JP2014232503A - Control apparatus of image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and control program of image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus control method configured to allow print settings for a print job and print settings for an image forming apparatus to be set inclusively and freely, while notifying a user about conflict between a function set from the image forming apparatus and other functions during changing the settings.SOLUTION: A function in conflict with a function being changed in settings is determined (S22). When there is the function in conflict, the function is displayed together with a warning error (S23), to notify a user about the function in conflict for eliminate it. When the conflict is eliminated, the settings are applied to printing (S25, S26).

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus control apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program.

  The image forming apparatus has various printing functions such as a double-sided printing function and a function of allocating and printing a plurality of pages in one page. In addition, it has a post-processing function for performing stapling, punching, folding, binding, etc. on the printed paper.

  In such an image forming apparatus having various functions, when these functions are applied to print data, printing in accordance with print settings (also referred to as a print ticket) set in the image forming apparatus in advance, and received print jobs Printing according to the print settings included in.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 has a technique that allows a user to select whether to apply a print setting received together with a print job by an image forming apparatus or to apply a print setting preset in the image forming apparatus. In this technique, when the print setting set in the image forming apparatus is applied, the received print setting is rewritten to the print setting set in the image forming apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-259561 discloses that a print setting received by an image forming apparatus together with a print job includes a function that is invalid for the image forming apparatus. Replace with the replaced function and print.

JP 2012-121167 A JP 2006-110861 A

  Conventionally, when some functions of print settings of a print job are combined with some functions of print settings preset in the image forming apparatus, each is a different print setting. If it tries to do so, the prohibition relationship (conflict) of each function cannot be solved.

  In particular, when the user arbitrarily changes the print setting in the image forming apparatus, it is unclear at the time of the setting change whether the print setting does not conflict with the print setting in the print job. Also, if there are functions that you want to use only at that time in the received print settings, some functions use the received print settings, and others use only some of the settings such as the settings of the image forming device. There is no freedom to do so.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible for a user to know whether a function being set by the image forming apparatus is in a prohibited relationship with other functions while changing the setting, and to freely set print settings and images in a print job. Provided is a control device for an image forming apparatus, in which print settings stored in the forming apparatus are mixed and can be set so that there is no prohibition relationship, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program therefor That is.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A control device that controls an image forming apparatus that prints print data in a received print job in accordance with a print setting in which a function to be applied is selectively set from among a plurality of functions applied at the time of printing. ,
A print setting storage unit for storing device-side print settings set in the image forming apparatus in advance;
If there are print settings associated with the received print job, some of the print job print settings, the device-side print settings, and the print job print settings, and the device-side print settings An output setting storage unit that stores which mixed print setting in which some of the functions are mixed is applied to the print data;
The output setting storage unit stores which of the print settings of the print job, the device-side print settings, and the mixed print settings is applied to the print data,
When the mixed print setting is created by the user and applied, it is determined whether or not the mixed print setting being created has a function having a prohibition relationship. A screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship, and after the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved is set as the mixed print setting And
A control apparatus for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

  (2) When the user changes a function in the print setting as a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relation, the setting unit sets the prohibition relation to the changed function. The control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the function is displayed so that the function can be changed.

(3) The print setting storage unit stores a plurality of print settings including a function set selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions.
The setting unit sets a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit (1) or (2) The control apparatus of the image forming apparatus as described in 2. above.

(4) The setting unit stores in the print setting storage unit at least one print setting selected and combined by the user from a plurality of functions as a user-defined print setting,
Any one of (1) to (3), wherein a print setting selected from the user-defined print settings is set as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit. The control apparatus of the image forming apparatus as described in one.

(5) The setting unit stores at least one print setting of a printed job in the print setting storage unit as a print setting of a job history,
Any one of (1) to (4), wherein a print setting selected from the print settings of the job history is set as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit. The control apparatus of the image forming apparatus as described in one.

(6) A method for controlling an image forming apparatus that prints print data in a received print job in accordance with a print setting in which a function to be applied is selectively set from among a plurality of functions applied at the time of printing.
Device-side print settings set in advance in the image forming apparatus are stored in the storage device,
When there is a print setting associated with the received print job, which one of the print setting of the print job and the device-side print setting is applied, or some functions in the print setting of the print job; Applying a mixed print setting in which some of the functions in the device-side print setting are mixed, or storing in the storage device,
When applying the mixed print settings, determining whether the mixed print settings are created by a user and each function of the mixed print settings being created has a prohibited function;
If there is a setting of the function that becomes the prohibition relationship, displaying a screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship;
After the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, storing the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved as the mixed print setting;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

  (7) The step of displaying a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relationship becomes a prohibition relationship with respect to the changed function when the user changes the function in the print setting. The method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to (6), wherein the display is performed so that the function can be changed.

(8) A plurality of print settings including a function set selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions are stored in the storage device,
The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to (6) or (7), further comprising: setting a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. .

(9) storing at least one print setting selected and combined by a user from a plurality of functions as a user-defined print setting in the storage device;
The image according to any one of (6) to (8), further comprising: setting a print setting selected from the user-defined print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Control method of forming apparatus.

(10) storing at least one print setting of a printed job in the storage device as a print setting of a job history;
Any one of (6) to (9), further comprising setting a print setting of a job selected from the print settings of the job history as a print setting to be applied to the print data. A control method of the image forming apparatus described.

(11) A control program for an image forming apparatus that prints print data in a received print job in accordance with a print setting in which a function to be applied is selectively set from among a plurality of functions applied at the time of printing,
Device-side print settings set in advance in the image forming apparatus are stored in the storage device,
When there is a print setting associated with the received print job, which one of the print setting of the print job and the device-side print setting is applied, or some functions in the print setting of the print job; Applying a mixed print setting in which some of the functions in the device-side print setting are mixed, or storing in the storage device,
When applying the mixed print settings, determining whether the mixed print settings are created by a user and each function of the mixed print settings being created has a prohibited function;
If there is a setting of the function that becomes the prohibition relationship, displaying a screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship;
After the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, storing the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved as the mixed print setting;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

  (12) The step of displaying a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relationship is a prohibition relationship with respect to the changed function when the user changes the function in the print settings. The control program for an image forming apparatus according to (11), wherein the display is performed so that the function can be changed.

(13) A plurality of print settings composed of function sets selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions are stored in the storage device;
The control program for an image forming apparatus according to (11) or (12), further comprising: setting a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. .

(14) storing at least one print setting selected and combined by a user from a plurality of functions in the storage device as a user-defined print setting;
The image according to any one of (11) to (13), further comprising: setting a print setting selected from the user-defined print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Control program for forming equipment.

(15)
Storing at least one print setting of a printed job in the storage device as a print setting of a job history;
Any one of (11) to (14), further comprising: setting a print setting of a job selected from the print settings of the job history as a print setting to be applied to the print data. A control program for the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the user sets the print settings of the received print job and the print settings set in advance in the image forming apparatus by inputting from the image forming apparatus, the setting is being changed. You will know if there are any functions that are prohibited. For this reason, it is possible to perform a print setting in which each function is mixed so that there is no prohibition relationship between the print setting of the received print job and the print setting preset in the image forming apparatus.

1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a print setting processing procedure; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a setting change. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of an output sheet when the user further changes the one-side setting to double-sided from the state of FIG. 4 and effectively changes the punch function. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen displayed on the operation panel when the user further changes the single-side setting to double-sided from the state of FIG. 4 and effectively changes the punch function. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a warning screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a print setting screen of the state which grouped the function which solved the prohibition relation. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen with a setting call button for reading stored print settings according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a setting list screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a preset call screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a user definition screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a user definition change screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a screen of a job history. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a job history confirmation screen after the job is selected from a job history.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit in the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to a client computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC (Personal Computer)) 30 that is an external device via a network 18.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a paper feeding unit 12, a printing unit 13, a post-processing device 14, and an operation panel 15.

  The control unit 11 is a control device to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a flash ROM 24 (Flash ROM), and a network interface (Network Interface: NIF) 27. Is provided. These units are connected to each other by a bus 28 for exchanging signals. The control unit 11 is connected to the paper feeding unit 12, the printing unit 13, the operation panel 15, and the like so that control signals can be exchanged by a bus 28 (or other internal wiring) (see FIG. 1).

  The control unit 11 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. The control performed here is control related to the operation of the image forming apparatus, such as printing according to print settings and post-processing control for the printed paper. Note that a program necessary for controlling the printing itself is the same as that used in a general image forming apparatus, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 selects from among the functions in the print settings (referred to as device-side print settings) set in advance in the image forming apparatus 10 and the functions in the print settings in the print job. The function selected arbitrarily by the user and other functions set for printing are judged whether or not there is a conflict (forbidden relation), and immediately displayed on the operation panel 15 during the setting change. Processing to inform the user of the existence of the relationship.

  These controls are performed by the CPU 21 executing a program stored in the flash ROM 24 in advance. Therefore, the configuration of the control unit 11 is the same as that of a so-called computer, and executes the above-described printing operation control and paper information writing control by executing the provided program. is there. For this reason, CPU21 becomes a setting part because CPU21 performs the procedure mentioned later.

  The ROM 22 stores various programs for executing basic operations necessary as a minimum for the image forming apparatus 10. For example, it stores programs for basic operations such as determining whether each unit operates normally when the image forming apparatus is powered on, and reading a program necessary for subsequent processing from the flash ROM 24. ing.

  The RAM 23 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area for the CPU 21.

  The flash ROM 24 stores programs and print settings necessary for control. The flash ROM 24 serves as a storage device for storing print settings stored in advance in the image forming apparatus. For this reason, the flash ROM 24 serves as a print setting storage unit. The flash ROM 24 is also used to store output settings that determine functions to be applied to print data within the print settings according to the procedure described below. Accordingly, the flash ROM 24 also serves as an output setting storage unit. Instead of the flash ROM 24, a hard disk or other nonvolatile memory can be used.

  The network interface 27 is a communication unit, and is an interface for communicating with other devices via the network 18. Here, it is used for connection with PC30. In this embodiment, the print job is described as being transmitted from the PC 30. In addition, for example, the image forming apparatus is provided with a wired interface such as a USB or a wireless interface, You may enable it to receive a print job directly from various terminal devices (for example, USB memory, a portable terminal, etc.).

  The paper feeding unit 12 conveys the paper to the printing unit 13 according to an instruction from the control unit 11. The paper feed unit 12 has a paper feed tray so that a plurality of papers can be stored. The paper feed tray can also store other film-like print media instead of paper.

  The printing unit 13 prints an image on a printing medium such as paper by a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, or inkjet printing under the control of the control unit 11. In the printing operation, after an image is printed on the print medium conveyed from the paper supply unit 12, the print medium is conveyed to the post-processing device 14. As the printing function, for example, a color printing function such as monochrome / color, an enlargement / reduction function, a single-sided / double-sided printing function, a page allocation function such as 2in1, 4in1, and a function of changing the orientation of an image are provided. Each of these print functions is set as one function in the print settings.

  The post-processing device 14 performs various post-processing on the print medium conveyed from the printing unit 13 under the control of the control unit 11. The post-processing function includes, for example, a punch function that opens a punch hole at a predetermined position (binding direction) of the paper, a staple function that stops the predetermined position of the paper with staples, and a folding function that folds the paper in a predetermined folding method. Each of these post-processing functions is set as a function in the print settings.

  The operation panel 15 includes a display for performing various displays, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions. From the operation panel 15, the user can directly select and set various functions for the image forming apparatus and store them in the image forming apparatus (flash ROM 24). Further, from the operation panel 15, it is possible to set which of print settings preset in the image forming apparatus and print settings of the print job is to be applied.

  The PC 30 is a computer such as a general personal computer, and includes a network interface (not shown). The PC 30 transmits a print job to and from the image forming apparatus 10 and performs print settings for each print job. For this purpose, a printer driver (program) suitable for the image forming apparatus is installed in the PC 30. The user uses this printer driver to send a print job and give a print command to the image forming apparatus 10 (these are general processes and will not be described).

  The network 18 connects the PC 30 and the image forming apparatus 10, transfers print jobs, prints, and transfers paper information data. For example, a LAN can be used. Also, a line or a dedicated line that directly connects the PC 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 may be used.

  Hereinafter, a print setting procedure by the control unit 11 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the print setting processing procedure. Here, a procedure for receiving a print job and then performing print settings using the operation panel of the image forming apparatus will be described.

  First, the control unit 11 receives data of a print job (hereinafter simply referred to as “job”, the same applies to the drawing) via the network interface 27 (S1). The job has print data for printing. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not print settings (eg, PJL (Printer Job Language)) are attached as print data along with the print data (S2).

  If the print setting is not attached here (S2: NO), the print setting (referred to as device-side print setting) previously set (stored) in the image forming apparatus is read from the flash ROM 24, and this is set as the output setting. (S11). Here, the output setting is a setting applied to the print data when actually performing a printing operation. The printing operation includes a printing operation on a printing medium such as paper and a post-processing operation after printing.

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 applies the output setting to the print data of the job and executes a printing operation (S13). In S13, the output setting applied at the time of printing is preferably stored in the flash ROM 24 as a print setting history in the job history together with the name of the printed job (the same applies to the processing in S13 below). The history will be described later in a second embodiment).

  On the other hand, when the print setting is attached to the received job (S2: YES), the control unit 11 temporarily stores the attached print setting in the RAM 23 (S3). After that, the control unit 11 determines whether to apply the print setting of the job as the print setting of the entire job or to apply the device-side print setting, and further, a part of the job print setting and a part of the device-side print setting. It is confirmed whether the functions are mixed and applied (S4).

  In S4, when the apparatus-side print settings are applied (apparatus priority), the print settings previously set (stored) in the image forming apparatus are read from the flash ROM 24 and temporarily stored in the RAM 23 as output settings (S11). Then, the output setting is applied to the print data of the received job to execute the printing operation (S13).

  In S4, when applying print settings associated with a job (job priority), the print settings temporarily stored in S3 are read from the RAM 23 and set as output settings (S12). Then, the output setting is applied to the print data of the received job to execute the printing operation (S13).

  In S4, when a part of the print setting of the job and a part of the function of the apparatus-side print setting are applied in combination (priority for each function), the control unit 11 receives each input from the operation panel 15. The printing operation is executed based on the priority of the function. A setting procedure for giving priority to each function will be described later.

  When a part of the job print setting function and a part of the apparatus side print setting function are applied in a mixed manner, the control unit 11 checks the priority for each function (S5). Subsequently, the control unit 11 reads the setting contents of the function from the flash ROM 24 for the function to which the apparatus-side print setting is applied with priority from the priority of each function confirmed in S5 (S6). Subsequently, the control unit 11 reads the setting contents of the function from the print setting of the job stored in S3 for the function to apply the job-side print setting with priority from the priority confirmed in S5 (S7).

And the control part 11 produces | generates an output setting collectively for each function read by S6 and S7 (S8). Thereafter, the print setting is executed by applying the output setting to the print data of the received job (S13).
Here, setting of priority for each function by input from the operation panel 15 of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a print setting screen example. In this example, some of the print settings are shown. For example, the screen can be switched by tab for each type of setting, or other function items can be set from another screen. It is like that.

  The print setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 15 (hereinafter, the same applies to other screens). In this print setting screen, each function is a selection type in a drop-down format as a print setting item. A check box for each item indicates whether to use the device-side print setting or the job print setting for the function.

  Here, an item for which a check box is selected (checked) indicates that the apparatus-side print setting is preferentially applied.

  Conversely, an item for which the check box is not selected (no check) indicates that priority is applied to the print setting associated with the received job.

  Therefore, in S4 of the above-described procedure, depending on whether or not each of these items is checked, whether the apparatus-side apparatus-side print settings are applied, the job print settings are applied, or some functions and apparatuses of the job print settings It is determined whether to apply a part of the functions of the side print setting. That is, if all the items are checked, it is determined that the apparatus-side print setting is used, and the processing after S11 is performed. If all the items are not checked, it is determined that the print setting of the job is used, and the processing after S12 is performed. If the presence / absence of check of each item is mixed, it is determined that the respective functions are mixed and applied and printing is performed, and the processing from S5 is performed. The print setting in the case where the presence / absence of check of each item is mixed is called mixed print setting.

  In S5, it is determined whether or not each item is checked. For the checked item, the function of the item is read from the flash ROM 24 (processing in S6). For the unchecked item, the function of the item is stored in S3. From the print setting of the completed job (processing of S7).

  The print setting screen shown in FIG. 4 indicates that the print setting from the job (no check), single-sided printing, printing on A4 size paper, left binding as post-processing, and no punching. Then, it is shown that 2-in-1 layout printing and upper-left staple are selected as post-processing as items to which the apparatus-side print settings are applied (checked) by user selection.

  That is, in this print setting screen example, the job print settings and the apparatus-side print settings are mixed. To sum up, it is set to be printed on A4 size paper with 2 in 1 layout on one side, left-bound as post-processing, and stapled to the upper left for output.

  The changed settings are stored in the flash ROM 24 in the image forming apparatus as output settings when the save button in the print setting screen is pressed, and used for the printing operation. . The stored output setting can also be saved as future device-side print settings. In this case, for example, a name may be given to the set print setting so that it can be called at any time (details will be described later).

  Here, when various print settings are changed from the operation panel 15 as described above, depending on the function, there is a conflict with the contents of the apparatus-side print settings or the job print settings stored in advance at the time of changing the settings. (Referred to as a forbidden relationship). Next, a processing procedure when changing the setting will be described, including the case where there is a prohibition relationship for each function.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a setting change processing procedure.

  First, the control unit 11 displays a print setting screen (for example, see FIGS. 4, 7, and 9) on the operation panel 15 and accepts an input of a setting change (including addition, the same applies hereinafter) from the user (S <b> 21). .

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the function currently being changed has a prohibitive relationship with other functions (S22). For this purpose, for example, various prohibition relations are converted into data (referred to as prohibition relation data) and stored in the flash ROM 24 in advance. Then, the function currently being changed is checked against the prohibition data to determine whether or not the function has a prohibition relationship with other functions. For example, for example, the binding position does not match the punch position or the staple position (for example, staples the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the saddle stitch, or the center of the staple for the bag binding, the punch position and the staple position). The position is set at the opposite end or diagonal position, and it becomes difficult to see when binding multiple sheets by combining the punch position and staple position with the binding direction, etc.) (Booklet output is not possible with A5 size paper). In addition, since there are various prohibited relationships such as combinations that cannot be executed as functions possessed by the image forming apparatus (including the post-processing device), they are stored as prohibited data. In addition, the user may be able to set a prohibition relationship later.

  In S22, if there is no function that is in a prohibition relation to the function that is currently changed (S22: NO), it waits for the save button to be pressed (S31), and if the save button is pressed (S31: YES), The currently selected content is saved as an output setting (S32). At this time, no warning or the like is displayed on the display screen. Here, the process returns to S21 until the save button is pressed, and the processes of S21, S22, and S31 are continued until the save button is pressed. However, when the cancel button (see FIG. 4) is pressed, the current processing is ended by the interrupt processing, and the original state is restored. Here, when the cancel button is pressed, all the processes are completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S22 that the setting has a prohibition relationship (S22: YES). Subsequently, the control unit 11 displays a warning screen indicating that it is a prohibition error (S23). Then, setting items that are prohibited are displayed on the warning screen. This indicates that the user has a prohibition-related function and prompts the solution.

  The item of the function having a prohibition relation displayed on the warning screen is an item of the function having the prohibition relation utilizing the function currently being changed. Because if you do not need to make use of the function that is currently being changed, you only need to cancel the contents being set, but if you want to make use of the function that is currently being changed, change the one that is prohibited Because you have to do it.

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 waits for an input from the user for solving the prohibition error (S24). Here, when an instruction for canceling the prohibition error is not made and a setting cancellation instruction (for example, a cancel button in the warning screen) is input (S24: Cancel), the setting content currently being changed is restored. Return to S21.

  On the other hand, in the warning screen display, an instruction to solve the prohibition error, for example, [temporary saving] or [group saving] (described later) in the warning screen described later is input.

  If the temporary save button is pressed in S24 (S24: Temporary save), then the control unit 11 saves the function that solved the prohibition relationship in the RAM 23 as a function to be applied only this time. For this reason, the function is changed to the function selected as a candidate for solving the prohibition error from the warning screen display (S25). Then, the warning screen is cleared and the process returns to S21. Since the prohibition relationship is lost in this state (S22: NO), if the save button is pressed from the print setting screen (S31: YES), the output setting is saved (S32).

  On the other hand, if the save group button is pressed (S24: save group), the functions solved this time will be used as a group when a setting change that causes the same prohibition relationship is made for other jobs in the future. It can be so. Therefore, the functions that have solved the prohibition relationship are grouped and stored in the flash ROM 24 (S26). At the same time, turn off the warning screen. At this time, on the print setting screen, the grouped setting items are displayed so as to be understood (described later).

  Thus, the setting change process ends.

  Here, an example will be described in which a setting change that causes a prohibition error is performed.

  Here, a case will be described as an example in which the user further changes the punch function from the state of the setting screen example of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the output paper when the user further changes the one-side setting to double-sided from the state of the setting screen example of FIG. 4 and effectively changes the punch function.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the state of single-sided, 2-in-1 and upper-left staple, two pages are printed on one side of one sheet, and the upper-left staple is further printed. From this state, when one side setting is added to both sides and a setting on two punch points is added, the punch hole is positioned on the left side of the sheet in the drawing as shown in FIG. 6B. This is because the left binding setting remains unchanged. If this is done, the binding position will no longer correspond to the punch position when the double-sided printed paper is opened (in this state, if the paper is opened at the binding position at the punch position, the print side of the opened paper will The contents will be upside down.) For this reason, such a state is forbidden.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen displayed on the operation panel when the user further changes the single-side setting to double-sided from the state of FIG. 4 and effectively changes the punch function. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a warning screen.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user wants to change the punch setting from two points to “no punch”. In this case, two points on the punch setting and the left binding in the binding direction are forbidden. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, a warning screen for informing the user that such a relationship is a prohibition error is displayed. In the state shown in FIG. 8A, this item is displayed because the left binding in the binding direction has a prohibition relation with respect to the punch setting (punch: two points above). This display is preferably displayed in an easy-to-understand manner with, for example, a red highlight. The item indicating the prohibition relationship is a pull-down menu, which can be changed as appropriate by the user.

  If the cancel button is pressed on this warning screen, the current setting content (punch: 2 points above) is canceled and the original setting content is no punch.

  On the other hand, in order to solve the prohibition relationship, the user can change the prohibited function from the items displayed on the warning screen to solve the prohibition relationship. With respect to the punch setting (punch: 2 points above), as a binding direction that does not become a forbidden relationship, there is upper binding. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the user changes the binding direction to upper binding. At this time, it is preferable to clearly indicate that the prohibition has been eliminated by returning the red highlight display to the normal color.

  When the temporary save button or the group save button is pressed from the warning screen, the newly selected upper binding becomes valid as the setting contents, and as described above, the temporary save or the grouped save is performed.

  Note that the temporary save and group save buttons on the warning screen remain in a non-functional state (so-called grayout), for example, until the prohibition relationship is resolved, and function when the setting is changed to resolve the prohibition relationship. Also good.

  FIG. 6C shows a state in which the prohibition relation is eliminated in this way. As shown in the drawing, since punch holes are opened on the paper, even if the paper is bound with the punch holes in the coexistence with the staples, the contents of the printing surface are not inverted when the paper is opened.

  In the group storage, when there are a plurality of candidates for solving the prohibition relationship, the setting relationships grouped here may be listed as candidates in the setting change screen in the future. Such grouped contents for solving the prohibition may be stored as, for example, prohibition relation data in association with contents indicating the prohibition relation. Thereby, when the setting change which becomes the same prohibition relation is performed after the second time, it can be displayed as a candidate for solving the prohibition relation from the stored prohibition relation data. Further, by storing the grouped candidates in this manner, candidates for solving them are sequentially accumulated.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen in a state in which functions that have solved the prohibition relationship are grouped.

  As shown in FIG. 9, on the print setting screen after group saving from the warning screen, the grouped settings (functions) are displayed so as to be understood. In the illustrated case, “i” (eye) mark is attached to each setting item. Thereby, it can be seen that the punching and binding directions are grouped.

  Here, the punch hole addition change has been described as an example, but there are various other prohibition relations and changes for solving them. For example, from the state of FIG. 3, after setting the staple to “saddle stitch” and the paper size to “A5”, the print type is changed from “single side” to “booklet”. In this case, the booklet cannot be output with “A5”. Therefore, a warning is displayed to the effect that the paper size that is in a prohibition relation with respect to the “booklet” is in a prohibition relation. As a result, the user can cancel the setting change or change the paper size according to the content of the warning so that the prohibition relationship is resolved.

  As described above, when the user changes the print setting by input from the image forming device, the device-side print setting is used, the job print setting is used, or the device-side and job-side settings are mixed for each function. You can choose to use it. In addition, in the setting change or addition on the apparatus side, it becomes possible to immediately know whether or not the setting contents are in a forbidden relationship during the setting. For this reason, when various setting changes are made, the user can understand the result.

[Embodiment 2]
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the print settings in which the print settings on the apparatus side and the job side are mixed are stored in the apparatus as they are so that the user can arbitrarily call them and use them. Accordingly, in the second exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the image forming apparatus, the configuration of the control unit, the print setting processing procedure, the setting change processing procedure, and the like are the same as those in the first exemplary embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, print settings that combine various functions in the print settings are prepared in advance and stored as presets. Further, print settings (including mixed print settings) set by the user as in the first embodiment are stored as user-defined settings. Further, the print settings of the printed job are stored as a job history.

  These presets, user-defined settings, and job history are all stored in the flash ROM 24.

  The pull set is stored in advance by the image forming apparatus manufacturer at the time of factory shipment or upgrading of the apparatus (various software in the apparatus) for the convenience of the user.

  For example, the user-defined setting is saved by inputting a name from the user by displaying a save name input screen or the like. At this time, if the job print settings and the apparatus side print settings are mixed, those functions are stored.

  When the job history is finished, the output setting at that time is saved as the print setting.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a print setting screen with a setting call button for calling a stored print setting according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when there is an instruction to change print settings, the control unit 11 displays a print setting screen to which a [call setting] button is added at the upper right as illustrated. Items and buttons other than the setting call button are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).

  When the setting call button is pressed from the screen shown in FIG. 10, the control unit displays a setting list screen.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a setting list screen. As shown in the figure, buttons for preset, user-defined setting, and job history are displayed.

  When the user arbitrarily presses any button from this screen, the control unit 11 reads the print settings set for them from the flash ROM 24.

  Here, as an example, a case where preset setting is called will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a preset call screen.

  In the print setting screen, a set of print settings is prepared for each type of function set. For example, in the case of a reduced booklet of a type relating to finishing, “staple: saddle stitching, folding: overlapped middle folding, page assignment: 2 in 1 (reduced), printing type: duplex”, and if the booklet is an equal magnification, “staple: saddle stitching, Folding: Folding middle folding, page assignment: 2 in 1 (same size), printing type: double-sided, and “stapling: saddle stitching, folding: folding middle folding, page assignment: 2 in 1 (same size), printing type: A function set relating to post-processing “double-sided, front cover: case binding” is registered as one of print settings.

  If the type is color, the photo vivid is “resolution: 1200 dpi, color profile [image]: vivid”, and if the photo vivid text is clear, “resolution: 1200 dpi, color profile [image]: vivid, text and figure processing” : Print in black, Thin line: On "is registered as one of the print settings.

  In addition, by controlling the settings in the function type so that the settings cannot be selected at the same time, a plurality of functions are not duplicated (the combination of reduced booklet and toner save is possible, but reduced booklet + case binding is It can not be selected).

  Various other functions can be combined in advance and saved as a preset.

  When the user selects a preset print setting, the control unit returns to the print setting screen of FIG. 10 and displays it. At this stage, the contents of the print settings registered as each preset are displayed. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the displayed print settings are used as they are, or further, each item is changed and the print operation is executed.

  Next, the user-defined screen will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a user definition screen.

  The user definition screen is also called and displayed by the control unit 11 when the user definition button is pressed from the setting call screen shown in FIG.

  In the figure, “favorite”, “case binding, cover one side, tray 1”, “both sides, 4 in 1”, “covered, booklet” are already registered, and these are arranged as buttons. . These names are names arbitrarily set by the user when saved from the print setting screen.

  On the other hand, when the user newly saves the print setting as a user definition, the user presses the setting call button on the print setting screen (FIG. 10) to call the user definition screen and select “unset item”. As a result, the control unit 11 returns the screen displayed on the operation panel 15 to the print setting screen of FIG. If the save button is pressed at this stage, the control unit 11 stores the displayed print setting in the flash ROM 24 as a user-defined print setting corresponding to the position of the previously unset item.

  In addition, from the user definition screen, it is also possible to read and change user settings that have already been defined.

  By selecting each user-defined item from the user-defined screen in FIG. 13 and then pressing the change button, the control unit 11 displays the user-defined change screen. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a user definition change screen.

  This screen is the same as the print setting screen, and the items of each function can be changed by the user. Here, when any item is changed, the prohibition relation is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and if there is a prohibition relation, it is resolved, and then each user definition is changed. Will be saved. Each user definition can be changed, and can be changed by typing the name to be changed into the definition name portion from the upper right.

  In this screen example, as an example, “case binding, front cover one side, tray 1” is set by the user as “front cover printing: printing, front cover: case binding, front cover printing type: single side”. Since the case of printing, case binding, and “i” mark on one side, it can be understood that the group is a group in which the prohibition relation is solved.

  Next, a case where the print setting is called from the job history will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a screen example of a job history.

  The control unit 11 stores the output setting for the printed job in the flash ROM 24 as the print setting for the job (this is performed by the process of step S13 in the first embodiment, for example). When the job history is called, the job history screen is displayed, and the job history screen displays the name of the printed job, the output result, the output date and time, the name of the user who instructed printing, and the like. As a result, the output date and time, the name of the user who instructed printing, etc. are attached to the received job, and are saved together with the job history.

  When the user selects the job history to be applied from the job history screen and presses the content confirmation button, the screen changes to display the job history for confirming the print settings when the job is printed. A confirmation screen is displayed.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a job history confirmation screen after a job is selected from the job history.

  The job history confirmation displayed at this stage is the same as the normal print setting screen (FIG. 10), and the items of each function can be changed by the user. Also on this screen, the functions set by the user by solving the prohibitions are marked with an “i” mark so that they can be understood.

  In addition, the user may be able to change print settings further from this screen. In that case, as in the first embodiment, the prohibition relation is determined, and if there is a prohibition relation, it is resolved, and if the OK button is pressed, the control unit 11 stores this setting in the flash ROM 24.

  Since the user confirms the setting contents of the selected job history (FIG. 16), either all the functions set in the job history are applied, or only the functions whose prohibition relations are solved in the job history are applied. Select whether to apply.

  The example shown in FIG. 16 is displayed when “job number: 117 job name: production printing” in FIG. 15 is selected, and shows an example of color setting. In this example, as color settings, the functions of “color profile [image]”, “color profile [character / figure]”, and “thinning” are functions in which the prohibition relation is solved (that is, “i” mark However, “resolution” and “character and graphic processing” do not have an “i” mark, indicating that print settings on the job side are used.

  When the confirmation is completed (when the OK button is pressed), the control unit 11 returns to the job history screen shown in FIG. When the “apply priority setting only” button is pressed for “job number: 117 job name: production printing”, the control unit 11 performs functions “color profile [image]”, “color profile” that are functions for which the prohibition relationship has been solved. [Character / Figure] ”and“ Thinning ”are stored as output settings. On the other hand, when the “Apply entire settings” button is pressed, the control unit 11 causes the “color profile [image]”, “color profile [character / graphic]”, “thinning”, “resolution”, “character and graphic It is stored as an output setting so that all of the “processing” is applied.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the print settings in which various functions are set are stored in advance as, for example, presets, user definitions, job histories, and the like. The user can arbitrarily select and use print settings from presets stored in advance, user definitions, job history, and the like. In the case of changing the print settings of the function sets stored as a set in advance, as in the first embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print settings in which the print settings on the apparatus side, the job side, and the apparatus side and the job side are mixed, etc. Can be freely changed and selected. When changing the print setting, the user can be immediately alerted about the prohibition relation and the problem can be solved.

  Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the control device of the image forming apparatus is incorporated as a control unit in the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the control device of the image forming apparatus may be a separate body. Specifically, the printing apparatus to which the printing unit and the post-processing unit are connected, and the control device (so-called printer controller) for controlling the printing apparatus may be devices having different housings.

  Further, the image forming apparatus (printing apparatus including a printing unit and a post-processing unit) is connected to a Web server, and a URL for calling the Web server is accessed from a client PC by a browser to display a print setting Web page. It may be displayed and set. In that case, the Web server becomes the control device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Further, in this case, the program that is executed on the Web server is a control program that performs print settings.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is construed according to the claims, and is not construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments and examples.

10 image forming apparatus,
11 Control unit,
12 Paper feeder,
13 Printing department,
14 post-processing equipment,
15 Operation panel,
18 network,
21 CPU,
22 ROM,
23 RAM,
24 Flash ROM (Flash ROM),
27 Network interface,
28 Bus,
30 PC (computer).

Claims (15)

A control device that controls an image forming apparatus that prints print data in a received print job according to a print setting that selectively sets a function to be applied from among a plurality of functions that are applied at the time of printing,
A print setting storage unit for storing device-side print settings set in the image forming apparatus in advance;
If there are print settings associated with the received print job, some of the print job print settings, the device-side print settings, and the print job print settings, and the device-side print settings An output setting storage unit that stores which mixed print setting in which some of the functions are mixed is applied to the print data;
The output setting storage unit stores which of the print settings of the print job, the device-side print settings, and the mixed print settings is applied to the print data,
When the mixed print setting is created by the user and applied, it is determined whether or not the mixed print setting being created has a function having a prohibition relationship. A screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship, and after the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved is set as the mixed print setting And
A control apparatus for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The setting unit, as a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relationship, when the user changes a function in the print settings, a function that becomes a prohibition relationship with respect to the changed function. The control device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display device is displayed so that it can be changed. The print setting storage unit stores a plurality of print settings including a function set selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions.
The setting unit sets a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit. Image forming apparatus control apparatus. The setting unit stores at least one print setting selected and combined by a user from a plurality of functions as a user-defined print setting in the print setting storage unit,
The print setting selected from among the user-defined print settings is set as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit. The control apparatus of the image forming apparatus described. The setting unit stores at least one print setting of a printed job as a print setting of a job history in the print setting storage unit,
The print setting selected from the print settings of the job history is set as a print setting to be applied to the print data in the output setting storage unit. The control apparatus of the image forming apparatus described. A control method of an image forming apparatus for printing print data in a received print job according to a print setting in which a function to be applied is selectively set from among a plurality of functions applied at the time of printing,
Device-side print settings set in advance in the image forming apparatus are stored in the storage device,
When there is a print setting associated with the received print job, which one of the print setting of the print job and the device-side print setting is applied, or some functions in the print setting of the print job; Applying a mixed print setting in which some of the functions in the device-side print setting are mixed, or storing in the storage device,
When applying the mixed print settings, determining whether the mixed print settings are created by a user and each function of the mixed print settings being created has a prohibited function;
If there is a setting of the function that becomes the prohibition relationship, displaying a screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship;
After the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, storing the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved as the mixed print setting;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The step of displaying a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relation changes the function that is prohibited relation to the changed function when the user changes the function in the print setting. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display is performed so as to be possible. A plurality of print settings composed of a function set selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions are stored in the storage device,
8. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a step of setting a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Storing at least one print setting selected and combined by a user from a plurality of functions as a user-defined print setting in the storage device;
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a step of setting a print setting selected from the user-defined print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Control method. Storing at least one print setting of a printed job in the storage device as a print setting of a job history;
10. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: setting a print setting of a job selected from the print settings of the job history as a print setting to be applied to the print data. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. A control program for an image forming apparatus that prints print data in a received print job according to a print setting that selectively sets a function to be applied from among a plurality of functions that are applied at the time of printing,
Device-side print settings set in advance in the image forming apparatus are stored in the storage device,
When there is a print setting associated with the received print job, which one of the print setting of the print job and the device-side print setting is applied, or some functions in the print setting of the print job; Applying a mixed print setting in which some of the functions in the device-side print setting are mixed, or storing in the storage device,
When applying the mixed print settings, determining whether the mixed print settings are created by a user and each function of the mixed print settings being created has a prohibited function;
If there is a setting of the function that becomes the prohibition relationship, displaying a screen for prompting the user to resolve the prohibition relationship;
After the prohibition relationship is resolved by the user, storing the print setting by the function in which the prohibition relationship is resolved as the mixed print setting;
A control program for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The step of displaying a screen for prompting the user to solve the prohibition relation changes the function that is prohibited relation to the changed function when the user changes the function in the print setting. 12. The control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control program is displayed so as to be able to be performed. A plurality of print settings composed of a function set selected and combined in advance from a plurality of functions are stored in the storage device,
The control program for an image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a step of setting a print setting selected from the plurality of print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Storing at least one print setting selected and combined by a user from a plurality of functions as a user-defined print setting in the storage device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: setting a print setting selected from the user-defined print settings as a print setting to be applied to the print data. Control program. Storing at least one print setting of a printed job in the storage device as a print setting of a job history;
15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: setting a print setting of a job selected from the print settings of the job history as a print setting to be applied to the print data. A control program for an image forming apparatus.