JP4734848B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and post-processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for efficiently transporting a recording material in an image forming system.

  Processing performed after an image is formed on recording paper by an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine is generally referred to as “post-processing”. The details of the processing include stapling the recording paper, discharging to a specified one of the plurality of discharge trays, and offsetting the discharge position on the discharge tray. The user can designate the type of post-processing for each image forming job (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a conventional post-processing apparatus, when an instruction is given to change the type of post-processing, preparations for changing the type of post-processing are made after a cycle down and transition to a standby state. This preparation is, for example, processing of moving the stapler device to a position for stapling or switching the conveyance path of the recording paper to front, rear, left and right. After such preparation is completed, the post-processing apparatus cycles up again and waits for recording paper to be supplied from the image forming apparatus. In addition, even if such processing of cycle down → cycle up is not performed, a certain period until preparation for performing the instructed post-processing is performed is not ready and does not accept recording paper. There is also a post-processing device. In any case, while the post-processing apparatus changes the type of post-processing in this way, the image forming apparatus needs to stop the conveyance of the recording paper so that a conveyance abnormality (jam) does not occur.

For this reason, when the image forming apparatus finishes forming the image on the last recording sheet of the previous image forming job, the image forming apparatus stops feeding the recording sheet, and then (i) the last recording sheet is moved back from the image forming position. The time required to reach the processing device, (ii) the time required for the post-processing device to perform post-processing on the last recording paper, and (iii) the preparation time required for the post-processing device to change the type of post-processing The system waits until time (i) to (iii) elapses, and then resumes feeding of the recording paper. This has the problem that the processing takes a very long time. In particular, recently, products that enable various post-processing by connecting multiple post-processing devices separate from the main body of the image forming apparatus have been sold. The more diversified, the longer the time that the image processing apparatus must wait when changing the type of post-processing.

JP-A-11-10988

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object thereof is to further reduce the time required for processing before and after the change even when the type of post-processing is changed. .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, and post-processing specified for each image forming job are performed on the recording material supplied from the image forming means. A plurality of post-processing means connected in cascade and each of the post-processing means finishes the type of post-processing specified in the previous image forming job, and then another type specified in the next image forming job. Calculates the required unit time required for preparation until the start of post-processing, specifies the maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and calculates the maximum required unit time as the total required time And after the post-processing means finishes the post-processing of the final recording material of the previous image forming job, before the total required time calculated by the calculating means elapses, The recording material Resume supply to the image forming means, immediately after the total time has elapsed, to the post means from said image forming means, and a conveying means for supplying the recording material of the next image forming job, When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. An image forming system is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a post-processing specified for each image forming job is performed on the recording material supplied from the image forming unit. A plurality of post-processing means connected in cascade and each of the post-processing means finishes the type of post-processing specified in the previous image forming job, and then another type specified in the next image forming job. Calculates the required unit time required for preparation until the start of post-processing, specifies the maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and calculates the maximum required unit time as the total required time And after the final recording material of the previous image forming job is supplied to the post-processing unit, the image formation of the recording material of the next image forming job before the total required time calculated by the calculating unit elapses. To the means The feed was resumed, the the total time has elapsed to substantially the same timing the image forming means from the post-processing means, and a conveying means for supplying the recording material of the next image forming job, the plurality When the post-processing means cannot carry out the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Provide a forming system.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveying unit that conveys a recording material in accordance with a conveyance schedule divided by a constant conveyance pitch, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording material, and a recording supplied from the image forming unit. A plurality of types of post-processing units connected in cascade, which perform a plurality of types of post-processing on the material, and each of the post-processing units finishes one type of post-processing and then starts another type of post-processing. Calculating the required unit time required for preparation up to the above, specifying the maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and calculating the total required time as the total required time, and the total required time Create a transport schedule that skips the number of transport pitches so that the recording material is supplied from the image forming unit to the post-processing unit at almost the same time as the time has elapsed. , And a conveyance control means for conveying by the conveying means the recording medium, when the plurality of post-processing unit can not be performed in parallel said preparation, said calculation means, said plurality of post-processing means An image forming system is provided , wherein the total required time is calculated by adding the required unit times .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there are provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a plurality of post-processes connected in cascade, wherein a plurality of types of post-processing are performed on the recording material supplied from the image forming apparatus. And the post-processing device, after completing the post-processing of one of the two types for the combination of any two types of post-processing of the plurality of types, Notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus of the required unit time required for preparation until processing is started, and the image forming apparatus is based on the required unit time notified by the notification means of the post-processing apparatus, After each of the post-processing devices finishes the specified type of post-processing, a unit time required for preparation until each of the post-processing devices starts a different type of post-processing specified separately is calculated. , Each calculated Among the required unit times, the maximum required unit time is specified, and the calculation means for setting the maximum required unit time as the total required time, and the calculation means after calculating the one type of post-processing. Before the total required time has elapsed, the supply of the recording material for the other type of post-processing to the image forming means is resumed, and immediately after the total required time has elapsed, the image forming apparatus the recording material have a, a conveying means for supplying the post-processing apparatus from when the plurality of post-processing unit can not be performed in parallel said preparation, said calculation means, said plurality of post-processing means The total required time is calculated by adding the required unit times . An image forming system is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the conveying unit calculates the number of conveying pitches of the recording material corresponding to the total required time calculated by the calculating unit, and the recording material according to a conveying schedule in which the calculated conveying pitch number is skipped. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the image forming system is conveyed.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the notification means of the post-processing apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of processing time required for the post-processing apparatus to perform each type of post-processing, and the conveying means of the image forming apparatus. 2. The recording material conveying pitch number corresponding to the processing time notified by the processing time notifying unit is calculated, and the recording material is conveyed according to a conveying schedule in which the calculated conveying pitch number is skipped. An image forming system according to 5, is provided .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material and supplying the recording material to a plurality of post-processing devices connected in cascade, and one of two types of post-processing combinations. When the required unit time required for preparation from the end of the post-processing to the start of the other type of post-processing is notified from the plurality of post-processing devices, the storage unit stores the unit time, and the storage unit After each of the post-processing devices finishes the specified type of post-processing based on the stored required unit time, until each of the post-processing devices starts a different type of post-processing specified separately Calculating the required unit time required for the preparation, specifying the maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and calculating the maximum required unit time as the total required time, and the one type Finish post-processing Then, before the total required time calculated by the calculating means has elapsed, the supply of the recording material for the other type of post-processing to the image forming means is resumed, and the total required time has elapsed. Immediately after the image forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus, and when the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the total required time is calculated by adding required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination of post-processing means for performing a plurality of types of post-processing on the recording material supplied from the image forming apparatus, and any two types of post-processing of the plurality of types. Notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus of the processing time required from the end of one type of post-processing to the start of the other type of post-processing, and ending the specified type of post-processing A post-processing apparatus is provided that performs a change process for changing the type of post-processing, and starts the post-process of the type after the change when the change process ends.

Prior to detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, first, the principle of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.
Conventionally, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus executes a first image forming job, performs post-processing of the image forming job, and then the post-processing apparatus changes the type of post-processing. Perform the preparation process. The reason why the processing start time is earlier than the end time of the first image forming job is that the first image forming job is an image forming job using a plurality of recording papers, and the recording paper on which an image is formed. This is because the process proceeds to post-processing in order. When it is confirmed that the post-processing apparatus has completed preparations for changing the post-processing, the image forming apparatus starts a second image forming job, and the post-processing apparatus performs the subsequent processing. Accordingly, the time required from the start of the first image forming job to the end of the post-processing of the second image forming job is the time indicated by “T1” in the drawing.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, the processing from when the image forming apparatus executes the first image forming job until the post-processing apparatus changes the type of post-processing is conventional. The same. The difference is that the image forming apparatus starts the second image forming job without waiting for the post-processing change preparation to be completed by the post-processing apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus immediately after the post-processing change preparation is completed. This is the point at which post-processing of the second image forming job is started. In other words, the image forming apparatus stops feeding the recording paper at the end of the first image forming job, and then resumes feeding the recording paper at an appropriate timing before the preparation for post-processing change is completed. Thus, the recording paper is supplied to the post-processing apparatus at almost the same timing as when preparation for changing the post-processing is completed. In this way, the time required from the start of the first image forming job to the end of the post-processing of the second image forming job is the time indicated by “T2” in the figure. The time is much shorter than “T1”.

Next, details for realizing the above-described principle will be described.
(1) Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming system 100 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this image forming system 100, a plurality of client terminals 1a and 1b such as personal computers are connected to an image forming apparatus (Image Output Terminal: hereinafter simply referred to as IOT) 3 via a network 2. Has been. Further, the IOT 3 includes a sheet feeding device (High Capacity Feeder: hereinafter simply referred to as HCF) 4, a post-processing device (High Capacity Stacker: hereinafter simply referred to as HCS) 5, and a post-processing device (High Capacity Staple). Stacker (hereinafter simply referred to as HCSS) 6 is connected in cascade. Although not shown in FIG. 2, an image input device (Image Input Terminal: hereinafter simply referred to as IIT) such as a scanner may be connected to the IOT 3.

  The IOT 3 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer or copier, and forms an image on recording paper based on image data received from the client terminals 1a and 1b via the network 2, or converts the image data read by the IIT into image data. Based on this, an image is formed on the recording paper. The HCF 4 stores a large number of recording sheets and supplies them one by one to the IOT 3. The HCF 4 is connected to the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper as viewed from the IOT 3. The HCS 5 is connected to the downstream side of the IOT 3 and accumulates a large amount of recording paper on which an image is formed by the IOT 3. The HCSS 6 is also connected to the downstream side of the IOT 3 and accumulates after performing a stapling process on the recording paper on which an image is formed by the IOT 3.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a device group (IOT3, HCF4, HCS5, HCSS6) surrounded by a dotted line a in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the IOT 3 includes a user interface unit 30 configured as a touch panel for a user to perform various operations and settings. Similarly, HCF4, HCS5, and HCSS6 also include user interface units 40, 50, and 60 configured as touch panels. The HCS 5 includes a paper discharge tray 501 (hereinafter referred to as a “top tray 501”) provided at the top of the housing, a large capacity paper discharge tray 502 (hereinafter referred to as a “stack tray 502”) housed inside the housing, and the like. And a bypass discharge path (not shown) for discharging the recording paper to the outside of the housing (here, HCSS 6) as it is. The HCSS 6 includes a paper discharge tray 601 (hereinafter referred to as a “top tray 601”) provided at the top of the housing, a paper discharge tray 602 (hereinafter referred to as a “stack tray 602”) provided on the side of the housing, and a paper discharge of these. A mechanism (not shown) for discharging the recording paper to the tray and a stapler device (not shown) for holding the recording paper with a staple are provided. This stapler device has a front stapling function that holds one leading edge in the recording paper conveyance direction, a rear stapling function that holds the last edge in the recording paper conveyance direction, and two edges along the recording paper conveyance direction. And a dual staple function.

Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the device group illustrated in FIG. 3. A one-dot chain line in FIG. 4 indicates a conveyance path of the recording paper. As can be seen from this, in a system in which a plurality of device groups (IOT3, HCF4, HCS5, HCSS6) are connected in cascade, the conveyance path for the recording paper becomes very long. For this reason, if the image forming apparatus (IOT) resumes the feeding of the recording paper after the preparation for changing the type of post-processing is completed in the post-processing apparatus as in the prior art, the image forming apparatus ( IOT) waiting time becomes very long. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to such a device group, a particularly remarkable effect can be expected.
Although FIG. 3 shows the case where the HCF 4 is connected to the upstream side of the IOT 3 and the HCS 5 and the HCSS 6 are connected to the downstream side, there are various connection forms as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a state in which no additional device such as a paper feeding device or a post-processing device is connected to the IOT 3. FIG. 5B shows a state where the HCS 5 is connected to the downstream side of the IOT 3. FIG. 5C shows a state in which the HCSS 6 is connected to the downstream side of the IOT 3. FIG. 5D shows a state in which the HCF 4 is connected to the upstream side of the IOT 3 and the HCSS 6 is connected to the downstream side. FIG. 5E shows a state where the HCF 4 is connected to the upstream side of the IOT 3 and the HCSS 6 is connected to the downstream side. FIG. 5F shows a state in which the HCF 4 is connected to the upstream side of the IOT 3 and the HCS 5 and HCSS 6 are connected to the downstream side. As described above, since there are various types of post-processing devices connected to the downstream side of the IOT 3, if the type of post-processing applied to the recording paper changes, the post-processing device having any function The time that the IOT 3 should wait at the time of changing the type of post-processing differs depending on whether or not is connected. Accordingly, each post-processing device (HCS5, HCSS6) notifies the IOT 3 of the time required for the self-device to change the type of post-processing, and the IOT 3 considers the notified time and performs image forming jobs and image forming. The total time required to change the type of post-processing with the job is calculated.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the IOT 3, HCF 4, HCS 5, and HCSS 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the IOT 3, HCF 4, HCS 5, HCSS 6 includes communication units 31, 41, 51, 61 that communicate with other devices in addition to the user interface units 30, 40, 50, 60 described above, And control units 32, 42, 52, 62 constituted by a microprocessor and various memories. The control units 42, 52, and 62 control the respective units of HCF4, HCS5, and HSS6, but the control unit 32 comprehensively controls the operations of HCF4, HCS5, and HCSS6 in addition to the respective units of IOT3. ing. Further, the IOT 3 includes an image forming unit 33 for forming an image on the recording paper while conveying the recording paper. The HCF 4 includes a paper feed unit 43 for sequentially feeding the accumulated recording paper. The HCS 5 includes a post-processing unit 53 that discharges the recording paper supplied from the IOT 3 to the paper discharge trays 501 and 502 or bypasses and discharges the recording paper to another apparatus. The HCSS 6 includes a post-processing unit 63 that performs a stapling process on the recording paper on which an image is formed and then discharges the recording paper to the paper discharge trays 601 and 602.

  The control units 52 and 62 of the HCS 5 and the HCSS 6 perform post-processing of the other type after finishing one type of post-processing of the two types of combinations of any two types of post-processing. The unit time required for preparation until the start is stored. Examples of the required unit time include, for example, the time required to change from no offset discharge to offset discharge, the time required to change from top tray discharge to bypass discharge, and the presence of stapling processing. There is a time required for changing to no staple processing.

  When the power is turned on, the control units 52 and 62 notify the IOT 3 of the required unit time stored in the control units 52 and 62 by the communication units 51 and 61. On the other hand, the control unit 32 of the IOT 3 stores the required unit time notified in this way in a memory. In some cases, the user may change the type of post-processing between the image forming job and the image forming job. In such a case, the control unit 32 changes the post-processing to the specified type. Calculate the total time required to do this. This total required time is calculated based on the contents of post-processing to be changed and the contents of the required unit time stored in the memory. Then, the control unit 32 feeds and conveys the recording sheet at such a timing that the recording sheet is supplied from the IOT 3 to the post-processing devices (HCS5 and HCSS6) immediately after the total required time has elapsed. The memory of the control unit 32 stores a computer program in which a procedure for the control unit 32 to perform the calculation process of the total required time and the conveyance control process is described.

(2) Operation Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure performed when the power is turned on among the IOT 3, HCS 5 and HCSS 6 among the devices shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, when the system power-on is instructed by the user in the IOT 3, the IOT 3 first sends a power enable signal for instructing power-on to the HCS 5 connected downstream using a hardware signal line. Send it out. In response to this, the HCS 5 sends a Connection Request command for making a connection request to the IOT 3. Next, the IOT 3 sends a Connected command for notifying that the connection has been made to the HCS 5. Upon receiving this command, the HCS 5 sends a power enable signal for instructing power-on to the HCSS 6 connected further downstream using a hardware signal line. The HCSS 6 that has received this signal sends out a Connection Request command for making a connection request to the IOT 3. In response to this, the IOT 3 sends a Connected command for notifying that the connection has been made to the HCS 5. Upon receiving this command, the HCSS 6 sends an End Of Chain command for notifying that the own apparatus is the tail end on the downstream side.

  Next, the IOT 3 sends an Information Request command for requesting device model information to the HCS 5 and HCSS 6. Upon receiving this command, the HCS 5 and HCSS 6 send Device Information for notifying the model information of the own device to the IOT 3. When the IOT 3 receives these Device Information, the IOT 3 sends an intialize command to instruct the HCS 5 and HCS 6 to perform initialization. The HCS 5 and HCSS 6 that have received this intrinsicize command each send State Information (in this case, a command indicating that initialization has started) to notify the state of the own device to the IOT 3. Next, the HCS 5 and the HCS 6 each send out Service Timing Information for notifying the above-described required unit time.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a format diagram of Service Timing Information sent from the HCS 5 to the IOT 3. In the Service Timing Information shown in FIG. 8, “Paper Width Change” is a required unit time for changing the recording paper width, and “Paper Length Change” is a required unit time for changing the length of the recording paper. “NoOffset To Offset” is the required unit time when changing from no offset discharge to offset discharge, and “Offset To NoOffset” is the required unit time when changing from no offset discharge to offset discharge. `` To Bypass '' is the required unit time when changing from top tray discharge to bypass discharge, `` TopTray To Stack '' is the required unit time when changing from top tray discharge to stack tray discharge, `` Bypass To TopTray '' Is the required unit time when changing from bypass discharge to top tray discharge, and "Bypass To Stack" is when changing from bypass discharge to stack tray discharge. It is the required unit time, “Stack To TopTray” is the required unit time when changing from stack tray discharge to top tray discharge, and “Stack To Bypass” is the required unit time when changing from stack tray discharge to bypass discharge. It is. Note that “OffsetTime” in FIG. 8 means time required for the processing of “offset discharge” itself, which is the post-processing by the HCS 5.

  FIG. 9 is a format diagram of Service Timing Information sent from the HCSS 6 to the IOT. The difference from FIG. 8 is that the unit time required for the stapling function is included and the function of the bypass carry-out path. The required unit time is not included. Note that “OffsetTime”, “FrontStapleTime”, “RearStapleTime”, and “DualStapleTime” in FIG. 9 are “offset discharge”, “front staple”, “rear staple”, and “dual staple” which are post-processing by HCSS 6, respectively It means time for processing. When receiving the Service Timing Information, the IOT 3 stores the required unit time as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9 included in this command in the memory of the control unit 32. Thereafter, when the initialization process is completed, the HCS 5 and the HCSS 6 send state information indicating that the process has been completed to the IOT 3.

  Next, the HCS 5 and the HCSS 6 send out Service Availability for notifying information on what kind of post-processing can be executed to the IOT 3. For example, the contents of Service Availability sent from the HCS 5 include information such as having a top tray discharge function, a stack tray discharge function, a bypass discharge function, and an offset discharge function. In addition, the contents of Service Availability sent from HCSS 6 include information such as front stapling function, rear stapling function, dual stapling function, top tray ejection function, stack tray ejection function, offset ejection function is there.

  The IOT 3 can display a function selection screen as shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 on the user interface unit 30 based on the received information. FIG. 10A shows an example of a function selection screen when HCS 5 and HCS 6 are connected to the downstream side of IOT 3, and FIG. 10B shows the case where only HCS 6 is connected to the downstream side of IOT 3. An example of the function selection screen is shown. FIG. 11A shows a display example of the function selection screen displayed on the user interface unit 30 when the Stapler / Stacker button icon displayed on the function selection screen shown in FIG. 10 is selected and pressed. FIG. FIG. 11B shows a display example of the function selection screen displayed on the user interface unit 30 when the single staple button icon displayed on the function selection screen shown in FIG. 11A is pressed. FIG. The user can specify the type of post-processing for each image forming job while referring to such a function selection screen. The designated post-processing type is stored in the memory of the control unit 32.

  Next, FIG. 12 is a sequence showing a processing procedure performed when the image forming job 1 and the image forming job 2 are successively executed between the IOT 3, HCS 5, and HCSS 6 among the devices shown in FIG. FIG. In image forming job 1, the total number of prints is 2, and the post-processing type is specified as “recording paper discharge destination is HCSS top tray”, “no stapling”, or “no offset discharge”. It shall be.

  In FIG. 12, first, the image forming job 1 (Job 1) is started by the IOT 3. As described above, since the discharge destination of the recording paper in the image forming job 1 is HCSS 6, the IOT 3 sends a Service Request (HCSS Top) command designating the top tray discharge function to the HCSS 6 and bypass discharge to the HCS 5. Send Service Request (HCS Bypass) command to specify the function. Next, the IOT 3 sends a Cycle Up (HCSS) command that instructs the HCSS 6 to cycle up, and also sends a Cycle Up (HCS) to the HCS 5. In response to this, the HCSS 6 sends State Information (Cycle Up), which is information indicating that the cycle is up, to the IOT 3, and the HCS 5 also sends State Information (Cycle Up).

  When the cycle up is completed, HCSS 6 sends State Information (Print), which is information indicating the current state, to IOT 3. Similarly, State Information (Print), which is information indicating the current state, is sent from the HCS 5 to the IOT 3. In response to this, the IOT 3 executes the first image forming process in the image forming job 1 and sends a SheetExit (HCS Bypass) command to the HCS 5 instructing to bypass this recording sheet. The HCS 5 that has received this Sheet Exit (HCS Bypass) command sends a Sheet Exit (HCSSTOP) command that instructs the HCSS 6 to discharge the recording paper to the top tray. In response to these command instructions, after the IOT 3 forms an image on the recording paper, the HCS 5 bypasses the recording paper and outputs it to the HCSS 6, and the HCS 6 discharges the recording paper to the top tray 601.

  Thereafter, according to the same sequence as described above, after the IOT 3 forms an image on the second recording sheet, the HCS 5 bypasses the recording sheet and outputs it to the HCSS 6, and the HSS 6 removes the recording sheet from the top tray. It discharges to 601. Then, the HCSS 6 sends a Sheet Delivered (HCSS Stack) command indicating that the recording paper has been discharged to the IOT 3.

  Here, it is assumed that the user instructs the image forming job 2 (Job 2) immediately after the IOT 3 sends the SheetExit (HCS Bypass) command. In this image forming job 2, the total number of prints is 2, and the types of post-processing are “recording paper discharge destination is HCSS stack tray”, “front stapling”, “offset discharging” Shall be specified. The IOT 3 sends a Service Request (HCSS Stack) command requesting such kind of post-processing to the HCSS 6. However, the post-processing to be performed by the HCS 5 is bypass carry-out, and there is no change from the case of the image forming job 1, so the IOT 3 does not send a Service Request command to the HCS 5. After that, when the second recording sheet of the image forming job 1 is discharged to the top tray, the HCSS 6 sends a Sheet Delivered (HCSS Stack) command indicating the discharge to the IOT 3.

  Next, the control unit 32 of the IOT 3 calculates the total required time required for changing the post-processing based on the required unit time relating to the HCS5 and HCS6 already stored in the memory. Specifically, the control unit 32 specifies the maximum required unit time among the required unit times required for changing each post-process designated by the user, and sets this as the total required time. Here, when shifting from image forming job 1 to image forming job 2, “recording paper discharge destination is HCSS top tray” is changed to “recording paper discharge destination is HCSS stack tray”. From “no stapling” to “with stapling” and from “no offset discharging” to “offset discharging”, the control unit 32 first determines the unit time required for each change from the memory. Read and compare them. Here, it is assumed that the required unit time for changing from “recording paper discharge destination to HCSS top tray” to “recording paper discharge destination to HCSS stack tray” is “1.5 seconds” The required unit time for changing from “None” to “With staple” is set to “3.0 seconds”, and the required unit time for changing from “No offset discharge” to “With offset discharge” is set to “1”. .0 seconds ". Since the maximum among these “1.5 seconds”, “3.0 seconds”, and “1.0 seconds” is “3.0 seconds”, the control unit 32 determines that the total required time is “3.0 seconds”. to decide.

Next, the control unit 32 of the IOT 3 skips the recording paper conveyance schedule for the total required time. The change of the conveyance schedule will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The upper part of FIG. 13 shows a normal transport schedule. As described above, the normal transport schedule is divided at a constant transport pitch (for example, at intervals of 1 second), and the control unit 32 of the IOT 3 transports the recording sheets P1 to P7 one by one according to the transport pitch. Here, when the total time required for changing the type of post-processing when shifting from the image forming job 1 to the image forming job 2 is “3.0 seconds”, as shown in the lower part of FIG. The control unit 32 skips the number of transport pitches (= 3 pitches) for a total required time of 3 seconds after the transport of the last recording paper P2 used in the image forming job 1 is completed, and then performs image formation. The feeding and conveyance of the first recording paper P3 used for job 2 is started. In this way, the recording paper can be supplied from the IOT 3 to the HCS 5 at almost the same timing as when the total required time has elapsed.
In this way, the recording paper is conveyed, and thereafter, the image forming process in the IOT 3 and the post-processing in the HCS 5 and the HCSS 6 are performed in the same procedure as in the case of the image forming job 1 in FIG.

  According to the embodiment described above, the IOT 3 starts the image forming job 2 without waiting for completion of the post-processing change preparation by the post-processing devices (HCS5, HCSS6), and the post-processing devices (HCS5, HCSS6) As soon as the preparation for changing the post-process is completed, the post-process related to the image forming job 2 can be started. In this way, the time required from the start of the image forming job 1 to the end of the post-processing related to the image forming job 2 can be shorter than before.

  Further, the post-processing devices (HCS5 and HCSS6) connected to the IOT store the unit time required to change the post-processing in the own device, and notify these to the IOT 3 when the power is turned on. Then, the IOT 3 calculates the total required time required to change the post-processing based on the notified required unit time and the content of the post-processing specified by the user, and the transport that skips the number of transport pitches corresponding to this time. The recording paper is conveyed according to the schedule. Thus, since the required unit time required to determine the total required time is notified from the post-processing device (HCS5, HCSS6) to the IOT each time, the IOT3 and any post-processing device (HCS5, HCSS6) are notified. ), It is possible to determine an appropriate transport schedule.

(3) Modifications The embodiment described above can be modified as follows.
In the embodiment, the case where the transport pitch is 1 second and the total required time is 3 seconds that is an integral multiple (3 times) of the number of transport pitches has been described. However, the total required time is always an integral multiple of the transport pitch. Is not limited. For example, the transport pitch is 0.8 seconds and the total required time is 3 seconds, or the transport pitch is 1 second and the total required time is 2.5 seconds. In such a case, the conveyance schedule may be skipped by a minimum value that is an integral multiple of the number of conveyance pitches and exceeds the total required time. For example, when the transport pitch is 0.8 seconds and the total required time is 3 seconds, the total required time 3 (seconds) <transport pitch 0.8 (seconds) × 4 = 3.2 (seconds). The transport schedule is skipped by the corresponding transport pitch number “4”. Further, in the case where the transport pitch is 1 second and the total required time is 2.5 seconds, the transport corresponding to the total required time 2.5 (seconds) <transport pitch 1 (second) × 3 = 3 seconds. The transport schedule is skipped by the number of pitches “3”.

  In the embodiment, an example in which a plurality of post-processing apparatuses are connected to the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a single image forming apparatus having a post-processing function. is there. In this case, the image forming apparatus itself may store the required unit time, and calculate the total required time required for the subsequent processing change according to the content of the post-processing designated by the user.

  In the embodiment, the maximum required unit time among the required unit times required for changing each post-process designated by the user is the total required time. Such a method of determining the total required time is based on the premise that preparations for changing a plurality of post-processing can be performed in parallel in the post-processing device. For example, the post-processing device changes (a) from “the recording paper discharge destination is an HCSS top tray” to “recording paper discharge destination is an HCSS stack tray”; and (b) “no stapling” to “ This is because if the process of changing to “with stapling” can be performed simultaneously in parallel, the larger required unit time of the required unit times required for (a) and (b) may be the total required time. However, when preparations for changing a plurality of post-processing cannot be performed in parallel in the post-processing apparatus, it is necessary to determine the total required time by a method different from the above. The specific determination method may vary depending on what the processing content related to post-processing change preparation is, but for example, a method such as adding the required unit time required for each post-processing change Can be considered.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the post-processing devices (HCS 5 and HSS 6) notify the IOT 4 of the processing time required for the post-processing itself. When a certain amount of time is required for the post-processing itself, the IOT 4 needs to wait for paper feeding until the time has elapsed, as in the case of the total time required for changing the type of post-processing described above. is there. Therefore, the IOT 4 may convey the recording sheet according to the conveyance schedule in which the conveyance pitch number corresponding to the processing time notified from the post-processing devices (HCS5 and HSS6) is skipped. In this way, the recording paper can be supplied from the IOT 3 to the HCS 5 at almost the same timing as the processing time has elapsed.

  In the embodiment, the recording paper is described as an example of the recording material on which an image is formed. However, in addition to this, various recording materials such as plastic such as an OHP film and cloth can be used. . The program executed by the control unit 32 described in the embodiment includes a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and a recording medium such as a RAM can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram explaining the principle of embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external configuration of each device (IOT, HCF, HCS, HCSS) in a portion surrounded by a dotted line in the image forming system. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of IOT, HCF, HCS, and HCSS. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of another image forming system. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of IOT, HCF, HCS, and HCSS. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence at the time of the power supply ON among IOT, HCF, HCS, and HCSS. It is a format diagram of Service Timing Information sent from the HCS to the IOT. It is a format diagram of Service Timing Information sent from the HCSS to the IOT. The figure which shows the example of 1 display of the function selection screen displayed on IOT. The figure which shows the example of 1 display of the function selection screen displayed on IOT. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure when an image forming job is executed by IOT, HCF, HCS, and HCSS. It is a figure explaining a conveyance schedule.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image forming system, 1a, 1b ... Client terminal, 2 ... Network, 3 ... Image forming apparatus (IOT), 4 ... Paper feeder (HCF), 5 ... Post-processing apparatus (HCS), 6 ... Post-processing apparatus ( HCCS), 30, 40, 50, 60 ... user interface unit, 32, 42, 52, 62 ... control unit.

Claims (8)

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material;
A plurality of column-connected post-processing means for performing post-processing of a type designated for each image forming job on the recording material supplied from the image forming means;
Necessary for preparation from the end of each type of post-processing specified in the previous image forming job to the start of another type of post-processing specified in the next image forming job. A calculation means for calculating a unit time, identifying a maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and setting the maximum required unit time as a total required time;
After the post-processing means finishes post-processing of the last recording material of the previous image forming job, before the total required time calculated by the calculating means elapses, the recording material of the next image forming job A conveying means for supplying the recording material of the next image forming job from the image forming means to the post-processing means immediately after the total required time has elapsed. Prepared ,
When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Image forming system. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material;
A plurality of column-connected post-processing means for performing post-processing of a type designated for each image forming job on the recording material supplied from the image forming means;
Necessary for preparation from the end of each type of post-processing specified in the previous image forming job to the start of another type of post-processing specified in the next image forming job. A calculation means for calculating a unit time, identifying a maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and setting the maximum required unit time as a total required time;
After supplying the final recording material of the previous image forming job to the post-processing means, before the total required time calculated by the calculating means has elapsed, to the image forming means of the recording material of the next image forming job And a conveying means for supplying the recording material of the next image forming job from the image forming means to the post-processing means at substantially the same timing as the total required time has elapsed ,
When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Image forming system. A transport means for transporting the recording material according to a transport schedule separated by a constant transport pitch;
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material;
A plurality of post-processing units connected in cascade, which perform a plurality of types of post-processing on the recording material supplied from the image forming unit,
Each of the post-processing means calculates a required unit time required for preparation from the end of one type of post-processing to the start of another type of post-processing, and the largest of the calculated required unit times. A calculation means for identifying the required unit time and setting the maximum required unit time as the total required time;
In order to supply the recording material from the image forming unit to the post-processing unit at almost the same timing as the total required time has elapsed, a conveyance schedule in which the number of conveyance pitches is skipped is created, and according to the conveyance schedule, the recording material is Transport control means for transporting by the transport means ,
When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Image forming system. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material;
A plurality of post-processing devices connected in cascade to perform a plurality of types of post-processing on the recording material supplied from the image forming apparatus,
The post-processing device includes:
About the combination of any two types of post-processing of the plurality of types, the required unit time required for preparation from the end of one type of post-processing to the start of the other type of post-processing Notification means for notifying the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus uses a different unit type specified separately after each of the post-processing devices finishes the specified type of post-processing based on the required unit time notified by the notification unit of the post-processing device. The required unit time required for preparation until each post-processing device starts post-processing is determined, and the maximum required unit time is identified from the calculated required unit times, and this maximum required unit time is determined. Means for calculating the total required time,
Supply of recording material for the other type of post-processing to the image forming unit before the total required time calculated by the calculation unit elapses after the completion of the one type of post-processing. the resumed, immediately after the total time has elapsed, we have a, a conveying means for supplying the recording material to the post-processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus,
When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Image forming system. The conveying means is
5. The recording material transport pitch number corresponding to the total required time calculated by the calculating means is calculated, and the recording material is transported according to a transport schedule in which the calculated transport pitch number is skipped. Image forming system. The notification means of the post-processing apparatus notifies the image forming apparatus of a processing time required for the post-processing apparatus to perform each type of post-processing,
The conveyance unit of the image forming apparatus calculates the conveyance pitch number of the recording material corresponding to the processing time notified by the processing time notification unit, and conveys the recording material according to a conveyance schedule that skips the calculated conveyance pitch number. The image forming system according to claim 5. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material and supplying the recording material to a plurality of post-processing devices connected in cascade;
When the required unit time required for preparation from the end of one type of post-processing of the combination of two types of post-processing to the start of the other type of post-processing is notified from the plurality of post-processing devices, Storage means for storing this,
Based on the required unit time stored by the storage means, after each of the post-processing devices finishes the specified type of post-processing, each of the post-processing devices performs different types of post-processing specified separately. Calculating the required unit time required for preparation until the start of the process, specifying the maximum required unit time among the calculated required unit times, and calculating means for setting the maximum required unit time as the total required time;
Supply of recording material for the other type of post-processing to the image forming unit before the total required time calculated by the calculation unit elapses after the completion of the one type of post-processing. And a conveying means for supplying the recording material from the image forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus immediately after the total required time has elapsed ,
When the plurality of post-processing means cannot perform the preparation in parallel, the calculating means calculates the total required time by adding the required unit times of the plurality of post-processing means. Image forming apparatus. Post-processing means for applying a plurality of types of post-processing to the recording material supplied from the image forming apparatus;
For any two types of post-processing combinations of the plurality of types, the image forming apparatus is notified of the processing time required from the end of one type of post-processing to the start of the other type of post-processing. And a notification means,
After the specified type of post-processing is completed, a post-processing is performed to change the post-processing type, and after the change processing is completed, the post-change type post-processing is started. apparatus.

Images