JP2012003557A - Image formation apparatus and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration of productivity even when an error causing suspension of print processing occurs.SOLUTION: When an error is detected in output processing of a print job JB transmitted from a client PC 10 (S102), a main CPU 200 of an MFP 20 determines whether the error is in NG condition where continuous printing is possible such as toner or paper shortage (S106). When the error is in the NG condition where continuous printing is possible, a machine state is acquired from the client PC 10 and it is determined whether the client PC 10 is in an operation state or in a non-operation state (S112). When it is determined that the client PC is in a non-operation state, a skip mode is executed (S114). In the skip mode, priority of a print job JB after the print job JB in which an error occurs is changed, and processing of the changed print job JB is performed with priority. It realizes reduction of deterioration of productivity.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a digital multi-function peripheral having these functions using an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system. Specifically, if an error occurs during job output processing, the operating status of the information processing device at the transmission source is detected, and if this information processing device is not operating, the jump mode is executed and an error occurs. By changing the priority of other jobs after the completed job, the time down is reduced.

  In offices and the like, MFPs (Multifunction Peripherals) having multiple functions such as printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines are widely used. A plurality of client PCs are connected to the MFP via a network such as a LAN, and each client PC transmits a plurality of print jobs based on a user's print request to the MFP. The MFP receives a plurality of print jobs from the client PC and performs print output in the order of reception.

  At this time, on the MFP side, if the designated toner required by the print job transmitted from the client PC is insufficient or the designated size paper is insufficient, printing can be continued. Since it was not possible, the printing process had to be stopped temporarily. In this case, the MFP becomes inactive until the user who has sent the print job replaces the specified toner or replenishes the specified size paper, and printing productivity is reduced (time down). The problem of end up occurs.

  In order to reduce this time-down, for example, when the MFP detects an error such as a shortage of designated toner or a shortage of designated size paper and the error detection result is a serious error, it is serious for the client PC of the transmission source. There has been proposed a printer device that transmits an e-mail to warn that an error has occurred (see Patent Document 1). According to this printer apparatus, a user on the transmission source computer side can easily grasp an error that has occurred on the printer apparatus side, and paper and toner can be replenished at an early stage.

JP-A-8-202509

  However, the printer device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. In other words, when the user is away from the disk on which the client PC is placed, or when a job other than PC processing is being performed on the disk, an e-mail warning the occurrence of an error is sent from the printer device to the client PC. Even if it is sent, this e-mail may not be noticed. In this case, since the recovery operation is not performed, there is a problem that as a result, the non-operating state of the MFP continues, and the time down cannot be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in productivity even when an error that temporarily stops a printing process occurs. And providing an image forming system.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus to which an information processing apparatus is connected via a network, and a communication unit that receives a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus; An output unit that outputs a job received by the communication unit, a detection unit that detects whether or not a job error has occurred in the output unit, and an error that is detected by the detection unit in job output processing, An operation state acquisition request for confirming the operation state of the device is transmitted to the information processing device, and after the job based on the operation information of the information processing device transmitted from the information processing device in response to the operation state acquisition request. And a control unit that changes the priority of other jobs received by the communication unit.

  An image forming system according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected to each other via a network, and the information processing apparatus controls the information processing apparatus. 1 and a job including identification information for specifying the information processing apparatus are transmitted to the image processing apparatus, and operation information indicating an operation state of the information processing apparatus transmitted from the image forming apparatus is acquired. A communication unit that receives an operation state acquisition request for detecting the operation state of the information processing apparatus from the first control unit based on the operation state acquisition request received by the communication unit, and the operation obtained by the detection A second control unit that transmits operation information based on the state to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and the image forming apparatus receives a job transmitted from the communication unit of the information processing apparatus. An error is detected by the communication unit, an output unit that outputs a job received by the communication unit, a detection unit that detects whether a job error has occurred in the output unit, and a detection unit that detects in the job output process In this case, an operation state acquisition request for confirming the operation state of the information processing apparatus is transmitted to the second control unit of the information processing apparatus, and based on the operation information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in response to the operation state acquisition request. And a control unit that changes the priority of other jobs received by the communication unit after the job.

  In the present invention, the information processing apparatus transmits a job such as a print to the image forming apparatus via the network. In the control unit of the image forming apparatus, when an error is detected by the detection unit in the output process in the job output unit, an operation state acquisition request for confirming the operation state of the information processing apparatus is issued. Send to the control unit. Examples of the error in the output unit include a case where image forming conditions such as toner shortage and paper size are not satisfied. The second control unit of the information processing apparatus detects the operation state of the information processing apparatus from the first control unit based on the operation state acquisition request, and transmits operation information indicating the operation state to the image forming apparatus.

  The communication unit of the image forming apparatus receives operation information from the information processing apparatus. The control unit of the image forming apparatus determines whether the information processing apparatus is in an operating state based on the operation information received by the communication unit. When it is determined that the information processing apparatus is not in an operating state, the priority order of other jobs received by the communication unit after the job determined to be unusable due to an error is changed. For example, processing is performed with a priority higher than that of the job in which an error has occurred. Other jobs include, for example, a job from an information processing apparatus that has transmitted a job in which an error has occurred, and a job transmitted from another information processing apparatus that is different from the information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, even when an error occurs in the output processing of a job transmitted from a predetermined information processing apparatus, the priority order of other jobs different from the job in which the error has occurred is changed, so that the time down is reduced. Can be achieved.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the block configuration of client PC. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a job list. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence state between a client PC and an MFP when executing an interlace mode. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement of the image forming system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described.
<1. First Embodiment>
[Configuration example of image forming system]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an image forming system GS according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system GS includes a plurality of client PCs 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, and a plurality of MFPs 20A and 20B that also function as a printer, a scanner, a copier, a FAX, and the like. Yes. The plurality of client PCs 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E and the plurality of MFPs 20A and 20B are connected to each other via a network 30 configured by the Internet, a LAN (intranet), or the like. In the following description, a plurality of client PCs 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E may be referred to as client PC 10 for convenience, and a plurality of MFPs 20A and 20B may be referred to as MFP 20 for convenience.

  The client PC 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus, generates a print job JB based on a user selection on a job selection screen displayed on the display unit, and transmits the generated print job JB to the MFP 20 via the network 30. To do. The MFP 20 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and performs print processing based on the print job JB transmitted from the client PC 10. In the present invention, when an error occurs due to a shortage of designated toner, a shortage of a designated paper size, a paper jam (jamming), or the like requested by the print job JB, the MFP 20 indicates machine information Dm indicating the operating state of the client PC 10 (FIG. 5) and determines whether or not the client PC 10 is in a non-operating state based on the acquired machine information Dm. When the MFP 20 determines that the client PC 10 is in a non-operating state, the MFP 20 switches the operation mode from the normal print mode to the interlace mode. In the interlace mode, the priority of the print job JB in which an error has occurred is lowered, and the print processing is executed by increasing the priority of the second and subsequent print jobs JB, thereby avoiding time reduction. To do.

  Here, the print job JB includes a unique IP address (identification information) for identifying (identifying) each client PC 10 and job setting information. The job setting information is an image forming condition set for each print job JB. For example, the paper size used in the image forming process, toner, image density, reduction rate, printing surface (both sides or one side), feeding Various information for designating a paper feed tray for paper ejection, a paper ejection tray for paper ejection, and the like are included. The other print job JB includes a print job JB transmitted from the client PC 10 that is the transmission source of the print job JB in which the error occurred or a client PC that is different from the client PC after the print job JB in which the error occurred. ing.

[Block configuration example of client PC]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a block configuration of the client PC 10A. Note that the configuration of the client PCs 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E is the same as that of the client PC 10A, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The client PC 10A includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a chip set 102, a system memory 106, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108, and a network interface 110.

  The main CPU 100 constitutes an example of a first control unit, functions as an upper CPU of the sub CPU 104, and controls the overall operation of the client PC 10A, and is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown). The predetermined program is executed by executing the program. In response to a user's print request, the main CPU 100 generates a print job JB in which predetermined image forming conditions such as paper size and toner are set, and transmits the print job JB to the MFP 20 via the network interface 110. The main CPU 100 also saves power by stopping the operation when the operation mode is switched to, for example, a sleep mode, a standby mode, or a sleep mode.

  The chip set 102 is provided between the main CPU 100 and the system memory 106, and is configured by a circuit group that manages data exchange between them. The chip set 102 has a sub CPU 104 that can operate independently of the main CPU 100. The sub CPU 104 constitutes an example of a second control unit, and is independently operated by a program (firmware or the like) stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like that is not managed by the main CPU 100. Even when the operation of the main CPU 100 is stopped by switching operation modes such as a sleep mode, a standby mode, and a sleep mode, the sub CPU 104 operates by being supplied with power from a power supply unit (not shown). Further, when the machine status acquisition request Dw for confirming the operation or non-operation of the client PC 10A is transmitted from the MFP 20, the sub CPU 104 detects the operating status of the client PC 10A from the main CPU 100, and the operating status obtained by the detection. Is sent to the MFP 20. For example, when it is determined that the operation of the main CPU 100 is stopped due to a sleep mode or the like, machine information Dm indicating a non-operating state is generated, and when it is determined that the main CPU 100 is operating in the normal operation mode. Generates machine information Dm indicating the operating state.

  The system memory 106 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a work area for the main CPU 100 and the like. The HDD 108 stores documents and image data scanned by the reading device, image data based on a job selection screen and a job list screen displayed on the screen of the display unit, and the like. The network interface 110 is an example of a communication unit, and includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, and establishes communication with the MFPs 20A and 20B via the network 30.

[Block Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a block configuration of the MFP 20A. Since the configuration of the MFP 20B is the same as that of the MFP 20A, the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 20 </ b> A includes a main CPU 200, a chipset 202, a system memory 206, an HDD 208, a network interface 210, an output unit 220, and a detection unit 230.

  The main CPU 200 constitutes an example of a control unit and controls the overall operation of the MFP 20A. The main CPU 200 executes a program stored in a ROM (not shown) and performs predetermined processing. The main CPU 200 determines whether an error has occurred in the output process based on detection signals output from the toner detection unit 232, the paper detection unit 234, and the like. Further, in the present invention, when the main CPU 200 generates an error due to a shortage of designated toner requested in the print job JB transmitted from the client PC 10A and the client PC 10 is in a non-operating state, The operation mode is switched from the normal print mode to the interlace mode, and the priority order of other print jobs JB from the client PC 10A and print jobs JB transmitted from the other client PCs 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E is changed.

  The chip set 202 is provided between the main CPU 200 and the system memory 206, and is configured by a circuit group that manages data exchange between them. The chip set 202 has a sub CPU 204 that can operate independently of the main CPU 200. The sub CPU 204 is not under the control of the main CPU 200 and operates independently by a program (firmware or the like) stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like. In this example, the main CPU 200 performs transmission of the machine state acquisition request Dw for confirming the operating state of the client PC 10, but the sub CPU 204 can also perform it.

  The system memory 206 is composed of, for example, a RAM composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a work area for the main CPU 200 and the like. The HDD 208 stores a print job JB transmitted from the client PC 10, a job list LS based on the print job JB, image data based on an operation screen displayed on the screen of the display unit, and the like. The network interface 210 is an example of a communication unit, and includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, and establishes communication with each of the plurality of client PCs 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E via the network 30.

  The output unit 220 includes a paper feeding unit 222, an image forming unit 224, and the like. The paper feed unit 222 is composed of a plurality of paper trays and feed rollers. Each sheet tray contains sheets of A4 size, A3 size, B5 size, etc., and the sheet fed from the sheet tray by a feed roller or the like is conveyed to the image forming unit 224.

  The image forming unit 224 includes a photosensitive drum, an exposure unit, a charging unit, a developing unit, and the like. The charging unit charges the surface of the photosensitive drum. The exposure unit irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum with light based on the data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit is a process in which toner is attached based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum and developed, and the toner image is transferred to a paper medium via a primary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt and fixed by the fixing unit. I do. A developer mixed with a toner of a two-component developer and a carrier is accommodated in the developing unit.

  The detection unit 230 includes a toner detection unit 232 and a paper detection unit 234. The toner detection unit 232 is installed in the vicinity of the developing unit constituting the image forming unit 224. For example, the toner detection unit 232 detects a characteristic based on the magnetic permeability of the developer (carrier), and uses the characteristic based on this detection as a voltage value for the chipset 202. To the main CPU 200. Specifically, a low voltage value is output to the main CPU 200 when the concentration of toner stored in the developing unit is high, and a high voltage value is output to the main CPU 200 when the concentration of toner stored in the developing unit is low. Output.

  The paper detection unit 234 is installed in each paper feed tray constituting the paper feed unit 222. The paper detection unit 234 detects, for example, the height of the paper loaded on each paper feed tray and outputs a detection signal to the main CPU 200 via the chip set 202. Based on this detection signal, the main CPU 200 grasps the remaining amount of paper stacked on the paper feed tray.

[Job list configuration example]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the job list LS stored in the HDD 208 of the MFP 20. In the job list LS, job information corresponding to a plurality of print jobs JB transmitted from each client PC is stored in the order of reception (in order of input). Each job information includes a plurality of items such as a user name, a job ID, a mode name, a job processing state, and a job input date / time. In the present invention, when the interlace mode is executed, the priority order of the print job JB is changed. For example, priorities of the print jobs JB2, JB3,... That are reserved after the print job JB1 that is currently being output are increased.

[Example sequence in jump mode]
FIG. 5 shows a sequence state between the client PC 10 and the MFP 20 when executing the interlace mode. The client PC 10 transmits a print job JB based on the user's print request to the MFP 20. When the main CPU 200 of the MFP 20 determines that the print job JB transmitted from the client PC 10 cannot be printed due to some error, it acquires a machine status for confirming whether the client PC 10 is in an operating state or a non-operating state. A request Dw is generated. The network interface 210 transmits the generated machine state acquisition request Dw to the client PC 10.

  The network interface 210 of the client PC 10 receives the machine status acquisition request Dw transmitted from the MFP 20 and supplies it to the sub CPU 104. The sub CPU 104 detects the operating state of the main CPU 100 (client PC 10) based on the machine state acquisition request Dw transmitted from the MFP 20, and machine information Dm based on the operating state or non-operating state of the main CPU 100 obtained by the detection. Is generated. Then, the network interface 110 of the client PC 10 transmits the generated machine information Dm to the MFP 20.

  The network interface 210 of the MFP 20 receives the machine information Dm transmitted from the client PC 10 and supplies it to the main CPU 200. The main CPU 200 determines whether the client PC 10 is in an operating state or a non-operating state based on the machine information Dm transmitted from the client PC 10. If the MFP 20 determines that the client PC 10 is in a non-operating state, the MFP 20 switches the operation mode to the skip mode and changes the priority order of the print job JB.

[Operation example of image forming system]
Hereinafter, an example of the print processing operation of the image forming system GS when the MFP 20A receives the print job JB1 from the client PC 10A will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP 20A.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S100, the main CPU 200 of the MFP 20A receives the print job JB1 transmitted from the client PC 10A. The main CPU 200 stores the job information of the received print job JB1 in order in the job list LS, acquires the IP address of the client PC 10A from the print job LB1, and stores it in the HDD 208. The MFP 20A transmits print jobs JB2... From other client PCs 10B and the like after the print job JB1, and stores job information for each print job JB in the job list LS in the order of input.

  In step S102, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the print job JB1 received from the client PC 10A can be printed normally. For example, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the designated toner requested in the print job JB 1 is insufficient based on the detection signal supplied from the toner detection unit 232, or uses the detection signal supplied from the paper detection unit 234. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the designated paper size requested in the print job JB1 is insufficient. Also, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred in the image forming unit 224, the paper discharge unit, or the like. If the main CPU 200 detects an error, the main CPU 200 determines that the print job JB1 cannot be output normally and proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if no error is detected and it is determined that the print job JB1 can be output normally, the process proceeds to step S104.

  If the main CPU 200 determines in step S104 that the print job JB1 can be normally output, the main CPU 200 performs print output. Specifically, the sheet specified by the job setting condition is unloaded from a predetermined sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding unit 222, a predetermined toner image is transferred to the sheet by the image forming unit 224, and the toner image is transferred by the fixing unit. After fixing on the paper, it is discharged from the discharge section.

  When determining in step S106 that the print job JB1 cannot be output normally, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the reason why the print job JB1 cannot be output normally is an NG condition capable of print output. Specifically, the reason why the print job JB1 cannot be normally printed is because the designated toner is insufficient or the designated paper size is insufficient, and the print output can be continued when another toner or paper size is designated. It is determined that the NG condition allows print output, and the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the reason why the print job JB1 cannot be printed normally is a jam or the like, and unless another restoration job JB is received unless a restoration operation is performed, It is determined that the NG condition is not printable, and the process proceeds to step S108.

  If it is determined that continuous printing is not possible, in step S108, the main CPU 200 transmits an email indicating that an error has occurred in the output processing of the MFP 20A to the client PC 10A that has transmitted the print job JB1. At this time, the main CPU 200 acquires the IP address of the client PC 10A stored in the system memory 206, and transmits an e-mail to the client PC 10A that has transmitted the print job JB1 based on the acquired IP address.

  In step S110, the main CPU 200 determines whether the MFP 20A has returned from the error state. For example, when the user of the client PC 10A who has read the e-mail performs a recovery operation such as jamming of the MFP 20A, the main CPU 200 determines that the MFP 20A has returned from the error state, and proceeds to step S104. Whether or not an error such as a jam has been resolved can be determined from an output signal output from a sensor installed in the image forming unit 224 or the paper discharge unit, for example. In step S104, print output based on the print job JB1 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the MFP 20A has not returned from the error state, print output cannot be performed, and the standby state is maintained until the error state is recovered.

  If it is determined in step S106 that continuous printing is not possible, the main CPU 200 determines in step S112 whether the machine state of the client PC 10A is an active state or a non-operating state. As described above, the machine state is determined based on the machine information Dm returned from the sub CPU 104 of the client PC 10A in response to the machine state acquisition request Dw. If it is determined that the client PC 10A is in operation, the process proceeds to step S108, and an e-mail indicating that an error has occurred in the MFP 20A is transmitted to the client PC 10A. This is because when the client PC 10A is in an operating state, there is a high possibility that the user is sitting in front of the client PC 10A and operating the client PC 10A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the client PC 10A is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S114.

  When the client PC 10A is in a non-operating state, the main CPU 200 executes the jump mode in step S114. For example, when the print job JB2 is transmitted from the client PC 10B other than the client PC 10A to the MFP 20A, the priority of the print job JB2 is changed, and the priority of the print job JB2 of the client PC 10B over the print job JB1 of the client PC 10A is changed. Control to raise the ranking.

  In step S116, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the print job JB2 whose priority order has been changed can be normally output. Whether or not normal output is possible is determined by the same job setting conditions as the cause of the error among the job setting conditions of the print job JB1 in which the error has occurred, and the job setting conditions of the print job JB2 whose priority is increased. Judgment is made based on whether or not. This is because, for example, when the paper size and the designated toner designated by the print job JB2 with the higher priority are the same as the designated paper size and designated toner that caused the error in the print job JB1, This is because an error occurs again and the print job JB1 cannot be output normally.

  If the main CPU 200 determines that the print job JB2 whose priority order has been changed can be output normally, the main CPU 200 performs print processing based on the print job JB2 in step S104.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 200 determines that the print job JB2 whose priority has been changed cannot be output normally, the priority of the print job JB3 after the print job JB2 is changed and this print job JB3 can be normally output. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the print job JB3 can be normally output, the print process is performed. If it is determined that the print job JB3 cannot be normally output, the priority order of the print jobs JB4 after the print job JB3 is changed to change the above-described priority. The same processing as that described above is performed. At this time, if it is determined that the error recovery operation for the first print job JB1 in which an error has occurred is performed, the print job JB1 is interrupted before the currently processed print job JB and the print process is executed. You may do it.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when an error occurs in the output process of the print job JB from the predetermined client PC 10, the error is not caused by a jam or the like that cannot continue output, and When the client PC 10 is in a non-operating state, the interlace mode is executed, and the print processing is executed by increasing the priority of the other print job JB in which no error has occurred. As a result, even when the user is away from the desk or doing other work (not in operation), another print job JB can be executed without temporarily stopping the MFP 20, thereby reducing time-down. be able to. For example, even when using the client PC 10 that is set to enter a non-operating state by switching to a sleep mode or a standby mode as soon as an operation is not performed for a certain period of time due to promotion of energy saving. By applying the interlace mode of the present invention, it is possible to reduce time down.

<2. Second Embodiment>
The second embodiment is different from the operation of the MFP 20 of the first embodiment in that the skip mode is applied when the recovery operation is not performed for a certain period even when the client PC 10 is in an operating state. . Since the configuration and operation of the other image forming system GS are the same as those in the first embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Operation example of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the MFP 20A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Steps other than step S118 shown in FIG. 7 are the same as the contents of the step of MFP 20A described with reference to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and will be omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step S110, the main CPU 200 determines whether the MFP 20A has returned from the error state. For example, the main CPU 200 performs error recovery work such as jamming by the user, and a detection signal indicating error recovery is supplied from a paper detection unit 234 installed in the paper feed unit 222, a sensor installed in the paper discharge unit, or the like. If it is determined that the MFP 20A has returned from the error state, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, print output based on the print job JB1 is performed. On the other hand, if a detection signal indicating error recovery is not supplied, and it is determined that a recovery waiting time set in advance has elapsed since the mail was sent to the client PC 10A, the MFP 20A has not recovered from the error state. The process proceeds to step S118. The recovery waiting time can be set to an arbitrary time by an input unit (not shown) provided in the MFP 20A.

  In step S118, the main CPU 200 determines again whether or not the reason why the print job JB1 cannot be normally output corresponds to the NG condition capable of print output. For example, if it is determined in step S106 that the specific NG condition is not satisfied due to a jam or the like, it is determined in step S118 that the specific NG condition is not satisfied. In this case, the print job JB1 cannot be executed unless the recovery work by the user is performed, and therefore, the process waits until the recovery work by the client is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the specific NG condition is satisfied due to a toner shortage or paper size shortage, it is determined in step S118 that the specific NG condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S114. .

  In step S114, the main CPU 200 executes the jump mode. This is because even if the error occurrence is transmitted to the client PC 10A by mail, the user may not notice the mail and the recovery work may not be performed indefinitely. Therefore, in such a case, the print processing is executed by raising the priority of the other print jobs JB2 transmitted from the client PCs 10B, 10C, etc. other than the client PC 10A.

  In step S116, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the print job JB2 whose priority order has been changed can be normally output. For example, if the job setting condition that caused the error out of the job setting conditions of the print job JB1 in which the error has occurred is the same as the job setting condition of the print job JB2 that has been given higher priority, an error is generated. Since it occurs again and the print job JB2 cannot be output normally, the series of interlaced modes is terminated. At this time, as described above, the priority order after the print job JB2 may be changed, and it may be determined whether, for example, the print job JB3 whose priority order has been changed can be normally output. On the other hand, when the main CPU 200 determines that the print job JB2 whose priority order has been changed can be normally output, the main CPU 200 proceeds to step S104 and performs print output based on the print job JB2 whose priority order has been increased.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the print job JB is out of toner even when an error state recovery operation is not performed even though an error notification mail is transmitted to the client PC 10A. When a specific NG condition such as a shortage of paper size or the like is satisfied, an interlace mode is executed to control to raise the priority of other print jobs JB. As a result, even when the recovery operation of the print job JB in which an error has occurred is not performed, the print processing of another print job JB can be executed, so that the time down of the MFP 20 can be further reduced.

  It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes those in which various modifications are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, an example in which the interlace mode is applied when an error that has occurred inside the MFP 20 is detected has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an error due to a shortage of designated paper occurs in a large-capacity paper feeder connected to the front stage of the MFP 20, or when an error occurs in stapling or punching processing in a post-processing apparatus connected to the rear stage of the MFP 20 Also, the interlace mode of the present invention can be applied.

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E ... client PC (information processing apparatus), 20, 20A, 20B ... MFP (image forming apparatus), 100 ... main CPU (first control unit) 104 ... sub CPU (second control unit), 110 ... network interface (communication unit), 200 ... main CPU (control unit), 210 ... network interface (communication unit), 220 ... Output unit 222... Image forming unit (output unit) 224... Paper feed unit (output unit) 230... Detection unit 232 Toner detection unit (detection unit) 234 ..Paper detection unit (detection unit)

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus to which an information processing apparatus is connected via a network,
A communication unit for receiving a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
An output unit for outputting the job received by the communication unit;
A detection unit for detecting whether an error of the job has occurred in the output unit;
When the error is detected by the detection unit in the job output process, an operation state acquisition request for confirming the operation state of the information processing apparatus is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and the operation state acquisition request is satisfied. And a control unit that changes priority of other jobs received by the communication unit after the job based on operation information of the information processing device transmitted from the information processing device. Image forming apparatus. The controller is
Based on the operation information transmitted from the information processing apparatus, it is determined whether the information processing apparatus is in an operating state, and when it is determined that the information processing apparatus is not in an operating state, the communication unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the priority order of the other jobs received by is changed. The controller is
Whether the job setting condition of the other job matches the job setting condition causing the error among the job setting conditions of the job in which the error has occurred when changing the priority of the other job Judging
If it is determined that the job setting conditions match, the control is performed so that the other job is not preferentially output. If it is determined that the job setting conditions do not match, the other job is preferentially output. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to perform. The controller is
When it is determined whether the information processing apparatus is in an operating state based on the operation information transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and when it is determined that the information processing apparatus is in an operating state, the information processing apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an error has occurred in the job. The controller is
After the notification, it is determined whether or not the job has returned from an error. If it is determined that the job has not recovered from the error, the priority order of other jobs received by the communication unit after the job is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. An image forming system comprising an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus connected to each other via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A first control unit that controls the information processing apparatus;
An operation state for transmitting a job including identification information for specifying the information processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus and acquiring operation information indicating an operation state of the information processing apparatus transmitted from the image forming apparatus A communication unit that receives the acquisition request;
Based on the operation state acquisition request received by the communication unit, the operation state of the information processing apparatus is detected from the first control unit, and the operation information based on the operation state obtained by the detection is transmitted to the communication unit. A second control unit for transmitting to the image forming apparatus via
The image forming apparatus includes:
A communication unit that receives the job transmitted from the communication unit of the information processing apparatus;
An output unit for outputting the job received by the communication unit;
A detection unit for detecting whether an error of the job has occurred in the output unit;
When the error is detected by the detection unit in the job output process, an operation state acquisition request for confirming the operation state of the information processing device is transmitted to the second control unit of the information processing device, A control unit that changes the priority of other jobs received by the communication unit after the job based on the operation information transmitted from the information processing apparatus in response to the operation state acquisition request. A featured image forming system.

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