JP2020001358A - Image formation apparatus, recovery control program and recovery control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress the generation of wasteful sheets in recovery when detecting abnormality of sheets after cutting.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: a layout part which performs layout of images of plural pages on output sheets; an image formation part which forms the images of the plural pages on the output sheets; a cutting part which cuts the output sheets in a page unit; and a recovery control part which determines the sheets to be recovered when detecting abnormality of the cut sheets, and specifies the page formed on the sheet as a recovery target. The layout part performs control of performing layout of the image of the page specified as the recovery target on the output sheet again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a recovery control program, and a recovery control method, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that lays out a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, cuts and outputs each page, and detects an abnormality in the cut sheet. The present invention relates to a recovery control program and a recovery control method for controlling recovery in a case where the recovery is performed.

  In recent years, many image forming apparatuses such as MFPs (Multi-Functional Peripherals) have an imposition function for laying out images of a plurality of pages on one sheet of paper. After the formed output paper is cut by a cutting machine, post-processing such as staples is performed by a post-processing machine, as needed, to produce a printed matter. As described above, when image formation, cutting, and post-processing are continuously performed as necessary, an inspection of the image after the cutting detects an abnormality in image density or position, or a paper jam (jam) during the post-processing. If an abnormality is detected, recovery will be performed. At this time, if the entire printed matter is recreated, useless paper (so-called waste paper) is generated.

  Although it is not a technique of performing cutting or post-processing after forming an image, a technique for suppressing the generation of waste paper is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873, an image forming section for forming an image on a recording material, and an image forming section. A control unit that controls the image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit obtains a state of the image based on a reading result of the image of the recording material, a function of outputting a predetermined image to the recording material in association with adjustment of image formation. , And a batch adjustment function for batch adjustment of a plurality of adjustment items related to image formation. During batch adjustment, an image for adjustment item confirmation is output to a recording material as a predetermined image, and batch adjustment is performed. The adjustment items to be performed are set, and further, as a predetermined image, an image for adjustment related to the set adjustment items is output to a recording material, and image information is acquired based on a reading result of the image of the recording material, and the acquired image information is acquired. Image information Based on, an image forming apparatus that performs batch control is disclosed by set adjustment item.

JP-A-2017-208885

  As described above, if the entire printed matter is re-created when performing recovery, useless paper is generated. For example, when a jam is detected during post-processing, if the entire printed matter is re-created, the paper before the paper in which the jam is detected is wasted. In addition, when an abnormality is detected in a sheet at a later stage after cutting, if recovery is performed on a sheet before cutting (a sheet on which images of a plurality of pages are laid out), the preceding sheet after cutting is wasted.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing generation of useless paper in recovery in a case where an abnormality of a paper after cutting is detected. , A recovery control program and a recovery control method.

  One aspect of the present invention is a layout unit that lays out a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, an image forming unit that forms the laid out images of the plurality of pages on the output sheet, and the output sheet on a page basis. In the image forming apparatus provided with a cutting unit for cutting, when an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected, a recovery control unit that determines a sheet to be recovered and specifies a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target is provided. The layout unit may re-layout an image of a page specified as the recovery target on the output sheet.

  One aspect of the present invention is a recovery control program that operates on an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms a plurality of pages of images on output paper, and a cutting unit that cuts the output paper in page units. In the image forming apparatus, a first layout process for laying out the image of the plurality of pages on the output sheet is performed. When an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected, a sheet to be recovered is determined, and the sheet formed on the sheet is determined. A recovery process for specifying a page as a recovery target and a second layout process for laying out an image of the page specified as the recovery target on the output sheet are executed.

  One aspect of the present invention is a recovery control method in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a cutting unit, wherein a first layout process of laying out images of a plurality of pages on an output sheet; An image forming process for forming the images of the plurality of pages laid out on the output sheet; a cutting process for cutting the output sheet in page units; and a case where an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected. A recovery process of determining a sheet to be recovered and specifying a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target; and a second layout process of re-laying out an image of the page specified as the recovery target on the output paper. , Is performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the image forming apparatus, the recovery control program, and the recovery control method of this invention, generation | occurrence | production of useless paper can be suppressed in the recovery when the abnormality of the paper after cutting is detected.

  The reason is an image including a layout unit that lays out a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, an image forming unit that forms a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, and a cutting unit that cuts the output sheet in page units. In the forming apparatus, when an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected, a recovery control unit that determines a sheet to be recovered and identifies a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target is provided. This is because control is performed to re-layout the image of the page specified as the recovery target.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs during creation of a printed material. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case of recovering from the jam in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs during creation of a printed material. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case of recovering from the jam in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an example of a setting screen displayed on the image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional printed matter production method using an image forming apparatus, a cutting machine, and a post-processing machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs during creation of a printed material. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case of recovering from a jam.

  As shown in the background art, when image formation, cutting, and post-processing are performed consecutively as necessary, inspection after cutting detects abnormalities in image density and position, and paper jams during post-processing. When an abnormality such as (jam) is detected, recovery is performed. At this time, if the entire printed matter is re-created, useless paper is generated. For example, when a jam is detected during post-processing, if the entire printed matter is re-created, the paper before the paper in which the jam is detected is wasted. In addition, when an abnormality is detected in a sheet at a later stage after cutting, if recovery is performed on a sheet before cutting (a sheet on which images of a plurality of pages are laid out), the preceding sheet after cutting is wasted.

  Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 13A, when a job for outputting two copies of three pages of an A4 document (P1 to P3) is performed, as shown in FIG. Then, the page is laid out to form an image, and as shown in FIG. 13C, the sheet is cut to A4 size by a cutting machine, and then staple output by a post-processing machine as shown in FIG. 13D. In this case, the fourth and eighth blank sheets after the cutting are discharged to the purge tray, and two copies of a stapled document of P1 to P3 are created.

  When such processing is performed, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, when an abnormality is detected in a subsequent A4 sheet (P2 of the first copy) after cutting the first A3 sheet. (For example, when a jam is detected at P2 during the post-processing by the post-processing device), the recovery is performed after removing the sheets of the first copy after P2. For example, if the image formation and cutting of the third A3 sheet (P1 and P2 of the second copy) are completed when the abnormality of the first copy P2 occurs, P2, P3, and 2 copies of the first copy After the sheets P1 and P2 are removed, recovery is performed.

  In this recovery, as shown in FIG. 15A, three pages of A4 document (hatched pages are indicated as recovered pages) are laid out in 2 in 1 on four A3 sheets, and an image is formed. As shown in FIG. 15 (b), after cutting to A4 size by the cutting machine, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), staple output is performed by the post-processing machine, but P1 of the first copy (white “P1”) Remains in the post-processing machine, and the P1 of the first copy at the time of recovery is not required, and is output to the purge tray at the time of cutting by the cutting machine, and wasteful paper is generated.

  Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when processing a job in which image formation, cutting, and post-processing are continuously performed as necessary, when recovering an abnormality in a sheet after cutting, Perform a relayout so that available pages are not recovered.

  Specifically, a layout unit that lays out a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, an image forming unit that forms a plurality of pages of images on an output sheet, and a cutting unit that cuts the output sheet in page units are provided. The image forming apparatus is provided with a recovery control unit for determining a sheet to be recovered when the abnormality of the cut sheet is detected, and specifying a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target, and a layout unit for outputting the output sheet. Then, the image of the page specified as the recovery target is laid out again. For example, if the recovery control unit detects an abnormality in a succeeding paper sheet out of a plurality of paper sheets whose output paper has been cut, the recovery control unit excludes pages formed on the preceding paper sheet from the recovery target, or causes the post-processing unit to jam. If the error occurs, the pages formed on the paper after the jammed paper are targeted for recovery, and the reusable pages remaining on the post-processing unit among the pages formed on the paper after the jammed paper The page is excluded from the recovery target, or when an abnormality in the density and / or position of the image of the page formed on the cut sheet is detected, the page is added to the recovery target.

  By performing such control, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of useless paper in the recovery when an abnormality of the paper after cutting is detected.

  An image forming apparatus, a recovery control program, and a recovery control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. I do. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs when a printed material is created. FIG. 7 illustrates recovery from the jam. It is a schematic diagram explaining a case.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a client terminal 20, an image forming apparatus 30, and the like. These are connected via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) defined by standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface). . In FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes the client terminal 20 and the image forming apparatus 30. However, a controller is connected to a communication network, and the controller and the image forming apparatus 30 are connected to a LAN, a WAN, or a PCI (Peripheral). The connection may be made by a dedicated line such as a Component Interconnect connection. Hereinafter, each device will be described on the premise of the configuration of FIG.

[Client terminal]
The client terminal 20 is a computer device such as a personal computer, and transmits a job to the image forming device 30. As shown in FIG. 2A, the client terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a network I / F unit 23, a display unit 24, an operation unit 25, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21a and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21b and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 21c. The CPU 21a is a control program stored in the ROM 21b and the storage unit 22. Is loaded on the RAM 21c and executed, thereby controlling the operation of the entire client terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 21 (CPU 21a) executes an OS (Operating System) 26, an application 27, a printer driver 28, and the like.

  The OS 26 is Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), or the like, and enables the client terminal 20 to operate the application 27, the printer driver 28, and the like.

  The application 27 is, for example, software for creating a document. The application 27 reads out the printer driver 28 when instructing printing, and transfers document data created by the application 27 to the printer driver 28.

  The printer driver 28 converts the document data created by the application 27 into a page description language such as a job (PJL (Printer Job Language), PS (PostScript), or PCL (Printer Control Language) in a language that can be interpreted by the image forming apparatus 30. The job is converted into the described PDL (Page Description Language) data or PDF (Portable Document Format) data, and the job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 30. At this time, the printer driver 28 displays the print setting screen on the display unit 24, and sets the setting information (the document size, the number of documents, the output paper size, the number of print copies, the paper division mode in this embodiment) set on the print setting screen. , Layout conditions, cutting conditions, post-processing conditions, etc.) are described in a print ticket or the like and added to the job.

  The storage unit 22 includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like, and stores a program for the CPU 21a to control each unit, document data, a job, and the like.

  The network I / F unit 23 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, connects the client terminal 20 to a communication network, and sends a job (a job for instructing printing of a plurality of copies or a plurality of jobs) to the image forming apparatus 30. ).

  The display unit 24 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and the like, and displays a document creation screen of the application 27, a print setting screen of the printer driver 28, and the like.

  The operation unit 25 includes a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and enables operations such as creation of a document using the application 27 and print settings using the printer driver 28.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 30 is, for example, an MFP that processes a job received from the client terminal 20. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 30 has functions of a cutting machine and a post-processing machine. As shown in FIG. 4A, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a network I / F unit 33, a display operation unit 34, an image processing unit 35, an image reading unit 36, and a printing unit 37. , A cutting section 38, a post-processing section 39, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU 31a and memories such as a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c. The CPU 31a loads a control program (including a recovery control program described later) stored in the ROM 31b and the storage unit 32 into the RAM 31c and executes the program. Thereby, the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 30 is controlled.

  The storage unit 32 is configured by an HDD, an SSD, or the like, and has a program for the CPU 31a to control each unit, information on a processing function of the own device, a job received from the client terminal 20, image data generated by the image processing unit 35, The layout unit 41 stores image data in which images of a plurality of pages are laid out.

  The network I / F unit 33 includes an NIC, a modem, and the like, connects the image forming apparatus 30 to a communication network, and receives a job (a job for instructing printing of a plurality of copies or a plurality of jobs) from the client terminal 20.

  The display operation unit 34 is, for example, a touch panel provided with a pressure-sensitive or capacitance-type operation unit (touch sensor) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid on the display unit, and includes various screens (particularly, a setting screen described later). ) Is displayed, and various operations (especially, an operation of selecting whether or not to change the layout on a setting screen described later) are enabled. Here, the display operation unit 34 is a touch panel in which the display unit and the operation unit are integrated, but the display unit and the operation unit may be separate devices.

  The image processing unit 35 functions as a RIP (Raster Image Processor), generates intermediate data (display list (DL: Display List) as an intermediate language) from a job, rasterizes each page of the document, and generates a bitmap format image. Generate image data. Further, the image processing unit 35 performs screen processing, gradation correction, density balance adjustment, thinning, halftone processing, and the like on the image data as necessary. Then, the image processing unit 35 outputs the generated image data to the printing unit 37 and a layout unit 41 described later.

  The image reading unit 36 is a unit that optically reads image data from a document placed on a document table. The image reading unit 36 includes a light source that scans the document and a CCD (Charge Coupled) that converts light reflected by the document into an electric signal. Devices) and an A / D converter for A / D converting an electric signal. Note that the image reading unit 36 is not essential.

  The printing unit 37 is a unit that performs a printing process on paper based on image data on which image processing has been performed by the image processing unit 35 and image data on which a layout unit 41 lays out images of a plurality of pages. 37a, an image forming unit 37b, and the like. The paper feed tray 37a supplies output paper to the image forming unit 37b. The image forming unit 37b irradiates the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device with light corresponding to the image from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, attaches the charged toner to the developing device, and develops the image. The primary transfer of the toner image to the transfer belt, the secondary transfer from the transfer belt to the output paper, and the fixing device fixing the toner image on the output paper are performed.

  The cutting unit 38 is a unit that cuts the output paper on which the image is formed by the printing unit 37 in page units, and includes a reversing mechanism 38a, a cutting mechanism 38b, a purge tray 38c, an inspection unit 38d, and the like. The reversing mechanism 38a reverses the output sheet. The cutting mechanism 38b performs a cutting process on the output sheet. The purge tray 38c discharges the sheets not used by the post-processing unit 39 among the cut sheets. The inspection unit 38d reads the cut sheet with an image sensor such as a CCD, and checks whether the density and position of the image formed on the sheet are normal.

  The post-processing unit 39 is a unit that performs post-processing such as punching and stapling as needed on the paper cut by the cutting unit 38. The post-processing unit 39a, the PI (Post Insertor) tray 39b, A paper discharge tray 39c, a sub paper discharge tray 39d, and the like are provided. The post-processing mechanism 39a performs post-processing such as stapling and punching. The PI tray 39b inserts PI paper. The main discharge tray 39c and the sub discharge tray 39d discharge the post-processed sheets.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control section 31 functions as a job analysis section 40, a layout section 41, a recovery control section 42, and the like.

  The job analysis unit 40 acquires and analyzes a job or a plurality of jobs instructing printing of one or a plurality of copies from the client terminal 20 or the like. Then, the print setting information is acquired from the job and notified to the layout unit 41.

  The layout unit 41 generates image data by laying out (imposing) images of a plurality of pages (images based on the image data obtained from the image processing unit 35) on each output sheet in accordance with the print setting information. The data is output to the printing unit 37. Further, when a re-layout is instructed from the recovery control unit 42, the layout unit 41 re-lays out the image of the page specified by the recovery control unit to generate image data, and prints the generated image data to the printing unit. 37. The plurality of pages may be a plurality of pages in one copy of one job, a plurality of copies of one job, or a plurality of pages spanning a plurality of jobs.

  The recovery control unit 42 determines whether an abnormality in the density or position of the image is detected in the inspection after cutting, or whether an abnormality such as a paper jam (jam) is detected during post-processing. In order to prevent duplicated output of normally output pages, determine the paper to be recovered (determine which paper to recover), and identify the pages formed on the paper as the recovery target Then, it instructs the layout unit 41, the printing unit 37, the cutting unit 38, and if necessary, the recovery to the post-processing unit 39. For example, when an abnormality is detected in a subsequent sheet of a plurality of sheets obtained by cutting a sheet on which an image has been formed, a page formed on a preceding sheet is excluded from recovery targets. When a jam occurs in the post-processing unit 39, pages formed on sheets after the sheet where the jam has occurred are set as recovery targets. Further, when an abnormality in the density and / or position of the page image formed on the cut sheet is detected, the page is added to the recovery target. Then, the recovery control unit 42 notifies the layout unit 41 of the page specified as the recovery target, and instructs the layout unit 41 to re-layout.

  The job analysis unit 40, the layout unit 41, and the recovery control unit 42 may be configured as hardware, or the control unit 31 may include the job analysis unit 40, the layout unit 41, and the recovery control unit 42 (in particular, the layout unit 41, The recovery control program may be configured to function as the recovery control unit 42), and the CPU 31a may execute the recovery control program.

  FIGS. 1 to 4 show an example of the printing system 10 of the present embodiment, and the configuration and control thereof can be changed as appropriate. For example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image forming apparatus 30 is provided with a function of a post-processing device, but the post-processing device may be another device. In FIG. 4, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 is configured to function as the job analysis unit 40, the layout unit 41, and the recovery control unit 42 (the CPU 31a executes the recovery control program). When a RIP controller is provided, the control unit of the RIP controller is made to function as a job analysis unit, a layout unit, and a recovery control unit (particularly, a layout unit and a recovery control unit). Configuration). In this embodiment, the job is received from the client terminal 20. However, the job may be received from a server or the like, or the job may be obtained from a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. In that case, the client terminal 20 can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 of the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 31a executes the recovery control program stored in the ROM 31b or the storage unit 32 in the RAM 31c and executes the recovery control program to execute the processing of each step illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.

  The control unit 31 (job analysis unit 40) receives a job (one job or a plurality of jobs for instructing printing of one or a plurality of copies) from the client terminal 20 or the like (S101), and designates a sheet division mode in the job. (That is, whether to perform layout of a plurality of pages and perform cutting in page units) (S102). If the paper division mode is specified (Yes in S102), the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) implements a layout of a plurality of pages for all pages of the job (S103). For example, in the case of two sheets of two sheets (2 in 1), an image of two pages is laid out on each sheet. Then, the printing unit 37 prints the laid-out image of a plurality of pages on the sheet specified by the job, and the cutting unit 38 cuts the sheet in page units when the layout of the image of the plurality of pages is implemented. Thereafter, the data is output to the post-processing unit 39 (S104).

  Next, the control unit 31 (recovery control unit 42) detects whether an abnormality has been detected (an abnormality of the image density or position is detected by the inspection by the inspection unit 38d of the cutting unit 38, or a paper jam is detected by the post-processing unit 39). Is determined (S105), and if an abnormality is detected (Yes in S105), recovery from a page printed on paper after cutting (hereinafter referred to as a subsequent page) is performed. Is required (that is, whether an abnormality has been detected in a subsequent sheet) (S106). If no abnormality is detected (No in S105), or if it is not determined that recovery from the subsequent page is necessary (No in S106), the process proceeds to S108, and it is determined that recovery from the subsequent page is necessary. In this case (Yes in S106), the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) re-examines all pages subsequent to the succeeding page, excluding the page printed on the cut previous sheet (referred to as the preceding page). The layout is performed (S107).

  Thereafter, the control unit 31 determines whether or not all of the sheets have been discharged (S108). If there is a sheet that has not been discharged (No in S108), the process returns to S104, and the same processing is performed for that sheet. Repeat the process. When the discharge of all the sheets is completed (Yes in S108), a series of processing ends.

  6 and 7 are specific examples of the above-described control. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs at the time of creating a printed material, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam is recovered. is there. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when performing a job of outputting two copies of three pages of an A4 document (P1 to P3), as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6C, the cutting unit 38 cuts A3 paper into A4 size and sends paper other than blank paper to the post-processing unit 39 to form a 2-in-1 page on a sheet. As shown in FIG. 6D, the post-processing unit 39 performs post-processing such as stapling on paper other than blank paper. At this time, an abnormality (jam) is detected in P2 of the first copy (Yes in S105), and when it is determined that recovery from the subsequent page is necessary (Yes in S106), the sheet on which the abnormality is detected (here, the first sheet) (S107), the preceding page (here, P1 of the first copy) of the A3 sheet is excluded, and the layout is implemented (S107).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the layout unit 41 implements a total of five pages of P2 and P3 for the first copy and P1 to P3 for the second copy, and the printing unit 37 P2 and P3 of the first copy are assigned to the first A3 sheet, P1 and P2 of the second copy are assigned to the second A3 sheet, and P3 and the blank sheet of the second copy are assigned to the third A3 sheet to form an image. I do. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cutting unit 38 cuts the A3 sheet into A4 size, and sends the first set P2 and P3, and the second set P1 to P3 to the post-processing unit 39. The second blank sheet is output to the purge tray. Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the post-processing unit 39 adds the recovered first copy P2 and P3 and the second copy P1 to P3 to the first copy P1 remaining in the machine. Post-processing such as stapling.

  As described above, when an abnormality in the density or position of an image is detected in the inspection after cutting, or when an abnormality such as a paper jam (jam) is detected in post-processing, a normally output page is duplicated. By preventing re-output, generation of useless paper can be suppressed.

  Next, an image forming apparatus, a recovery control program, and a recovery control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs during the creation of a printed material. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the jam is recovered. It is a schematic diagram explaining.

  In the above-described first embodiment, recovery is performed by removing all sheets after the sheet in which an error has occurred from the post-processing unit 39. However, when valid sheets remain in the post-processing unit 39, By excluding the page printed on the sheet from the target of the re-layout, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of useless sheets.

  In this case, the configuration of the printing system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the control unit 31 (recovery control unit 42) of the image forming apparatus 30 determines the number of pages formed on the paper after the paper on which the jam has occurred. The reusable pages remaining in the post-processing unit 39 are excluded from recovery targets. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a valid sheet (a sheet after the sheet in which the abnormality is detected and which can be used for producing a printed material) in the post-processing unit 39. Add the page printed on the valid sheet to the imposition exclusion page. In addition, when there is an imposition exclusion page, the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) excludes the imposition exclusion page and performs the relayout.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 having the above configuration will be described. The CPU 31a executes the processing of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 by expanding the recovery control program stored in the ROM 31b or the storage unit 32 into the RAM 31c and executing the program.

  As in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the control unit 31 (job analysis unit 40) receives a job from the client terminal 20 or the like (S201), and determines whether a sheet division mode is specified in the job (S202). If the paper division mode is specified (Yes in S202), the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) performs a layout of a plurality of pages on all pages of the job (S203). The printing unit 37 prints the laid-out image of a plurality of pages on the sheet specified by the job, and the cutting unit 38 cuts the sheet in page units when the laying-out of the image of the plurality of pages is performed. Thereafter, the data is output to the post-processing unit 39 (S204).

  Next, the control unit 31 (recovery control unit 42) detects whether an abnormality has been detected (an abnormality of the image density or position is detected by the inspection by the inspection unit 38d of the cutting unit 38, or a paper jam is detected by the post-processing unit 39). Is determined (S205), and if an abnormality is detected (Yes in S205), it is determined whether recovery from the succeeding page printed on the paper after the cutting is necessary. A determination is made (S206). When it is determined that the recovery from the succeeding page is necessary (Yes in S206), the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) excludes the preceding page printed on the cut preceding sheet and applies the processing to all the pages after the succeeding page. Then, a relayout is performed (S207).

  Next, the control unit 31 (the recovery control unit 42) determines whether there is a valid sheet inside the post-processing unit 39 (S208). If there is a valid sheet (Yes in S208), printing has been performed on the valid sheet. Is added to the imposition exclusion page (S209). Then, the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) determines whether there is an imposition exclusion page (S210). If there is an imposition exclusion page (Yes in S210), the control unit 31 excludes the imposition exclusion page and re-layouts. Is performed (S211).

  Thereafter, the control unit 31 determines whether or not all the sheets have been discharged (S212). If there is a sheet that has not been discharged (No in S212), the process returns to S204, and the same processing is performed for that sheet. Repeat the process. Then, when the discharge of all the sheets is completed (Yes in S212), a series of processing ends.

  9 and 10 are specific examples of the above-described control. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam occurs at the time of creating a printed material, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where a jam is recovered. is there. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when a job for outputting two copies of three pages of an A4 document (P1 to P3) is performed, as shown in FIG. The page is laid out in 2 in 1 on the sheet to form an image, and as shown in FIG. 9C, the cutting unit 38 cuts the A3 sheet into A4 size and sends sheets other than the blank sheet to the post-processing unit 39. As shown in FIG. 9D, the post-processing unit 39 performs post-processing such as stapling on paper other than blank paper. At this time, an abnormality (jam) is detected in P2 of the first copy (Yes in S205), and when it is determined that recovery from a subsequent page is necessary (Yes in S206), the sheet on which the abnormality is detected (here, the first sheet) (S207), the preceding page (here, P1 of the first copy) of the A3 sheet is excluded, and the layout is performed again (S207). Further, when valid sheets (here, P3 of the first copy, P1 and P2 of the second copy) remain in the post-processing unit 39 (Yes in S208), they are added to the imposition exclusion page (S208). (S209), the layout is executed without the imposition exclusion page (S211).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the layout unit 41 performs the re-layout of a total of two pages, P2 of the first copy and P3 of the second copy, and the printing unit 37 prints the A3 paper. Image formation is performed by allocating P2 of the first copy and P3 of the second copy. Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the cutting unit 38 cuts the A3 sheet into A4 size, and sends the first set P2 and the second set P3 to the post-processing unit 39. Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, the post-processing unit 39 adds the recovered first copy P2 behind the first copy P1 remaining in the machine and also remains in the machine. Post-processing such as stapling is performed by adding the recovered second copy P3 after the first copy P3 and the second copy P1 and P2.

  As described above, when there are valid sheets in the post-processing unit 39, those sheets are added to the imposition exclusion pages, and the layout is performed by excluding the imposition exclusion pages, thereby further suppressing the generation of useless paper. can do.

  Next, an image forming apparatus, a recovery control program, and a recovery control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an example of a setting screen displayed on the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the relayout is performed at the time of recovery when an abnormality is detected. However, the user can select whether to perform the relayout (change the layout).

  In this case, the configuration of the printing system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, when the control unit 31 (the recovery control unit 42) of the image forming apparatus 30 detects an abnormality of the cut sheet, a display operation is performed. A setting screen (for example, a setting screen 50 as shown in FIG. 12) for allowing the user to select whether or not to perform the image re-layout at the time of recovery is displayed on the unit 34, and "YES" is selected to change the layout at the time of recovery. In this case, the layout unit 41 is instructed to perform the re-layout, and when "NO" is selected, the layout unit 41 is controlled not to instruct the layout unit 41 to perform the layout.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 will be described. The CPU 31a expands the recovery control program stored in the ROM 31b or the storage unit 32 into the RAM 31c and executes the recovery control program to execute the processing of each step illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.

  As in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 8, the control unit 31 (job analysis unit 40) receives a job from the client terminal 20 or the like (S301), and determines whether a sheet division mode is specified in the job (S302). ). When the sheet division mode is designated (Yes in S302), the control unit 31 (layout unit 41) performs a layout of a plurality of pages on all pages of the job (S303). Then, the printing unit 37 prints the laid-out image of a plurality of pages on the sheet specified by the job, and the cutting unit 38 cuts the sheet in page units when the layout of the image of the plurality of pages is implemented. Thereafter, the data is output to the post-processing unit 39 (S304).

  Next, the control unit 31 (recovery control unit 42) detects whether an abnormality has been detected (an abnormality of the image density or position is detected by the inspection by the inspection unit 38d of the cutting unit 38, or a paper jam is detected by the post-processing unit 39). (S305) is determined (S305). If an abnormality is detected (Yes in S305), a setting screen 50 as shown in FIG. Then, the user is made to select whether or not to change the layout. If “Yes” to change the layout is selected (Yes in S306), the control unit 31 (the recovery control unit 42) determines whether it is necessary to recover from the succeeding page printed on the sheet after the cutting. (S307) If it is determined that recovery from the succeeding page is necessary (Yes in S307), the preceding page printed on the previous sheet that has been cut is excluded, and re-layout is performed on all pages subsequent to the succeeding page. (S308).

  Next, the control unit 31 (the recovery control unit 42) determines whether there is a valid sheet inside the post-processing unit 39 (S309). If there is a valid sheet (Yes in S309), printing has been performed on the valid sheet. Is added to the imposition exclusion page (S310). The control unit 31 (layout unit 41) determines whether there is an imposition exclusion page (S311). If there is an imposition exclusion page (Yes in S311), the control unit 31 excludes the imposition exclusion page and re-layouts. Is performed (S312).

  Thereafter, the control unit 31 determines whether or not all the sheets have been discharged (S313). If there is a sheet that has not been discharged (No in S313), the process returns to S304, and the same process is performed on that sheet. Repeat the process. When the discharge of all the sheets is completed (Yes in S313), a series of processing ends.

  In this way, by allowing the user to select whether or not to change the layout, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of useless paper.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the configuration and control of the image forming apparatus 30 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the case of 2in1 in which two images are laid out on one surface of one output sheet. However, the recovery control method of the present invention is similarly applied to 4in1, 6in1, 9in1 and the like. Can be applied to

  In the above embodiment, the case where the recovery control method of the present invention is applied to one job has been described. However, the recovery control method of the present invention can be similarly applied to a plurality of jobs.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 30 implements the recovery control method of the present invention has been described. However, a controller that controls the image forming apparatus 30 can also implement the recovery control method of the present invention.

  The present invention provides an image forming apparatus that lays out images of a plurality of pages on an output sheet, cuts and outputs the image in page units, a recovery control program that controls recovery when an abnormality is detected in the cut sheet, and the recovery control program. And a recovery control method.

Reference Signs List 10 printing system 20 client terminal 21 control unit 21a CPU
21b ROM
21c RAM
22 Storage Unit 23 Network I / F Unit 24 Display Unit 25 Operation Unit 26 OS
27 Application 28 Printer Driver 30 Image Forming Apparatus 31 Control Unit 31a CPU
31b ROM
31c RAM
32 storage unit 33 network I / F unit 34 display operation unit 35 image processing unit 36 image reading unit 37 printing unit 37a paper feed tray 37b image forming unit 38 cutting unit 38a inversion mechanism 38b cutting mechanism 38c purge tray 38d inspection unit 39 post-processing unit 39a Post-processing mechanism 39b PI tray 39c Main output tray 39d Sub-output tray 40 Job analysis unit 41 Layout unit 42 Recovery control unit 50 Setting screen

Claims (21)

A layout unit for laying out images of a plurality of pages on output paper;
An image forming unit that forms the laid-out images of the plurality of pages on the output sheet;
A cutting unit that cuts the output sheet in page units,
When detecting an abnormality of the cut sheet, the recovery control unit that determines a sheet to be recovered and specifies a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target,
The layout unit re-lays out the image of the page specified as the recovery target on the output sheet,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The recovery control unit, of the plurality of sheets obtained by cutting the output sheet, when detecting an abnormality in the subsequent sheet, the page formed on the preceding sheet is excluded from the recovery target,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the cut sheet,
The recovery control unit, when a jam occurs in the post-processing unit, a page formed on a sheet subsequent to the sheet in which the jam occurred is set as the recovery target,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery control unit, of the pages formed on the paper after the paper in which the jam occurred, the reusable pages remaining in the post-processing unit is excluded from the recovery target,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The recovery control unit, when detecting an abnormality in the density and / or position of the image of the page formed on the cut sheet, adds the page to the recovery target.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery control unit displays on the display unit a setting screen for selecting whether or not to perform the layout of the image at the time of recovery, and instructs the layout unit to perform the layout when the execution of the layout is selected. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The layout unit re-layouts images of a plurality of pages spanning a plurality of copies or a plurality of jobs,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An image forming unit that forms an image of a plurality of pages on an output sheet, and a cutting unit that cuts the output sheet in page units, a recovery control program that operates on an image forming apparatus including:
In the image forming apparatus,
First layout processing for laying out the images of the plurality of pages on the output sheet;
A recovery process for determining a sheet to be recovered and identifying a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target when an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected;
Causing the output paper to execute a second layout process of laying out an image of the page specified as the recovery target,
A recovery control program characterized by the following. In the recovery process, if an abnormality in a subsequent sheet is detected among a plurality of sheets obtained by cutting the output sheet, a page formed on a preceding sheet is excluded from the recovery target.
9. The recovery control program according to claim 8, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the cut sheet,
In the recovery process, when a jam occurs in the post-processing unit, pages formed on sheets after the sheet where the jam has occurred are set as the recovery target.
The recovery control program according to claim 8, wherein: In the recovery process, reusable pages remaining in the post-processing unit among pages formed on sheets after the sheet where the jam has occurred are excluded from the recovery target.
11. The recovery control program according to claim 10, wherein: In the recovery processing, when an abnormality in the density and / or position of the image of the page formed on the cut sheet is detected, the page is added to the recovery target.
The recovery control program according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: In the recovery process, a setting screen for selecting whether or not to perform the image re-layout at the time of recovery is displayed on the display unit,
In the second layout processing, when the execution of the relayout is selected on the setting screen, the relayout is performed.
The recovery control program according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: In the second layout process, the images of a plurality of pages over a plurality of sets or a plurality of jobs are laid out again.
The recovery control program according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: A recovery control method in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit and a cutting unit,
First layout processing for laying out images of a plurality of pages on output paper;
An image forming process in which the image forming unit forms the images of the plurality of pages laid out on the output sheet;
A cutting process in which the cutting unit cuts the output sheet in page units;
A recovery process for determining a sheet to be recovered when an abnormality of the cut sheet is detected, and identifying a page formed on the sheet as a recovery target;
Performing a second layout process of re-laying out the image of the page specified as the recovery target on the output sheet.
A recovery control method characterized in that: In the recovery process, if an abnormality in a subsequent sheet is detected among a plurality of sheets obtained by cutting the output sheet, a page formed on a preceding sheet is excluded from the recovery target.
The recovery control method according to claim 15, wherein: The image forming apparatus includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the cut sheet,
In the recovery process, when a jam occurs in the post-processing unit, pages formed on sheets after the sheet where the jam has occurred are set as the recovery target.
17. The recovery control method according to claim 15, wherein: In the recovery process, reusable pages remaining in the post-processing unit among pages formed on paper after the paper in which the jam has occurred are excluded from the recovery target.
18. The recovery control method according to claim 17, wherein: In the recovery processing, when an abnormality in the density and / or position of the image of the page formed on the cut sheet is detected, the page is added to the recovery target.
The recovery control method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: In the recovery process, a setting screen for selecting whether or not to perform the image re-layout at the time of recovery is displayed on the display unit,
In the second layout processing, when the execution of the relayout is selected on the setting screen, the relayout is performed.
The recovery control method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein: In the second layout process, the images of a plurality of pages over a plurality of sets or a plurality of jobs are laid out again.
21. The recovery control method according to claim 15, wherein:

Images