JP2019120782A - Image formation system, post-processing device, and control program for image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation system, a post-processing device, and a control program for an image formation system that can maintain or increase the productivity of post-processing without bothering a user.SOLUTION: The image formation system includes a job acquisition unit, a job storage unit, an image formation unit, a post-processing unit, a loading state acquisition unit, and a job selection unit. The post-processing unit has a plurality of slots in which a functional unit can be loaded at each loading position along the transportation path, and performs predetermined post processing according to the function of at least one replaceable functional unit by the at least one functional unit. The loading state acquisition unit acquires, as the loading states of functional units, the presence or absence of loading of functional units in the slots and the type of the functions of the functional units when the slots are loaded with the functional units. The job selection unit selects a job that can execute the post-processing from a plurality of jobs stored in the job storage unit, according to the loading state of the functional unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a post-processing device, and a control program of the image forming system.

  There is known a post-processing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of post-processing with one machine by replacing functional units for performing post-processing such as sheet cutting, folding, forming perforations and the like.

  The following Patent Document 1 has, in a sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets while conveying sheets, an optional processing unit section for processing arbitrarily selected contents as a functional unit, and the option processing unit section is an apparatus main body It is disclosed that it is detachably provided to the

  Further, there is known a post-processing apparatus configured to be able to perform various post-processing by changing the combination and the order of a plurality of functional units by the user (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-112118). Patent Document 2 discloses a sheet processing apparatus that displays a method of installing functional units in consideration of processing content and processing order based on sheet processing conditions.

JP 2005-239308 A JP, 2015-48185, A

  However, when the received print job is sequentially post-processed by the post-processing apparatus, the arrangement order (combination + order) of functional units necessary for post-processing of the print job and the arrangement of functional units loaded in the post-processing apparatus If the order does not match, you can not execute the job. As a result, it is necessary for the user to replace functional units, which takes time to replace the functional units, resulting in a problem that the productivity of post-processing is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming system, a post-processing device, and a control program of the image forming system, which can improve or maintain the productivity of post-processing without burdening the user. The purpose is

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

  (1) A job acquisition unit that acquires a job, a job storage unit that stores the job acquired by the job acquisition unit, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and a plurality of slots Paper having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along one another, and one or more of the replaceable functional units being transported to a predetermined post-processing according to the functions of the functional units Post-processing unit, the presence or absence of loading of the functional unit in the plurality of slots, and the type of function of the functional unit when the functional unit is loaded in the slot, loading of the functional unit According to the loading state acquisition unit acquired as a state and the loading state of the functional unit acquired by the loading state acquisition unit, the job storage unit Has been a plurality of jobs are having a job selection unit for selecting a job executable post-processing, the image forming system.

  (2) As a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit which determines whether or not the job storage unit stores a job capable of executing the post processing in the loaded state, and as a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit When there is no executable job stored in the job storage unit, a replacement instructing unit for outputting an instruction to replace the functional unit loaded in the slot, and the instruction from the replacement instructing unit The image forming system according to (1), further including: a notification unit that notifies the user of the information.

(3) The job storage unit stores a job list that holds the order of executing jobs,
The job selection unit rearranges the order of jobs in the job list such that a job that can execute post-processing in the loaded state is at the top of the job list, according to (1) or (2). Imaging system.

  (4) The loading state acquired by the loading state acquiring unit includes the arrangement order of the functional units loaded in the slot, and the job selecting unit is required to execute a job of the job list. The image forming system according to (3), wherein the order of the jobs in the job list is rearranged so that a plurality of jobs having the same arrangement order of functional units are continuous.

  (5) The image forming system according to (3), wherein the job selection unit rearranges the order of jobs in the job list based on a loading state of the functional unit and a predetermined condition.

  (6) The predetermined conditions include the number of times of replacement of the functional unit, the loading degree of the functional unit, the presence or absence of the functional unit in the post-processing unit, the maintenance time of the functional unit, and the processing caused by the post-processing of the functional unit The image forming system according to (5), which is at least one of the disposal time of the processing waste of the waste box containing waste and the time when the functional unit can not be replaced.

  (7) The apparatus further includes a replacement preparation determination unit that determines whether preparation of functional units requiring replacement is completed, and as a result of the determination of the replacement preparation determination unit, preparation of functional units requiring replacement is completed. If it is determined that it is determined that the job is switched to the functional unit replacement mode and if it is not completed, it is a job that does not involve replacement of functional units, or the functional units need to be replaced. The image forming system according to any one of the above (1) to (6), which performs post-processing of a job that is ready for replacement even if it is.

  (8) The image formation according to (7), wherein the replacement preparation determination unit determines whether or not the preparation is completed based on the presence or absence of an input indicating that the preparation is completed by the user. system.

  (9) The information processing apparatus further includes a functional unit information storage unit that stores ownership information of the functional units, and the replacement preparation determination unit is based on the ownership information of the functional units and the usage status of the functional units in other systems. The image forming system according to (7), which determines whether or not the preparation is completed.

  (10) A post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing corresponding to the function of the functional unit by one or more replaceable functional units on a transported sheet, and a job acquisition unit that acquires a job A job storage unit for storing the job acquired by the job acquisition unit, a plurality of slots, and a plurality of slots capable of loading the functional unit at respective loading positions along the transport path; A loading state acquisition unit that acquires the presence / absence of loading of the functional unit in a plurality of slots and the type of function of the functional unit when the functional unit is loaded in the slot as loading states of the functional units; A plurality of jobs stored in the job storage unit according to the loading state of the functional unit acquired by the loading state acquisition unit A et al., A job selection unit for selecting a job executable post-processing, the post-processing apparatus.

  (11) As a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit which determines whether or not the job storage unit stores a job capable of executing the post process in the loaded state, and as a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit When there is no executable job stored in the job storage unit, a replacement instructing unit for outputting an instruction to replace the functional unit loaded in the slot, and the instruction from the replacement instructing unit And a notification unit for notifying the user of the after-treatment device according to (10).

  (12) A plurality of slots, each having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at each loading position along the transport path, and one or more of the replaceable functional units can be used to A control program of an image forming system including a post-processing unit that performs a predetermined post-processing corresponding to a conveyed sheet, which is acquired in the procedure (a) of acquiring a job and the procedure (a). (B) storing the job in the storage unit, presence or absence of loading of the one or more functional units in the plurality of slots, and the function of the functional unit when the functional unit is loaded in the slot Prior to the step (c) of acquiring the type of the functional unit as the loaded state of the functional unit, and according to the loaded state of the functional unit acquired in the step (c). A plurality of jobs stored in the storage block, for performing steps of selecting a job capable of executing the post-processing and (d), to the computer, the image forming system control program.

  According to the present invention, according to the loading state of the functional unit, a job that can execute post-processing is selected from a plurality of jobs in the job list. Therefore, the time taken for the user to replace functional units can be reduced, or the time taken to execute a plurality of jobs in the job list can be shortened. As a result, post-processing productivity can be improved or maintained without burdening the user.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1; It is a schematic sectional drawing which illustrates the structure of the 1st post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1; 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a control method of the image forming system of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system of a 3rd embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which illustrates the structure of the 1st post-processing apparatus in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which illustrates the functional composition of the image formation system in a 4th embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. Also, the dimensional proportions of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of the description, and may differ from the actual proportions.

First Embodiment
<Image Forming System 100>
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the first post-processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 200, a first post-processing apparatus 300, and a second rear unit 200 connected in series along an X direction (sheet conveyance direction). A processing device 400 is included. The configuration of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the types and the number of apparatuses included in the image forming system 100 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. The image forming system 100 may further include a sheet feeding device upstream in the X direction of the image forming apparatus 200.

<Image Forming Apparatus 200>
The image forming apparatus 200 reads an image from a document and forms (prints) the read image on a sheet. Further, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job including print data and print setting data in a page description language (PDL) format from an external client terminal through a network, and forms an image on a sheet based thereon. The client terminal may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an image reading unit 210, an image processing unit 220, an image forming unit 230, a sheet feeding unit 240, a sheet conveyance unit 250, a fixing unit 260, a communication unit 270, and an operation display unit 280. , And the control unit 290. These components are communicably connected to each other by an internal bus 201.

  The image reading unit 210 includes an optical system including a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 210 reads an original placed on a reading surface or an original conveyed by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and outputs an image signal.

  The image processing unit 220 performs various types of image processing on the image signal received from the image reading unit 210 to generate print image data. Further, the image processing unit 220 generates print image data based on print setting information and print data included in the print job received by the communication unit 270. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 230.

  The image forming unit 230 forms an image on a sheet of paper based on print image data using a known image forming process such as an electrophotographic method including steps of charging, exposure, development, and transfer.

  The sheet feeding unit 240 supplies a sheet as a recording material to the image forming unit 230. The paper feed unit 240 has an upper tray 241 and a lower tray 242, and in each tray, for example, sheets of different sizes such as A4 size and A3 size can be stored.

  The sheet conveyance unit 250 conveys a sheet in the image forming apparatus 200. The sheet conveyance unit 250 has a conveyance path and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs. In addition, the sheet conveyance unit 250 includes a sheet reversing unit 251 and a circulation conveyance unit 252, and can reverse the front and back of the fixed sheet and discharge it, or form an image on both sides of the sheet. it can.

  The sheet supplied from the sheet feeding unit 240 is conveyed toward the image forming unit 230 with the conveyance path. The sheet is synchronized with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum in the pair of registration rollers 253, and the timing at which the sheet is conveyed to the transfer unit is controlled. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit is conveyed to the fixing unit 260.

  The fixing unit 260 fixes the toner image formed on the sheet. The fixing unit 260 includes a hollow heating roller in which a heater is disposed, and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and the pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 100 ° C. or more) by a heater, and heat and pressure are applied to the sheet to fix the toner image.

  The sheet on which the image is fixed is supplied to the first post-processing apparatus 300 through the paper output unit 254.

  The communication unit 270 includes a network I / F 271 and a post-processing device I / F 272. The network I / F 271 connects to a client terminal such as a personal computer via a network, and transmits and receives data such as print jobs.

  The post-processing device I / F 272 is communicably connected to the first post-processing device 300 and the second post-processing device 400 through the communication line 202, and transmits and receives data.

  The operation display unit 280 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes, for example, a keyboard and a touch panel, and is used by the user to perform various instructions (inputs) such as character input, various settings, and a start instruction. Also, the output unit has a display, and is used to present the user with the device configuration, the print job execution status, the occurrence status of an abnormality (jam) in sheet conveyance, and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the output unit functions as a notification unit, and displays a message prompting replacement of the functional units loaded in the first post-processing apparatus 300.

  The control unit 290 controls the image reading unit 210, the image processing unit 220, the image forming unit 230, the sheet feeding unit 240, the sheet conveyance unit 250, the fixing unit 260, the communication unit 270, and the operation display unit 280. The control unit 290 includes a CPU 291, an auxiliary storage unit 292, a RAM 293, and a ROM 294.

  The CPU 291 executes a control program for the image forming apparatus to realize various functions. The control program is stored in the auxiliary storage device 292 and loaded into the RAM 293 when executed by the CPU 291. The auxiliary storage device 292 includes, for example, a large capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive and a flash memory. The RAM 293 stores calculation results of execution of the CPU 291, loading states of functional units in slots 321 to 324 described later, ownership information of functional units, jobs, and the like. The ROM 294 stores various parameters, various programs, and the like.

<First Post-processing Device 300>
The first post-processing apparatus 300 conveys or post-processes the sheet supplied from the image forming apparatus 200 according to the instruction of the image forming apparatus 200, and supplies the sheet to the second post-processing apparatus 400 or discharges it to the purge tray 340.

  The first post-processing apparatus 300 is disposed between the image forming apparatus 200 and the second post-processing apparatus 400 in the image forming system 100, and includes the sheet conveyance unit 310, the post-processing unit 320, the waste box 330, the purge tray 340, The communication I / F unit 350 and the control unit 360 are provided. The sheet conveyance unit 310, the post-processing unit 320, the communication I / F unit 350, and the control unit 360 are communicably connected to each other by the internal bus 301.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sheet conveyance unit 310 includes conveyance paths 311, 312, and 313 and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 314, and conveys the sheets supplied from the first post-processing apparatus 300 to the conveyance paths 311, 312, or Transport along 313.

  The sheet conveyance unit 310 also has a long sheet conveyance unit 315 and a purge conveyance unit 316. The long paper conveyance unit 315 aligns while conveying the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 200. More specifically, the long paper conveyance unit 315 temporarily holds the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 200 in the conveyance path 312 and inclines in the conveyance direction before being conveyed to the post-processing unit 320. Align etc. (correct to correct direction). Further, the purge conveyance unit 316 conveys the sheet from the post-processing unit 320 to the purge tray 340. Although the illustration is simplified, the purge transport unit 316 is configured to transport a large number of transport rollers along the transport path 313 so as to reliably transport the sheet cut into the card or business card large size by the post-processing unit 320. A pair 314 may be provided.

  The post-processing unit 320 performs post-processing on the sheet by one or more functional units. The post-processing unit 320 has a plurality of slots 321 to 324 for loading functional units. The slots 321 to 324 are loaded with functional units at respective loading positions along the transport path. The loading position is defined by the position on the transport path (the position in the X direction). FIG. 1 shows the case where no functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows the case where functional units 501 to 504 are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, respectively. Each of functional units 501-504 can be loaded into any of slots 321-324 and can be interchanged with one another.

  In the present embodiment, the post-processing unit 320 is illustrated to have four slots 321 to 324, but the number of slots is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more. .

  Also, the functional units 501 to 504 may not be loaded in all the slots 321 to 324, and may be loaded only in any of the slots 321 to 324. When the slots 321 to 324 are empty, the dummy unit is loaded in such a manner as not to affect the sheet conveyance.

  Further, detection sensors 325 to 328 are installed in the slots 321 to 324, respectively. The detection sensors 325 to 328 cooperate with the control unit 360 to determine the presence or absence of loading of the functional units 501 to 504, respectively, and when the functional units are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, types of functional units and Acquire the presence or absence of loading, that is, the loading state.

  The detection sensors 325 to 328 may have any form as long as they can detect the presence or absence of the loaded functional unit and the type of the functional unit. For example, an optical sensor, an actuator or the like can be used. In addition, the connector on the first post-processing apparatus 300 main body and the connector of the functional unit are fitted and electrically connected, whereby the control unit 360 detects the presence or absence of loading, and after connection, the functional unit The type of the functional unit may be detected (judged) by reading the identification number stored in the control board.

  The functional units 501 to 504 may be, for example, any of a CD cutting unit, a top and bottom slit (FD cutting) unit, a dummy unit, a dove cutting slit unit, a crease unit, a CD sewing unit, an FD sewing unit, and a business card slit unit. .

  The CD cutting unit is a unit that cuts the sheet in the CD direction. Further, the top-bottom slit is a unit that cuts the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction, and is also referred to as an FD (Feed Direction) cutting unit. Hereinafter, the sheet conveyance direction is also referred to as “FD direction”.

  The dove-off slit unit is a unit that forms a slit in the FD direction. For example, in the dove cutting and slitting process, cutting is performed with two parallel cutting lines, and a slit (groove) is formed between the two cutting lines. The release unit is a unit that forms a line in a predetermined direction, for example, the CD direction.

  The CD sewing machine unit is a unit for forming perforations in the CD direction, and the FD sewing machine unit is a unit for forming perforations in the FD direction. The business card slit unit is a unit that forms a plurality of slits in the FD direction in order to cut the sheet into a business card size.

  The post-processing unit 320 can also use functional units other than these. In addition, slit waste or cutting waste generated by the functional unit that involves slitting or cutting of the sheet falls into the waste box 330 by its own weight and is stored. The user periodically discards the contents of the waste box 330.

  Communication I / F unit 350 is communicably connected to post-processing apparatus I / F 272 of image forming apparatus 200 through communication line 202, and transmits / receives data.

  The control unit 360 controls the sheet conveyance unit 310, the post-processing unit 320, and the communication I / F unit 350. The control unit 360 includes a CPU 361, a RAM 362, and a ROM 363.

  The CPU 361 executes a control program for the first post-processing device to realize various functions. The RAM 362 stores calculation results and processing results of the CPU 361, loading states of functional units in the slots 321 to 324, ownership information of functional units, jobs, and the like. The ROM 363 stores various parameters including the control program.

  The control unit 360 acquires the loading state of the functional unit based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325 to 328. For example, a unique unit number is assigned in advance to all types of functional units that can be loaded into slots 321 to 324, and control unit 360 acquires a unit number as information on the type of loaded functional unit. Configured The correspondence between unit numbers and types of functional units can be stored in the RAM 362 as a table. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the unit symbol of one alphabet is used instead of the unit number to explain the correspondence with the types of functional units.

  When the correspondence is expressed as “functional unit name (unit symbol)”, for example, CD trimming (A), top and bottom slits (B), dummy (C), dove cut slit (D), crease (E), CD It can be expressed as a sewing machine (F), an FD sewing machine (G), and a business card slit (H).

  Alternatively, unique identification numbers may be assigned in advance to all functional units that can be loaded in the slots 321 to 324, and the identification numbers may be acquired as information on the types of loaded functional units. The correspondence between the identification number and the type of functional unit can be stored as a table in the RAM 362.

  The slots 321 to 324 are arranged in the order of the slots 321, 322, 323, 324 from the side closer to the image forming apparatus 200, and the information regarding the arrangement of the slots 321 to 324 is stored in the ROM 363.

<Functional Configuration of Image Forming System 100>
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. These functional configurations are mainly realized by the control unit 290 of the image forming apparatus 200, but may be realized by the control unit 360. In addition, the control unit 290 and the control unit 360 may realize the cooperation. The control unit 290 functions as the job acquisition unit 101. The job acquisition unit 101 receives and acquires a job, and accumulates a plurality of jobs as a job list.

  The RAM 293 of the control unit 290 functions as a job storage unit 102 and a functional unit information storage unit 103. The job storage unit 102 stores the job acquired by the job acquisition unit 101. The job storage unit 102 also stores a job list that holds the order in which the image forming system 100 executes a job. Details of the job list will be described later. The functional unit information storage unit 103 stores information on functional units. The information on the functional unit may include, for example, an identification number of the functional unit, ownership information, and the like. The possession information of the functional unit is information indicating which image forming system has this functional unit when there are a plurality of image forming systems having a post-processing device capable of loading the functional unit.

  The detection sensors 325 to 328 and the control unit 360 function as the loading state acquisition unit 104. The loading state acquiring unit 104 determines whether or not the functional units are loaded in the plurality of slots 321 to 324, and the type of the functional units when at least one of the slots 321 to 324 is loaded with the functional unit. , Acquired as the loading status of the functional unit.

  The loading state is expressed, for example, in the order of functional units such as "ABCD". In this case, a functional unit of CD cutting (A) is inserted into slot 321 of post-processing unit 320, top / bottom slit (B) in slot 322, dummy (C) in slot 323, and hollow cutting slit (D) in slot 324. Means that

  The control unit 290 also functions as a job selection unit 105, a replacement necessity determination unit 106, and a replacement instruction unit 107. The job selection unit 105 selects a job that can execute post-processing in accordance with the loading state of the functional unit acquired by the loading state acquisition unit 104.

  The replacement necessity determination unit 106 determines whether there is a job that can be executed in the current loading state in the job storage unit 102. When there is no executable job in the job storage unit 102, the replacement instruction unit 107 outputs, to the notification unit, an instruction (message) indicating that the functional units loaded in the slots 321 to 324 need to be replaced.

  The details of the job selection unit 105, the replacement necessity determination unit 106, and the replacement instruction unit 107 will be described later.

<Second Post-processing Device 400>
The second post-processing apparatus 400 conveys or post-processes the sheet supplied from the first post-processing apparatus 300 according to the instruction of the image forming apparatus 200, and discharges the sheet outside the image forming system 100. Unlike the first post-processing device 300, the second post-processing device 400 does not have a slot, and performs one or more post-processings by means of fixed predetermined functional units in the device. The sheet post-processed by one or both of the first and second post-processing apparatuses is discharged to the main tray 410 or the sub tray (purge tray) 420.

<Control Method of Image Forming System 100>
As described above, in the first post-processing apparatus 300, the user can replace the functional units loaded in the slots 321 to 324, and jobs that can be executed by the post-processing unit 320 according to the loading state of the functional units. It becomes settled. That is, the arrangement order of a plurality of functional units loaded in the slots 321 to 324 (hereinafter referred to as "slot configuration") and the arrangement order of a plurality of functional units necessary to execute a job of the job list (hereinafter referred to as If the "job configuration" does not match, the job can not be executed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described below, when there is a job having the same arrangement order of functional units as the slot configuration in the job list, the job order is arranged such that this job is at the top of the job list. Change.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 5 is realized by the control unit 290 and the control unit 360 cooperating with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a job is acquired (step S101). The user operates the client terminal to reserve a job. The image forming apparatus 200 receives a job from a client terminal through the network. The job acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of jobs, and the job storage unit 102 stores the plurality of jobs acquired by the job acquisition unit 101 (step S102). As a result, the first post-processing apparatus 300 becomes "during reservation". Further, the control unit 290 generates a job list and stores the job list in the job storage unit 102. The jobs recorded in the job list are executed by the post-processing unit 320 in order from the top.

  Table 1 below exemplifies the job list for the case where the job storage unit 102 stores at least four jobs of job 1 to job 4. Table 1 exemplifies a case where the job acquisition unit 101 receives jobs 1, 2, 3, and 4 in order, and performs the execution order in the job reception order in the initial setting (default).

  For example, the job list includes “job name” and “post-processing type” as items. In the present embodiment, the type of post-processing is, for example, any of a: “four-sided cutting”, b: “multiple cutting (card)”, c: “four-sided cutting + crease”, and d: “four-sided cutting + sewing machine” It can be. The type of post-treatment is not limited to these a to d.

  The job configuration indicates the order of the functional units required to execute the “post processing type” post processing. For example, job configuration “ABCC” indicates that it is necessary to load functional units A, B, C, and C into slots 321 to 324 aligned in the transport direction. As described above, A: CD sheet cutting unit, B: vertical slit unit, C: dummy unit, D: dove cut slit unit, E: crease unit, F: CD sewing unit, G: FD sewing unit, H: business card It is a slit unit.

  Hereinafter, each job in the job list is described as “post processing type: job configuration”. The job list in Table 1 is expressed as “a: ABCC”, “b: BCDA”, “c: AEBC”, and “d: BFGA” in order from the top.

  Next, the loading state of the functional unit is acquired (step S103). The loading state acquisition unit 104 detects the presence or absence of loading of the functional unit in the slots 321 to 234, and when the functional unit is loaded in the slots 321 to 324, acquires the type of the function of the functional unit. For example, it is assumed that the top and bottom slit unit (B), the CD sewing unit (F), the FD sewing unit (G), and the CD trimming unit (A) are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, respectively. In this case, the loading state acquisition unit 104 acquires “BFGA” as the loading state of the functional unit.

  The results of execution of the processes in steps S101 to S103 above are shown in the column of time 1 in Table 2 below. In Table 2, the processing of the first post-processing apparatus 300 proceeds in the order of time 1 → 2 → 3 → 4. Note that time 5 and later are omitted.

  “User work” indicates the work performed by the user, and “device state / process” indicates the state of the first post-processing apparatus 300 or the process executed by the first post-processing apparatus 300. The “loading state” indicates the loading state of the functional units in the slots 321 to 324 of the post-processing unit 320.

  At time 1, when the user reserves a job, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the “reserved” state, and “BFGA” is acquired as the “loading state”. Also, a plurality of jobs 1 (“a: ABCC”), jobs 2 (“b: BCDA”), jobs 3 (“c: AEBC”), and jobs 4 (“d: BFGA”) are acquired.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, job determination is started from the top of the job list (step S104). The job selection unit 105 sets the top job of the job list as a determination target.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a job having a job configuration that matches the loading state in the job list (step S105). More specifically, the job selection unit 105 compares the loading state with the job configuration of the job to be determined, and determines whether or not both match. In the example shown in Table 2 above, the loaded state "BFGA" is compared with the job configuration "ABCC" necessary for the post-processing a of the first job 1 at the current point (hereinafter referred to simply as "required job configuration").

  As a result of the determination by the job selection unit 105, when the two do not match (step S105: NO), the job selection unit 105 sets the next job in the job list as a determination target (step S106). In the example shown in Table 2 above, the loaded state “BFGA” and the job configuration “ABCC” of the first job 1 do not match, so the job selecting unit 105 sets the next job 2 in the job list as a determination target.

  Next, the job selection unit 105 determines whether all the jobs in the job list have been determined (step S107). In the example shown in Table 2, it is determined whether the second to fourth jobs 2 to 4 have been determined.

  If all the jobs in the job list have not been determined (step S107: NO), the process proceeds to step S105. That is, the job selection unit 105 repeats the processing of steps S105 to S107 until all the jobs in the job list are determined.

  As a result of the determination in step S105, when there is a job configuration in the job list that matches the loading state (step S105: YES), the job to be determined is rearranged so as to be the top of the job list (step S108). Specifically, the job selection unit 105 determines that the loading state “BFGA” matches the fourth job “d: BFGA”, and the job 4 “d: BFGA” that was the fourth job at time 1 is While moving to the top of the job list, the order of the other jobs 1 to 3 is advanced one by one (see the column of time 2 in Table 2 above).

  Next, job 4 is executed (step S109). The post-processing unit 320 executes job 4 “d: BFGA” at the top of the job list (see the column of time 3 in Table 2 above). The job selection unit 105 excludes the executed job 4 “d: BFGA” from the job list, and advances the second to fourth jobs 1 to 3 one by one.

  Next, it is determined whether a job remains in the job list (step S111). If no job remains in the job list (step S111: NO), the control unit 290 ends the process (end). On the other hand, when the job remains in the job list (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S107, when all the jobs in the job list have been determined (step S107: YES), the user is prompted to replace functional units (step S110). The replacement necessity determination unit 106 determines that there is no executable job in the job storage unit 102. Replacement instructing unit 107 outputs a message to the effect that it is necessary to replace functional units 501 to 504 loaded in slots 321 to 324 to the display of operation display unit 280 of image forming apparatus 200. The display notifies the user by displaying the message.

  For example, the replacement instruction unit 107 urges the user to replace the functional unit so as to match the job configuration “ABCC” of the first job 1 (see the column of time 4 in Table 2 above). The user replaces the functional units 501 to 504 with "ABCC" according to the message displayed on the display.

  Next, it is determined whether a job remains in the job list (step S111). If no job remains in the job list (step S111: NO), the control unit 290 ends the process (end). On the other hand, when the job remains in the job list (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

  As described above, in the process illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the job acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of jobs, and the job storage unit 102 stores the acquired plurality of jobs. Also, the loading state acquisition unit 104 acquires the loading state of the functional unit, and the job selection unit 105 executes post-processing among a plurality of jobs stored in the job storage unit 102 according to the loading state of the functional unit. Choose a possible job.

  More specifically, the job selection unit 105 rearranges the order of the jobs in the job list so that executable jobs in the loaded state come to the top of the job list. Further, the replacement necessity determination unit 106 determines whether there is an executable job in the job storage unit 102. If there is no executable job in job storage unit 102 as a result of determination by replacement necessity determination unit 106, replacement instruction unit 107 displays a message indicating that the functional units loaded in slots 321 to 234 need to be replaced. Output to the display of the operation display unit 280. The display notifies the user by displaying the message.

  The first post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment described above has the following effects.

  Since the image forming system 100 selects a job for which post-processing can be performed next from a plurality of jobs scheduled to be subjected to post-processing according to the loading state of the functional units, it is possible to reduce the number of replacements of functional units. More specifically, a job having the same job configuration as the slot configuration is searched in the job list, and the job order is rearranged so as to be at the top of the job list to select a job that can execute post-processing. .

  Therefore, a job that can execute post-processing is located at the top of the job list without rearranging the job by the user. Therefore, when performing post-processing of a plurality of jobs in the job list, it is possible to reduce the time required for the user to replace functional units. As a result, post-processing productivity can be improved or maintained without burdening the user.

  Also, when there is no executable job in the job storage unit, the user is notified that the functional units loaded in the slots 321 to 324 need to be replaced. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that functional units need to be replaced in order to execute a job to be executed.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, the case has been described in which the order of the jobs in the job list is rearranged so that the jobs having the same job configuration as the slot configuration come to the top of the job list. In the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, a case will be described where the order of jobs in the job list is rearranged so that a plurality of jobs having the same job configuration continue in the job list. In the following, detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is omitted to avoid duplication of description.

<Control Method of Image Forming System 100>
For example, if a job with the same job configuration is scheduled to be executed again after a job with a different job configuration in the job list, it is burdensome for the user to replace functional units each time the job configuration changes. It takes Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described below, the order of the jobs in the job list is rearranged so that a plurality of jobs having the same job configuration are continuous.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system of the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the processes of steps S201 to S208, S210, S212, and S213 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S101 to S111 of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. In steps S201 to S208, of the jobs in the job list, processing is performed to rearrange the job having the same job configuration as the slot configuration to the top of the job list.

  In step S209, rearrangement of job grouping is performed before job execution (step S210). In step S211, the job grouping rearrangement is performed before the user is prompted to replace the functional units (step S212).

  Note that the reason for rearranging the grouping of jobs before the replacement of functional units is to update the jobs in the job list in the order that is optimal at that time. Table 3 below shows an example of rearrangement in the present embodiment.

  At time 1, when the user reserves a job, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the “reserved” state. The loading state acquisition unit 104 acquires “BCDA” as the “loading state” of the functional unit. The job acquisition unit 101 acquires a plurality of jobs 1 (“a: ABCC”), jobs 2 (“b: BCDA”), jobs 3 (“a: ABCC”), and jobs 4 (“b: BCDA”). . The process performed at time 1 corresponds to the process of steps S201 to S203.

  At time 2, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the state of “sorting”. The job selection unit 105 rearranges the jobs in the job list. The job selection unit 105 rearranges the order of the jobs in the job list so that the job having the same job configuration as the “loading state” comes first in the job list. Further, in addition to the above jobs, jobs having the same job configuration as the “loading state” are searched for, and these jobs are grouped.

  More specifically, as a result of searching for a job having the same job configuration as the loading state "BCDA" in the job list, the job selecting unit 105 determines that the second and fourth jobs 2 and 4 in the job list correspond. .

  The job selection unit 105 determines the order of the job list so that the second job 2 at time 1 is at the top of the job list and the fourth job 4 is next to it, ie, the second job and the fourth job are continuous. Sort the

  Further, the job selection unit 105 determines that the first and third jobs 1 and 3 have the same job configuration. In the example shown in Table 3, by the rearrangement of the second and fourth jobs, the first and third jobs 1 and 3 are naturally rearranged so as to be continuous.

  Therefore, as the job list at time 2, a sequence of jobs 2, 4, 1, and 3 can be obtained in order from the top. The processing performed at time 2 corresponds to the processing in steps S204 to S209 and S211.

  At time 3, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the state of "b: execute". The post-processing unit 320 executes the next job 4 following job 2 at the top of the job list. Since these jobs are in the same order of functional units, there is no need for the user to replace functional units. The post-processing unit 320 can execute the post-processing of the second job 4 without stopping following the first job 2. The process performed at time 3 corresponds to the process of step S210.

  At time 4, the first post-processing apparatus 300 transitions to the “stop” state. The exchange instructing unit 107 outputs a message to the operation display unit 280 prompting the user to exchange the functional units so that the arrangement of the functional units in the slots 321 to 324 becomes “ABCC”. The user switches the functional units according to the message displayed on the display. The process performed at time 4 corresponds to the process of step S212.

  At time 5, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the state of "a: execution". After executing the first job 1, the post-processing unit 320 executes the next job 3 "a: ABCC" without stopping. The process performed at time 5 corresponds to the process of step S210.

  The first post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

  Since the image forming system 100 rearranges the order of jobs in the job list so that a plurality of jobs having the same job configuration continue in the job list, it is possible to reduce the number of times the user changes functional units. As a result, post-processing productivity can be improved or maintained without burdening the user.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, the order of the job list is arranged to minimize the time taken to replace functional units or to shorten the time taken to execute a job in the job list. The case of replacement will be described. In the following, detailed description of the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is omitted to avoid duplication of description.

<Control Method of Image Forming System 100>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system of the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, the processes of steps S301 to S309, S311, S312, S314, and S315 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S201 to S213 of the second embodiment, and thus detailed description will be omitted. In steps S301 to S308, among the jobs in the job list, processing is performed to rearrange the jobs having the same job configuration as the slot configuration so as to be at the top of the job list. Also, in steps S309 and S312, sorting of the job grouping is performed.

  The implementation of job grouping is basically determined by the presence or absence of a job having the same job configuration. However, when optimization conditions 4 and 5 to be described later are applied, the sorting is performed as another group even if the jobs are in the same order.

  For example, it is assumed that a certain functional unit is to receive maintenance every 2000 sheets. Further, it is assumed that jobs 1 to 3 using this functional unit are reserved. The number of sheets of job 1 is 500, the number of sheets of job 2 is 1000, and the number of sheets of job 3 is 3000.

  In consideration of maintenance, since the functional unit has to receive maintenance with the number of sheets of 2000, the jobs 1 to 3 can not but be interrupted on the way. Therefore, job 1 and job 2 (total number of sheets: 500 + 1000 = 1,500) are the first group, job 3 (number of sheets: 3000) is the second group, and the same job is divided into two groups. Perform sorting.

  In step S310, before job execution (step S311), reordering is performed according to the job optimization condition. In step S313, before prompting the user to replace the functional units (step S314), sorting is performed according to the job optimization condition.

  It is to be noted that the reordering according to the job optimization condition is performed before the replacement of the functional units in order to update the jobs in the job list in the order considered to be optimal at that time. Table 4 below shows an example of rearrangement in the present embodiment.

  At time 1, when the user reserves a job, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the “reserved” state. The loading state acquisition unit 104 acquires “ABCC” as the “loading state”. Also, the job acquisition unit 101 includes a plurality of jobs 1 (“b: BCDA”), jobs 2 (“c: AEBC”), jobs 3 (“d: BFGA”), jobs 4 (“a: ABCC”), Job 5 (“d: BFGA”), job 6 (“c: AEBC”), job 7 (“b: BCDA”), and job 8 (“a: ABCC”) are acquired. The process performed at time 1 corresponds to the process of steps S301 to S303.

  At time 2, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the state of “sorting”. The job selection unit 105 rearranges the jobs in the job list. The job selection unit 105 searches for jobs having the same job configuration in the job list, groups these jobs, and arranges the jobs in the same order of functional units as the “loading status” to the top of the job list. Rearrange the order of jobs.

  More specifically, as a result of the job selection unit 105 searching for a job in the same order as the loading state "ABCC" in the job list, the fourth and eighth jobs 4, 8 have the same job configuration as the loading state It is determined that the job is

  The job selection unit 105 also determines that the first and seventh jobs 1, 7, the second and sixth jobs 2, 6, and the third and fifth jobs 3, 5 at time 1 have the same job configuration. Judge as a job.

  In job selection section 105, the fourth job 4 at time 1 is at the top of the job list, and the first and seventh, second and sixth, third and fifth, fourth and eighth jobs are continuous, respectively. Rearrange the order of jobs in the job list as you want.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the job selection unit 105 calculates the optimization condition of the job execution order based on the replacement efficiency of each functional unit, and the job order of the job list is calculated based on the optimization condition. Rearranges. Details of the optimization conditions of the job execution order will be described later.

  As shown in the column of time 2 in Table 4, the job storage unit 102 acquires the jobs 4, 8, 2, 6, 1, 1, 3, 5 as the updated job list. The process performed at time 2 corresponds to the process of steps S304 to S310, S312, and S313.

  At time 3, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is in the state of "a: execution". The post-processing unit 320 executes the second job 8 following the first job 4 of the job list. Since the second job 8 has the same job configuration as the first job, there is no need for the user to replace functional units. The post-processing unit 320 can execute the post-processing of the second job 8 without stopping following the first job 4. The process performed at time 3 corresponds to the process of step S311.

  At time 4, the first post-processing apparatus 300 shifts to the “stop” state, and the replacement instructing unit 107 displays a message prompting the user to replace the functional unit so that the slot configuration becomes “AEBC”. Output to the display of the unit 280. The user switches the functional units according to the message displayed on the display. The process performed at time 4 corresponds to the process of step S314.

<Optimization condition of job execution order>
Consider optimization conditions to optimize the job execution order of the job list. The job selecting unit 105 applies at least one of the following optimization conditions 1 to 6 to optimize the execution order of the jobs in the job list.

[Optimization condition 1]
(I) Number of times of replacement of functional units It takes time for the user to replace the functional units of the slots 231 to 234. In the present embodiment, replacement of functional units is performed in order to make the slot configuration match the job configuration of the top job of the job list. The work time for replacing one functional unit is the removal time of the loaded functional unit and the installation time of the new functional unit if the required functional unit is at hand and the installation can be started immediately. It will be the total time with. When installing a new functional unit in the empty slot, the functional unit removal time is zero.

  When replacing functional units of a plurality of slots, if the time taken to replace each functional unit does not change, the larger the number of replacements, the longer the total time taken to perform the replacement. Also, when replacing functional units in multiple slots, if the number of functional unit replacements does not change, the longer the time it takes to replace one functional unit, the total time it takes to do the replacement work is become longer.

  The number of times of replacement of functional units for one job scheduled to be executed is the total number of times of replacement of functional units required to execute this job. For example, to change the slot configuration "ABCD" to "ACBD", remove the functional units "B" and "C" from the slots 322 and 323, respectively, and add "C" and "B" to the slots 322 and 323, respectively. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the functional units, and it is necessary to replace the slots 322 and 323 two times in total, in this embodiment, the post-processing unit 320 has four slots 321 to 234. As it has it, there is a possibility of performing replacement up to four times for one job to be executed.

  The number of times of functional unit replacement for all jobs in the job list may vary depending on the job execution order. Table 5 below shows the number of times of replacement of functional units when the job execution order of the job list is “a: ABCC” → “b: BCDA” → “c: AEBC” → “d: BFGA”.

  If the loading status is "ABCC", the job at the top of the job list is "a: ABCC", so there is no need to replace functional units to execute this job. Therefore, the number of times of replacement is “0”. However, the second job is b: BCDA, and the functional units of the corresponding slots are different for all four functional units, so to execute this job, four times from "ABCC" to "BCDA" Needs to be replaced. Similarly, for the third and fourth jobs, four replacements need to be performed. Therefore, the total number of times of functional unit replacement is 12 times.

  On the other hand, Table 6 below shows the number of times of replacement of functional units when the execution order is “a: ABCC” → “c: AEBC” → “b: BCDA” → “d: BFGA”.

  As in the case of Table 5, there is no need to replace functional units in order to execute the first job "a: ABCC" of the job list. Since the second job is "c: AEBC" and the functional units of slot 322 and slot 323 are different from the functional units of the second job, two permutations need to be performed to execute this job. There is. The third job needs to be replaced four times, and the fourth job needs to be replaced twice. Therefore, the number of replacement of the functional units is a total of eight.

  As described above, by rearranging the order of jobs in the job list so as to reduce the number of times of functional unit replacement, it is possible to shorten the time required for the functional unit replacement work.

  The job selection unit 105 optimizes the job execution order by calculating the job execution order for the job in the job list when the number of times of functional unit replacement is minimal.

(Ii) Functional Unit Loading Difficulty The removal time and installation time of the functional unit depend on the weight of the functional unit, the number of electrical or mechanical connections, the number of procedures for loading into the slot, etc. In this embodiment, the weight, the number of electrical or mechanical connections, the number of procedures for loading into the slot, etc. are used as parameters for the loading difficulty of the functional unit. The higher the loading difficulty of the functional units, the longer it takes to replace one functional unit.

  For example, with respect to the weight of the functional unit, the greater the weight of the functional unit, the more difficult it is for the user to carry and the longer the installation or removal time. Also, with regard to the electrical or mechanical connections of the functional unit, the greater the number of electrical or mechanical connections, the greater the effort for the user to load the functional unit into the slot, the installation time or removal It also takes longer. Also, with regard to the number of procedures when the user loads the functional unit into the slot, the more procedures, the longer the installation or removal time.

  Thus, for a job with a job list job, the higher the functional unit loading difficulty, the longer it takes to replace functional units, and the lower the functional unit loading difficulty, the functional unit replacement. It takes less time to work.

  The job selection unit 105 adds weights by weighting coefficients for each of the functional unit replacement number (i) and the functional unit loading difficulty level (ii), adds them, and determines the job execution order when the sum is minimized. Calculate and optimize the job execution order.

[Optimization condition 2]
Usually, it is often the best job execution order that the number (i) of replacement of the functional units in the optimization condition 1 is minimized. However, in the case where the weight of a specific functional unit is large or the functional unit loading difficulty (ii) is high, excluding the specific functional unit, the number of times of functional unit replacement (i) is minimized. Calculate the job execution order and optimize the job execution order. This is expected to take a long time to replace a specific functional unit if the loading difficulty of the specific functional unit is extremely high even if the number of times of rearrangement including the specific functional unit is minimized. In order to

[Optimization condition 3]
(Iii) Presence or absence of functional units in the post-processing unit 320 Usually, the number of types of functional units is greater than the number of slots 321 to 324 (four in the present embodiment). Therefore, if there is no necessary functional unit in the post-processing unit 320, it is necessary to move the necessary functional unit to the post-processing unit 320 from the storage location or the like. In addition, it is necessary to remove unnecessary functional units from the slots 321 to 324 and move them to a storage place or the like.

  Since the time taken for the user to start the work of attaching the functional units differs depending on whether the required functional unit is present in the post-processing unit 320, the time taken to perform the work of replacing the functional units also differs.

  The job selection unit 105 optimizes the job execution order by calculating the job execution order when the number of functional units not present in the post-processing unit 320 is minimum.

[Optimization condition 4]
(Iv) Maintenance period of functional units Some functional units require periodic maintenance (for example, application of grease or cleaning). Since maintenance can be performed by removing the functional units from the slots 321 to 324, it is not necessary to stop the first post-processing apparatus 300 during maintenance.

  The job selection unit 105 is configured to execute a job in which a functional unit is not used or a job in which another functional unit not in the maintenance period is used first when a specific functional unit enters the maintenance period. Optimize the order of execution. As described above, by optimizing the job execution order, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute the job in the job list.

[Optimization condition 5]
(V) Discarding time of contents of the waste box 330 When performing slit processing and cutting processing, slit waste and cutting waste (hereinafter referred to as “processing waste”) are generated. The processing wastes generated by the slitting process and the cutting process are dropped to the waste box 330 in the first post-processing apparatus 300 by their own weight and stored. When the waste case 330 is full, the user needs to discard the waste treatment.

  When the waste box 330 is removed from the main body of the first post-processing apparatus 300 in order to discard the contents of the waste box 330, jobs including slit processing and cutting can not be executed. 300 stops.

  On the other hand, even when the scrap box 330 is out of the main body of the first post-processing apparatus 300, it is possible to execute a job in which the functional unit is not used or a job not including slit processing or cutting processing. The job selection unit 105 optimizes the job execution order by determining the job execution order such that the execution of these jobs overlaps with the time when the user discards the contents of the waste box 330. As described above, by optimizing the job execution order, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute the job in the job list.

[Optimization condition 6]
(Vi) When functional units can not be replaced Only a full-time operator who knows how to replace all functional units knows how to replace a specific functional unit, and the other operators There are cases where it can not be implemented because we do not know how to replace it. In such a case, when a dedicated operator is absent, replacement of a specific functional unit can not be performed, and it becomes necessary to stop the first post-processing apparatus 300.

  For example, the first post-processing apparatus 300 is executing job 1 to be output to the second post-processing apparatus 400, and further, job 2 and job to be output to the second post-processing apparatus 400. Assume that 3 is reserved. Job 1 and job 2 are jobs not using a specific functional unit, and job 3 is a job using a specific functional unit. The required time for job 1 is 10 minutes, the required time for job 2 is 50 minutes, and the required time for job 3 is 60 minutes. If a dedicated operator who knows how to replace a specific functional unit is going to be absent after 30 minutes, he may replace the specific functional unit after job 2 is complete, as shown in Table 7 below. It is impossible to do so, and it becomes necessary to stop the first post-processing apparatus 300.

  Therefore, it is preferable to rearrange the jobs in consideration of the absence time according to the schedule or the like of the full-time operator, that is, the time when the functional units can not be replaced. Specifically, as shown in Table 8 below, the execution order of job 2 and job 3 is rearranged, and after job 1 is completed, the full-time operator can be changed to a specific functional unit.

  As a result, after the execution of job 3 is completed without stopping the first post-processing apparatus 300, the execution of job 2 can be started. As described above, by optimizing the job execution order, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute the job in the job list.

  Note that, in the example shown in Table 8, the case where the job 3 is executed after the execution of the job 1 and before the execution of the job 2 has been described. However, if execution of job 2 can be temporarily suspended, stop execution of job 2, replace it with a specific functional unit, execute job 3, and resume job 2 after job 3 is completed. You may

  Moreover, optimization conditions are not limited to the above-mentioned optimization conditions 1-6. Other optimization conditions may be added, or the applicability of optimization conditions 1 to 6 may be set arbitrarily.

<Competition of optimization conditions>
When multiple optimization conditions are applied at the same time, one optimization condition optimizes one sort order of jobs in the job list, another optimization condition optimizes another sort order, and so on. There is a possibility of competition. Therefore, it is possible to rearrange the order of jobs by weighting optimization conditions as in the following formula (1) and selecting a job with the smallest rearrangement priority value P.

Here, K _i is a weighting factor of the optimization condition i, and V _i is a value of the optimization condition i. Table 9 below exemplifies a weighting factor K _i of typical optimization conditions and a value V _i of optimization conditions.

  Moreover, in Table 10, attachment time and removal time are illustrated about functional unit AF to each.

For example, if the current slot configuration is "ABCD" and the jobs to be executed are "f: ABCE" and "h: ACDB",
The sorting priority value P1 of “ABCD” → “ABCE” is
P1 = (3 × 1 [times]) + {1 × (1 + 15 [minutes)] + (10 × 1 [pieces]) = 29, and “ABCD” → sort priority value P2 of “ACDB” Is
P2 = (3 × 3 [times]) + {1 × (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 2 [minutes])} + (10 × 0 [numbers]) = 18. Since P1> P2, the job order is rearranged so that the job "h: ACDB" is executed first.

(Example)
Hereinafter, an operation example of the first post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment will be described in time series. Tables 11 and 12 are tables showing the work of the user, the state and processing of the first post-processing apparatus 300, the loading state of the functional units, and the job list for each time. Table 11 shows the operation from time 1 to time 5, and table 12 shows the operation from time 6 to 11.

  At time 1, the user reserves a job. “ABCD” is acquired as the “loading status”, a plurality of jobs 1 (“e: ABCD”), jobs 2 (“f: ABCE”), jobs 3 (“f: ABCE”), jobs 4 (“g: "ABFE"), job 5 ("e: ABCD"), job 6 ("e: ABCD"), job 7 ("g: ABFE"), job 8 ("e: ABCD"), job 9 ("f: f ABCE is acquired.

  At time 2, the jobs are rearranged. Rearrange jobs so that the number of times of functional unit replacement (i) is the smallest from the current loading status, or the time taken to execute a job in the job list is the shortest.

  If there is a job with the same job configuration as the loaded state, the job is rearranged so that the job is at the top of the job list. On the other hand, if there is no job with the same job configuration as the loading status, the job is rearranged so that the number of times of functional unit replacement (i) is minimal or the time required to execute a job in the job list is shortest, Encourage unit replacement.

  Also at time 3, the jobs are rearranged. Rearrange jobs so that the number of times of functional unit replacement (i) is the smallest from the job configuration of the previous job, or the time taken to execute a job in the job list is the shortest. Also, sorting is repeated until the last job in the job list.

  At time 4, the job is executed according to the job list. The first to fourth jobs 1, 5, 6, 8 are sequentially executed.

  At time 5, the user performs replacement of functional units. Since the loading state is "ABCD" but the job configuration of the first job is "f: ABCE", the first post-processing apparatus 300 is stopped, and it is necessary to replace functional units in the slots 321 to 324. . The user replaces the functional unit in the slots 321 to 324 with "ABCE" in accordance with the job "f: ABCE" at the top of the job list.

  Note that even when the user has mistakenly replaced the functional unit in slots 321 to 324 with “ABCE”, the job list corresponds to the replaced functional unit “ABFE” even when the user erroneously replaces it with “ABFE”. Sort the jobs. That is, the jobs are rearranged so that the job "g: ABFE" comes first.

  At time 6, the job is executed according to the job list. The first job 2 is executed.

  At time 7, the user reserves a job. Job 10 ("f: ABCE") is added to the fifth in the job list.

  At time 8, the jobs are rearranged. Rearrange jobs so that the number of times of functional unit replacement (i) is the smallest from the current loading status, or the time taken to execute a job in the job list is the shortest.

  At time 9, the job is executed according to the job list. The first to third jobs 3, 4 and 10 are sequentially executed.

  At time 10, replacement of functional units is performed by the user. Since the loading status is "ABCE" but the job configuration of the first job 7 is "g: ABFE", the first post-processing apparatus 300 is stopped, and it is necessary to replace functional units in the slots 231 to 234. is there. The user replaces the functional unit in the slots 231 to 234 with "ABFE" in accordance with the job 7 at the top of the job list.

  At time 11, the job is executed according to the job list. The first to second jobs 7 and 9 are sequentially executed.

<Modification>
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a first post-processing apparatus 300 in a modification of the present embodiment. In the present modification, the first post-processing apparatus 300 further includes a display unit 329. The display unit 329 functions as a notification unit together with the control unit 360, and displays that the functional units loaded in the slots 321 to 324 need to be replaced.

  The first post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments.

  Since the image forming system 100 rearranges the jobs in the job list based on the optimization condition of the job execution order, it is possible to minimize the number of times of replacing functional units or minimize the time required to execute the job in the job list. Therefore, the productivity of post-processing can be increased without burdening the user.

Fourth Embodiment
In the fourth embodiment, when there is no job having the same job configuration as the slot configuration in the job list, the user is asked whether the replacement is ready before the user starts replacing functional units. Will be explained.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming system 100 in the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 290 functions as the replacement preparation determination unit 108. As described above, since the first post-processing apparatus 300 can not execute the job if the slot configuration and the job configuration of the first job in the job list do not match, it is necessary to replace functional units to execute the job. .

  However, the necessary functional units are not necessarily in the post-processing unit 320 or at the user's discretion. In some cases, it may be stored at a place far from the installation site of the image forming system 100 or may be loaded and used in a post-processing device of another image forming system. If it is difficult to obtain functional units required for job execution, or if it takes time to obtain them, that is, if it is not ready to replace required functional units, the replacement operation will be completed later. I have to stop processing for a long time.

  Therefore, when the slot configuration and the job configuration of the first job in the job list do not match, the replacement preparation determination unit 108 also checks whether preparation for replacement is ready when prompting the user to replace functional units. . When preparation for replacement is ready, the control unit 290 transitions to the replacement mode and stops the post-processing operation. Users can start replacing work immediately.

  On the other hand, if preparation is not completed, it takes time until the job to be executed can be executed, so this job is skipped (skipped) and the next executable job is executed first. The next executable job may be a job that does not involve replacement of functional units, or a job that is ready for replacement even if it is necessary to replace functional units.

  When the user is ready to replace the necessary functional units, the user inputs an indication to the touch panel of the operation display unit 280 that the preparation for replacement is ready. The replacement preparation determination unit 108 determines that the preparation is completed based on the user's input. After the job currently being executed is completed, the control unit 290 transitions to the replacement mode and stops the post-processing operation. The user starts to replace the function slot.

  Also, a management system configured to be able to share information including the location of functional units, the operating status of each image forming system, and the like between the image forming system 100 and other image forming systems interconnected by a network. You may use If there is no functional unit necessary for the post-processing unit 320, the replacement preparation determination unit 108 acquires ownership information of the functional unit and the loading state and use status of this functional unit in another image forming system through the network. The replacement preparation determination unit 108 determines whether preparation for replacement of the functional unit is completed based on the information. The job selecting unit 105 can skip a job scheduled to be executed by the first post-processing apparatus 300 when necessary functional units are loaded in the post-processing apparatus of another image forming system.

  The first post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment described above has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments.

  When the image forming system 100 is not ready for the replacement of the necessary functional units, it does not have to wait for the preparation for the required replacement of the functional units by executing the next executable job first. Therefore, since it is not necessary to stop the first post-processing apparatus 300 until preparations for replacing the necessary functional units are completed, it is possible to reduce the time required to execute the job in the job list, and post-processing without burdening the user. Improve or maintain the productivity of

  As described above, the embodiment has been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately added, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea.

  For example, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the case where the control unit 290 of the image forming apparatus 200 rearranges the jobs in the job list has been described. However, without being limited to such a case, the control unit 360 of the first post-processing apparatus 300 may be configured to rearrange the jobs in the job list.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the display of the operation display unit 280 is exemplified as the notification unit. However, the notification unit includes a speaker and notifies the user of the content of the message displayed on the display by voice. It may be configured as follows.

  Also, the control program of the image forming apparatus and the first and second post-processing devices may be provided by a computer readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, etc. It may be provided online through. In this case, the program recorded on the computer readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit, a storage device or the like. Also, this control program may be provided, for example, as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each apparatus as a function of the image forming apparatus.

100 imaging systems,
101 Job Acquisition Unit,
102 Job storage unit,
103 functional unit information storage unit,
104 loading information acquisition unit,
105 Job Selection Unit,
106 replacement necessity judgment unit,
107 replacement display unit,
108 replacement preparation judgment unit,
200 image forming devices,
210 image reader,
220 image processing unit,
230 Image Forming Unit,
240 sheet feeders,
250 sheet transport unit,
260 fixing unit,
270 communication units,
271 Network I / F,
271 Post-processing device I / F,
280 operation display unit,
290 control unit,
300 first aftertreatment device,
310 paper transport unit,
311 to 313 transport path,
314 transport roller pairs,
315 Long Paper Transport Unit,
316 purge transport unit,
320 post-processing department,
321-324 slots,
325-328 detection sensor,
330 waste case,
340 purge tray,
350 Communication I / F,
360 control unit,
400 second post-processing device,
410 main tray,
420 sub trays,
501-504 functional units.

Claims (12)

A job acquisition unit for acquiring a job,
A job storage unit storing the job acquired by the job acquisition unit;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet;
A plurality of slots, each having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at each loading position along the transport path, and one or more of the replaceable functional units are predetermined according to the functions of the functional units A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the transported sheet;
A loading state acquisition unit for acquiring as loading states of functional units the presence / absence of loading of the functional units in the plurality of slots and the types of functions of the functional units when the functional units are loaded in the slots; ,
A job selection unit that selects a job that can execute post-processing from a plurality of jobs stored in the job storage unit according to the loading state of the functional unit acquired by the loading state acquisition unit;
An image forming system having A replacement necessity determination unit that determines whether a job that can execute post-processing in the loaded state is stored in the job storage unit;
As a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit, when the job that can execute post-processing is not stored in the job storage unit, an instruction indicating that the functional unit loaded in the slot needs to be replaced is output And a replacement instructing unit,
The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of the instruction from the replacement instruction unit. The job storage unit is
Store a job list that holds the order of job execution,
The job selection unit
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the order of the jobs in the job list is rearranged so that a job that can execute post-processing in the loaded state is at the top of the job list. The loading state acquired by the loading state acquisition unit includes the order of arrangement of the functional units loaded in the slot,
The job selection unit
4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the order of the jobs in the job list is rearranged so that the plurality of jobs having the same arrangement order of functional units necessary to execute the job in the job list are continuous. The job selection unit
The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the order of jobs in the job list is rearranged based on a loading state of the functional unit and a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is
Number of times of replacement of the functional unit,
Loading difficulty of said functional unit,
Presence or absence of functional units in the post-processing unit,
Maintenance period of the functional unit,
The image forming system according to claim 5, which is at least one of the disposal time of the processing waste of the waste box containing the processing waste generated by the post processing of the functional unit and the time when the functional unit can not be replaced. . The system further includes a replacement preparation determination unit that determines whether preparation of functional units requiring replacement is completed,
If it is determined that the preparation of the functional unit requiring replacement is completed as a result of the determination by the replacement preparation determining unit, the functional unit transitions to the replacement mode, and it is determined that the functional unit is not completed. The job according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the post-processing of the job ready for replacement is performed even if it is a job that does not involve replacement of a job, or it is necessary to replace functional units. Image formation system as described. The replacement preparation determination unit
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein it is determined whether the preparation is completed based on the presence or absence of an input indicating that the preparation is completed by a user. It further comprises a functional unit information storage unit for storing ownership information of the functional unit,
The replacement preparation determination unit
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein whether or not the preparation is completed is determined based on the possession information of the functional unit and the use status of the functional unit in another system. A post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined post-processing according to the function of the functional unit by one or more replaceable functional units on a transported sheet,
A job acquisition unit for acquiring a job,
A job storage unit storing the job acquired by the job acquisition unit;
A plurality of slots, in which the functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along the transport path;
A loading state acquisition unit for acquiring as loading states of functional units the presence / absence of loading of the functional units in the plurality of slots and the types of functions of the functional units when the functional units are loaded in the slots; ,
A job selection unit configured to select a job that can execute post-processing from a plurality of jobs stored in the job storage unit according to the loading state of the functional unit acquired by the loading state acquisition unit; , Post-processing device. A replacement necessity determination unit that determines whether a job that can execute post-processing in the loaded state is stored in the job storage unit;
As a result of the determination by the replacement necessity determination unit, when the job that can execute post-processing is not stored in the job storage unit, an instruction indicating that the functional unit loaded in the slot needs to be replaced is output And a replacement instructing unit,
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies the user of the instruction from the replacement instruction unit. A plurality of slots, each having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at each loading position along the transport path, and one or more of the replaceable functional units are predetermined according to the functions of the functional units A control program of an image forming system including a post-processing unit that performs post-processing of
Procedure for acquiring a job (a)
A procedure (b) of storing the job acquired in the procedure (a) in a storage unit;
A procedure for acquiring as loading states of functional units the presence or absence of loading of the one or more functional units in the plurality of slots, and the type of functions of the functional units when the functional unit is loaded in the slot (C) and
A step (d) of selecting a job that can execute post processing from a plurality of jobs stored in the storage unit according to the loading state of the functional unit acquired in the step (c) Control program for the image forming system to be executed by