which the interrupted print job is transferred and resumed, the transfer destination printing apparatus (multifunction machine) is configured to set the transfer destination printing apparatus in advance. The device automatically detects other printing devices on the network and determines the transfer destination, or displays a list of other automatically detected printing devices as transfer destination candidates and allows the user to select the transfer destination and determine It is good also as a structure of doing.

  In the second embodiment, the transfer mode is automatically displayed on the transfer source printing apparatus, and the operation mode selection state of the own apparatus is displayed before transfer of the interrupted print job. Is configured to have a function of accepting one of the settings in the manual mode (see FIGS. 6 and 7). However, the same function may be provided in the transfer destination printing apparatus. In this configuration, when the manual mode is set, the transfer destination printing apparatus displays the operation mode confirmation selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 before resuming the interrupted print job transferred from the transfer source printing apparatus. 70 may be displayed so that the user can confirm and reselect the current operation mode.

  In the second embodiment, the determination table 80 shown in FIG. 8 is used, and the restart operation is switched based on the operation modes (combination of the normal mode and the environment mode) of both the transfer source and the transfer destination. However, the criterion for determination is not limited to the contents (conditions) of the determination table. For example, only the combination in which both are in the environmental mode may be set to “operate as an environmental mode”, and only when this condition is satisfied, switching to a restart operation corresponding to the environmental mode may be performed. Further, the resuming operation may be switched based on one operation mode. Specifically, based on the operation mode of the transfer source, if the transfer source is the normal mode, the operation is switched to the resume operation corresponding to the normal mode. If the transfer source is the environment mode, the restart operation corresponding to the environment mode is performed. Switch to. Based on the transfer destination operation mode, if the transfer destination is in the normal mode, switch to the resume operation corresponding to the normal mode, and if the transfer destination is in the environment mode, switch to the restart operation corresponding to the environment mode. Also good.

  In addition, instead of the transfer source sending various information and causing the transfer destination to switch the restart operation, the transfer source determines the restart operation based on the operation mode of its own machine, and prints the print job corresponding to the restart operation. It may be transmitted to cause the transfer destination to perform a restart operation.

  For example, if a print job with four copies is interrupted in the middle of the second copy, the first resume operation prints three copies of all pages with staples (four copies to resume printing from the beginning of the job). Transfer the print job to print. In the second resume operation, the first job that prints only one page after the interrupted page without stapling (as the second of all four copies) and two copies of all pages with stapling (out of four copies) The second job to be printed is generated and transferred (for example, the third and fourth copies).

  The post-processing for performing post-processing of the copy unit on the recording paper on which the image has been printed is not limited to the staple processing described in the embodiment. For example, a punching process in which punch holes are formed in the recording paper (post-processing unit = punch processing unit), a gluing process in which recording paper is glued and bound (bookbinding process), or the like (post-processing unit = gluing processing unit (bookbinding process) may be used. Part)).

  In addition, the printing apparatus and the printing system according to the present invention are not limited to the multifunction peripheral described in the embodiment and the printing system including the same, and other printing apparatuses such as a copying machine and a printer, and a printing system including the same. Can be targeted.

2 ... Network 5 ... Printing system 10 ... Multifunction machine (MFP1)
11: MFP (MFP2)
15 ... Terminal device 21 ... CPU
22 ... Bus 23 ... ROM
24 ... RAM
25 ... Nonvolatile memory 26 ... Hard disk device 27 ... Display unit 28 ... Operation unit 29 ... Scanner unit 30 ... Image processing unit 31 ... Printer unit 32 ... Facsimile communication unit 33 ... Network communication unit 34 ... Post-processing unit 35 ... Discharge tray 50 ... Operation mode setting screen 51 ... Message 52 ... Normal mode selection button 53 ... Environmental mode selection button 54 ... OK button 55 ... Cancel button 60 ... Switching mode setting screen 61 ... Message 62 ... Automatic switching mode selection button 63 ... Manual switching mode selection Button 64 ... OK button 65 ... Cancel button 70 ... Operation mode confirmation selection screen 71 ... Message 72 ... Environmental mode selection button 73 ... Normal mode selection button 80 ... Determination table

Claims (18)

An input part of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job with respect to the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
A selection unit for accepting selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When resuming an interrupted print job, a first restart operation for causing the printing unit to perform printing from the first page of the copy and causing the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing for each copy unit; A second resumption operation in which printing is performed from the interrupted page to the printing unit and the post-processing unit is not subjected to the post-processing of the unit is selected between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. And a control unit that restarts the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation,
Printing device with An input part of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job with respect to the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
An output unit for outputting the print job to another printing device;
A selection unit for accepting selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When the interrupted print job is output from the output unit to another printing apparatus and restarted, the printing unit of the other printing apparatus is caused to print from the first page of the copy and the post-processing unit performs post-processing of the unit. And a second resumption that does not cause the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing of the unit by causing the printing unit of the other printing apparatus to perform printing from the interrupted page of the unit where printing was interrupted. A control unit that switches the operation according to the selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and causes the other printing apparatus to restart the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation;
Printing device with The control unit sends the interrupted print job, the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part where the printing is interrupted, and the restart operation information indicating the switched restart operation from the output unit to the other printing apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing apparatus resumes the interrupted print job by the resuming operation after switching. The control unit outputs the interrupted print job from the output unit to the other printing apparatus when switching to the first resuming operation, and the printing unit when switching to the second resuming operation. Generates a new print job that is printed from the interrupted page of the part where the job was interrupted and is not subjected to post-processing, and is output from the output unit to the other printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the other printing apparatus is restarted. An input part of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job, with respect to a set of recording paper that has been printed by the printing unit;
A selection unit that accepts selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode in which the operation of the device is different;
When resuming a print job that has been interrupted by the other printing device that has been input from the other printing device to the input unit and that includes interruption information indicating the interrupted page of the part for which printing has been interrupted, A first restart operation for causing the printing unit to perform printing from the first page and causing the post-processing unit to perform post-processing for each unit, and based on the suspension information, the printing from the suspended page of the portion where printing is suspended A second resuming operation in which printing is performed in a part and post-processing in the post-processing unit is not performed in accordance with a selection state of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, A control unit for resuming a print job suspended in the other printing apparatus by the resuming operation switched;
Printing device with A display unit;
One of an automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the display unit and a reselection operation is received on the selection unit before the interrupted print job is resumed are received. A setting section;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of paper discharge units for discharging recording paper printed by the printing unit;
In the second resuming operation, the control unit discharges a recording sheet that is not subjected to post-processing of the set unit different from a discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet that is subjected to post-processing of the set unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is discharged to a part. If the print job is a print job that prints a plurality of copies, the control unit may include, in the second restart operation, only the portion that has been printed from the interrupted page is transferred to the post-processing portion after the copy unit. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and 5 to 7, wherein no processing is performed. The first operation mode is a normal operation mode in which the device itself operates normally,
9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation mode is a resource saving operation mode in which the apparatus operates with less resources than the normal operation mode. The first operation mode and the second operation mode are operation modes related to functions different from functions related to resumption of the interrupted print job. The printing apparatus according to item. A first input part of a print job including processing conditions relating to post-processing of a copy unit;
A first printing unit for printing on recording paper according to the print job;
A first post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the copy unit in accordance with the processing conditions included in the print job for the copy unit of recording paper that has been printed by the first printing unit;
A first selection unit that accepts selection of one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode that are different in how the device operates.
Output the interrupted print job, the interrupt information indicating the interrupt page of the part in which printing has been interrupted in the interrupted print job, and the operation mode information indicating the operation mode selected by the selection unit to the second printing apparatus. An output unit to
A first printing device comprising:
A second input unit that has the function of the first input unit and that receives the interrupted print job, the interrupt information, and the operation mode information that are output from the output unit of the first printing apparatus. When,
A second printing unit having the function of the first printing unit;
A second post-processing unit having the function of the first post-processing unit;
A first resuming operation for causing the second printing unit to perform printing from the first page of a copy and causing the second post-processing unit to perform post-processing of the copy unit when resuming the interrupted print job; Based on the interruption information, a second restart is performed in which the second printing unit is caused to print from the interruption page of the part where printing is interrupted, and the second post-processing unit is not allowed to perform the post-processing of the unit. A controller that switches the operation based on the operation mode information, and restarts the interrupted print job by the switched restart operation;
A second printing device having:
Printing system equipped with. The first printing apparatus includes:
A first display unit;
An automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed, and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the first display unit before the interrupted print job is output, and a reselection operation is received by the first selection unit. A first setting unit that accepts one of the settings;
The printing system according to claim 11, further comprising: The second printing apparatus includes a second selection unit that accepts selection of one of a third operation mode and a fourth operation mode in which the operation of the apparatus is different.
The control unit performs the switching based on the operation mode information, a selection state of the third operation mode and the fourth operation mode selected by the second selection unit. The printing system according to claim 11 or 12. The second printing apparatus includes:
A second display;
An automatic mode in which the switching is automatically performed, and a manual mode in which the selection state is displayed on the second display unit and a reselection operation is received by the second selection unit before the interrupted print job is resumed. A second setting unit that accepts one of the settings;
The printing system according to claim 13, further comprising: The second printing apparatus has a plurality of paper discharge units for discharging the recording paper printed by the second printing unit,
In the second resuming operation, the control unit discharges a recording sheet that is not subjected to post-processing of the set unit different from a discharge unit that discharges the recording sheet that is subjected to post-processing of the set unit. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the printing system is discharged to a printing unit. When the print job is a print job for printing a plurality of copies, the control unit may include only the portion printed from the interrupted page in the second post-processing portion in the second resume operation. The printing system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein unit post-processing is not performed. The first operation mode is a normal operation mode in which the device itself operates normally,
The printing system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the second operation mode is a resource saving operation mode in which the apparatus is operated with resource saving as compared with the normal operation mode. The first operation mode and the second operation mode are operation modes related to functions different from functions related to resumption of the interrupted print job. The printing system according to item.

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