JP2015092208A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a print control method that provide, even when folding processing cannot be performed as post processing, an alternative method to ensure high convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An image forming system has an image forming apparatus 100, a post processing apparatus 300, and a post processing apparatus 400. In the case of executing a job designated to perform folding processing of folding sheets as post processing to the sheets, when a control unit 101 included in the image forming apparatus 100 determines that the post processing apparatus 300 cannot perform the folding processing, makes a transition to an alternative control mode of performing creasing processing instead of the folding processing.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a printing control method.

  Conventionally, an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus are connected in series is known. In this image forming system, the post-processing device can post-process the paper output from the image forming device, and an output product desired by the user can be obtained. Examples of post-processing include folding processing such as half-folding and tri-folding, punching processing, binding processing, and the like, and output products such as booklets and case binding can be obtained by appropriately combining these post-processing.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus connected to a post-processing apparatus via communication. In this image forming apparatus, when an error or the like occurs in the post-processing apparatus included in the image forming apparatus and the post-printing process cannot be executed, the post-processing function having the same function as the post-processing function that should be performed by the processing apparatus thereafter The processing device is searched from the post-processing device information in the post-processing device profile storage area. If found, job control information in which post-processing is set in the corresponding post-processing device is generated and transmitted to the post-processing device. Thereafter, the processing device performs post-processing according to the received job control information. As a result, the function of the post-processing device is replaced by another post-processing device.

JP 2006-308692 A

  One of the frequently used post-processing is folding. When the number of scanned originals exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be folded by the folding processing unit, the folding processing unit fails, or the folding processing unit does not have a folding processing unit in the first place. If it is determined that cannot be executed, the job is cancelled. In this case, the user usually cannot obtain any output. However, even if a complete output product that has been subjected to folding processing cannot be obtained, it is convenient for the user if an intermediate output product that has been processed to a degree convenient for folding processing can be obtained. Is thought to improve.

  Further, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, on the premise that there are a plurality of post-processing devices, there must be another post-processing device capable of performing folding processing. Therefore, if there is no other post-processing device, there is an inconvenience that an alternative process cannot be performed and no output product can be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user by providing an alternative method even when folding processing cannot be performed as post-processing. An image forming apparatus and a printing control method are provided.

  In order to solve this problem, a first invention provides an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus and performing post-processing on a sheet. Here, the post-processing device includes a scoring unit that performs scoring processing on a sheet, and the image forming apparatus controls an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, the image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. A control unit for controlling. When executing a job in which a folding process for folding a sheet is specified as a post-processing for the sheet, the control unit determines that the folding process cannot be performed in the post-processing device, and replaces the folding process. Shift to an alternative control mode for executing the scoring process.

  Here, in the first invention, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further includes an information presentation unit that presents information to the user. In this case, when the control unit shifts to the alternative control mode, it is desirable that the information presenting unit presents information that allows the user to select whether or not to perform the creasing process instead of the folding process.

  In the first invention, when the control unit shifts to the alternative control mode, it is preferable that the creasing unit of the post-processing device causes the creasing process to be performed at the sheet position corresponding to the execution position of the folding process. .

  In the first invention, when the control unit shifts to the alternative control mode, it is desirable that the post-processing to be performed after the folding process is not executed among the other post-processes specified in the job.

  Furthermore, in the first invention, it is preferable that the control unit executes a process of inverting the paper according to a folding direction in the folding process.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus to which a post-processing device that performs a creasing process on a sheet is connected. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, and the control unit executes a job for which folding processing is designated as post-processing for the sheet. When it is determined in the post-processing device that the folding process cannot be executed, the process shifts to an alternative control mode in which a creasing process is performed instead of the folding process.

  Furthermore, a third invention provides a printing control method by an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. In this printing control method, a step of acquiring a job in which folding processing for folding a sheet as a post-processing executed by the post-processing device is acquired, and whether or not the folding processing can be executed by the post-processing device is determined. And, when it is determined that the folding process cannot be performed, instead of the folding process, a step of transitioning to an alternative control mode in which the creasing unit included in the post-processing device performs the creasing process. Have.

  According to the present invention, by shifting to the alternative control mode in which the scoring process is performed, an alternative method can be provided even when the folding process cannot be performed as a post process, which is convenient for the user. High image forming system.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the structure of the image forming system shown in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a creasing part Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a creasing part 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 100, a post-processing apparatus 300, and a post-processing apparatus 400. Note that another apparatus may exist between the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 300, or the post-processing apparatus 400 may not exist. Further, another post-processing device may be connected to the downstream side in the paper transport direction.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet. The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is carried out toward the downstream post-processing apparatus 300. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, an operation display unit 103, a storage unit 104, a paper feeding unit 105, a transport unit 107, a document reading unit 120, and an image data storage unit 130. And an image processing unit 140 and an image forming unit 150.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit in the image forming apparatus 100 and controls the entire image forming system, and the communication unit 102 communicates with other connected devices. The operation display unit 103 notifies the control unit 101 of an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input by the operator, and displays necessary information according to the control signal from the control unit 101. In other words, the device display unit 103 functions as an information presentation unit that presents information to the user. The storage unit 104 stores a control program and various setting data and is used as a work area for the control program. The paper feed unit 105 feeds the stored paper, and the transport unit 107 transports the paper that is fed and used for image formation at a predetermined speed. The document reading unit 120 reads the document one by one to generate image data, and the image data storage unit 130 stores image information and various data used when forming an image. The image processing unit 140 executes various types of image processing necessary for image formation, and the image forming unit 150 executes image formation (printing) based on an image formation command and image information after image processing.

  The post-processing device 300 is connected to the downstream side of the image forming apparatus 100 and performs post-processing on the paper from the image forming apparatus 100. The post-processing device 300 includes a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a storage unit 304, a discharge path selection unit 305, a transport unit 307, a creasing unit 310, a matching unit 320, and a folding unit 330. An alignment unit 340, a saddle stitching unit 350, a square back processing unit 360, and a cutting unit 370 are provided.

  The control unit 301 controls each unit in the post-processing apparatus 300, and the communication unit 302 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100. A storage unit 304 stores a control program and various setting data and is used as a work area for the control program. A discharge path selection unit 305 selects a discharge path for discharging the post-processed sheet bundle. The transport unit 307 transports the paper at a predetermined speed. The creasing unit 310 performs a creasing process for creasing the paper without folding the paper. The alignment unit 320 aligns the paper after the creasing process for the next post-processing. The folding unit 330 performs a folding process for folding the paper, such as half-folding or tri-folding. The superimposing unit 340 superimposes papers for post-processing to form a paper bundle, and the saddle stitching unit 350 performs saddle stitching on the paper folded by the folding unit 330 as post-processing. The square back processing unit 360 performs a square back process for flattening the back folded portion of the sheet bundle on which the saddle stitch fold is formed, and the cutting unit 370 cuts a fore edge portion of the saddle stitched sheet bundle.

  The post-processing device 400 is connected to the downstream side of the post-processing device 300. The post-processing apparatus 300 includes a control unit 401, a communication unit 402, a storage unit 404, a discharge path selection unit 405, a transport unit 410, a flat binding unit 420, a main tray discharge unit 440, and a sub-tray discharge unit 450. And comprising.

  The control unit 401 controls each unit in the post-processing apparatus 400, and the communication unit 402 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 300. The storage unit 404 stores the control program and various setting data and is used as a work area for the control program. A discharge path selection unit 405 selects a discharge path for discharging the post-processed sheet bundle. The transport unit 410 transports the sheet at a predetermined speed, and the side binding unit 420 performs a side binding process on the sheet bundle. The main tray discharge unit 440 discharges paper using the main tray as a discharge destination, and the sub-tray discharge unit 450 discharges paper using the sub tray as a discharge destination.

  The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 150 in the image forming apparatus 100 is transported in the X direction in FIG. 2, and when the post-processing apparatus 400 performs post-processing, the post-processing apparatus 300 also transports the sheet in the X direction. Is done.

  On the other hand, when post-processing (for example, saddle-stitched booklet) is executed in the post-processing device 300, the Y-direction line is added to the paper by the creasing section 310 and then the Y-fold is formed in the folding section 330 as shown in FIG. Fold it in half with the direction as the ridgeline. Then, while conveying the sheet in the Y direction, a predetermined number of sheets are overlapped by the overlapping unit 340 and saddle stitching is performed by the saddle stitching unit 350. The saddle-stitched sheet bundle is conveyed in the Y direction and is subjected to square-back processing for flattening the back cover portion by the square-back processing unit 360.

  3 and 4 are explanatory views schematically showing the configuration of a creasing section 310 called a creaser that performs creasing processing. The sheet from the image forming apparatus 100 is drawn into the reverse conveying path, and the sheet is stopped at a predetermined position by nipping and conveying control by the conveying rollers 307R11, 307R12, 307R21, and 307R22 or by position restriction by the leading end stopper 325 (FIG. 3). ).

  After that, the creasing knife 312 driven by the creasing knife driving unit 311 and extending in the Y direction extends in the −X direction toward the creasing base 313 having a concave portion similarly extending in the Y direction. The sheet is sandwiched between the tip of the creasing knife 312 and the recess of the creasing base 313. By this operation, a streak whose longitudinal direction is the Y direction is formed (FIG. 4). In this scoring process, the sheet as a whole is maintained in a flat state, and unlike a crease formed by the folding process, a line having a semicircular cross section is formed on the sheet on the plane.

  Further, during this creasing process, the nipping and conveying control by the conveying rollers 307R11, 307R12, 307R21 and 307R22, the stop position control of the leading end stopper 3251, or both the nipping and conveying control and the stop position control are performed on the sheet. One or a plurality of lines can be attached at a desired position. Further, the sheet with the streak in this manner is conveyed toward the folding unit 330 by returning to the reverse conveyance path 307R by the conveyance rollers 307R11, 307R12, 307R21, and 307R22.

  In the image forming system configured as described above, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs a folding process in the post-processing apparatus 300 when executing a job in which a folding process for folding a sheet is specified as a post-processing for the sheet. When it is determined that the process cannot be executed, the process shifts to an alternative control mode in which the creasing process is performed instead of the folding process.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 using a job input as a trigger.

  Here, the job is acquired by the control unit 101 through the operation display unit 103. Through this job input, the control unit 101 can acquire the presence / absence of post-processing and the type (post-folding, tri-folding, saddle stitching, case binding, etc.) when post-processing is performed, and image formation. The reading operation of the document to be used for is started.

  First, in step 10 (S10), the control unit 101 determines whether or not reading of all originals has been completed by the original reading unit 120. If an affirmative determination is made in step 10, that is, if reading of all originals is completed, the process proceeds to step 11. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 10, that is, if reading of all the originals has not been completed, the process proceeds to step 12 (S12).

  In step 11, the control unit 101 permits the control unit 301 of the post-processing device 300 to execute the folding process. As a result, the control unit 301 of the post-processing device 300 controls the folding unit 330 to execute a folding process on the sheet.

  In step 12, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the number of documents that have been read exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be folded by the folding unit 330 (hereinafter referred to as “maximum folding number”). If a negative determination is made in step 12, that is, if the number of originals read does not exceed the maximum folding number, the process returns to step 10 to read the original of the next page. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step 12, that is, if the number of read originals exceeds the maximum folding number, the process proceeds to step 13 (S13).

  In step 13, the control unit 101 controls the operation display unit 103 to display information that allows the user to determine whether or not to replace the folding process with the creasing process. Then, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to replace the folding process with the creasing process based on the operation input signal output from the operation display unit 103 as a response to the display.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 13, that is, if the scoring process is substituted, the process proceeds to step 14 (S14). On the other hand, when a negative determination is made at step 13, that is, when the scoring process is not substituted, the process proceeds to step 15 (S15).

  In step 14, the control unit 101 instructs the control unit 301 of the post-processing device 300 to execute a creasing process instead of the folding process. As a result, the control unit 301 of the post-processing device 300 controls the folding unit 330 to execute the creasing process by the creasing unit 310 at a position corresponding to the execution position of the folding process on the sheet.

  On the other hand, in step 15, the control unit 101 cancels the job.

  As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 executes the folding process in the post-processing apparatus 300 when executing a job in which a folding process for folding a sheet is specified as a post-processing for the sheet. When it is determined that the process cannot be executed, the process shifts to an alternative control mode (the processes in S13 and S14) in which the creasing process is performed instead of the folding process.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide an alternative method even when the folding process cannot be performed as post-processing by shifting to the alternative control mode in which the scoring process is performed, which is convenient for the user. High image forming system.

  In this embodiment, when the control unit 101 shifts to the alternative control mode, the creasing unit 310 of the post-processing device 300 causes the creasing unit 310 of the post-processing device 300 to perform the creasing process at the sheet position corresponding to the execution position of the folding process. It is said.

  According to such a configuration, the creasing process is performed in association with the folding process even if the complete output product subjected to the folding process cannot be obtained, and thus the process is performed to a degree convenient for use in the folding process. Intermediate output can be obtained. Therefore, since folding can be performed along the streaks on the paper, the user can also perform folding manually. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the control unit 101 shifts to the alternative control mode, the operation display unit 103 displays information that allows the user to select whether or not to perform the creasing process instead of the folding process. It is said.

  According to such a configuration, after the user's intention is confirmed, the scoring process is substituted. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  In the above-described embodiment, the scene in which the number of originals that have been read exceeds the maximum folding number has been described as a situation where the folding processing cannot be executed in the post-processing apparatus 300. However, there are other situations where the folding process cannot be executed, such as a scene in which the folding unit 330 cannot be used due to a failure or the like, or the post-processing device 300 does not include the folding unit 330 as its configuration. Also good. In this case, instead of the processing in steps 10 and 11 described above, a step of determining whether or not the folding unit 330 is faulty and whether or not the post-processing device 300 includes the folding unit 330 is used. .

  In this embodiment, the operation display unit 103 is illustrated as an example of job input. However, the operation display unit 103 may be acquired from a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100 or another image forming apparatus.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the second embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 using a job input as a trigger. The process shown in this flowchart is different from that of the first embodiment in that the front and back sides of the paper are reversed according to the direction of the folding process. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

  First, the processing from step 20 (S20) to step 23 (S23) and from step 26 (S26) to step 27 (S27) is performed from step 10 to step 13 and step 14 and step 15 shown in the first embodiment. It corresponds to each process.

  In step 24 (S24) following the affirmative determination in step 23, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the folding process is set on the back side of the sheet. If an affirmative determination is made in step 23, that is, if the folding process is set on the back side of the paper, the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 23, that is, if folding processing is set on the back side of the paper, the process proceeds to step 26.

  In step 25, the control unit 101 performs paper reversal control. This reversal control is for reversing the front and back of the paper, and can be realized by a transport mechanism in the image forming apparatus, for example. However, the reversal of the sheet may be performed before the sheet reaches the creasing section 310 of the post-processing apparatus 300, and the relay apparatus interposes the relay apparatus between the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 300. May be executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 101 executes the process of inverting the paper according to the folding direction in the folding process.

  According to such a configuration, in a situation where the creasing unit 310 can perform creasing in only one direction, the creasing is appropriately performed along the direction corresponding to the folding process by reversing the paper in advance. be able to.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image forming system according to the third embodiment. The processing shown in this flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 using a job input as a trigger. The process shown in this flowchart is different from that of the first embodiment in the post-processing execution method when the scoring process is used instead. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

  First, each process from step 30 (S30) to step 35 (S35) corresponds to each process from step 10 to step 15 shown in the first embodiment.

  In step 36 (S36), the control unit 101 determines whether the post-processing includes other post-processing that should be performed after the folding processing, such as binding processing or trimming processing. If an affirmative determination is made in step 36, that is, if other post-processing is included, step 37 (S37) is skipped, and this processing is terminated. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 36, that is, if other post-processing that is not another post-processing to be performed after the folding processing (for example, punch processing) or the like is set, the process proceeds to step 37. Perform post-processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 101 shifts to the alternative control mode, it does not execute post-processing that should be performed after folding processing among other post-processing specified in the job. Yes.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid the post-processing that is performed after the folding process. For this reason, the situation where the post-processing implemented on the assumption of folding processing is made before folding processing is performed can be suppressed. Further, since the post-sheet processing that is not premised on the folding processing is allowed, an output product closer to the finished product desired by the user can be obtained.

  The image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. .

  For example, according to the present embodiment, an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus has been described. However, not only this image forming system but also the image forming apparatus itself connected to the post-processing apparatus and the print control method itself in this image forming system function as part of the present invention.

  The control unit that executes the print control method may be provided independently of the control unit that controls the image forming apparatus or the post-processing apparatus. For example, a server connected to an image forming apparatus via a network or a personal computer installed with a printer driver monitors the behavior of the image forming apparatus and performs imposition processing according to the job. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Control part 140 Image processing part 150 Image forming part 300 Post-processing apparatus 310 creasing part 330 Folding part 340 Superposition part 350 Saddle stitching part 360 Square spine processing part 370 Cutting part

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus;
A post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus and performing post-processing on paper;
The post-processing device includes:
It has a creasing section that performs creasing processing on paper,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image forming apparatus and the image forming system,
The controller is
When executing a job in which a folding process for folding a sheet is specified as a post-processing for the sheet, when the post-processing apparatus determines that the folding process cannot be performed, the folding process is replaced with the folding process. An image forming system that shifts to an alternative control mode for performing the creasing process. The image forming apparatus further includes an information presentation unit that presents information to a user,
The control unit presents information that allows a user to select whether or not to perform the creasing process instead of the folding process when the control unit shifts to the alternative control mode. Item 4. The image forming system according to Item 1.   The control unit causes the scoring unit of the post-processing device to execute the scoring process at a sheet position corresponding to the execution position of the folding process when the control unit shifts to the alternative control mode. Item 3. The image forming system according to Item 1 or 2.   The control unit according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not execute post-processing to be performed after folding processing among other post-processing specified in the job when the mode is shifted to the alternative control mode. Image forming system.   5. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit executes a process of inverting a sheet according to a folding direction in the folding process. In an image forming apparatus to which a post-processing device that performs creasing processing on paper is connected,
An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
The controller is
When executing a job in which the folding process is specified as a post-processing for paper, when the post-processing apparatus determines that the folding process cannot be performed, the scoring process is performed instead of the folding process. An image forming apparatus that shifts to an alternative control mode that implements the above. In a printing control method by an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus,
Obtaining a job in which folding processing for folding paper is specified as post-processing executed by the post-processing device;
Determining whether the folding process can be executed in the post-processing device;
When it is determined that the folding process cannot be performed, instead of the folding process, a step of transitioning to an alternative control mode in which a creasing process is performed by a creasing unit included in the post-processing device;
A printing control method characterized by comprising:

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