JP2016093937A - Print control unit, image formation system, print control program, and print control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print control unit, an image formation system, a print control program, and a print control method which can deliver printed matter desired by a user without troubling the user.SOLUTION: In order that printed matter outputted by causing an image formation system 1 to execute image formation output may be transported by mobile finishers 2a and 2b, it is decided whether or not the printed matter to be outputted exceeds an upper loading limit of printed matter which can be loaded on the finishers 2a and 2b. In a case where it is decided that the printed matter to be outputted exceeds the upper loading limit, the printed matter is outputted by being divided into a plurality of times by the image formation system 1 so as not to exceed the upper loading limit, and the printed matter outputted by being divided into a plurality of times is transported each separately by the finishers 2a and 2b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus used for outputting digitized information has become an indispensable device. Among such image forming apparatuses, there is known an image forming apparatus that delivers a printed matter output by printing on a recording medium to a user using a transport device capable of autonomous traveling (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

  However, when such an image forming apparatus performs printing exceeding the stacking upper limit of the transport device, the printed matter is delivered to the user when the stacking upper limit is reached or before the stacking upper limit is reached. . Therefore, in such a case, there is a problem that the user cannot receive a desired printed matter.

  Therefore, when the user causes the image forming apparatus to perform printing, it is possible to avoid the above problem by causing the printing to be performed within a range that does not exceed the stacking upper limit. There is a problem that it takes time and effort.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to allow a user to deliver a printed matter desired by the user without taking time and effort.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of the present invention is a print control device that causes a transport device to transport a printed material that is output by causing the image forming apparatus to perform image forming output. A determination unit that determines whether or not the upper limit of the printed material that can be stacked by the transporting device exceeds the upper limit of the stack when it is determined that the output of the printed material exceeds the upper limit of the stack. A print instructing unit that divides the printed material into a plurality of times and outputs it to the image forming apparatus; and a conveyance instructing unit that separately conveys the printed material divided and outputted to the conveying device to the conveying device. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to take time and effort.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows typically the hardware constitutions of the self-propelled finisher which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing typically the functional composition of the self-propelled finisher concerning the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment performs printing. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper type information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper size information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of the printing amount which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether or not to separate a printed material. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines a volume of a booklet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines the volume of a booklet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines the volume of a booklet. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention delivers a printed matter using a plurality of self-propelled finishers. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention delivers a printed matter using a plurality of self-propelled finishers. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention delivers a printed matter using a plurality of self-propelled finishers. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines a volume of a booklet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines the volume of a booklet. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention determines the volume of a booklet. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment performs printing.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image forming system that delivers a printed matter output by printing on a recording medium by an image forming apparatus to a self-propelled finisher capable of autonomous traveling will be described as an example.

  In such an image forming system, one of the gist according to the present embodiment is that when printing exceeds the upper limit of loading of the self-propelled finisher, the volume is automatically separated before printing so that the upper limit of loading is not exceeded. In other words, the printed matter printed in a separate volume is to be delivered in a plurality of divided volumes.

  As a result, the image forming system according to the present embodiment does not cancel the printing even when printing exceeds the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher, and the user does not change the printing conditions. It becomes possible to deliver the printed matter to. Therefore, the image forming system according to the present embodiment can deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to take time and effort.

  First, an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system according to the present embodiment is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 1, a client terminal 3a, a client terminal 3b, and a client terminal 3c via a network 4. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the client terminal 3a, the client terminal 3b, and the client terminal 3c from each other, they are collectively referred to as “client terminal 3”.

  Note that the numbers of the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminals 3 connected to the network 4 are merely examples, and a large-scale system in which many of these are connected may be used.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a self-propelled finisher 2a, a self-propelled finisher 2b, and a self-propelled finisher 2c via a wireless communication line 5a, a wireless communication line 5b, and a wireless communication line 5c, respectively. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the self-propelled finisher 2a, the self-propelled finisher 2b, and the self-propelled finisher 2c, they are collectively referred to as “self-propelled finisher 2”. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the wireless communication line 5a, the wireless communication line 5b, and the wireless communication line 5c, they are collectively referred to as “wireless communication line 5”.

  The image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above performs printing on a recording medium based on print data transmitted from the client terminal 3 via the network 4. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to deliver the printed matter output by printing to the self-propelled finisher 2 to the user.

  As shown in FIG. 2, at least one of the self-propelled finishers 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the wireless communication line 5 is directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be detachable. May be. Further, the number of self-propelled finishers 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is merely an example, and a large-scale system in which many of these are connected may be used.

  The self-propelled finisher 2 is a finisher capable of autonomous traveling, returns the original position after the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus 1 is loaded and delivered to the user. That is, in this embodiment, the self-propelled finisher 2 functions as a transport device.

  The client terminal 3 is an information processing terminal for a user to operate in order to cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform printing, and transmits print data via the network 4. The client terminal 3 according to the present embodiment is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer). The client terminal 3 may be realized by a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

  The network 4 is, for example, a limited network such as an office LAN (Local Area Network), or a wide area network such as the Internet or a public line. The wireless communication line 5 is, for example, a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or infrared.

  In the image forming system configured as described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing exceeding the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2, first, the printing upper limit should not be exceeded before printing. Automatically separates the volume. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 distributes the printed matter printed in the volume unit to the self-propelled finisher 2 in a plurality of times in the volume unit. This is one aspect of the gist of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

  Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment allows the user to change the printing condition without canceling the printing even when the printing is performed exceeding the upper limit of the loading of the self-propelled finisher 2. It is possible to deliver the printed matter to the user without any problem. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to take time and effort.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 and the client terminal 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the client terminal 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body controller 110, a dedicated device 123, and an operation display device 124.

  The main body controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a Program ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, a Font ROM 114, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 115, a NVRAM (Non RAM 116, an NVRAM 116 An I / F 117, a dedicated device I / F 118, a network I / F 119, a wireless communication I / F 120, and an operation display device I / F 121 are connected via a bus 122 and control the entire image forming apparatus 1. That is, in this embodiment, the main body controller 110 functions as a print control apparatus.

  Further, the self-propelled finisher 2 is connected to the finisher I / F 117, the dedicated device 123 is connected to the dedicated device I / F 118, and the operation display device 124 is connected to the operation display device I / F 121. The self-propelled finisher 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the finisher I / F 117 is a self-propelled finisher that is directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be detachable.

  The CPU 111 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 112 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 111 processes information. The Program ROM 113 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The Font ROM 114 stores font data of characters used for printing.

  The HDD 115 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores various data such as image data, and various programs such as an OS (Operating System), a control program, and an application program. The NVRAM 116 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, similar to the HDD 115, and stores various data such as image data, and various programs such as an OS (Operating System), a control program, and an application program.

  The finisher I / F 117 is an interface for connecting the bus 122 and the self-propelled finisher 2 and controlling the self-propelled finisher 2 from the main body controller 110. The dedicated device I / F 118 is an interface for connecting the bus 122 and the dedicated device 123 and controlling the dedicated device 123 from the main body controller 110. In the client terminal 3, the finisher I / F 117 and the dedicated device I / F 118 are not necessary.

  The network I / F 119 connects the bus 122 and the network 4, transmits data from the main body controller 110 to another device via the network 4, or transmits data transmitted from the other device to the main body controller 110. It is an interface for inputting to

  The wireless communication I / F 120 connects the bus 122 and the wireless communication line 5, and transmits data from the main body controller 110 to another device or transmitted from another device via the wireless communication line 5. This is an interface for inputting data to the main body controller 110. The operation display device I / F 121 is an interface for connecting the bus 122 and the operation display device 124 and controlling the operation display device 124 from the main body controller 110.

  The dedicated device 123 is hardware for realizing a dedicated function in the image forming apparatus 1, that is, hardware for realizing a dedicated function in a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copying machine.

  The operation display device 124 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the image forming apparatus 1, and is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation display device 124 is a user interface for a user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1 and is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the Program ROM 113, the HDD 115, the NVRAM 116, or an optical disk is read out to the RAM 112, and the CPU 111 performs an operation according to the program loaded in the RAM 112, thereby controlling the software. The part is composed. A functional block that realizes the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a finisher controller 210, a sensor 224, a dedicated device 225, a work device 226, a power supply device 227, an operation display device 228, and a travel device 229.

  The finisher controller 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 212, a Program ROM (Read Only Memory) 213, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 214, a wireless communication I / F 215, a sensor I / F 215, a sensor I / F 216, I / F 217, dedicated device I / F 218, work device I / F 218, power supply device I / F 220, operation display device I / F 221, travel device I / F 222 are connected via a bus 223, The entire self-propelled finisher 2 is controlled.

  The sensor I / F 216 has a sensor 224, the main body I / F 217 has an image forming apparatus 1, the dedicated device I / F 218 has a dedicated device 225, the work apparatus I / F 219 has a work apparatus 226, and power is supplied. A power supply device 227 is connected to the device I / F 220, an operation display device 228 is connected to the operation display device I / F 221, and a travel device 229 is connected to the travel device I / F 222. The self-propelled finisher 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the main body I / F 217 is a self-propelled finisher that is directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 so as to be detachable.

  The CPU 211 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 212 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 211 processes information. The Program ROM 213 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware.

  The HDD 214 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information, and stores various data such as image data, and various programs such as an OS (Operating System), a print control program, and an application program.

  The wireless communication I / F 215 connects the bus 223 and the wireless communication line 5, transmits data from the finisher controller 210 to another device via the wireless communication line 5, or has been transmitted from another device. This is an interface for inputting data to the finisher controller 210.

  The sensor I / F 216 is an interface for connecting the sensor 224 and the bus 223 and inputting a sensor signal input from the sensor 224 to the finisher controller 210.

  The main body I / F 217 is an interface for connecting the bus 223 and the image forming apparatus 1 and controlling the self-propelled finisher 2 from the image forming apparatus 1. The dedicated device I / F 118 is an interface for connecting the bus 223 and the dedicated device 225 and controlling the dedicated device 225 from the finisher controller 210.

  The work device I / F 219 is an interface for connecting the bus 122 and the work device 226 and controlling the work device 226 from the finisher controller 210. The power supply apparatus I / 220 is an interface for connecting the bus 223 and the power supply apparatus 227 and controlling the power supply apparatus 227 from the finisher controller 210.

  The operation display device I / F 221 is an interface for connecting the bus 223 and the operation display device 228 and controlling the operation display device 228 from the finisher controller 210. The traveling device I / F 222 is an interface for connecting the bus 223 and the traveling device 229 and controlling the traveling device 229 from the finisher controller 210.

  The sensor 224 recognizes information necessary for the self-propelled finisher 2 to autonomously travel, such as an encoder sensor and an infrared sensor, such as the environment around the self-propelled finisher 2, self-position, self-direction, and traveling speed. It is a sensor for.

  The dedicated device 225 is hardware for realizing a dedicated function in the self-propelled finisher, that is, hardware for realizing a dedicated function in stapling, punching, folding processing, bookbinding processing, binding processing, and the like.

  The working device 226 is a device that performs work for the self-propelled finisher 2 to deliver the printed material to the user, such as a working arm that takes out the printed material from a stacking tray on which the printed material is stacked and delivers it to the user. The power supply device 227 includes a drive battery, supplies power to the self-propelled finisher 2 during autonomous traveling, and charges the drive battery with power supplied from the image forming device 1 when connected to the image forming device 1. To do.

  The operation display device 228 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the self-propelled finisher 2 and is realized by a display device such as an LCD. The operation display device 228 is a user interface for a user to input information to the self-propelled finisher 2, and is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

  The traveling device 229 is hardware for realizing the traveling function of the self-propelled finisher 2, such as a traveling motor, traveling wheels, a steering mechanism, and a stopping device.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the Program ROM 213, the HDD 214, or an optical disk is read into the RAM 212, and the CPU 211 performs an operation according to the program loaded in the RAM 212, whereby the software control unit Composed. A functional block that realizes the function of the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body control unit 100, a print engine 125, a scanner engine 126, and a display panel 127. The main body control unit 100 includes a main control unit 101, an engine control unit 102, a communication control unit 103, an image processing unit 104, an operation display control unit 105, a map information storage unit 106, and a print amount calculation information storage unit 107.

  The print engine 125 is an image forming unit that forms an image by executing image forming output on the recording medium conveyed from the paper feed table. The print engine 125 is realized by the dedicated device 123 shown in FIG. As a specific mode of the print engine 125, an image forming mechanism using an inkjet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. The image-formed recording medium on which an image is formed by the print engine 125 is ejected and stacked on the self-propelled finisher 2 and delivered to the user.

  The scanner engine 126 is a document reading unit including a photoelectric conversion element that converts optical information into an electrical signal, and a document automatically conveyed from a document table by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or a document table Image information is generated by optically scanning and reading a document set on glass. The scanner engine 126 is realized by a dedicated device 123 shown in FIG. A document automatically conveyed from the document table by ADF and read by the scanner engine 126 is discharged to a document discharge tray.

  The display panel 127 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface. That is, the display panel 127 includes a function for displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 127 is realized by the operation display device 124 shown in FIG.

  The main body control unit 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a software control unit configured by loading a control program such as firmware stored in a nonvolatile storage medium such as the Program ROM 113, HDD 115, and NVRAM 116 into the RAM 112, and the CPU 111 performing calculations according to these programs. The main body control unit 100 is configured by hardware such as an integrated circuit. The main body control unit 100 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 101 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the main body control unit 100, and gives a command to each unit of the main body control unit 100. The main control unit 101 also controls the communication control unit 103 to communicate with other devices via the network 4 or the wireless communication line 5. That is, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 101 functions as a notification unit.

  The engine control unit 102 controls or drives driving units such as the print engine 125 and the scanner engine 126. The communication control unit 103 controls communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and another apparatus connected via the finisher I / F 117, the network I / F 119, and the wireless communication I / F 120.

  The image processing unit 104 generates drawing data as output data based on image data described by a PDL (Page Description Language) or the like under the control of the main control unit 101. This drawing data is CMYK bitmap data, and is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 125 as an image forming unit.

  The image processing unit 104 processes image data input from the scanner engine 126 and generates image data. This image data is data stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to another apparatus via the network 4 or the wireless communication line 5. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can directly input drawing data instead of image data, and execute image forming output based on the directly input drawing data.

  The operation display control unit 105 displays information on the display panel 127 or notifies the main control unit 101 of information input via the display panel 127.

The map information storage unit 106 stores map information of a range in which the self-propelled finisher 2 travels. In this map information, the IP address of each client terminal 3 and the installation position of the client terminal 3 are associated, and the user information of each user and the seat position of the user are associated. The main control unit 101 automatically uses the map information stored in the map information storage unit 106 and the IP address of the client terminal 3 that transmitted the print data, or the delivery destination user information included in the print data. The route information in which information for indicating the route to be traveled when the printed finisher 2 delivers the printed matter is described.
The map information storage unit 106 is realized by a nonvolatile storage field such as the HDD 115 and the NVRAM 116 shown in FIG.

  The print amount calculation information storage unit 107 stores print amount calculation information that is referred to when the main control unit 101 calculates a print amount based on print data. The main control unit 101 refers to the print amount calculated with reference to the print amount calculation information stored in the print amount calculation information storage unit 107, and the upper limit number of prints that can be stacked by the self-propelled finisher 2. To determine whether or not the printed material should be delivered in a plurality of times. When the main control unit 101 determines that the printed material should be delivered in a plurality of times, the main control unit 101 determines the volume of the printed material.

  The print amount calculation information storage unit 107 is realized by a nonvolatile storage medium such as the HDD 115 or the NVRAM 116 shown in FIG. Details of the print amount calculation information will be described later with reference to FIGS. Details of the print amount and the print amount calculation method will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the functional configuration of the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, the paper flow is indicated by a broken arrow, and the power transmission is indicated by a dotted arrow.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the self-propelled finisher 2 according to the present embodiment includes a finisher control unit 200, a travel motor 230, travel wheels 231, a stacking tray 232, a work arm 233, a self-position measurement sensor 234 a, and obstacle detection. A sensor 234b, a display panel 235, and a post-processing engine 236 are provided. The finisher control unit 200 includes a main control unit 201, a work control unit 202, a stacking upper limit storage unit 203, a route information storage unit 204, a self-position measurement unit 205a, an obstacle detection unit 205b, a travel control unit 206, and an engine control unit. 207, an operation display control unit 208, and a communication control unit 209.

  The travel motor 230 is a motor for causing the self-propelled finisher 2 to travel by rotating or stopping the travel wheel 231 to stop and turn the direction. The traveling wheels 231 are traveling wheels for causing the self-propelled finisher 2 to travel, stop, and turn around. The travel motor 230 and the travel wheels 231 are realized by a travel device 229 shown in FIG.

  The stacking tray 232 is a tray on which printed materials output from the image forming apparatus 1 are stacked. The work arm 233 is a device for taking out the printed matter loaded on the stacking tray 232 and delivering it to the user.

  The self-position measuring sensor 234a is a sensor for measuring the self-position of the self-propelled finisher 2, such as an encoder sensor or an infrared sensor. The obstacle detection sensor 234b is a sensor for detecting an obstacle around the self-propelled finisher 2 and measuring its position, such as an infrared sensor. The self-position measurement sensor 234a and the obstacle detection sensor 234b are realized by the sensor 224 shown in FIG.

  The display panel 235 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the self-propelled finisher 2 and, as a touch panel, the user directly operates the self-propelled finisher 2 or inputs information to the self-propelled finisher 2. It is also an input interface. That is, the display panel 235 includes a function for displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 235 is realized by the operation display device 228 shown in FIG.

  The post-processing engine 236 is a mechanism that performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, folding processing, bookbinding processing, and binding processing. The post-processing engine 236 is realized by the dedicated device 225 shown in FIG.

  The finisher control unit 200 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a control program such as firmware stored in a nonvolatile storage medium such as Program ROM 213 and HDD 114 is loaded into RAM 212 and integrated with a software control unit configured by CPU 211 performing calculations according to those programs. The finisher control unit 200 is configured by hardware such as a circuit. The finisher control unit 200 controls the entire self-propelled finisher 2.

  The main control unit 201 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the finisher control unit 200, and gives a command to each unit of the finisher control unit 200. The main control unit 201 also controls the communication control unit 209 to communicate with other devices via the wireless communication line 5.

  The work control unit 202 controls or drives the stacking tray 232 and the work arm 233. The stacking upper limit storage unit 203 stores the stacking upper limit number of printed materials that the self-propelled finisher 2 can stack. The upper limit number of sheets stored here is the number converted to A4 size plain paper. The stacking upper limit storage unit 203 is realized by a non-volatile storage medium such as the HDD 214 shown in FIG.

  The route information storage unit 204 stores route information in which information indicating a route to be taken when the self-propelled finisher 2 delivers a printed matter to the user is described. This route information is created by the image forming apparatus 1, then transmitted to the self-propelled finisher 2 and stored in the route information storage unit 204. The path information storage unit 204 is realized by the RAM 212 and the HDD 214 shown in FIG.

  The self-position measuring unit 205a measures the self-position based on the sensor information input from the self-position measuring sensor 234a, and inputs the measured self-position to the main control unit 201. The obstacle detection unit 205b measures the position of the obstacle based on the sensor information input from the obstacle detection sensor 234b, and inputs the measured position of the obstacle to the main control unit 201.

  Based on the route information stored in the route information storage unit 204, the self-position measured by the self-position measurement unit 205a, and the position of the obstacle measured by the obstacle detection sensor 205b, the main control unit 201 The driving control unit 206 is instructed to drive 230.

  The travel control unit 206 controls driving of the travel motor 230 in accordance with instructions from the main control unit 201. The engine control unit 207 controls or drives a drive unit such as the post-processing engine 236. The operation display control unit 208 displays information on the display panel 235 or notifies the main control unit 201 of information input via the display panel 235. The communication control unit 209 controls communication between the self-propelled finisher 2 and another device connected via the main body I / F 217 and the wireless communication I / F 215.

  Next, processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing, first, the main control unit 101 acquires print data (S701), and analyzes the acquired print data (S702). As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether or not a delivery request is included in the print data (S703).

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S703 that the print data does not include a delivery request (S703 / NO), the main control unit 101 executes printing on the engine control unit 102 based on the acquired print data. An instruction is given (S717). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment ends the process when printing is completed.

  On the other hand, if the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S703 that the print data includes a delivery request (S703 / YES), the print amount stored in the print amount calculation information storage unit 107 is determined. With reference to the calculation information, the print amount is calculated based on the print condition included in the print data acquired in S701 (S704). That is, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 101 functions as a print amount calculation unit. Hereinafter, the print amount calculated in the processing in S704 is referred to as “print amount A”.

  Here, the print amount calculation information will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and the print amount calculation method will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the paper type information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of paper size information according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a printing amount calculation method according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the paper type information according to the present embodiment is a table in which the basis weight and the number of converted plain papers are associated with each paper type (hereinafter referred to as “paper type”). It is a table for converting one kind of sheet into the number of plain paper. According to this paper type information, when one sheet of thin paper is converted into plain paper, it corresponds to 0.75 sheets, and when one sheet of thick paper A is converted into plain paper, it corresponds to 2.0 sheets. When one sheet is converted into plain paper, it corresponds to 3.0 sheets.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the paper size information according to the present embodiment is a table in which the paper size and the A4 paper equivalent number are associated with each paper size, and one paper of each paper size is A paper. It is a table for converting into the number of sheets. According to this paper size information, when one A3 size paper is converted to A4 paper, it corresponds to 2.0 sheets, and when one A5 size paper is converted to A4 paper, it corresponds to 0.5 sheets, If one B3 size paper is converted to A4 paper, it is equivalent to 3.0 sheets, if one B4 size paper is converted to A4 paper, it is equivalent to 1.5 sheets, and one B5 size paper is A4 paper. In terms of paper, this corresponds to 0.75 sheets.

  The print amount calculation information is a generic term for such paper type information and paper size information. In FIGS. 8 and 9, it is assumed that one side / both sides are single-sided printing, and aggregation (Nin1) is 1in1 printing as an image formation mode on a sheet.

  The printing amount is the number of sheets when the actual number of printed sheets when printing is performed according to the printing conditions included in the print data is converted to A4 size plain paper according to the printing amount calculation information. It is.

  For example, when the print conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 10A, the actual number of prints is 30 print pages, 2 print copies, single-sided / double-sided single-sided printing, aggregation (Nin1 ) Is 2 in 1 printing, so 30 × 2 × 1 × 1/2 = 30 sheets. However, since the paper type is thin paper and the paper size is A4, the printing amount is calculated as 30 × 0.75 × 1 = 22.5 sheets.

  Also, for example, when the printing conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 10B, the actual number of printed pages is 10 printed pages, 3 printed copies, single-sided / double-sided printing on both sides, and consolidation. Since (Nin1) is 1in1 printing, 10 × 3 × 1/2 × 1 = 15 sheets. However, since the paper type is thick paper A and the paper size diagram is B3, the printing amount is calculated as 15 × 2.0 × 3.0 = 90 sheets.

  After calculating the printing amount, the main control unit 101 secures the self-propelled finisher 2 directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 as a self-propelled finisher used for delivery of the printed matter (S705). The upper limit number of sheets of the mold finisher 2 is acquired from the self-propelled finisher 2 (S706). The upper limit number of sheets acquired at this time is the number converted to A4 size plain paper.

  Then, the main control unit 101 compares the print amount A with the upper limit number of sheets acquired in S706, and determines which is larger (S707). That is, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 101 functions as a determination unit.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment compares the printing amount with the upper limit stacking number (A4 plain paper conversion number) after converting the actual printing number to A4 size plain paper. It is possible to compare the printing amount and the upper limit number of sheets on the same basis.

  Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can accurately determine whether or not the self-propelled finisher 2 can stack printed materials to be delivered to the user at a time.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment determines that the self-propelled finisher 2 cannot stack the printed material to be delivered to the user at a time, the printed material is divided into several times and printed. In addition, it is possible to accurately determine how many sheets are to be printed.

  When the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S707 that the print amount A is larger than the upper limit number of sheets to be stacked (S707 / YES), the main control unit 101 determines that the printed material is divided and delivered in multiple batches. (S708), it is determined whether there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used (S709).

  For example, when the printing condition included in the printing data and the stacking upper limit number of sheets (A4 plain paper equivalent) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery of the printed matter are as shown in FIG. It becomes the number of sheets. For this reason, the self-propelled finisher 2 cannot deliver all printed materials at once. Accordingly, in such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment separates the printed matter and distributes the printed matter to the self-propelled finisher 2 in a plurality of times.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing exceeding the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2, first, the printing is automatically performed before the printing so as not to exceed the stacking upper limit. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 distributes the printed matter printed in the volume unit to the self-propelled finisher 2 in a plurality of times in the volume unit. This is one aspect of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment does not cancel printing even when printing exceeds the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2 and does not cause the user to change printing conditions. It is possible to make the user deliver the printed matter. Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to spend time and effort.

  If the main control unit 101 determines that there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used in the determination processing in S709 (S709 / YES), the main control unit 101 proceeds to the processing in S1501 described later.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines that there is no other self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used in the determination processing in S709 (S709 / NO), the main control unit 101 directly connects the self-propelled finisher 2 that is directly connected. It is determined that only one of the running finishers 2 is used (S710).

  The main control unit 101 refers to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 106 and creates route information to the delivery destination based on the delivery destination included in the acquired print data (S711). The delivery destination here is a delivery destination designated by the user when creating the print data. For example, the user who created the print data, the seat of another user that the user wants to receive the printed matter, and those This is a place where the client terminal 3 operated by the user is installed.

  When the main control unit 101 creates the route information, in order to deliver the printed material in a plurality of times, the main control unit 101 executes the printing in several times, determines how many sheets are printed, and determines the volume of the printed material. Determine (S712). The details of the volume determination method will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  At this time, when the volume of the printed material is determined, the image forming apparatus 1 separates and distributes one printed material to the client terminal 3 operated by the user as the delivery destination, and distributes the printed material separately. Notify the number of times. Thereby, the user to whom the printed matter is delivered can grasp in advance that the printed matter is delivered and that the printed matter is separated and delivered in a plurality of times.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, if the user to whom the printed matter is delivered does not want to be delivered in a plurality of times, or if the user wants to change the number of separations, printing is performed before starting printing. It becomes possible to change conditions or cancel printing.

  When determining the volume of the booklet, the main control unit 101 transmits the route information created in the processing of S711 to the secured self-propelled finisher 2 (S713).

  When the main control unit 101 transmits the route information, the main control unit 101 instructs the engine control unit 102 to execute printing for the amount of the volume determined in S712 (S714). The finisher 2 is instructed to deliver to the user (S715). That is, in this embodiment, the main control unit 101 functions as a print instruction unit and a conveyance instruction unit.

  At this time, when the self-propelled finisher 2 delivers the printed matter to the user, the display panel 235 displays a screen for notifying that one printed matter has been separated and delivered in a plurality of times and the number of the separated copies. indicate. As a result, the user to whom the printed matter has been delivered can grasp that the printed matter has been separated and delivered in multiple times and how many times it has been delivered. Therefore, the user to whom the printed matter has been delivered can grasp how many times the delivery is completed without making an inquiry to the image forming apparatus 1.

  Then, when the self-propelled finisher 2 completes the delivery and returns to the original position, the main control unit 101 determines whether or not all the printed materials have been delivered (S716), and finishes delivering all the printed materials. Until (S716 / YES), the processing of S714 to S716 is repeated (S716 / NO). Therefore, when only one directly connected self-propelled finisher 2 is used, the image forming apparatus 1 interrupts the printing process until the self-propelled finisher 2 completes the delivery and returns to the original position. It will be. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment ends the process when the delivery of all the printed materials is completed.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S707 that the print amount A is smaller than the upper limit number of sheets or they are the same (S707 / NO), the main control unit 101 does not separate the printed matter. It is determined that delivery is performed once (S718), and processing similar to the processing in S713 to S716 is executed.

  For example, when the print condition included in the print data and the stacking upper limit number of sheets (A4 plain paper equivalent) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery of the printed material are as shown in FIG. It becomes the number of sheets. Therefore, the self-propelled finisher 2 can deliver all printed materials at once. Therefore, in such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment delivers the printed matter to the self-propelled finisher 2 at one time without separating the printed matter.

  At this time, when the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the printed material is delivered once without separating the printed material, it delivers the printed material to the client terminal 3 operated by the user as the delivery destination and does not separate the printed material. Notify delivery. Thereby, the user to whom the printed matter is delivered can grasp in advance that the printed matter is delivered and the printed matter is delivered at one time.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user to whom the printed material is delivered can know that there is a margin in the number of printed sheets before starting printing. It becomes possible to change the printing conditions before or cancel the printing.

  At this time, when the self-propelled finisher 2 delivers the printed matter to the user, the self-propelled finisher 2 displays a screen on the display panel 235 for notifying that one printed matter has been delivered without being separated. As a result, the user to whom the printed matter has been delivered can grasp that the printed matter has been delivered without being separated. Therefore, the user to whom the printed matter has been delivered can grasp that the delivery has been completed without making an inquiry to the image forming apparatus 1.

  As described with reference to FIG. 7, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing exceeding the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2, first, the printing upper limit should not be exceeded before printing. Automatically separates the volume. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 distributes the printed matter printed in the volume unit to the self-propelled finisher 2 in a plurality of times in the volume unit. This is one aspect of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment does not cancel printing even when printing exceeds the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2 and does not cause the user to change printing conditions. It is possible to make the user deliver the printed matter. Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to spend time and effort.

  Next, processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of volumes will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of a booklet. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of a booklet.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of volumes, first, the main control unit 101 newly sets a print amount obtained by subtracting the print amount per page from the print amount A. The print amount A is updated (S1201).

  Here, the printing amount per page means that the actual number of printed pages per page when printing is executed according to the printing conditions included in the print data is converted to A4 size plain paper according to the printing amount calculation information. It is the number of sheets in the case of.

  For example, when the print conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 13, the actual number of prints per page is 1/2 × because double-sided printing is performed on one side / both sides and aggregation (Nin1) is 2-in-1 printing. 2 × 1/2 = 1/4 sheets. However, since the paper type is thick paper B and the paper size is B3, the printing amount per page is calculated as 1/4 × 3.0 × 3.0 = 2.25 sheets.

  Therefore, when the print conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 13, the print amount A is 315 sheets, and the print amount per page is 2.25 sheets. Accordingly, in such a case, the print amount 312.75 sheets obtained by subtracting the print amount 2.25 per page from the print amount A315 is updated as a new print amount A.

  The main control unit 101 compares the updated print amount A with the upper limit stack number acquired in S706, and determines which is greater (S1202).

  When the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S1202 that the updated print amount A is larger than the upper limit stack number (S1202 / YES), the print amount still exceeds the upper limit stack number. Therefore, the print amount obtained by further subtracting the print amount per page from the updated print amount A is further updated as a new print amount A (S1201).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the updated printing amount A is 312.75 and the upper limit number of sheets (A4 plain paper equivalent) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery is 140, the printing amount A> The upper limit number of sheets to be loaded. Accordingly, in such a case, the print amount 310.5 obtained by subtracting the print amount 2.25 sheets per page from the print amount A 312.75 is updated as a new print amount A.

  The main control unit 101 repeats such processing until the print amount A ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. As a result, when the main control unit 101 determines that the printing amount A is smaller than the upper limit number of sheets or they are the same in the determination process in S1202 (S1202 / NO), finally. The updated print amount A is determined as a separate volume (S1203).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the print amount A before update is 315 sheets and the print amount per page is 2.25 sheets, the print amount A is repeatedly updated by the print amount per page, When the print amount A reaches 139.5 sheets, the print amount A ≦ the upper limit stack number. Accordingly, in such a case, the print amount of 139.5 sheets is determined as the volume of the separate volume.

  Then, the main control unit 101 updates the print amount A obtained by subtracting the booklet amount determined in S1203 from the print amount A before update as a new print amount A (S1204).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the printing amount before update is determined to be 315 sheets and the volume of the separate volume is determined to be 139.5 sheets, printing in which the volume of 139.5 sheets is subtracted from the printing volume A315 before the update. The amount 175.5 sheets is updated as a new print amount A. Hereinafter, the updated print amount A updated at this time, that is, the updated print amount A updated in S1204 is referred to as a print amount A ′.

  Then, the main control unit 101 compares the print amount A ′ with the upper limit number of sheets acquired in S706, and determines which is larger (S1205).

  If the main control unit 101 determines that the print amount A ′ is larger in the determination process in S1202 (S1205 / YES), it is determined that the remaining print amount still exceeds the stacking upper limit number of sheets even if the volume is separated. After the determination, the same processing as the processing in S1201 to S1205 is performed for the printing amount A ′ instead of the printing amount A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the printing amount A ′ is 175.5 sheets, and the upper limit number of sheets (A4 plain paper equivalent number) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery is 140 sheets, the printing amount A ′. > Upper limit number of sheets. Therefore, in such a case, the print amount 173.25 sheets obtained by subtracting the print amount 2.25 sheets per page from the print amount A′175.5 sheets is updated as a new print amount A ′.

  The main control unit 101 repeats such processing until the printing amount A ′ ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. Then, as a result, in the determination processing in S1205, the main control unit 101 finally determines that the print amount A ′ is smaller than the upper limit number of sheets or they are the same (S1205 / NO). The printing amount A ′ updated to is determined as the volume of the booklet (S1206). Then, the processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of the booklet ends.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the printing amount A ′ is 175.5 sheets and the printing amount per page is 2.25 sheets, the printing amount A ′ is updated as a result of repetitive updating of the printing amount A ′. When “36” is reached, the print amount A ′ ≦ the upper limit stack number. Therefore, in such a case, the volumes are 139.5 sheets, 139.5 sheets, and 36 sheets, respectively.

  As described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment sets the print amount A to one page so that the print amount A ≦ the upper limit number of sheets when determining the booklet amount. It is configured to update sequentially with the per-print amount. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can use the maximum number of stacks of the self-propelled finisher 2 to the maximum, and can reduce the number of volumes.

  In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the printing amount per page is subtracted in order from the printing amount A, and when the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery falls below the upper limit number of sheets to be printed at that time. The image forming apparatus 1 configured to determine the amount A as the volume of the booklet has been described. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 1 sequentially adds the printing amount per page from 0 to the maximum stacking number of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery. The printing amount may be determined as the volume of the separate volume.

  Next, the processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment delivers a printed material using a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2, that is, the processing in the case of S709 / YES in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment delivers a printed matter using a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2. FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment delivers a printed material using a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2 to deliver a printed matter, first, the main control unit 101 uses the determination process in S709. If it is determined that there is another possible self-propelled finisher 2 (S709 / YES), it is determined that other self-propelled finisher 2 is used in addition to the directly connected self-propelled finisher 2 (S1501). ).

  Then, the main control unit 101 secures the self-propelled finisher 2 having the largest stacking upper limit number among other usable self-propelled finishers 2 as a self-propelled finisher used for delivery of printed matter (S1502). The secured upper limit number of the self-propelled finisher 2 is acquired from the self-propelled finisher 2 (S1503).

  When acquiring the upper limit number of sheets, the main control unit 101 compares the print amount A with the sum of the upper limit number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 secured so far, and determines which is larger (S1504).

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S1504 that the print amount A is larger than the total stack upper limit number (S1504 / YES), the print amount still exceeds the total stack upper limit number. Further, it is determined whether there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used (S1505).

  If the main control unit 101 determines that there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used in the determination processing in S1505 (S1505 / YES), the main control unit 101 executes processing similar to the processing in S1502 to S1505.

  As a result, if the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S1504 that the printing amount A is smaller than the total stack upper limit number or they are the same (S1504 / NO), this time securement For the other self-propelled finisher 2, the same processing as the processing after S712 is executed. At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the self-propelled finisher 2 that is different for each volume to deliver the printed matter.

  Therefore, in such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment does not wait for the self-propelled finisher 2 being delivered to return, and prints the delivery of the next secured self-propelled finisher 2 for delivery. Therefore, the printing process is not interrupted. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the waiting time of the user.

  For example, the printing amount and the condition that the usable self-propelled finisher 2 is as shown in FIG. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 16B, the main control unit 101 secures the self-propelled finisher (X1) directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and then can use other self-propelled that can be used. The mold finishers (X2 to X6) are secured in order from the largest stacking upper limit number.

  Then, the main control unit 101 determines the volume of the booklet when the sum of the upper limit number of stacks of the secured self-propelled finisher 2 exceeds the printing amount, and executes the printing, in order of securing (X1 → X2 → X5 → X4). → In X6), the self-propelled finisher is made to deliver the printed matter to the user. Note that the volume determination method is as described with reference to FIGS.

  At this time, the main control unit 101 does not wait for the self-propelled finisher being delivered to return, and starts printing for the delivery of the next secured self-propelled finisher. Have the finisher deliver the printed material to the user. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes these processes until the remaining volume is zero.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines that there is no other self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used in the determination process in S1505 (S1505 / NO), the secured self-propelled type that has already been secured. The finisher 2 is secured again in the order in which it was secured last time (S1506). The main control unit 101 compares the print amount A with the sum of the upper limit number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 that has been secured and re-secured so far, and determines which is larger (S1507).

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S1507 that the print amount A is larger than the total stack upper limit number (S1507 / YES), the print amount still exceeds the total stack upper limit number. , S1506 and S1507 are executed.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S1507 that the print amount A is smaller than or equal to the total stack upper limit number (S1507 / NO), For the self-propelled finisher 2, the same processing as the processing after S712 is executed. At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 uses a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2 to deliver the printed matter.

  Therefore, in such a case, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment does not wait for the self-propelled finisher 2 being delivered to return, and prints the delivery of the next secured self-propelled finisher 2 for delivery. Therefore, the printing process is not interrupted. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce the waiting time of the user.

  However, in this case, the image forming apparatus 1 does not use the self-propelled finisher 2 that is different for every separate volume to deliver the printed matter, and some of the self-propelled finishers 2 are used redundantly. become. Therefore, when all the secured self-propelled finishers 2 are being delivered, the printing process is temporarily interrupted.

  For example, the printing amount and the condition that the usable self-propelled finisher 2 is as shown in FIG. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 17B, the main control unit 101 secures the self-propelled finisher (X1) directly connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and then can use other self-propelled that can be used. The mold finishers (X2, X6) are secured in order from the largest stacking upper limit number.

  However, under the conditions shown in FIG. 17A, the total of the upper limit number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used does not exceed the printing amount, and therefore the main control unit 101 has secured the self-propelled finisher. 2 will be secured again in the order in which 2 was secured last time.

  Then, the main control unit 101 executes the printing by determining the booklet amount when the sum of the upper limit number of sheets of the secured and re-secured self-propelled finisher 2 exceeds the print amount, and executes the printing order (X1 → X2-> X6-> X1-> X2) causes the self-propelled finisher to deliver the printed matter to the user. Note that the volume determination method is as described with reference to FIGS.

  At this time, the main control unit 101 does not wait for the self-propelled finisher being delivered to return, and starts printing for the delivery of the next secured self-propelled finisher. Have the finisher deliver the printed material to the user. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes these processes until the remaining volume is zero.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has other self-propelled finishers 2 that can be used in addition to the directly connected self-propelled finishers 2. In this case, a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2 are used to deliver the printed matter. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not interrupt the printing process, or the time for interrupting can be shortened, so that the waiting time of the user can be shortened. .

  In FIGS. 15 to 17, the image forming apparatus 1 configured to secure the second and subsequent self-propelled finishers 2 in the descending order of the stacking upper limit number has been described. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to report information in the order in which the image forming apparatus 1 that performs the printing process is closer to the distance. Moreover, although the example which does not have the restriction | limiting about the number of the self-propelled finishers 2 used was demonstrated in FIGS. 15-17, it is comprised so that a user can set the maximum number of the self-propelled finishers 2 used. May be.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing exceeding the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2, first, the volume is automatically separated so as not to exceed the stacking upper limit before printing. I do. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 distributes the printed matter printed in the volume unit to the self-propelled finisher 2 in a plurality of times in the volume unit. This is one aspect of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment does not cancel printing even when printing exceeds the stacking upper limit of the self-propelled finisher 2 and does not cause the user to change printing conditions. It is possible to make the user deliver the printed matter. Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can deliver a user-desired printed matter without causing the user to spend time and effort.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, an example of an image forming system that separates and prints in units of pages and delivers the printed material to the user with the maximum number of sheets that does not exceed the upper limit number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 will be described. did. When configured in this manner, the image forming system can use the maximum number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 as much as possible, so that the user can receive more printed materials in one delivery. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, an image forming system will be described as an example in which a separate volume is printed and printing is performed, and a printed material is delivered to the user in a copy unit. Therefore, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user can receive the printed material in units of copies.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the user himself to perform the operation of dividing the printed material into copy units, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, since printing is performed in units of copies, it is possible to perform post-processing as intended by the user.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, it shall show the same or an equivalent part, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  First, processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of a booklet will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of a booklet. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of a booklet.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of volumes, first, the main control unit 101 determines whether the volume settings included in the print data acquired in step S701 are in units of pages. It is determined whether it is a copy unit (S1801).

  In the determination process in S1801, when the volume setting is page unit (S1801 / NO), the main control unit 101 proceeds to the process of S1201.

  On the other hand, in the determination processing in S1801, the main control unit 101 determines that the print amount obtained by subtracting the print amount per copy from the print amount A is the new print amount when the volume setting is in units of copies (S1801 / YES). Update as A (S1802).

  Here, the printing amount per copy means that the actual number of prints per copy when printing is performed according to the printing conditions included in the print data is converted to A4 size plain paper according to the printing amount calculation information. It is the number of sheets in the case of.

  For example, when the print conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 19, the actual number of prints per copy is 20 print pages, single-sided / double-sided printing, and consolidation (Nin1) is 2-in-1 printing. Therefore, 20 × 1/2 × 2 × 1/2 = 5. However, since the paper type is thick paper B and the paper size is B3, the printing amount per copy is calculated as 5 × 3.0 × 3.0 = 45 sheets.

  Therefore, when the print conditions included in the print data are as shown in FIG. 19, the print amount A is 315 sheets, and the print amount per copy is 45 sheets. Therefore, in such a case, the print amount 270 sheets obtained by subtracting the print amount 45 per copy from the print amount A315 is updated as a new print amount A.

  The main control unit 101 compares the updated printing amount A with the upper limit stack number acquired in S706, and determines which is larger (S1803).

  When the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S1803 that the updated print amount A is larger than the upper limit stack number (S1803 / YES), the print amount still exceeds the upper limit stack number. Therefore, the print amount obtained by further subtracting the print amount per copy from the updated print amount A is further updated as a new print amount A (S1802).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the updated print amount A is 270, and the upper limit number (A4 plain paper equivalent) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery is 140, the print amount A> The maximum number of sheets to be loaded. Accordingly, in such a case, the print amount 225 obtained by subtracting the print amount 45 per copy from the print amount A270 is updated as a new print amount A.

  The main control unit 101 repeats such processing until the print amount A ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. As a result, when the main control unit 101 determines that the print amount A is smaller than or equal to the upper limit number of sheets in the determination process in S1803 (S1803 / NO), finally. The updated print amount A is determined as a separate volume (S1804).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the print amount A before update is 315 sheets and the print amount per copy is 45, the print amount A is repeatedly updated by the print amount per copy. When A reaches 135 sheets, the printing amount A ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. Accordingly, in such a case, the print amount of 135 sheets is determined as the volume of the separate volume.

  Then, the main control unit 101 updates the print amount A obtained by subtracting the booklet amount determined in S1804 from the print amount A before update as a new print amount A (S1805).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when it is determined that the printing amount before update is 315 sheets and the separation amount is 135 sheets, the printing amount 180 sheets obtained by subtracting the separation amount 135 sheets from the printing amount A315 sheets before update is obtained. It is updated as a new print amount A. Hereinafter, the updated print amount A updated at this time, that is, the updated print amount A updated in S1805 is referred to as a print amount A ″.

  Then, the main control unit 101 compares the print amount A ″ with the upper limit stack number acquired in S706, and determines which is larger (S1806).

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S1803 that the printing amount A ″ is larger (S1806 / YES), the remaining printing amount still exceeds the upper limit number of stacked sheets even if the volume is separated. Therefore, the same processing as the processing in S1802 to S1806 is performed for the printing amount A ″ instead of the printing amount A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the print amount A ″ is 180 sheets, and the stacking upper limit number (A4 plain paper equivalent number) of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery is 140 sheets, the print amount A ″. > Upper limit number of sheets. Therefore, in such a case, the print amount 135 obtained by subtracting the print amount 45 per copy from the print amount A ″ 180 sheets is updated as a new print amount A ″.

  The main control unit 101 repeats such processing until the print amount A ″ ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. As a result, in the determination processing in S1805, the main control unit 101 determines that the print amount A ″ is smaller than or equal to the upper stack number (S1806 / NO). The updated printing amount A ″ is determined as the volume of the booklet (S1807). Then, the processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment determines the volume of the booklet ends.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the print amount A ″ is 180 sheets, and the print amount per copy is 45 sheets, the print amount A ″ is repeatedly updated as a result of the volume of the booklet. When the number reaches 45, the print amount A ″ ≦ the upper limit stack number. Therefore, in such a case, the volume of the separate volume is 135 sheets, 135 sheets, and 45 sheets, respectively.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment sets the print amount A to one copy so that the print amount A ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets when determining the booklet amount. It is configured to update sequentially with the per-print amount. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can use the maximum number of stacks of the self-propelled finisher 2 even when the printed material is delivered in units of copies, and the number of separations can be reduced. It can be reduced.

  In FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the printing amount per copy is subtracted in order from the printing amount A, and when the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery falls below the upper limit number of sheets to be printed at that time. The image forming apparatus 1 configured to determine the amount A as the volume of the booklet has been described. In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, the image forming apparatus 1 sequentially adds the printing amounts per copy from 0 to the maximum number that does not exceed the upper limit number of sheets of the self-propelled finisher 2 used for delivery. The printing amount may be determined as the volume of the separate volume.

  As described above, the gist of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is to execute the printing by separating the copies in units of copies, and to deliver the printed matter to the user's origin to the self-propelled finisher 2 in units of copies. It is one. Therefore, in the image forming system according to the present embodiment, the user can receive the printed material in units of copies.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the user himself to perform the operation of dividing the printed material into copy units, and the convenience for the user can be improved. In addition, according to the image forming system according to the present embodiment, since printing is performed in units of copies, it is possible to perform post-processing as intended by the user.

  In the present embodiment, when determining the volume of the booklet, the image is configured such that the print amount A is sequentially updated with the print amount per copy so that the print amount A ≦ the upper limit number of stacked sheets. The forming apparatus 1 has been described. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to execute printing for each copy unit and deliver the printed matter for each minute unit when determining the volume of the booklet.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first to third embodiments, when print data is acquired, first, before starting the printing process, it is determined whether or not the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of stacked sheets, and then the volume of the booklet is determined. The image forming apparatus 1 has been described. When configured in this manner, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot start the printing process until it determines whether the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of stacked sheets and determines the volume of the booklet.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the print data is acquired, it is determined whether the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of sheets to be stacked, and the printing process is started without determining the volume of the separate volume. An image forming apparatus configured to determine whether or not the upper limit of the load exceeds the upper limit of loading will be described. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can start the printing process as soon as print data is acquired, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, it shall show the same or an equivalent part, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  First, processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing.

  As shown in FIG. 21, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs printing, first, the main control unit 101 acquires print data (S2101), and analyzes the acquired print data (S2102). As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether or not a delivery request is included in the print data (S2103).

  When the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2103 that the print data does not include a delivery request (S2103 / NO), the main control unit 101 executes printing to the engine control unit 102 based on the acquired print data. An instruction is given (S2116). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment ends the process when printing is completed.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines in the determination processing in S2103 that the print data includes a delivery request (S2103 / YES), the main control unit 101 forms an image as a self-propelled finisher used for delivery of the printed matter. The self-propelled finisher 2 that is directly connected to the apparatus 1 is secured (S2104).

  The main control unit 101 refers to the map information stored in the map information storage unit 106 and creates route information to the delivery destination based on the delivery destination included in the acquired print data (S2105). The created route information is transmitted to the secured self-propelled finisher 2 (S2106).

  When transmitting the route information, the main control unit 101 acquires the secured upper limit number of the self-propelled finisher 2 from the self-propelled finisher 2 (S2107).

  Then, the main control unit 101 instructs the engine control unit 102 to execute printing for one page based on the acquired print data (S2108), and whether or not printing of all pages has been completed by the printing. Is determined (S2109).

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2109 that printing of all pages has been completed (YES in S2109), the main control unit 101 instructs the self-propelled finisher 2 that has output the printed matter to deliver it to the user. (S2117). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment ends the process when the delivery is completed.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2109 that printing of all the pages has not been completed (S2109 / NO), the total print amount to the self-propelled finisher 2 that outputs the printed matter. Is calculated (S2110).

  Then, the main control unit 101 compares the calculated total print amount with the upper limit number of stacked sheets, and determines whether the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of stacked sheets when the next page is printed. It is determined whether the page can be printed (S2111). The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes the same processing as the processing in S2108 to S2111 until it is determined in the determination processing in S2111 that the next page cannot be printed (S2111 / NO) (S2111 / YES).

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the print data, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of stacks and starts the print process without determining the volume of the booklet. It is configured to determine whether or not the printing amount exceeds the upper limit of loading every time a page is printed. Therefore, since the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can start the printing process as soon as print data is acquired, the waiting time of the user can be shortened.

  If the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2111 that the next page cannot be printed (S2111 / NO), the main control unit 101 delivers the printed matter to the self-propelled finisher 2 to the user. Is instructed to do so (S2112).

  At this time, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the client terminal 3 operated by the user as the delivery destination that a single printed matter is separated and delivered in multiple batches. Thereby, the user to whom the printed matter is delivered can grasp in advance that the printed matter is delivered and that the printed matter is separated and delivered in a plurality of times.

  At this time, when the self-propelled finisher 2 delivers the printed matter to the user, the self-propelled finisher 2 displays a screen on the display panel 235 for notifying that the single printed matter has been separated and delivered in a plurality of times. . As a result, the user to whom the printed material has been delivered can grasp that the printed material has been separated and delivered in multiple times.

  When the self-propelled finisher 2 that has instructed delivery starts delivery, the main control unit 101 determines whether there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used (S2113).

  When the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2113 that there is no other self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used (S2113 / NO), the self-propelled finisher 2 being delivered returns to the original position. (S2114), the same processing as the processing after S2108 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 101 determines in the determination process in S2113 that there is another self-propelled finisher 2 that can be used (S2113 / YES), among the other self-propelled finishers 2 that can be used. Then, the self-propelled finisher 2 having the largest loading upper limit number is secured as a self-propelled finisher used for delivery of printed matter (S2115).

  Then, the main control unit 101 executes the same processing as the processing after S2106 for the self-propelled finisher 2 secured in S2115.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of self-propelled finishers 2 when there are other self-propelled finishers 2 that can be used in addition to the directly connected self-propelled finishers 2. Is used to deliver prints. For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not interrupt the printing process, or the time for interrupting can be shortened, so that the waiting time of the user can be shortened. .

  In FIG. 21, the image forming apparatus 1 configured to secure the second and subsequent self-propelled finishers 2 in the descending order of the maximum number of stacked sheets has been described. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to report information in the order in which the image forming apparatus 1 that performs the printing process is closer to the distance. FIG. 21 illustrates an example in which there is no restriction on the number of self-propelled finishers 2 to be used. However, the maximum number of self-propelled finishers 2 to be used can be set by the user. Also good.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment acquires print data, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether the print amount exceeds the upper limit number of stacks and starts the print process without determining the volume of the separate volume. One of the gist is to determine whether the printing amount exceeds the upper limit of loading every time one page is printed. Therefore, since the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can start the printing process as soon as print data is acquired, the waiting time of the user can be shortened.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2a, 2b, 2c Self-propelled finisher 3a, 3b, 3c Client terminal 4 Network 5a, 5b, 5c Wireless communication line 100 Main body control part 101 Main control part 102 Engine control part 103 Communication control part 104 Image processing part 105 Operation Display Control Unit 106 Map Information Storage Unit 107 Print Amount Calculation Information Storage Unit 110 Main Body Controller 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 Program ROM
114 Font ROM
115 HDD
116 NVRAM
117 Finisher I / F
118 Dedicated device I / F
119 Network I / F
120 Wireless communication I / F
121 Operation display device I / F
122 Bus 123 Dedicated Device 124 Operation Display Device 125 Print Engine 126 Scanner Engine 127 Display Panel 200 Finisher Control Unit 201 Main Control Unit 202 Work Control Unit 203 Stacking Upper Limit Storage Unit 204 Path Information Storage Unit 205a Self-position Measurement Unit 205b Obstacle Detection Unit 206 Travel Control Unit 207 Engine Control Unit 208 Operation Display Control Unit 209 Communication Control Unit 210 Finisher Controller 211 CPU
212 RAM
213 Program RAM
214 HDD
215 Wireless communication I / F
216 Sensor I / F
217 Main unit I / F
218 Dedicated device I / F
219 Work device I / F
220 Power supply device I / F
221 Operation display device I / F
222 Traveling device I / F
223 Bus 224 Sensor 225 Dedicated device 226 Operation device 227 Power supply device 228 Operation display device 229 Travel device 230 Travel motor 231 Traveling wheel 232 Loading tray 233 Working arm 234a Self-position measurement sensor 234b Obstacle detection sensor 235 Display panel 236 Post-processing engine

JP-A-2006-321583

Claims (9)

A print control device for transporting a printed matter output by causing an image forming device to execute image formation output to a transport device,
A determination unit that determines whether the printed matter to be output exceeds a loading upper limit of the printed matter that can be loaded by the transporting device;
A print instruction unit that, when it is determined that the printed matter to be output exceeds the upper stacking limit, divides the printed matter into a plurality of times so as not to exceed the upper stacking limit, and causes the image forming apparatus to output the print instruction unit;
A transport instruction unit that transports the printed matter divided and output to the transport device separately; and
A printing control apparatus comprising: The type of recording medium that is the target of image formation output, the size of the recording medium, the number of copies of the printed material to be output, and the printed material to be output, which are set as printing conditions when the printed material is output A printing amount calculation unit that calculates the printing amount of the printed matter when at least one of the number of copies of the image and the image forming mode on the recording medium is converted into printing conditions determined in advance as a reference,
2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the output printed matter exceeds the stacking upper limit by comparing the calculated printing amount with the stacking upper limit. Print control device. The print instruction unit includes:
When outputting the printed matter to the image forming apparatus in units of pages, the printed matter is divided into a plurality of times so that the maximum number of pages does not exceed the stacking upper limit, and is output to the image forming apparatus.
When the printed matter is output to the image forming apparatus in units of copies, the printed matter is divided into a plurality of times and output to the image forming apparatus so that the maximum number of copies does not exceed the stacking upper limit. Item 3. The print control apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. The determination unit determines whether or not the stacking upper limit is exceeded when the next one page is printed each time one page of the printed matter is printed,
The said conveyance instruction | indication part makes the said conveyance device convey the said printed matter already output, when it is judged that the said stacking upper limit is exceeded when the next one page is printed. The printing control apparatus according to item 1.   When it is determined that the printed matter to be output exceeds the upper limit of loading, the fact that the printed matter is divided and outputted multiple times is notified via an information processing device installed at the transportation destination, or The print control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user via the transport device.   The said conveyance instruction | indication part conveys the said printed matter divided | segmented into multiple times and each conveyed separately to one conveyance apparatus, or is conveyed to a plurality of conveyance apparatus. The printing control apparatus according to any one of the above.   An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus that outputs a printed material by executing image forming output; a transport device that transports the printed material; and the print control device according to claim 1. system. A print control program for transporting a printed matter output by causing an image forming apparatus to execute image formation output to a transport device,
Determining whether the printed matter to be output exceeds a loading upper limit of the printed matter that can be loaded by the transporting device; and
When it is determined that the printed matter to be output exceeds the upper limit of stacking, the printed matter is divided into a plurality of times so as not to exceed the upper limit of stacking, and output to the image forming apparatus;
Transporting the printed matter divided and output multiple times to the transport device separately;
A print control program characterized by executing A print control method for transporting a printed matter output by causing an image forming apparatus to execute image formation output to a transport device,
Determining whether the printed matter to be output exceeds a loading upper limit of the printed matter that can be loaded by the transport device;
When it is determined that the printed matter to be output exceeds the upper limit of loading, the printed matter is divided into a plurality of times so as not to exceed the upper limit of loading, and is output to the image forming apparatus.
A printing control method, wherein the printed material divided and output in a plurality of times is separately conveyed to the conveying device.