JP2023062944A - image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that can efficiently suppress occurrence of time-out, without impairing convenience for a user compared to before.SOLUTION: When an image data obtaining part obtains image data and a command to print the image data, if the capacity of a job queue storage region is full and image formation based on precedent printing data is interrupted, a control part determines whether or not the image formation based on the precedent printing data is interrupted because paper is used up, on the basis of a result of sensing performed by a paper sensing sensor, and when determining that the image formation is interrupted because paper is used up, designates paper with a size different from the size of the paper for which the image formation based on the printing data is interrupted in the job queue storage region, and searches for precedent printing data that can be ejected to a paper ejection tray that is different from an ejection destination of the paper for which the image formation based on the printing data is interrupted, and when there is such precedent printing data, makes an image forming part form an image based on the precedent printing data preferentially over the interrupted printing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), image data before and after image analysis is temporarily stored in a storage area such as a memory in the MFP or a hard disk drive (HDD) before printing. Those having a function of saving are known.

In an image forming apparatus having such a function of temporarily storing image data, there is generally an upper limit to the amount of data in which image data can be registered.

Therefore, if printing is interrupted for some reason, such as running out of paper or a paper jam, if you continue to receive image data and its print command (print job), the size of the received image data will be the data size that can be registered. has reached its upper limit, further analysis and reception of image data are no longer possible, and communication may be interrupted due to a timeout.

As an invention for solving such a problem, there has been proposed a method for avoiding a timeout by checking the free space of the storage area and switching the storage area according to the free space (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2000-99291

However, even if the same print processing is interrupted, there are various causes for print interruption, such as running out of paper and paper jams.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and by performing appropriate processing according to the cause of printing interruption and the type of job, it is possible to more efficiently suppress the occurrence of timeouts than in the past. An image forming apparatus is provided.

(1) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a paper feed section for storing a plurality of sizes of image forming paper in different paper feed trays according to the size of the paper; A paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a size paper, an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data and a print command for the image data from an external device via a network, and an image data and the print command that are analyzed and printed. an image analysis unit that generates data; an image formation unit that forms an image on the paper having the size specified by the print command based on the print data; and a spool that temporarily stores the image data before image analysis. A storage unit having a queue storage area and a job queue storage area for temporarily storing the print data after image analysis, and a plurality of paper discharge trays capable of discharging paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. a paper discharge unit; and a control unit that controls the paper feed unit, the paper detection sensor, the image data acquisition unit, the image forming unit, the storage unit, and the paper discharge unit, wherein the image data acquisition unit outputs an image. When the print command for the data and the image data is acquired, if the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and the formation of the image based on the preceding print data is interrupted, the control unit detects the paper detection sensor. based on the detection result, it is determined whether or not the interrupting factor of the image formation based on the previous print data is due to running out of paper. specifying a paper size different from the paper size of the current print data and retrieving preceding print data that can be discharged to a paper discharge tray different from the paper discharge destination of the suspended print data; If there is such precedent print data, the image forming unit is caused to form an image based on the precedence print data in preference to the interrupted print data.

In the present invention, the "image forming apparatus" means a copier or multifunction machine having a copying (copying function) function, such as a printer that uses an electrophotographic method for image formation using toner, or an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) that includes functions other than copying. : multi-function peripheral device) that forms and outputs images.

The "spool queue storage area" and "job queue storage area" of the present invention are implemented by the spool queue 1031 and job queue 1032 of the first embodiment, respectively.

According to this invention, if there is a preceding job in the job queue that has a paper size different from the paper size of the job whose printing has been interrupted due to paper exhaustion and that can be discharged to a different discharge tray, the preceding job is selected. By giving priority to printing and discharging to a tray different from the paper of the job whose printing has been interrupted, mixing of paper can be prevented.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that efficiently suppresses the occurrence of time-out without impairing the user's convenience more than conventionally.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital MFP of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in a conventional digital multi-function peripheral; 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of image data reception processing of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1; 2 is a flow chart showing the flow of print execution processing of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1; 2 is a flow chart showing the flow of job queue search processing of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1; 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of paper sizes and presence/absence of paper stored in a paper feed tray of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of job queue search processing of the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of spool queue search processing of the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of print execution processing of the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of spool queue search processing of the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(2) The image data acquisition unit further acquires a holding command to temporarily store the image data in the spool queue storage area without printing the image data, and the storage unit stores the image data received the holding command. A print data storage area for storing print data after analysis is further provided, and when the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data and an instruction to hold the image data, the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and the preceding If the image formation based on the preceding print data is interrupted, the control unit determines whether or not the interruption of the image formation based on the previous print data is due to the lack of paper, based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor. If it is determined that the cause is due to a factor other than paper shortage, the preceding image data for which the holding command has been received is searched in the spool queue storage area, and if there is such preceding image data, The image data may be analyzed by the image analysis unit to generate print data, and the generated print data may be stored in the print data storage area.

The "print data storage area" of the present invention is realized by the document filing 1033 of the first embodiment.

In this way, even if the cause of printing interruption is not due to running out of paper, the image data of jobs (hold-only jobs) that should be stored in a predetermined storage area without being printed in the spool queue storage area can be reduced. As a result, the state in which the capacity of the spool queue storage area is full can be resolved.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that efficiently suppresses the occurrence of time-out without impairing the user's convenience more than conventionally.

(3) When the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data and the print command for the image data, the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and image formation based on preceding print data is interrupted. and the control unit determines whether or not the interrupting factor of the image formation based on the preceding print data is due to the lack of paper based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor. searching the spool queue storage area for preceding image data for which the holding command has been received, and if there is no such preceding image data, the head image data in the spool queue storage area is analyzed by the image analysis unit; The print data may be generated by causing the print data to be generated and stored in the print data storage area.

In this way, even if there is no hold-only job in the spool queue storage area when the cause of print interruption is not due to running out of paper, the image data at the head of the spool queue storage area can be analyzed and the print data can be printed. to a predetermined storage area to reduce the amount of image data, it is possible to solve the problem that the spool queue storage area is full.
Therefore, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that efficiently suppresses the occurrence of time-out without impairing the user's convenience more than conventionally.

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[Embodiment 1]
A digital multi-function peripheral 1, which is an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the PC 2 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 10 of the present invention comprises a digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a PC 2 which are connected via a network 3. As shown in FIG.

The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is a device such as a multifunction peripheral or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that digitally processes image data and has a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

The PC 2 transmits image data to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via the network 3 to execute a job such as printing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital MFP 1 includes a control unit 100, an image data acquisition unit 101, an image forming unit 102, a storage unit 103, an image processing unit 104, a communication unit 105, an image analysis unit 106, a touch panel 107, a paper A transport unit 108 , a paper feed unit 109 , a paper discharge unit 110 and a paper detection sensor 111 are provided.

Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

The control unit 100 integrally controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.

In order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, the control unit 100 monitors and controls all loads such as detection of each sensor, motor, clutch, touch panel 107, and the like.

The image data acquisition unit 101 acquires image data generated by an external information processing device such as a PC 2 or a facsimile device (not shown) through the communication unit 105 via the wired or wireless network 3 . .

The image forming unit 102 is a part that prints out on paper the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 101 and processed by the image processing unit 104 , and includes an LSU 1021 .

The LSU 1021 is a device that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) in a charged state with laser light corresponding to information of image data composed of digital signals.

The storage unit 103 is an element or a storage medium that stores information necessary for realizing various functions of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, control programs, and the like. For example, semiconductor devices such as RAM and ROM, and storage media such as hard disks, flash storage units, and SSDs are used.

The storage unit 103 stores information related to jobs such as printing and data necessary for executing jobs such as image data.
The storage unit 103 has a spool queue 1031 that temporarily stores image data before analysis, and a job queue 1032 that temporarily stores print/fax data after analysis of image data and jobs such as printing.
The storage unit 103 also has a document filing 1033 for storing print data after analysis of image data of a job (hold-only job) to be stored in a predetermined storage area without being printed.

Note that programs and data may be held in different devices, such as a hard disk drive as a data holding area and a flash memory as a program holding area.

The image processing unit 104 converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 101 into a proper electric signal based on the job command such as printing acquired by the image data acquisition unit 101 and the analysis result of the image data of the image analysis unit 106 . , and performs processing such as enlargement/reduction to make it suitable for output.

The communication unit 105 communicates with the external PC 2 via the network 3 to receive job commands such as printing, document image data, and the like.

A communication unit 105 communicates with the PC 2, other image forming devices, portable information terminals, information processing devices, facsimile devices, and the like, and transmits and receives various information such as e-mails and faxes to and from these external devices. be.

The image analysis unit 106 is a unit that analyzes a command for a job such as printing and image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 101 and generates print data for image formation.

The image analysis unit 106 analyzes the image data in the spool queue 1031 in the order in which the image data is received, generates print data, and registers the print data in the job queue 1032 .

The touch panel 107 includes a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a capacitive touch panel or the like that is placed over the display panel and detects a position touched by a finger. 1072.

The display unit 1071 is a part that displays various information.
The display unit 1071 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc., and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of the operating system or application software.

The control unit 100 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 1071 .

The operation unit 1072 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a part that receives commands from the user.

The paper conveying unit 108 is a part that conveys each sheet stored in the paper feeding unit 109 to the image forming unit 102 and discharges it to a different paper discharge tray of the paper discharging unit 110 according to the size and type of the paper.

The paper feed unit 109 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes and manual feed trays for storing paper to be conveyed to the image forming unit 102, and paper can be stored in different paper feed cassettes and manual feed trays according to size and type. It is a part.

The paper discharge unit 110 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays to which paper printed by the image forming unit 102 is to be discharged, and can discharge paper to different paper discharge trays according to size and type.

A paper detection sensor 111 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of various types of paper accommodated in the paper feed unit 109 .

<Schematic configuration of PC2>
Next, based on FIG. 3, a schematic configuration of the PC 2 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the PC 2 includes a control section 200, a storage section 201, an image processing section 202, a communication section 203, a display section 204 and an operation section 205.

Each component of the PC 2 will be described below.

The control unit 200 integrally controls the PC 2, and is composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, various interface circuits, and the like.

The storage unit 201 is an element or a storage medium that stores information, applications, control programs, and the like necessary for realizing various functions of the PC 2 . For example, semiconductor devices such as RAM and ROM, and storage media such as hard disks, flash storage units, and SSDs are used.

An image processing unit 202 is a part that processes image data through an application or the like.

The communication unit 203 is a part that communicates with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 via the network 3 and transmits job commands such as printing, document image data, and the like.

The display unit 204 is a part that displays various types of information.
The display unit 204 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc., and is a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of the operating system or application software.

An operation unit 205 is an interface for operating the PC 2, and is a part that receives commands from the user.

<Example of Image Data Processing of Digital MFP 1 of Embodiment 1 of the Present Invention>
Next, an example of image data processing of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

FIG. 4 shows processing up to printing of the image data received from the PC 2 by the digital multifunction peripheral 1 .
In FIG. 4, dotted arrows indicate data flow.

A spool queue 1031 is an area for storing image data received from the PC 2 before analysis is started.
When the spool queue 1031 receives the next job during analysis processing, the image data received before the analysis is sequentially accumulated in the spool queue 1031 .

In the example of FIG. 4, Spool1, Spool2, and Spool3 image data are sequentially registered, and up to 99 image data can be registered.

In the case of a job that should be saved without being printed (hold-only job), the image analysis unit 106 only saves the print data after image analysis in the document filing 1033 and does not register it in the job queue 1032 .

In this case, the user can start printing the print data saved in the document filing 1033 by selecting print of the hold-only job and issuing a print instruction on the operation unit 1072 after the print data is saved.

A job queue 1032 is an area for registering print data after image analysis, and is shared by other print jobs such as copying and facsimile in addition to the printer.
As with the image data received from the PC 2 , copy and FAX jobs are sequentially analyzed to generate print data and registered in the job queue 1032 .

In the example of FIG. 4, Job1, Job2, Job3, and print data are sequentially registered, and up to 99 print data can be registered.

The image forming unit 102 basically processes the print data registered in the job queue 1032 in the order in which they were registered, and performs print processing.

A document filing 1033 is an area for storing print data after image analysis of a hold-only job, and is a large-capacity storage area such as an HDD.

By registering the image data saved in the document filing 1033 in the job queue 1032, printing (reprinting) can be performed.

<Problems in Image Data Processing of Conventional Digital MFP 1>
Next, based on FIG. 5, problems in image data processing of the conventional digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data during printing by the conventional digital multifunction peripheral 1. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the printing of the print job (Job1) is interrupted by some factor (for example, jam, out of paper, out of toner, limit on the number of sheets, etc.) in the printing process of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 .

In FIG. 5, if print jobs continue to be received while printing is interrupted, the printing of the print jobs after Job2 registered in the job queue 1032 after image analysis will also stop in the print waiting state. The print data accumulates up to 99, which is the maximum number of registered items.

If print jobs continue to be received continuously when the job queue 1032 is full, the print data cannot be registered in the job queue 1032. Image analysis is also stopped, and the spool queue 1031 is sent to the head of the spool queue 1031. The analysis of the image data Spool1 of , also stops waiting for analysis.

If jobs continue to be received continuously in this state, the spool queue 1031 also accumulates image data up to the maximum value of 99 registrations, and data reception finally stops.

If time elapses while data reception is stopped, a print job during data transmission from the PC 2 has a problem that time-out occurs in the middle, data runs out, and subsequent data reception becomes impossible.

<Flow of Image Data Processing of Digital Multifunction Peripheral 1 of Embodiment 1 of the Present Invention>
Next, the image data processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the flow of image data reception processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

In step S1 of FIG. 6, when the communication unit 105 receives image data (step S1), in step S2, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the capacity of the spool queue 1031 is full. has reached the maximum number (step S2).

When the capacity of the spool queue 1031 becomes full (when the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 100 waits until the capacity of the spool queue 1031 becomes available (step S3), and the process proceeds to step S2. back to

On the other hand, when the capacity of the spool queue 1031 is not full (when the determination in step S2 is No), in step S4, the control unit 100 registers the image data in the spool queue 1031 (step S4), and the image data end the receiving process.

Next, based on FIG. 7, the flow of print execution processing of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of print execution processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

The control unit 100 performs image data analysis and print data print processing in parallel with the image data reception processing of FIG. 6 .

At step S11 in FIG. 7, the control unit 100 analyzes the image data at the head of the spool queue 1031 to generate print data (step S11).

In subsequent step S12, control unit 100 determines whether or not the capacity of job queue 1032 is full (step S12).

When the capacity of the job queue 1032 is full (when the determination in step S12 is Yes), in step S13, the control unit 100 determines whether printing by the image forming unit 102 is interrupted (step S13). .

If printing is continuing without being interrupted (determination in step S13 is No), control unit 100 returns the process to the determination in step S12.

As described above, if printing is continuing, the print data registered in the job queue 1032 is printed in order from the head of the print data. It waits for the job queue 1032 to become free.

On the other hand, when printing is interrupted in the determination of step S13 (when the determination of step S13 is Yes), in step S14, the control section 100 executes a search process of the job queue 1032 (step S14).

As a result of searching the job queue 1032, if print data that can be printed exists in the job queue 1032, overtaking printing is performed with priority over other preceding jobs that have received the print data first.

After that, the control unit 100 returns the process to step S12, and again determines whether or not the capacity of the job queue 1032 is full.

Details of the search processing of the job queue 1032 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in step S12, if the capacity of the job queue 1032 is not full (if the determination in step S12 is No), in step S15, the control unit 100 registers the print data generated in step S11 in the job queue 1032. (step S15).

In subsequent step S16, control unit 100 causes image forming unit 102 to print the first print data in job queue 1032 (step S16).

Subsequently, in step S17, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is other print data in the job queue 1032 (step S17).

If there is other print data in the job queue 1032 (if the determination in step S17 is YES), the control unit 100 returns the process to step S16, and repeats the image forming unit until there is no more print data accumulated in the job queue 1032. 102 to continue printing.

On the other hand, when there is no print data in the job queue 1032 (when the determination in step S17 is No), the control unit 100 ends the print execution process.

Next, based on FIG. 8, the flow of search processing of the job queue 1032 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of search processing for the job queue 1032 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

The search processing of the job queue 1032 is executed when the capacity of the job queue 1032 is full and printing is interrupted.

When the search process of the job queue 1032 is started, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the cause of the interruption of printing is the out of paper in step S21 of FIG. 8 (step S21).

In the first embodiment, factors for interrupting printing are detected by the paper detection sensor 111, a paper jam detection sensor (not shown), a paper discharge tray full detection sensor (not shown), and the like.

If it is determined in step S21 that the cause of the interruption of printing is due to running out of paper (if the determination in step S21 is Yes), in step S22 the control unit 100 determines the paper size of the print job whose printing is interrupted due to running out of paper. The print data of a print job that has a different paper size and can be discharged to a different paper discharge tray is searched from the head of the job queue 1032 (step S22).

Subsequently, in step S23, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is such print data (step S23).

If there is such print data (if the determination in step S23 is YES), in step S24, the control unit 100 prioritizes the print data over the print data of the print job whose printing is interrupted due to the lack of paper. to cause the image forming section 102 to perform overtaking printing (step S24).
By performing such overtaking printing, it becomes possible to create a space in the capacity of the job queue 1032 .

After that, the control unit 100 ends the search processing of the job queue 1032 .

On the other hand, if there is no such print data (if the determination in step S23 is No), the control section 100 terminates the job queue 1032 search process.

In addition, in step S21, if the cause of printing interruption is not due to the lack of paper (if the determination in step S21 is No), the control section 100 ends the search processing of the job queue 1032 as well.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a specific example of image data print processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the paper size and presence/absence of paper stored in the paper feed tray of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

In the example of FIG. 9, tray 1 can accommodate A4 size paper, but the paper is out.
Also, the tray 2 stores B5 size paper.
Also, the tray 3 stores A3 size paper.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a situation where various types of paper are stored in the paper feed tray, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 outputs a print job (Job1) related to printing on A4 paper and a print job (Job1) related to printing on B5 paper. Assume that two print jobs (Job2) are received in succession.

In this case, if both Job1 and Job2 are print jobs for printing only one page of a document, Job1 is out of paper and cannot be printed. print.

On the other hand, if Job1 is a job to print 10 pages of a document, and the paper runs out on the 6th page, if Job2 overtakes Job1 and prints, the paper of Job1 and Job2 will be mixed, and the user will Convenience may be impaired.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to solve the problem caused by overtaking when the print job is interrupted, a paper size different from that of Job1 is specified instead of simply printing another job. Job2 is retrieved from the job queue 1032 and printed, and the printed paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray different from the discharge destination of Job1 for which printing is interrupted.

Note that print jobs to be searched in the job queue 1032 are not limited to jobs that specify another paper output tray, and include print jobs that do not specify a paper output tray, jobs that automatically specify a paper output tray, and the like. There may be.
In this case, specify a paper discharge tray other than the paper discharge tray for Job1 that has run out of paper.

By doing this, even if printing is interrupted in the middle of Job1 due to running out of paper, the paper for passing Job2 will be discharged to a different tray than the paper for Job1, causing a paper mix problem. Gone.

In addition, the number of print jobs accumulated in the job queue 1032 can be reduced, and the situation where the job queue 1032 is full can be resolved.

As a result, it is possible to realize the digital multi-function peripheral 1 that efficiently suppresses the occurrence of time-out without impairing the user's convenience compared to the conventional art.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, an example of image data processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG.

In the first embodiment, when printing is interrupted in the middle of Job 1 due to running out of paper, it is possible to output paper to a paper output tray that is different from the paper size of the print job whose printing is interrupted in the job queue 1032 and that is different. A digital multi-function peripheral 1 that suppresses the occurrence of time-out without causing mixing of sheets is realized by retrieving a print job and performing overtaking printing.

On the other hand, if the cause of printing interruption is due to a factor other than running out of paper, that is, due to a jam, running out of toner, engine trouble, limit on the number of sheets, etc., the print data registered in the job queue 1032 cannot be printed. capacity cannot be vacated.

Embodiment 2 provides a digital multi-function peripheral 1 that avoids timeout even in such a situation where the capacity of the job queue 1032 cannot be vacated.

Schematic configurations of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the PC 2 according to the second embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (first embodiment), respectively.

Also, the image data reception process and the image data print execution process are the same as those in FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of search processing for the job queue 1032 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The processing of steps S31 to S34 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the processing of steps S21 to S24 in FIG. 8 (Embodiment 1), respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.
Here, the processing of step S35 not shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

In step S31 of FIG. 10, if the cause of printing interruption is not paper exhaustion (determination in step S31 is No), in step S35, the control section 100 executes a search process for the spool queue 1031 (step S35). .

Also, in step S33, if there is no print data in the job queue 1032 for a print job that has a paper size different from the paper size of the print job whose printing has been interrupted due to paper exhaustion and that can be discharged to a different paper discharge tray. Also (when the determination in step S33 is No), the control unit 100 executes the search processing of the spool queue 1031 in step S35.

.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of search processing for the spool queue 1031 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

When the search process of the spool queue 1031 is started, the control section 100 stops analyzing the head image data of the spool queue 1031 in step S41 of FIG. 11 (step S41).

In the subsequent step S42, the control section 100 searches for hold-only job image data from the head of the spool queue 1031 (step S42).

Next, in step S43, the control section 100 determines whether or not there is image data of a hold-only job (step S43).

If there is image data for a hold-only job (if the determination in step S43 is Yes), control unit 100 overtakes other preceding jobs in spool queue 1031 and sends the hold-only job to image analysis unit 106 in step S44. The image data of the job is analyzed to generate print data (step S44).

Next, in step S45, control unit 100 saves the generated print data in document filing 1033 (step S45).

By performing such overtaking, it becomes possible to create a space in the capacity of the spool queue 1031 .

On the other hand, when there is no hold-only job image data (when the determination in step S43 is No), the control unit 100 terminates the spool queue 1031 search process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

In the example of FIG. 12, the control unit 100 temporarily stops analyzing the image data of the first image data Spool1 in the spool queue 1031, and selects the image data of the hold-only job from among the jobs registered in the spool queue 1031. search for.

Here, it is assumed that the image data Spool3 of the third job from the head in the spool queue 1031 is the image data of the hold job.

In this case, the control unit 100 causes the image analysis unit 106 to analyze the image data Spool3 ahead of the image data Spool1, and stores the analyzed print data in the document filing 1033. FIG.

By doing this, even if the cause of printing interruption is not due to running out of paper, by reducing the image data of the hold-only job accumulated in the spool queue 1031, the capacity of the spool queue 1031 can be reduced. can be eliminated, it is possible to realize the digital multi-function peripheral 1 that suppresses the occurrence of time-out more efficiently than in the past.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, an example of image data processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. FIG.

In the second embodiment, when the print interruption factor is not due to the paper running out, the image data of the hold-only job in the spool queue 1031 is retrieved and overtake printed, thereby resolving the situation where the spool queue 1031 is full. introduced the method.

However, if there is no print job in the job queue 1032 that has a paper size different from the paper size of the print job whose printing is suspended and that can be discharged to a different paper discharge tray, or if there is no hold-only job in the spool queue 1031 If there is no job image data, neither the capacity of the job queue 1032 nor the spool queue 1031 can be freed.

Embodiment 3 provides the digital multi-function peripheral 1 that avoids timeout in such a situation where neither the capacity of the job queue 1032 nor the spool queue 1031 can be freed.

Schematic configurations of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 and the PC 2 according to the third embodiment are the same as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (first embodiment), respectively.

Also, the image data reception process and the job queue search process are the same as those in FIG. 6 (first embodiment) and FIG. 10 (second embodiment), respectively, so description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the flow of print execution processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The processes of steps S51 to S54 and S57 to S59 in FIG. 13 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S11 to S17 in FIG. 7 (embodiment 1), so description thereof will be omitted.
Here, processing of steps S55 and S56 not shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

If the capacity of the job queue 1032 is not full in step S52 (if the determination in step S52 is No), then in step S55 the control unit 100 stores the print data of the previous job whose full temporary storage flag is valid in the document filing 1033. is determined (step S55).

If the document filing 1033 contains the print data of the previous job whose full temporary storage flag is valid (if the determination in step S55 is Yes), in step S56, the control unit 100 gives priority to the print data of the previous job. It is registered in the job queue 1032 (step S56).

Subsequently, the control unit 100 returns the process to step S52, and again determines whether or not the job queue 1032 is full.

On the other hand, if the document filing 1033 does not contain the print data of the preceding job whose full temporary storage flag is valid (if the determination in step S55 is No), in step S57, the control unit 100 selects the first print data in the spool queue 1031. is registered in the job queue 1032 (step S57).

Next, based on FIG. 14, the flow of search processing of the image data job queue 1032 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the flow of search processing for the spool queue 1031 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

The processes of steps S61 to S64 and S67 in FIG. 14 respectively correspond to the processes of steps S41 to S45 in FIG. 11 (embodiment 2), so description thereof will be omitted.
Here, processing of steps S65 and S66 not shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

In step S63 of FIG. 14, if there is no hold-only job image data (if the determination in step S63 is No), in step S65, the control unit 100 sends the image data at the head of the spool queue 1031 to the image analysis unit 106. Analyze and generate print data (step S65).

In subsequent step S66, control unit 100 validates the full temporary storage flag (step S66).

Thereafter, in step S67, control unit 100 saves the generated print data in document filing 1033 (step S67).

The print data is not print data for a hold-only job, but by saving it in the document filing 1033, it is possible to create an empty capacity in the spool queue 1031. FIG.

It should be noted that the print data of the job for which the full temporary storage flag has been enabled will be transferred from the document filing 1033 to the job queue by reprint processing as soon as there is space in the job queue 1032 according to the determination in step S55 of FIG. 13 and the subsequent processing of S56. 1032.

<Flow of Image Data Processing by Digital MFP according to Embodiment 3 of the Present Invention>
Next, based on FIG. 15, the flow of image data processing of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data and print data after receiving a print job in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, when the next image data is received while both the job queue 1032 and the spool queue 1031 are full, the control unit 100 performs printing after analysis of the head image data Spool1 in the spool queue 1031. Data is temporarily stored in document filing 1033 .
Then, the full temporary storage flag is enabled for the print data.

By doing so, the spool queue 1031 can always maintain a state in which image data can be received.

After that, when the cause of printing interruption is canceled and the job queue 1032 becomes free, if the document filing 1033 contains print data of a job with a valid full temporary storage flag, it is automatically added to the job queue 1032 by reprint processing. The print job is registered, and if not, the image data Spool1 is analyzed as usual to generate print data, and the print data is registered in the job queue 1032 .

In this way, even if the capacity of the job queue 1032 and the spool queue 1031 are both full, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of timeouts without changing the order of jobs. It is possible to realize the digital multi-function peripheral 1 that suppresses the occurrence of

Preferred aspects of the present invention include combinations of any of the aspects described above.

Various modifications of the present invention are possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. Those modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims, the meaning of equivalents, and the scope.

1: Digital MFP 2: PC 3: Network 10: Image Forming System 100, 200: Control Unit 101: Image Data Acquisition Unit 102: Image Forming Unit 103, 201: Storage Unit 104, 202 : image processing unit 105, 203: communication unit 106: image analysis unit 107: touch panel 108: paper transport unit 204, 1071: display unit 205, 1072: operation unit 109, 110: paper discharge unit 111: Paper detection sensor 1021: LSU 1031: Spool queue 1032: Job queue 1033: Document filing

Claims (3)

a paper feed unit that stores paper for image formation of a plurality of sizes in different paper feed trays according to the size of the paper;
a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper of each size stored in the paper feed unit;
an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data and a print command for the image data from an external device via a network;
an image analysis unit that analyzes the image data and the print command to generate print data;
an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper having a size specified by the print command based on the print data;
a storage unit having a spool queue storage area for temporarily storing the image data before image analysis and a job queue storage area for temporarily storing the print data after image analysis;
a paper discharge unit having a plurality of paper discharge trays capable of discharging paper on which images have been formed by the image forming unit;
a control unit that controls the paper feeding unit, the paper detection sensor, the image data acquisition unit, the image forming unit, the storage unit, and the paper discharge unit;
When the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data and the print command for the image data, if the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and the image formation based on the previous print data is interrupted, the control determining, based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor, whether or not a cause for interrupting the formation of the image based on the preceding print data is due to running out of paper;
If it is determined that the paper has run out, specifying a paper size different from that of the interrupted print data in the job queue storage area, and specifying a paper output destination of the interrupted print data. If there is such preceding print data that can be discharged to a paper discharge tray different from the preceding print data, an image based on the preceding print data is given priority over the interrupted print data. An image forming apparatus characterized by forming an image in an image forming section. The image data acquisition unit further acquires a holding command to temporarily store the image data in the spool queue storage area without printing,
The storage unit further has a print data storage area for storing print data after analysis of the image data for which the holding command has been received,
When the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data and the hold command for the image data, if the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and the image formation based on the preceding print data is interrupted, the control determining whether or not interruption of image formation based on the preceding print data is due to running out of paper, based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor;
If it is determined that the cause is due to a factor other than running out of paper, the preceding image data that received the holding command is searched in the spool queue storage area, and if such preceding image data exists, the preceding image data is stored. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image analysis unit analyzes the print data to generate the print data and stores the generated print data in the print data storage area. When the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data and the print command for the image data, if the capacity of the job queue storage area is full and the image formation based on the previous print data is interrupted, the control determining, based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor, whether or not a cause for interrupting the formation of the image based on the preceding print data is due to running out of paper;
If it is determined that the cause is not due to running out of paper, the spool queue storage area is searched for preceding image data for which the holding command has been received. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image data is analyzed by the image analysis unit to generate print data, and the generated print data is stored in the print data storage area.

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