JP2011248686A - Picture formation apparatus and picture formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable, when setting a plurality of tickets, one to be cancelled or refused between tickets where any other relationship of incompatibility than particular incompatibility is involved.SOLUTION: There are provided a picture formation unit that forms an image on the basis of picture data and a control unit that controls outputs on the basis of a ticket for which output conditions matching the picture data are prescribed, wherein the control unit can perform the control based on a plurality of such tickets; judges whether or not a case of particular incompatibility is involved among the plurality of tickets; judges whether or not any other limitation to compatibility than the case of the particular incompatibility exists among the plurality of tickets; and, if it is judged that compatibility between two tickets is limited, makes possible cancellation or refusal of one not subject to the particular incompatibility on the basis of the judgment and makes possible a selective operation of whether or not to cause an operation display unit to limit setting of the two tickets if desired.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on image data, and an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus and an external device are connected.

In image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, copiers, and multifunction machines that form images based on image data and transfer them to paper, image formation is performed based on job-related data, and post-processing is performed as desired. . The image forming apparatus may be used as an image forming system with an external device connected thereto.
The data relating to the job includes image data to be output and a ticket that defines output conditions. The ticket is data defining the output condition of the image data. Specifically, whether double-sided / single-sided printing, paper selection, magnification, number of output copies, image shift amount, stamp position, Nin1, chapter division, binding Specify the output, stapling, saddle stitching, punch punching, etc. as a booklet. The ticket includes a job unit ticket, a page unit ticket, and the like.

The ticket is normally edited and set by an operator through an operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus or an operation display unit provided in an external device connected to the image forming apparatus. However, in this setting, for example, a certain function or print attribute and another function or print attribute may be in an exclusive relationship that cannot be set at the same time because they cannot be output or contradicted. The ticket setting is restricted by prohibiting these relationships based on a predetermined rule.
At this time, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that improves operability by displaying a warning message when a setting that is prohibited is selected (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, it is possible to switch from the normal screen for users who are skilled in setting editing to the simple screen for users who are not familiar with setting work or users who do not need complicated settings, and switch from the normal setting screen to the simple setting screen. There has also been proposed an image forming apparatus in which setting operability is improved by canceling a mode that is not necessary at the time (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-14062 JP 2007-249089 A

In the above prior art, in various job ticket editing and page-by-page ticket editing, if the previously set ticket and the ticket to be set are in a prohibited relationship, the previous ticket may be canceled. In general, a process of not accepting (rejecting) the setting of a later ticket is performed. However, if there is no prohibition, the previous ticket will be inherited. In such a case, for example, when the entire job setting is edited after making individual settings for each page in the job, specifically, the entire job imposition change setting after the page unit shift setting, When the entire job imposition change setting after setting the page unit binding direction is performed, the page order and the imposition are changed. That is, since the reference imposition is changed after the page unit setting is changed according to an imposition setting standard, the page unit setting is not guaranteed. As a result, the contents individually set for each page may be unnecessary or problematic. In such a case, it is necessary to manually cancel unnecessary settings and problematic settings, so that the setting editing process becomes inefficient and erroneous printing may occur. is there.

  The present invention has been made in the context of the above circumstances, and it is desirable to restrict one of the tickets, even if the previously set ticket and the ticket to be set later are not prohibited. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of improving the efficiency of ticket setting work by restricting the compatibility of tickets when the contents of the image are not guaranteed.

  That is, the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data, and a control unit that controls output based on a ticket that defines an output condition corresponding to the image data. Whether the control based on a plurality of the tickets is possible, and whether or not it is prohibited between a plurality of the tickets, and whether compatibility between a plurality of tickets other than the prohibition is restricted. It is characterized by distinguishing.

  The control unit controls the image formation as the output control. When the post-processing device is provided, the control unit controls the post-processing in addition to the image formation.

The operator can set and input the ticket through an operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus or an operation display unit provided in an external device connected to the image forming apparatus.
When the second ticket is set on the operation display unit after the first ticket is set, the control unit has a relationship in which compatibility is limited even if both tickets are not in a forbidden relationship. If it is determined that, either of the two tickets can be restricted. For example, the first ticket is canceled or the second ticket is rejected. If it is determined that both tickets are in a restricted relationship, a warning may be displayed on the operation display unit. In this case, the setting of both tickets may be changed by displaying a warning without restricting both the tickets. Further, in the case where the compatibility of both tickets is restricted, whether or not to restrict both tickets (for example, canceling the setting of the ticket or rejecting the setting) may be selected on the operation display unit.
Note that the first ticket and the second ticket are both set and input on the operation display unit, for example, the first ticket is set by initial setting, and the second ticket is set and input on the operation display unit. It may be what was done.

  If the operator selects not to restrict both tickets, the output can be performed based on the first ticket and the second ticket without restricting both tickets. As a result, it is possible to avoid output that is not desired by the operator.

The first ticket and the second ticket may have, for example, a relationship between a job unit ticket and a page unit ticket. In such a case, it may be desirable to restrict both tickets.
For example, the first ticket is a page unit shift setting, a page unit binding direction setting, and a page unit stamp setting setting, and the second ticket is an imposition number change setting or front / back side page change setting or post-processing setting. Cases can be mentioned.
Examples of the imposition number change setting usually include Nin1, N repeat, booklet, and perfect binding.
Examples of front and back page change settings include booklet, perfect binding, chapter division, intersheet, PI insertion, and the like.
Examples of post-processing settings include stapling, punching, folding, and the like.
In addition, it may be desirable to similarly restrict between job unit tickets and between page unit tickets.

  In some forms of the present invention, the first ticket and the second ticket are defined. However, the present invention does not limit the number of tickets, and the ticket setting input order is continuous. It is not limited to what you do. Accordingly, another ticket may be set and input between the first ticket and the second ticket.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data, and a control unit that controls output based on a ticket that defines an output condition corresponding to the image data are provided. The control unit is capable of the control based on a plurality of the tickets, determines whether or not it is prohibited between the plurality of tickets, and restricts compatibility between the plurality of tickets other than the prohibition Since it is determined whether or not it is a thing, there is an effect that the setting / editing work of the ticket can be made more efficient by determining the ticket that restricts compatibility other than prohibition by the control unit.

1 is an overall view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, an overall block diagram of the image forming system is shown. The flowchart of the conventional ticket setting is shown. 3 shows a flowchart in an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the flowchart in other embodiment is shown. Similarly, the flowchart in other embodiment is shown. Similarly, when 2in1 is set after setting page unit shift, an example of a setting flow for canceling page unit shift or rejecting 2in1 is shown.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of the entire image forming apparatus and shows a mechanical configuration. The configuration will be described below.
The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a scanner unit 130 including a CCD 131 and a flow type automatic document feeder (ADF) 135 on its upper side, and reads an image of a document through a platen glass 137 or an ADF document reading slit glass 138. Is possible.
The above-described scanner unit 130, casting type automatic document feeder (ADF) 135, platen glass 137, ADF document reading slit glass 138, and the like constitute an image reading unit related to the scanner unit.
In addition, on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1, an operation unit 140 including a touch panel is provided at a position where the platen glass 137 is not located, so that an operator can perform operations and display information.

A plurality of paper feed trays (1-3) 153 (three stages in the figure) are arranged on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1, and a large capacity that also serves as a paper feed tray as it is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. A paper feed tray 154 is arranged. In the main body of the image forming apparatus, a conveyance path for conveying sheets fed from the sheet feed tray, a second sheet feeding roller 155, and the like are provided. In the middle of the conveyance path, an LD unit 151a, a photoconductor 151b, An image forming unit 151 including a charging unit 151c, a developing unit 151d, a transfer unit 151e, a fixing unit 151f, and the like is provided.
The printer section 150 of the present invention is configured by the image forming section 151, the sheet feed tray (1-3) 153, the large capacity sheet feed tray 154, the conveyance path, the second sheet feed roller 155, and the like.

  The charging device 151c, the developing device 151d, and the transfer unit 151e are disposed around the photosensitive member 151b. The charger 151c uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 151b before image writing. The LD unit 151a forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 151b by irradiating the photoconductor 151b having a uniformly charged surface with a semiconductor laser. The developing device 151d develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 151b by the LD unit 151a with a toner member. By this development processing, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 151b. The transfer unit 151e transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 151b to the sheet conveyed from the sheet feed tray (1-3) 153 or the large capacity sheet feed tray 154. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor 151b and conveyed to the fixing device 151f. The toner member remaining on the photoreceptor 151b is removed by the cleaning unit.

The fixing device 151f fixes the toner image transferred to the front side of the sheet by heating the conveyed sheet. In the case of single-sided printing, the sheet subjected to the fixing process is conveyed as it is to a post-processing device (FNS) 170 located on the side of the image forming apparatus 1. In the post-processing device (FNS) 170, stapling, punching, cutting, and the like are performed. On the other hand, in the case of duplex printing, the fixed sheet is switched back and a predetermined image is transferred by the image forming unit 151 to the back side of the sheet. The paper on which images are formed on both sides is conveyed to a post-processing device (FNS) 170 after fixing.
In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 including the post-processing apparatus (FNS) 170 is described. However, the present invention may be an image forming apparatus that does not include the post-processing apparatus (FNS). The main body control unit 110 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 and includes a CPU and the like which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of the image forming system, showing the connection between the circuit block of the image forming apparatus 1 that is a digital multifunction peripheral (copier, printer, scanner) and the external device 2. The contents will be described in detail below.
The image forming apparatus 1 processes image data input from an external device 2 such as a terminal through a LAN 3 and a digital copier main body having a main body control unit 110, a scanner unit 130, an operation unit 140, and a printer unit 150, or a scanner. A print controller 160 that enables the image data obtained by the unit 130 to be transferred to the external device 2 through the LAN 3.

  The main body control unit 110 has a PCI bus connected to the print controller 160, and a DRAM control IC 115 is connected to the PCI bus. An image memory 120 including a compression memory 121 and an expansion memory 122 is connected to the DRAM control IC 115. The compression memory 121 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the expansion memory 122 is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed before image formation.

An HDD 123 is connected to the PCI bus, and the HDD 123 stores image data acquired by the scanner unit 130, image data generated by the external device 2 connected to the print controller 160, and the like.
The image data acquired by the print controller 160 and the image data stored in the HDD 123 are transmitted to the DRAM control IC through the PCI bus along with the printing operation.

The main body control unit 110 is provided with an image control CPU 111, and the DRAM control IC 115 is connected to the image control CPU 111.
The image control CPU 111 is connected to a program memory 112 configured by a ROM or the like, a system memory 113 configured by a RAM, and a nonvolatile memory 114 configured by a flash memory. The non-volatile memory 114 is compatible with initial print setting information of the image forming apparatus 1, machine setting information such as process control parameters, user setting values, initial data of output settings, and prohibition-related ticket-related rules and regulations. Restricted ticket-related rules and the like are stored, and the program memory 112 stores the program of the present invention for operating the image control CPU 111 and the like. The system memory 113 temporarily stores data and is used as a work area when the image control CPU 111 operates.

The image control CPU 111 can read the data in the program memory 112 and the system memory 113 and the nonvolatile data in the nonvolatile memory 114, and can write desired data in the system memory 113 and the nonvolatile memory 114. The IO unit 116 operates as an interface that exchanges information with each unit in the image forming apparatus 1.
The image control CPU 111 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with the machine setting information, print setting information, ticket rules, and the like.
The image control CPU 111 constitutes a control unit of the present invention together with the program memory 112, the system memory 113, the nonvolatile memory 114, the IO unit 116, and the like. The control unit performs management control such as job reservation and execution based on the image data stored in the HDD 123 and the compression memory 121 and the data (ticket data, image data address, etc.) related to the job stored in the system memory 113.
Further, a storage device 118 is connected to the image control CPU 111, and data can be stored in an external storage medium (USB or the like) through the storage device 118, and data can be read from the external storage medium.

Next, the scanner unit 130 includes a CCD 131 that performs optical reading, and a scanner control unit 132 that controls the entire scanner unit 130. The scanner control unit 132 is connected to the image control CPU 111 so as to be capable of serial communication. The CCD 131 is connected to a reading processing unit 117 that processes image data read by the CCD 131, and the reading processing unit 117 is connected to the DRAM control IC 115 in a controllable manner.
Further, in order to read a plurality of originals by the scanner unit 130, the scanner unit 130 has a flow type automatic document feeder 135, and the flow type automatic document feeder 135 controls the entire apparatus. An ADF control unit 136 is provided. The ADF control unit 136 is connected to the image control CPU 111 so that serial communication is possible.

  The operation unit 140 includes an LCD 141 that serves as both a display unit and an input unit and includes a touch panel, and an operation unit control unit 142 that controls the entire operation unit. The operation unit control unit 142 includes the image control unit. The CPU 111 is connected so that serial communication is possible. In the operation unit 140, under the control of the image control CPU 111, input of machine settings such as output condition setting (ticket setting) and operation control conditions in the image forming apparatus 1 and the paper information (size, paper) of each paper feed tray are performed by the LCD 141. Type) setting input, display of setting contents, display of desired information such as warnings, and the like are possible. Therefore, the operation unit 140 corresponds to the operation display unit of the present invention.

The DRAM control IC 115 is connected to a compression / decompression IC 124 for compressing / decompressing image data.
The write processing unit 125 is connected to the image forming unit 151 including the LD 151a of the printer unit 150, and performs processing of write data used for the operation of the LD unit 151a.
In addition to the image forming unit 151, the printer unit 150 includes a sheet feeding unit including a sheet feeding tray (1-3) 153 and a large capacity sheet feeding tray 154, a conveyance path, and a second sheet feeding controller 155. It consists of parts.
The printer unit 150 includes a printer control unit 152 that controls the entire printer unit 150 (paper feeding, image formation, paper discharge, post-processing, and the like). The printer control unit 152 is connected to the image control CPU 111 described above. Has been. The printer control unit 152 operates in accordance with a control command from the image control CPU 111 to control the printer unit 150. An FNS control unit 171 that controls the entire post-processing device 170 is connected to the printer control unit 152, and the post-processing device 170 is controlled via the printer control unit 152.

  Further, the DRAM control IC 161 of the print controller 160 is connected to the PCI bus to which the DRAM control IC 115 is connected as described above. When the image forming apparatus is used as a network printer or a network scanner, the print controller 160 receives image data or the like from the external device 2 connected to the LAN 3 by the image forming apparatus 1 or acquires it by the scanner unit 130. The image data is transmitted to the external device 2 connected to the LAN 3 or the like. In the print controller 160, the DRAM control IC 161 is connected to an image memory 162 composed of DRAM or the like. In the print controller 160, the DRAM control IC 161, a controller control CPU 163 for controlling the entire print controller 160, and a LAN interface 165 are connected to a common bus. The LAN interface 165 is connected to the LAN 3.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
First, a procedure for storing image data in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
First, in the image forming apparatus 1, a case where an image is read by the scanner unit 130 and image data is generated will be described. The scanner unit 130 optically reads an image from a document by the CCD 131. At this time, the operation of the CCD 131 is controlled by the scanner control unit 132 that receives a command from the image control CPU 111. The reading of the original may be performed while the original is being fed by the casting type automatic document feeder (ADF) 135, or may be performed by placing the original on the platen glass 137.

  The image control CPU 111 operates according to a program, and issues a command to the scanner unit 130 based on an operation by the operation unit 140. The image read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by the reading processing unit 117, and the image data subjected to the data processing is sent to the compression / expansion IC 124 via the DRAM control IC 115 and compressed by a predetermined method. The compressed data is stored in the compression memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 115. Further, when storing in the HDD 123, the data once stored in the compression memory 121 is sent to the HDD 123 via the DRAM control IC 115.

  In addition, the image data is input to the image forming apparatus 1 via the LAN 3. Examples of the image data include data generated by an application program such as the external device 2 and data generated by another image forming apparatus. The data is received by the print controller 160 via the LAN 3 and the LAN interface 165 and temporarily stored in the image memory 162 by the DRAM control IC 161. The data stored in the image memory 162 is transferred to the DRAM control IC 115 via the PCI bus and temporarily stored in the decompression memory 122. The data stored in the decompression memory 122 is sent to the compression / decompression IC 124 via the DRAM control IC 115, subjected to compression processing, and stored in the compression memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 115. When the data is stored in the HDD 123, the data once stored in the compression memory 121 is sent to the HDD 123 via the DRAM control IC 115.

  When the image data is stored, output settings are made before or after storing the image data. The output setting can be performed by an operation input by an operator by displaying a setting screen on which operation input is possible on the operation unit 140. Further, when the output setting item is selected in the initial setting and the setting input by the operator is not made, the output setting is made by the initial setting.

  FIG. 7 shows the setting screen 1400, in which various setting button groups 1401 are displayed to allow operation input. For example, when a margin button is pushed down from the setting button group 1401 by the operator, a margin setting screen 1410 is displayed on the operation unit 140 so that an operation can be input. When the page unit setting button is pressed on this screen, a page unit binding margin setting screen 1420 is displayed on the operation unit 140 so that an operation can be input. When the setting change button is pressed on the page unit binding margin setting screen 1420, a page unit binding margin value input screen 1430 is displayed to allow input. On this screen, the binding value for each page can be input. When the enter button is pressed on this screen, the setting screen 1400 is restored. The control unit generates a ticket related to the binding margin setting for each page based on the input.

In addition, when an aggregation button is pressed from the setting button group 1401 of the setting screen 1400 by the operator, an aggregation setting screen 1440 is displayed on the operation unit 140 so that an operation can be input as shown in FIG. By inputting the aggregation setting on this screen and pressing the close button, the control unit generates a ticket related to the aggregation setting. Further, the control unit generates an output setting for a predetermined item by the initial setting, and generates a ticket as it is for a setting that is not changed by the operator.
As described above, the control unit functions as ticket setting means.

  Table 1 shows job data and page data stored in the system memory 113 including the ticket. That is, a ticket for each job and a ticket for each page are included.

  Next, when the image forming apparatus 1 outputs an image, the image data is read based on the job data and page data stored in the system memory 113. When image data is stored in the HDD 123, the image data is temporarily stored in the compression memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 115. The image data stored in the compression memory 121 is sent to the compression / decompression IC 124 via the DRAM control IC 115 to decompress the data. The decompressed data is sent to the write processing unit 125 via the DRAM control IC 115 to generate write data, and the LD unit 151a writes to the photoconductor 151b.

  In the printer unit 150, the printer control unit 152 that receives a command from the image control CPU 111 controls each unit such as the paper feed tray (1-3) 153, the large capacity paper feed tray 154, and the conveyance path. In the printer unit 150, image formation, transfer to paper, fixing, conveyance to a post-processing device (FNS) 170 through a conveyance path, post-processing in the post-processing device (FNS) 170, and the like are sequentially performed to perform print output. Is called. At this time, the output is performed based on the output condition set as the ticket.

Hereinafter, a processing procedure when a plurality of tickets are set will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.
First, a processing procedure in the conventional prohibition processing will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed by the control unit.
When the first ticket (ticket A) is set and input by the operation unit 140, the input result is received by the control unit (step s1), and then the second ticket (ticket B) is set and input. Then, the input result is received by the control unit (step s2).
The control unit determines whether or not the relationship between the ticket A and the ticket B is a forbidden relationship (step s3). The prohibition relation is stored in advance as a rule in the control unit, and the data is read according to the contents of the ticket to determine whether or not there is a prohibition relation. The prohibition data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 114, for example.

  If the ticket relationship is not a forbidden relationship (step s3, NO), the ticket B is inherited by the ticket A. On the other hand, if the two tickets are in a forbidden relationship (step s3, YES), the ticket A that was previously set and input is canceled or the setting of the ticket B that was set and input later is rejected (step s4). As a result, the ticket is set without the output setting being prohibited. However, in this processing procedure, if there is a ticket for which it is desirable to limit the compatibility, other than prohibition, the operator manually releases the ticket or outputs in a problematic form.

In the flowcharts of FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, the processing procedure of the present invention for limiting compatible tickets other than the conventional prohibition will be described. All of these processes are executed under the control of the control unit.
Table 2 shows the relationship between tickets to be discriminated in each processing procedure. They are distinguished by 1, 2, and 3 (circle numbers).
First, a first ticket (ticket A) is set (step s10). The setting may be set and input by the operation unit 140, or may be automatically set by the initial setting. Thereafter, when the second ticket (ticket B) is set and input via the operation unit 140, it is received by the control unit (step s11).

The control unit determines whether or not the relationship between the ticket A and the ticket B is a prohibition relationship (step s12). The prohibition relation is stored in the nonvolatile memory 114 in the same manner as described above, and is read out as necessary and used for the determination.
If the ticket relationship is a forbidden relationship (step s12, YES), the previously set ticket A is canceled, or the setting of the ticket B set and input later is rejected (step s13), and the process ends. . Tickets having such a relationship (prohibition) are, for example, No. 1 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 1.

  On the other hand, when the relationship between the tickets is not a prohibition relationship (step s12, NO), in the relationship between the two tickets, it is determined whether the ticket A does not make sense or becomes unnecessary depending on the ticket B setting. Is performed (step s14). As for this relationship, the ticket relationship in which compatibility is limited is stored in advance as rule data in the control unit, and whether the compatibility is limited by reading the data according to the setting input of the ticket. Is determined. The data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 114, for example.

If the ticket relationship is not a relationship where compatibility is restricted (NO in step s14), the ticket B is inherited by the ticket A and the processing is terminated. Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 3.
On the other hand, if the ticket relationship is a relationship in which compatibility is restricted (step s14, YES), the ticket A is canceled and the process is terminated. Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. There are those displayed as 2.
As described above, the control unit functions as a unit that determines ticket cancellation, and further functions as a unit that cancels the ticket setting.

Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When the first ticket (ticket A) is set (step s20) and then the second ticket (ticket B) is set and input by the operation unit 140, the input result is received by the control unit (step). s21).

The control unit determines whether or not the relationship between the ticket A and the ticket B is a prohibition relationship (step s22). The prohibition-related rule data is stored in the non-volatile memory 114 in the same manner as described above, and is read as necessary and used for the determination.
If the ticket relationship is a prohibition relationship (step s22, YES), the previously set ticket A is canceled or the setting of the ticket B set and input later is rejected (step s23), and the process is terminated. To do. Tickets having such a relationship (prohibition) are, for example, No. 1 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 1.

  When the relationship between the tickets is not a prohibition relationship (NO at step s22), it is determined whether the ticket A does not make sense or becomes unnecessary depending on the ticket B setting in the relationship between the two tickets. (Step s24). It is stored in the non-volatile memory 114 in the same manner as described above, read out as necessary, and used for the determination.

If the ticket relationship is not a relationship where compatibility is restricted (NO in step s24), the ticket B is inherited by the ticket A and the processing is terminated. Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 3.
On the other hand, if the ticket relationship is a relationship in which compatibility is restricted (step s24, YES), the ticket B is rejected and the process is terminated. Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. There are those displayed as 2.
As described above, the control unit functions as a means for determining ticket rejection, and further functions as a means for rejecting ticket setting.

Furthermore, another form is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIG. This form is a processing procedure that makes it possible to select whether or not to perform the restriction when the compatibility is restricted between the tickets other than prohibition.
When the first ticket (ticket A) is set (step s30), and then the second ticket (ticket B) is set and input by the operation unit 140, the input result is received by the control unit (step). s31).

The control unit determines whether or not the relationship between the ticket A and the ticket B is a forbidden relationship (step s32). The prohibition-related rule data is stored in the non-volatile memory 114 in the same manner as described above, and is read as necessary and used for the determination.
If the ticket relationship is forbidden (step s32, YES), the ticket A that has been previously set and input is canceled or the setting of the ticket B that has been set and input later is rejected (step s33), and the processing is terminated. To do. Tickets having such a relationship (prohibition) are, for example, No. 1 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 1.

  If the ticket relationship is not a prohibition relationship (NO in step s32), it is determined whether the ticket A is meaningless or unnecessary depending on the ticket B setting in the relationship between the two tickets. (Step s34). It is stored in the non-volatile memory 114 in the same manner as described above, read out as necessary, and used for the determination.

If the ticket relationship is not a relationship where compatibility is restricted (step s34, NO), the ticket B is inherited by the ticket A and the processing is terminated. Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. Some are displayed as 3.
On the other hand, when the relationship between the tickets is a relationship where compatibility is restricted (step s34, YES), a screen for selecting whether to release the ticket A is displayed on the operation unit 140, and the operation by the operator Is obtained (step s35). Tickets having such a relationship are, for example, No. 2 in Table 2. There are those displayed as 2.

  When “cancel ticket A” is selected (step s35, YES), the control unit cancels ticket A (step s36) and ends the process. On the other hand, if “do not release ticket A” is selected (NO in step s35), a screen for selecting whether to reject the ticket B is displayed on the operation unit 140, and an operation by the operator is requested ( Step s37). When “reject ticket B” is selected (step s37, YES), the control unit rejects ticket B (step s38) and ends the process. On the other hand, if “do not reject ticket B” is selected (NO in step s37), the ticket B is inherited by the ticket A, and the process ends. In other words, if neither ticket cancellation nor rejection is selected, two tickets whose compatibility is restricted can be output in a compatible manner as desired.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen display that makes it possible to select whether or not to perform the restriction when there is a relationship in which compatibility is restricted other than prohibition between tickets.
In FIG. 7, as already described, the setting screen 1400 for setting the output condition is displayed on the operation unit 140, and various settings can be made. When the page unit binding margin setting screen 1420 is set first as the first ticket, the control unit accepts the setting input of the ticket. After that, when aggregation is set for each job as the second ticket, the control unit determines whether or not the first ticket and the second ticket are in a prohibited relationship. In this example, since there is no prohibition relationship, the control unit determines whether or not the ticket relationship is compatible. Since this relationship includes the relationship between the closing direction of the page unit and Nin1, as shown in Table 2, the compatibility is limited.

Therefore, the control unit displays on the operation unit 140 a cancel selection screen 1450 that allows the user to select whether or not to cancel the first ticket, that is, page unit binding margin setting.
When a cancel button 1451 is selected on the cancel selection screen 1450, the page-by-page binding margin setting is canceled and the aggregation setting ticket is accepted. When the button 1452 that is not to be released is selected, a page-by-page binding margin setting ticket is accepted.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, when the button 1452 that is not to be released is selected, the control unit displays a rejection selection screen 1460 that allows the operation unit 140 to select whether or not to reject the setting of Nin1 so that an operation can be input. To do. When the reject button 1461 is selected on the rejection selection screen 1460, the setting of Nin1 is rejected, and a ticket for setting a page unit binding margin is accepted. When the non-rejection button 1462 is selected, the page unit binding margin setting is inherited, and the Nin1 setting ticket is accepted.
In the above description, a screen requesting selection of cancellation of the first ticket is displayed, and a screen requesting selection of rejection of the second ticket is displayed when cancellation is not selected. It is not limited to displaying first. Further, only one of the selection screens may be displayed. When the selection screen is displayed only on one side and it is selected not to cancel or reject, it is possible to make compatible the tickets whose compatibility is limited.

Next, the ticket combinations shown in Table 2 will be described.
In these combinations, mainly when imposition number or front / back side imposition page or post-processing mode change is changed after page unit shift setting, imposition number or front / back side imposition page or rear page after page unit binding direction setting When a mode change that changes processing is performed, and when a mode change is made that changes the number of impositions or front and back pages or post-processing after setting a page unit stamp, compatibility is mainly restricted except for prohibition It is prescribed as.

  Among these combinations, for example, the page unit shift after setting Nin1 shown in Remark 1 is not a prohibition when the image position of only a specific page of the Nin1 setting job is corrected. This can be realized by the page unit shift setting in the ticket setting (shown as No. 3 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6). However, if the page position and the number of impositions are changed by the Nin1 setting or booklet setting after the image position of only a specific page of the normal setting job (1 in 1) is corrected by the page unit shift setting, the page unit shift set previously is changed. Since it does not make sense, it is desirable to limit compatibility (as indicated by No. 2 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6).

  Of the combinations shown in Table 2, for example, when stapling or punch post-processing is set after setting the entire job shift shown in Remark 2, the stapling position and the image position may differ depending on the shift setting. In this case, it is desirable to cancel the shift setting (indicated by No. 2 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6).

  Also, among the combinations in Table 2, for example, as shown in Remark 3, chapter division or intersheet is set for a job in which a portrait document and a landscape document are mixed, and the binding direction of a specific sheet ( If it is desired to change the front / back side attachment, it can be realized by setting the page unit binding direction (indicated by No. 3 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6). However, if you change the front / back page for a job for which the page-by-page binding direction has already been set with the chaptering setting or intersheet setting, the page will be imprinted on the backside before chaptering setting or intersheet setting. Since the page may be imposed on the surface (and vice versa), the desired output cannot be obtained in the previously set page unit binding direction. In this case, it is desirable to cancel the page unit binding direction setting (indicated by No. 2 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6).

  Further, among the combinations in Table 2, for example, as shown in Remark 4, there is a case where it is desired to print a stamp only on the first page of a chapter by a combination of chapter division + page unit stamp. If the page unit stamp is set after the chapter division setting, this can be realized (indicated by No. 3 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6). However, when changing the chaptering setting after the page unit stamp has been set, it is uncertain whether the page with the page unit stamp originally set is the first page of the chapter. Desirable (indicated by No. 2 in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 6).

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus has been described, but the same effect can be obtained in an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus and an external device are connected. In this case, the external device may be provided with the above-described operation display unit, and the operation display unit may perform ticket setting, ticket cancellation selection, and rejection selection. The prohibition relationship between tickets and the relationship of restriction of compatibility can be determined by a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above description, and can naturally be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 External apparatus 111 Image control CPU
113 System Memory 130 Scanner Unit 140 Operation Unit 150 Printer Unit 160 Print Controller

Claims (14)

An image forming unit that forms an image based on image data; and a control unit that controls output based on a ticket that defines an output condition corresponding to the image data.
The control unit is capable of the control based on a plurality of the tickets, determines whether or not it is prohibited between the plurality of tickets, and restricts compatibility between a plurality of tickets other than the prohibition An image forming apparatus characterized by determining whether or not.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the image formation or the image formation and post-processing as the output control.   An operation display unit capable of inputting the setting of the ticket, and the control unit, when the second ticket is set on the operation display unit after the first ticket is set, the first ticket 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning is displayed on the operation display unit when it is determined that the compatibility between the second ticket and the second ticket is limited.   An operation display unit capable of inputting the setting of the ticket, and the control unit, when the second ticket is set on the operation display unit after the first ticket is set, the first ticket When it is determined that the compatibility between the second ticket and the second ticket is limited, the operation display unit can select whether or not to limit the setting of both tickets. Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   An operation display unit capable of inputting the setting of the ticket, and the control unit, when the second ticket is set on the operation display unit after the first ticket is set, the first ticket The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting of the first ticket is canceled when it is determined that the compatibility between the second ticket and the second ticket is limited. Forming equipment.   The operation display unit capable of inputting and setting the ticket, and the control unit, when the second ticket is set on the operation display unit after the first ticket is set, the first ticket 4. The setting of the second ticket is rejected when it is determined that the compatibility between the second ticket and the second ticket is limited. 5. Image forming apparatus.   Prior to the release, the control unit allows the operation display unit to perform a selection operation of canceling or not canceling, and does not cancel the first ticket when not canceling is selected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.   Prior to the rejection, the control unit enables a selection operation of rejecting or not rejecting in the operation display unit, and when not rejecting is selected, the control unit does not reject the second ticket. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.   9. The system according to claim 3, wherein the first ticket is a page-unit shift setting, and the second ticket is an imposition number change setting, a front / back side page change setting, or a post-processing setting. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1.   9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first ticket is a page unit binding direction setting, and the second ticket is an imposition number change setting or front / back surface page change setting or post-processing setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first ticket is a page unit stamp setting setting, and the second ticket is an imposition number change setting, front / back surface page change setting, or post-processing setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of tickets are a job unit ticket and a page unit ticket.   The image according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit defines in advance a relationship between the prohibited tickets and a relationship between the tickets for which the compatibility is restricted. Forming equipment.   An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an external device connected to the image forming apparatus, wherein the operation display unit according to any one of claims 3 to 8 is provided on the external device. An image forming system comprising:

Images