JP3191572B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading means for reading an image, an image storage means for storing an image read by the image reading means, and an image output means for outputting an image stored in the image storage means. And an image forming apparatus having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when performing a copy operation in a copying machine, after setting various functions, a copy operation is started by pressing a copy key or the like, for example. A series of copy operations executed by pressing the copy key once is called a job. In a conventional copying machine, setting of various functions is possible only during standby for a copying operation. Therefore, if the copying machine is executing another job when copying is required, the user must wait for the currently executing job to end. The waiting time is short when the number of originals and copies in operation is small, but the waiting time is considerably long when copying large numbers of copying machines with ADFs, sorters, etc. There is a problem that it becomes.

In order to eliminate such a waiting time, a copier equipped with an interrupt mode for temporarily interrupting a job in the middle of the job, executing another job, and executing the interrupted job again has been developed. Have been. However, in interrupt mode, the first job is often quite limited in function, and is an effective way to make a few simple copies urgently. This is not a very effective means if you want to.

[0004] Further, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-116861, there has been proposed an apparatus capable of performing various function settings during execution of a certain job. However, according to the technology described in this document, in order to execute a job using the registered function settings, a job switching operation must be performed after the job is completed, and the job currently being operated is also executed. There is a problem that the operator must wait on the spot until the operation is completed.

[0005] In many cases, the contents of the function settings of a running job cannot be directly viewed, including the meaning that it cannot be inadvertently changed during the operation. Since the number of copies is information necessary for knowing the remaining copy amount, it is always displayed so as to be understood by the user. However, when setting the function of another job as described above during execution of the job,
In order to ensure the same operability as the normal function setting, there is also a problem that information of a running job including the remaining copy amount cannot be known.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, the function setting for the next job can be performed in the same manner as during the copying operation, and the next job is executed in parallel with the job being executed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the following. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of coping with a case where the output operation of a job being executed or the image forming apparatus is stopped during the function setting for the next job. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of displaying information such as the number of output sheets relating to a currently required job at a minimum even when the function setting of the next job is being performed. is there.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading an image,
In an image forming apparatus including an image storage unit that stores an image read by the image reading unit and an image output unit that outputs an image stored in the image storage unit, an operator instructs the image forming device And a second instruction to the instruction unit when the image reading unit is reading an image based on a first instruction to the instruction unit or when the image output unit is outputting an image. Control means for receiving an image output by the image output means based on the first instruction when an operator gives the second instruction to the instruction means. The second instruction is canceled when the image forming apparatus is stopped or when the image forming apparatus is stopped.

Further, in the invention according to claim 2,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit terminates a second instruction to the instruction unit while the image output unit is outputting an image based on the first instruction to the instruction unit. In this case, control is performed so that the image reading unit reads an image based on the second instruction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means reads the image based on a first instruction to the instruction means. If the second instruction to the instructing means is terminated during the operation, the image reading means reads the image based on the first instruction, and then the image reading means reads the image based on the second instruction. It is characterized by controlling to read an image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the control means controls the image output means based on the first instruction. When the image reading is completed by the image reading unit based on the second instruction while the image is being output, after the image output by the image output unit is completed based on the first instruction, The image output device controls the image forming apparatus to output an image based on the second instruction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a counting means for counting the number of images output by the image output means, The number of output sheets according to the first instruction to the instructing means and the number counted by the counting means are displayed, and the number of output sheets according to the second instruction to the instructing means at a position different from the display position of the number of output sheets according to the first instruction. Is displayed on the display.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the display means terminates the output of the image by the image output means based on a first instruction to the instruction means. The second to the instruction means
Is displayed at the position where the number of output sheets according to the first instruction is displayed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the control means starts outputting an image by the image output means based on a second instruction to the instruction means. In this case, the number of output sheets according to the second instruction to the instruction means is displayed at a position where the number of output sheets according to the first instruction is displayed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control means terminates the second instruction by the operator with respect to the instruction means. Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus stops operating during the operation based on the first instruction, the second instruction is held.

[0015]

[0016]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image is first read by the image reading means and stored in the image storage means, and after the reading is completed, the image stored in the image storage means is output to the image output means. Then, during execution of a job such as reading of an image by the image reading unit or output of an image by the image output unit based on the first instruction, a second instruction to the instruction unit, that is, a function setting or execution instruction of the next job. Accept.

At this time, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator gives the second instruction to the instruction means, the image output means outputs the image based on the first instruction. When the image forming apparatus is stopped or when the image forming apparatus is stopped, the second instruction is released. For example, when the stop of the image forming apparatus occurs during the operation of the job based on the first instruction, it is often necessary to make settings for the job based on the first instruction, and it is necessary to take immediate action. . Therefore, by canceling the second instruction being set and enabling the first instruction to be instructed from the instruction means, it is possible to deal with such a case.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the second instruction is terminated while the image output means is outputting an image during execution of the job based on the first instruction,
Image reading by the image reading means in the next job based on the second instruction can be started immediately, and image output of the job based on the first instruction and image of the job based on the second instruction Are performed in parallel. By controlling such an operation, the first
Even after the second instruction is issued during the image output operation of the job based on the instruction, the copying operation based on the second instruction can be started without waiting. Therefore, even during a large number of copy operations, a job based on the second instruction can be executed without waiting for the job to end, and waste of waiting time can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
When the second instruction is completed during the image reading operation by the image reading means based on the first instruction, after the image reading by the image reading means based on the first instruction is completed, the second instruction is issued. Image reading by the image reading means based on the image reading is started. Thus, without waiting for the end of the image output operation of the job based on the first instruction, the second operation is performed immediately after the end of the image reading operation based on at least the first instruction.
The image reading operation based on the instruction can be started, the waiting time can be minimized, and the waste of the waiting time can be eliminated.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image reading by the image reading means based on the second instruction is completed while the image output means is outputting the image based on the first instruction. In such a case, after the output of the image by the image output unit based on the first instruction is completed, control is performed such that the output of the image by the image output unit based on the second instruction is started. As a result, image output can be performed sequentially, and processing can be performed efficiently. When the image output operation of the job based on the first instruction is completed, the job based on the second instruction becomes the first job. Therefore, even if the job based on the second instruction is not completed, Can be similarly set.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the output number of the job based on the first instruction and the number counted by the counting means, that is, the number of copies are displayed, and the second instruction is displayed at another position. Is displayed, the number of output jobs and the number of copies based on the first instruction can be confirmed while the second instruction is input.

In the invention according to claim 6,
When the output of the image by the image output means is completed based on the first instruction, the number of jobs output based on the second instruction is displayed at the position where the output number according to the first instruction is displayed. As a result, the number of output sheets corresponding to the currently executed job is always displayed at the same position, and the status of the job can be displayed in an easily understandable manner.

Further, according to the present invention, when the output of the image by the image output means of the job based on the second instruction is started, the output number of the job based on the second instruction is reduced by the second instruction. The output number of the job based on the instruction 1 is displayed at the position where it was displayed. As a result, the display of the number of output sheets corresponding to the job whose image is currently being output is always displayed at the same position, and the status of the job can be displayed in an easily understandable manner.

According to the present invention, when the image forming apparatus is stopped during the operation of the job based on the first instruction and the second instruction has already been completed, the second instruction is completed. Is held as it is, for example, if the job based on the first instruction is canceled, the job based on the second instruction can be immediately executed.

[0025]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is MPU, 2 is R
OM, 3, 4 are RAM, 5 is nonvolatile RAM, 6 is I / O
An O port, 7 is a communication port, 8 is a function operation device, 9 is an image input device, 10 is a storage device, and 11 is an image output device. In the system shown in FIG. 1, a program is executed as control means, and a ROM for storing a control program and data using the MPU 1 as a controller is provided.
2. The RAM 3 and the nonvolatile RAM 5 are connected to the address and data bus lines of the MPU 1. The nonvolatile RAM 5 stores, for example, various setting data of the system in order to retain data even when the power is turned off.

A communication port 7 is connected to a bus line of the MPU 1. A function operation device 8 also serving as a display device is connected to the communication port 7. The function operating device 8 and the communication port 7 are connected by a serial or parallel communication line. The function operation device 8 accepts various settings for a job and instructions for starting and stopping an operation from a user. In particular, according to the present invention, it is possible to receive a setting and activation instruction relating to the next second job during execution of the first job. It also displays the status of the system and displays messages and guidance from the system.

The bus line of the MPU 1 has an I / O
The port 6 is connected, and is connected to the image input device 9, the storage device 10, and the image output device 11 via the I / O port 6. The image input device 9 reads an image from a document and stores the image in the storage device 10. Image output device 11
Records an image read by the image input device 9 stored in the storage device 10 on, for example, a recording sheet. These operations are controlled by the MPU 1. Various setting data required for the operation are transferred via the I / O port 6, and data from each device is also transferred to the MPU 1 via the I / O port 6. The image input device 9 and the image output device 11 can operate in parallel.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the first job and the second job, and FIGS. 6 to 13 are explanatory diagrams of an example of the display screen.

When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, first,
In S21, the PSA memory is cleared. The PSA memory is a memory for holding setting information related to a second job that is set during the operation of the first job. For example, a partial area of the RAM 3 can be used. In this step, a warm-up operation and a check operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus are performed. And
The operation is enabled in S22. The display screen at this time is shown in FIG.
Is shown in In this state, various settings can be made for the first job.

In the display screen shown in FIG. 6, the upper part of the screen is a message area, in which a message "copying is possible" is displayed. Areas below that, which are displayed as “basic”, “applied”, and “image quality”, are parts for setting various functions. The displayed rectangles indicate the options of each function, and the selected function is shown in black. The setting of the function can be performed by, for example, touching the display of the function to be selected with a finger. Here, the functions that can be set are divided into three screens, and by selecting the parts displayed as “basic”, “applied”, and “image quality”, the corresponding functions are displayed. Function settings. On the right side of the screen, various keys such as a numeric keypad for inputting a set number of sheets, a start key for instructing operation start, a stop key for instructing operation stop, and a broken line are arranged. An area for displaying the number of copies and the set number is provided in the portion indicated by. In this area, the set number of jobs for which the setting is being performed is displayed while the apparatus is on standby, and the set number of sheets and the number of copies of the active job are displayed while the apparatus is operating. Although a triangle is shown at the upper left of the display screen, a triangle is displayed as shown in FIG. 6 on the screen for setting functions, and a circle is displayed on the screen during operation.

When various functions are set on the display screen shown in FIG. 6 and the start key is pressed, the flow shifts to S23, where the first job is started. With the start of the first job, the display screen changes to the display screen shown in FIG.
On the display screen shown in FIG. 7, since the first job is in operation, a message "Copying" is displayed. At the same time, a message "Pressing a work reservation button allows setting of the next job." Is displayed, and a work reservation button marked "P &SA" is displayed. Further, the number of copies of the first job is also sequentially displayed. In FIG. 7, "S2" is displayed to indicate that the second sheet is being read.

In the operation of the first job, as shown in FIG. 5A, first, all of the originals are read by the image reading device and stored in the storage device. Is recorded. First
If no operation is performed during the operation of the first job and the first job is completed, the process returns to S22, and an instruction to set the next job and start operation is received. in this way,
When only one job is operated, the operations of S22 and S23 are repeated as in the conventional copier.
If the interrupt key is pressed during the operation of the first job, a message "interruption reserved" is displayed in S24 for, for example, seven seconds, and the display returns to the operation display shown in FIG. Thereafter, an interrupt copying operation is performed.

In step S23, to set and start the second job, for example, during the first job, as shown in FIG.
Select the work reservation button displayed as "P &SA" shown in FIG. The work reservation button can be selected by touching the displayed area with a finger or the like, for example, as in the case of the function setting. In the following description, such button selection is expressed as pressing a button. When the work reservation button is pressed, S25
Then, the display as shown in FIG. 8 is made, and the setting of the second job can be performed. In the display screen shown in FIG. 8, a message “Program reservation mode. Please select the registration button after setting” is displayed,
The function setting screen is displayed. The function setting screen is the same as the function setting made in the first job shown in FIG. 6, and the same function setting as the first job in operation can be made for the second job. The set number of sheets set in the second job is displayed on the upper right of the message at the top of the display screen. As described above, the display of the set number of sheets set in the second job is displayed at a place different from the set number of sheets of the first job being executed, and the first sheet is set even during the setting of the second job. Job operation status can be grasped.

Each time a function is set, the clear timer is reset in S26. The clear timer is for detecting a case where the second job has been left in the middle of the function setting. When the first job is completed and the operation of the function setting for the second job has not been performed for a predetermined time, it is considered that the function setting for the second job has been abandoned on the way, and the second processing is performed in S27. The reservation mode in which the job is set is released, and the process returns to S22 to enter a standby state.

While the clear key (C key) or the all clear key (CA key) may be pressed during function setting,
In such a case, for the second job, the setting value is cleared or the operation of clearing to the initial setting is performed. These keys do not release the reservation mode for performing the function setting for the second job.

During the function setting for the second job, it may be necessary to stop the first job. In such a case, the stop key is pressed.
Further, during the operation of the first job, an abnormality occurs in the apparatus, and the first job is executed.
May be suspended. In these cases, the function setting for the first job may need to be performed. Therefore, in S28, the reservation mode for performing the function setting for the second job is released, and the cause of the abnormality may be determined as necessary. Remove. In S29, a message "Press the start button to continue the job" is displayed, and the user can return to S23 by pressing the start button and continue the first job.
At this time, if necessary, in S30, the original is discharged at the time of reading or the recording paper is discharged at the time of recording. Also, S2
If it is desired to stop the first job in step 9, the clear key or the all clear key may be pressed. It returns to the standby state of S22. At this time, by pressing the start key as necessary, the document is discharged at the time of reading or the recording paper is discharged at the time of recording in S31. When a fatal abnormality has occurred, the first job can no longer be continued, and the operation starts from S21 after the abnormality is removed.

On the display screen shown in FIG. 8, buttons "Registration" and "Reservation Cancel" are displayed. By pressing the "Reservation Cancel" button, the reservation mode for performing the function setting for the second job is released, and the process returns to S23, where a screen showing the normal operation of the first job is displayed.

When the "register" button is pressed, the second
Register the function settings for the job in the PSA memory,
If possible, the second job is started, but the operation at this time is slightly different depending on the state of the first job when the “register” button is pressed. First, "Registration"
When the button is pressed, if the first job has already been completed, that is, in the case of the timing shown in FIG. 5B, the second job for which the function setting has been made is regarded as the first job. Make it work. Also, when the “register” button is pressed, the first job is in the recording operation, that is, in the case of the timings shown in (3) and (4) of FIG. 5, the image reading device is empty. Therefore, the reading operation of the second job is started immediately. Further, when the “register” button is pressed, if the first job is still in the original reading operation, that is, if the timings shown in (5) and (6) of FIG. After the original reading operation of the job is completed, the original reading operation of the second job is enabled. The details will be described below in order.

First, when the "registration" button is pressed, the first job has already been completed, ie, as shown in FIG.
In the case of the timing shown in (2), in S32,
The display screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. On this display screen, a message "Copying is possible. The first job has been completed." Is displayed, and the process returns to S22. When the first job is completed, it is no longer necessary to “reserve” the second job, and the normal copy processing may be performed.
Therefore, the function set as the second job up to that time is assumed to be set as the first job as it is,
The second job is cancelled. In FIG. 9 as well, the state of the function setting in the second job is displayed as it is, and the set number of sheets set as the second job is displayed as the set number of the first job. When the start button is pressed, the copy processing using the function set as the second job is performed as the first job.

Next, when the "registration" button is pressed, the first job is in the recording operation, that is, in FIG.
The case of the timing shown in (3) and (4) will be described. In this case, after the function setting for the second job is stored in the PSA memory in S33, the display screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed in S34. In other words, the message “Printing the first job” and “Please set the original for the reserved job and press the scan start button” are displayed, and “To cancel the reserved job, click the P & SA cancel button. Please select. " In addition, the “scan start” button, “P & SA”
A cancel button labeled "Cancel" is displayed. Further, on the right side of the message, a column for displaying the number of sheets read together with the number of sheets set as the second job is provided. In this state, the reading is "0" because reading has not been started. Note that the number of copies of the first job is displayed as “P8” in FIG. 10, which indicates that the first job is performing the recording operation for the eighth sheet.

In the state shown in FIG. 10, the original reading operation of the second job is started by setting the original of the second job and pressing the "scan start" button. Proceeding to S35, the display screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. A message "Reading the reserved job" is displayed together with the message "Printing the first job", and the reading operation of the second job is performed in parallel with the recording operation of the first job. Is shown. The number of read originals is displayed in the display field for the number of copies of the second job on the right of the message.

In FIG. 11, a "scan stop" button is displayed, and a guidance "select a scan stop button to stop reading a reserved job" is displayed. By pressing the "scan stop" button, the operation of the second job during the reading operation is stopped, and the process enters the standby state for starting the second job in S34.

As shown in FIG. 5D, when the reading operation of the second job is completed before the recording operation of the first job is completed, the second job waits until the first job is completed. State. In this case, the process proceeds to S36, and FIG.
The display screen is as shown in FIG. A message "Printing the reserved job will start after the first job is completed" will be displayed together with the message "Printing the first job", and the user will be informed that the second job is waiting. Inform. At this time, “WAI” is displayed in the display area for the number of copies of the second job on the right of the message.
T "is displayed, again indicating that the apparatus is in the standby state. Further, a work cancel button marked “P & SA Cancel” is displayed.

When the recording operation of the first job is completed in the standby state of the second job in S36, the second job becomes the only job at that time. Therefore, S37
, The second job is set as the first job, and the PSA memory storing the setting information of the second job is cleared. At this time, the information set as the second job is used for the function setting of the first job. The set number of sheets of the second job displayed on the right of the message is
It is displayed in the display area of the set number of the first job. Then, the process proceeds to S23, and the recording operation of the job changed from the second job to the first job is automatically started.

If the recording operation of the first job is completed before the reading operation of the second job is completed as shown in FIG. 5C, the second job is the only job at that time. However, the operation is continued until the reading operation is completed. Then, at the end of the reading operation, the second job is changed to the first job, and the PSA memory is cleared in S37.
Then, the process goes to step 23 to automatically start the recording operation.

Next, when the "register" button is pressed in S25, if the first job is being read,
That is, the case of the timing shown in FIGS. 5 (5) and (6) will be described. In this case, in S38, the second
After the function setting for the job is stored in the PSA memory, the display screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed in S39.
That is, the message "Please wait" and "Loading the first job" are displayed, and the guidance "Select the P & SA cancel button to cancel the reserved job" is displayed. . Also, "P & SA Cancelel"
Button is displayed. Further, to the right of the message, "WAIT" indicating that the second job is on standby is displayed together with the set number of sheets set as the second job. The number of copies of the first job is “S1
9 ", indicating that the first job is performing the reading operation on the nineteenth sheet.

When the reading operation of the first job is completed in such a state, the recording operation of the first job starts immediately. At the same time, the reading operation of the second job can be started. That is, since all the originals to be read in the first job are discharged from the image reading apparatus, the original of the second job can be set in the image reading apparatus only in this state. Subsequent operations are in the same state as when the second job is activated during the recording operation of the first job. Therefore, the reading operation of the second job is performed in the same manner as the operation after S34. Is performed in parallel with the recording operation of the first job.

The outline of the operation when the "registration" of the second job is performed during the execution of the first job is as described above. May occur. The detailed operation in such a case will be described below. In the following description, the abnormality is a relatively minor abnormality such as running out of recording paper, and indicates an abnormality in which the job can be continued by removing the cause of the abnormality.

First, in step S34, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed, and in a state in which the start of the second job, that is, the "scan start" button is pressed, the "scan start" button is pressed. The recording operation of the first job may be completed before is pressed. In such a case, since the second job is the only job, the function setting screen of the second job is displayed in S40, the PSA memory is cleared in S41, the process proceeds to S32, and the second job is performed. The job is changed to the first job, and a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. At this time, the function setting of the first job is set as the second job, and the second job displayed to the right of the message is displayed.
Is displayed as the set number of the first job. Then, in S22, a normal standby state is set.

When the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed in S34, there is a case where it is desired to cancel the second job without starting it. In such a case, “P & SA Ca
Press the work cancel button labeled "ncel". If the work cancel button is pressed, the contents of the PSA memory are cleared in S37 to cancel the setting of the second job, and the process returns to S23 to continue the processing of the first job in operation.

Further, if the stop button is pressed or an abnormality occurs in the first job while waiting for the start instruction of the second job in S34, the process proceeds to S42 as necessary. After removing the cause of the abnormality, a message "Press the start button to continue the first job (cancel with C)" is displayed in S43. Here, the user can continue the first job by pressing the start button, and returns to the state of S34. At this time, if necessary,
At 44, the original is discharged at the time of reading or the recording paper is discharged at the time of recording. If the user wants to stop the first job in S43, the user may press the clear key or press the all clear key according to the message. In step S45, the first job is cleared, and the start key is pressed as necessary to discharge the original at the time of reading or the recording paper at the time of recording. Then, the process proceeds to step S32. The first job has been cleared,
The second job is the only job. Therefore, the setting of the second job is changed to the setting of the first job, the display screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, and the job start instruction is waited. At this time, the function setting of the first job is set as the second job, and the set number of the second job displayed on the right of the message is displayed as the set number of the first job. Is done.

When the stop button is pressed or an abnormality occurs in the first job, the recording operation of the first job and the reading operation of the second job are performed in S35. In some cases, the same operation is performed. In this case, when the stop button is pressed or an abnormality occurs in the first job, the second job is also stopped. When the first job is resumed, by pressing the “scan start” button when returning to S34, the second job is started.
The job reading operation can be resumed. When the first job is canceled, the reading operation of the job changed from the second job to the first job is restarted by pressing the start button.

If an abnormality occurs in the second job while the recording operation of the first job and the reading operation of the second job are performed in parallel in S35, the first job is continued as it is. . In S45, the cause of the abnormality is released as necessary. If the recording operation of the first job is completed during the operation for canceling the abnormality, the second job during the reading operation is the only job. Therefore, the second job is set as the first job, and the PSA is set in S47. The memory is cleared, a message "the first job has been completed" is displayed in S48, and the process proceeds to S29. At this time, the function setting of the first job is set as the second job, and the set number displayed to the right of the message is displayed as the set number of the first job. As described above, the message "Press the start button to continue the job" is displayed in S29,
By pressing the start button, the user
It is possible to continue the job during the reading operation, which has been changed from the first job to the first job. Of course, it is also possible to cancel the job being read by pressing the clear key or the all clear key in S29.

Even if the operation for canceling the abnormality in S46 is completed, the first
If the recording operation of the job has not been completed, S49
"Please press the scan start button"
Message is displayed. The user can return to S35 and instruct the continuation of the second job by pressing the “scan start” button on the display screen according to this message. In step S49, if the user wants to stop the second job, the "P & S AC
By pressing the work cancel button displayed as "ancel", the PSA memory is cleared in S50, and the second job is canceled. In this state, since the first job is in operation, the process returns to S23, and the operation of only the first job is continued.

In the state of S36, that is, when the reading operation of the second job is completed during the recording operation of the first job and the second job is in the standby state, the stop key is pressed, or If an abnormality has occurred in the first job in operation, the cause of the abnormality is released as necessary in S51. In S52, the display screen displays a message "Press the start button to continue the first job. (Cancel with C)." The user presses the start button in accordance with the message to perform recording sheet discharge processing in step S53, and then returns to step S36 to continue the recording operation of the first job. At this time, the second job remains on standby. When canceling the first job in S52, the user presses the clear key or the all clear key. As a result, the first job is cleared in S54, the waiting second job is changed to the first job, and a recording sheet discharging operation or the like is performed as necessary. Then, the process shifts to S32, a message "Copying is possible. The first job has been completed." Is displayed, the function settings are set as the second job, and a message is displayed to the right of the message. The second that was
Is displayed as the set number of the first job. In this state, the user can start the recording operation of the job changed to the first job by pressing the start button.

Further, in the state of S36, that is, when the reading operation of the second job is completed during the recording operation of the first job and the second job is in the standby state, the second state in the standby state is set. To cancel a job, for example,
On the display screen shown in FIG. 12, "P & SA Cancel"
The user may press the work cancel button marked "el". S
At 37, the PSA memory is cleared and the settings of the second job are deleted. As a result, the second job is cancelled, the process moves to S23, and the recording operation of the first job is continued.

Similarly, the state of S39, that is, the start of the second job is instructed during the reading operation of the first job,
When canceling the second job while the second job is in the standby state, for example, press the work cancel button labeled “P & SA Cancel” displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. I just need. In S37, the PSA memory is cleared, and the setting of the second job is deleted. As a result, the second job is canceled and S
The process proceeds to step S23, where the recording operation of the first job is continued.

In step S39, when the start of the second job is instructed during the reading operation of the first job, and the second job is in the standby state, the stop key is pressed or the first job is stopped. If an abnormality has occurred, S55
After the cause of the abnormality is canceled as necessary in S56,
A message "Press the start button to continue the job. (Cancel with C)" is displayed on the display screen. If you press the start button here, S
After the read document is discharged as necessary at 57, the process returns to S39, and the reading operation of the first job is continued. At this time, the second job remains in the standby state.
If the clear key or the all clear key is pressed in S56, the first job is cancelled, and if necessary, the process of discharging the read document is performed in S58, and the waiting second job is replaced with the first job. Change to a job and proceed to S32.
In S32, the message "Copying is possible. The first job has been completed."
Is displayed, and the set number of second jobs displayed on the right of the message is displayed as the set number of first jobs. Then, it waits for an instruction to start the job changed to the first job. The user can start reading by pressing the start key.

In each of the above-mentioned states, if a fatal abnormality occurs during the execution of the first job or the second job, both the first job and the second job are cancelled, and Means that the entire device is reset.

As described above, the function setting of the second job can be performed by pressing the work reservation button while the first job is operating. The functions that can be set at this time are:
There is no restriction as in the case of the conventional interrupt function, and the same function setting as in the first job can be performed. Further, by pressing the registration button, the second job can be set in a startable state during the operation of the first job. Further, by setting the document of the second job and pressing the scan start button during the recording operation of the first job, the first job and the second job can be operated in parallel.

After the end of the first job, the second job is the only job, so the second job is changed to the first job and operates as the first job. At this time, it is possible to set and start a new second job.

The above operation and display screen are merely examples, and it is needless to say that they can be changed. For example, the layout of the display screen may be appropriately designed at the time of setting. As an example, the display of the set number of sheets and the number of copies of the second job do not have to be on the right of the message. Various layouts such as display in an area are possible. Further, in the above-described examples of the display screens, the work reservation button, the scan start button, the work cancel button, and the like are configured to be displayed on the display screen only when operable. This prevents erroneous operation of each button. Further, operability is improved by displaying guidance of the displayed buttons.

[0063]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even during the operation of the first job, the second job similar to the normal job is performed.
Job can be set and executed in parallel with the first job, so that there is no need to wait for the first job to end even during large-volume copying, eliminating waste of waiting time. Can be. At this time, the function setting of the second job can be performed without being limited to the function of the first job. In addition, since registration and activation instructions for the set second job can be easily made, a difficult operation is not required.
Further, when the first job is completed, the second job is changed to the first job. Therefore, even if the second job is not completed, the next job can be similarly set. Can be efficiently processed. Further, since the display of the set number of sheets and the number of copies of the second job are displayed in an area different from that of the first job, even if the second job is being set or in operation, the first job can be displayed. The set number of sheets and the number of copies can be confirmed, and the operation state of the first job can be easily known.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart (part) showing an example of an operation in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart (part) showing an example of an operation in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part) showing an example of an operation in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a relationship between a first job and a second job.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen in a standby state.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen of an operation state of a first job.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen in a reservation mode.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen at the end of a first job in a reservation mode.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen at the time of second job registration.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a second job is activated during a recording operation of the first job.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when the reading operation of the second job is completed during the recording operation of the first job.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when a second job is activated during a reading operation of the first job.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 MPU, 2 ROM, 3, 4 RAM, 5 nonvolatile RAM, 6 I / O port, 7 communication port, 8 function operating device, 9 image input device, 10 storage device, 11
... Image output device.

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-268578 (JP, A) JP-A-1-258550 (JP, A) JP-A-62-166369 (JP, A) JP-A-62-210482 (JP) JP-A-5-27522 (JP, A) JP-A-3-14055 (JP, A) JP-A-60-156076 (JP, A) JP-A-57-192964 (JP, A) 61-113077 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G03G 21/00 370

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads an image; an image storage unit that stores an image read by the image reading unit; and an image output unit that outputs an image stored in the image storage unit. An instruction means for instructing the image forming apparatus by an operator; and an image output means for outputting an image when the image reading means is reading an image based on a first instruction to the instruction means. Control means for receiving a second instruction to the instruction means when performing, the control means,
When the operator gives the second instruction to the instructing means and stops outputting the image by the image output means based on the first instruction, or when the image forming apparatus is stopped. The image forming apparatus, wherein the second instruction is canceled when the error occurs. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit terminates the second instruction to the instruction unit while the image output unit is outputting an image based on the first instruction to the instruction unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to read an image by the image reading unit based on a second instruction. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to terminate the second instruction to the instruction unit while the image reading unit is reading an image based on the first instruction to the instruction unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after the image reading unit reads the image based on the first instruction, the image reading unit controls to read the image based on the second instruction. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit finishes reading the image based on the second instruction while the image output unit outputs the image based on the first instruction. After the output of the image by the image output unit is completed based on the first instruction, the image output unit controls the image forming apparatus to output the image based on the second instruction. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 5. A counting means for counting the number of images output by said image output means, and displaying the number of images output by a first instruction to said instruction means and the number counted by said counting means, The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising display means for displaying the number of output sheets according to the second instruction to the instruction means at a position different from the display position of the number of output sheets according to the instruction. Image forming apparatus. 6. The display means, when output of an image by the image output means based on a first instruction to the instruction means is completed, changes the number of output sheets according to a second instruction to the instruction means to the first instruction. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the number of output sheets according to the instruction is displayed at the position where the number was displayed. 7. When the image output unit starts outputting an image based on a second instruction to the instructing unit, the control unit determines the number of sheets output by the second instruction to the instructing unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the number of output sheets according to the instruction is displayed at the position where the number of output sheets was displayed. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein after the second instruction of the operator with respect to the instructing unit is terminated, if the image forming apparatus is stopped during an operation based on the first instruction,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second instruction is held.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.