JP4973531B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program. In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a post-processing device for performing post-processing such as stapling on paper such as a printed recording medium, an image forming method used in the image forming apparatus, and The present invention relates to an image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus, generally, an image quality adjustment operation is performed every time a predetermined number of image formations are performed in order to maintain image quality. When a predetermined number of image formations is reached to perform image quality adjustment during printing based on a job, image formation is interrupted and image quality adjustment is performed. However, there is a change in image quality before and after image quality adjustment. In order to stand out, a method for adjusting image quality after printing of a job being printed has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  When image quality adjustment is performed after a job has been printed, printing for image quality adjustment is interrupted between the end of printing of one job and the start of printing of the next job (job separation) when printing multiple jobs continuously Will occur.

  On the other hand, in a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as stapling on paper such as a printed recording medium, the post-processing setting of the job being printed and the next print job when continuously printing a plurality of jobs If the post-processing setting is different, an operation for changing the post-processing setting is required in preparation for the post-processing of the next job after the printing of the job being printed is completed.

  When the post-processing setting change operation is performed after the job is printed, the post-processing setting is changed between the end of printing of the job being printed and the start of printing of the next job (job separation) as in the case of the image quality adjustment operation described above. Printing interruption for operation occurs.

  As described above, both the image quality adjustment operation in the image forming apparatus and the post-processing setting change operation in the post-processing apparatus are executed at job divisions. However, the image quality adjustment operation depends on the number of image formations for each job, and the post-processing setting change is performed. Since the operation depends on the post-processing setting of each job, there is no correlation between the operation times of both.

  For this reason, when printing a plurality of jobs, there is a high possibility that the operation will occur at different job intervals. Therefore, the print interruption time is the sum of the print interruption time due to the image quality adjustment operation and the print interruption time due to the post-processing setting change operation, so that the print interruption time increases and the productivity is significantly reduced.

In order to solve this problem, a method has been proposed in which an image quality adjustment operation that occurs during job printing is synchronized with a post-processing operation or a post-processing setting change operation to suppress the print interruption time (Patent Document 2). reference).
JP 2005-342985 A JP 2007-33829 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is insufficient in effect when the post-processing setting change operation occurs a plurality of times in printing a plurality of jobs, and the print interruption time is not sufficiently low. It cannot be suppressed.

  For example, when three jobs having post-processing settings of A, B, and A are printed in order, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, the post-processing setting is changed from A to B or from B to A. The image quality adjustment operation is performed in synchronization with either one of the changes. However, since the post-processing setting change occurs twice during printing, the printing is interrupted twice after all.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the present invention suppresses the printing interruption time sufficiently even in the case where a plurality of post-processing setting change operations occur, thereby reducing the productivity. It is an object to provide an image forming apparatus provided with a post-processing device capable of improving image quality, an image forming method used in the image forming apparatus, and an image forming program executed in the image forming apparatus.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

  (1) An image forming apparatus including a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium, the management unit managing job information that is information related to a job for printing, and the job First detection means for detecting an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus executed at a job break based on information, and the post-processing device executed at a job break based on the job information A second detection means for detecting an operation timing for a change in post-processing setting in the first embodiment; a comparison means for comparing the operation timing detected by the first detection means and the operation timing detected by the second detection means; Change means for changing the job execution order so that the two operation timings coincide with each other when the two operation timings compared by the comparison unit differ. An image forming apparatus.

  (2) The above-mentioned changing unit groups jobs having the same post-processing setting, and changes the job group execution order so that the time required for the post-processing setting changing operation is minimized. The image forming apparatus according to 1).

  (3) The comparison unit compares the two operation timings after the execution order of the job group is changed, and the change unit compares the two operation timings compared by the comparison unit in the job group. The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the job execution order is changed.

  (4) The apparatus further includes second comparison means for comparing the two operation timings when the job execution order in the job group is changed, and the two operation timings compared by the second comparison means are still different. When the job execution order in the job group is not changed, the number of image formations when the image quality adjustment is performed during the operation time for changing the post-processing setting, and the job execution order in the job group is changed. Of the number of image formations when image quality adjustment is performed during the operation time for changing the post-processing setting, the job execution order is determined according to the image formation frequency that is closer to the predetermined number of image formations that requires image quality adjustment. The image forming apparatus as described in (3) above.

  (5) An image forming method used in an image forming apparatus having a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium, and managing job information that is information about a job for printing Step (a), detecting based on the job information, step (b) detecting an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus executed at a job break, and based on the job information A step (c) of detecting an operation time for a change in post-processing setting in the post-processing device executed at a break; an operation time detected in the step (b); and an operation detected in the step (c) When the operation timing compared in the step (d) for comparing the timing and the comparison in the step (d) is different, the two operation timings are made to coincide with each other. The image forming method characterized in that it comprises a step (e) changing the execution order of the job, the.

(6) An image forming program executed by an image forming apparatus including a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium, and managing job information that is information relating to a job for printing A procedure (a) to detect, and a procedure (b) to detect an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus to be executed at a job break based on the job information;
Based on the job information, the procedure (c) for detecting the operation timing for the change of the post-processing setting in the post-processing apparatus executed at the job break, the operation timing detected in the procedure (b), and the When the operation timing detected in the procedure (c) is different from the operation timing compared in the procedure (d), the job execution order is changed so that the two operation timings coincide with each other. An image forming program that causes the image forming apparatus to execute the step (e).

  (7) A computer-readable recording medium on which the image forming program according to (6) is recorded.

  According to the present invention, the operation timing for the image quality adjustment and the operation timing for the change of the post-processing setting are compared, and if the compared operation timings are different, the job execution order is changed so that the both operation timings coincide with each other. Is done. That is, the job execution order is changed so that the printing interruption by the image quality adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus and the printing interruption by the post-processing setting change operation of the post-processing apparatus are synchronized. In this way, it is possible to synchronize both operation periods by changing the job execution order. Accordingly, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the printing interruption time while reducing the occurrence of the post-processing setting changing operation, and the productivity can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine provided with a scanner will be described as a specific example, but the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a printer not provided with a scanner.

  In this embodiment, a job refers to a job for printing, and specifically means a copy job by a copying operation in a copying machine or a printing job by a printing operation from an external device.

  First, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

  Image data of a document read by the scanner 11 or image data transmitted from another device is subjected to image processing and sent to the image writing unit 12 for each of Y, M, C, and K colors. Light corresponding to the image data is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 13 from the laser diode of the image writing unit 12, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by a known electrophotographic process, and an image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14.

  On the other hand, paper is fed from the paper feed unit 15 in parallel with the image forming operation. The fed paper is synchronized with the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14, the image is transferred by the transfer roller 16, and the image is further fixed by the fixing device 17, and then the post-processing device 20. To be discharged.

  The image forming apparatus 10 performs an image quality adjustment operation every time a predetermined number of image forming operations are executed. This image quality adjustment operation is performed for the purpose of preventing changes in image density, gradation, and color registration due to changes in the characteristics of each part due to continuous output or environmental changes. If image quality adjustment is performed in the middle of a job, there may be noticeable changes in image quality before and after image quality adjustment in the same job. I have to.

  In the image quality adjustment operation, it is necessary to form an adjustment image pattern on the intermediate transfer belt 14, and therefore an image based on the image data of the job being printed cannot be formed on the intermediate transfer belt during the image quality adjustment operation. Therefore, job printing is interrupted during image quality adjustment.

  Next, the configuration of the post-processing device 20 will be described below.

  The post-processing device 20 performs post-processing such as stapling on a sheet such as a printed recording medium. The post-processing device 20 includes a punch unit 21 that performs punch processing, a folding unit 22 that performs crease processing, a stapler 23 that performs stapling processing, a saddle stitching unit 24 that performs stapling processing on a bundle of sheets creased by the folding unit 22, It comprises a first discharge tray 25a, a second discharge tray 25b, a third discharge tray 25c and the like for stacking processed sheets.

  The stapler 23 is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction within the sheet surface, and is controlled so as to be moved to a position set by staple setting.

  Each of the discharge trays 25a to 25c is configured to be movable in conjunction with the vertical direction as indicated by an arrow in the drawing so that the discharge tray selected in the discharge destination setting is positioned at the paper discharge port 18. Controlled.

  The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 is subjected to set post-processing by the post-processing device 20 and then discharged to the discharge trays 25a to 25c. Here, it is necessary to move the stapler 23 when changing the staple setting, and the discharge trays 25a to 25c when changing the discharge destination setting.

  The movement of the stapler 23 and the discharge trays 25a to 25c is performed for the post-processing of the next sheet, that is, the operation for changing the post-processing setting for the next sheet. When paper is discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 during the post-processing setting changing operation, there is a high possibility that a problem such as paper jam will occur. For this reason, it is necessary to interrupt the image formation so that the sheet is not discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 during this period.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an overall control unit 101 that includes a control unit that performs overall control of each unit in the image forming apparatus and a job management unit 102 that manages a plurality of jobs by managing job information related to jobs. An operation panel 103 including an operation unit and a display unit, an image reading control unit 104 for controlling an image reading process for optically reading a document and converting it into image data, and a predetermined image applied to the image data An image processing control unit 105 that controls processing, an image formation control unit 106 that controls image formation processing for recording an image based on image data on a sheet, and a post-process on a sheet that has been recorded by feeding paper from the sheet feeding unit 15 A sheet feeding control unit 107 that controls a sheet feeding process to be discharged to the apparatus 20, an external device I / F 108 that inputs image data from an external device, and image data And a storage unit 110 for storing which various data and programs. The overall control unit 101 includes a CPU and a memory. The storage unit 110 includes a hard disk and a memory.

  A job management unit 102 in the overall control unit 101 handles copy jobs and print jobs, and registers and manages job information regarding all jobs to be executed for printing in a job list. The job information includes various information such as job name, paper size, number of pages, number of copies, presence / absence of post-processing settings, setting items, and data size.

  The post-processing device 20 also controls a post-processing device control unit 201 that controls each unit in the post-processing device, a paper transport control unit 202 that controls transport of paper existing in the post-processing device, and controls punch processing. A punch control unit 203 that controls the staple process, and a discharge control unit 205 that controls the discharge of the post-processed paper to a predetermined discharge tray.

  The image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 20 execute printing based on a job while performing communication.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for calculating an operation timing for image quality adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The processes shown in FIG. 3 are performed at the start of printing based on a job, when registering a new copy job or new print job during printing based on a job in the job list, and copying jobs or print jobs registered in the job list. It is executed when canceling.

  The operation time calculation process for image quality adjustment is performed as follows based on job information.

  In step S101, the number of image formations NP from the previous adjustment at the start of processing is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S102. Here, i = 1 and ΣNi = 0 are set as initial settings.

  In step S102, the image formation number Ni of the i-th job is acquired. Further, NP + ΣNi is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S103.

  Here, i is 1 ≦ i ≦ I. I is the total number of print jobs registered in the job list. ΣNi is the number of image formations from the start of processing to the end of printing of the i-th job.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not NP + ΣNi is smaller than the number N of image formations in which the image quality adjustment operation determined in advance is necessary.

  If NP + ΣNi <N, that is, if the image formation count N for performing the image quality adjustment operation at the end of printing the i-th job has not been reached (S103: YES), it is determined whether or not the i-th job is the last job registered in the job list. (S104). If it is not the final job (S104: YES), i is incremented by 1 (S105), the process returns to step S102, and the process is continued for the next job. In the case of the final job (S104: NO), it is determined that an image quality adjustment operation does not occur during job printing, “image quality adjustment operation time is absent” (S106), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when NP + ΣNi ≧ N, that is, when the number of image formations N at which the image quality adjustment operation is performed at the end of printing of the i-th job is reached (S103: NO), “image quality adjustment operation time = after i-th job printing is completed” ), The process is terminated.

  With the above processing, based on the job information, the operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus 10 executed at job separation is detected.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of image quality adjustment operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing shown in FIG. 4 is performed by instructing the image formation control unit 106 to perform the image quality adjustment operation from the overall control unit 101 when the image quality adjustment operation timing is reached during printing based on the job.

  The image quality adjustment operation is performed as follows.

  First, after waiting for completion of printing of the job being printed (S201: YES), the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the color misregistration in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of each of the Y, M, and C colors is corrected using the K color as a reference. Specifically, the light emission start timings of the laser diode (LD) in the image writing unit 12 in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction are corrected.

  In step S203, the gradation of each color of Y, M, C, and K is corrected. Specifically, the γ table for reproducing the target gradation is updated.

  In step S204, it is determined whether or not the difference between the humidity during the previous image quality adjustment operation and the humidity during the current image quality adjustment operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  If the difference is less than the predetermined value (S204: NO), the image formation number NP is cleared (S208), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if there is a difference greater than or equal to the predetermined value (S204: YES), the processing after step S205 below is performed.

  In step S205, the exposure amounts for the colors Y, M, C, and K are corrected. Specifically, the light emission amount of the laser diode (LD) in the image writing unit 12 is corrected.

  In step S206, the maximum density of each color of Y, M, C, and K is corrected. Specifically, the charging output value and the developing bias output value for each color are corrected.

  In step S207, the light amount of the light emitting element of the reflective sensor for measuring the density of the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 14 is corrected for each of Y, M, C, and K colors.

  Thereafter, the image formation number NP is cleared (S208), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing a process for calculating the operation timing for the change of the post-processing setting according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the process for calculating the operation time for the change of the post-processing setting shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

  The process shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the process for calculating the image quality adjustment operation time shown in FIG. 3, at the start of printing based on the job, to the job list of the new copy job or new print job being printed based on the job. Executed when registering and when canceling a copy job or print job registered in the job list.

  In step S301, j = 1, m = 0, and J = 0 are set as initial settings.

  In step S302, the post-processing setting of the jth job is acquired. Here, j is 1 ≦ j ≦ I. I is the total number of print jobs registered in the job list.

  In step S303, it is determined whether the post-processing setting for the immediately preceding job is different from the post-processing setting for the j-th job. In the case of the first job, the post-processing setting before starting the job is compared.

In the present embodiment, it is determined that the post-processing setting is different when any of the following is true.
1. 1. When it is necessary to move the stapler by changing the staple paper width or the staple position setting When it is necessary to move the discharge tray due to a change in the paper discharge destination setting However, the case where it is determined that the post-processing setting is different is not limited to the above case.

  When it is determined that the post-processing settings are different (S303: YES), the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, when it is determined that the post-processing settings are the same (S303: NO), the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S304, the post-processing setting change count m is incremented by one.

  In step S305, it is determined whether m = 1.

  When m = 1, that is, when the number of post-processing setting changes is the first (S305: YES), J = j−1 is stored, indicating that a post-processing setting change occurs after printing of the Jth job is completed (S306). ), The process proceeds to step S307.

  If m = 1 is not satisfied, that is, if the number of post-processing setting changes is greater than or equal to the second (S305: NO), nothing is performed and the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, it is determined whether or not the jth job is the last job registered in the job list.

  If it is not the final job (S307: YES), J is incremented by 1 (S308), the process returns to step S302, and the process is continued for the next job.

  If it is the final job (S307: NO), it is determined from the processing results so far whether a post-processing setting change operation occurs during printing based on the job being registered.

  If m = 0, that is, if the number of post-processing setting changes is 0 (S309: YES), “no post-processing setting change operation time” (S310), and the process is terminated.

  When m = 1, that is, when the post-processing setting change count is 1 (S311: YES), “post-processing setting changing operation time = after J-th job printing is finished” (S312), and the process is ended.

  If m ≧ 2, that is, if the number of post-processing setting changes is 2 or more (S311: NO), “multiple post-processing setting change operation periods exist” (S313), and the process ends.

  Next, a process for calculating the operation time for the change of the post-processing setting shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  The process shown in FIG. 6 is performed when the job execution order for printing (hereinafter also referred to as the job printing order) is changed in the process of synchronizing the image quality adjustment operation time and the post-processing setting change operation time, which will be described later. This is executed when the post-processing setting change operation time is calculated.

  In step S401, j = 1, m = 0, and TJ = 0 are set as initial settings.

  Steps S402 and S403 are the same as the processes shown in steps S302 and S303 in FIG.

  In step S404, a post-processing setting change operation time Tj for the jth job is calculated.

  In step S405, it is determined whether Tj> TJ, that is, whether the j-th job post-processing setting change operation time Tj is longer than the previous job post-processing setting change operation time TJ.

  If Tj> TJ (S405: YES), J indicating the post-processing setting change operation timing is updated to J = j−1, and the post-processing setting change operation time TJ is updated to TJ = Tj (S406). The process proceeds to S407.

  If Tj ≦ TJ (S405: YES), nothing is performed and the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, it is determined whether or not the jth job is the last job registered in the job list.

  If it is not the final job (S407: YES), J is incremented by 1 (S408), the process returns to step S402, and the process is continued for the next job.

  If it is the final job (S407: NO), “post-processing setting change operation time = after completion of J-th job printing” (S409), and the process is terminated.

  By the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above, the operation timing for the change of the post-processing setting in the post-processing device 20 executed at job separation is detected based on the job information.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the processing of the post-processing setting changing operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed by instructing the post-processing device 20 to perform a setting change operation from the overall control unit 101 when the post-processing setting change operation timing is reached during printing based on a job. Is called.

  The post-processing setting change operation process is performed as follows.

  First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the stapler 23 needs to be moved.

  When it is necessary to move the stapler 23 (S501: YES), after waiting until the stapler 23 becomes movable (S502: YES), the moving direction and moving amount of the stapler 23 are determined based on the post-processing settings. Then, the movement of the stapler 23 is started, the stapler moving flag is set (S503), and the process proceeds to step S505.

  If it is not necessary to move the stapler 23 (S501: NO), the stapler moving flag is cleared (S504), and the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, it is determined whether or not the discharge trays 25a to 25c need to be moved.

  When it is necessary to move the discharge trays 25a to 25c (S505: YES), after waiting for the discharge trays 25a to 25c to be movable (S506: YES), the discharge trays 25a to 25c are set based on the post-processing settings. The movement direction of 25c is determined, the movement of the discharge trays 25a to 25c is started, the discharge tray moving flag is set (S507), and the process proceeds to step S509.

  If it is not necessary to move the discharge trays 25a to 25c (S505: NO), the discharge tray moving flag is cleared (S508), and the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, it is determined whether the stapler moving flag is set.

  When the stapler moving flag is set (S509: YES), after waiting for the stapler 23 to move to the predetermined position (S510: YES), the stapler 23 stops moving, and the stapler moving flag is set. After clearing (S511), the process proceeds to step S512.

  If the stapler moving flag is not set (S509: NO), the process proceeds to step S512 without performing anything.

  In step S512, it is determined whether the discharge tray moving flag is set.

  When the discharge tray moving flag is set (S512: YES), after waiting for the movement of the discharge trays 25a to 25c to the predetermined position (S513: YES), the movement of the discharge trays 25a to 25c is stopped. Then, the discharge tray moving flag is cleared (S514), and the process is terminated.

  If the discharge tray moving flag is not set (S512: NO), the processing is ended as it is.

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a process of synchronizing the image adjustment operation time and the post-processing setting change operation time according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The processing shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 is the processing for calculating the image quality adjustment operation time shown in FIG. 3, after “image quality adjustment operation time = after completion of i-th job printing” and after the processing shown in FIG. In the process of calculating the process setting change operation time, it is executed when it is determined that “post-process setting change operation time = after completion of J-th job printing” or “with multiple post-process setting change times”.

  The process of synchronizing the image quality adjustment operation time and the post-processing setting change operation time is performed as follows.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not it is determined in the post-processing setting change operation timing calculation process that “post-processing setting change operation timing = after J-th job printing is completed”.

  In the post-processing setting change operation time calculation process, when it is determined that “post-processing setting change operation time = after J-th job printing is finished” (S601: YES), the image quality adjustment operation time i, the post-processing setting change operation time J, And i = J, that is, it is determined whether or not the operation timings of the two coincide (S602).

  When i = J, that is, when the operation timings coincide (S602: YES), “job printing order = no change (job list registration order)” is set (S603), and “image quality adjustment operation timing = i-th (J ”After the end of job printing” (S604), the process is terminated.

  When i = J is not true, that is, when the operation times of the two do not match (S602: NO), the process proceeds to step S606.

  On the other hand, in the post-processing setting change operation time calculation process, when it is determined that “post-processing setting change operation time = after J-th job printing is finished”, that is, “multiple post-processing setting change times exist” ( (S601: NO), the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S605, a job group (JG) is created by grouping jobs having the same post-processing setting.

  For example, if the post-processing setting for job 1 is A, the post-processing setting for job 2 is B, the post-processing setting for job 3 is B, and the post-processing setting for job 4 is A, job 1 with post-processing setting A Job 4 is grouped to create JG-A, and job 2 and job 3 whose post-processing setting is B are grouped to create JG-B. If j = J is not satisfied in step S602 (S602: NO), it is assumed that the JG has already been created because the post-processing setting change count occurs only once.

  In step S606, the job group is changed to the job group execution order for printing (hereinafter, also referred to as the job group printing order) that minimizes the post-processing setting change operation time. In this case, the printing order is (P1).

  In the example described in step S605, the post-processing setting change operation time when printing is performed in the order of JG-A → JG-B and the post-processing setting when printing is performed in the order of JG-B → JG-A. The change operation time is compared, and the shorter post-processing setting change operation time is set as the print order. If the processing setting change operation times are the same, both are set as candidates for the printing order.

  In step S607, the image quality adjustment operation timing i1 and the post-processing setting change operation timing J1 when printing is performed in the printing order (P1) in step S606 are calculated. The image quality adjustment operation time i1 is calculated by the processing shown in FIG. 3, and the post-processing setting change operation time J1 is calculated by the processing shown in FIG.

  In step S608, the image quality adjustment operation timing i1 and the post-processing setting change operation timing J1 are compared, and it is determined whether i1 = J1, that is, whether the operation timings of both coincide.

  When i1 = J1, that is, when the operation timings of both coincide (S608: YES), “job print order = print order changed in step S606 (P1) (only job group change)” is set (S609). As “image quality adjustment operation time = after completion of i1st (J1th) job printing” (S610), the process ends.

  When il = Jl is not true, that is, when the operation timings of the two do not match (S608: NO), the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S611, an intra-job group change process is performed.

  The intra-job group change process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S701, the print order of jobs in the job group (JG) is changed. In this case, the printing order is (P2).

  Here, the print order of the JG changed in step S606 is not changed, and the print order of the jobs in each JG is changed. This is because, by changing the printing order of jobs in JG, the image quality adjustment operation timing may change depending on the difference in the number of image formations for each job. In the example described in step S605, when printing is performed in the order of JG-A → JG-B, the job printing order in JG-A is changed from “Job 1 → Job 4” to “Job 4 → Job”. 1 ”or the print order of jobs in JG-B is changed from“ Job 2 → Job 3 ”to“ Job 3 → Job 2 ”.

  In step S702, the image quality adjustment operation timing i2 and the post-processing setting change operation timing J2 when printing is performed in the printing order (P2) in step S701 are calculated.

  The image quality adjustment operation time i2 is calculated by the processing shown in FIG. 3, and the post-processing setting change operation time J2 is calculated by the processing shown in FIG.

  In step S703, the image quality adjustment operation timing i2 is compared with the post-processing setting change operation timing J2, and it is determined whether i2 = J2, that is, whether the operation timings of both coincide.

  When i2 = J2, that is, when the operation timings of both coincide (S703: YES), “job print order = print order changed in step S702 (P2) (change of job group and change within job group)” (S704), “image quality adjustment operation time = after i2th (J2th) job printing is completed” (S705), and the process is terminated.

  When i2 = J2 is not true, that is, when the operation timings of the two do not match (S703: NO), the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, when the image quality adjustment operation is performed at the post-processing setting change operation timing Jl (when the printing order (P1) is performed), and when the image quality adjustment operation is performed at the post-processing setting change operation timing J2 ( The number of image formations NJ2 in the printing order (P2) is calculated.

  In step S707, it is determined whether or not | NJ1-N | ≦ | NJ2-N |. That is, the number of image formations NJ1 in the printing order (P1) is greater than the number of image formations NJ2 in the printing order (P2). It is determined whether or not it is closer to the number of image formations performed.

  In the case of | NJ1-N | ≦ | NJ2-N |, that is, when the image quality adjustment operation is closer to the original image quality adjustment operation time after the post-processing setting change operation time J1 (S707: YES), “job printing order = The printing order is changed in step S606 (P1) ”(S609), and“ image quality adjustment operation time = after J1 job printing is finished ”(S610), the process is ended.

  On the other hand, in the case of | NJ1-N |> | NJ2-N |, that is, when the image quality adjustment operation is closer to the original image quality adjustment operation time after the post-processing setting change operation time J2 (S707: NO), Order = print order changed in step S702 (P2) ”(S704), and“ image quality adjustment operation time = after J2 job printing is finished ”(S705), the process ends.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart and print interruption time when continuous printing is performed based on a plurality of jobs in an image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart and a print interruption time when the jobs are continuously printed in the order of acceptance.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where the image forming apparatus 10 accepts job 1, job 2, job 3, and job 4 in this order. Here, in the state before printing, the post-processing setting is B, and the number of image formations is 150. The operation time required for changing the post-processing setting is 15 seconds when changing from post-processing setting A to B, and 10 seconds when changing from post-processing setting B to A. The image quality adjustment is performed every time the number of image formation reaches 200, and the time required for the image quality adjustment is 20 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the job printing order is changed so that the printing interruption by the image quality adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus 10 and the printing interruption by the post-processing setting change operation of the post-processing apparatus 20 are synchronized. The As a result, it can be seen that the print interruption time can be minimized to a total of 20 seconds, and the completion of printing of all jobs can be accelerated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the case of the comparative example in which a plurality of jobs are continuously printed in the order of acceptance, printing is interrupted by the image quality adjustment operation and printing by the post-processing setting change operation during continuous printing of jobs 1 to 4. Interruption occurs at different job breaks. For this reason, the printing interruption time is 55 seconds in total, which is longer than that of the present embodiment, and it can be seen that printing completion of all jobs is delayed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation timing for image quality adjustment and the operation timing for changing the post-processing setting are compared, and if both compared operation timings are different, the job timing is set so that the two operation timings match. The execution order is changed. That is, the job execution order is changed so that the printing interruption by the image quality adjustment operation of the image forming apparatus and the printing interruption by the post-processing setting change operation of the post-processing apparatus are synchronized. In this way, it is possible to synchronize both operation periods by changing the job execution order. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the printing interruption time while reducing the number of occurrences of the post-processing setting changing operation, and it is possible to improve productivity.

  Also, jobs with the same post-processing settings are grouped, and the job group execution order is changed so that the time required for the post-processing setting change operation is minimized. As a result, the print interruption time can be further reduced.

  Also, compare the operation time for image quality adjustment after the job group execution order has been changed and the operation time for changes in post-processing settings, and if the compared operation times are different, job execution within the job group Since the order is changed, the print interruption time can be minimized.

  Also, compare both operation times when the job execution order in the job group is changed. If both compared operation times are still different, post-processing setting when the job execution order in the job group is not changed The number of image formations when image quality adjustment is performed during the operation time for changing the image, and the image when image quality adjustment is performed during the operation time for changing the post-processing settings when the job execution order in the job group is changed Since the job execution order is determined in accordance with the number of formations that is closer to the predetermined number of image formations that requires image quality adjustment, the operation time for image quality adjustment is the operation time for changes in post-processing settings. Thus, it is possible to keep the print interruption time low by synchronizing with the image quality.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  The means and method for performing various processes in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of the device as one function of the device.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which calculates the operation time about the image quality adjustment of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image quality adjustment operation | movement of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which calculates the operation | movement time about the change of the post-processing setting of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which calculates the operation | movement time about the change of the post-processing setting of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of post-processing setting change operation | movement of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the post-process setting change operation | movement of one Embodiment of this invention continued from FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which synchronizes the image adjustment operation | movement time and post-process setting change operation | movement time of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the change process within a job group. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart and a print interruption time when continuous printing is performed based on a plurality of jobs in an image forming apparatus including the post-processing device of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart and a print interruption time when a plurality of jobs are continuously printed in the order of acceptance as a comparative example.

Explanation of symbols

10 image forming apparatus,
11 Scanner,
12 Image writing unit,
13 Photosensitive drum,
14 Intermediate transfer belt,
15 paper feeder,
16 Transfer roller,
17 Fixing device,
18 Paper outlet,
20 post-processing equipment,
21 punch unit,
22 folding unit,
23 Stapler,
24 Saddle stitching unit,
25a-25c discharge tray,
101 Overall control unit,
102 Job management department,
103 Operation panel,
104 image reading control unit,
105 image processing control unit,
106 image formation control unit,
107 paper feeding control unit,
108 External device I / F,
110 storage unit,
201 a post-processing device control unit;
202 paper transport control unit,
203 punch control unit,
204 Staple control unit,
205 Discharge control unit.

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus including a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium,
Management means for managing job information, which is information relating to a job for printing;
First detection means for detecting an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus that is executed at a job break based on the job information;
Second detection means for detecting an operation timing for a change in post-processing settings in the post-processing apparatus executed at job breaks based on the job information;
Comparison means for comparing the operation timing detected by the first detection means and the operation timing detected by the second detection means;
When both operation times compared by the comparison unit are different, a change unit that changes the job execution order so that the two operation times match; and
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The change unit according to claim 1, wherein the changing unit groups jobs having the same post-processing setting, and changes the job group execution order so that the time required for the post-processing setting changing operation is minimized. Image forming apparatus. The comparison means compares the operation times after the execution order of the job group is changed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the changing unit changes a job execution order in the job group when both operation times compared by the comparing unit are different. A second comparing means for comparing the two operation timings when the job execution order in the job group is changed;
When the two operation timings compared by the second comparison unit are still different, image formation is performed when image quality adjustment is performed at the operation timing for changing the post-processing setting when the job execution order in the job group is not changed Of the number of times of image formation and the number of times of image formation when the image quality adjustment is performed during the operation time for changing the post-processing setting when the job execution order in the job group is changed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution order of the jobs is determined according to a method closer to the number of formations. An image forming method used in an image forming apparatus having a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium,
A step (a) for managing job information which is information relating to a job for printing;
A step (b) of detecting an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus, which is executed at a job break, based on the job information;
A step (c) of detecting an operation timing for a change in a post-processing setting in the post-processing apparatus executed at a job break based on the job information;
Comparing the operation time detected in step (b) and the operation time detected in step (c);
A step (e) of changing the job execution order so that the two operation times match when the two operation times compared in step (d) are different;
An image forming method comprising: An image forming program executed by an image forming apparatus including a post-processing device for performing post-processing on a printed recording medium,
A procedure (a) for managing job information which is information relating to a job for printing;
A procedure (b) for detecting an operation timing for image quality adjustment in the image forming apparatus executed at job separation based on the job information;
A procedure (c) for detecting an operation timing for a change in post-processing settings in the post-processing apparatus executed at job breaks based on the job information;
A procedure (d) for comparing the operation timing detected in the procedure (b) and the operation timing detected in the procedure (c);
A procedure (e) for changing the job execution order so that the two operation timings coincide when the two operation timings compared in the procedure (d) are different;
Is executed by the image forming apparatus.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image forming program according to claim 6 is recorded.

Images