JP4378392B2 - Printing system and control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a printing process by the printing apparatus is it relates to printing system and a control method thereof that can execute the post-processing by the post-processing device independently.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is well known that a paper discharge processing device is connected to an image forming apparatus and paper discharge processing (stapling, punching, etc.) is performed on a sheet output from the image forming apparatus.

  However, conventionally, in a printing system in which post-processing can be executed by a post-processing device independent of printing processing by a printing device, the post-processing interruption of a job that requires post-processing by the post-processing device independent of printing processing When a factor occurs in the post-processing device, the printing device that executed the print processing for the job prior to the post-processing can newly execute the necessary print processing prior to the post-processing of the job. No proposal has been made to do so.

  Further, conventionally, in a printing system in which post-processing can be executed by a post-processing device independent of printing processing by a plurality of printing devices connected to a network, post-processing by the post-processing device is independent of printing processing. When a cause of interruption of the post-processing of the required job occurs in the post-processing device, the printing device that has executed print processing for the job prior to the post-processing is identified from the network, and the network No proposal has been made to re-execute necessary printing processing prior to post-processing of the job by a printing apparatus identified from among the above.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that an information processing apparatus that generates a print job and a print that is generated based on the print job received from the information processing apparatus. In a printing system including a printing device that executes printing processing based on data, and a post-processing device that performs post- processing on a plurality of pages of paper that has been printed by the printing device independently of printing processing by the printing device , when the interruption cause to be reprinted at least printing device one of the paper of a plurality of pages during execution of the post-processing by the post-processing apparatus has occurred, the printing device according to whether or not to hold the print data Appropriate reprinting is performed by the printing device .

This onset Ming, an information processing apparatus which generates a print job, a printing apparatus for executing printing processing based on the print data generated based on the print job received from the information processing apparatus, printing by the printing device process and a printing system comprising a post-processing apparatus to perform post-processing on sheets of multiple pages print processing by the printing apparatus independently is executed, the plurality during execution of the post-processing by pre Symbol aftertreatment device when the interruption cause to be re-printed by the printing device at least one of the pages of the paper has occurred, a determination unit configured to determine whether the printing apparatus holds the print data, by the determination unit When it is determined that the printing apparatus holds the print data, the printing apparatus re-executes due to the interruption factor based on the print data held in the printing apparatus. The page to be printed is controlled to be executed by the printing apparatus, and when the determination unit determines that the printing apparatus does not hold the print data, the page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor Reprinting a page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor based on print data generated based on the print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus. Control means for controlling the printing apparatus to execute is provided.

According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus that generates a print job, a printing apparatus that executes print processing based on print data generated based on a print job received from the information processing apparatus, and print processing by the printing apparatus a printing system comprising a post-processing apparatus to perform post-processing on sheets of multiple pages print processing is executed by the printing apparatus independently of the at least one of the paper of a plurality of pages during execution of post-processing by the post-processing apparatus the If the interruption factor to be reprinted has occurred by the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus can Rukoto be executed by the printing apparatus suitable reprinting in accordance with whether or holds print data.

[First Embodiment]
[Overview of overall equipment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

  In the figure, reference numerals 102 and 103 denote computers connected to the network 101, which respectively serve as a server and a client. Actually, there are a plurality of clients 103, which are indicated by 103a and 103b in the figure. , Only 103 is shown as a representative.

  Reference numerals 104, 105, and 106 are multi-purpose network devices called MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), which are connected to the network 101. Reference numeral 104 denotes a color MFP that can perform full-color scanning, printing, and the like. This is a monochrome MFP that scans and prints in monochrome.

  Further, a network device that operates with a single function is also connected to the network 101, and there is a single function printer 107 or the like. However, since the operation is almost equivalent to the above-described MFP, these devices are also referred to hereinafter. Collectively expressed in MFP.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a memory device for data storage connected to the network, which can temporarily store (store) various data sent via the network 101.

  Although not shown on the network 101, other devices such as a client, various servers, MFPs other than the above, a scanner, a printer, and a FAX are also connected.

  Here, on the computer 102 (or 103), application software of so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) is operated to create / edit various documents / graphics.

  Further, the computer 102 (or 103) converts the created document / figure into the PDL language (Page Description Language = page description language), and instructs it from the computer 102 (or 103) by the starting software called a printer driver. As a result, the data is sent to the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 via the network 101 and output.

  Further, an original placed on the scanner unit of each of the MFPs 104 and 105 is sent as image data to the network 101 by being instructed from the computer 102 (or 103) by activation software called a scanner driver, and stored in the memory device 108. Or displayed on the display of the computer 102 (or 103) or sent to the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 for output.

  Next, each of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 has communication means that can exchange information with the computer 102 (or 103) side via the network 101, and the setting information and device status of the MFPs 104 and 105 are displayed on the computer 102 (or , 103) side by side.

  The computer 102 (or 103) has utility software that operates in response to the information, and devices such as MFPs are centrally managed under the computer 102 (or 103).

  The MFP 104 includes a printer / scanner and a finisher 111, the MFP 105 includes a printer / scanner and a finisher 110, and the MFP 106 includes a printer / scanner and a finisher 109. The device is visible.

  The finisher 109 according to the present embodiment has means for connecting to the network 101. By switching between normal operation and single operation, network utility software can be managed and controlled as one device on the network 101, but the finisher 110 connected to the MFP 105 is connected to the network 101. However, the configuration is the same as that of the finisher 109 in other points. That is, the MFP 106 is the same as the MFP 105 as a printer and a scanner except that the finisher 109 is connected to the network 101.

[Configuration of MFPs 104, 105, 106]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, since the difference between the MFP 104 and the MFP 105 is a difference between full color and monochrome, and the portion other than the color processing often includes the configuration of the monochrome device, the description is limited to the full color device, and as necessary. Therefore, a description of the monochrome part will be added as needed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the MFPs 104, 105, and 106 shown in FIG.

  In the figure, 201 is a scanner unit for reading an image, 202 is an RGB-IP unit for image processing of image data read by the scanner unit 201, and 203 is an image transmission / reception using a telephone line such as a facsimile. A FAX section to be performed, a NIC (Network Interface Card) section 204 for exchanging image data and device information using a network, and a page description language (PDL) sent from the computer side to an image signal. PDL part 212 is an add-on part, which is normally through, but is effective when adding and releasing add-on information.

  A core unit 206 temporarily stores an image signal and determines a route according to how the MFPs 104 and 105 are used.

  Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 is sent to the PWM unit 208 via the CMYK-IP unit 207, and then sent to the printer unit 209 that performs image formation for printing, and sheet discharge processing. Are output by the finisher unit 210 (finishers 109 to 111 shown in FIG. 1) as a sheet processing apparatus (paper discharge apparatus) that performs output finishing processing of paper.

  In addition, the display unit 211 operates as a preview function for not printing an image or determining whether or not the print state is right.

[Configuration of Scanner Unit 201]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the scanner unit 201 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, in copying a document as a copying machine, first, a document 302 to be read is placed on a document table glass 301. The original 302 is irradiated with illumination 303, passes through mirrors 304, 305, and 306, and an image is formed on the CCD sensor 308 by the optical system 307. Further, the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination 303 is mechanically driven by the motor 309 at the speed v, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 is driven at the speed 1 / 2v. The entire surface of the original 302 is scanned.

[Configuration of RGB-IP Unit 202]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing unit (RGB-IP unit 202) shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, an optical signal input by scanning a document by the first mirror unit 310 of the scanner unit 201 is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is an RGB 3-line color sensor and is input to the A / D conversion unit 401 as RGB image signals. In the A / D converter 401, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, the A / D converter converts each color signal into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0.

  Thereafter, the shading correction unit 402 performs known shading correction using the read signal of the reference white plate for each color. Furthermore, since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit (line interpolation unit) 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

  Next, the input masking unit 404 converts the reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 308 into the NTSC standard color space. 3 × 3 matrix operation using device-specific constants taking into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and the input (R0, G0, B0) signal is converted into a standard (R, G, B) signal. Convert.

  Further, a luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405 is configured by a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts RGB luminance signals into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

  When monochrome image processing is performed by the MFP 105, a single color single line sensor is used to perform A / D conversion and shading for a single color, followed by input / output masking, gamma conversion, and a spatial filter. May be.

[Configuration of FAX unit 203]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the FAX unit 203 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, at the time of facsimile reception, first, the data from the telephone line is received by the NCU unit 501 and converted in voltage, and the A / D conversion and demodulation operation are performed by the demodulator 504 in the modem unit 502. Thereafter, the decompression unit 506 develops the raster data. In general, a run-length method or the like is used for FAX compression / expansion, but since it is known, the description thereof is omitted here. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and is sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.

  Next, at the time of facsimile transmission, the compression unit 505 performs compression such as a run length method on the image signal of the raster image received from the core unit, and the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502 performs D / A conversion and After performing the modulation operation, it is sent to the telephone line via the NCU unit 501.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205 shown in FIG.

[Configuration of NIC unit 204]
First, the NIC unit 204 will be described.

  As described above, the NIC unit 204 has a function of an interface to the network 101. For example, information from the outside is obtained using an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable such as 10Base-T / 100Base-TX. The role which acquires information and flows information outside.

  As shown in the figure, when obtaining information from the outside, voltage is first converted by the transformer unit 601 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602. The LAN controller unit 602 has a buffer memory 1 (not shown) in its interior, and after determining whether or not the information is necessary information, the LAN controller unit 602 sends it to the buffer memory 2 (not shown), and then the PDL unit. A signal is sent to 205.

  Next, when providing information to the outside, the data sent from the PDL unit 205 is added with necessary information by the LAN controller unit 602 and connected to the network via the transformer unit 601.

[Configuration of PDL Unit 205]
Next, the PDL unit 205 will be described.

  Image data created by application software running on a computer is composed of documents, figures, photographs, etc., each of which consists of a combination of image description elements such as character codes, figure codes, and raster image data. ing.

  This is the so-called PDL (Page Description Language), which is represented by the PostScript (registered trademark) language of Adobe.

  The PDL unit 205 is a part representing a conversion process from the PDL data to the raster image data, and the PDL data sent from the NIC unit 204 is once transmitted to the hard disk (HDD) via the CPU unit 603. Stored in a large-capacity memory 604, where each job is managed and saved.

  Next, as necessary, the CPU unit 603 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data that has been developed is stored for each job in a memory 605 that can be accessed at high speed, such as DRAM, for each color component of CMYK, and again through the CPU unit 603 in accordance with the status of the printer unit 208. It is sent to the core unit 206.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the core unit 206 and the CMYK-IP unit 207 illustrated in FIG.

[Configuration of Core Unit 206]
First, the core unit 206 will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105 such as a stand-alone copying function, a network scanning function, a network printing function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, or a display display function.

  The path switching pattern for executing each function is shown below.

Stand-alone copying function: scanner unit 201 → core unit 206 → printer unit 209 network scan function: scanner 201 unit → core 206 unit → NIC unit 204 network print function: NIC unit 204 → core unit 206 → printer unit 209 facsimile transmission function: Scanner unit 201-> Core unit 206-> FAX unit 203 Facsimile reception function: FAX unit 203-> Core unit 206-> Printer unit 209 Display display function: Scanner unit 201-> Core unit 206-> Display unit 211 However, the input source of the display display function is The FAX unit 203 or the NIC unit 204 may be used.

  Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is sent to the printer unit 208 or the display unit 211 through a compression unit 702, a memory unit 703 including a large capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and an expansion unit 704.

  Further, the compression unit 702 may use a general compression method such as JPEG, JBIG, ZIP.

  Next, the compressed image data is managed for each job and stored in the memory unit 703 together with additional data such as a file name, a creator, a creation date and time, and a file size.

  Furthermore, if a job number and password are provided and stored together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a confidential function in which data can be temporarily stored and only a specific person can print out (read from the HDD).

  For each job stored in the personal box of the memory unit 703, when a job is specified and called, the password is authenticated and then called from the HDD to decompress the image. The raster image is returned to the printer unit 209.

[Configuration of CMYK-IP unit 207]
Next, the CMYK-IP unit 207 will be described.

  The data passed from the core unit 206 enters the output masking / UCR circuit unit 706, and the C1, M1, and Y1 signals after the LOG conversion (405) described in the RGB-IP unit 202 are used as the toner of the image forming apparatus. This is a part that converts the Y, M, C, and K signals, which are colors, using a matrix operation, and converts the C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor 308 into the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner. Based on the C, M, Y, and K signals based on them, the signals are output.

  Next, the data is converted into C, M, Y, K data for image output by a gamma correction unit (gamma conversion unit) 707 using a look-up table (LUT) RAM in consideration of the color characteristics of the toner. The In the spatial filter 708, after sharpness or smoothing is performed, the image signal is sent to the PWM unit 208. Whether the image is black and white or color is determined by the balance of the C, M, Y, and K signals.

[Configuration of PWM unit 208]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of PWM section 208 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, image data separated into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the CMYK-IP unit 207 is output to the respective PWM units 208. Each is imaged through. (In the case of the MFP 105, a single color is used.) In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator, which generates a triangular wave 806 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A converter (D / A converter) which converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal 807 shown in FIG. 8B. These two signals are sent to the comparator 803 to be compared in size, and are sent to the laser drive unit 804 as a signal 808 shown in FIG. 8B. The CMYK signals are sent to the CMYK lasers 805, respectively. It is converted into a laser beam.

  The polygon scanner 913 scans the respective laser beams and irradiates the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929.

[Configuration of Printer Unit 209 (for Color MFP 104)]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer unit 209 shown in FIG. 2, and particularly corresponds to the color printer unit (in the case of the color MFP 104).

  In the figure, reference numeral 913 denotes a polygon mirror which receives four laser beams emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805. One of them scans the photosensitive drum 917 through mirrors 914, 915 and 916, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 through mirrors 918, 919 and 920, and the next one scans the mirrors 922 and 923. 924, the photosensitive drum 925 is scanned, and the next one scans the photosensitive drum 929 via mirrors 926, 927, 928.

  Reference numeral 930 denotes a developing device that supplies yellow (Y) toner, and forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 917 in accordance with the laser beam. A developing device 931 supplies magenta (M) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 921 in accordance with the laser beam. A developing unit 932 supplies cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan toner image on the photosensitive drum 925 in accordance with the laser beam. A developing device 933 supplies black (K) toner, and forms a black toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 in accordance with the laser beam. As described above, the toner images of four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred to the paper, and a full color output image can be obtained.

  Further, 934 and 935 are paper cassettes, and 936 is a manual feed tray. The paper fed from either one of the paper cassettes 934 and 935 or the manual feed tray 936 is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 938 via a registration roller 937. Be transported.

  In synchronism with the timing of paper feeding, toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929, and the toner is transferred onto the paper as the paper is transported. Then, the sheet on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated and conveyed by the conveying belt 939, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 940 and discharged.

  The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d. Further, the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyance belt 939, and the timing is synchronized with the conveyance of the sheet, and the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.

[Configuration of Printer Unit 209 (for Monochrome MFPs 105 and 106)]
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer unit 209 shown in FIG. 2, and particularly corresponds to a monochrome printer unit (in the case of monochrome MFPs 105 and 106).

  In the figure, reference numeral 1013 denotes a polygon mirror which receives laser beams emitted from four semiconductor lasers 805. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 1017 through the mirrors 1014, 1015 and 1016.

  Reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam and transfers the toner image onto a sheet, thereby obtaining an output image.

  Further, 1034 and 1035 are paper cassettes, and 1036 is a manual feed tray. The paper fed from either of the paper cassettes 1034 and 1035 or the manual feed tray 1036 is adsorbed onto the transfer belt 1038 via a registration roller 1037. Be transported. The toner is developed on the photosensitive drum 1017 in advance in synchronization with the paper feeding timing, and the toner is transferred onto the paper as the paper is transported.

  The sheet on which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 1040 and discharged.

[Configuration of Display Unit 211]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the display unit 211 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, since the image data output from the core unit 206 is CMY data, the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101 needs to convert the image data into RGB data. Next, in order to match the color characteristics of the display device 1104 such as an output CRT or LCD, the gamma conversion unit 1102 performs output conversion using a lookup table. The converted image data is once stored in the memory unit 1103 and displayed on a display device 1104 such as a CRT or LCD.

  The display unit 211 is used when a preview function for confirming an output image in advance, a proof function for verifying whether an output image is definitely intended, or when confirming an image that does not need to be printed. This is to avoid waste of printing paper.

[Configuration of Finisher 210 (Finishers 109 and 110 shown in FIG. 1)]
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the finisher unit 210 (finishers 109 and 110 shown in FIG. 1) shown in FIG.

  The sheet that exits the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 209 enters the finisher.

  The finisher includes a sample tray 1001 and a stack tray 1002, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and sorts the bins, and an electronic sort function and a bin (or tray), which will be described later, are shifted in the forward direction and the output sheets are sorted for each job. Sorting can be performed by the shift sort method.

  The electronic sort function is called collate, and if it has the large-capacity memory (memory unit 703) described in the core unit, the buffered page order and discharge order are changed using this memory. The electronic sorting function can be supported by using a so-called collate function.

  The group function then sorts the job by job (for example, 1, 2, 3,... 1, 2, 3,... 1, 2, 3,. Is a function that classifies each page (1, 1, 1, ..., 2, 2, 2, ..., 3, 3, 3, ..., etc.) Each item is distributed on the same page).

  Further, when discharging to the stack tray 1002, it is possible to store the sheets before discharging the sheets for each job and bind them by the stapler 1005 immediately before discharging.

  In addition to the above two trays, there is a Z folding machine 1004 for folding paper into a Z-shape, and a puncher 1006 for punching two (or three) holes for files, depending on the type of job. Each process.

  Further, the inserter trays 1003a and 1003c can perform finishing processing by placing a sheet for performing the insertion function, or placing a sheet output from another printer. The sheets on the inserter trays 1003a and 1003c are once moved to the trays 1003b and 1003d. At that time, a contact-type CCD sensor (sensor) 1009 reads an image on a sheet for various processes to be described later.

  Further, the saddle stitcher 1007 is used to fold the paper into a booklet format and bind the middle of the paper. In this case, it is discharged to the booklet tray 1008.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawing, it is also possible to add binding by glue (gluing) for bookbinding or cutting for aligning the end surface opposite to the binding side after binding.

  Finishers 109 and 110 according to the present embodiment have an operation unit 1010 for performing settings for discharging a sheet set in the inserters 1003a and 1003c, and setting of an IP address or the like when the finisher 109 operates alone. be able to.

[Network 101]
Next, the network 101 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining the network 101 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the network 101 is connected by devices (routers 1301 to 1304 and routers 1305) that connect the networks shown in FIG. 1 to each other, and is called a LAN (Local Area Network). A network (LAN 1306, LAN 1307) is configured.

  The LAN 1306 is connected to a router 1305 inside another LAN 1307 through a dedicated line 1308 via an internal router 1301, and these network networks are stretched around to construct a vast connection form. Yes.

  Next, data flowing in the network shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining data flowing in the network 101 shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, there is data 1401 existing in the transmission source device A (1400a), and the data may be image data, PDL data, or a program. When this is transferred to the receiving device B (1400b) via the network 101, the data 1401 is subdivided (image is divided as indicated by 1402 in the figure).

  To the divided data 1403, 1404, 1406, etc., a destination address called a header 1405 (IP address of the destination when using the TCP / IP protocol) or the like is added, and the packet is sequentially transferred onto the network 101 as a packet. Send (packets 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410).

  When the address of the device B (1400b) and the header 1411 of the packet 1410 match, the data 1412 is separated from the packet 1410, and the separated data 1412, 1413, and 1414 are sequentially taken into the device B (1400b) and reproduced. (Image is reproduced as indicated by 1415 in the figure), and is reproduced in the data state (1416 in the figure) that was in device A.

[Printer Driver]
Next, the process of transmitting image data from the computer 102 (or 103) to the printer using the printer driver will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printer driver screen for transmitting image data from the computer 102 (or 103) shown in FIG. 1 to the printer, on a display device (not shown) of the computer 102 (or 103). Is displayed.

  The printer driver is a GUI for instructing a print operation. By instructing this, the user can instruct a desired setting parameter and send a desired image image to a transmission destination such as a printer. This will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1601 denotes a printer driver window.

  As a setting item of the window 1601, 1602 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination. Generally, the MFPs 104 and 105 or the printer 107 shown in FIG. 1 are used, but an image may be transferred to the memory 108 shown in FIG. 1 for the purpose of storage.

  Reference numeral 1603 denotes a page setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and determines which page of the image image created by the application software operating on the computer 102 (or 103) is to be output.

  1604 is a number setting column for designating the number of copies. Reference numeral 1607 denotes a property key for performing detailed setting related to the transmission destination device selected in the transmission destination selection column 1602. Click here to enter setting information unique to the device on a separate screen, Image processing, for example, by changing parameters of the gamma conversion unit 707 and the spatial filter unit 708 in the CMYK-IP unit 207, finer color reproduction and sharpness adjustment can be performed.

  Reference numeral 1608 denotes a column for setting finishing, and the setting items differ depending on the selected printer.

  Clicking on the right side of the destination selection column 1602 displays a list of printers, MFPs, and the like that can be printed. For this purpose, it is necessary to search for a printer on the network. When searching for MFPs and printers on the network, a so-called directory service is used. The directory service is a telephone directory related to the network, and is used for storing various information.

  A specific example of the directory system using the directory service is, for example, LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol). The regulation of LDAP is described in RFC (Request For Comments) 1777 which is a standard specification issued by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force).

  By using this directory service to search for devices connected to the network, a list of network addresses of devices available on the network can be obtained. A computer 102 on the network 101 functions as an LDAP server and stores all information related to devices on the network. The computer can search for a desired device by making an inquiry to the LDAP server without searching for the computer itself.

  By registering the position information of the apparatus in accordance with information such as equipment information and status of the apparatus, it is possible to search for an apparatus close to a computer or a printer having a desired function closest to the desired printer.

  The position information defines, for example, the distance from the reference point in the XY directions for each floor, and adds floor information and the like. For example, in the case of 3m in the X direction (may be a distance such as the third pillar) and 5m in the Y direction from the corner which becomes the reference of the second floor, it is expressed by giving information such as 3X5Y2.

  The printer driver can display a list of printers in the transmission destination selection column 1602 by making an inquiry to such an LDAP server.

  In the conventional printer driver, it is impossible to select two printers at the same time. However, in this embodiment, a key 1609 for selecting the next printer is provided. By pressing this key, a further printer selection column is displayed and the second printer or finisher can be selected.

  When another printer is selected, the property (property) key 1607 can be pressed to go to another setting screen to change the printer selection order. Normally, a list of selectable printers is displayed by clicking the right end of the printer selection column 1602 of the printer driver with the mouse. At that time, as shown in FIG. 16, the printer that appears at the top of the list display according to various conditions (for example, arranging from the fast printer, arranging in the order close to the printer 1, arranging in the order with many finishing functions, etc.). Can be changed. As a result, for example, it is possible to easily select an MFP that is closest to the first selected MFP.

  In addition, when two units are selected, if processing cannot be performed with the combination of the selected order (for example, stapling cannot be performed after stapling), a warning is displayed in that case.

  When the desired setting is completed, printing is started by an OK key 1605. When canceling the setting, the cancel key 1606 is used to cancel printing.

[Description of network utility software]
Utility software that operates on the computer 102 (or 103) will be described.

  A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface part in the MFPs 104, 105, 106 and the finisher 109, and it is connected to the network via a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). It is possible to manage a scanner, a printer, a FAX, or the like connected to a network by communicating with a computer, including the MFPs 104 and 105.

  On the other hand, a software program using MIB operates on the computer 102 (or 103), and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the SNMP via the network.

  By acquiring MIB information such as ifPhysAddress or sysObjectID defined in RFC1213 or hrDeviceID defined in RFC1514, information for specifying a device can be obtained. Equipment information and capabilities of the device are defined as private MIBs, and it is possible to detect whether or not a finisher is connected as equipment information.

  Further, by acquiring MIB information between devices on the network, it is possible to communicate with each other and acquire information such as the status and capability of the partner device.

  The computer 102 regularly communicates with devices on the network, or keeps track of the function, status, etc. of each device by calling from each device. Since the WEB server is constructed based on the MIB data collected from each apparatus, the computer 103 can grasp the state of each apparatus even if the computer 102 is accessed by well-known browsing software using HTTP.

  All the print jobs are once thrown to the computer 102, and then the job is input from the computer 102 to each printer, and the user name, department, file name, number of pages, job contents, etc. of the job are analyzed, Stores the number of printings per department and the total number of pages. In addition, it is possible to manage and manage devices and jobs on the network by counting the number of prints, the number of errors, etc., and the current remaining amount of paper and toner.

  Further, the computer 102 also converts the print protocol. For example, if the MFP 105 supports only LPD, but the computer 103 tries to print using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), the computer 102 can automatically convert it to LPR and throw a JOB to the MFP 105.

  Also, the printed data is stored in the memory 108, and the server automatically deletes it according to parameters such as the remaining memory capacity and date.

[Description of GUI]
Next, with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a screen of utility software that runs on the computer 102 (or 103) called GUI (Graphic User Interface) will be described.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of utility software screens operating on a computer 102 (or 103) called a GUI (Graphic User Interface).

  When the utility software is activated on the computer 102 (or 103), a screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed.

  17 and 18, 1701 is a status tab for opening a status page, 1702 is a JOB tab for opening a page for operating a print job inside the printer, and 1703 is a page for checking the equipment and the like. An information tab for opening 1704 is a network tab for opening a page for performing network setting. In FIG. 17, a status page is displayed.

  Reference numeral 1705 shown in FIG. 17 is an appearance image of the apparatus, and an image corresponding to equipment information such as a finisher and a deck is displayed. On the right side, information on paper in each cassette is displayed as information on the paper feed tray. Also, reference numeral 1706 shown in FIG. 17 indicates the operation state of the apparatus, and changes according to the operation state.

  Further, FIG. 18 shows an information page, and it is possible to confirm the presence / absence of a finisher and the presence / absence of a finisher option.

[Add-on]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, addition of a command to be added on will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of an add-on.

  In the figure, an original image 1801 is image data created by application software on the computer 102 (or 103). A description will be given of giving a command image thereto.

  Reference numeral 1802 denotes add-on information, for example, an image pattern as shown in the figure. This image pattern is added by the above-described print driver when image data created on a computer is transferred to the MFP, printer, etc., and the MFP, printer, etc. Is printed out as an add-on image 1803, and the paper discharge processing information indicated by the add-on information 1802 includes paper discharge processing information for performing paper discharge processing created by the printer driver, that is, operation instructions such as stapling, punching, and insertion. Indicates the number of pages.

  When the add-on image 1803 to which the add-on information 1802 is added is read by the sensors 1009 of the finishers 109 and 110 shown in FIG. 12, the finishers 109 and 110 operate a paper discharge process based on the add-on information.

[Additional pattern]
Hereinafter, the additional pattern of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of an additional pattern of the add-on information 1802 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, in the case of 200 line processing, 4 × 4 pixels included in the area 1901 are modulated so that the gradation of the image signal becomes, for example, “+ α”, and each of 2 × 4 included in the areas 1902 and 1903. The × 4 pixels are modulated such that the gradation of the image signal is, for example, −α, and pixels other than the regions 1901 to 1903 are not modulated. Then, 8 × 4 pixels included in the areas 1901 to 1903 are set as unit dots of the additional pattern. In the case of 400 line processing, 4 × 4 pixel processing is performed. In the case of 100 line processing, 2 × 2 or 1 pixel is used as an additional pattern.

  Hereinafter, since the processing method is the same, description will be made with 8 × 4 pixels as an example.

  21 and 22 are diagrams showing an example of an add-on line in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 21, 2001 is an add-on line, for example, a width of 4 pixels. Each of 2001a to 2001e is a unit dot shown in FIG. 20, and is 8 × 4 pixels, for example. The unit dots 2001a to 2001e are arranged at a substantially constant cycle of d1 (for example, 128 pixels) in the main scanning direction.

  Further, in FIG. 22, reference numerals 2101 to 2110 are add-on lines having a width of 4 pixels, for example, and arranged in a substantially constant cycle of d2 (for example, 16 pixels) in the sub-scanning direction. Although details will be described later, for example, one add-on line represents 4-bit information, and eight add-on lines 2102 to 2109 can be set as one set to represent 32-bit additional information.

  Note that add-on lines are repeatedly formed in the sub-scanning direction. For example, add-on lines 2101 and 2109 shown in FIG. 22 represent the same information repeatedly in sequence.

  FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show an example of a method for expressing information by ad-online in this embodiment.

  In FIG. 23, 2201 and 2202 are ad-onlines, and both ad-onlines are adjacent in the sub-scanning direction. Further, 2201a, 2201b, and 2202a are unit dots, and in order to prevent adjacent ad-online unit dots from being close and conspicuous, adjacent ad-on-line unit dots are at least d3 (for example, in the main scanning direction). (32 pixels) is set at an interval.

  The data represented by the unit dot is determined by the phase difference between the unit dot 2202a and the unit dot 2201a. FIG. 23 shows an example representing 4-bit information. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the unit dot 2202a represents data “3”. For example, if the unit dot 2202a is at the leftmost end, data "0" is indicated, and if the unit dot 2202a is at the rightmost end, data "F" is indicated.

  In FIG. 24, among a set of add-onlines representing all additional information, the line shown in (a) represents the first add-online Line0, and the line shown in (b) represents the fourth add-online Line3.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in Line 0, dots 2302a to 2302d are added to the right of all the original unit dots 2301a to 2301d at intervals of d4 (for example, 16 pixels), and Line 3 has the original unit dots. Dots 2305a to 2305d are added to all the right sides of 2304a to 2304d at intervals of d5 (for example, 32 pixels).

  These additional dots are markers for clarifying which ad online each ad online is. Note that the reason why the markers are added to the two add-on lines is that the vertical direction in the sub-scanning direction can be determined even from the output image.

  Further, for example, if the added pattern is a full-color MFP such as the MFP 104, the Y color information is obtained by utilizing the fact that the human eye has a low identification ability for a pattern drawn with Y toner. Only added. As a result, when the printout is made, no additional information is attached. When this information is added as black information, it is added on as a visible image.

  Further, in the case of a monochrome MFP such as the MFP 105, for example, if it is a density signal of 256 gradations (8 bits), a value of about −8 to +8 is added to the signal value as add-on information. And add it.

  Furthermore, the dot interval in the main scanning direction of the additional pattern and the repetition interval of all additional information in the sub-scanning direction ensure that a thin and uniform area in which dots can be reliably identified in a specific original document. It is necessary to determine that all information is added. As a guideline, information may be added at a pitch equal to or less than one-half of the width of a thin and uniform area where dots can be reliably identified in a specific original document.

  When both the user information and the paper discharge processing information are added, they may be added alternately, or the information may be replaced at specific intervals. Since Y add-on information and black density conversion information can be mixed, they can be added at the same position.

  A printout of these additional information cannot be identified visually, but can be sufficiently identified when read by the finisher of this embodiment. However, if the additional information added is further copied, the additional information is lost, so even if the copied paper is set in the finisher of the present embodiment, the command is not effective.

[Add-on unit 212 in MFPs 104 and 105]
Next, an add-on adding method will be described. This corresponds to the add-on unit 212 shown in FIG. 2, and its circuit will be described below with reference to FIG. 25, for example.

  25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the add-on unit 212 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the add-on information page memory shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25, first, a rasterized image signal 2401 is input from the PDL unit 205. At this time, add-on data is output in synchronization with the image signal 2401 from the add-on information page memory 2402 in which add-on information as shown in FIGS. That is, the add-on information page memory 2402 stores the add-on data in the information format as shown in FIG. 26, for example, in the 8-bit data format with the most significant bit as the sign bit in the data of “−127” to “+127”. The “+4” portion and the “−4” portion correspond to the portions 1901 to 1903 shown in FIG.

  Again, referring back to FIG. 25, the image signal 2401 and the add-on data in the add-on information page memory 2402 read out synchronously are input to the adder 2403 or the subtractor 2404 and are saturated more than “FF (H)”. In this case, or as a countermeasure against “00 (H)” or less, the signal enters the selector 2407 through the carrier signal and the OR gate 2405 or the AND gate 2406.

  A select signal (sign bit) 2408 input to the selector 2407 is the most significant bit (sign bit) of the add-on information page memory 2402 and is switched according to the sign of the add-on information as shown in FIG. Sent.

  In addition, when the image signal 2401 is already a signal to which add-on data is added, in order to cancel it, the operation is reversed if the most significant bit (sign bit) of the add-on information page memory 2402 is inverted. If it is the same add-on data, it is released.

  This add-on addition circuit is added to each signal system of YMC and K, and each pattern can be added to an image by writing the additional pattern in each add-on information page memory 2402. Here, if a pattern is written only in the Y page memory, it is added on with only Y. In addition, when an add-on is performed in black, an additional pattern is written in the K page memory so that the add-on is performed in black.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27, an operation in the case of performing printing and paper discharge processing will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention is applicable, and corresponds to printing and paper discharge processing operations. In addition, S101-S115 show each step.

  Here, as an example, an operation of stapling a document in which black and white and color are mixed (color / monochrome mixed document) will be described.

  In step S101, the operator first operates at the terminal of the computer 103 to create a color / monochrome original using a known DTP software or the like. When printing is performed, a printer driver screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display of the computer 103. Here, stapling is designated in the finishing setting column 1608 (FIG. 15). Also, the printer is specified in the transmission destination selection column 1602 (FIG. 15). If the finishing function or the like is unknown, pressing the property key 1607 to know details displays detailed information (not shown).

  Here, since the original is mixed color and monochrome, it is necessary to specify a monochrome printer and a color printer.

  First, in step S102, the monochrome MFP 105 is selected as the first printer in the printer selection column (destination selection column 1602), and the color printer is selected as the second printer in step S103.

  When the key 1609 is pressed, a further printer selection column is enabled, and a second printer or finisher can be selected. Here, the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer.

  If the OK key 1605 is pressed, the process advances to step S104 to display a job number display and password input window as shown in FIG. Here, the job number is obtained by adding a character string or the like that the operator has logged to an arbitrary number generated by the computer 103, and serves as information for identifying the operator and the document. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of, for example, up to 8 letters and numbers is input.

  When the OK key is pressed in step S105, the computer 103 creates print data. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, interlocking of two units, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. Note that the paper discharge process is performed by the MFP 104 selected first (as the first printer) in the transmission destination selection column 1602. Alternatively, when the finisher is selected as the second printer, the finisher is given priority. When the data creation is completed, the data is transferred to the two designated MFPs.

  Step S106 is the operation of the MFP 105. The MFP 105 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, draws only the monochrome page, and temporarily stores the data in the memory. At that time, no add-on is performed.

  In step S107, the MFP 104 analyzes the data and renders only the color page by drawing the color page. Here, the processing command in color, the job number input by the printer driver, the number of pages, and the like are added in yellow to perform printing. Start. When printing is completed, the computer 103 is notified of completion. The print data is stored in the memory 108 shown in FIG.

  In step S108, the computer 103 displays that the discharged paper is set on the finisher 110 of the MFP 105 because color printing has been completed (not shown). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of the MFP.

  In step S <b> 109, the operator removes paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFP 104 and sets the paper on the insert tray 1003 a of the finisher of the MFP 105. The job number is input at the finisher operation unit 1010 shown in FIG. 12 or the operation unit (not shown) of the MFP 105. Alternatively, a list of jobs is displayed, and a job is designated from the list. If the job number is directly input and there is no job of that number, a warning is displayed. Further, if the process is still in progress, the warning is displayed as such.

  When job is specified, the password is entered. This is the password entered by the user on the screen shown in FIG. 28 in step S104, and cannot be processed by others. A warning is displayed even if the password is incorrect.

  When a sheet is set in the tray and a finisher start key (not shown) is pressed, the finisher 110 reads add-on information by the sensor 1009 while moving the sheet from the inserter tray 1003a to the tray 1003b. The job number is read from the add-on information and a password input standby state is entered. If the order of the sheets to be set is different, a warning is displayed on the operation unit.

  If the password is also normally input, the process advances to step S110, and the MFP 105 reads the data for which the drawing process has been completed from the memory, and performs the print and paper discharge processes. At this time, the paper is discharged in consideration of the order of the sheets on the tray 1003b of the finisher 110.

  For example, if the first page and the second page are output from the printer 105 and the third page is the first page of the MFP 104, the number of pages in the add-on information is 3, and the finisher is output when the MFP 105 discharges up to two pages. 110 feeds the paper corresponding to the third page from the tray 1003b. Note that this is the case of back side discharge, and in the case of front side discharge, the paper is discharged from the last page.

  If the paper from the tray 1003b is jammed in step S111, the process proceeds to step S112, and the finisher 110 and the operation unit of the MFP 105 display a JAM and an instruction whether to reprint the jammed paper. Prompt display. When the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses a reprint key (not shown) from the operation unit of the finisher 110 (or the operation unit of the MFP 105), the process proceeds to step S113, and the finisher 110 sends the JAM page to the MFP 104. Only the MFP 104 is requested to print.

  In step S114, when the operator takes a sheet from the MFP 104 and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed (re-execution).

  Finally, in step S115, when all the sheets are discharged and finishing processing such as stapling and punching is completed, a job completion notification is issued to the computer 103, and the data in the memory 108 is erased, and the operation ends. .

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29, an operation when the finisher 109 shown in FIG. 1 is separated from the MFP 106 and used alone to perform a paper discharge process will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The print and paper discharge processing operations (particularly, the finisher 109 is separated from the MFP 106 and the finisher is processed). 109 is used alone for paper discharge processing). Steps S201 to S216 indicate each step.

  In step S <b> 201, the operator first performs an operation at the terminal of the computer 103. A color / monochrome mixed document is created using a well-known DTP software or the like. Check the status of each device before printing. As shown in FIG. 18, the utility software displays the status of the apparatus.

  Next, in step S202, when a key for disconnecting the connection between the MFP 106 and the finisher 109 is pressed (not shown) while the MFP 106 is displayed, the MFP 106 becomes an MFP without the finisher 109. Separation can also be set by the operation unit of the MFP 106 or the finisher 109.

  The utility software has a function of displaying a list of devices connected to the network called a device list. Before the main body and the finisher are separated, three MFPs (MFP 104, MFP 105, and MFP 106) are visible as shown in FIG. However, when the connection is disconnected, the finisher 109 starts the single operation and supports SNMP. Therefore, the three devices before the disconnection become visible as shown in FIG.

  In step S203, the operator confirms the status of the apparatus he / she wants to print, and when printing is performed, the printer driver screen is displayed on the display of the computer 103 as shown in FIG.

  In step S204, the monochrome MFP 106 is selected as the first printer in the printer selection column 1602, and the process proceeds to step S205 where the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer.

  Further, in step S205, the finisher 109 is selected to specify stapling. Since the finisher is specified, priority is given to the setting for the finisher 109 even if the MFP 104 or the like has a finisher. However, if there is a process that is not in the finisher 109 and can be performed by the finisher of the MFP 104, the setting is valid.

  Next, when the OK key 1605 is pressed, the job number display and password input window as shown in FIG. 28 are displayed in step S206. Here, the job number is an arbitrary number created by the computer 103 to which a character string that the operator has logged in is added, and serves as information for identifying the operator and the document. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters is input.

  When the OK key is pressed on the password input screen, the computer 103 creates print data in step S207. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, interlocking of two units, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. The paper discharge process is performed by the MFP first selected in the column 1602, or when the finisher is selected, the finisher is prioritized. When the data creation is completed, the data is transferred to the two designated MFPs and the finisher 109. The transfer protocol is performed by a known LPR or the like.

  In step S <b> 208, the MFP 106 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, draws only the monochrome page, starts outputting, and when finished, notifies the computer 103 of an end notification. The color MFP 104 also analyzes the data, draws only the color page, and starts printing. When printing is completed, the computer 103 is notified of completion. Note that add-on information such as a job number and the number of pages is added to the output of any device.

  Next, when printing is completed, in step S209, the computer 103 displays that the discharged paper is set on the finisher 109 (not shown). This display is also displayed on the operation unit of each device.

  In step S <b> 210, the operator removes paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFP 104 or MFP 106 and sets the paper on the insert trays 1003 a and 1003 c of the finisher 109. A job number is input from the operation unit of the finisher 109, or a list of jobs is displayed, and a job is designated from the list. A job number is directly input, and if there is no job with that number, a warning is displayed. Further, if the process is still in progress, a warning display to that effect is displayed.

  When job is specified, the password is entered. This is performed from the password input screen shown in FIG. 28, and cannot be processed by others without permission. If the entered password is incorrect, a warning is displayed.

  Further, when paper is set in the insert trays 1003a and 1003c of the finisher 109 and a start key (not shown) of the finisher 109 is pressed, the finisher 109 moves the paper from the insert trays 1003a and 1003c to the trays 1003b and 1003d, and the sensor 1009. Load the add-on information with. The job number is read from the add-on information, and a password input standby state is entered. If the order of the sheets to be set is different, a warning is displayed on the operation unit. In addition, when the finisher 109 handles paper without add-on information, it is possible to set the processing of the paper on each insert tray with the operation unit 1010 of the finisher 109.

  If the password is also normally input, in step S211, the sheets on the trays 1003b and 1003d are fed in the designated order and the finishing process is performed.

  If it is determined in step S212 that JAM (paper jam) has occurred on the sheets from the trays 1003b and 1003d, the process proceeds to step S213, and the JAM is displayed on the operation unit and the JAM sheet is printed again. A display prompting you to fix it. This is because the paper is damaged by JAM.

  When the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key, the finisher 109 requests the MFP 104 or MFP 106 to print only the JAM page in step S214.

  Next, in step S215, the MFP 104 or the MFP 106 prints, and when the operator brings a sheet from the MFP 104 or the MFP 106 and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed (re-executed).

  Further, when there is a next finisher, an end notification is issued to the finisher.

  When all sheets are discharged and all finishing processes such as stapling and punching are completed, a job completion notification is sent to the computer 103 in step S216.

  When the finisher 109 is reconnected to the MFP 106 main body, the finisher 109 becomes an MFP integrated with the MFP 106 main body, and is not visible on the device list as shown in FIG. 30, and all operations are completed.

  In the first and second control processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 and 29, the finisher discharges paper based on the add-on information added to the printed paper. However, the add-on information is added. Then, the control may be performed by the server computer instead of the finisher. The embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The server (computer 102 shown in FIG. 1) handles jobs and prints and discharges them. This corresponds to the case of controlling the paper processing operation. In addition, S301-S315 show each step.

  First, in step S <b> 301, the operator performs an operation at the terminal of the computer 103. A color / monochrome mixed document is created using a well-known DTP software or the like. When the operator confirms the status of the apparatus that he / she wants to print and prints, a screen of the printer driver is displayed on the display of the computer 103 as shown in FIG.

  In step S302, the printer selection column 1602 selects the monochrome MFP 105 as the first printer.

  In step S303, the color MFP 104 is selected as the second printer, and the finisher 109 is selected to specify stapling. In the printer driver column 1609 shown in FIG. 15, a case where one “next printer” is selected is shown. The color MFP 104 can be selected as the second printer, and the finisher 109 can be selected.

  Here, since the finisher is designated, the setting for the finisher 109 is prioritized even if the MFP 104, 105, or the like has a finisher. If there is a process that is not in the finisher 109 and can be performed by the finisher 110 of the MFP 105, the setting is valid.

  Next, when the OK key 1605 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S304, and a job number display and password input window as shown in FIG. 28 are displayed. Here, the job number is obtained by adding a character string or the like that the operator has logged to an arbitrary number generated by the computer 103, and serves as information for identifying the operator and the document. The password is necessary for the operation described later, and a combination of alphabets and numbers within 8 characters is input.

  If the OK key is pressed here, the process advances to step S305, and the computer 103 creates print data. Commands such as stapling processing, black and white / color mixed processing, interlocking of two units, and add-on processing are added to the print data together with conventional PDL drawing data. The paper discharge process is performed by the MFP first selected in the column 1602. Alternatively, when the finisher is selected, the finisher is prioritized. When the data creation is completed, the print data is transferred to the computer 102.

  In step S <b> 306, the computer 102 to which the data has been transferred analyzes the processing command, reconstructs only monochrome page data, and issues a print command to the MFP 105. Also, the data of only the color page is reconstructed and a print command is issued to the MFP 104.

  Next, in step S307, each MFP receives and prints based on the data. When printing is completed, the MFP 102 notifies the computer 102 of the end of operation.

  In step S308, when the computer 102 notifies the computer 103 of the completion notification, the computer 103 displays that the discharged paper is set on the finisher 109 because printing is completed (not shown).

  The operator takes the paper from the paper discharge unit of the MFPs 104 and 105 and sets the paper on the insert trays 1003 a and 1003 c of the finisher 109.

  In step S 309, when the user logs in to the computer 102 using the operation unit 1010 of the finisher 109 and selects and executes his job from the job list, the computer 102 instructs the finisher 109 to operate. This instruction includes the order of sheets stacked on the inserter trays 1003a and 1003c and a processing instruction.

  Next, in step S310, the finisher 109 feeds the sheets of the inserter trays 1003a and 1003c to the trays 1003b and 1003d in the designated order, and performs the finishing process.

  If it is determined in step S311 that the paper from the trays 1003a and 1003c has jammed, the process advances to step S312 to prompt the operation unit of the finisher 109 whether or not to reprint the jammed paper together with the JAM display. Display.

  In step S313, when the operator determines that JAM paper cannot be used and presses the reprint key of the finisher 109 (not shown), the finisher 109 requests the computer 102 to print only the JAM page. The computer 102 issues a reprint request to the MFPs 104 and 105. In step S314, when the operator takes a sheet from the MFP and sets it on the tray 1003, a recovery operation is performed (re-execution).

  The computer 102 sends an instruction to the finisher 109 to display an instruction message to the operator when it is necessary to perform processing at another finisher. The operator sets paper on the next finisher according to the display.

  When all the sheets are discharged and finishing processing such as stapling and punching is completed, in step S315, the finisher 109 notifies the computer 102 of job completion, and the computer 102 totals the processing of each device. The data is written into the memory 108, and the end of the job is notified to the computer 103. The computer 103 displays the end and ends the operation.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, how the paper is conveyed in the finisher 109 shown in FIG. 12 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a sheet conveying operation in the finisher 109 shown in FIG. 33, the stapler 1005, puncher 1006, and saddle stitcher 1007 in FIG. 12 are omitted. Further, the sample tray 1001, the stack tray 1002, and the book tray 1008 shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, only two inserter trays (1003a, 1003c), sensors 1009, and trays (1003b, 1003d) are shown, but there may be three or more inserter trays, sensors, and trays. In FIG. 33, inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n, sensors 3308a, 3308b,..., 3308n, trays 3308a, 3308b,.

  Further, the computers 102, 103a, 103b shown in FIG. 12 are collectively shown as a computer 3301 in FIG.

  Further, in FIG. 12, only three apparatuses are shown as MFP 104, MFP 105, and MFP 106, but the number of MFPs may be four or more. In FIG. 33, MFPs 3304a, 3304b,. It is shown.

  Reference numeral 3312 denotes control means composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or other storage medium, and performs overall control of each unit in the finisher apparatus.

  Reference numeral 3314 denotes communication means for controlling communication with the computer 3301, MFPs 3304, 3304b,..., 3304n via the network 101. Reference numeral 3313 denotes a memory for storing add-on information read by the sensors 3308a, 3308b,. A sheet discharge unit 3315 discharges the sheet sent to the conveyance route to the discharge tray 3316 and counts the discharged sheets to grasp the page number on the discharge tray 3316. Note that the control unit 3312 may count the discharged paper.

  The finisher 109 is provided with a plurality of sensors (not shown) that detect JAM.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each unit will be described.

  First, the outputs of the MFPs 3304a, 3304b,..., 3304n are separately set on the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,. When all the outputs are set, the operator presses a start button (not shown) to start processing. This start button may exist on the operation screen of the MFP 106, or may exist independently of the finisher 109 (that is, may exist on the operation unit 1010 of the finisher 109). .

  The finisher 109 conveys the paper one by one to the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n in each inserter tray 3307a, 3307b,. At this time, the CCD sensors 3308a, 3308b,..., 3308n read the add-on information on each sheet.

  The read add-on information is stored in the memory 3313 in the finisher 109. Since this add-on information includes at least information related to the page number, the page number of the paper conveyed to the trays 3309a, 3309b,.

  The control means 3312 in the finisher 109 finds the first page from the paper on the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n, is sent to the transport route in the finisher 109, and is swept to the discharge tray 3316 by the discharge means 3315. Is issued. The discharge unit 3315 counts the discharged paper and grasps the page number on the discharge tray 3316.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33, the first sheet of the tray 3309a is the first page. Thereafter, the next sheet is fed from the inserter tray 3307a, the add-on information is read by the CCD sensor 3308a, and then sent to the tray 3309a.

  Next, the control means 3312 in the finisher 109 finds the second page from the paper on the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n, sends it to the transport route in the finisher 109, and is swept out to the discharge tray 3316. . By repeating this process for the number of sheets fed, an output in which the page numbers are rearranged in order is obtained.

  Next, recovery during JAM will be specifically described.

  Normally, the MFP includes a sensor at each part so that JAM detection can be performed in the paper conveyance system. In FIG. 12, when the paper sent from the tray 1003b or 1003d in the inserter becomes JAM in the finisher 109, it is displayed on the UI screen of the MFP 106 where the JAM has occurred. In accordance with the instruction, the JAM paper in the finisher 109 must be removed and returned to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,.

  The inside of the finisher 109 refers to a transport path in the finisher 109 from the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n to the discharge means 3315. In general, a plurality of sheets are collected in the finisher 109 before and after the sheet where the JAM has occurred, and the plurality of sheets must be returned to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,.

  In this case, the outputs set separately in the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n are mixed in the finisher 109, but it is not necessary to return them separately to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,. , All may be returned to one of the inserter trays 3307a or 3307a, 3307b,. This is because it is considered that the page order does not move back and forth within the finisher 109 even if JAM occurs.

  For example, when 3 pages are stacked on the discharge tray 3316 at the time when the JAM is generated, the 4th page and subsequent pages exist in the finisher 109. In the JAM recovery, in accordance with the instruction on the operation screen, first, the paper existing in the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n is returned to the respective inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,. Next, paper is collected in order from the far side to the discharge tray 3316, and these are collected and returned to the inserter tray 3307a. As a result, the sheets are sequentially set in the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n.

  The paper returned to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n is read out as add-on information by the CCD sensors 3308a, 3308b,. ,..., 3309n. Then, the control means 3312 finds the next page from the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n, sends it to the transport route in the finisher, and sweeps it to the discharge tray 3316. For example, if three pages have already been discharged to the discharge tray 3316, the fourth page may be searched from the trays 3309a, 3309b,.

  When JAM occurs, the operator may check the paper that has become JAM, remove the paper that is severely damaged and cannot be used, and return it. Next, this case will be described.

  When the JAM occurs, the operator collects the paper in the finisher 109, removes the damaged paper in the finisher 109, and sets it again in the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,. This method is the same as the JAM recovery described above. When set is complete, restart.

  The finisher 109 conveys the sheets one by one in each inserter tray 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n to the trays 3309a, 3309b,. At this time, the CCD sensors 3308a, 3308b,..., 3308n read the add-on information on each sheet. If three pages have already been discharged to the discharge tray 3316, the fourth page is searched from the trays 3309a, 3309b,. If the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n are sequentially sent to the transport system, the page number removed by the operator is obtained.

  At this time, the control means 3312 detects a state where the page does not exist in any of the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b, ..., 3307n. In this case, it is displayed that there are insufficient pages on the operation screen. At the same time, the computer 3301 is instructed to print the insufficient page again through the communication unit 3314. The computer 3301 throws a print job again to the MFP that output the page, and notifies the finisher 109 from which MFP the print is output.

  When the finisher 109 receives the notification through the communication unit 3314, the finisher 109 displays on the operation unit which MFP is to be printed out on the operation screen, and notifies the operator that “there is received and the paper in the tray 3309a is inserted in the inserter tray 3307a. Is set to the inserter tray 3307a. " Needless to say, any tray can return the paper from the tray to the inserter tray, and any inserter tray can be used to set the reprinted paper.

  When the printing is restarted after setting, the paper is conveyed to the single tray 3309a in the inserter tray 3307a in which the reprinted paper is set. At this time, the CCD sensor 3308a reads the add-on information on each sheet, confirms that the sheet has the desired page number, and is swept out from the tray 3309a to the discharge tray 3316 via the control means 3312. The subsequent operation is also as described above.

  As described above, the control unit 3312 detects that there is no page to be fed in any of the inserter trays 3307a, 33007b,..., 3307n, and prints the shortage page to the computer 3301 again. When the computer 3301 knows that the MFP that printed the page holds post-RIP data for the page, the computer 3301 notifies the control unit 3312 of the finisher 109 of the name of the MFP.

  Next, the control unit 3312 instructs the MFP to print the insufficient page again, displays on the display screen which MFP is to be printed out, , The paper in the tray 3309a is returned to the inserter tray 3307a and then set in the inserter tray 3307a.

  In this case, there is an advantage that the time for RIPing the print job can be shortened as compared with the above specific example. Alternatively, by reading the name or address of the printed MFP from the add-on information on each paper, it is possible to instruct the MFP to print again directly without going through the computer.

  Subsequently, the control unit 3312 detects a state in which no page to be fed exists in any of the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n, and the MFP that printed the page is directly connected to the finisher 109 in FIG. A JAM process when printing is performed in the MFP 106 will be described.

  When the control unit 3312 detects that there is no page to be fed in any of the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n, it searches the add-on information stored in the memory and prints the page number that does not exist. Find out which is.

  As a result, when it is determined that the MFP 106 directly connected to the finisher 109 has printed this page, the MFP 106 is instructed to print again.

  The MFP 106 directly connects the print output to the finisher 109 and transports it to the finisher 109 via the paper transport system. The arrow from the right side of FIG. 12 indicates the paper conveyance. In this case, the pages to be fed are fed in the order to be fed.

  Thereafter, the control means 3312 feeds the next page from the trays 3309a, 3309b,. In this case, it is possible to perform JAM recovery by inserting automatically reprinted paper without causing the operator to do anything.

  The reprinting in this case may be performed by the computer 3301 throwing a print job again to the MFP 106, or the MFP 106 stores the data after RIP in a memory (such as the memory 604 shown in FIG. 6). Reprinting may be performed by The latter has the advantage that the reprint processing time is shorter.

  Further, in the two examples in which the data after RIP is stored and reprinting is performed thereby, the MFP stores the data after RIP until the timer for a predetermined time expires, and the finisher 109 is all Is configured to store the data after RIP until an instruction after erasure is issued to each MFP, and further, the memory for storing the data after RIP is stored until it is full. A configuration in which data is erased from the data can be easily considered.

  Hereinafter, the paper discharge processing operation of the finisher 109 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. The program is executed by a CPU (not shown) in the control means 3312 based on a program stored in the illustrated ROM, memory 3313, or other storage medium. S401 to S410 indicate each step.

  First, all the output sheets are set in the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n, and in step S401, when the operator presses a start button (not shown) to instruct the discharge process, the finisher 109 is in step S402. , 3307n while feeding (feeding) one sheet of paper from each inserter tray 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n to the trays 3309a, 3309b,. To read the add-on information on each paper. The sheets fed to the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n are temporarily held here.

  Next, in step S403, the paper discharge process is started based on the page number in the add-on information.

  Next, when it is determined in step S404 that the paper sent from the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n has generated JAM in the finisher 109, in any part of the finisher 109, the JAM is detected in step S405. A message or an image indicating that the generated or jammed paper is removed and placed on the inserter tray is displayed on the operation unit of the finisher 109 or the UI screen of the MFP 106.

  Next, the operator removes the JAM paper in the finisher 109 in accordance with the displayed instruction, returns all the paper to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n, and instructs the re-execution of paper discharge processing in step S406. In step S407, the finisher 109 reads the add-on information from the paper returned to the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n by the CCD sensors 3308a, 3308b,. ..., sent to 3309n.

  In step S408, the control unit 3312 determines whether or not there is a missing page, and detects that there is a missing page, that is, there is a page that does not exist in any of the inserter trays 3307a, 3307b,. Then, in step S409, it is displayed that there is a missing page on the operation screen, and at the same time, the computer 3301 is instructed to print the missing page again through the communication unit 3314. Alternatively, if the page data remains in the MFP that printed the page, the MFP directly instructs the MFP to print again. Then, which MFP is to be printed and how to set the printed paper is displayed on the operation unit, the process returns to step S401, the paper reprinted by the operator is set on the inserter tray, and the start is instructed again. Wait for.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 3312 determines in step S408 that there is no insufficient page, in step S410, the control unit 3312 resumes the paper discharge process. Thereafter, the process returns to step S404 and the occurrence of JAM is monitored.

  Further, in step S404, when all the paper discharge processes for the sheets in the trays 3309a, 3309b,..., 3309n in the inserter are completed without generating JAM, the process of this flowchart is ended.

  In step S408, it is determined that there is a shortage of pages after JAM. However, it is also possible to determine whether or not all pages are ready before starting the paper discharge process in step S403.

  Furthermore, it may be configured to determine not only the page shortage but also whether the page order is correct.

  As described above, the control unit 3312 of the finisher 109 includes the image forming unit (MFP 106 in the example shown in FIG. 1) connected to the finisher 109 and other image forming units (MFPs 104 and 105 in the example shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming processing system having a paper discharge processing apparatus that can easily perform paper discharge processing.

  Further, print information (page number and the like) superimposed on the image on the paper output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses and fed from the inserter trays 3007a, 3007b,. .., 3008n, and based on the read information, the control unit 3312 controls the sheet feeding order of the sheets held in the trays 3009a, 3009b,. Even when post-processing such as paper discharge processing is performed on the printing paper output from the printer, paper discharge processing can be easily performed.

  Also, even if JAM is caused on the way, it is efficient to align the jammed paper and the discharged paper in the inserter trays 3007a, 3007b,. JAM recovery can be performed.

  Furthermore, even when the paper that has become JAM is damaged, it is possible to automatically request the reprinting of the paper automatically to the computer that has instructed the printing process or the printer that actually printed it to perform efficient JAM recovery. Can do.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the printer unit is a laser beam method has been described as an example. However, an electrophotographic method (for example, an LED method) other than the laser beam method may be used as a liquid crystal shutter method, an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, The present invention is applicable to any sublimation method or other printing method.

  Moreover, the structure which combined the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment is also contained in this invention.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the paper discharge processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by the paper discharge processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIG. 27, FIG. 29, FIG. 32, and FIG. 34 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention by reading out to the system or apparatus a storage medium that stores a program represented by software for achieving the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

1 is an overview diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which a paper discharge processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing explaining the structure of the scanner part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit (RGP-IP unit) illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a FAX unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a NIC unit and a PDL unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit and a CMYK-IP unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PWM unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the display part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the finisher part (finisher shown in FIG. 1) shown in FIG. It is a block diagram explaining the network shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the data which flows through the network shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a printer driver screen for transmitting image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1 to a printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a printer selection reference | standard screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen of the utility software which operate | moves on the computer called GUI (Graphic User Interface). It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen of the utility software which operate | moves on the computer called GUI (Graphic User Interface). It is a schematic diagram explaining the concept of an add-on. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the add-on information shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the add-on part shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an add-on information page memory illustrated in FIG. 25. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing apparatus of the present invention is applicable. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a job number display and a password input window. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing device of the present invention is applicable. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device list for selecting a device that transmits image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device list for selecting a device that transmits image data from the computer illustrated in FIG. 1. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing device of the present invention is applicable. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a sheet transport operation in the finisher illustrated in FIG. 12. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth control processing procedure in an image processing system to which the paper discharge processing device of the present invention is applicable. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the paper discharge processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

109 Finisher 3301 Computer 3304a, 3304b,..., 3304n MFP
3306 Network 3307a, 3307b,..., 3307n Inserter trays 3308a, 3308b,..., 3308n Sensors 3309a, 3309b,.

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus that generates a print job, a printing apparatus that executes print processing based on print data generated based on a print job received from the information processing apparatus, and print processing by the printing apparatus are independent of each other. A printing system comprising a post-processing device that performs post- processing on a plurality of pages of paper that have undergone printing processing by the printing device ,
When the interruption cause to be reprinted has occurred by the printing device at least one of the sheet of the plurality of pages during execution of the post-processing by pre SL post-processing device, the printing apparatus holds the print data Determination means for determining whether or not,
When it is determined by the determination means that the printing apparatus holds the print data, reprinting of the page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor based on the print data held in the printing apparatus is performed. When the determination unit determines that the printing apparatus does not hold the print data, a print job for reprinting the page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor is controlled. Control to cause the printing apparatus to reprint a page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor based on print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus and generated based on the transmitted print job A printing system comprising control means. Upon the input of the authentication data by using the input means before the start of the post-treatment with pre SL post-processing apparatus is performed by the operator, to claim 1, characterized in that to initiate post-processing by the post-processing apparatus The printing system described . As a list display apparatus connected through said information processing device and the network, and displays the configured list to the printing apparatus and the post-processing apparatus can be distinguished by each operator in the information processing apparatus The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit. An information processing apparatus that generates a print job, a printing apparatus that executes print processing based on print data generated based on a print job received from the information processing apparatus, and print processing by the printing apparatus are independent of each other. A control method of a printing system including a post-processing device that performs post- processing on a plurality of pages of paper on which printing processing has been performed by the printing device ,
When the interruption cause to be reprinted has occurred by the printing device at least one of the sheet of the plurality of pages during execution of the post-processing by pre SL post-processing device, the printing apparatus holds the print data A determination step of determining whether or not,
If it is determined by the determination step that the printing apparatus holds the print data, the reprinting of the page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor based on the print data held in the printing apparatus is performed. When the determination process determines that the printing apparatus does not hold the print data, a print job for reprinting the page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor is controlled. Control to cause the printing apparatus to reprint a page to be reprinted due to the interruption factor based on print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the printing apparatus and generated based on the transmitted print job control method characterized by chromatic and control process. Upon the input of the authentication data by using the input means before the start of the post-treatment with pre SL post-processing apparatus is performed by the operator, in claim 4, characterized in that to initiate post-processing by the post-processing apparatus The control method described . As a list display apparatus connected through said information processing device and the network, the post-processing device and the printing device display means provided in the information processing apparatus configured list to distinguish them by their respective operator The control method according to claim 4, further comprising a display step of displaying by the following .

Images