JP3826635B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that stores image data corresponding to an image forming job and executes image formation using the image data for each job.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a printer that forms an image using digitized image data is generally used. In these image forming apparatuses, image data read using an image reader or the like is digitally processed and used for image formation, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) connected to the image forming apparatus. Image formation can be performed using image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus. Some have a function of acquiring image data while forming an image (hereinafter, such a function is referred to as a “multi-job function”).
[0003]
In an image forming apparatus having a multi-job function, image formation using image data obtained from a batch of originals read by an image reader and image formation using image data transmitted from a PC are performed for each job. And image formation is performed sequentially for each job. That is, image data obtained by reading a document or image data transmitted from a PC is stored in an image memory in association with an identifier of each job (hereinafter referred to as “job ID”), while a job The IDs are registered in a predetermined management table in the order in which each job is issued to the image forming apparatus. Then, image formation is performed in the order of job IDs registered in the table.
[0004]
When using an image forming apparatus having a multi-job function, especially when image data is transmitted from a PC or the like, or using a multi-job function, a batch of documents is pre-read and a result of image formation (copying) Since the user does not always exist in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus, for example, when he / she wants to pick up the product later, for example, an abnormality such as running out of paper, running out of toner, or the like causes the corresponding job. Therefore, there is a problem in dealing with a situation where image formation cannot be continued. When out of paper occurs in the absence of a user, not only execution of the job that was image forming at that time stops, but also image formation cannot be performed for other jobs issued after that job Because it becomes.
[0005]
As a method for dealing with such a problem, for example, when a paper out of some sizes occurs, there is a job that can be executed among other jobs issued later. In such a case (for example, when A4 size paper runs out and a later issued job uses B4 size paper), a method of executing the subsequent job first can be considered. . In this case, a job stopped halfway due to running out of paper may be resumed when the user replenishes the paper, for example.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when an abnormality that allows a later job to be executed first (such as “recoverable abnormality”) occurs, such as out of paper or toner, specifically, the subsequent job is a sheet of paper. When a paper of a different size from the cut paper is used, or when the cyan toner runs out of toner, the subsequent job is to form a monochrome image, or after the staples are lost Even if the job is not subjected to stapling processing, if the subsequent job is executed immediately, the usability may be deteriorated.
[0007]
For example, when an image forming apparatus having a function for predicting an image formation end time is used as recently put into practical use, a user who has issued a job before and after the predicted time There is a high possibility of seeing the situation near the forming device. In such a case, if another job is executed immediately after the occurrence of an abnormality, especially when the other job performs a large amount of image formation, the user who issued the job first will This is because it may be necessary to wait for the interrupted job to be resumed, which may be severe for the user.
[0008]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can improve user convenience in an image forming apparatus having a multi-job function. Yes.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:Multiple jobsRemember and jobSequentially in unitsImage formationDoIn the image forming apparatus, it was executed at that time due to the occurrence of an abnormality.FirstAn abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormal state in which job execution cannot be continued;Among the stored jobs, even in an abnormal state detected by the abnormality detecting meansExecutableSecondJob control means for controlling job execution,,
  The job control means starts execution of the second job based on execution permission timing information indicating a timing at which execution should be permitted.It is characterized by that.
[0010]
  In this configuration, when a recoverable error occurs in the job being executed, the execution timing of the other job is controlled with reference to the executable timing information. Even if a new job is issued, it is possible to prevent the other job from being executed immediately, so that the user who issued the previous job and the user who issued the other job Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is easy to use as a whole. Here, as the execution permission timing information, in addition to information indicating the timing itself to be executed, a predetermined process, for example, a predetermined time is added to or subtracted from the execution permission timing information to obtain the execution permission timing. Information on the basis of the case shall be included.
  Here, it is conceivable that the timing is after the elapse of time for permitting execution of the second job. Further, the time may be a time from when the abnormality occurs until the execution of the second job is permitted. Furthermore, the time may be a time until a predetermined time elapses from a scheduled end time of the first job.
  In addition, when the abnormal state is resolved within the time, the first job may be resumed. Further, the execution permission timing information may be different for each job.
[0011]
The execution permission timing information is, for example, information indicating a time from when an abnormality occurs until execution of another executable job is permitted, and the job control unit is configured to execute the execution permission from the occurrence of the abnormality. It is conceivable to perform control so that execution of other executable jobs is permitted when the time indicated in the timing information has elapsed. In this configuration, even if a sheet runs out, etc., a certain period of time is waited to allow other jobs to be executed, so the sheet is replenished in a relatively short period of time. It is suitable for the case.
[0012]
The image forming apparatus further includes an execution permission timing information receiving unit that receives the input of the execution permission timing information for each job, and an execution permission timing information storage unit that stores the execution permission timing information for each job. It is also possible. This is because the user department issued for each job may be different, that is, the distance from the image forming apparatus may be different, and such a case can be flexibly handled.
[0013]
The image forming apparatus further includes a prediction unit that predicts a time at which job execution ends, and an execution permission timing information storage unit that stores the time predicted by the prediction unit as execution permission timing information. The means may perform control so as to permit execution of another executable job when the time indicated by the execution permission timing information has elapsed. It is possible to predict the scheduled end time of the job mainly from the number of pages on which image formation is performed. In such a case, the user may exist near the image forming apparatus before the scheduled end time. This is because it is considered that the execution of another job may be permitted after the time has elapsed.
[0014]
However, considering the time required to resolve a recoverable abnormality, allowing other jobs to be executed after the scheduled end time has passed may be severe for the user who issued the interrupted job. It includes an execution permission timing information storage unit that stores a time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time predicted by the prediction unit as execution permission timing information, and the job control unit is indicated by the execution permission timing information. It is also conceivable to perform control so that execution of other executable jobs is permitted when the time elapses.
[0015]
The image forming apparatus further includes an execution permission timing information receiving unit that receives an input of first execution permission timing information, a first execution permission timing information storage unit that stores the first execution permission timing information, Prediction means for predicting the time at which job execution ends, and second execution permission timing storage means for storing the time predicted by the prediction means as second execution permission timing information, wherein the job control means And switching means for switching whether to control execution of the other executable job based on which information of the first execution permission timing information and the second execution permission timing information. preferable. This is because, depending on the installation environment of the image forming apparatus and the timing when an abnormality occurs, more flexible control can be performed than the same control at all times when controlling the execution permission timing of other jobs.
[0016]
Specifically, the switching unit is configured such that the time when the job starts is a time obtained by adding the time spent in the job until the abnormality occurs and the time indicated by the first execution permission timing information. From this, control is performed to switch between the first execution permission timing information and the second execution permission timing information depending on whether or not it is longer than the time required to reach the time predicted by the prediction means. It is possible. As a result, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of the entire image forming apparatus for the convenience of each user.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(1) Overall configuration of copying machine
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a digital copying machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “copying machine”) 1 of this embodiment as an example of an image forming apparatus.
[0018]
The copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment reads a document and converts it into an image signal, a scanning system 10, an image signal processing unit 20 that performs various known image processing on an image signal sent from the scanning system 10, and an image signal processing unit 20. Memory unit 30 that prints image data input from the memory as it is or stores it in the memory, print processing unit 40 that drives the semiconductor laser 62 based on the image data input from the memory unit 30, an external device such as a PC Image data is received from the device, control signals are transmitted and received, and the external interface unit 50 that exchanges data with the memory unit 30 and the laser beam from the semiconductor laser 62 are guided to the exposure position on the photosensitive drum 71. An optical system 60; an image forming system 70 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed by exposure, transfers the image to a recording sheet, and fixes the image to form an image; Operation panel OP provided in the body upper surface, composed of a document feeder 500 for performing the front and back of the inverting as required to convey the document.
[0019]
Image data transmitted from an external device such as a PC to the copying machine 1 is received by the external interface unit 50 and transmitted to the memory unit unit 30. The external interface unit 50 also performs control related to transmission / reception of control signals and image data with an external device that transmits image data to the copying machine 1. The image data is sent from the memory unit 30 to the print processing unit 40, and the semiconductor laser 62 is driven based on this image data. Laser light generated from the semiconductor laser 62 is deflected by the optical system 60 and guided to the image forming system 70.
[0020]
In the image forming system 70, after the residual toner is removed by the cleaner 76, the laser beam is irradiated to the photosensitive drum 71 that is uniformly charged by the charging charger 72 and rotates in the direction of arrow A, whereby the photosensitive drum is irradiated. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface 71, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized by receiving toner from the developing device 73. The visualized toner image is transferred to the recording paper conveyed from the paper feed cassettes 80 a and 80 b by the transfer charger 74, and further, the recording paper is conveyed to the position of the fixing roller 84, and the toner is conveyed by the fixing roller 84. By fixing the image on the recording paper, the image is finally formed on the recording paper. The image forming operation as described above is controlled by the control unit 100 described later. The copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a copying machine having a so-called multi-job function capable of forming an image in parallel with reading a document by the scanning system 10 and receiving data from an external device. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to connect a finisher that performs stapling using a staple, and perform various post-processing such as bookbinding and sorting on the recording paper on which image formation has been completed. it can.
[0021]
Further, the copying machine 1 accepts a user instruction through an operation panel OP as shown in FIG. The operation panel OP has a liquid crystal touch panel 91, a numeric keypad 92 for inputting the number of copies such as the number of copies and a copy magnification, a clear key 93 for returning the number entered by the numeric keys 92 to an initial value, and all settings to an initial setting. A panel reset key 94, a stop key 95 for stopping the copying operation, a start key 96 for starting copying, a network key 97 for using functions of devices connected to the network, and registering devices, users and the like on the network. Is provided. Further, in the operation panel OP of the present embodiment, when an error that can be restored to a job being executed occurs, the job is skipped and another executable job is executed (hereinafter referred to as “job skip”). A job skip setting button 98 is provided for switching to a screen for inputting information related to the above. Details of the setting by the screen switched by the job skip setting button 98 will be described later. The set contents are stored, for example, in a job management table (see FIG. 4) via the control unit 100 described later.
[0022]
These buttons can also be provided on the liquid crystal touch panel 91. The liquid crystal touch panel 91 is provided with buttons for specifying the paper size, magnification, density, etc. In addition, when a recoverable abnormality such as out of paper occurs, various screens as will be described later are displayed. .
(2) Configuration of control unit 100
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 100 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a control unit 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to a ROM 102 and a RAM 103 with a CPU 101 as a center, and the CPU 101 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. Form processing is realized. The RAM 103 is used as a temporary storage area by the control program.
[0023]
The control unit 100 also includes an abnormal state detection unit 104, an abnormal state release detection unit 105, and a job management table storage unit 106. The abnormal state detection unit 104 returns a sensor such as a sensor that detects the presence of the recording paper in the paper feed cassettes 80a and 80b, a sensor that detects the remaining amount of toner in the developing unit 73, and a sensor that detects the remaining amount of staples. Connected to sensors that detect possible abnormalities and sensors provided on the recording paper conveyance path, etc., and image formation can no longer be continued due to abnormal conditions such as running out of consumables or paper jams. Is detected. Note that, as this abnormal state, there are abnormalities that cannot be executed by other jobs, such as the above-described recoverable abnormality such as out of paper or out of toner, and a paper jam in the image forming system 70 (hereinafter referred to as “abnormal condition”). Therefore, the abnormal state detection unit 104 determines whether the abnormality is recoverable or unrecoverable when an abnormality occurs based on the output of each sensor or the like. Determine if there is a possible abnormality. For example, in the case of an abnormality that can be recovered, “1” is output to the CPU 101 as a value indicating an abnormal level, and in the case of an abnormality that cannot be recovered, “2” is output to the CPU 101 as a value indicating an abnormal level. For example, a method of outputting the data can be considered. In response to the output of the abnormal level, the CPU 101 stores a value indicating the abnormal level and the occurrence time of the abnormality in the RAM 103. In the present embodiment, the initial value of the abnormal level, that is, the abnormal level in the normal state is set to “0”.
[0024]
The abnormal state cancellation detection unit 105 detects that the abnormal state detected by the abnormal state detection unit 104 has been canceled. There are two types of cancellation of the abnormal state: cancellation of the abnormal state that can be recovered and cancellation of the abnormal state that cannot be recovered. The abnormal state cancellation detection unit 105 detects the cancellation of both of these abnormalities. Here, in the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a recoverable abnormal state occurs, the job may be skipped and another executable job may be executed first. In some cases, a recoverable abnormality or an unrecoverable abnormality may occur when executing a simple job.
[0025]
In order to cope with such a case, it is preferable to provide the RAM 103 with an abnormality management table for managing all the abnormal states that have not been resolved. In this abnormality management table, for example, the contents of the abnormality that has occurred (out of paper, out of toner, paper jam, etc.), the abnormal level of each abnormality, and the time at which the abnormality occurred can be stored. If an irrecoverable error occurs while another job is being executed, and the irrecoverable error is resolved, a recoverable error has occurred for the suspended job again. This is because it is preferable to reproduce the state (the state where the abnormal level is “1”).
[0026]
The job management table storage unit 106 stores a job management table for managing the execution order of each issued job and attribute information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the job management table in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, each job ID is stored in the job management table in the order in which each job is issued. In addition to the paper size and number of pages specified for each job, whether double-sided copying is specified, In addition to whether or not staple processing is specified, job issuance time, scheduled end time, and set time are stored. The contents of these pieces of information (hereinafter referred to as “attribute information” for each job) may be omitted as necessary, or other attribute information may be added.
[0027]
Note that the “scheduled end time” is a scheduled time when the job ends, and is calculated and stored mainly from the number of pages when the job is issued. In addition, the “set time” is set for each job as the time from the occurrence of the error until the execution of another executable job is permitted when a recoverable error occurs during the job. It has been done. In the present embodiment, the time is set for each job. However, the same time may be set for all jobs as the entire image forming apparatus, not for each job. A method for setting and using this set time will be described later.
[0028]
Further, the CPU 101 of the present embodiment is connected to the operation panel OP, and the control unit 100 can acquire the content input from the user via the liquid crystal touch panel 91 or the like. The unit 30 and the image forming unit 110 are also connected. The image forming unit 110 controls the actual image formation by uniformly controlling the print processing unit 40, the optical system 60, the image forming system 70, and the like. Since the control contents for the memory unit 30 and the control of image formation are already known contents, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.
[0029]
(3) Processing contents of the control unit 100
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the control program for controlling the image forming operation for each job in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when activated, the control program of the present embodiment first performs initial settings such as clearing the RAM 103 and setting various registers (S101), and performs an abnormal level initialization process (S102). This abnormal level initialization processing means clearing the contents of the abnormal level storage area in the RAM 103 described above.
[0030]
Here, there may be a case where a certain size of paper is out of paper at the time of the abnormal level initialization processing. However, in this embodiment, the paper out at this time is not recognized as an abnormal state, and is actually Until image formation is performed, “0” that is the initial value of the abnormal level is set. This is because it is sufficient to set an abnormal level when an image is actually formed and the job is stopped due to running out of paper. Of course, it is also possible to detect that the consumable item has run out at this point and store it in the above-described abnormality management table.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the abnormality level “1” is set when a recoverable abnormality occurs, and the abnormality level “2” is set when the abnormality cannot be recovered. However, the method for setting the abnormal level is arbitrary, and is not limited to the setting of numerical values as described above.
Next, an internal timer (not shown) that is built in the CPU 101 and whose count value is set by initial setting is started (S103), an abnormality process (S104), a display process (S105), and a job control process (S106). The other processes (S107) are sequentially performed, the end of the internal timer is waited (S108), and the processes from step S103 to S107 are repeated. In the description of the present embodiment, the abnormality process (S104), the display process (S105), and the job control process (S106) are processes that form a main part of the present invention and will be described later in detail. Since the process is a known process that has been conventionally known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The other processing (S107) includes, for example, a series of control processing for performing normal image formation for the job specified in the job control processing (S106).
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the abnormality processing (FIG. 4, S104) in the present embodiment. This abnormality processing is that an abnormality that can be restored to the image forming apparatus or an abnormality that cannot be restored occurs, so that the image formation cannot be continued with respect to the currently executed job, This is a process for detecting an abnormal level and cancellation of an abnormal state.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the abnormality process of the present embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the abnormal state detection unit 104 has detected an abnormality (S201), and when an abnormality is detected (S201: Yes). In step S202, image formation corresponding to the job being executed is stopped. Note that, as described above, there are abnormalities that can be recovered and abnormalities that cannot be recovered, as described above, which one is detected, that is, an abnormal level is detected and set in the RAM 103 (S203). .
[0034]
Next, it is determined whether or not the abnormal state cancellation detection unit 105 detects the cancellation of the abnormal state (S204). When the abnormal state cancellation is detected (S204: Yes), the abnormal level is cleared (S205). . If the above-described abnormality management table is provided, the processing in this step is not simply clearing the abnormality level, but deleting the abnormality data stored in the abnormality management table.
[0035]
As described above, when the abnormality process ends, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the display process (S105) is performed. The display process is a process for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal touch panel 91 according to an abnormality occurrence state or the like.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed contents of the display process. As shown in the figure, in the display process, it is first determined whether or not the abnormality level is “2” (S301). As described above, the case where the abnormality level is “2” means a state in which an irrecoverable abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred in the image forming system 70, and therefore all jobs are executed. I can't. Therefore, a trouble screen indicating that is displayed (S302), and the display process is terminated.
[0036]
When the abnormal level is not “2” (S301: No), it is determined whether or not the abnormal level is “1” (S303). The case where the abnormality level is “1” is a state in which a recoverable abnormality has occurred during execution of the job and the abnormal state has not been resolved. In this embodiment, the suspended job Is displayed on the screen and the request to eliminate the abnormal state is displayed (S304). FIG. 8 shows an example of the execution stop job screen displayed in this case. The display on this screen indicates that a job using A4 size paper is interrupted due to running out of paper. In addition to this, for example, it is possible to display that the process is interrupted due to the out of cyan toner, or that the process is interrupted due to the absence of staples.
[0037]
If the abnormality level is not “1” (S303: No), no abnormality has occurred and normal screen display is performed (S305). Detailed description of the normal screen is omitted.
When the display process is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 5 to perform the job control process (S106). This job control process is a process for selecting a job to be executed, and the image formation of the selected job is executed as another process (S107).
[0038]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed contents of the job control process. As shown in the figure, in the job control process, it is first determined whether or not the abnormality level is “2” (S401). As described above, when the abnormality level is “2” (S401: Yes), since no job can be executed, the job control process is terminated without performing any process.
[0039]
If the abnormal level is not “2” (S401: No), it is determined whether the abnormal level is “1” (S402). If the abnormality level is not “1” (S402: No), no abnormality has occurred, and normal job selection processing is performed (S403). This normal job selection process will be briefly described. First, an area for storing the job ID of the job currently being executed (hereinafter referred to as “execution job ID storage area”) is searched, and the job ID has already been stored. If it is, no processing is performed. However, if the job ID is not stored in the area, the next job can be executed. Therefore, the contents of the job management table that sequentially stores the job IDs of the issued jobs are searched, The job ID of the job to be executed is stored in the area, and the job ID of the job is deleted from the contents of the job management table. As a result, the image formation of the job whose job ID is stored in the execution job ID storage area is executed in other processing (S107). In this embodiment, the job whose job ID is stored in the execution job ID storage area is deleted from the job management table, but at this point in time, it is not deleted from the job management table. For example, execution is started. The flag to that effect and the deletion from the job management table may be performed when the execution is completed.
[0040]
When it is determined in step S402 that the abnormality level is “1” (S402: Yes), in this embodiment, an execution timing determination process is performed (S404). FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the detailed contents of the execution timing determination process. The execution timing determination process is a process for determining whether or not it is time to execute another executable job.
[0041]
In the execution timing determination process, it is first determined whether or not the “job end scheduled time” of the interrupted job is greater than the sum of “job execution time” and “set time” (S501). Here, “scheduled job end time” is calculated from the above-mentioned “job issuance time” and “scheduled job end time”, and refers to the time from job issuance to the scheduled job end time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the “job end scheduled time” of the job having the job ID “JOB001” is 10 minutes (the issue time is 10:10:30, and the scheduled end time is 10:20:30). Second).
[0042]
On the other hand, “job execution time” refers to the time from when a job is issued until an abnormal condition occurs. Therefore, the “job execution time” varies depending on the time when the abnormality occurs. For example, in the case of JOB001 in FIG. 4, if the occurrence time of the abnormality is 10:14:30, the “job execution time” is 4 minutes, If the occurrence time of the abnormality is 10:17:30, the “job execution time” is 7 minutes.
[0043]
Here, a method of setting “setting time” will be described. In the present embodiment, when the job skip setting key 98 is pressed, a set time input screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. Using this set time input screen, the user can input the set time for each job. When a job is issued from an external device such as a PC, a setting time may be specified on the PC or the like, and the control information may be transmitted. In this embodiment, the set time is input for each job. However, the set time may be the same for the entire image forming apparatus, and may be set in the service mode and stored in the RAM 103, for example. The program may be described as a fixed value.
[0044]
Next, processing when the sum of the job execution time and the set time is smaller than the scheduled job end time will be described. For example, if the occurrence of an abnormality is 10:14:30, the job execution time is 4 minutes, and as shown in FIG. 4, the setting time of JOB001 is 5 minutes, so the sum of both is 9 Minutes. On the other hand, since the scheduled job end time calculated from the scheduled end time and the job issuance time is 10 minutes, the determination in step S501 is Yes, and the process proceeds to S502.
[0045]
In step S502, it is determined whether the set time has elapsed. This determination is based on the occurrence time of the abnormality stored in the above-described abnormality management table or the like, so that it is determined whether or not the set time has elapsed. It is determined whether the minutes have passed, i.e., 10:19:30. When 10:19:30 has elapsed (S502: Yes), the setting for permitting the execution of another executable job is made (S503), and the job control process ends. On the other hand, if it has not elapsed (S502: No), execution of other executable jobs is not permitted (S504), and the job control process ends.
[0046]
Next, the processing content when the determination in step S501 is No will be described. For example, if the occurrence of an abnormality is 10:17:30, the job execution time is 7 minutes, so the sum with the set time is 12 minutes. Therefore, the determination in step S501 is No, and the process proceeds to S505.
In step S505, it is determined whether the scheduled job end time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not 10:20:30 has elapsed. When 10:20:30 has elapsed (S505: Yes), a setting for permitting execution of another executable job is made (S506), and the job control process ends. On the other hand, if it has not elapsed (S505: No), execution of other executable jobs is not permitted (S504), and the job control process ends.
[0047]
In this embodiment, as described above, the sum of the job execution time and the set time is compared with the scheduled job end time for the following reason. That is, when the scheduled job end time is longer, the scheduled job end time is not reached even after the set time has elapsed since the occurrence of the abnormality. It is possible that the job is a large job that occupies Therefore, in order to prevent the interruption state from continuing for a long time and reducing the usage efficiency of the copying machine 1, the execution of other jobs is permitted after the set time has elapsed, and the usage efficiency is improved. This is provided for the convenience of the user who issued
[0048]
On the other hand, when the scheduled job end time is less than the sum of the job execution time and the set time, the scheduled job end time is reached before the set time elapses. Here, there is a high possibility that the user will pick up the copy result before the scheduled job end time. However, even if the user does not pick up the copy result, the copy machine 1 will be further occupied. Recognizing this may be a nuisance to other users. Therefore, in this case, execution of another job is permitted after the scheduled job end time has elapsed. Of course, if another job is executed immediately after the scheduled job end time has elapsed, it may be harsh to the user of the interrupted job, considering the time to resolve abnormal conditions such as running out of paper. Therefore, in step S505, the execution of another job may be permitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from the elapse of the scheduled job end time.
[0049]
Further, the content of the execution timing determination process shown in FIG. 10 is based on the gist of the present invention, that is, the content of controlling the execution of other jobs based on the information regarding the timing for permitting the execution of other jobs. This is only an example of control content. Depending on the installation environment of the copying machine 1, there may be a case where execution of another job may be permitted after the scheduled job end time has elapsed, or after a certain period of time has elapsed. This is because it may be sufficient to permit execution of another job after the set time has elapsed. It is also possible to make various determinations according to the installation environment of the copying machine 1 and to control the execution permission timing of other jobs. The job end estimated time and the sum of the job execution time and the set time are It is not limited to comparison.
[0050]
When the execution timing control process is completed as described above, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 9 to determine whether or not execution of another job is permitted (S405). If execution of another job is not permitted (S405: No), the job control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if execution of another job is permitted (S405: Yes), an executable job search process is performed (S406). The executable job search process is a process for searching for an executable job by searching the contents of the job management table. Specifically, for example, when the A4 sheet is out of paper, a search is performed as to whether there is a job using a sheet other than the A4 sheet. As a result, if there is an executable job (S407: Yes), the job ID of the job is stored in the execution job ID storage area and set as the next job (S408). With this process, the image formation of the job set as the next job is executed in other processes (S107), and in the example of FIG. 4, the job with the job ID “JOB002” is executed. At this time, information on the issue time and scheduled end time of each subsequent job may be updated. For example, if execution of the job “JOB002” is permitted after the scheduled end time of the job “JOB001” has elapsed, the time when the execution is permitted is set as the issue time, and the scheduled end time is also updated. Can be considered.
[0051]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when a recoverable abnormality occurs and there is an executable job among other jobs, the attribute information of each job, Since the timing for permitting execution of the other job is controlled based on the set time or the like, the usability of the image forming apparatus having the multi-job function can be improved. In addition, depending on the control method, it is possible to improve the overall use efficiency of the image forming apparatus while providing convenience for each user. In the above embodiment, the setting time information cannot be changed once set. However, it is also easy to change the setting time from the setting time input screen or an external device such as a PC.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a job being executed is interrupted due to the occurrence of an abnormality such that an executable job may exist among other jobs, Since the execution of other executable jobs is controlled based on the execution permission timing information indicating the timing at which execution of executable jobs should be permitted, other executable jobs can be executed when a recoverable error occurs. Therefore, it is possible to control the timing for permitting the execution of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability of the image forming apparatus having the multi-job function.
[0053]
Further, based on which information the first execution permission timing information input in advance and the second execution permission timing information indicating the time predicted as the time when the job execution ends, the other By providing switching means for switching execution of executable jobs, it is possible to flexibly cope with the installation environment of the image forming apparatus and improve the use efficiency of the image forming apparatus. There is an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an overall configuration of a copying machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel OP.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit 100 in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a job management table in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a control program for controlling the image forming operation for each job in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of abnormality processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing detailed contents of display processing.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an executable job condition display screen.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating detailed contents of job control processing.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing detailed contents of execution timing determination processing.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a set time input screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copying machine
10 Scanning system
20 Image signal processor
30 Memory unit
40 Print processing section
50 External interface
60 Optical system
62 Semiconductor laser
70 Imaging system
71 Photosensitive drum
72 Charger Charger
73 Developer
74 Transcription Charger
76 Cleaner
80a, 80b Paper cassette
84 Fixing roller
91 LCD touch panel
92 numeric keypad
93 Clear key
94 Panel reset key
95 Stop key
96 Start key
97 Network key
98 Job skip setting key
100 control unit
101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Abnormal state detector
105 Abnormal state release detector
106 Job management table storage unit
110 Image forming unit
OP Operation panel

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus that stores a plurality of jobs and sequentially forms images in units of jobs,
An abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state in which the execution of the first job being executed at the time point cannot be continued due to the occurrence of an abnormality;
Job control means for controlling execution of a second job that can be executed even in an abnormal state detected by the abnormality detection means among a plurality of stored jobs ,
The image forming apparatus , wherein the job control unit starts execution of the second job based on execution permission timing information indicating a timing at which execution should be permitted . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timing is after a lapse of time for permitting execution of the second job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time is a time from when an abnormality occurs until execution of the second job is permitted.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time is a time until a predetermined time elapses from a scheduled end time of the first job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the abnormal state is resolved within the time, the first job is resumed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the execution permission timing information is different for each job. The image forming apparatus further includes:
Execution permission timing information receiving means for receiving input of the execution permission timing information for each job;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an execution permission timing information storage unit that stores the execution permission timing information for each job. The image forming apparatus further includes:
A predicting means for predicting the time when the job execution ends;
Execution permission timing information storage means for storing the time predicted by the prediction means as execution permission timing information,
The job control means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time indicated by the execution permission timing information elapses, control is performed so as to permit execution of another executable job. The image forming apparatus further includes:
A predicting means for predicting the time when the job execution ends;
Execution permission timing information storage means for storing the time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time predicted by the prediction means as execution permission timing information;
The job control means includes
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time indicated by the execution permission timing information elapses, control is performed so as to permit execution of another executable job. The image forming apparatus further includes:
Execution permission timing information receiving means for receiving input of first execution permission timing information;
First execution permission timing information storage means for storing the first execution permission timing information;
A predicting means for predicting the time when the job execution ends;
Second execution permission timing storage means for storing the time predicted by the prediction means as second execution permission timing information;
The job control means includes
And switching means for switching whether to control the execution of the other executable job based on which of the first execution permission timing information and the second execution permission timing information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The switching means is
The time estimated by the predicting unit after the job started is the sum of the time spent in the job before the occurrence of the abnormality and the time indicated by the first execution permission timing information. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein switching between the first execution permission timing information and the second execution permission timing information is performed depending on whether or not the time required to reach the time is longer.

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