JP4041680B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of copying a document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus that performs a copying operation (copying) in which a document image read by a scanner or the like is formed on a sheet by a printer. In recent years, digital image forming apparatuses in which image data of read originals (read image data) are handled as digital values are widely used as image forming apparatuses.
[0003]
In a digital image forming apparatus, since read image data is handled as digital values, if the execution of copying is declared in a state in which another image is formed in advance by the printer, the reading read for copying is performed. Some have a so-called reserved copy function that temporarily stores image data and executes a copy based on the read image data temporarily stored after the preceding image forming operation is completed. In the reserved copy function, the reserved copy is performed after the preceding printing operation is completed.
[0004]
In addition, since the digital image forming apparatus handles the read image data as digital values, if the execution of copying is declared in a state where another image is formed in advance by the printer, the preceding image is displayed. Some have a so-called interrupt copy function that temporarily interrupts the forming operation and executes the copy with priority.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the various functions described above may not be able to obtain the intended functions unless an operator who uses these copying apparatuses knows the functions properly.
[0006]
For example, if you want to copy only a part of a large number of copies in advance, you can get a copy immediately if you use the interrupt copy function, but if you use the reserved copy function Even though only a part of the data is desired to be copied, a long time is required until a large number of copies are completed.
[0007]
Contrary to the above problem, if a large number of interrupt copies are made despite the fact that the copy currently being executed will end soon, the end of the previously executed copy will be greatly reduced. Will be late.
[0008]
Furthermore, as described above, when the reserved copy function is conventionally used, the reserved copy is performed after the preceding print operation is completed. For example, the setting direction of the document to be reserved is incorrect or the density is low. Even if the copy result is unintended, such as being light or improper in the stapling position, the copy result cannot be known until the preceding print operation is completed. For this reason, there is a concern that a large amount of miscopying occurs when a large number of reserved copies are executed.
[0009]
As a countermeasure for this, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3201215 discloses a technique in which each output of a copy, a facsimile, and a printer is treated equally, and the job amounts are calculated, stored, and the priority order is changed. Yes. However, in the technique disclosed in the publication, since the amount of data to be stored is large, the processing becomes complicated.
[0010]
Further, as described above, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3201215, if the reserved job amount is smaller than the copy job amount, the copy user is kept waiting in front of the copier even if copying is attempted. It will be.
[0011]
The present invention depends on the user's proficiency with the apparatus even when there are a plurality of functions for setting the execution order of the copying operation with respect to the preceding image forming operation, such as an interrupt function and a reservation function. An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of executing copying operations in an appropriate order.
[0012]
According to the present invention, when a copying operation is additionally executed during execution of another preceding image forming operation, the copying operation can be executed in an appropriate order according to the progress of the preceding image forming operation. The object is to obtain a forming device.
[0013]
According to the present invention, when a copying operation is additionally performed during execution of another preceding image forming operation, the copying operation is performed in an appropriate order according to the priority of the copying operation with respect to the preceding image forming operation. An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.
[0014]
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent inconvenience that a large amount of unintended output results are output when a reserved copy function is used.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 inputs an image reading unit for reading an image of an original, an image forming unit for forming an image based on image data on a recording material, and the number of copies of the image formed by the image forming unit. A copy input unit that reads an image by the image reading unit, and declares execution of a copying operation for forming an image based on the read image data acquired by the reading on the recording material by the image forming unit;Under test mode setting means for setting a test mode for outputting a part of the specified image data, and setting of the test mode by the test mode setting means,Presence / absence determination means for determining whether or not the image forming means is executing an image forming operation based on preceding image data other than the read image data when the copying declaration means declares execution of a copying operation. And when the preceding presence / absence determining means determines that an image forming operation based on the preceding image data is being executed,A trial copy priority unit for interrupting the image forming operation based on the preceding image data and executing a trial copy operation for preferentially forming a part of the images based on the read image data; and a trial copy operation by the trial copy priority unit. Necessity designation means for designating the necessity of the read image data that has been executed, and when the read image data for which the trial copying operation has been executed is designated by the necessity designation means, Based on the preceding remaining number acquisition means for acquiring the remaining output number of recording materials output based on the remaining output number acquired by the preceding remaining number acquisition means as a comparison value,Based on the read image data and the copy data input by the copy input means.TheThe copy operationremainingThe number of copies isSaidPriority determination means for determining whether the copy number is larger or smaller than the comparison value, and when the priority determination means determines that the number of copies is smaller than the comparison value,Based on the read image dataCopy priority means for preferentially executing a copy operation.
[0016]
  Therefore,Under the setting of the trial mode by the trial mode setting means that sets the trial mode that outputs a part of the specified image data,When execution of the copying operation is declared by the copying declaration unit, when the preceding presence determination unit determines that the image forming operation based on the preceding image data is being executed,The image forming operation based on the preceding image data is interrupted, and a trial copying operation for preferentially forming some images based on the read image data is executed. Then, when it is designated that the read image data subjected to the trial copying operation is necessary by the necessity designation unit, the remaining output number of recording materials output based on the preceding image data is used as a comparison value.Based on the read image data and the copy data input by the copy input means.TheThe copy operationremainingThe number of copies isSaidThe priority determination means determines whether the value is larger or smaller than the comparison value.TheIf it is determined that the number of copies is smaller than the comparison value, the copy priority meansBased on the read image dataThe copying operation is executed with priority.
[0019]
  Claim2The invention described in the above is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,Instead of the priority determination means,A value obtained by multiplying the remaining output number acquired by the preceding remaining number acquiring unit by a priority coefficient indicating the priority of the read image data with respect to the preceding image data is used as the comparison value.The remaining copy of the copying operation based on the read image data and the copy data input by the copy input meansIt is determined whether the number of sheets is larger or smaller than the comparison value.
[0020]
  Accordingly, a value obtained by multiplying the remaining output number obtained by the preceding remaining number obtaining unit by the priority coefficient indicating the priority of the read image data with respect to the preceding image data is used as a comparison value, and if the number of copies is smaller than this comparison value. When judged by priority judging means, by copying priority meansBased on the read image dataThe copying operation is executed with priority.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an application example to a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. The digital copying machine according to the present embodiment forms (prints out) an image based on the read image data read by the image reading unit (image reading unit) 1 that reads an original image on a sheet (recording material). An image forming unit (image forming unit) 2, an operation unit 3 having various operation keys to be described later, an image storage unit 4 for storing and storing the read image data read by the image reading unit 1 in an erasable manner, and each unit provided in the digital copying machine It is comprised by the control part 5 etc. which drive-control.
[0027]
The image reading unit 1 includes a scanner mechanism that reads a document image at a predetermined line density, an ADF mechanism (not shown) that automatically transports a document toward a document reading position of the scanner mechanism, and the like.
[0028]
The image forming unit 2 forms read image data read by the image reading unit 1 on a sheet using, for example, an electrophotographic printer engine (not shown). Note that the image forming method is not limited to the electrophotographic method. Further, the image forming unit 2 includes a sorter that sorts sheets after image formation and a stapler that staples a plurality of sheets after image formation. Further, the image forming unit 2 includes a plurality of paper discharge trays (not shown) for discharging the paper after image formation, and appropriately selects a paper discharge tray for discharging the paper after image formation under the control of the control unit 5. It is possible. As a result, it is possible to avoid mixing paper relating to a print job executed in advance and paper relating to a copy job executed later in a priority image forming process described later. Improvements can be made.
[0029]
The operation unit 3 includes a plurality of operation keys (not shown) configured by a touch panel or the like stacked on a display unit such as a hard key or an LCD, and corresponds to the operation key operated by being operated by the operator. Output a signal. The operation unit 3 is provided with a copy start key as copy declaring means for declaring execution of preferential image forming processing, which will be described later, and a numeric keypad as copy number input means for setting the number of copies. By operating the operation keys, it is possible to set the number of copies, whether sorting or stapling is necessary, or the like.
[0030]
The image storage unit 4 stores and stores the read image data read by the image reading unit 1 in the priority image forming process described later. The read image data stored in the image storage unit 4 is stored together in units of jobs designated at one time.
[0031]
The control unit 5 includes a microcomputer configured by connecting a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (none of which are shown), and a ROM By executing various processes by the CPU based on the control program stored in the program, for example, various processes such as a preferential image forming process described later are executed. The RAM also functions as a work area for the CPU. The RAM also stores an area (not shown) for storing various parameters necessary for control, an area (not shown) for storing various image forming conditions set by operating the operation keys, and a priority to be described later. A number-of-sheets area 10 (see FIG. 2) for storing the number of read sheets and the like in the target image forming process is secured.
[0032]
Here, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the number area 10. In the copy number area 10, a copy number setting area 11 in which the number of originals is set and a copy number setting area 12 in which the number of copies to be printed out are set are secured. Data related to a plurality of jobs can be set in each of the areas 11 and 12 in the number area 10. In the present embodiment, data regarding two jobs A and B can be set. In the number area 10, a priority setting area 13 for setting which job A or B to be executed preferentially among the plurality of jobs A and B set in the number area 10 is secured. In the present embodiment, since data relating to two jobs A and B are set, the priority order for executing the jobs A and B is set by “preceding” and “following”.
[0033]
Although not particularly shown, the digital copying machine of the present embodiment is also connected to a personal computer or the like, and has a function as a printer that prints out image data transmitted from the personal computer by the operation of the image forming unit 2. Have.
[0034]
Next, priority image forming processing executed by the digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by the CPU based on the control program stored in the ROM. First, the operator sets a document at the document setting position of the image reading unit 1 and operates the operation unit 3 to set the number of copies, sort, staple position, etc., and then operates the copy start key.
[0035]
In the preferential image forming process, the process waits until it is determined that the copy start key is operated by the operator (N in S1). When it is determined that the copy start key is operated (Y in S1), the image reading unit 1 The original is read by the operation (S2), and the read image data is stored in the image storage unit 4 (S3). Further, the number of copies and the number of copies related to the read image data stored in the image storage unit 4 are set in the respective areas 11 and 12 of the copy number area 10 shown in FIG.
[0036]
When the copy start key is operated, it is determined whether an image forming operation (printing operation) based on image data different from the read image data is being executed in the image forming unit 2 (S4). Here, the function as the preceding presence / absence judging means is executed. Thereafter, when the copy start key is operated, the print operation already executed based on the image data different from the read image data is set as the preceding job print, and the job that is the source of the preceding job print is set as the preceding job. . The preceding job may be a copy operation or a print operation of image data transmitted from a personal computer.
[0037]
If it is determined that the preceding job print is being executed when the copy start key is operated (Y in S4), the total number of prints related to the copy job (hereinafter referred to as the copy job print number) is acquired ( S5). The number of copy job prints can be obtained by the calculation of the following equation (1).
(Number of copies) =
(Total number of scanned original images) x (Number of copies) (1)
[0038]
It is determined whether or not the acquired copy job print number is 10 or less (S6), and if it is determined that the acquired copy number is 10 or less (Y in S6), the preceding job print is interrupted. At the same time, copy job printing is started (S7). Here, the function as the priority determination means is executed in step S6, and the function as the copy priority means is executed in step S7.
[0039]
Then, it waits until it is determined that the copy job print is completed (N in S8). When it is determined that the copy job print is completed (Y in S8), the interrupted preceding job print is resumed (S9). ).
[0040]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of copies of the copy job is greater than 10 (N in S6), the read image data is stored in the image storage unit 4 as a reserved copy job, and the copy job set in the number of copies area 10 is stored. The priority is set to “following” (S10), and the process proceeds to step S11.
[0041]
Subsequently, the process waits until it is determined that the currently executed printing operation is completed (N in S10), and when it is determined that the printing operation is completed (Y in S10), the number area 10 is referred to. It is determined whether there is a reserved copy job (S12).
[0042]
If it is determined whether or not there is a reserved copy job and it is determined that there is a reserved copy job (Y in S12), the reserved copy job printing is started (S13), and the process proceeds to step S11.
[0043]
If it is determined that the preceding job print has not been executed when the copy start key is operated (N in S4), the process proceeds to step S11.
[0044]
Here, when execution of a copy job print is declared during execution of the preceding job print, if the number of copy job prints is 10 or less, the preceding job print is temporarily suspended and the read image relating to the copy job is read. An interrupt function is set in which data is preferentially printed out and the preceding job print is resumed after the copy job print is completed.
[0045]
In addition, when the execution of the copy job print is declared during the execution of the preceding job print and the number of copy job prints exceeds 10, the preceding job print is continued as it is, and after the preceding job print is completed. A reserved copy function for performing copy job printing is set.
[0046]
As a result, it becomes possible to set the execution order of the copy job with respect to the preceding job based on a certain comparison value (10 sheets in the present embodiment). For example, like an interrupt function or a reservation function, Even if there are multiple functions to set the execution order of copy jobs for the preceding job, copying can be performed simply by performing the same operations as normal copy jobs without depending on the user's proficiency level for this device. Jobs can be executed in the proper order.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, 10 sheets are used as comparison values, but the comparison values are not limited to this. The comparison value may be a fixed value stored in advance in the RAM or the like, or may be arbitrarily set by the operator by operating the operation unit 3.
[0048]
In this embodiment, whether or not the number of copy job prints is 10 or less is used as a criterion for determination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of copy job prints is not the number of copy job prints. The copy job may be preferentially executed when the input copy number is a comparison value and the copy job print copy number is a partial number.
[0049]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an application example to a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus. In addition, the same part as 1st embodiment is shown with the same code | symbol, and description is also abbreviate | omitted. The same shall apply hereinafter.
[0050]
Although not particularly shown, a counter buffer for counting the number of printed sheets is secured for each job in the RAM of the digital copying machine of the present embodiment. When executing the printing operation in the image forming unit, the count value in the counter buffer is incremented every time an image is formed on one recording material, and the counter buffer is cleared when a single job is completed. In a preferential image forming process to be described later, it is possible to acquire the remaining print number of the preceding job, which is the remaining print number that has not yet been executed, with respect to the preceding job, based on the count value in the counter buffer and the data in the number area 10. It is. Here, the function as the preceding remaining number acquisition means is realized.
[0051]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by the CPU based on the control program stored in the ROM of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. In the preferential image forming process of the present embodiment, from step S20 to step S24, the same process as in steps S1 to S5 shown in FIG. 3 is executed, and the preceding job acquired based on the count value in the counter buffer. The remaining number of prints is compared with the number of copy job prints (S25). Here, the function as the priority determination means is executed in step S25.
[0052]
If the number of prints remaining in the preceding job is compared with the number of prints in the copy job, and it is determined that the number of prints in the copy job is smaller than the number of prints in the previous job (Y in S25), the process proceeds to step S26. From step S26 to step S32, processing similar to that from step S7 to S13 shown in FIG. 3 is executed.
[0053]
Here, with the remaining number of prints of the preceding job as a comparison value, when the number of copy job prints is smaller than this comparison value, copy job printing is executed with priority.
[0054]
As a result, the execution order of copy job prints for this job print can be set according to the progress status of the preceding job print, so that the copy job print can be performed in an appropriate order according to the progress status of the preceding job print. For example, when the remaining output number of the preceding job print is smaller than the number of copy job prints, the preceding job print is interrupted for a long time, so that the preceding job print is compared with the original end time. It can be avoided that the termination is greatly delayed.
[0055]
In the present embodiment, the remaining number of prints of the preceding job is used as a comparison value, and the remaining number of prints of the preceding job is compared with the number of copies of the copy job. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the comparison can be performed by weighting either of the copy jobs.
[0056]
For example, when priority is given to a job preceding the copy job, the comparison value is a value obtained by multiplying the remaining number of prints of the preceding job acquired based on the count value in the counter buffer by 0.9 as a priority coefficient. By comparing this comparison value with the number of copies of the copy job, the preceding job can be preferentially executed. The priority coefficient is a value set according to the priority of the read image data of the copy job with respect to the image data of the preceding job. By setting this priority coefficient to a value larger than “1”, the copy job has priority over the preceding job. It is also possible to set to execute automatically.
[0057]
Further, it is possible for the operator to set a coefficient by which the remaining number of prints of the preceding job and the number of copies of the copy job are printed by operating the operation unit 3, and the priority can be arbitrarily set by appropriately setting this coefficient. it can.
[0058]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an application example to a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus.
[0059]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by the CPU based on a control program stored in the ROM of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. The preferential image forming process of the present embodiment is the same as the preferential image forming process shown in FIG. 4, but when it is determined that the number of copies of the copy job is smaller than the remaining number of prints of the preceding job (Y in S25). ), It is determined whether or not the acquired copy job print number is 10 or less (S33). Here, the function as the priority determination means is executed in steps S25 and S33.
[0060]
If it is determined that the number of acquired copy job prints is 10 or less (Y in S33), the process proceeds to step S26 to preferentially execute the copy job print.
[0061]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired number of copies of the copy job is greater than 10 (N in S33), the process proceeds to step S29 and is stored as a reserved copy job.
[0062]
As a result, it becomes possible to determine in more detail whether or not to execute a subsequent copy interrupt, so that it is possible to perform processing more suitable for actual use.
[0063]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an application example to a digital copying machine as an image forming apparatus.
[0064]
Although not particularly shown, the operation unit 3 of the digital copying machine of the present embodiment is provided with a “trial copy mode setting key” as trial mode setting means for setting a trial copy mode when operated.
[0065]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the RAM according to the present embodiment has a trial copy setting area 15 in which whether or not trial copy execution is necessary is set according to whether or not the “trial copy mode setting key” is operated. Has been. In the trial copy setting area 15, one of the flags of the trial copy setting “required” or “no” is set to ON.
[0066]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by the CPU based on the control program stored in the ROM of the digital copying machine according to the present embodiment. The preferential image forming process of the present embodiment is executed on condition that the trial copy setting in the trial copy setting area 15 is set to either “necessary” or “no”. If there is no operation of the “trial copy mode setting key” by the operator's operation until it is determined that the copy start key has been operated, the trial copy setting is set to “No” as a default. From step S40 to step S42, processing similar to that from step S1 to S3 shown in FIG. 3 is executed.
[0067]
Then, with reference to the trial copy setting area 15, it is determined whether or not either one of the trial copy settings “required” or “no” is set (S 43).
[0068]
If it is determined with reference to the trial copy setting area 15 that the trial copy setting “necessary” flag is ON (Y in S43), it is determined whether or not the preceding job is being printed (S44). ).
[0069]
If it is determined that the preceding job is not being printed (N in S44), a part of the read image data relating to the copy job is printed out regardless of the set number of copies of the copy job (S45).
[0070]
Then, until it is determined that the predetermined time has passed (N in S47), it is determined whether or not the OK key of the operation unit 3 has been operated (S46), and OK of the operation unit 3 is determined until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the key is not operated (N in S46, Y in S47), the read image data stored in the image storage unit 4 is deleted (S48).
[0071]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK key of the operation unit 3 has been operated until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S46, N in S47), the remaining copy job print is executed (S49).
[0072]
By the way, referring to the trial copy setting area 15, it is determined that the flag of the trial copy setting “necessary” is ON (Y in S43), and if it is determined that the preceding job is being printed (S44). Y) The preceding job print is interrupted and a part of the read image data relating to the copy job is printed out (S50). Here, in step S45 and step S50, the function as the trial copy priority unit is executed.
[0073]
Then, until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (N in S52), it is determined whether or not the OK key of the operation unit 3 is operated (S51), and OK of the operation unit 3 is determined until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the key is not operated (N in S51, Y in S52), the read original stored in the image storage unit 4 is deleted (S53), and the interrupted preceding job print is resumed (S54). . Here, the function as necessity specifying means is executed by steps S46 and S47, and steps S51 and S52.
[0074]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the OK key of the operation unit 3 has been operated until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S51, N in S52), the remaining copy job print number is acquired (S55). The remaining number of copy job prints can be obtained by calculating the following equation (2).
(Number of remaining copy jobs) =
(Total number of read original images) × (Number of copies) −1 (2)
[0075]
Then, the remaining number of prints of the preceding job and the number of remaining copies of the copy job are compared (S56). If it is determined that the number of remaining print jobs of the copy job is smaller than the remaining number of prints of the preceding job (Y in S56), step In step S57, the copy job print is preferentially executed.
[0076]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the acquired number of copies of the copy job is greater than the number of remaining prints of the preceding job (N in S56), the process proceeds to step S63 and is stored as a reserved copy job.
[0077]
If it is determined by referring to the trial copy setting area 15 that the trial copy setting “NO” flag is ON (N in S43), it is determined whether the preceding job print is being executed. If it is determined that the preceding job printing is being executed (Y in S62), the process proceeds to step S56. If it is determined that the preceding job printing is not being executed (N in S62), step S60 is performed. Proceed to
[0078]
In this embodiment, the copy job print (remaining copy job print) is executed when it is determined that the remaining number of copies of the copy job is smaller than the remaining number of prints of the preceding job. If it is determined that the remaining number of copies of the copy job is smaller than the number of remaining copies of the preceding copy, it is further determined whether or not the number of remaining copies of the copy job is 10 or less, and according to the determination result Then, it may be determined whether or not to execute copy job printing (remaining copy job printing).
[0079]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an application example to a multifunction machine as an image forming apparatus.
[0080]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the multifunction machine according to the present embodiment. In addition to the image reading unit 1, the image forming unit 2, the operation unit 3, the image storage unit 4, and the control unit 5 described in the first embodiment, the MFP according to this embodiment is connected via a telephone line or the like. A communication unit that performs data communication with an external device (not shown) and an interface 7 that performs data communication with a personal computer connected via a LAN or the like are provided.
[0081]
The communication unit 6 decomposes the image data to be transmitted into pixels, converts it into an electrical signal, outputs it to a telephone line, etc., converts the received electrical signal into a pixel, and restores the image data. The image forming unit forms an image based on the restored image data on a recording material, and prints it out.
[0082]
The interface 7 performs data communication with various image data transmission devices such as a personal computer. The image forming unit 2 forms an image based on the image data transmitted from the image data transmitting device via the interface on the recording material, and prints it out.
[0083]
In the MFP according to the present embodiment, in addition to a copy job, a FAX job that outputs received FAX data, a print job that prints out data transmitted from an image data transmission device such as a personal computer, and the like are executed. For this reason, when the priority image forming process is executed, it is determined whether the job print is being executed as a preceding job in addition to the copy job.
[0084]
Regardless of which job is being executed as a preceding job, the preceding job or copy can be performed by performing a comparison based on the above-described various comparison values according to the remaining number of prints of the preceding job and the number of copies of the copy job. Any one of the jobs can be selectively given priority.
[0085]
As a result, for example, when a user wants to make an immediate copy while receiving a large amount of data by FAX, the copy job can be executed with priority according to the situation at the time, the amount of the copy job, and the like. .
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 1,Under the trial mode setting by the trial mode setting means,When execution of the copying operation is declared by the copying declaration unit, when the preceding presence determination unit determines that the image forming operation based on the preceding image data is being executed,The image forming operation based on the preceding image data is interrupted, and a trial copying operation for preferentially forming some images based on the read image data is executed. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the output result of the copying operation during the execution of the preceding image forming operation. Even when the reserved copy function is set because the number of copies is large, a large amount of unintended output results are obtained. It is possible to prevent inconveniences that are output to. This prevents problems such as low density, incorrect staple position, incorrect punching position, insufficient binding margin, or improperly scanned originals. Can do.
Further, when it is designated by the necessity designation means that the read image data for which the trial copy operation has been executed is necessary, the copy operation based on the read image data is executed, and the target output result is obtained. Only the copying operation can be performed. As a result, an image forming apparatus that is easier to use can be provided. According to the present invention, even if it is a reserved copy, when the user scans the original, the user can see the copy output according to the setting contents, so that the density is low, the staple position is wrong, or the punched position is wrong. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can easily erase the loaded document, and check if the binding margin is insufficient or the document is not read correctly. Miscopying can be prevented.
Then, when it is designated that the read image data subjected to the trial copying operation is necessary by the necessity designation unit, the remaining output number of recording materials output based on the preceding image data is used as a comparison value.Based on the read scanned image data and the input copy dataTheBy executing the copying operationremainingJudge whether the number of copies is larger or smaller than the comparison value, and if the number of copies is smaller than the comparison value, interrupt the image forming operation based on the preceding image dataThe sameBy giving priority to the copying operation, AheadIt is possible to set the execution order of the copying operation for the image forming operation to be performed. ThereforeFor example, even when there are a plurality of functions for setting the execution order of the copying operation with respect to the preceding image forming operation, such as an interrupt function or a reservation function, it does not depend on the user's proficiency with respect to the apparatus. The copying operation can be executed in an appropriate order only by performing the same operation as the normal copying operation.
[0088]
  Claim2According to the described inventionThe restThe value obtained by multiplying the number of output sheets by the priority coefficient is used as a comparison value. When the number of copies is smaller than this comparison value, the copying operation is prioritized to execute the progress of the preceding image forming operation and the preceding image. According to the priority of the copying operation with respect to the forming operation, it is possible to set the execution order of the copying operation with respect to the preceding image forming operation. The copying operation can be executed in an appropriate order according to the progress of the operation and the priority of the copying operation with respect to the preceding image forming operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a number area.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by a CPU based on a control program stored in a ROM.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by a CPU based on a control program stored in a digital copying machine ROM according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by a CPU based on a control program stored in a ROM of a digital copying machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a trial copy setting area secured in a RAM of a digital copying machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing preferential image forming processing executed by a CPU based on a control program stored in a ROM.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a digital multifunction machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image reading means
2 Image forming means

Claims (2)

Image reading means for reading an image of a document;
Image forming means for forming an image based on image data on a recording material;
Copy number input means for inputting the number of copies of the image formed by the image forming means;
A copy declaring unit that reads an image by the image reading unit and declares execution of a copying operation in which an image based on the read image data obtained by the reading is formed on a recording material by the image forming unit;
Trial mode setting means for setting a trial mode for outputting a part of the specified image data;
Under the setting of the trial mode by the trial mode setting means, when the execution of a copying operation is declared by the copying declaration means, the image forming means executes an image forming operation based on preceding image data other than the read image data. A prior presence / absence judging means for judging whether or not
When the preceding presence / absence determining means determines that an image forming operation based on the preceding image data is being executed, the image forming operation based on the preceding image data is interrupted and a part of the image based on the read image data is prioritized. Trial copy priority means for executing the test copy operation to be formed,
Necessity designation means for designating necessity of the read image data that has been subjected to the trial copy operation by the trial copy priority means;
Obtaining the remaining remaining number of sheets to be output based on the preceding image data when the read image data that has been subjected to the trial copying operation is designated by the necessity designating unit. Means,
As a comparative value the remaining output number of sheets acquired by said preceding remaining number acquiring means, the remaining number of copies based rather the copying operation and copies the data inputted by the a read image data and the number of copies input means than the comparison value Priority determination means for determining whether the value is larger or smaller,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a copy priority unit that preferentially executes a copy operation based on the read image data when the priority determination unit determines that the number of copies is smaller than the comparison value . Instead of the priority determination means, the remaining output number of sheets acquired by said preceding remaining number acquiring unit, a value obtained by multiplying a priority coefficient which indicates the priority of the read image data for the preceding image data as said comparison value, the read image data 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the remaining number of copies of the copying operation based on the number of copies input by the number of copies input means is larger or smaller than the comparison value .

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