JP2019165329A - Image forming apparatus and method for transmitting setting value in image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the time from turn-on of power or returning from an energy-saving state to the start of preparation for image formation.SOLUTION: The present invention is an image forming apparatus that is connected to a post-processing device that executes post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed, comprises an instruction receiving unit that receives image formation instruction information from a controller, and an image forming unit that, upon receiving the image formation instruction information, forms an image on a sheet on the basis of the image formation instruction information, and ejects the sheet on which the image is formed to the post-processing device. The image forming apparatus comprises: a post-processing information determination unit that, at turn-on of power or returning from an energy-saving state, determines a post-processing function necessary for the post-processing device; a setting value information extraction unit that extracts a first setting value related to the post-processing function necessary for the post-processing device; and a setting value transmission unit that transmits the extracted first setting value to the post-processing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a setting value transmission method in the image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) or an inkjet printer includes, for example, a folding unit that folds an image-formed sheet, a staple processing unit that binds a plurality of image-formed sheets, and the like. Is connected. The image forming apparatus transmits setting values (parameters) for performing various adjustments to the connected post-processing device so that the post-processing device operates correctly. For example, a setting value for adjusting the folding position of the sheet is transmitted to the post-processing apparatus having the folding unit. In addition, a setting value for adjusting a position for binding a plurality of sheets is transmitted to a post-processing apparatus including a staple processing unit. The image forming apparatus transmits these setting values using an interface with the post-processing apparatus.

  When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus transmits all stored setting values that can be set to the connected post-processing apparatuses. However, if the number of connected post-processing peripheral devices increases, the number of setting values transmitted from the image forming apparatus increases, and the transmission time of the setting values becomes longer. If the transmission time of the set value becomes long, it may become longer than the start-up time of the image forming apparatus including the start-up time of the fixing device. In that case, the image forming apparatus waits for transmission of the set value to the post-processing apparatus and starts image formation.

  For this reason, the following techniques exist in order to reduce the time until the start of the image forming process as much as possible. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-003734), a technique for extracting and transmitting information to be provided to the post-processing device in order to shorten the time from the image formation preparation stage to the actual image formation. Is disclosed.

  However, the above-described conventional technology does not significantly contribute to shortening the time from the power-on of the image forming apparatus to the start of image formation preparation after the image forming apparatus returns from the energy saving state.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to shorten the time from when the image forming apparatus is turned on or after the image forming apparatus returns from the energy saving state to the start of preparation for image formation. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, the present invention connects a post-processing device that performs post-processing of a sheet on which an image is formed, and an instruction receiving unit that receives image forming instruction information from a controller; An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image forming instruction information upon receiving the image forming instruction information, and that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed to the post-processing device. A post-processing information determination unit for determining a post-processing function required by the post-processing device when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy saving state, and a first set value relating to the post-processing function required by the post-processing device. A setting value information extracting unit to be extracted and a setting value transmitting unit to transmit the extracted first setting value to the post-processing device.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to shorten the time from when the power is turned on or after returning from the energy saving state until the start of preparation for image formation.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the controller, the image forming unit, and the post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment in time series. FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the time required from the power-on of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment to the activation of the post-processing apparatus compared with the prior art. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the following embodiments, a multifunction machine having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as an apparatus or a facsimile apparatus.

  The connection relationship between the image forming apparatus and the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image formation instruction information. The image formation instruction information is information including image information for forming (printing) an image on a sheet. The image formation instruction information is generated based on, for example, information obtained by optically scanning a document on which an image is formed. The image formation instruction information is generated based on information received from, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet based on the image forming instruction information generated in this way.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can set a tray 11 and a tray 12 that store sheets on which an image is formed. The tray 11 stores, for example, A4 size paper. The tray 12 stores, for example, A3 size paper. The image forming apparatus 1 feeds paper from the tray 11 when an image is formed on A4 size paper based on the image formation instruction information. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 feeds a sheet from the tray 12 when an image is formed on an A3 size sheet based on the image formation instruction information.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the post-processing apparatus 2. The post-processing device 2 is, for example, a device that bends a sheet on which an image is formed. Further, the post-processing device 2 is connected to the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 is a device that binds one place of a plurality of sheets on which images are formed.

  The post-processing device 2 includes a folding processing unit 21. The folding processing unit 21 has a function of folding the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1. The post-processing device 2 determines the position at which the sheet is folded based on the setting value received from the image forming apparatus 1 and controls the folding processing unit 21 to bend the sheet on which the image is formed at the determined position. The post-processing device 3 includes a staple processing unit 31. The staple processing unit 31 has a function of binding a plurality of sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 and bent by the post-processing apparatus 2 into one. The staple processing unit 31 has a function of binding a plurality of sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 and not subjected to the bending process by the post-processing apparatus 2 (through the post-processing apparatus 2). The post-processing device 3 determines the position where the paper on which the image is formed is bound according to the setting value received from the image forming device 1 via the post-processing device 2, and controls the staple processing unit 31 to bind the paper.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller 30, an operation unit 40, an image forming unit 50, and a reading unit 70. The reading unit 70 uses a scanner or the like to optically read information printed on a document and input image information. The operation unit 40 performs operations related to image formation. For example, the operation unit 40 sets the number of sheets for image formation. For example, the operation unit 40 sets the density for image formation. For example, the operation unit 40 sets image formation on both sides of the paper. For example, the operation unit 40 sets the scale of the image to be formed. The controller 30 generates image formation instruction information based on information from the operation unit 40 and image information read by the reading unit 70. The image formation instruction information includes a command for instructing image formation on the paper in addition to the image information. The controller 30 outputs the generated image formation instruction information to the image forming unit 50.

  The image forming unit 50 forms a visible image on the sheet based on the input image formation instruction information.

  The image forming unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 is a control subject. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute the image formation control unit 100. That is, the image forming control unit 100 executes control processing related to the image forming apparatus 1 described later by the CPU 51 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54 and developed in the RAM 53.

  The RAM 53 includes an image formation instruction information storage unit 531 and a set value information storage unit 532. The image formation instruction information storage unit 531 stores image formation instruction information input from the controller 30.

  The set value information storage unit 532 stores all set values to be set in the post-processing devices 2 and 3. The setting value stored in the setting value information storage unit 532 is transmitted from the controller 30.

  The memory unit 54 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 54 includes a control program unit (not shown) in which a program for controlling the image forming unit 50 is stored.

  In the example of the embodiment, the set value relates to “paper press adjustment”, “paper folding position”, “paper alignment adjustment (A3)”, “paper alignment adjustment (A4)”, “staple position adjustment”, and “saddle stitch position adjustment”. Information. The set value of the paper pressing adjustment is a parameter relating to paper pressing in at least one of the post-processing device 2 and the post-processing device 3 (hereinafter referred to as “post-processing device 2 and / or post-processing device 3”). The set value of the paper folding position is a parameter related to the paper folding position in the post-processing device 2. The set value of the paper alignment position (A3) is a parameter relating to the A3 size paper in the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. The set value of the paper alignment position (A4) is a parameter relating to A4 size paper in the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. The set value of the staple position adjustment is a parameter related to the position where the paper is bound in the post-processing device 3. The setting value of the saddle stitching position adjustment is a parameter relating to the saddle stitching position of the paper in the post-processing device 3.

  The image formation control unit 100 is connected to a transmission unit 57, a conveyance unit 58, a development unit 59, and a paper feed unit 60 via a bus 55 and an input / output unit 56. The transport unit 58 transports the paper fed by the paper feed unit 60 to the developing unit 59 and the post-processing device and / or the post-processing device 3. The developing unit 59 forms an image on a sheet based on the image formation instruction information stored in the image formation instruction information storage unit 531. Specifically, the developing unit 59 forms a latent image on a cylindrical drum (not shown) based on the image formation instruction information. Next, the developing unit 59 attaches toner to the latent image and visualizes the latent image. Next, the developing unit 59 transfers the visualized image onto a sheet. The developing unit 59 fixes the image transferred onto the paper. In this way, the developing unit 59 forms an image on the paper. The transport unit 58, the developing unit 59, and the paper feeding unit 60 are collectively referred to as an engine unit 61.

  The tray 11 and the tray 12 are set in the paper feeding unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 1. The paper feeding unit 60 feeds the paper stored in the tray 11 or the tray 12 into the image forming apparatus 1 based on the image forming instruction information. When the image formation instruction information includes information indicating that A4 size paper is used, the paper feed unit 60 feeds the paper from the tray 11. When the image formation instruction information includes information indicating that an A3 size sheet is used, the sheet feeding unit 60 feeds the sheet from the tray 12.

  The transmission unit 57 is connected to the reception unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 through a communication line so as to be able to transmit and receive information. The transmission unit 57 is connected to the reception unit 32 of the post-processing device 3 through the communication line and the reception unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 so as to be able to transmit and receive information.

  From here, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the functional configuration of the image forming unit 50 will be described as an example of the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the image formation control unit 100 of the image forming unit 50 includes a reception unit (instruction reception unit) 101, an engine control unit 102, a post-processing information determination unit 103, a set value information extraction unit 104, and a conveyance control unit. 105, which functions as a set value transmission unit 106.

  The accepting unit 101 accepts input of image formation instruction information output from the controller 30. The accepting unit 101 accepts input of a set value output from the controller 30. The conveyance control unit 105 feeds necessary sheets from the tray 11 or the tray 12 and conveys them based on the received image formation instruction information. The engine control unit 102 controls the engine unit 61 based on the received image formation instruction information, and forms an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance control unit 105. The post-processing information determination unit 103 is a post-processing function necessary for the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3 when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy-saving state (hereinafter referred to as “power-on”). Judging. The energy saving state is a sleep state in which, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 does not operate for a while and thus does not consume much power. The return from the energy saving state means that the image forming apparatus 1 returns from the sleep state to the operable state. The set value information extraction unit 104 extracts from the set value information storage unit 532 the first set value related to the post-processing function that the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines to be necessary. The set value transmitting unit 106 transmits the first set value extracted by the set value information extracting unit 104 to the receiving unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 and / or the receiving unit 32 of the post-processing device 3.

  The set value transmission unit 106 activates the post-processing device before the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines a post-processing function required by the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 when the power is turned on. The necessary second setting value is transmitted. Further, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines a post-processing function necessary for the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 after transmitting the second set value.

  The image forming unit 50 starts preparation for image formation based on the received image forming instruction information after the setting value transmitting unit 106 transmits the first setting value and the second setting value. Further, when preparation for image formation by the image forming unit 50 is started, the set value transmitting unit 106 transmits the third set value relating to the image formation to the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3. The third set value is information relating to image formation based on the image formation instruction information.

  Further, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines the size (type) of the paper stored in the tray set in the paper supply unit 60. Further, the set value information extraction unit 104 extracts a required first set value based on the paper size determined by the post-processing information determination unit 103.

  In addition, the setting value transmission unit 106 has already transmitted to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 the setting value relating to the sheet of the size determined to be set by the post-processing information determination unit 103. If it is determined, the first set value relating to the paper of the size is not transmitted again.

  Next, time-series processing of the controller, the image forming unit, and the post-processing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing processes of the controller 30, the image forming unit 50, the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 in time series according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, the controller 30 detects the power on. When the power-on is detected, the controller 30 outputs all setting values set in the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 to the image forming unit 50 (1. power-on). The image forming unit 50 downloads the setting value output from the controller 30 and stores it in the setting value information storage unit 532 (2. setting value download).

  When the setting value is stored in the setting value information storage unit 532, the image forming unit 50 outputs the second setting value to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 (3. second setting value output). The second setting value is a setting value necessary for starting the post-processing apparatus, and is a setting value transmitted when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. The second setting value is, for example, a setting value relating to “paper press adjustment” and “paper folding position”. In the case of the embodiment, the setting values relating to “paper press adjustment” and “paper folding position” are transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

  Next, when the tray 11 or the tray 12 is set (4. tray setting), the image forming unit 50 sets the first setting value relating to the sheet of the size stored in the set tray to the post-processing device 2. And output to the post-processing device 3 (5. first set value output). The first setting value is a setting value related to a post-processing function necessary for the post-processing apparatus, and is transmitted when the size of the paper to be used is known. The first setting value is, for example, a setting value relating to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)” and “paper alignment adjustment (A4)”. When the tray 11 is set, the image forming unit 50 outputs the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A4)” and does not output the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)”. In the case of the embodiment, the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A4)” is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. When the tray 12 is set, the image forming unit 50 outputs the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)” and does not output the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A4)”. In the case of the embodiment, the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)” is transmitted to the post-processing device 2. When the tray 11 and the tray 12 are set, the image forming unit 50 outputs a setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)” and a setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A4)”. In the case of the embodiment, the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A3)” and the setting value related to “paper alignment adjustment (A4)” are transmitted to the post-processing device 2.

  Next, a case where the tray 11 or the tray 12 is inserted / removed for replenishing paper to the tray, clearing paper jam, or the like (6. tray setting) will be described. In this case, when the tray 11 or the tray 12 is set again, the setting value related to the “paper alignment position (A3)” or “paper alignment position (A4)” is not output (that is, (7. First setting value). Do not output)). This is because the setting values relating to “paper alignment position (A3)” and “paper alignment position (A4)” have already been output to the post-processing device 2 and the post-processing device 3 before the tray 11 or the tray 12 is inserted or removed. Because.

  Further, when the tray 11 or the tray 12 is replaced with a tray having a paper size other than the A3 size or the A4 size, the following is performed. When the tray 11 or the tray 12 is replaced with a tray having a different paper size, if the first setting value before replacement is different from the first setting value after replacement, a new first setting value is transmitted (7. First set value output). On the other hand, when the tray 11 or the tray 12 is replaced with a tray of another paper size, if the first setting value before replacement and the first setting value after replacement are the same value, a new first setting value is transmitted. No ((7. First set value output) is not performed).

  Next, the image forming unit 50 inputs image formation instruction information from the controller 30 (8. Image formation instruction information input). Next, the image forming unit 50 outputs the third set value to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 based on the input image formation instruction information (9. third set value output). The third set value is a set value related to image formation. Thereafter, the image forming unit 50 outputs a necessary third set value every time image formation instruction information is input. The third set value is transmitted when the content of the image to be formed on the sheet is known. In the case of the embodiment, the third setting value is a setting value related to “staple position adjustment”, for example. The image forming unit 50 transmits the third set value related to “staple position adjustment” before the post-processing device 3 is activated. When the third setting value related to the image formation instruction information input this time is the same as the third setting value related to the image formation instruction information input immediately before, the image forming unit 50 inputs the current value. The third setting value related to the image formation instruction information is not transmitted again. Then, the image forming unit 50 activates the post-processing device 2 and the post-processing device 3 (10. Post-processing device activation).

  Next, a description will be given of the time required from when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on to when the post-processing apparatus is activated. FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the time required from the power-on of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment to the activation of the post-processing apparatus compared to a conventional image forming apparatus.

  In FIG. 5, a graph A is a graph showing the time required for start-up processing from when the power is turned on until the image forming apparatus 1 can start preparation for image formation. As shown in the graph A, the time required for the start-up process from when the power is turned on until image formation preparation is possible is T1.

  Graph B is a graph showing the time required for the conventional image forming apparatus to output all set values to the post-processing apparatus after the power is turned on. As shown in graph B, the time required to output all set values to the post-processing apparatus after the power is turned on is T1 + T2 (longer than T1).

  The graph C shows that the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment transmits the first set value, the second set value, and the third set value to the post-processing apparatus 2 and / or the post-processing apparatus 3 after the power is turned on. It is a graph which shows the time which takes. The graph C includes a graph C1 and a graph C2. Graph C1 shows the time required for image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment to transmit the first set value and the second set value to post-processing apparatus 2 and / or post-processing apparatus 3 after the power is turned on. It is a graph. The graph C2 shows that when the time T1 has elapsed since the power was turned on and the image formation control unit 100 starts preparation for image formation, the image formation control unit 100 causes the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 to perform image formation. It is a graph which shows the time required to transmit the 3rd setting value concerning instruction information. As shown in the graph C1, it is the time T4 required to transmit the first set value and the second set value to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 after the power is turned on. Here, time T1> time T4. This is because the image forming control unit 100 outputs the first set value and the second set value when the power is turned on, and does not output the third set value. Further, as shown in the graph C2, it is a time T5 required for the image formation control unit 100 to output the third set value. Thereafter, every time the image formation control unit 100 inputs image formation instruction information and starts preparation for image formation, the image formation control unit 100 transmits a third set value corresponding to the image formation instruction information. That is, time T1 + time T5 is the time until the start of preparation for image formation in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Therefore, the image formation control unit 100 can shorten the time during which preparation for image formation can be started by time T2−time T5 = time T3, compared to the conventional image forming apparatus.

  Next, control processing of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the reception unit 101 receives a download of a setting value from the controller 30 (S11). Then, the image formation control unit 100 stores the setting value received by the receiving unit 101 in the setting value information storage unit 532.

  Next, the set value transmission unit 106 reads the second set value from the set value information storage unit 532 and transmits it to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 (S12). The receiving unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 and the receiving unit 32 of the post-processing device 3 store the second setting value received from the setting value transmitting unit 106 and set it in its own post-processing device.

  Next, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines whether the tray 11 is set in the image forming apparatus 1 (S13). In S13, when the post-processing information determining unit 103 determines that the tray 11 is set, the post-processing information determining unit 103 determines that A4 size paper is set in the set tray. Will be. When the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 11 is set (Yes in S13), the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines whether the tray 12 is set in the image forming apparatus 1 next. (S14). Here, when it is determined Yes in S14, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 11 and the tray 12 are set. This means that the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that both the A4 size paper and the A3 size paper are set in the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the first setting value related to the A4 size paper and the first setting value related to the A3 size paper are necessary as necessary post-processing functions. Therefore, when the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is set in the image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in S14), the setting value information extraction unit 104 performs the first setting related to the A4 size paper. The first setting value relating to the value and the A3 size paper is extracted from the setting value information storage unit 532 (S16).

  In S14, when the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is not set in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in S14), the post-processing information determination unit 103 sets A4 size paper. However, it is determined that A3 size paper is not set. That is, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the first set value relating to the A4 size paper is necessary as a necessary post-processing function. Therefore, when the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is not set in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in S14), the setting value information extraction unit 104 performs the first setting related to the A4 size paper. The value is extracted from the set value information storage unit 532 (S17).

  In S13, when the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 11 is not set in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in S13), the post-processing information determination unit 103 adds a tray to the image forming apparatus 1. It is determined whether 12 is set (S15). When the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is set in the image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in S15), the post-processing information determination unit 103 sets A3-size paper but A4-size paper. It is determined that no paper is loaded. That is, the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the first set value relating to the A3 size paper is necessary as a necessary post-processing function. For this reason, when the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is set in the image forming apparatus 1 (Yes in S15), the setting value information extraction unit 104 determines the first A3 size sheet. The set value is extracted from the set value information storage unit 532 (S18). If the post-processing information determination unit 103 determines that the tray 12 is not set in the image forming apparatus 1 (No in S15), the image formation control unit 100 returns to S13 and the tray is set. Wait for

  When the process of any one of S16, S17, and S18 is completed, the image forming control unit 100 has already transmitted the first set value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 to the post-processing apparatus 2 or the post-processing apparatus 3. It is determined whether it has been completed (S19). The image forming control unit 100 stores the first set value transmitted to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 in the RAM 53. Then, by comparing the first setting value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 with the first setting value stored in the RAM 53, the extracted first setting value is already in the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing. It is determined whether it has been transmitted to the device 3. When the first setting value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 is stored in the RAM 53, it is determined that the first setting value has already been transmitted to the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3. To do. If the first set value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 is not stored in the RAM 53, it is determined that the first set value has not yet been transmitted to the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3. To do.

  When it is determined that the first set value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 has not been transmitted to the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3 (No in S19), the set value transmission unit 106 The extracted first setting value is transmitted to the receiving unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 or to the receiving unit 32 of the post-processing device 3 (S20). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first set value extracted in any of S16, S17, and S18 has already been transmitted to the post-processing device 2 or the post-processing device 3 (Yes in S19), the set value transmitting unit 106 does not transmit the extracted first setting value to the receiving unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 and the receiving unit 32 of the post-processing device 3. If a plurality of first setting values are extracted in any one of S16, S17, and S18, and there is a first setting value that has not been transmitted, it is still transmitted in S19. Only the first setting value that is not present is transmitted in the process of S20, and the first installation value that has already been transmitted is not transmitted again.

  Next, the reception unit 101 inputs image formation instruction information for forming an image on a sheet from the controller 30 (S21). The input image formation instruction information is stored in the image formation instruction information storage unit 531.

  Next, the image formation control unit 100 determines whether the necessary first setting value and second setting value have already been transmitted to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 (S22). If it is determined that the necessary first setting value and second setting value are still being transmitted (No in S22), the image forming control unit 100 returns to S22 and waits. On the other hand, when it is determined that the necessary first setting value and second setting value have already been transmitted (Yes in S22), the image formation control unit 100 controls the engine control unit 102 to instruct an image formation instruction. Based on the image formation instruction information stored in the information storage unit 531, preparation for a process for forming an image on a sheet is started (S23). At that time, the set value transmitting unit 106 transmits the third set value necessary for image formation related to the image formation instruction information to the receiving unit 22 of the post-processing device 2 and / or the receiving unit 32 of the post-processing device 3. (S24). Then, the image formation control unit 100 activates the post-processing device 2 and the post-processing device 3 (S25). Then, the conveyance control unit 105 discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the engine control unit 102 to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 (S26).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 does not transmit all the installation values, but extracts the first set values necessary for the post-processing apparatus 2 and / or the post-processing apparatus 3. Then, the data is transmitted to the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the transmission amount of the set value from the image forming apparatus 1 to the post-processing apparatus 2 and / or the post-processing apparatus 3. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is ready for image formation after the power is turned on. Time to start can be shortened.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the second setting value necessary for starting up the post-processing device 2 and / or the post-processing device 3 is further transmitted before the transmission of the first setting value. In this way, it is possible to reduce the time from power-on to the start of image formation preparation.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, after the first set value is transmitted, preparation for image formation is started, and at the same time or after that, the third set value necessary for image formation is transmitted. In this way, it is possible to reduce the time from power-on to the start of image formation preparation.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the type of paper set in the image forming apparatus 1 is determined, and the necessary first setting value is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to transmit only the first setting value relating to the set paper (the first setting value relating to the paper that is not set is not transmitted). By doing so, the transmission amount of the set value can be suppressed, so that the time from power-on to the start of image formation preparation can be shortened.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the first set value that has been transmitted once is not transmitted again even if the tray related to the first set value is inserted or removed. By doing so, the transmission amount of the set value can be suppressed, so that the time from power-on to the start of image formation preparation can be shortened.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as being capable of setting a tray that stores sheets of two types of sizes, A4 size and A3 size. However, the size of the paper stored in the tray is not limited to the A4 size and the A3 size, and a tray storing other size papers may be set. In the present embodiment, two types of trays, the tray 11 and the tray 12, can be set. However, the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to be able to set one or a plurality of trays at the same time.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the image formation control unit 100 functions as a reception unit 101, an engine control unit 102, a post-processing information determination unit 103, a setting value information extraction unit 104, a conveyance control unit 105, and a setting value transmission unit 106. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control unit in the image forming apparatus 1, for example, a control unit (not shown) of the controller 30, receives the reception unit 101, the engine control unit 102, and a post-processing information determination unit. 103, a set value information extraction unit 104, a conveyance control unit 105, and a set value transmission unit 106.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus of a multifunction machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is applied to an image reading apparatus of an ink jet printer. May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Post-processing apparatus 3 Post-processing apparatus 30 Controller 50 Image forming part 100 Image formation control part 101 Reception part 102 Engine control part 103 Post-processing information judgment part 104 Setting value information extraction part 105 Conveyance control part 106 Setting value transmission Section 531 Image formation instruction information storage section 532 Setting information storage section

JP 2013-003734 A

Claims (6)

When a post-processing device that performs post-processing of a sheet on which an image is formed is connected, an instruction receiving unit that receives image forming instruction information from a controller, and when the image forming instruction information is received, based on the image forming instruction information An image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed to the post-processing device,
A post-processing information determination unit that determines a post-processing function required by the post-processing device when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy-saving state;
A set value information extraction unit for extracting a first set value related to a post-processing function required by the post-processing device;
A set value transmission unit for transmitting the extracted first set value to the post-processing device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The set value transmission unit further transmits a second set value necessary for starting the post-processing device,
The post-processing information determining unit determines a post-processing function necessary in the post-processing device after transmitting the second setting value;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming unit starts preparation for image formation based on the image forming instruction information after the first set value is transmitted by the set value transmitting unit;
The set value transmission unit transmits a third set value related to the image formation instruction when preparation for the image formation is started.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A paper feed unit for setting a tray in which the paper is stored;
The post-processing information determining unit determines a type of paper set in the paper feeding unit;
The set value information extraction unit extracts a set value required based on the determined paper type;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The setting value transmission unit has already transmitted the setting value of the type of paper to the post-processing device for the type of paper determined to be set by the post-processing information determination unit. In this case, the first set value relating to the type of paper extracted by the set value information extraction unit is not transmitted.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The paper on which an image is formed, including an image forming unit that connects a post-processing device that performs post-processing of the paper on which the image is formed and forms an image on the paper based on image formation instruction information received from the controller A setting value transmission method in the image forming apparatus for discharging the image to the post-processing apparatus,
Determining a post-processing function required by the post-processing device when the power is turned on or when returning from the energy-saving state;
Extracting a first set value relating to a post-processing function required by the post-processing device;
Transmitting the extracted first set value to the post-processing device;
A method for transmitting setting values in an image forming apparatus including

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