JP2020088681A - Image formation apparatus, control method therefor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To correctly cause the simultaneous operation of both scanner processing and printer processing with an improved throughput to obtain normal processing results thereof.SOLUTION: In an image formation apparatus 101, if the scan setting processing competes with the print setting processing, a CPU 102 controls to perform processing with priority given to either the scan setting processing or the print setting processing, based on priority which is determined in advance according to whether scan setting processing is being executed for how many number of manuscript sheets (SC) and priority which is determined in advance according to whether print setting processing is being executed for how many number of sheets (PC) (S1202-S1204). For example, if the scan setting processing for the second sheet or subsequent thereto competes with the print setting processing for the first sheet, priority is given to the scan setting processing for the second sheet and after. If the scan setting processing for the second sheet and subsequent thereto competes with the print setting processing for the second sheet, priority is given to the print setting processing for the second sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

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

In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions such as a copying machine, a printer, and a scanner, the scanner and the printer may be operated in parallel for different jobs. In such a case, mutual processing may be affected. For example, the hardware capacity of the image bus for transferring the image data may be exceeded, and the image data may be damaged, the transfer speed may be deteriorated, or communication may be impossible.
Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for solving the above-described problem by preferentially performing an image transfer operation with a high degree of urgency while preventing the hardware-like allowable amount of the image bus from being exceeded.

JP, 2005-66979, A

However, even if the problem of the hardware allowance of the image bus is solved as in Patent Document 1, in the image forming apparatus as described above, the processing result is affected when the scan and print processes are performed at the same time. There were cases. The details will be described below.

In the scan processing, it is desirable to improve the throughput by shortening the time interval from the completion of the scan of the previous document to the start of the scan of the next document as much as possible. On the other hand, if the time interval is set too short, the setting process to be executed between the originals may not be in time, and the image as a result of scanning (hereinafter, “scanned image”) may be an abnormal image.
Further, in the print processing, it is desired to shorten the time interval from the completion of printing of the previous sheet to the start of printing processing of the next sheet as much as possible to improve throughput. However, if the time interval is set too short, the setting process to be executed between the sheets may not be in time, and the output product (hereinafter “print image”) as a result of printing may become an abnormal image.
When such a scan process and a print process are performed at the same time, there is a problem that the above-described abnormal image becomes more prominent.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism capable of correctly operating both processes and obtaining a normal process result while improving throughput even when a scanner process and a printer process are performed in parallel. It is what

The present invention relates to a reading unit that performs a scan process of reading image data from a document, an image forming unit that performs a print process of forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a control that controls the scan process and the print process. When the first setting process for performing the read setting of the scan process and the second setting process for performing the print setting of the print process compete with each other, the number of sheets of the first setting process is Predetermined priority depending on the setting process corresponding to the reading of the original of the eye, and predetermined according to the setting process corresponding to the print of which sheet the second setting process corresponds to. It is characterized in that it is controlled so that the first setting process or the second setting process is prioritized based on the priority.

According to the present invention, even when the scanner process and the printer process are performed in parallel, both processes can be operated properly and a normal process result can be obtained while improving the throughput.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of an operation of scanning the first original in the copy process. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of an operation of scanning the first and second originals in the copy process. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a print operation for the first sheet of copy processing. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a print operation for the first and second sheets of copy processing. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the processing of the second scan sheet and the processing of the first print sheet of the first embodiment conflict with each other and the processing of the first print sheet is prioritized. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram when the processing of the second scan sheet and the processing of the first print sheet of the first embodiment compete with each other and the processing of the second scan sheet is prioritized. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram in the case where the setting process of the sixth scan sheet and the setting process of the second print sheet of the first embodiment conflict with each other and the setting process of the sixth scan sheet is prioritized. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram in the case where the setting process of the sixth scan sheet and the setting process of the second print sheet of the first embodiment conflict with each other, and the setting process of the second print sheet is prioritized. The figure which shows the setting of the priority of the setting process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the process in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a process of scanning and saving a document. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a process of printing the stored image data. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of an operation in the case where the setting process of the first sheet for scanning and saving conflicts with the setting process of the second sheet for printing the saved data, and the setting process for the first sheet of scanning is prioritized. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of an operation in the case where the setting process of the first sheet of scanning and saving conflicts with the setting process of the second sheet of printing the saved data, and the setting process of the second sheet of printing is prioritized. The figure which shows the setting of the priority of the setting process in 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a scan sequence in the case of scanning and saving according to the priority according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a print sequence when printing data stored in an auxiliary storage device according to the priority in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of the features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solving means of the present invention. .. Further, in principle, the same reference numerals are added to the same constituent elements and the description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, even when the scanner and printer processes such as the copy process are performed at the same time, both the scanner process and the printer process operate correctly, neither the scanned image nor the printed image becomes an abnormal image, and the throughput is improved. Explain possible mechanisms.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 101 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter “CPU”) 102, an operation display device 103, a scanning semiconductor integrated circuit (hereinafter “scanning ASIC”) 104, a scanner 105, and a document feeding device 106. Have. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a memory 107, an auxiliary storage device 108, a print semiconductor integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as “print ASIC”) 109, a printer 110, and a paper feeding device 111. The respective units 102 to 111 are connected by an internal bus 112.

The CPU 102 executes programs loaded in the memory 107 and controls various devices.
The memory 107 is a place where a program executed by the CPU 102 is expanded, and can also hold data used by the program.
The auxiliary storage device 108 is composed of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and stores the scanned image. The auxiliary storage device 108 also holds an application program executed by the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 102 develops such an application program in the memory 107 and executes it.

The operation display device 103 includes a touch panel display and hard keys, displays information to the user, and accepts key input from the user.

The scanner 105 irradiates a document with a light source, and forms a reflected image on a solid-state image sensor with a lens. A solid-state image sensor (hereinafter also referred to as a “scan reading sensor”) generates an image reading signal having a predetermined resolution (for example, 600 dpi) and a predetermined density level (for example, 8 bits), and a scan image including raster data from the image reading signal. Make up.

The document feeder 106 conveys a document to the scanner 105. Further, the document feeding device 106 detects the arrival of each of the second and subsequent documents at a standby position before the reading position of the scanner 105 when performing continuous scanning of a plurality of documents by using a position sensor (not shown). (Shown). By using this sensor, the next original can be conveyed to the standby position while the previous original is being scanned. As a result, the next original can be conveyed to the scanner 105 immediately after the scanning of the previous original is completed, so that the throughput can be improved.

The scanning ASIC 104 controls the scanner 105 and the document feeding device 106 according to the value set by the CPU 102. The scanning ASIC 104 controls using the resolution and density level parameters of the scanner 105 and drive parameters of a motor (not shown) mounted in the document feeding device 106.

The printer 110 prints the scanned image developed on the memory 107 on paper.
The sheet feeding device 111 continuously conveys a plurality of sheets to the printer 110.

The print ASIC 109 controls the printer 110 and the paper feeding device 111 according to the value set by the CPU 102. The print ASIC 109 controls using image processing parameters such as thin line processing and edge processing performed at the time of printing, and drive parameters of a motor (not shown) mounted in the paper feeding device 111.

The CPU 102 can execute the scan process and the print process in synchronization with each other, such as a copy process in which image data read from a document by the scan process is image-formed on a sheet by the print process, or independently and asynchronously. is there.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the outer appearance of the image forming apparatus 101, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 105 is arranged above the printer 110, but the invention is not limited to this.

The copy process of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described below with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. The program for performing the copy process is stored in the auxiliary storage device 108, read into the memory 107, and executed by the CPU 102 to function.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of scanning the first original document to be copied. In this figure, when scanning the first sheet of the document, the time for transporting the sheet (hereinafter referred to as “first sheet scan sheet transport time”) and the usage time of the CPU 102 that makes various settings in the scanning ASIC 104 (hereinafter referred to as “1 sheet The eye scan setting time") is specifically explained.
In addition, in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4 to 10 and FIGS. 13 to 16 described later, the user, the operation display device 103, the CPU 102, the scanning ASIC 104, the document feeding device 106, the scanner 105, and the auxiliary storage device 108 are vertically downward. The broken line extending to indicates the time axis. Note that time elapses from top to bottom.
Further, a vertical thick line overlaid on the time axis represents a process executed by a portion corresponding to the time axis and a period in which the process is executed. Further, the reference numeral of the lead line extending from the vertical thick line indicates the step number of the process corresponding to the thick line.
In addition, the horizontal arrow indicates the process from the starting point to the ending point of the arrow, and the timing intersecting the time axis indicates the timing at which the processing is executed. Further, the reference numeral indicated by the lead line extending from the horizontal arrow indicates the step number of the process corresponding to the arrow.
Further, the broken line in the horizontal direction indicates the timing.
A vertical bidirectional arrow connecting the two horizontal broken lines represents the time between the timings indicated by the two horizontal broken lines.

The user places N documents on the document feeder 106 (S301). Here, in order to make the description easy to understand, the case where N=1 and the number of originals is one will be described.
The user presses the copy start key (not shown) of the operation display device 103 (S302). Upon detecting this operation, the operation display device 103 transmits a copy instruction to the CPU 102 (S303).

Upon receiving the copy instruction, the CPU 102 starts various settings in the scan ASIC 104 (S304). S<b>305 represents all the processing executed by the CPU 102 for the scanning ASIC 104 corresponding to the first original. The time required for this processing (the period indicated by the thick line S305) is the "first sheet scan setting time".

It should be noted that items of various settings made to the scanning ASIC 104 include setting of the light amount of the light source, lighting timing setting, setting for driving a motor for paper conveyance, setting for shading, and dust detection. To do. Basically, it is necessary to set all items such as motor drive for the first document. Therefore, the first sheet scan setting time requires several tens [msec]. For example, the first scan setting time in this embodiment is 20 [msec]. When the number of originals is two or more (N≧2), only the difference needs to be set for the second and subsequent originals. Therefore, the scan settings for the second and subsequent sheets can be set in a relatively short time.
S306 represents the timing when all the setting processing of the scanning ASIC 104 for the first original is completed.

In step S307, the scanning ASIC 104 instructs the document feeding device 106 to start feeding the document to the scanner 105. In response to this instruction, the document feeding device 106 starts feeding the document to the scanner 105.

S308 represents a carrying process for carrying the first document from the document feeder 106 to the scanner 105. The time required for this carrying process (the period indicated by the thick line S308) represents the "first-scan-paper carrying time". Since the first original is conveyed from the original feeding device 106 to the scanner 105, the first scan paper conveyance time generally requires several hundreds [msec]. The first scan sheet conveyance time in this embodiment is, eg, 550 [msec].

When the original reaches the reading position of the scanner 105, the scanner 105 starts reading the original (S309). S310 represents the timing when the scanner 105 starts reading the document. It should be noted that if all the settings of the scanning ASIC 104 for the first original are not completed before reading the original (that is, if S310 is before S306), the original cannot be read correctly. However, it is general that the first-scan-paper transport time is about ten times longer than the first-sheet print setting time. Therefore, the first scan setting process can be set with a sufficient time margin.
S311 represents the time from the completion of all the setting processing of the scanning ASIC 104 for the first document to the start of reading the first document.

S312 represents a process in which the scanner 105 reads information from the first original and a period during which the process is executed. The time required for this reading process (the period indicated by the thick line S312) represents the reading time of the first original. The scanner 105 reads the information of the document (S312) and stores the read data in the auxiliary storage device 108 (S313).
When the reading of the document is completed, the scanner 105 transmits a scan completion signal to the scanning ASIC 104 (S314).
Upon receiving the scan completion signal, the scan ASIC 104 notifies the CPU 102 of scan completion (S315).

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of scanning the first and second originals that are the copy processing targets. In this figure, in particular, when two or more originals are continuously scanned, the paper conveyance time between papers (hereinafter referred to as “scan paper conveyance time”) and the use of the CPU 102 that performs various settings of the scanning ASIC 104. The time (hereinafter, “scan-paper interval setting time”) will be described. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The user places N documents on the document feeder 106 (S301). Here, N=2.
When the scan setting process (S306) for the first original is completed, the CPU 102 instructs the scanning ASIC 104 to start the conveyance of the second original (S401). In response to this, the scanning ASIC 104 instructs the document feeding device 106 to convey the second document (S402). In response to this instruction, the document feeding device 106 starts to convey the second document to the scanner 105.

S403 represents a process in which the document feeding device 106 conveys the second document to a standby position in front of the scanner 105 and a period during which the process is executed. Here, since the original document feeder 106 can simultaneously convey the next original document within a range that does not pass the previous original document, the first original document conveyance process (S308) and the second original document conveyance process are performed. There is a period in which (S403) is performed in parallel.

When the CPU 102 receives the notification of completion of scanning the first sheet (S315), the CPU 102 starts setting the ASIC 104 for scanning for the second original (S404).
S405 represents all the setting processing of the scanning ASIC 104 for the second document and the period during which the processing is executed. The time required for this processing (the period indicated by the thick line S405) is the "scan paper interval setting time". The scan interval setting time can be considered as the time from the completion of the scanning process of the previous document to the completion of all the setting processes of the scanning ASIC 104 for the next document. In this setting process, since only the setting difference between the first scan and the second scan needs to be set, the setting time is generally several [msec].
S406 represents the timing when all the setting processing of the scanning ASIC 104 for the second document is completed.

When the scan completion signal for the first sheet is sent to the scan ASIC 104 (S314), the scan ASIC 104 instructs the document feeder 106 to convey the second document (S407).
In step S<b>408, the document feeding device 106 conveys the second document, which was in the standby position before the reading position of the scanner 105, to the reading position of the scanner 105, and the period during which the process is executed. .. The time required for this carrying process (the period indicated by the thick line S408) is the "scan-paper carrying time".

When the document arrives at the reading position of the scanner 105, the scanner 105 starts reading the document (S409). S410 represents the timing to start reading the second document. Further, S411 represents the time from the completion of all the setting processing of the scanning ASIC 104 for the second document to the start of reading the second document.

If the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 (S405) for the second original is not completed before starting the reading of the second original, the second original cannot be read correctly. It will be gone. The details will be described below. For example, shading correction is performed between documents. The shading correction is to correct that the output level for each pixel is not uniform due to uneven sensitivity of each element of the scan reading sensor, uneven illuminance of the light source, and the like. The method will be described below. In the shading correction process, the light source is turned on at the timing when there is no document between the documents, the white member (not shown) installed at a predetermined position on the facing surface side of the scan reading sensor is read, and the reading level of each element is adjusted. get. Then, the amplification level is determined for each pixel so that the level becomes constant, and correction is performed.

If the shading correction processing is not finished between the originals (paper interval) and the shading correction processing is performed while the next original is conveyed, the original is read instead of the white member and the correction level is set. A situation occurs in which In this case, the correction value becomes an abnormal value, and the tint of the scanned image becomes abnormal. Therefore, in order to read the document correctly, it is necessary to complete the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 before the document arrives at the scanner 105.

It should be noted that the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 can be surely completed by carrying out the document transportation after completing all the settings of the scanning ASIC 104 or by setting the scanning sheet transportation time to be sufficiently long. However, whichever method is adopted, the throughput of the scanning process is reduced. In order to surely complete the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 while preventing a decrease in throughput, it is desirable that the scan inter-paper transport time (processing time of S408) be slightly longer than the scan paper interval setting time (processing time of S405). ..

In view of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, for example, the scan paper interval setting time (processing time of S405) is 6 [msec], and the scan paper interval conveying time (processing time of S408) is 10 [msec].
In FIG. 4, the scan start timing (S410) is after the scan setting completion timing (S406), as shown in S411, so the above situation does not occur, and the scan is performed correctly.

When the document arrives at the scanner 105, the scanner 105 reads the information of the document (S412) and stores the read information in the auxiliary storage device 108 (S413). The processing time at this time is 988 [msec].

When the reading of the document is completed, the scanner 105 transmits a scan completion signal to the scan ASIC 104 (S414).
When receiving the scan completion signal, the scan ASIC 104 notifies the CPU 102 of the scan completion (S415).

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the sequence for explaining the print operation of the first sheet of the copy processing, and is shown from the processing on and after S309 in FIG. Here, in particular, when printing the first sheet of the document, the time for transporting the paper (hereinafter “first sheet print paper transport time”) and the usage time of the CPU 102 that makes various settings in the print ASIC 109 (hereinafter “1 sheet "Eye print setting time"). In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

When the CPU 102 is notified of the read completion notification for the first scan (S315), the CPU 102 makes various settings in the print ASIC 109 (S501).
S502 represents all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 for the first print and the period during which the processing is executed. The time required for this processing (the period indicated by the thick line S502) is the "first sheet print setting time".

The items of various settings performed on the print ASIC 109 include settings for performing image processing such as thin line correction and edge processing, image data size, resolution, and motor drive for conveying paper. There are settings for. Basically, it is necessary to set all items for the first print. Therefore, the first sheet print setting time requires several tens [msec]. For example, the first sheet print setting time in this embodiment is 50 [msec]. For the second and subsequent prints, only the difference needs to be set. Therefore, the print settings for the second and subsequent sheets can be set in a relatively short time.
S 503 represents the timing when all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 corresponding to the first print is completed.

In step S<b>504, the print ASIC 109 transmits a sheet conveyance instruction to the sheet feeding device 111. In response to this instruction, the paper feeding device 111 starts conveying the paper to the printer 110.

S<b>505 represents a process of transporting the first sheet from the sheet feeding device 111 to the printer 110 and a period during which the process is executed. The time required for this carrying process (the period indicated by the thick line S505) represents the "first print paper carrying time". Since the first sheet of paper is transported from the paper feeding device 111 to the printer 110, the first print paper transportation time is about several seconds. The first print sheet conveyance time in this embodiment is, for example, 3 seconds.

When the paper arrives at the printer 110 (S506), the printer 110 starts printing. S507 represents the timing of starting the printing of the first sheet. If all the settings of the print ASIC 109 for the first print are not completed before printing (that is, if S507 is before S506), the image cannot be printed correctly and an abnormal image results. .. However, it is general that the time for conveying the first sheet of print paper is several ten times to several hundred times longer than the time for setting the first sheet of print. Therefore, the setting process of the first print ASIC 109 can be set with a sufficient time margin.
S508 represents the time from the completion of all the setting processing of the ASIC 109 for printing the first sheet to the start of printing the first sheet.

The printer 110 acquires the data stored in the first scan from the auxiliary storage device 108 (S510) and prints it. S509 represents a print process and a period during which the process is executed. The time required for the print processing (the period indicated by the thick line S509) is, for example, 2 seconds in this embodiment.
When the print processing is completed, the printer 110 transmits a print completion signal to the print ASIC 109 (S511).
Upon receiving the print completion signal, the print ASIC 109 notifies the CPU 102 of print completion (S512).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sequence of printing the first and second sheets of the copy process. Here, particularly when continuously printing two or more sheets, the paper conveyance time between papers (hereinafter referred to as “print paper conveyance time”) and the usage time of the CPU 102 that makes various settings in the print ASIC 109 (hereinafter referred to as “printed paper”). "Paper interval setting time") will be described. It should be noted that this drawing shows a case where the number N of document sheets placed is N=2. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals.

When the print setting process for the first sheet (S502) is completed, the CPU 102 sets a conveyance instruction for the second sheet to the print ASIC 109 (S601). In response to this conveyance instruction, the print ASIC 109 instructs the paper feeding device 111 to convey the second document (S602). In response to this instruction, the sheet feeding device 111 starts to convey the second sheet to the printer 110.

S603 represents a process in which the paper feeding device 111 conveys the second paper to a standby position immediately before the printer 110 and a period during which the process is executed. Here, since the sheet feeding device 111 can simultaneously convey the next original within a range that does not pass the previous sheet, the sheet conveying process for the first sheet (S505) and the sheet conveying process for the second sheet. There is a period in which (S603) is performed in parallel.

When the CPU 102 receives the notification of the completion of printing the first sheet (S512), it starts setting the print ASIC 109 for printing the second sheet (S604).
S605 represents all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet and the period during which the processing is executed. The time required for this processing (the period indicated by the thick line S605) is the "print paper interval setting time". The print paper interval setting time can be considered as the time from the completion of the print processing of the previous page to the completion of all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 for the next print. This setting process is generally about several [msec] to several tens [msec] because only the setting difference between the first and second sheets needs to be set.
S606 represents the timing when all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 for the second document is completed.

When a print completion signal is sent to the print ASIC 109 (S511), the print ASIC 109 instructs the paper feeding device 111 to convey the second sheet (S607).
In step S<b>608, the sheet feeding device 111 conveys the process of conveying the second sheet, which was in the standby position before printing, to the printer 110, and the period during which the process is executed. The time required for this carrying process (the period indicated by the thick line S608) is the "print paper carrying time".

When the paper arrives at the predetermined position of the printer 110, the printing process is started (S609). S610 represents the timing to start the print processing of the second sheet. S611 represents the time from the completion of all the setting processing of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet to the start of the second sheet print processing.
Note that if the setting process (S604) of the printing ASIC 109 for the second sheet is not completed before starting the second sheet printing process, the second sheet cannot be printed correctly. In order to print correctly, it is necessary to complete the setting of the print ASIC 109 (S606) before the paper arrives at the printer 110.

It should be noted that the setting of the print ASIC 109 is surely completed if the document is conveyed after all the settings of the print ASIC 109 are completed, or if the printer sheet conveyance time (the processing time of S608) is set sufficiently long. You can However, whichever method is adopted, the print throughput is reduced. In order to reliably complete the setting of the print ASIC 109 while preventing the decrease in throughput, it is necessary to make the print sheet conveyance time (the processing time of S608) slightly longer than the printer sheet interval setting time (the processing time of S605). desirable.

In view of the above circumstances, in the present embodiment, for example, the print paper interval setting time (the processing time of S605) is 3 [msec], and the print paper transfer time (the processing time of S608) is 8 [msec].
In FIG. 6, since the print start timing (S610) is after the print setting completion timing (S606) as shown in S611, the above situation does not occur, and the printing is performed correctly.

When the second sheet arrives at the printer 110, the printer 110 acquires the data stored in the second scan from the auxiliary storage device 108 (S613) and prints it (S612). The time required for the print processing for the second sheet (S612) is the same as that for the print processing for the first sheet (S509).

When printing is completed, the printer 110 transmits a print completion signal to the print ASIC 109 (S614).
Upon receiving the print completion signal, the print ASIC 109 notifies the CPU 102 of print completion (S615).

Hereinafter, a case where the scan processing of the second sheet and the print processing of the first sheet conflict with each other will be described.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the case where the processing of the second sheet of scanning conflicts with the processing of the first printing sheet and the processing of the first printing sheet is prioritized. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals.

When the scanning completion signal (S314) is sent to the scanning ASIC 104, the scanning ASIC 104 instructs the document feeding device 106 to convey the second document (S407). In response to this instruction, the document feeding device 106 conveys the second document at the standby position before the scanner 105 to the scanner 105 (S408). The transport time between scan sheets at this time is 10 [msec] as described above.

When the CPU 102 is notified of the completion of reading the first original (S315), the CPU 102 sets both the ASIC 109 for printing the first page and the ASIC 104 for scanning the second page. There is a need.
In FIG. 7, the setting process of the first page (print setting process) is prioritized over the setting process of the second page scan process (scan setting process). Therefore, after the setting process (S502) of the first print ASIC 109 is performed, the setting process (S405) of the second scan ASIC 104 is performed.

In this case, the first sheet print setting time is 50 [msec], and the scan sheet interval setting time is 6 [msec]. Therefore, when the total of 56 [msec] has elapsed from the first sheet print setting start, the second sheet scan The setting of the ASIC 104 is completed (timing S406). S701 represents the time from the start of print setting for the first sheet to the completion of scan setting for the second sheet.
However, at the time when the inter-scan-paper transport time 10 [msec] has elapsed, the second original reaches the scanner 105, and the reading of the original is started (S409).
In the operation shown in FIG. 7, since the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 is not completed at the timing (S410) when the document reading is started (S406), the document cannot be correctly read. That is, when the print process is prioritized over the scan process, and when the setting process of the first print page conflicts with the setting process of the second and subsequent pages of the scan, the setting process of the scan process is not in time, and the original is not read correctly. It becomes impossible.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of an operation in the case where the processing of the second sheet of scanning conflicts with the processing of the first sheet of printing and the processing of the second sheet of scanning is prioritized. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals.

As described above, when the CPU 102 is notified of the completion of reading the first original document (S315), the CPU 102 sets the print ASIC 109 for the first page and the scan ASIC 104 for the second page. Both need to be done.
In FIG. 8, the setting process of the scan process of the second page is prioritized over the setting process of the print process of the first page. Therefore, after the setting process (S405) of the second scan ASIC 104 is performed, the setting process (S502) of the first print ASIC 109 is performed.

In this case, the scanning process for the second sheet is the same as that in FIG. 4, and after the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 is completed (S406), the reading of the original document is started (S409), so that the operation is performed without any problem. Further, the processing of the first print sheet is similar to that shown in FIG. The processing for the third and subsequent scans is the same as the processing for the second scan.
Therefore, when the setting process for the second and subsequent sheets of scanning conflicts with the setting process for the first sheet of printing, if the setting process for the second and subsequent sheets of scanning is given priority over the setting process for the first sheet of printing. It can be seen that both processes work correctly without any problem.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the case where the setting process for the sixth sheet of scanning conflicts with the setting process for the second sheet of printing, and the setting process for the sixth sheet of scanning is prioritized. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 5 to 6 are designated by the same reference numerals. This figure shows a case where the number N of originals to be placed is N=6, and the description has been given from the scanning process of the fifth sheet onward.
Also, each processing S904, S905, S907, S908 of the sixth scan is the same as S404, S405, S407, S408 of the second scan, and only the number of pages to be processed has changed. Is omitted.

When the scan processing for the fifth sheet (S901) is completed, a scan completion signal is sent from the scanner 105 to the scan ASIC 104 (S902). In response to this, the scanning ASIC 104 notifies the CPU 102 of the completion of scanning (S903).
On the other hand, when the print processing of the first sheet (S509) is completed, the print completion signal is sent from the printer 110 to the print ASIC 109 (S511). In response to this, the print ASIC 109 notifies the CPU 102 of the completion of the print processing (S512).

At this time, the CPU 102 is notified of both the scan completion notification for the fifth sheet (S903) and the print completion notification for the first sheet (S512). Therefore, the CPU 102 needs to perform both the setting of the scan ASIC 104 for the sixth sheet (S904) and the setting of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet (S604) following these notifications.

In FIG. 9, the setting process for the sixth scan is prioritized over the setting process for the second print. For this reason, after the setting process of the scan ASIC 104 for the sixth sheet (S905) is performed, the setting process of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet (S605) is performed.
In this case, the sixth scan sheet interval setting time (processing time of S905) is 6 [msec], and the print sheet interval setting time (process of S605) is 3 [msec]. Therefore, when a total of 9 [msec] has elapsed from the start of the scan setting for the sixth sheet, the setting of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet is completed (S606).

However, when the inter-print-paper transport time 8 [msec] has elapsed, the second sheet reaches the printer 110, and the print process (S612) is started (S609). That is, the setting of the print ASIC 109 is completed 1 [msec] after the print processing start timing (S610). Therefore, since the setting of the printing ASIC 109 is not in time by the start timing of the printing process (S906), the printing cannot be performed properly and the output product becomes an abnormal image.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the case where the setting process for the sixth sheet of the scan conflicts with the setting process for the second print sheet and the setting process for the second print sheet is prioritized. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 5 to 9 are designated by the same reference numerals. This figure shows a case where the number N of originals to be placed is N=6, and the description has been given from the scanning process of the fifth sheet onward.
Further, the respective processings S1001, S1002, S1003, S1004, and S1005 of the sixth scanning are the same as those of S406, S409, S410, S411, and S412 of the second scanning, and only the number of processed pages is changed. The explanation is omitted because it is only possible.

Similar to FIG. 9, the CPU 102 is notified of the completion of the scanner of the fifth sheet in S903, and the notification of the completion of the printing of the first sheet in S512. Therefore, the CPU 102 needs to perform both the setting of the scan ASIC 104 for the sixth sheet (S904) and the setting of the print ASIC 109 for the second sheet (S604) following these notifications.

In FIG. 10, the setting process of the second print sheet is prioritized over the setting process of the sixth scan sheet. Therefore, after the setting of the ASIC 109 for printing the second print sheet (S604) is performed, the sixth scan sheet is scanned. The setting process (S904) of the ASIC 104 for use is executed.
In this case, the process for the second print is the same as that in FIG. 6, and the print process is started (S610) after the setting of the print ASIC 109 is completed as in S611 (S610). it can.

Further, the set time between the second print sheets is 3 [msec], and the set time between the sixth scan sheets is 6 [msec]. Therefore, when a total of 9 [msec] has elapsed from the start of print setting for the second sheet, the setting of the scan ASIC 104 for the sixth sheet is completed (S1001). On the other hand, when the inter-scan-paper transport time of 10 [msec] has elapsed, the sixth document reaches the scanner 105 (S1002), and the scanner process is started (S1003). Therefore, the scanner process is started (S1003) 1 [msec] after the timing (S1001) when the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 is completed, so that the correct scanning can be performed (S1004).

Here, the processing after the second scan and the processing for the sixth scan are the same, and the processing after the third print and the processing for the second print are the same. Therefore, in the case where the processing of the second and subsequent sheets of scanning conflicts with the processing of the second and subsequent sheets of printing, it can be understood that there is no problem if the processing of the second and subsequent sheets of printing is prioritized.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, in the present embodiment, the priority of the scan process setting process and the print process setting process is set in advance as shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the setting of the priorities of the setting process of the scan process and the setting process of the print process in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as the priority of the scan processing setting processing and the print processing setting processing, for example, the first priority (hereinafter, “highest priority”), the second priority, the third priority, and the fourth priority. Any of the priorities (hereinafter "lowest priority") can be set. Note that this is an example, and the priority is not limited to four levels, and may be three levels or five or more levels.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, the setting process of the first print ASIC 109 is processed by “lowest priority”, and the setting process of the second and subsequent print ASICs 109 is set by “highest priority”. It is set to process. Further, it is set that the setting process of the scan ASIC 104 for the second and subsequent sheets is processed by the “second priority”. In other words, the priority is determined in advance according to which original document is being processed in the scan processing being executed and which sheet being processed in the print processing being executed. Has been. Since the setting process of the first scan ASIC 104 does not conflict with the print process in the copy process of the present embodiment, any priority may be set (no priority is set). May be).

Here, the priority of the scan setting process and the print setting process is set in advance according to the length of each of the scan sheet interval setting time, the scan sheet interval transport time, the print sheet interval set time, and the print sheet interval transport time. The value changes. For example, when the sum of the set time between scan sheets and the set time between print sheets is larger than the transport time between scan sheets and smaller than the transport time between print sheets, the priority of the setting process of the second print is set to scan. It is necessary to lower the priority than the setting processing for the second sheet. Further, the priority may not be set in advance, and may be dynamically set from the lengths of the scan sheet interval setting time, the scan sheet interval conveying time, the print sheet interval setting time, and the print sheet interval conveying time. The method of determining the priority is not limited to these forms, and various modifications and changes are possible.
The CPU 102 controls to give priority to the scan setting process or the print setting process based on the above-described priority. Hereinafter, description will be made using a flowchart.

Next, a case where the copy process is performed according to the priority of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when the copy processing is performed according to the priority of FIG. The copy processing program according to this flowchart is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 into the memory 107 and executing the program.

The user places N originals on the original feeding device 106, and presses a copy star key (not shown) on the operation display device 103.
When the CPU 102 detects pressing of the copy start key via the operation display device 103 (S1201), it starts the copy process and advances the process to S1202.

In step S1202, the CPU 102 initializes the scan number counter SC that counts the number of scans and the print counter PC that counts the number of prints to 1, respectively.
Next, in step S1203, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in the print process to “minimum priority”.
Next, in step S1204, the CPU 102 gives an instruction to scan an original through the scanning ASIC 104 and gives an instruction to print the scanned image obtained from the scanner 105 to a sheet to the printing ASIC 109 to start a copy process.

Next, in step S1205, the CPU 102 determines whether a notification of completion of the SC-th scan processing is received from the scan ASIC 104. When the completion notification of the scan processing of the SC-th sheet is received from the scan ASIC 104 (Yes in S1205), the CPU 102 advances the processing to S1206.

In S1206, the CPU 102 determines whether or not all the originals have been scanned. If there is an original document that has not been scanned (No in S1206), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1207.
In S1207, the CPU 102 increments the scan number counter SC.
Next, in step S1208, the CPU 102 determines whether the number-of-scans counter SC is 2 or more. When the number-of-scans counter SC is less than 2 (No in S1207), the CPU 102 returns the processing to S1204.

On the other hand, when the number-of-scans counter SC is 2 or more (Yes in S1207), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1209.
In S1209, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in the scan process as “second priority”, and returns the process to S1204.

If the CPU 102 has already scanned all the originals in step S1206 (Yes in step S1206), the process proceeds to step S1210.
Further, in S1205, when the completion notification of the scan processing of the SCth sheet has not been received from the scan ASIC 104 (No in S1205), the CPU 102 advances the processing to S1210.

In S1210, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the completion notice of the print processing for the PC sheet has been received from the print ASIC 109. When the completion notification of the print processing of the PCth sheet has not been received from the print ASIC 109 (No in S1210), the CPU 102 returns the processing to S1204.

On the other hand, in S1210, when the CPU 102 has already received the completion notice of the print processing for the PC sheets from the print ASIC 109 (Yes in S1210), the CPU 102 advances the processing to S1211.
In S1211, the CPU 102 determines whether scanning and printing of all originals have been completed. When it is determined that there is a document that has not been scanned yet or that there is a document that has not been printed (No in S1211), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1212.

In S1212, the CPU 102 increments the print counter PC.
Next, in step S1213, the CPU 102 determines whether the print counter PC is 2 or more. When the print counter PC is less than 2 (No in S1213), the CPU 102 returns the processing to S1204.

On the other hand, when the print counter PC is 2 or more in S1213 (Yes in S1213), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1214.
In S1214, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in the print process as “highest priority”, and returns the process to S1204.

Further, in S1211, when scanning and printing of all the originals are completed (Yes in S1211), the CPU 102 ends the processing of this flowchart.

As described above, the setting process in the scan process and the setting process in the print process are given priority depending on whether they are the setting process of the number of sheets. As a result, the priority of the scan setting process and the print setting process can be set as shown in FIG. As a result, even if the throughput of scanning and printing is improved, both the scanned image and the printed image become normal images (not abnormal images), and normal copy processing can be performed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, control when scanning and printing are asynchronously executed by a user will be described.
A document is scanned in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage device 108, and another document is scanned and stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 while being printed using the stored data. The printer 110 may be driven asynchronously. Hereinafter, the control in this case will be described in detail.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a process of scanning a document and storing it in the auxiliary storage device 108. A program for performing the processing shown in FIG. 13 and the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 14 to 16 described later is stored in the auxiliary storage device 108, read into the memory 107, and executed by the CPU 102 to function.

In step S301, the user places N documents on the document feeder 106. Here, N=2.
In step S1301, the user presses a “scan and save” button (not shown) on the operation display device 103. When detecting this operation, the operation display device 103 transmits a scan instruction to the CPU 102.
Upon receiving the scan instruction, the CPU 102 starts various settings in the scan ASIC 104. In the processes of S304 to S415, the document is scanned and the image data is stored in the auxiliary storage device 108.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing when printing the image data stored in the auxiliary storage device 108.
In step S1401, the user selects save data to be printed from the operation display device 103.
In step S1402, the user presses a button (not shown) for printing saved data from the operation display device 103. When the operation display device 103 detects this operation, the operation display device 103 transmits a print instruction together with the identification information of the selected saved data to the CPU 102 (S1403).

When the CPU 102 receives the identification information print instruction of the selected save data, the CPU 102 starts the process of printing the selected save data. In steps S501 to S615, printing is performed based on the stored data.
Although details are omitted, for example, the printer 110 acquires the first data of the selected save data from the auxiliary storage device 108 (S1404) and prints it (S509). Further, the printer 110 acquires the second data of the selected saved data from the auxiliary storage device 108 (S1405) and prints it (S612).

FIG. 15 shows that the setting process of the first sheet of scan and save (hereinafter simply “scan”) and the setting process of the second sheet of print of saved data (hereinafter simply “print”) conflict with each other, and the first sheet of scan It is a sequence diagram explaining an example of operation when giving priority to the eye setting process. Here, in particular, the case where the timing at which the print completion of the first sheet is notified to the CPU 102 and the timing at which the scan instruction for the first sheet is transmitted to the CPU 102 overlap will be described.

When the printing of the first sheet is completed, the printer 110 transmits a print completion signal to the print ASIC 109 (S511).
Upon receiving the print completion signal, the print ASIC 109 notifies the CPU 102 of print completion (S512).
On the other hand, when the user presses the “scan and save” button of the operation display device 103 in step S1301, the operation display device 103 transmits a scan instruction to the CPU 102 (S1302).
At this time, both the scan instruction for the first sheet and the print completion notification for the first sheet are notified to the CPU 102, so that the setting of the ASIC 104 for the first sheet and the setting of the ASIC 109 for the second sheet are continued. Both settings need to be implemented.

In FIG. 15, the setting process of the first scan sheet is prioritized over the setting process of the first print sheet. Therefore, after the setting process (S305) of the first scan ASIC 104 is performed, The setting process (S605) of the print ASIC 109 is executed. In this case, the first sheet scan setting time is 20 [msec] and the print sheet interval setting time is 3 [msec], so at the timing when a total of 23 [msec] has elapsed from the start of the first sheet scan setting, the second sheet is set. The setting of the print ASIC 109 is completed (S606).

However, when the conveyance time between print sheets of 8 [msec] has elapsed, the second sheet reaches the printer 110 and the print process is started (S609). At this timing (S610), the setting (S605) of the printing ASIC 109 is not completed (S606), so that the printing cannot be performed correctly and the output product becomes an abnormal image (S906). Therefore, it is necessary to give priority to the ASIC setting process for the second print sheet over the ASIC setting process for the first scan sheet.

FIG. 16 illustrates an operation in the case where the setting processing of the first sheet for scanning and saving conflicts with the setting processing of the second sheet for printing the saved data, and the setting processing for the second sheet of printing is prioritized. It is a flowchart for doing. In particular, a case where the timing at which the print completion of the first sheet is notified to the CPU 102 and the timing at which the scan instruction for the first sheet is transmitted to the CPU 102 overlap will be described.

Similar to FIG. 15, in S1302 and S512, the CPU 102 is notified of both the scan instruction for the first sheet and the print completion notification for the first sheet. Therefore, it is necessary for the CPU 102 to subsequently perform both the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 for the first sheet and the setting of the printing ASIC 109 for the second sheet. In FIG. 16, since the setting process of the second print is prioritized over the setting process of the first scan, the setting process (S605) of the second print ASIC 109 is performed and then the first print is set. The setting process (S305) of the scan ASIC 104 is executed. In this case, the process for the second print is the same as that in FIG. 14, and after the setting of the print ASIC 109 is completed (S606), the print process is started (S609), so that the correct printing can be performed.

Further, the set time between the second print sheets is 3 [msec], and the set time between the first print sheets is 20 [msec]. Therefore, the setting of the first scan ASIC 104 is completed at the timing when a total of 23 [msec] has elapsed since the setting of the second print was started (S306). On the other hand, when the inter-scan-paper transport time 550 [msec] has elapsed, the first original reaches the scanner 105, and the scanner process is started (S310). Therefore, after the setting of the scanning ASIC 104 is completed (S306), the scanning process is started (S310), so that the correct scanning can be performed. Here, the processing for the third and subsequent prints and the processing for the second print are the same. Therefore, when the processing of the first scan and the processing of the second and subsequent prints conflict with each other, it is understood that there is no problem if the processing of the second and subsequent prints is prioritized.

As described above, from the description of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16, in the present embodiment, the priority of the scan process and the print process is set in advance as shown in FIG. ..
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing priority setting of scan setting processing and print setting processing according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, as the priority of the CPU 102 processing of the present embodiment, the setting processing of the print ASICs 109 for the second and subsequent sheets is processed with “highest priority”. Further, the setting process of the scan ASICs 104 for the second and subsequent sheets is processed by the “second priority”. "Second priority" corresponds to the second highest priority. Further, it is set that the setting process of the first ASIC for scanning 104 and the setting process of the first ASIC for printing 109 are processed with the same “lowest priority”. In addition, the priority of the setting processing of the first ASIC for scanning 104 and the setting processing of the first ASIC for printing 109 may be high, or may be the same. This is because the paper conveyance time for scanning and printing is obviously shorter than the set time of each ASIC, even if both processes of the first sheet overlap.

Next, a case of scanning and saving according to the priority of FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a scan sequence in the case of scanning and saving according to the priority of FIG. The copy processing program according to this flowchart is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 into the memory 107 and executing the program.

The user places N documents on the document feeder 106 and presses a "scan and save" button (not shown) on the operation display device 103.
When the CPU 102 detects pressing of the “scan and save” button via the operation display device 103 (S1801), the scan sequence is started, and the process proceeds to S1802.

In step S1802, the CPU 102 initializes a scan number counter SC that counts the number of scans with “1”.
Next, in step S1803, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in the scan process to “lowest priority”.

Next, in step S1804, the CPU 102 determines whether the print ASIC 109 is currently set. If the print ASIC 109 is not currently being set (NO in step S1804), the CPU 102 advances the process to step S1807 and performs the scan process.

On the other hand, in step S1804, if the print ASIC 109 is currently being set (Yes in step S1804), the CPU 102 advances the process to step S1805.
In step S1805, the CPU 102 compares the priority levels of the scan setting process and the print setting process. When the priority of the print setting process is not higher than that of the scan setting process (No in S1805), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1807 and performs the scan process.

On the other hand, in step S1805, if the print setting process has a higher priority than the scan setting process (Yes in step S1805), the CPU 102 advances the process to step S1806.
In step S1806, the CPU 102 sets the print ASIC 109 and waits for the scan sequence. After the setting of the print ASIC 109 is completed, the CPU 102 advances the processing to S1807 and performs the scan processing.

Next, in step S1808, the CPU 102 determines whether all originals have been scanned. If there is an original document that has not been scanned (No in S1808), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1809.

In S1809, the CPU 102 increments the scan number counter.
Next, in step S1810, the CPU 102 determines whether the number-of-scans counter SC is 2 or more. When the number-of-scans counter SC is less than 2 (No in S1810), the CPU 102 returns the process to S1804.

On the other hand, when the number-of-scans counter SC is 2 or more (Yes in S1810), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1811.
In S1811, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the scan setting to "second priority", and returns the process to S1804.

If the scanning of all the originals is completed in S1808 (Yes in S1808), the CPU 102 ends the processing of this flowchart.

Next, the case of printing the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 according to the priority of FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a print sequence when printing the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 according to the priority of FIG. The copy processing program according to this flowchart is realized by the CPU 102 reading the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 108 into the memory 107 and executing the program.

The user selects data to be printed from the operation display device 103, and presses a "print from saved data" button (not shown).
When the CPU 102 detects pressing of the "print from saved data" button via the operation display device 103 (S1901), the printing sequence is started, and the process proceeds to S1902.

In S1902, the CPU 102 initializes the print counter PC that counts the number of prints with “1”.
Next, in step S1903, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in printing to “lowest priority”.

Next, in step S1904, the CPU 102 determines whether the scan ASIC 104 is currently being set. If the print ASIC 109 is not currently set (NO in step S1904), the CPU 102 advances the process to step S1907 to perform print processing.

On the other hand, if the scan ASIC 104 is currently set in step S1904 (Yes in step S1904), the CPU 102 advances the process to step S1905.
In step S1805, the CPU 102 compares the priority levels of the print setting process and the scan setting process. If the priority of the scan setting process is not higher than that of the print setting process (No in S1905), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1907 to perform the print process.

On the other hand, in S1905, if the scan setting process has a higher priority than the print setting process (Yes in S1905), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1906.
In step S1906, the CPU 102 sets the scan ASIC 104 and waits for the print sequence. After the setting of the scan ASIC 104 is completed, the CPU 102 advances the processing to S1907 and performs the print processing.

Next, in step S1908, the CPU 102 determines whether all data has been printed. If there is data that has not been printed (No in S1908), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1909.

In S1909, the CPU 102 increments the print number counter PC.
Next, in step S1910, the CPU 102 determines whether the print number counter PC is 2 or more. When the number-of-prints counter PC is less than 2 (No in S1910), the CPU 102 returns the process to S1904.

On the other hand, when the print number counter PC is 2 or more (Yes in S1910), the CPU 102 advances the process to S1911.
In S1911, the CPU 102 sets the priority of the setting process in the printer to “highest priority”, and returns the process to S1904.

If printing of all data is completed in S1908 (Yes in S1808), the CPU 102 ends the process of this flowchart.

As described above, even when the user asynchronously performs the scan and the print, the priority of each setting process is set according to the number of sheets. As a result, both processes can be correctly operated while improving throughput, and normal processing results can be obtained for both scan images and print images.

As described above, in each of the embodiments, the priority of the setting process of the scan process is determined in advance according to the scan number count SC, and the priority of the setting process of the print process is determined in advance according to the print number count PC. Then, based on those priorities, control is performed such that the setting process of the scan process or the setting process of the print process is given priority. The number-of-scans count SC indicates which document is being processed in the scan process being executed. Further, the printed sheet count PC indicates which sheet is being processed in the print processing being executed. With such a configuration, even when the scanner process and the printer process are performed at the same time, both processes can be correctly operated and a normal process result can be obtained while improving the throughput.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist thereof.
The configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and may be configured with various configurations and contents depending on the use and purpose.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the scan process and the copy process have been described as an example. However, other processes may be used as long as they are a plurality of processes (three or more processes may be performed) that may affect the simultaneous execution. Different types of processing may be used. In that case, the CPU 102 controls the execution of these processes based on the priorities that are respectively determined according to the progress of those processes. Accordingly, even if a plurality of interfering processes conflict with each other, the processes can be executed in the priority order according to the progress of each process, and each process can be normally operated.

Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, or the like. Specifically, it may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of one device.
Further, the present invention also includes all configurations in which the above-described embodiments are combined.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.
Further, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including one device.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the gist of the present invention, which are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. That is, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and the modifications thereof.

101 image forming apparatus 102 CPU
104 ASIC for scanning
105 Scanner 106 Document Feeder 109 Print ASIC
110 printer 111 paper feeding device

Claims (8)

A reading unit that performs a scanning process of reading image data from a document,
Image forming means for performing a print process for forming an image on a sheet based on image data;
A control unit that controls the scan process and the print process,
When the first setting process for performing the scan setting of the scan process and the second setting process for performing the print setting of the print process conflict with each other, the control unit corresponds to the reading of the document of what number. Based on a priority determined in advance depending on which setting process is to be performed and a priority determined in advance depending on which sheet of printing the second setting process corresponds to. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled so that the first setting process or the second setting process is prioritized. The priority of the read setting for the second and subsequent sheets of the first setting process is higher than the priority of the print setting of the first sheet of the second setting process. Image forming apparatus. The print setting priority of the second and subsequent sheets of the second setting processing is higher than the read setting priority of the second and subsequent sheets of the first setting processing. Image forming device. The priority of the print setting for the second and subsequent sheets of the second setting processing is higher than the priority of the read setting of the first sheet of the first setting processing. The image forming apparatus described. The control means is
In the scan processing, the first setting processing corresponding to the reading of the next original is started between the completion of reading the previous original and the start of reading the next original, and the first setting processing is completed. Control to start feeding the next original before
In the print process, the first setting process corresponding to the image formation on the next sheet is started from the completion of the image formation on the previous sheet to the start of the image formation on the next sheet, Control is performed such that the conveyance of the next sheet is started before the completion of the first setting process,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing the scan process and the print process in synchronization or asynchronously. A reading unit that performs a scan process of reading image data from a document, an image forming unit that performs a print process that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a control unit that controls the scan process and the print process. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus having:
When the control unit conflicts with the first setting process for performing the scan setting of the scan process and the second setting process for performing the print setting of the print process, the first setting process corresponds to the reading of the original document. Based on a priority determined in advance depending on which setting process is to be performed and a priority determined in advance depending on which sheet of printing the second setting process corresponds to. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising a step of controlling so that the first setting process or the second setting process is prioritized. A program for causing a computer to function as the control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.