JP4687426B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a parallel image forming mode in which recording sheets can be conveyed in parallel by an image forming engine and images can be formed on a plurality of recording sheets in one image forming process. .

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine to which this type of electrophotographic method is applied, the photosensitive drum as an image bearing member is centered and the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum is opposed. A charging unit, an optical scanning unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and the like are arranged as described above.

  That is, the surface of the photosensitive drum is uniformly charged by applying a predetermined voltage to the charging unit, an electrostatic latent image is formed by the light beam from the optical scanning unit, and toner is supplied to the developing unit for development. To do.

  Here, in the case of a full-color image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum is provided for each color (CMYK).

  In a so-called tandem-type image forming apparatus as a typical structure, the photosensitive drums are arranged in a line on a linear conveyance path of an intermediate transfer belt that is driven in an endless loop shape at a predetermined process speed. Each photoconductor drum is opposed to a transfer member with the intermediate transfer belt interposed therebetween, and a toner image formed on each photoconductor drum is overlapped on the intermediate transfer belt by applying a predetermined voltage. Is transcribed.

  In this full-color image forming apparatus, when printing a black-and-white image, a black-and-white image is formed using only a photosensitive drum for K color (usually disposed on the most downstream side).

  In the image forming apparatus, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum (the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording paper) is set to the maximum width of the recording paper to be applied (for example, about 297 mm for JIS standard A3 paper). It is configured to be compatible. For this reason, for example, if only a recording sheet having a size smaller than the maximum size is used, the apparatus that contacts all the recording sheets including the photosensitive drum is biased to deteriorate. For this reason, it is conceivable to use recording sheets that are connected in the width direction in advance by perforations or the like. However, it is necessary to perform separation work along the perforations after the image forming process, resulting in poor work efficiency.

Further, in the image forming apparatus as described above, a plurality of recording sheets are arranged in parallel on the same sheet supply unit, and a plurality of recording sheets are conveyed from the supply unit, thereby shortening the processing time. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3)
However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3, an image is formed on each of a plurality of recording sheets supplied at the same time as compared with the case where only one recording sheet is supplied from the recording sheet supply unit. Therefore, the positioning (including the relative position) of each recording sheet must be performed with higher accuracy.

In order to solve this problem, the applicant of the present invention is an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “hereinafter referred to as“ image forming apparatus ”) that forms an image on a plurality of recording sheets conveyed at the same time without degrading image quality by high-precision positioning. A parallel image forming mode-compatible image forming processing apparatus ”has been proposed.
JP-A-6-100180 JP-A-6-183586 JP 2002-205847 A

  However, although the parallel image forming mode-compatible image forming processing apparatus can form an image on a plurality of recording sheets in parallel, the handling of recording sheets for proper parallel image formation has been established. Not.

  That is, in order to carry in parallel, it is necessary to supply recording paper to the number of parallel conveyance paths, and the recording paper is separately collected in a collecting unit (for example, a tray) corresponding to each row. Will be housed.

  At this time, if the correspondence in the conventional system for performing image forming processing in a single row is applied as it is, if the recording paper in any row runs out first (remaining amount 0, out of paper), this paper out A paper out signal is sent from the detecting sensor to the image forming processing control system, and the image forming apparatus notifies a message prompting the replenishment of the recording paper, and the operation is temporarily stopped.

  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention is not a steady state in which an image forming apparatus capable of parallel image forming processing runs out of stock of recording paper corresponding to any column during the execution of parallel image forming processing. Even under circumstances, an object is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of continuing the image forming process and ensuring the minimum necessary efficiency by using the recording paper corresponding to the other columns.

In the present invention, based on image data managed in units of jobs, a recording sheet stored in a state where a position in a width direction orthogonal to a predetermined transport direction is fixed in advance is taken out in the predetermined transport direction. while conveying, the said an image forming engine to form an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet, the normal image formation mode for forming an image by conveying at least single said recording paper, or the position in the width direction Any one of the parallel image forming modes in which a plurality of recording sheets having different values are taken out at the same time and transported in parallel to form an image on the plurality of recording sheets transported in parallel by one image forming processing step. an image forming engine capable of forming an image in the image formation mode, a plurality of stacking units for stacking the respective recording paper position in the width direction is fixed, said plurality of A recording paper sensor that detects that at least the remaining amount of recording paper accumulated in each of the product sections is zero, and any of the width direction during the image forming process under the parallel image forming mode An image data recording prohibition area setting means for setting the image data recording area corresponding to the position in the width direction as a recording prohibition area when the paper out sensor detects that the recording paper at the position has run out , and printing of a job by the user A first setting for setting information for forming an image in the parallel image forming mode without combining the job instructed to print by the print instruction information with another job when the instruction information is input; and the printing For combining the job instructed to print by the instruction information and another job waiting to form an image in the parallel image forming mode. Display control means for displaying a basic setting screen capable of setting any one of the second settings for setting information, and when the first setting is made on the basic setting screen by the user, Distributing pages that distribute a plurality of pages of the job to a plurality of positions in the width direction so that a plurality of pages of the job instructed by the print instruction information are formed on each of a plurality of recording sheets conveyed in parallel When the second setting is performed on the basic setting screen by the user, the job instructed to print by the print instruction information and the other job are distributed to a plurality of positions in the width direction. A job distribution process is performed, and image data is arranged in accordance with the page or job distribution process and sent to the image forming engine to thereby output the image forming engine. If the recording prohibited area is set during the image forming process under the parallel image forming mode, the recording prohibited area is set in the recording prohibited area. Image forming control means for controlling the image forming engine to continue image formation by shifting the image data arranged at the corresponding position in the width direction to another position in the width direction.

According to the present invention, on the basic setting screen, the first setting for setting information for forming an image in the parallel image forming mode without combining the job instructed by the print instruction information with another job, and the print instruction Either of the second settings for setting information for forming an image in the parallel image forming mode by combining the job instructed to print by the information with another job waiting can be set. In the image forming process under the parallel image forming mode according to the setting , the image data recording prohibited area setting unit detects that the recording paper sensor has run out of the recording paper at any position in the width direction. The image data recording area corresponding to the position in the width direction is set as a recording prohibited area.

The image forming control means, wherein when shifting the image data, and arranged to initially without departing from the image forming processing order, before Kiki record image data position corresponding width direction in a recording area other than the forbidden area image The data is also shifted. As a result, since the image forming process can be continued without being stopped, the necessary minimum efficiency can be maintained.

  In the above invention, the image data shift means also shifts image data corresponding to an area other than the image data recording prohibited area without deviating from the original image forming processing order.

  For example, when a plurality of pages of a single job are subjected to image formation processing in parallel, the number of pages is divided by the parallel number to correspond to the respective positions in the width direction. More specifically, when 9 pages of images can be formed simultaneously, if a 9-page job is input, images of 1, 2, 3 pages are simultaneously formed, and pages 4, 5, 6 are simultaneously formed. Pages 7, 8, and 9 are simultaneously subjected to image formation processing.

  In such a steady state, after the image forming process on the recording paper for the second page, when the remaining amount of recording paper at the same position becomes 0, the image data for the fifth and eighth pages are shifted to other widthwise positions. That's fine. At this time, the page order is prevented from being disturbed by sequentially lowering the fifth page to the original position of the sixth page, and then shifting the sixth page to the original position of the seventh page. The efficiency of processing after image formation can be maintained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of performing parallel image forming processing, during the execution of parallel image forming processing, there is no steady recording paper stock corresponding to any row. Even under such circumstances, by using the recording paper corresponding to the other row, it is possible to continue the image forming process and ensure the necessary minimum efficiency.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 shows an image processing system according to the present embodiment.

  In this image processing system, a plurality of information processing terminals such as PCs (personal computers) 102 are connected to a network (LAN, Internet, etc.) 100.

  The network 100 is connected to a digital color multifunction peripheral 104 as an image forming apparatus.

  In each PC 102, when image data is generated by each application program and a print (image formation) instruction is executed, the image data is sent to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104. The digital color multifunction peripheral 104 basically inputs the image data. Image formation processing is executed in order.

  Here, a printer driver for performing communication with the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 is installed in each PC 102 in advance. When a print instruction is issued on the PC 102, a printer driver interface screen (see FIGS. 6 to 8; details will be described later) is displayed on the monitor of the PC 102, and the user selects a predetermined one according to the items displayed on the interface screen. By setting the information for executing the image forming process, the image data and the print processing information of the image data are set as a set (job) and sent to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104.

  The print processing information includes a print range, the number of copies, layout, quality, document size, output paper size, magnification, and the like, and can be set for each job.

  Upon receiving the job, the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 expands print processing information added to the job to each part control system of the entire apparatus based on the order of reception, and starts operation based on the information.

(Configuration of digital color MFP)
FIG. 2 shows a tandem digital color multifunction peripheral 104 as an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, the tandem type digital color multifunction peripheral 104 stores an engine unit 106 that executes image forming processing in the main body 1. In addition, an automatic document feeder 3 that automatically feeds the document 2 onto the platen glass 5 is provided at the top of the main body 1, and an image reading device 4 that reads an image of the document 2 placed on the platen glass 5. It is arranged.

  The image reading device 4 illuminates a document 2 placed on a platen glass 5 with a light source 6, and reflects a reflected light image from the document 2 from a full-rate mirror 7, half-rate mirrors 8 and 9, and an imaging lens 10. The image reading element 11 composed of a CCD or the like is scanned and exposed through a reduction optical system, and the color material reflected light image of the document 2 is formed at a predetermined dot density (for example, 16 dots / mm) by the image reading element 11. It is configured to read.

  The color material reflected light image of the document 2 read by the image reading device 4 is subjected to image processing as, for example, document reflectance data of three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) (8 bits each). The image processing apparatus 12 sends a predetermined correction such as shading correction, position shift correction, brightness / color space conversion, gamma correction, frame erasing, color / moving editing, etc., to the reflectance data of the document 2. Image processing is performed.

(Image formation engine part)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming engine unit 106 will be described. The image forming engine unit 106 is controlled by an image forming control device 107 to drive each unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image data subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing apparatus 12 is four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) (8 bits each). As described below, black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (M) are converted into original color material gradation data (raster data). C) is sent to the exposure devices 14K, 14Y, 14M, 14C of the image forming units 13K, 13Y, 13M, 13C of the respective colors. In these exposure devices 14K, 14Y, 14M, 14C, the original color material floor of a predetermined color Image exposure with a laser beam is performed on the photosensitive drum 15 according to the tone data.

  By the way, inside the tandem type digital color MFP main body 1, as described above, four image forming units 13K, 13Y of black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are provided. , 13M, and 13C are arranged substantially linearly in the transport direction at regular intervals in the horizontal direction.

  Since the four image forming units 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C are all configured in the same manner, the configuration of the image forming unit 13K will be described. The configurations of the other image forming units 13Y, 13M, and 13C are denoted by reference numerals. The description will be omitted by replacing the end of with “Y”, “M” or “C”.

  The image forming unit 13K is roughly divided into a photosensitive drum 15K that rotates at a predetermined rotational speed, a scorotron 16K for primary charging that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 15K, and the photosensitive drum 15K. An exposure device 14K as an image exposure device that exposes an image corresponding to each color on the surface to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing device 17K that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 15K, and a cleaning It is comprised from the apparatus 18K.

  The exposure device 14K modulates the semiconductor laser 19K according to the original color material gradation data, and emits a laser beam LB from the semiconductor laser 19K according to the gradation data. The laser beam LB emitted from the semiconductor laser 19K is deflected and scanned by a rotary polygon mirror 22K through a reflecting mirror, and finally scanned and exposed on a photosensitive drum 15K as an image carrier through a reflecting mirror 23K. The

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 12 exposes image forming units 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C for black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Image data (raster data) of each color is sequentially output to 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C, and laser beams LB emitted according to the image data from these exposure devices 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C are supplied to the respective photoconductors. The surfaces of the drums 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C are scanned and exposed to form electrostatic latent images. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C are respectively transferred to black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan by developing units 17K, 17Y, 17M, and 17C. The toner image of each color (C) is developed.

  Black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drums 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C of the image forming units 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C. The toner images of the respective colors are transferred in multiple by primary transfer rolls 26K, 26Y, 26M, and 26C onto an intermediate transfer belt 25 as an intermediate transfer member disposed below the image forming units 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C. . The intermediate transfer belt 25 is wound around the drive roll 27, the slipping roll 28, the steering roll 29, the idle roll 30, the backup roll 31, and the idle roll 32 with a constant tension. A drive roll 27 that is rotationally driven by a dedicated drive motor with excellent constant speed (not shown) is circulated at a predetermined speed in the direction of the arrow. As the intermediate transfer belt 25, for example, a flexible synthetic resin film such as polyimide is formed in a strip shape, and both ends of the synthetic resin film formed in a strip shape are connected by means such as welding, thereby being endless. A belt-shaped one is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 34 onto which the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 25 is transferred is a recording paper 34 of a predetermined size from the tray unit 39 (in the case of parallel conveyance, a plurality of recording papers corresponding to the number of parallel recordings) Sheet of storage paper) is once transported to the registration roll 47 by the paper feed roller 42 and the pair of rollers 43 for paper separation / conveyance.

  Thereafter, the recording paper 34 is delivered to the secondary transfer position by a registration roll 47 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined timing.

  On the other hand, the black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 25 in multiple layers are in contact with the backup roll 31 as a secondary transfer roll. 33, the image is transferred onto the recording paper 34 conveyed to the secondary transfer position by the pressure contact force and the electrostatic force. The recording paper 34 to which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred is transported to the fixing device 37 by the transport belt 35. The recording paper 34 onto which the toner images of the respective colors have been transferred undergoes a fixing process with heat and pressure by a fixing device 37 and is discharged onto a discharge tray 38 provided outside the multifunction device main body 1.

  The image reading device 4 is activated when “copy” or “scan” is selected by operating a user interface 108 provided in the main body 1.

  On the other hand, in the image processing apparatus 12 in the standby state, job data including image data from the PC 102 is received via the external interface 110 and the network 100 (see FIG. 1) in addition to the image data read by the image reading apparatus 4. It is designed to be entered.

(Overview of parallel transport)
Here, in the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sheets are recorded during one transport in addition to the image forming processing mode (normal image forming mode) while transporting the recording paper 34 for each normal sheet. The sheets 34 can be conveyed in parallel. That is, for example, in the case of two-row conveyance, printing processing for two sheets can be performed in one conveyance (parallel image forming mode). The selection of the image forming mode will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the image formation effective width dimension WY in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the photosensitive drums 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C (details will be described later) of the engine unit 106 is JIS standard. If the A3 vertical size (about 297 mm) is within the range of the effective image formation width WY, the recording paper 34 having a size smaller than the A3 size can be conveyed in parallel.

  Here, parallel transport is possible if the size is smaller than the A5 vertical size (short side dimension is about 105 mm). Regardless of the standard, if the width dimension is smaller than {(WY / 2) -α} (α is an image forming ineffective portion of the transport system), the size specified by the user (for example, the width) It is also possible to cope with a belt-like recording sheet having a direction of A6 size and a length corresponding to the long side of A3 size.

  In order to realize this parallel conveyance, the recording paper 34 is stored in advance in a tray unit 39 of X stages and Y rows (X and Y are both positive integers). Here, the recording sheets 39 accommodated in a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) trays 39A, 39B, and 39C (see FIG. 4) provided in the tray unit 39 are recordings to be subjected to parallel conveyance. It is laid out so as not to overlap with the paper 39 in plan view.

  FIG. 4 shows a relatively simple configuration of the tray unit 39. Each of the three-tier trays 39A, 39B, and 39C can be pulled out toward the front side of the apparatus (that is, the direction orthogonal to the transport direction). It has become. The structure, the number of steps, etc. of the tray unit 39 are not particularly limited, and may be other structures such as a structure that is pulled out from the side surface of the apparatus or a structure that is attached to the outside of the apparatus.

  The upper tray 39A has a size that can accommodate A3 vertical size recording paper 34 in the apparatus depth direction, and the A3 vertical size recording paper 34 is accommodated in one row.

  Next, the middle tray 39B accommodates A5 vertical size recording sheets 34 in two rows in the apparatus depth direction. These have a structure that can be taken out independently.

  Further, the lower tray 39C accommodates two rows of A6 size recording sheets 34 in the apparatus depth direction. These have a structure that can be taken out independently.

  Note that the trays 39A, 39B, and 39C at each stage have substantially the same structure, and recording paper 34 of various sizes can be accommodated by adjusting the internal accommodation guide. Further, the upper tray 39A may store A4 size recording paper 34 having the highest utilization rate in a general office or the like. For example, the A4 size recording paper 34 may be a device side wall as a device option. Can be accommodated by installing a mass storage unit (not shown) that can be installed along

  Here, when there is an instruction for parallel conveyance, the recording sheets 34 in the respective trays 39A, 39B, 39C are taken out based on the designated sizes (for example, parallel conveyance of A5 and A5), and predetermined They are transported along the transport path while maintaining a relative positional relationship with each other.

  An error that cannot be dealt with by correcting the mechanical conveyance state at the time of parallel conveyance is handled by correcting the output timing of the laser beam from the exposure devices 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C (see FIG. 2). Correction is possible in units of one line in the direction and in units of one dot in the sub-scanning direction.

(Select image formation mode and detailed settings)
Here, as described above, in the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 of the present embodiment, the mode of the image forming process for the image data obtained from the image reading device 4 that the device itself has is designated by an operation on the user interface 108. . In this case, since the image data is a so-called one job, the parallel image forming mode is automatically selected if parallel print processing is possible depending on conditions such as size.

  On the other hand, a mode for image data input from the external interface 110 is designated by an operation based on a printer driver installed in advance on the PC 102.

(Printer driver interface)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram functionally showing control by the printer driver in the PC 102. Note that this functional block diagram is merely functionally classified, and does not limit the hardware configuration.

  An input analysis unit 114 is connected to the main bus 112 of the PC 102 so that various information can be input by user operations.

  The input analysis unit 114 analyzes the input information and determines the information content. The information content includes information on a print instruction, printer change information, property execution instruction, print processing information, print style information, “OK” instruction, “close” instruction, and “execute” instruction.

  The input analysis unit 114 includes a basic setting screen display instruction unit 116, a printer change instruction unit 118, a print processing information setting screen display instruction unit 120, a print processing information storage unit 122, a print style information storage unit 124, an information reading unit 126, An output execution instruction unit 128 and an information reset unit 130 are connected to each other.

  In the input analysis unit 114, when the result of the information analysis is print instruction information, the basic setting screen display instruction unit 116 is activated, and the basic setting screen 132 (see FIG. 6 to 8 (A)) is displayed.

  Also, when the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is printer change information, the printer change instruction unit 118 is activated and outputs an instruction to change the printer to the main bus 112.

  Further, when the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is a property execution instruction, the print processing information setting screen display instruction unit 120 is activated, and the print processing information setting screen is displayed on the monitor of the PC 102 with respect to the main bus 112. Is displayed.

  When the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is print processing information, the information is stored in the print processing information storage unit 122.

  Further, when the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is print style information, the information is stored in the print style information storage unit 124.

  When the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is “OK” instruction, the information reading unit 126 is activated and print processing information from the print processing information storage unit 122 and printing from the print style information storage unit 124 are printed. The style information is read, and the stored information is sent to the parallel printing condition determination unit 134.

  The parallel printing condition determination unit 134 determines whether or not parallel printing is possible based on the input information. If it is possible, the job setting screen display instruction unit 136 is activated. As a result, the job setting screen display instruction unit 136 instructs the main bus 112 to display the job setting screen 138 on the monitor of the PC 12.

  On the other hand, if the parallel printing condition determination unit 134 determines that parallel printing is not possible, the NG display instruction unit 140 is activated. Thereby, the NG display instruction unit 140 instructs the main bus 112 to display on the monitor of the PC 102 that parallel printing is impossible.

  Next, when the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is an “execution” instruction, the output execution instruction unit 128 is activated. The output execution instruction unit 128 is connected to the information reading unit 126. Therefore, when the information reading unit 126 receives a read instruction from the output execution instruction unit 128, the information reading unit 126 reads the print processing information from the print processing information storage unit 122 and the print style information from the print style information storage unit 124, and stores the information. The data is sent to the output execution instruction unit 128.

  The output execution instruction unit 128 instructs the main bus 112 to send all received information to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104.

  Finally, when the information analysis result in the input analysis unit 114 is a “close” instruction, the information reset unit 130 is activated.

  When the information reset unit 130 is activated, all information is returned to the state when the basic setting screen is displayed (returned to the default).

  6 to 8 show examples of interface screens displayed on the monitor of the PC 102 when a printer driver installed in advance on the PC 102 is activated.

  When a print instruction is issued in each application started up on the PC 102, the printer driver displays a basic setting screen 132 as an interface screen (see (A) in FIGS. 6 to 8).

  The basic setting screen 132 is provided with a printer frame 150 and a print style frame 152.

  The printer frame 150 displays the name of the printer (if a plurality of printers are connected to the network and can be used (one of them can be selected (operation of the pull-down menu display button 154))), state (the designated printer is Display whether or not it can be used), the connection destination (displays the address (IP address etc.) on the network), and details for each item of the description.

  Here, in the present embodiment, whether or not there is a job waiting to perform the parallel image forming process is displayed in the description item.

  That is, “no standby job” or “with standby job” is displayed, and in the case of “with standby job”, information regarding the job waiting is also displayed.

  Next, the print style frame 152 includes four items (hereinafter, FIG. 6 to FIG. 8A), the first item 156, the second item 158, the third item 160, and the fourth item in order from the top. Item 162) is displayed in a selectable manner.

  The first item 156 is displayed as “normal printing” and indicates a normal image forming mode. When the first item 156 is selected, transmission to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 is executed in units of one job as before. When the first item is selected and sent to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104, for example, this job is a job received from another PC 102 based on the specifications on the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 side. In some cases, the parallel printing process may be executed as a single job if there is no other job. In other words, it is left to the specifications of the digital color multifunction peripheral 104.

  Next, the second item 158 is displayed as “parallel printing / single job” and indicates a parallel image forming mode. When the second item 158 is selected, the job is single, but for example, it can be instructed to process two pages in parallel. For this reason, when this job is sent out, the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 executes parallel printing processing as a single job without combining with other jobs.

  The third item 160 is displayed as “Combine with parallel printing / standby job”, selects another job waiting in the same PC 102, and pairs with this other job to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104. Send it out. When the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 accepts such a pair of jobs, the parallel printing process is executed without separating the pair of jobs.

  Finally, the fourth item 162 is displayed as “Parallel printing / waiting for next job”, and in the same PC 102, the fourth item 162 is made to wait for a combination with a job for instructing printing thereafter. When the fourth item 162 is selected, the job transmission to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 is not executed.

  Here, after the print style is selected by the print style frame 152 (or may be before that), the property button 164 provided on the printer frame 150 is operated as necessary, so that the print processing information (job unit) for each job ( Layout, quality, document size, output paper size, magnification, etc.) can be set.

  A “close” button 166 and an “OK” button 168 are displayed at the bottom of the basic setting screen 132. When the “close” button 166 is operated, the print designation is canceled. On the other hand, when the “OK” button 168 is operated, the screen is switched to the job setting screen 138 for each job (see FIGS. 6 to 8B).

  FIG. 6B shows the job setting screen 138 when the print style is the second item 158. Here, the job setting screen 138 of the job that is already in the standby state and registered as job 2 is displayed. Show.

  On the job setting screen 138, a printer frame 170 (which is the same as the printer frame 150 in FIGS. 6 to 8A and displayed as a decision item) and a set print style frame 172 are displayed in the upper part of the job setting screen 138 ( In FIG. 6 to FIG. 8B, “set print style” is displayed.

  In this setting print style frame 172, the actual printing state is graphically displayed in consideration of predetermined information such as the print style selected on the basic setting screen and the designated size.

  In the example of FIG. 6B, a graphical display that shows that parallel printing processing is performed in three columns using an irregular band-shaped recording sheet 34 designated by the user is shown.

  In the lower part of the job setting screen 138, a print range frame 174 and a print copy number frame 176 are displayed as before, and the print range and the number of print copies can be set.

  Further, a “close” button 178 and an “execute” button 180 are displayed on the job setting screen 138. When the “close” button 178 is operated, all the settings on the print processing information setting screen 130 are canceled. The printer driver ends.

  On the other hand, when the “execute” button 180 is operated, the setting on the job setting screen 138 becomes valid. In this case, only the job 2 is given priority (the job 1 is kept on standby), and the digital color composite The job (job 2) is sent to the machine 104.

  FIG. 7B shows a job setting screen 138 when the print style is the third item 160. Here, the job setting screen 138 of a job that is already in the standby state and registered as job 2 is displayed. Show.

  On the job setting screen 138, a printer frame 170 (same as the printer frame 150 in FIGS. 6 to 8A and displayed as a decision item) and a set print style frame 172 are displayed in the upper part. In this setting print style frame 172, the actual printing state is graphically displayed in consideration of predetermined information such as the print style selected on the basic setting screen 132 and the designated size. .

  In the example of FIG. 7B, the graphical display shows that the A5 size recording paper 34 is used for parallel printing processing in two columns.

  In the lower part of the job setting screen 138, a print range frame 174 and a print copy number frame 176 are displayed as before, and the print range and the number of print copies can be set.

  A “close” button 178 and an “execute” button 180 are displayed on the job setting screen 138. When the “close” button 178 is operated, all the settings on the job setting screen 138 are canceled, and the printer driver Ends. On the other hand, when the “execute” button 180 is operated, the setting on the job setting screen 138 becomes valid. In this case, the job is sent to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 in a state combined with the job 1 (job) 1 + Job 2) is executed.

  FIG. 8B shows a job setting screen 138 when the print style is the fourth item 162, and shows a job setting screen 138 for a job registered as job 1.

  On the job setting screen 138, a printer frame 170 (same as the printer frame 150 in FIGS. 6 to 8A and displayed as a decision item) and a setting change frame 182 are displayed in the upper part. In this setting change frame 182, a first button 184 that instructs to stop registration as a stand-by job and to perform independent printing in the current state, and a second button that instructs to return to the basic setting screen 132 186 is provided, and registration as a standby job can be canceled by a user instruction operation.

  In the lower part of the job setting screen 138, a print range frame 174 and a print copy number frame 176 are displayed as before, and the print range and the number of print copies can be set.

  A “close” button 178 and an “execute” button 180 are displayed on the job setting screen 138. When the “close” button 178 is operated, all the settings on the job setting screen 138 are canceled, and the printer driver Ends. On the other hand, when the “execute” button 180 is operated, the settings on the job setting screen 138 become valid. In this case, all information is registered in the job 1 as a standby job. The number of waiting jobs is basically not limited, but it is preferable to issue a warning or the like when a certain number of jobs are accumulated.

  The operation of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

(Printer driver)
FIG. 9 is a print instruction control routine by the printer driver installed in the PC 102.

  In step 20, standby job information in the selected printer is acquired, and then the process proceeds to step 202 to display the basic setting image surface 132 on the monitor of the PC 102.

  In the next step 204, it is determined whether or not the “OK” button 168 has been operated (specifically, the cursor is moved and the click operation is the same).

  If a negative determination is made in step 204, the process proceeds to step 206 to determine whether or not the “close” button 166 on the basic setting screen 132 has been operated.

  If a negative determination is made in step 206, the process proceeds to step 208 to determine whether or not the “property” button 164 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step 208, the process returns to step 204, and thereafter, steps 204, 206, and 208 are repeated until any button is operated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 204 (operation of the “OK” button 168), the process proceeds from step 204 to step 210 to acquire print style information, and then the process proceeds to step 212 to acquire print information. The process proceeds to step 214.

  In step 214, the monitor display screen of the PC 102 is switched to the job setting screen 138.

  In the next step 216, it is determined whether or not the “execute” button 180 displayed on the job setting screen 138 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step 218, the process proceeds to step 220 to determine whether or not the “close” button 178 on the job setting screen 138 has been operated. If a negative determination is made in step 220, the process proceeds to step 222, and a button (“transfer to single printing in the current state”) in the setting change frame 182 (see FIG. 8B) is displayed. Button 184 or the second button 186 (displayed as “return to basic setting screen”) is determined, and if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 216, and one of the following Steps 216, 220 and 222 are repeated until the button is operated.

  In the job setting screen 138, the print range and the number of copies can be set, but they are omitted here.

  If the determination in step 216 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the “execute” button 180 has been operated, the process proceeds from step 216 to step 224 to determine whether the printing conditions are acceptable. Details of the determination of whether or not the printing condition is permitted in step 224 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

  When the print condition availability determination at step 224 is completed, the routine proceeds to step 226, where job data is sent to the digital color multifunction peripheral 104, and this routine ends.

  If the determination in step 220 is affirmative, that is, if the “close” button 178 is operated, the process proceeds from step 220 to step 228 to return the setting to the default, and the process ends (cancel print instruction).

  Furthermore, when an affirmative determination is made at step 222, that is, when it is determined that the first button 184 or the second button 186 within the setting change frame 182 (see FIG. 8B) has been operated, the process goes from step 22 to step 230. The process is shifted to control according to the setting change (the description is omitted here), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 206 is affirmative, that is, if the “close” button 166 on the basic setting screen 132 is operated, the process proceeds from step 206 to step 232 to return the settings to default, and the process ends (printing). Canceling instructions).

  If the determination in step 208 is affirmative, that is, if the “property” button 164 has been operated, the process proceeds from step 208 to step 234 to execute print processing information setting control.

  FIG. 10 shows the printing condition availability determination control routine in step 224 of FIG. 9 described above.

  In step 250, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of jobs. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 252 to determine the designated recording paper, and then to step 254 to determine whether parallel printing is possible.

  In the next step 256, if it is determined that parallel printing is possible as a result of the determination in step 254, the process proceeds to step 258 to perform page allocation, and then proceeds to step 260 to store as job N. Then, the process returns to step 226 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 256 that parallel printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step 262 to instruct a display for prompting a change in printing conditions, and the process ends (without returning to step 226 in FIG. 9). Exit the printer driver).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 250 that there are a plurality of jobs, the process proceeds to step 264 to compare the number of jobs with the number of parallel jobs.

  If it is determined in step 264 that the number of jobs ≦ the number that can be parallelized, a temporary parallel printing is possible, the process proceeds to step 266 to determine the designated recording paper, and then the process proceeds to step 268 to determine whether parallel printing is possible. Determine.

  In the next step 270, if it is determined that parallel printing is possible as a result of the determination in step 268, the process proceeds to step 272 to perform job and page allocation, and then proceeds to step 274 to perform job N. And return to step 226 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 270 that parallel printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step 276 to instruct a display for prompting a change in printing conditions, and the process ends (without returning to step 226 in FIG. 9). Exit the printer driver).

  If it is determined in step 264 that the number of jobs> the number that can be processed in parallel, the process proceeds to step 276 to instruct a display that prompts the user to change the printing conditions, and the process ends (return to step 226 in FIG. 9). Close the printer driver).

(Digital color MFP)
FIG. 11 shows a print pattern setting control routine executed in the image forming control device 107 of the digital color multifunction peripheral 104.

  In step 300, the mode is determined. If it is determined in step 300 that the scan mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 302 to determine whether or not a scan execution instruction has been issued. If a negative determination is made in step 302, the process returns to step 300.

  If it is determined in step 300 that the copy mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 304 to determine whether a copy execution instruction has been issued. If a negative determination is made in step 304, the process returns to step 300.

  Further, when it is determined in step 300 that the standby mode (waiting for job data input), the process proceeds to step 306, where it is determined whether or not job data has been input. If a negative determination is made in step 306, the process returns to step 300.

  In step 302, if an affirmative determination is made, that is, if there is a scan execution instruction, the process proceeds to step 308 to execute document reading control, and when the reading of the document is completed, the process proceeds to step 310 to specify an address (for example, IP The read data is transmitted to any PC 102) on the network 100 by the address or the MAC address.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 304, that is, if there is a copy execution instruction, the process proceeds to step 312 to execute document reading control. When the document reading is completed, the process proceeds to step 314 to determine the size of the recording paper 34. Then, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, it is determined whether or not parallel printing is possible when the read original is copied on the designated recording paper 34. If an affirmative determination is made in step 316, it is determined that parallel printing is possible, the process proceeds to step 318, print processing is executed in the parallel image forming mode, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 316, it is determined that parallel printing is impossible, the process proceeds to step 320, the print process is executed in the normal image forming mode, and this routine ends.

  Next, when an affirmative determination is made in step 306, that is, when job data is input, the process proceeds from step 306 to step 322 to execute job data capture control, and then proceeds to step 324 and printing added to the job. Read instruction information (whether there is an instruction for parallel printing, recording paper size, etc.).

  In the next step 326, it is determined whether or not parallel printing is possible based on the read print instruction information.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 326, the process proceeds to step 328 to determine whether the number of fetched jobs is plural or singular, and if there are plural jobs, the process proceeds to step 330 to execute job distribution processing. 334. If it is determined in step 328 that the job is a single (single) job, the process proceeds to step 332, the page distribution process is executed, and the process proceeds to step 334.

  In step 334, print processing is executed in the parallel image forming mode, and this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 326 is negative, that is, if it is determined that parallel printing is not possible, the process proceeds to step 336 to execute print processing in the normal image forming mode, and this routine ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 capable of parallel printing is used, it is effective by establishing a flow for a parallel printing instruction by a printer driver installed in the PC 102 in advance. In addition, the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 can be operated efficiently. For this reason, even if it is an instruction from a remote location (PC 102 on the network 100), the desired parallel printing can be surely executed, and if this is not possible, that fact is notified. Efficiency can be improved.

  In this embodiment, it is not described that the information such as the specification status of the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 is taken in from the PC 102 side. However, as long as the size of the recording paper 34 in the tray unit 39 is appropriately grasped. In addition, a more reliable printing instruction is possible.

(Feeding control during parallel printing in a digital color MFP)
In the digital color multifunction peripheral 104 as described above, when the parallel image forming mode (parallel printing) is set, the recording sheets 34 are successively fed along the respective conveyance paths in the tray unit 39 through the trays 39A to 39A in the normal state. It is taken out from 39C, positioning correction (mechanical and electrical) is appropriately executed, and image formation is performed.

  For this reason, the image forming control device 107 has a function for shifting the image data and continuing the processing.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram for image data shift control.

  In each tray 39A, 39B, 39C of the tray unit 39, a plurality of types of recording sheets 34 are collected and stored. In FIG. 12, only a maximum of two rows are shown, but three or more rows are possible depending on the size of the recording paper 34.

  In the vicinity of the storage area of the accumulated recording paper 34, a paper break sensor 400 is provided. The out-of-paper sensor 400 is connected to the out-of-paper row determination unit 402 in an independent state.

  The out-of-paper row discriminating unit 402 discriminates which row of the recording papers 34 has a remaining amount of 0, and when the discriminating result indicates that the remaining amount of the recording paper 34 is 0, a signal to that effect is given. It is sent to the image data recording prohibited area setting unit 404.

  The image data recording prohibited area setting unit 404 is connected to the image data generation unit 406.

  The image data generation unit 406 is connected to a job management unit 408 that manages a job input from the outside or the like, and image data added to the job is input.

  The image data generation unit 406 has a function of generating image data (raster data) corresponding to parallel printing and sending it to the image formation processing control unit 410.

  Here, when a recording prohibition signal is input from the image data recording prohibition area setting unit 404, the image data generation unit 406 generates image data by skipping the recording prohibition area when generating image data thereafter.

  In addition, a stop instruction unit 412 is connected to the image data recording prohibited area setting unit 404. The image data recording prohibited area setting unit 404 sends a signal to the stop instructing unit 412 when all of the recording paper 34 currently required for image formation has a remaining amount of 0.

  The stop instructing unit 412 instructs the image forming process control unit 410 to stop the image forming process, and notifies the user that there is no recording paper 34 by an alarm 414.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for shifting image data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a plan view of a state in which a single job (9 pages in total) is divided and images are formed while being conveyed in parallel in three rows.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, recording sheets corresponding to the first page (P1) to the ninth page (P9) are arranged side by side in each column (hereinafter, distinguished from the left column, the middle column, and the right column). 34 are sorted, and the recording sheets 34 are sequentially taken out from the tray unit 39 in accordance with the sorting.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, image data is composed of image data for one main scan in image data for three pages in one main scan, and PS (Page Sync.) And By outputting laser light based on image data in synchronization with LS (Line Sync.), Electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C.

  Here, since the recording sheets 34 in each row are taken out from the separately stacked locations (the trays may be the same), if there is a difference in the number of stacked sheets, one of them will run out of paper first. There is.

  In the case of parallel conveyance, when a paper break occurs in any of the rows, all image forming processes must be stopped, and a standby must be made until the recording paper 34 is replenished to the tray where the paper has been cut.

  FIG. 14A shows a case where a piece of paper has occurred on the recording paper 34 in any one of these rows (here, the middle row).

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the paper out condition as described above occurs, the tray unit 39 is provided with a known paper out sensor, and thus the paper out information is quickly sent to the image forming engine unit 106. be able to.

  The control system of the image forming engine unit 106 changes the composition of image data for one main scan on the basis of this piece-of-paper information, and sequentially shifts the thinned out pages.

  As a result, the discharged recording paper 34 can be reliably output for all pages (9 pages) without shifting the page order.

  As described above, when only one of the columns is out of the recording paper 34 during parallel printing, the image data corresponding to the column is shifted, so that the printing order is not varied and the image forming process is stagnated. It is possible to continue the processing efficiently without causing it to occur.

  As described above, the digital color multifunction peripheral has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing system according to the present embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital color multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of an engine unit of a digital color multifunction peripheral. It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a tray unit of a digital color multifunction peripheral. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram functionally showing control of a printer driver installed in a PC. FIG. 5 is a printer driver interface screen displayed on a PC monitor, where FIG. 5A is a basic setting screen, and FIG. 5B is a job setting screen (when parallel printing / single job is selected). FIG. 5 is a printer driver interface screen displayed on a PC monitor, where FIG. 5A is a basic setting screen, and FIG. 5B is a job setting screen (when a combination with parallel printing / standby job is selected). FIG. 5 is a printer driver interface screen displayed on a PC monitor, where FIG. 5A is a basic setting screen, and FIG. 5B is a job setting screen (when parallel printing / job standby is selected). 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print instruction control in a printer driver. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a printing condition availability determination routine in step 224 of FIG. 9. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a print pattern setting control routine in the digital color multifunction peripheral. It is a functional block diagram for image data shift control. 12A shows a parallel conveyance state, FIG. 12A is a plan view showing an arrangement state of recording sheets during parallel conveyance of a single job (no paper break), and FIG. 12B is an image data output signal timing based on the arrangement of FIG. It is a chart (no paper break). 12A shows a parallel conveyance state, FIG. 12A is a plan view showing the arrangement state of recording sheets during parallel conveyance of a single job (with paper out), and FIG. 12B is an image data output signal timing based on the arrangement of FIG. It is a chart (with a piece of paper).

Explanation of symbols

2 Document 3 Automatic Document Conveying Device 4 Image Reading Device 12 Image Processing Device 13K, 13Y, 13M, 13C Image Forming Unit 34 Recording Paper 35 Conveying Belt 38 Discharge Tray 39 Tray Unit 39A, 39B, 39C Tray (Stacking Unit)
100 network 102 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 104 Digital color compound machine 106 Engine part 107 Image formation control apparatus 108 User interface 110 External interface 112 Main bus 114 Input analysis part 116 Basic setting screen display instruction part 118 Printer change instruction part 120 Print processing information setting screen display instruction part 122 Print processing Information storage unit 124 Print style information storage unit 126 Information reading unit 128 Output execution instruction unit 130 Information reset unit 132 Basic setting screen 134 Parallel printing condition determination unit 136 Job setting screen display instruction unit 138 Job setting screen 140 NG display instruction unit 150 Printer Frame 154 Pull-down menu display button 156 First item 158 Second item 160 Third item 162 Fourth item 164 Property button 166 “Close” button 168 “OK” Button 170 Printer frame 172 Setting print style frame 174 Print range frame 176 Number of copies frame 178 “Close” button 180 “Execute” button 182 Setting change frame 184 First button 186 Second button 400 Paper out sensor 402 Paper out row determination unit 404 Image data recording prohibited area setting section (image data recording prohibited area setting means)
406 Image data generation unit (data shift means)
408 Job management unit 410 Image formation processing control unit 412 Stop instruction unit 414 Alarm

Claims (2)

Based on the image data managed in units of jobs, taking out the recording paper stored in a state where the position in the width direction orthogonal to the predetermined transport direction is fixed in advance and transporting it in the predetermined transport direction, an image forming engine for forming an image corresponding to the image data on the recording sheet, a plurality normal image forming mode, or by the position of the width direction differ at least to convey the image form a single said recording sheet In the image forming mode of any one of the parallel image forming modes, the recording paper is taken out at the same time and transported in parallel to form an image on the plurality of recording papers transported in parallel by one image forming processing step. An image forming engine capable of forming an image;
A plurality of stacking units for stacking the respective recording sheets whose positions in the width direction are fixed;
A paper-out sensor for detecting that the recording sheets accumulated in each of the plurality of accumulation units has at least a remaining amount of 0;
In the image forming process under the parallel image forming mode, when detecting either out of paper sensor that the recording paper runs out of the position in the width direction, the image data recording corresponding to the position of the width direction Image data recording prohibited area setting means for setting the area as a recording prohibited area;
First information for setting an image to be formed in the parallel image forming mode without combining the job instructed to print by the print instruction information with another job when the user inputs the print instruction information of the job. One of the setting and the second setting that sets information for forming an image in the parallel image forming mode by combining a job instructed to print by the print instruction information and another job waiting is set. Display control means for displaying a basic setting screen capable of
When the user makes the first setting on the basic setting screen, a plurality of pages of a job instructed to print by the print instruction information are formed on each of a plurality of recording sheets conveyed in parallel. In this way, when the second setting is performed on the basic setting screen by the user, the page distribution process for distributing the plurality of pages of the job to the plurality of positions in the width direction is performed according to the print instruction information. Performs a job distribution process for distributing the print-instructed job and the other job to a plurality of positions in the width direction, arranges image data according to the page or job distribution process, and sends the image data to the image forming engine To control the image forming engine to perform image formation in the parallel image forming mode, and under the parallel image forming mode, When the recording inhibition area during the image forming process has been set in the recording the image forming engine by shifting the position of the width direction of the image data of the other which is disposed at a position in the width direction corresponding to the prohibited area Image formation control means for controlling image formation to be continued ;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming control means, wherein when shifting the image data, and arranged to initially without departing from the image forming processing order, before Kiki record image data position corresponding width direction in a recording area other than the forbidden area image 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is also shifted.

Images