JP2016175342A - Image formation apparatus, image formation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus, an image formation method and a program capable of reducing the time and effort at the time when a specific sheet feed tray is occupied and used.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus previously stores occupied sheet feed tray information indicating a sheet feed tray that can be used exclusively. The image formation apparatus stores occupied sheet feed tray reservation information associating identification information of a print job with print job information for each occupied sheet feed tray when the print job is the print job using the occupied sheet feed tray on the basis of the print job information including at least sheet feed tray information indicating the sheet feed tray used in printing. The image formation apparatus causes a print engine to execute printing processing of the print job occupying the occupied sheet feed tray on the basis of the occupied sheet feed tray reservation information, and updates the occupied sheet feed tray reservation information by deleting the occupied sheet feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job with completed printing when a printing situation notification indicating printing completion of the print job is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

  In an image forming apparatus that accepts printing requests from a plurality of users (client PCs) and performs printing, a certain user reserves a specific sheet feeding tray to be used for printing, and can use the printing exclusively. The technology that can be done is known.

  Patent Document 1 describes the efficiency of image processing by occupying a plurality of resources, for example, a paper feeding unit, a reading unit, an image forming unit, a communication unit, a post-processing unit, and the execution waiting time of non-occupied reserved image processing. An image processing apparatus capable of shortening and improving usability is disclosed. In the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when an occupation request for exclusively using a specific paper feed tray is made in a UI (user interface) unit, the control unit controls the image forming unit and the paper feed unit. Then, the image processing occupying the paper feed tray is executed, and when the execution is completed, the occupation of the paper feed tray is released.

  However, in the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is first necessary for the user to designate a tray for exclusive reservation by operating the UI unit of the image forming apparatus, which takes time and effort for the user. There's a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program capable of reducing labor when a specific paper feed tray is occupied and used. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention shows a paper feed unit having one or more occupied paper feed trays that can be used exclusively, and a paper feed tray used for printing. A job determination unit that determines whether the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray based on print job information including at least the paper feed tray information; and a print job that uses the dedicated paper feed tray. For each of the dedicated paper feed trays, a reservation information storage unit that stores the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in which the print job identification information and the print job information are associated with each other, and based on the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information, A print processing execution unit that causes a print engine to execute a print process of the print job that occupies the dedicated paper feed tray; and a printer that receives a print status notification of the print job from the print engine. When the print status receiving unit receives a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job that has been printed is deleted and the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information is deleted. And a reservation information updating unit for updating.

  According to the present invention, there is an advantageous effect that it is possible to reduce time and labor when occupying and using a specific paper feed tray.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print-related command. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition state of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information when a print job is received. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the transition state of the dedicated paper tray reservation information when a print status notification indicating completion of printing of a print job is received. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print status notification of a print job. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing operation in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment can be combined suitably as long as the content is not contradicted.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment stores in advance exclusive paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray that can be used exclusively. The image forming apparatus determines whether the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray based on the print job information including at least the paper feed tray information indicating the paper feed tray to be used for printing. If the print job is to be used, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in which the print job identification information is associated with the print job information is stored for each dedicated paper feed tray. The image forming apparatus causes the print engine to execute print processing for a print job that occupies the dedicated paper feed tray based on the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information, and prints when the print status notification indicating that the print job has been printed is received. The exclusive paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the completed print job is deleted, and the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information is updated. Thus, the user can occupy a specific paper feed tray and use it exclusively without making a reservation for the paper feed tray occupation in the UI unit.

  Hereinafter, a case where the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Note that a multifunction peripheral is a device having at least two functions among a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The image forming apparatus is not limited to the MFP, and may be a printer, an LP (Laser Printer), an ink jet printer, a FAX apparatus, a digital copying machine, a scanner apparatus, or the like.

  First, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller board 15, an operation panel 221, an FCU (facsimile control unit) 222, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 223, an IEEE 1394 I / F 224, a print / scanner engine. 225 and a peripheral device 226.

  The controller board 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory) 212, a flash memory 213, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive Management) 214, and an ASIC (Applied 15 Management Application). A system memory 216, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 217, and a modem 218 are provided.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by executing programs stored in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214. Further, the CPU 211 implements various functions. The CPU 211 performs data calculation based on programs in the SDRAM 212, the flash memory 213, and the HDD 214, controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10, and executes processing as the image forming apparatus 10.

  The SDRAM 212 is a memory that stores various programs. The SDRAM 212 is a memory used by the CPU 211 during data processing.

  The flash memory 213 is a memory that stores various programs and an OS (Operating System) image. The flash memory 213 is a memory for storing data (model number, IP address, etc.) requiring various non-volatility. The flash memory 213 is also a storage memory for realizing each function in the image forming apparatus 10.

  The HDD 214 is a nonvolatile storage medium and stores various management information, update firmware, and execution firmware of the target image forming apparatus 10. The HDD 214 stores image data and the like.

  The ASIC 215 supports sharing of devices to be controlled by the CPU 211, and supports high efficiency of development of applications and the like from the viewpoint of architecture. The ASIC 215 performs various image processing when the image forming apparatus 10 is an MFP or the like.

  The management system memory 216 is a memory that stores various data necessary to realize each function of each process in the image forming apparatus 10.

  The NIC 217 is an interface connected to an external device (for example, a client PC, a print server, etc.) via a local network (LAN: Local Area Network) or the network.

  The modem 218 is connected to an interface device (modem) of an external device via a public line network.

  The operation panel 221 is an interface for an operator who operates the MFP as the image forming apparatus 10 and accepts data input, job execution, and the like. The operation panel 221 includes various operation keys and function keys, and also includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display). Various commands necessary for causing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform various operations are input from the operation keys. On the display, the contents of commands input from the operation keys and various types of information notified from the image forming apparatus 10 to the operator are displayed.

  The FCU 222 controls communication with an external apparatus such as a FAX apparatus or a copying apparatus having a modem function through a public line. Further, the FCU 222 exchanges facsimile control signals with an external FAX apparatus and executes G3 and G4 facsimile communication procedures.

  A USB (Universal Serial Bus) 223 is a serial bus for connecting to a corresponding device such as a peripheral device. For example, a USB device is connected to the USB 223, and data is exchanged with the connected USB device under the control of the CPU 211.

  The IEEE 1394 I / F 224 is used for connection with a corresponding device such as an external scanner or a plotter.

  The print / scanner engine 225 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data received from the ASIC 215, scans the document in the main scanning / sub scanning, reads the image data of the document, and outputs it to the ASIC 215. A peripheral unit 226 such as a post-processing machine or an ADF (automatic document feeder) is connected to the printing / scanner engine 225.

  The program for the image forming apparatus 10 is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a recording medium.

  Next, functions of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a print engine 11, a paper feed unit 12, a paper discharge unit 13, a connection I / F 14, and a controller 15.

  The print engine 11 prints out an image on a sheet based on the image data (print data) received from the ASIC 215.

  The paper feed unit 12 has one or more occupied paper feed trays that can be used exclusively. That is, the sheet feeding unit 12 includes sheet feeding trays 131 to 133, an occupied sheet feeding tray A134, and an occupied sheet feeding tray B135. The paper feed trays 131 to 133 are trays for feeding paper corresponding to various sizes to the print engine 11 and are not occupied paper feed trays in the present embodiment. The exclusive paper feed tray A 134 and the exclusive paper feed tray B 135 are paper feed trays that can be used exclusively by designating the paper feed tray. The dedicated paper feed tray A 134 and the dedicated paper feed tray B 135 are trays for feeding paper corresponding to various sizes and paper types to the print engine 11. For example, the user manually feeds the paper manually. For example, a paper tray. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the dedicated paper feed tray A 134 and the dedicated paper feed tray B 135, they are referred to as “occupied paper feed tray”.

  The paper discharge unit 13 is a discharge destination for discharging paper on which an image is printed out by the print engine 11.

  The connection I / F 14 is an interface that connects the print engine 11 and the controller 15.

  The controller 15 controls the print engine 11 via the connection I / F 14. The controller 15 includes a communication unit 101, a job determination unit 102, an exclusive paper feed tray information storage unit 103, an exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104, an exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105, and an occupation information notification. A unit 106, an occupied sheet tray occupation release unit 107, and a print control unit 108. As for each of the above-described units, some of these may be software (programs), and some or all of these may be hardware circuits.

  The communication unit 101 transmits / receives various data to / from the print engine 11 via the connection I / F 14. Specifically, the communication unit 101 receives a print job status notification from the print engine 11 via the connection I / F 14 and passes it to the job print status receiving unit 122.

  The communication unit 101 is also an interface connected to an external device such as a client PC or a print server via a network, for example. The communication unit 101 communicates with an external device via a network, for example, and transmits and receives various data. In the following description, the external device will be described by taking a print server as an example.

  Specifically, the communication unit 101 receives, for example, print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used by the user for printing from the print server, and passes the print job information to the job determination unit 102. In addition, the communication unit 101 receives print data to be printed from a print job transmission source (print server) and transfers the print data to the print control unit 108. In addition, the communication unit 101 transmits to the print job transmission source (print server) that the occupied paper feed tray has been occupied or that the occupation of the occupied paper feed tray is waiting in turn. For example, the communication unit 101 receives an occupancy release notification for releasing occupancy of the occupied paper feed tray from the print server, and transfers it to the occupied paper feed tray occupation release unit 107.

  Further, the communication unit 101 transmits / receives print-related commands to / from, for example, a print server via a network.

  Here, a print-related command transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 10 and the print server will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of a print-related command. 3, 5, 7, and 9 are printing-related commands transmitted from the print server to the image forming apparatus 10, and FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10 are the image forming apparatus. 10 is a print-related command transmitted from 10 to the print server.

  When starting the print job, the print server transmits a job start request command shown in FIG. 3 to the image forming apparatus 10. The data structure of the job start request command is “command name: job start request”. The image forming apparatus 10 that has received the job start request command transmits a job start response command shown in FIG. 4 as a response to the job start request command to the print server. The data structure of the job start response command is “command name: job start response, result: OK or NG, job ID”. The image forming apparatus 10 assigns a job ID to the print job in the job start response command.

  The print server that has received the job start response command, when the job start response command is “Result: OK”, sends the print parameter notification command shown in FIG. 5 to the image forming apparatus 10 that is the print parameter setting of the print job to be executed. Send to. The data structure of the print parameter notification command is “command name: print parameter notification, job ID, paper feed tray, paper size, paper type, paper thickness”. When the job start response command is “Result: NG”, the print server does not transmit the print parameter notification command shown in FIG. 5 and waits until the job start response command receives “Result: OK”. To do.

  The image forming apparatus 10 that has received the print parameter notification command transmits an occupation paper feed tray occupation result notification command shown in FIG. 6, which is an occupation result of the occupation paper feed tray, to the print server. The data structure of the occupied sheet tray occupation result notification command is “command name: occupied sheet tray occupation result notification, result: OK or Wait, job ID”.

  The print server that has received the occupation paper tray occupation result notification command issues a process execution request command shown in FIG. 7 for executing the printing process when the occupation paper tray occupation result notification command is “Result: OK”. It transmits to the image forming apparatus 10. The data structure of the process execution request command is “command name: process execution request, job ID, process ID, image ID”. When the occupation paper feed tray occupation result notification command is “Result: Wait”, the print server does not transmit the process execution request command shown in FIG. : "OK" is received.

  The image forming apparatus 10 that has received the process execution request command transmits a process execution response command shown in FIG. 8, which is a response to the process execution request command, to the print server. The data structure of the process execution response command is “command name: process execution response, result: OK or NG, job ID, process ID”.

  When the process execution response command is “Result: OK”, the print server that has received the process execution response command receives the image transfer command shown in FIG. 9 including the image data (print data) to be printed on the paper. Send to. The data structure of the image transfer command is “command name: image transfer, image ID, image data”. When the process execution response command is “result: NG”, the print server does not transmit the image transfer command shown in FIG. 9 and waits until the process execution response command receives “result: OK”.

  Upon receiving the image transfer command, the image forming apparatus 10 executes print processing using the image data (print data), and then sends a job completion notification command shown in FIG. 10 indicating the print completion of the print job to the print server. Send. The data structure of the job completion notification command is “command name: job completion notification, job ID”.

  In the above, an example of the print related command transmitted and received between the image forming apparatus 10 and the print server has been described. However, the print related command is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. The job determination unit 102 determines whether or not the job is a print job using an occupied paper feed tray based on print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing. Specifically, the job determination unit 102 determines whether the paper supply tray of the paper supply tray information included in the received print job information is stored in the exclusive paper supply tray information storage unit (tray information storage unit) 103. If it matches the paper feed tray included in the paper tray information, it is determined that the print job is a print job using the occupied paper feed tray.

  More specifically, the job determination unit 102, for example, includes a print parameter notification command (command name: print parameter notification, job ID, paper feed tray, paper size, paper type, paper thickness) received from the print server. For example, when the exclusive paper feed tray A134 is set in the paper tray data, it is determined that the print job corresponding to the job ID is a print job using the exclusive paper feed tray A134. Further, for example, when the exclusive paper feed tray B135 is set in the paper feed tray data included in the print parameter notification command, the print job corresponding to the job ID is a print job using the exclusive paper feed tray B135. Is determined. The job determination unit 102 is included in the print job information (print parameter notification command) without referring to the dedicated paper feed tray information stored in the dedicated paper feed tray information storage unit (tray information storage unit) 103. It may be determined that the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray only by setting the paper feed tray data. In this case, the dedicated paper feed tray information storage unit (tray information storage unit) 103 described later does not need to store the dedicated paper feed tray information in advance.

  The exclusive paper feed tray information storage unit (tray information storage unit) 103 stores in advance exclusive paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray that can be exclusively used. Specifically, the dedicated paper feed tray information storage unit 103 is a list that stores paper feed trays that can be used exclusively for each print job. In the example of FIG. 2, for example, the exclusive paper feed tray A 134 and the exclusive paper feed tray B 135 are stored in the exclusive paper feed tray information storage unit 103 as the exclusive paper feed trays. . The content of the list of paper feed trays stored in advance in the dedicated paper feed tray information storage unit 103 is, for example, that a specific occupied paper feed tray is set when the image forming apparatus 10 is designed. There is no limitation, and it may be set when the user uses it. The occupied paper feed tray information storage unit 103 corresponds to a “tray information storage unit” in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the occupied sheet tray reservation information storage unit (reservation information storage unit) 104 includes an occupied job information unit 111 and an occupation waiting job information unit 112, which are occupied sheet tray reservation information of the occupied tray A134. And an occupying job information section 113 and occupancy waiting job information section 114, which are occupying sheet tray reservation information for the occupying sheet tray B135.

  The occupied job information unit 111 stores the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information (occupied job information) of the print job with the highest print order in the exclusive paper feed tray A134, and the occupation job information unit 112 holds the print order. Stores the reserved paper tray reservation information (job information waiting for occupation) for the second and subsequent print jobs. In addition, the occupied job information unit 113 stores the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information (occupied job information) of the print job having the highest print order in the exclusive paper feed tray B135, and the occupation waiting job information unit 114 Occupied paper feed tray reservation information (occupation waiting job information) for print jobs with the second print order or higher is stored. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the occupied job information parts 111 and 113, they will be referred to as “occupied job information part”, and when there is no need to distinguish the occupation-waiting job information parts 112 and 114, “occupy It is written as “Waiting job information section”.

  When the occupied job information with the highest printing order is not stored, the occupied paper tray reservation information storage unit 104 stores the occupied paper tray reservation information of the print job as the occupied job information with the highest printing order. However, when the occupied job information is stored, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored in order as the occupation waiting job information of the second or later printing order. Thus, the print job stored in the occupied job information can occupy the occupied paper feed tray, and the next received print job can occupy the same occupied paper feed tray.

  When the occupation paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 is a print job that uses the occupation paper feed tray, the occupation paper tray is associated with print job identification information (job ID) and print job information for each occupation paper feed tray. Stores paper tray reservation information. In other words, when the job determination unit 102 determines that the occupation paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 is a print job that uses the occupation paper feed tray, the print job identification information (job ID) is determined for each occupation paper feed tray. ) And print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing is stored. Thus, for each occupied paper feed tray, the print job stored in the occupied job information can occupy the occupied paper feed tray, and the next received print job can occupy the same occupied paper feed tray in order. It can be made to wait. The exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 corresponds to a “reservation information storage unit” in the claims.

  Here, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information. First, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 includes an occupied job information unit and a dedicated job information unit that are associated with the dedicated paper feed tray for each occupied paper feed tray. The occupied job information section can store only one dedicated paper feed tray reservation information, and the occupation job information section can store a plurality of dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in the order in which print jobs are received. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 is a print job in which the print job information of the received print job uses the exclusive paper feed tray A134, and the occupied job information with the highest print order. If no job information is stored in the unit 111, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored as the occupied job information having the highest printing order. In the example of FIG. 11, as the occupied job information, the occupied paper feed tray reservation information of job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF is stored in the occupied job information unit 111. Next, when the print job information of the received print job is a print job using the exclusive paper feed tray A 134 and the job information is stored in the occupied job information unit 111, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored. Are stored in the waiting-for-occupation job information unit 112 in order as waiting-for-occupancy job information for the second and subsequent printing orders. In the example of FIG. 11, it is indicated that the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of job ID = 3, size = A4, SEF is stored as the occupation waiting job information.

  Similarly, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 is a print job in which the print job information of the received print job uses the exclusive paper feed tray B135, and a job is stored in the occupied job information unit 113 having the highest print order. When the information is not stored, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored as the occupied job information having the highest printing order. In the example of FIG. 11, the occupied paper tray reservation information of job ID = 2, size = A3, LEF is stored in the occupied job information unit 113 as the occupied job information. Next, when the print job information of the received print job is a print job that uses the exclusive paper feed tray B135 and the job information is stored in the occupied job information unit 113, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored. Are stored in order in the occupation waiting job information section 114 as occupation waiting job information of the second and subsequent printing orders. In the example of FIG. 11, it is indicated that the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of job ID = 4, size = A3, SEF is stored as the occupation waiting job information.

  Next, a transition state of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 when a print job is received will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition state of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information when a print job is received.

  In the leftmost diagram of FIG. 12, when there is no print job, the occupied paper tray reservation information is stored in the occupied job information section 111 and the waiting job information section 112 of the dedicated paper tray reservation information storage section 104. Is not stored.

  In this state, when the job determination unit 102 receives the job 1 (job ID = 1) and determines that the print job uses the dedicated sheet feeding tray A 134, the dedicated sheet feeding tray reservation information storage unit 104 If the occupied job information with the highest print order is not stored, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information for the print job is stored as the occupied job information with the highest print order. That is, the occupied paper tray reservation information storage unit 104 stores the occupied job information (occupied paper tray reservation information “job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF”) in the occupied job information unit 111 (FIG. 12). The second figure from the left). Note that when occupied job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information) is stored in the occupied job information section 111, the print control unit 108, which will be described later, selects an occupied paper feed tray based on the occupied paper tray reservation information. Control is performed to cause the print engine 11 to execute the print processing of the occupied print job.

  Next, when job 2 (job ID = 2) is received and the job determination unit 102 determines that the print job uses the exclusive paper feed tray A 134, the occupied job information unit 111 stores the occupied job information ( Occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF”) is stored, so that the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 displays the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job in the print order. It is stored in the occupation waiting job information section 112 as the second occupation waiting job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 2, size = A3, SEF”) (third diagram from the left in FIG. 12).

  Next, when job 3 (job ID = 3) is received and the job determination unit 102 determines that the print job uses the exclusive paper feed tray A 134, the occupied job information unit 111 stores the occupied job information ( Occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF”) is stored, so that the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 displays the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job in the print order. The third waiting-for-occupation job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 3, size = A4, SEF”) is stored in the waiting-for-occupation job information unit 112 (the rightmost diagram in FIG. 12). In other words, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 stores the exclusive job waiting information (occupied paper tray reservation information “job ID = 2, size = A3, SEF”) in the exclusive job waiting information information unit 112 first. Therefore, the job information for waiting for occupation (occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 3, size = A4, SEF”) is stored successively. In the state of the rightmost diagram in FIG. 12, the print control unit 108 waits until it receives a print status notification indicating that the print job (job ID = 1) has been printed. That is, it waits for the occupation of the occupation paper feed tray A134 to be released.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. The exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit (reservation information update unit) 105 associates print job identification information with print job information for each exclusive paper feed tray when the print job uses the exclusive paper feed tray. The dedicated sheet feeding tray reservation information is updated and stored in the dedicated sheet feeding tray reservation information storage unit 104.

  Further, when the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 receives a print status notification indicating that the print job has been printed, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job that has been printed is deleted, Update reservation information.

  Further, when the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 receives a print status notification indicating that the print job has been printed, the dedicated paper tray reservation information update unit 105 deletes the occupied job information and then updates the occupation waiting job information to the occupied job information in order. .

  The exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 deletes the occupied job information when the exclusive paper feed tray occupation release unit (occupancy release unit) 107, which will be described later, releases the occupation of the exclusive paper feed tray by the print job. Then, the waiting-for-occupancy job information is updated to the occupied job information in order.

  The exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 corresponds to a “reservation information update unit” in the claims.

  Next, a transition state of the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information in the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 when a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job is received will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the transition state of the dedicated paper tray reservation information when a print status notification indicating completion of printing of a print job is received.

  In the leftmost diagram of FIG. 13, as described with reference to the rightmost diagram of FIG. 12, the print control unit 108 receives a print status notification indicating the completion of printing of the print job (job ID = 1). Waiting until In other words, the occupied job information section 111 stores the occupied job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF”), and the occupation waiting job information section 112 stores the waiting job information (occupied). Paper tray reservation information “job ID = 2, size = A3, SEF”) and waiting job information (occupied paper tray reservation information “job ID = 3, size = A4, SEF”) are stored. This is a state waiting for reception of a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job with ID = 1.

  In this state, when the print status notification indicating the completion of printing of job 1 (job ID = 1) is received, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 stores the occupied job stored in the occupied job information unit 111. After deleting the information (occupied paper tray reservation information “job ID = 1, size = A4, LEF”), the occupation waiting job information (occupied paper tray reservation information “job” stored in the occupation job waiting section 112 is displayed. ID = 2, size = A3, SEF ”) are updated and stored in the occupied job information in order (second diagram from the left in FIG. 13).

  Next, when the print status notification indicating the completion of printing of job 2 (job ID = 2) is received, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 stores the occupied job information stored in the occupied job information unit 111. (Occupied paper tray reservation information “Job ID = 2, Size = A3, SEF”) is deleted, and then the occupation waiting job information (occupied paper tray reservation information “Job ID” stored in the occupation waiting job information section 112) is deleted. = 3, size = A4, SEF ”) is updated and stored in the occupied job information in order (third diagram from the left in FIG. 13).

  Next, when a print status notification indicating the completion of printing of job 3 (job ID = 3) is received, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 stores the occupied job information stored in the occupied job information unit 111. (Occupied paper feed tray reservation information “job ID = 3, size = A4, SEF”) is deleted, and reception of a print job is awaited. That is, in the rightmost diagram of FIG. 13, when there is no print job, the occupied job information section 111 and the occupation waiting job information section 112 of the occupied sheet tray reservation information storage section 104 include the occupied sheet tray. The reservation information is not stored.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. When the occupation information notifying unit 106 stores the print job as occupied job information in the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit (reservation information storage unit) 104, the occupation information notification unit 106 notifies the transmission source (for example, print server) of the print job. When notifying that the occupied paper tray has been occupied and storing the print job as the waiting job information, the occupation of the occupied paper tray is waiting for the order of the print job transmission source (for example, the print server). Notify that there is.

  The exclusive paper feed tray occupation release unit (occupancy release unit) 107 prints when an exclusive release notification for releasing the occupation of the exclusive paper feed tray is received before receiving the print status notification indicating the completion of printing of the print job. Release the occupation of the dedicated paper feed tray by the job. Then, the occupation paper feed tray occupation release unit 107 notifies the occupation paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 that the occupation of the occupation paper feed tray has been released. As a result, for example, the occupation of the dedicated paper feed tray can be released at the timing of the print server, and the use of the dedicated paper feed tray is completed without waiting for the print job to be printed (for example, the start of the print job). The occupied paper feed tray can be unoccupied at the time when the inserted paper is completely ejected. Therefore, the occupied paper feed tray can be occupied in a minimum time, and the time for suppressing printing such as a high priority interrupt print job can be reduced. Note that the exclusive paper feed tray occupation release unit 107 corresponds to the “occupancy release unit” in the claims.

  The print control unit 108 controls the overall functions related to the printing process. The print control unit 108 controls the print engine 11 via the connection I / F 14. The print control unit 108 includes a print processing execution unit 121 and a job print status reception unit 122.

  The print processing execution unit 121 causes the print engine 11 to execute print processing for a print job that occupies the dedicated paper feed tray based on the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information.

  The print processing execution unit 121 also causes the print engine 11 to execute print processing corresponding to the occupied job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information) stored in the occupied job information unit 111.

  In addition, the print processing execution unit 121 prints print data to be printed from the transmission source after the occupation information notification unit 106 notifies the transmission source (for example, a print server) of the print job that the occupation paper feed tray has been occupied. (Image data) is received and the print engine 11 is caused to execute print processing of the print job.

  The job print status receiving unit 122 receives a print status notification of the print job from the print engine 11 via the connection I / F 14. Then, the print status included in the print status notification is transferred to the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105, the exclusive paper feed tray occupation release unit 107, and the print processing execution unit 121.

  Here, the print status notification of the print job received from the print engine 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print status notification of a print job. Note that the example illustrated in FIG. 14 is an example of a print status notification command transmitted from the print engine 11.

  The print engine 11 transmits a print status notification command for notifying the print status to the job print status receiving unit 122 of the print control unit 108 at a preset interval. The data structure of the print status notification command is “command name: print status notification, print status: stopped or printing or printing completed, job ID”. The print engine 11 transmits a print status notification command for notifying a print status not only for a print job that occupies the occupied paper feed tray but also for all print jobs. For example, if the print engine 11 is stopped, “Printing status: Stopping” is transmitted, and if the printing engine 11 is printing, “Printing status: Printing” is transmitted. “Printing status: printing completed” is transmitted.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 determines, based on print job information including paper feed tray information used for printing, for each occupied paper feed tray when the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray. Occupying paper feed tray reservation information in which print job identification information and print job information are associated with each other is stored, and print processing of a print job occupying the occupied paper feed tray is performed based on the occupied paper feed tray reservation information. 11, it is possible to achieve an advantageous effect that it is possible to reduce time and labor when the user occupies and uses a specific paper feed tray without making a reservation for exclusive use of the paper feed tray in the UI unit. .

  Next, a processing operation in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing operation in the image forming apparatus.

  The communication unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing (step S1). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 receives the print parameter notification command shown in FIG. 5 from the print server. Next, the job determination unit 102 determines whether or not the print job uses the occupied paper feed tray (step S2). Specifically, the job determination unit 102 determines whether or not an exclusive paper feed tray is set in the paper feed tray data of the received print parameter notification command.

  If the print job does not use the dedicated paper feed tray (step S2: No), the print processing execution unit 121 receives print data to be printed from the transmission source (for example, a print server) and performs print processing of the print job on the print engine 11. (Step S3). Specifically, the print processing execution unit 121, when the dedicated paper feed tray is not set in the paper feed tray data of the print parameter notification command, the image data (print data to be printed) of the image transfer command shown in FIG. Is used to cause the print engine 11 to execute print processing of the print job.

  Next, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives a print status notification of the print job from the print engine 11 (step S4). Specifically, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives the print status notification command shown in FIG. 14 from the print engine 11.

  Next, the print processing execution unit 121 determines whether a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job has been received (step S5). When printing is not completed (step S5: No), the process returns to step S4 and continues. If printing is complete (step S5: Yes), the process ends. Specifically, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives “print status: print completed” of the print status notification command shown in FIG. 14 and ends the processing.

  Returning to step S <b> 2, if the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray (step S <b> 2: Yes), the print processing execution unit 121 displays the occupied job information in the occupied job information unit of the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104. It is determined whether information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information) is stored (step S6). Specifically, when the exclusive paper feed tray is set in the paper feed tray data of the print parameter notification command shown in FIG. 5, the print processing execution unit 121 is in the occupation of the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104. It is determined whether occupied job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information) is stored in the job information section.

  When the occupied job information is not stored (step S6: No), the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit (reservation information storage unit) 104 prints print job identification information (job ID) for each occupied paper feed tray. Is stored in the occupied job information section (step S7).

  Next, the occupation information notification unit 106 notifies the transmission source of the print job of the occupation paper tray occupation result (the occupation paper tray has been occupied) (step S8). Specifically, the occupancy information notifying unit 106 transmits the occupancy sheet tray occupancy result notification command (command name: occupancy sheet tray occupancy result notification, result: OK, job ID) illustrated in FIG. 6 to the print server. Send.

  Next, the print processing execution unit 121 receives print data to be printed from a transmission source (for example, a print server), and causes the print engine 11 to execute print processing for the print job (step S9). Next, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives a print status notification of the print job from the print engine 11 (step S10). Specifically, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives the print status notification command shown in FIG. 14 from the print engine 11.

  Next, the print processing execution unit 121 determines whether a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job has been received (step S11). When printing is not completed (step S11: No), the process returns to step S10 and continues. When printing is complete (step S11: Yes), the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit (reservation information update unit) 105 deletes the occupied job information (releases the occupation of the exclusive paper feed tray) (step S12). ), The occupation waiting job information is sequentially updated to the occupation job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information is updated), and the processing is terminated (step S13). Specifically, after the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 receives the print status notification command “print status: print completed” shown in FIG. 14 and deletes the occupied job information (step S12), The occupation waiting job information is sequentially updated to the occupation job information, and the processing is terminated (step S13).

  Returning to step S6, when the occupied job information is stored (step S6: Yes), the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit (reservation information storage unit) 104 identifies the print job for each occupied paper feed tray. Occupied paper feed tray reservation information (occupation waiting job information) in which information (job ID) and print job information are associated is stored in the occupation waiting job information section (step S14).

  Next, the occupation information notifying unit 106 notifies the transmission source of the print job of the occupation paper tray occupation result (the occupation of the occupation paper tray is waiting for the turn) (step S15). Specifically, the occupancy information notifying unit 106 transmits the occupancy sheet tray occupancy result notification command (command name: occupancy sheet tray occupancy result notification, result: Wait, job ID) illustrated in FIG. 6 to the print server. Send.

  Next, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives a print status notification of the print job from the print engine 11 (step S16). Specifically, the job print status receiving unit 122 receives the print status notification command shown in FIG. 14 from the print engine 11.

  Next, the print processing execution unit 121 determines whether a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job has been received (step S17). If the printing is not completed (step S17: No), the process returns to step S16 and continues. When printing is complete (step S17: Yes), the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit (reservation information update unit) 105 deletes the occupied job information (releases the occupation of the exclusive paper feed tray) (step S18). ), The occupation waiting job information is sequentially updated to occupation job information (occupied paper feed tray reservation information is updated) (step S19). Specifically, after the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information update unit 105 receives the print status notification command “print status: printing completed” shown in FIG. 14 and deletes the occupied job information (step S18), The occupation waiting job information is sequentially updated to the occupation job information (step S19).

  Next, the print processing execution unit 121 determines whether or not occupied job information (occupied sheet feed tray reservation information) is stored in the occupied job information section of the occupied sheet tray reservation information storage unit 104 (step S20). If the occupied job information is not stored (step S20: No), the process returns to step S16 and continues.

  When the occupied job information is stored (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8 and the process is continued.

  By causing the image forming apparatus 10 to execute the above processing, it is possible to reduce time and labor when the user occupies and uses a specific paper feed tray without making a reservation for the paper feed tray in the UI unit. The advantageous effect of can be achieved.

  Next, a processing operation when a print job using the same occupied paper feed tray is transmitted from two print servers will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation of the image forming apparatus.

  First, the print server 20 transmits the job start request command shown in FIG. 3 to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S31). Next, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a job start response command (command name: job start response, result: OK, job ID = 1) shown in FIG. 4 as a response to the job start request command to the print server 20. Transmit (step S32).

  Next, the print server 20 prints a print parameter notification command (command name: print parameter notification, job ID = 1, paper feed tray = 1, manual paper feed tray, paper shown in FIG. (Size = A4, LEF, paper type = pre-print paper, paper thickness = weight 2) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S33).

  Next, based on the print parameter notification command (print job information), the job determination unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray (step S34), and the dedicated supply is determined. In the case of a print job using a paper tray, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 occupies a dedicated paper feed in which print job identification information (job ID) and print job information are associated with each dedicated paper feed tray. The tray reservation information is stored (step S35).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the occupation paper feed tray occupation result notification command (command name: occupation paper tray occupation result notification, result: OK, job ID = 1) is transmitted to the print server 20 (step S36).

  Next, the print server 20 forms the process execution request command (command name: process execution request, job ID = 1, process ID = 1, image ID = 1) shown in FIG. 7 for executing the printing process. It transmits with respect to the apparatus 10 (step S37).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 prints the process execution response command (command name: process execution response, result: OK, job ID = 1, process ID = 1) shown in FIG. 8 as a response to the process execution request command. It transmits with respect to the server 20 (step S38).

  Next, the print server 20 sends the image transfer command (command name: image transfer, image ID = 1, image data) shown in FIG. 9 including image data (print data) to be printed on paper to the image forming apparatus 10. (Step S39).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the print engine 11 to execute a print job print process using the image data (print data to be printed) (step S40).

  Next, the print server 30 transmits the job start request command shown in FIG. 3 to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S41). Next, the image forming apparatus 10 sends a job start response command (command name: job start response, result: OK, job ID = 2) shown in FIG. 4 to the print server 30 as a response to the job start request command. Transmit (step S42).

  Next, the print server 30 prints a print parameter notification command (command name: print parameter notification, job ID = 2, paper feed tray = manual paper feed tray, paper) shown in FIG. (Size = A3, SEF, paper type = plain paper, paper thickness = weight 2) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 (step S43).

  Next, based on the print parameter notification command (print job information), the job determination unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray (step S44). In the case of a print job using a paper tray, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 occupies a dedicated paper feed in which print job identification information (job ID) and print job information are associated with each dedicated paper feed tray. The tray reservation information is stored (step S45). At this time, since the print job from the print server 20 is being printed, the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information storage unit 104 stores the occupation wait job information (occupied paper tray reservation information) in the occupation wait job information unit. .

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 occupies the result of the occupation paper feed tray, and displays the occupation paper tray occupation result notification command (command name: occupation paper tray occupation result notification, result: Wait, job ID = 2) is transmitted to the print server 30 (step S46).

  Next, the print server 30 waits for the occupation order of the occupation paper feed trays (step S47). That is, the print server 30 stands by until it receives an exclusive paper feed tray occupation result notification command (command name: exclusive paper feed tray occupation result notification, result: OK, job ID = 2) from the image forming apparatus 10.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 transmits a job completion notification command (command name: job completion notification, job ID = 1) shown in FIG. 10 indicating the completion of printing of the print job to the print server 20 (step S48). ).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 uses the occupation paper feed tray occupation result notification command (command name: occupation paper tray occupation result notification, result: OK, job ID = 2) is transmitted to the print server 30 (step S49).

  Next, the print server 30 forms the process execution request command (command name: process execution request, job ID = 2, process ID = 2, image ID = 2) shown in FIG. 7 for executing the printing process. It transmits with respect to the apparatus 10 (step S50).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 prints the process execution response command (command name: process execution response, result: OK, job ID = 2, process ID = 2) shown in FIG. 8 as a response to the process execution request command. It transmits with respect to the server 30 (step S51).

  Next, the print server 30 sends the image transfer command (command name: image transfer, image ID = 2, image data) shown in FIG. 9 including image data (print data) to be printed on paper to the image forming apparatus 10. (Step S52).

  Next, the image forming apparatus 10 causes the print engine 11 to execute a print job print process using the image data (print data to be printed) (step S53).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment can prevent another print job from using the same occupied paper feed tray during the printing process in which the occupied paper feed tray is occupied. For example, when a print job that uses special paper set in the bypass tray from the print server is being printed and an interrupt copy job is sent from the copy application during printing, the interrupt copy job The use of special paper can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce time and labor when the user occupies and uses a specific paper feed tray without making a reservation for exclusive use of the paper feed tray in the UI unit. The advantageous effect of can be achieved.

  Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  The program executed by the image forming apparatus 10 of the above-described embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a CD-R (Compact Disc-). (Recordable), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD memory card (SD memory card), USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. It may be configured to be provided, or may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Various programs may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  It should be noted that the system configuration in which the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment communicates with an external device such as a print server or client PC is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on applications and purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Print engine 12 Paper feed part 13 Paper discharge part 14 Connection I / F
15 Controller (Controller board)
20, 30 Print server 101 Communication unit 102 Job determination unit 103 Occupied paper tray information storage unit 104 Occupied paper tray reservation information storage unit 105 Occupied paper tray reservation information update unit 106 Occupancy information notification unit 107 Occupancy paper tray occupation release Section 108 Print control section 111, 113 Occupied job information section 112, 114 Occupied job information section 121 Print processing execution section 122 Job printing status receiving section 131-133 Paper feed tray 134 Occupied paper feed tray A
135 Occupied paper feed tray B
211 CPU
212 SDRAM
213 Flash memory 214 HDD
215 ASIC
216 Management system memory 217 NIC
218 Modem 221 Operation panel 222 FCU
223 USB
224 IEEE1394 I / F
225 Printing / scanner engine 226 Peripheral machine

JP 2011-197153 A

Claims (8)

A paper feed unit having one or more exclusive paper feed trays that can be used exclusively;
A job determination unit that determines whether the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray based on print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing;
In the case of a print job that uses the dedicated paper feed tray, a reservation information storage that stores dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in which the identification information of the print job and the print job information are associated with each dedicated paper feed tray. And
A print processing execution unit that causes a print engine to execute print processing of the print job that has occupied the occupied paper feed tray based on the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information;
A job print status receiving unit for receiving a print status notification of the print job from the print engine;
A reservation information updating unit that deletes the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job that has been printed and updates the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information when receiving a print status notification indicating the completion of printing of the print job When,
Comprising
An image forming apparatus. A tray information storage unit for preliminarily storing dedicated sheet feeding tray information indicating a sheet feeding tray that can be used exclusively;
A communication unit for receiving the print job information,
The job determination unit determines that the print job is the print job when the paper feed tray of the paper feed tray information included in the received print job information matches the paper feed tray included in the occupied paper feed tray information. It is determined that the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The reserved information storage unit stores the occupied paper tray reservation information of the print job as the occupied job information having the highest printing order when the occupied job information having the highest printing order is not stored. When the occupied job information is stored, the dedicated paper feed tray reservation information of the print job is stored in order as occupation waiting job information with a printing order of second or later,
When the reservation information update unit receives a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job, the reservation information update unit deletes the occupied job information, and then sequentially updates the occupation waiting job information to the occupied job information,
The print processing execution unit causes a print engine to execute print processing of the print job corresponding to the occupied job information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the print job is stored as the occupied job information in the reservation information storage unit, the print job transmission source is notified that the occupied paper feed tray has been occupied, and the print job is An occupancy information notifying unit that notifies the transmission source of the print job that the occupancy of the occupying paper feed tray is waiting in turn when stored as waiting job information;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. Before receiving a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job, if an occupation release notification for releasing the occupation of the occupied paper tray is received, the occupation of the occupied paper tray by the print job is released. The occupancy release unit is further provided.
The reservation information update unit deletes the occupied job information when the occupation release unit cancels the occupation of the dedicated sheet feeding tray by the print job, and sequentially sets the occupation waiting job information to the occupation job information Update to
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The print processing execution unit receives print data to be printed from the transmission source after the occupation information notification unit notifies the transmission source of the print job that the occupation paper feed tray has been occupied. Let the print engine execute the job printing process,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding unit having one or more occupied sheet feeding trays that can be used exclusively,
A job determination step for determining whether or not the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray based on print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing;
In the case of a print job using the dedicated paper feed tray, reservation information for sequentially storing dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in which the print job identification information and the print job information are associated with each other for each dedicated paper feed tray. A memory step;
A print process execution step for causing a print engine to execute a print process of the print job that occupies the occupied sheet feed tray based on the dedicated sheet feed tray reservation information;
A job print status receiving step for receiving a print status notification of the print job from the print engine;
Reservation information update step of deleting the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job of completion of printing and updating the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information when a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job is received When,
including,
An image forming method. In an image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding unit having one or more occupied sheet feeding trays that can be used exclusively,
A job determination step for determining whether or not the print job uses the dedicated paper feed tray based on print job information including at least paper feed tray information indicating a paper feed tray used for printing;
In the case of a print job using the dedicated paper feed tray, reservation information for sequentially storing dedicated paper feed tray reservation information in which the print job identification information and the print job information are associated with each other for each dedicated paper feed tray. A memory step;
A print process execution step for causing a print engine to execute a print process of the print job that occupies the occupied sheet feed tray based on the dedicated sheet feed tray reservation information;
A job print status receiving step for receiving a print status notification of the print job from the print engine;
Reservation information update step of deleting the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information corresponding to the print job of completion of printing and updating the exclusive paper feed tray reservation information when a print status notification indicating completion of printing of the print job is received When,
A program for running

Images