JP5355728B2 - Printing system, job processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain both high productivity and high operability as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: A printing system includes: a printing apparatus that executes printing processing of a job; a first post-processing apparatus and a second post-processing apparatus that execute post-processing of jobs. The first post-processing apparatus has a first cover and the second post-processing apparatus has a second cover. The printing system includes a control means to control the printing apparatus to execute the printing processing of the job even if the first cover remains in an open state when the job needs the post-processing by the second post-processing apparatus and does not need the post-processing by the first post-processing apparatus. The control means prohibits execution of printing processing of the job when the second cover remains in the open state even after the first cover becomes the closed state from the state where both the first and second covers are in the open state, and permits the execution of the printing processing of the job, when the second cover becomes the closed state from the condition where both the first and second covers are in the open state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system that can accept a plurality of jobs, a job processing method, a printing apparatus, a storage medium, and a program.

  Conventionally, in the commercial printing industry, manuscript submission, design assignment to the manuscript, layout editing, comp (printing presentation), proofreading (layout correction and color correction), proof printing (proof printing), composition Publications are issued through various work processes such as creation, printing, post-processing, and shipping.

  In particular, in the case of the commercial printing industry, an offset plate-making printing machine is often used in the printing process, so that the underlay preparation process is an essential process. However, once the composition is created, it is not easy to modify it, and if it is modified, it will be a considerable disadvantage in terms of cost. Therefore, when creating a composition, careful proofreading (that is, careful layout) Check and color confirmation work) are indispensable. For this reason, in general, it takes a certain period of time to complete publication of a publication.

  In the case of the commercial printing industry, many of the devices used in each work process are costly, and the work in each process requires specialized knowledge. Know-how was essential.

  In response to this situation, the recent increase in the speed and image quality of electrophotographic printing devices and inkjet printing devices has led to the so-called Print On Demand (Print On Demand) that counters the commercial printing industry. Demand: hereinafter referred to as POD)) is emerging.

  This has emerged instead of the large-scale printing machines and printing methods described above so that relatively small lot jobs can be handled in a short delivery time without using a large-scale apparatus or system.

  In the POD market, for example, by making maximum use of printing apparatuses such as digital copiers and digital multifunction peripherals, it is possible to realize digital printing using electronic data and perform print services and the like.

  In the case of the POD market, digitalization is more advanced than in the conventional commercial printing industry, and management and control using computers has become popular, so it is possible to actually issue printed materials with short delivery times. Also, there is a merit that operator know-how is unnecessary. Furthermore, recently, the image quality of printed materials is approaching the level of the commercial printing industry.

  In view of such a situation, office machine manufacturers and the like are now studying the direction of entering a new field called the POD market (see Patent Document 1). Such studies are conducted in more detail while identifying market trends. For example, printing devices and printing systems that can be used in POD environments where use cases and needs that differ from the office environment are considered. It's getting on. Assuming such a printing environment in the POD market, it is expected that how to improve productivity in the printing system will be regarded as important in the future. In addition, it is expected that importance will be placed in the future on how the printing system operator can easily use the printing system while maintaining high productivity.

JP 2005-165722 A

  As described above, for example, in order for a business machine manufacturer or the like to fully enter the new field of the POD market, the situation of the POD market is assumed as described above, and the situation that does not occur much in the office environment is dealt with. I think it is desirable. In other words, as described in the above-mentioned document, it is necessary to sufficiently study the practical application of a digital printing system suitable for the POD environment. However, assuming that the printing system suitable for the POD environment is to be put into practical use, it is considered that there are still examination items and problems that cannot be followed up only by the configuration disclosed in this document.

  For example, in a printing system configured for an office environment, when a cover unit that can be operated by an operator such as a front cover of the apparatus is open, the printing operation in the apparatus is blocked and the printing operation cannot be executed. . This configuration is sufficiently convenient, for example, as a trouble prevention measure in an office environment where there are users who are unfamiliar with the operation. That is, this configuration itself is in a situation where no concern is given to the printing environment such as an office environment. However, in the POD environment, it is expected that an operator who is accustomed to the operation and has a certain level of skill will make maximum use of the printing system. Also, in the POD environment, it is likely that more importance will be placed on how to minimize downtime of the printing system.

  Therefore, in the present invention, for example, a configuration that allows a printing system to execute a printing operation as much as possible even when a movable unit such as a cover unit included in a sheet processing apparatus such as a post-processing apparatus is in an open state. Pay attention. In this invention, the operation | movement which concerns on the said structure is called the continuous run operation | movement. However, regarding the continuous run operation to which the present invention is focused, for example, when considering the practical application of products, it is considered that various problems to be addressed are faced.

  For example, it is assumed that a movable unit of a certain sheet processing apparatus to be used in the printing system is in an open state due to a maintenance operation or a printed matter taking-out operation. Even in such a case, print processing of a job that is not affected by this is made executable. It is considered to be a first problem to provide a printing system that can maintain high productivity as much as possible, assuming use cases and needs that may occur in the future in the POD market. However, since the use cases and needs themselves as described above have not been made from the market in the first place, there is no practical use of a printing system that can cope with this first problem. Therefore, it is important to be able to provide a printing system that can cope with this first problem.

  However, in order to commercialize a printing system product that looks ahead to the printing environment such as the POD market in the future, not only the first problem can be addressed, but also the problems illustrated below can be addressed. I think it is more important to be able to provide a printing system. For example, the printing system should have been configured so as to cope with the first problem, but the printed matter to be delivered to the customer is not included in the system because the operator does not notice that the movable unit of the sheet processing apparatus is open. Making it difficult to create. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain high productivity in the system after all. As described above, the configuration is made so as to cope with the first problem, but unexpected troubles and the like, as illustrated, occur. In the present invention, it is considered important as a second problem to prevent such troubles from occurring as much as possible even when configured to cope with the first problem.

  As illustrated above, it is considered that there is still room for study in order to commercialize a printing system that can cope with the continuous run operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and makes it possible to provide a convenient printing system, job processing method, and printing apparatus that can be applied not only to an office environment but also to a POD environment.

  In particular, for example, not only can the first problem be dealt with, but the first problem can be dealt with without causing a new trouble that the second problem occurs because the first problem can be dealt with. It is possible to provide a printing system, a job processing method, and a printing apparatus that can cope with both of the second problems.

  In addition, for example, a printing system and a job processing method capable of continuously operating the printing system as much as possible by the continuous run operation as described above and maintaining both high productivity and high operability as much as possible. , Enabling the provision of a printing device.

  In this way, it is assumed that there are various situations and usage environments, and it is possible to respond to various needs from various users as flexibly as possible. Be able to contribute to

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, a printing system of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.

That is, a printing system that includes a printing apparatus that executes print processing of a job, and a first post-processing apparatus and a second post-processing apparatus that execute post-processing of the job, the first post-processing apparatus Has a first cover, the second post-processing device has a second cover, and the printing system requires the job to be post-processed by the second post-processing device and the first post-processing device. When post-processing by the post-processing device is not required and the second cover is in an open state, the printing device is controlled not to execute the print processing of the job, and the second cover Control means for controlling the printing apparatus to execute print processing of the job, even when the cover is in a closed state, even when the first cover is in an open state; Said first hippo And said second cover is Ri Do open state, the predetermined screen for prompting the close of the second cover to the operator is displayed, the first cover is information indicating that it is open When displayed on a portion different from the predetermined screen , when any cover is in the closed state, the cover in the closed state is one of the first cover and the second cover. and a determination means for determining whether a cover, wherein, when the cover became the closed condition said determining means that said first cover is determined, the second cover The display of a predetermined screen for prompting the operator to close the screen is continued, and information indicating that the first cover is in an open state is displayed on a portion different from the predetermined screen. Sealed while the printer the control the printing device so as not to execute the print process of the job by, when the cover became closed state said determining means that the second cover is determined in The display of a predetermined screen for prompting the operator to close the second cover is stopped, and information indicating that the first cover is in an open state is displayed on a portion different from the predetermined screen. The printing apparatus is controlled to execute the printing process of the job by the printing apparatus while continuing .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to cope with a problem assumed in the problem. For example, it is possible to construct a convenient printing environment that is not limited to an office environment but can be applied in a POD environment. Further, in particular, for example, not only can the first problem be dealt with, but the first problem can be dealt with without causing a new trouble that the second problem occurs because the first problem can be dealt with. It is possible to provide a printing system, a job processing method, a storage medium, a program, and a printing apparatus that can cope with both of the above and the second problem. In addition, for example, by the continuous run operation as described above, the printing system can be continuously operated as much as possible, and both high productivity and high operability can be maintained as much as possible. A storage medium, a program, and a printing apparatus can be provided. Assuming various situations and usage environments in this way, we will be able to respond to various needs from various users as flexibly as possible, and commercialize products for the future printing environment such as the POD market. Can contribute.

It is a figure for demonstrating the example of whole structure of the printing environment 10000 containing the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structural example of the inline finisher used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structural example of the inline finisher used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structural example of the inline finisher used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a control in the case of producing printed matter with the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a control in the case of producing printed matter with the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of a “large-capacity stacker” described in FIGS. 8A to 10B and FIG. 13. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control regarding the continuous run operation | movement used as a control object by this form.

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

[Description of the system configuration of the entire printing environment 10000 including the printing system 1000]
The present embodiment assumes a printing environment different from an office environment such as a POD environment in order to cope with a problem assumed in the background art. Therefore, here, the system environment of the entire POD environment site (the printing environment 10000 in FIG. 1) including the printing system 1000 will be described. Such a printing environment itself is one of the features of this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the printing environment 10000 to which the present printing system 1000 can be applied is called a POD system 10000 because it is suitable for the POD environment.

  The POD system 10000 in FIG. 1 includes a printing system 1000 of this embodiment, a server computer 103, and a client computer 104 (hereinafter referred to as a PC) as components. A paper folding machine 107, a cutting machine 109, a saddle stitch binding machine 110, a case binding machine 108, a scanner 102, and the like are also provided. In this way, a plurality of devices are prepared in the POD system 10000.

  The printing system 1000 includes a printing apparatus main body 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200 as components. As an example of the printing apparatus 100, in this embodiment, a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a copy function and a PC print function will be described. However, a single-function printing apparatus having only a PC function or only a copy function is used. Even if it is, it is good. The multi-function peripheral is also referred to as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) below.

  Here, the paper folding machine 107, the cutting machine 109, the saddle stitch binding machine 110, and the case binding machine 108 in FIG. 1 are defined as sheet processing apparatuses in the same manner as the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000. This is because this is a device capable of executing sheet processing on a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 included in the printing system 1000. For example, the paper folding machine 107 is configured to be able to execute a folding process for a sheet of a job printed by the printing apparatus 100. The cutting machine 109 is configured to be able to execute a cutting process for a sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 in a sheet bundle unit composed of a plurality of sheets. The saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 is configured to be able to execute a saddle stitch bookbinding process for a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100. The case binding machine 108 is configured to execute case binding processing for a sheet of a job printed by the printing apparatus 100. However, in order to execute various sheet processing by these sheet processing apparatuses, the operator takes out the printed matter of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 from the paper discharge unit of the printing apparatus 100, and the sheet processing apparatus to be processed In addition, it is necessary to set the printed material.

  As described above, when a sheet processing apparatus other than the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself is used, an operator intervention is required after the printing process by the printing apparatus 100.

  In other words, when the sheet processing required by a job printed by the printing apparatus 100 is executed using the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself, the operator performs the print processing by the apparatus 100 after executing the printing process. No intervention is required. This is because the sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 can be directly supplied from the printing apparatus 100 to the sheet processing apparatus 200. Specifically, the sheet conveyance path inside the printing apparatus 100 is configured to be connectable to the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200. Thus, the sheet processing apparatus 200 and the printing apparatus 100 included in the printing system 1000 itself are in a physical connection relationship with each other. In addition, the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 include a CPU and are configured to be capable of data communication. This is because the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 are in electrical connection with each other.

  In this embodiment, the control unit included in the printing system controls the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 in an integrated manner. As an example of this, in this example, the controller unit 205 inside the printing apparatus 100 in FIG. 2 performs overall control. In this embodiment, these sheet processing apparatuses are also referred to as post-processing apparatuses or post presses.

  Of the plurality of devices in the POD system 10000 in FIG. 1, all devices other than the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 are connected to the network 101 and configured to be capable of data communication with other devices.

  For example, the printing apparatus 100 causes the printing apparatus 100 to print the print data of a job to be processed, which is transmitted from the information processing apparatus corresponding to an example of the external apparatus such as the PC 103 or 104 via the network 101.

  In addition, for example, the server PC 103 manages all jobs to be processed in the POD environment 10000 by executing transmission / reception of data with other apparatuses via network communication. In other words, it functions as a computer that performs overall management of a series of workflow processes including a plurality of processing processes. The PC 103 determines post-processing conditions that can be finished in the environment 10000 based on the job instruction received from the operator. In addition, the post-processing (finishing processing) process is instructed as requested by the end user (in this example, the customer who requested the print creation). At this time, the server 103 uses an information exchange tool such as JDF (Job Definition Format) to exchange information with each post-processing device using a command or status inside the post press.

  As one of the points of interest of this embodiment in the POD environment 10000 having the above components, each of the sheet processing apparatuses is classified into three types in this embodiment and defined as follows. .

  [Definition 1] A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus satisfying both (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) listed below is defined as an “inline finisher”. Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the present embodiment.

  (Condition 1) A paper path (sheet conveyance path) is physically connected to the printing apparatus 100 so that the sheet conveyed from the printing apparatus 100 can be directly received without operator intervention.

  (Condition 2) It is electrically connected to another device so that data communication required for operation instructions, status confirmation, and the like can be performed with the other device. Specifically, it is electrically connected to the printing apparatus 100 so as to be able to perform data communication, or is electrically connected so as to be able to perform data communication with a device other than the printing apparatus 100 (for example, the PC 103, 104, etc.) via the network 101. What has been done. Those satisfying at least one of these conditions shall be matched with (Condition 2).

  That is, the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself corresponds to an “inline finisher”. This is because, as described above, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is a sheet processing apparatus that is physically connected to the printing apparatus 100 and is electrically connected to the printing apparatus 100.

  [Definition 2] A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus that does not satisfy (Condition 1) of (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) listed in the preceding paragraph but satisfies (Condition 2) is defined as “nearline finisher”. . Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called a near-line type sheet processing apparatus in this embodiment.

  For example, the paper path is not connected to the printing apparatus 100, and an operator (operator) needs an intervention work such as transport of printed matter. However, operation instructions and status confirmation can be transmitted and received electrically via communication means such as the network 101. A sheet processing apparatus that meets such conditions is defined as a “near line finisher”.

  That is, the paper folding machine 107, the cutting machine 109, and the case binding machine 108 in FIG. 1 correspond to the “near line finisher”. This is because these sheet processing apparatuses are not physically connected to the printing apparatus 100. However, this is because the sheet processing apparatus has an electrical connection relationship capable of data communication with other apparatuses such as the PC 103 and the PC 104 via the network 101 at least.

  [Definition 3] A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus that does not satisfy either of the conditions (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) listed in the previous section is defined as an “offline finisher”. Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called an offline type sheet processing apparatus in the present embodiment.

  For example, the paper path is not connected to the printing apparatus 100, and an operator (operator) needs an intervention work such as transport of printed matter. Moreover, it does not have a communication unit required for operation instructions and status confirmation, and data communication with other devices is impossible. Therefore, the worker manually carries out the transportation of the output material, the setting of the output material, the manual operation input, and the status report generated by the device itself. A sheet processing apparatus that meets such conditions is defined as an “offline finisher”.

  That is, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 in FIG. 1 corresponds to an “offline finisher”. This is because the sheet processing apparatus is not physically connected to the printing apparatus 100. In addition, this is because the sheet processing apparatus cannot be connected to the network 101 and cannot communicate with other apparatuses and is not in an electrical connection relationship.

  As described above, various sheet processes can be executed in the POD environment 10000 including various sheet processing apparatuses classified into three types.

  For example, various sheet processing processes such as a cutting process, a saddle stitch binding process, a case binding process, a sheet folding process, a punching process, an enclosing process, and a registering process are performed on a print medium of a job that has been printed by the printing apparatus 100. It is configured to be executable. In this way, the sheet processing can be executed with a desired bookbinding printing style desired by the end user (customer).

  In addition to the nearline finisher and offline finisher managed by the server PC 103, there are various other types such as a stapler dedicated device, a punching dedicated device, a sealing machine, or a book machine (collator). The server 103 grasps the device status and job status via the network 101 by sequential polling or the like using these nearline finishers and a predetermined protocol. In addition, the execution status (progress status) of each of a large number of jobs to be processed in the environment 10000 is managed.

  Note that this embodiment may be configured such that the above-described plurality of recording sheet processes can be executed by separate sheet processing apparatuses, or a configuration in which a plurality of types of recording sheet processes can be performed by one sheet processing apparatus. Further, the system may include any one of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses.

  Here, further points of interest of this embodiment will be described.

  A printing system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes a printing apparatus 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200 that can be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus 100. The sheet processing apparatus 200 is an apparatus that can accept a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 directly via the sheet conveyance path. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus executes the sheet processing requested by the user together with the print execution request via the user interface unit on the job sheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100. This point is also clear from the fact that it is the inline type sheet processing apparatus.

  Here, it should be noted that the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment can be defined as a series of sheet processing apparatus groups 200. This is because, in the present embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is configured such that a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses that are independent from each other and can be used independently are connected to the printing apparatus 100 and can be used. . As an example of this, the printing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 means that the printing system 100 includes a printing apparatus 100 and three sheet processing apparatuses. In other words, the printing system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes three sheet processing apparatuses connected in series to the printing apparatus 100. In this example, such a configuration in which a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are connected to the printing apparatus 100 is referred to as cascade connection. A plurality of sheet processing apparatuses included in a series of sheet processing apparatus groups 200 cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 are all handled as inline finishers in this embodiment. A controller 205 in FIG. 2 corresponding to an example of a control unit of the system 1000 controls the printing apparatus main body 100 and the plurality of inline-type sheet processing apparatuses in an integrated manner, and various types described in the following embodiments. Execute control. Such features are also provided. This configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Internal configuration of this system 1000 (mainly software configuration)]
Next, the internal configuration (mainly software configuration) of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the shift block diagram of FIG. In this example, the sheet processing apparatus 200 (strictly speaking, a series of sheet processing apparatuses that can be configured by a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses) of the units shown in FIG. All the units other than the group) are provided inside the printing apparatus 100. In other words, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is a detachable sheet processing apparatus with respect to the printing apparatus 100 and is configured to be provided as an option of the printing apparatus 100. As a result, it is possible to provide the necessary number of inline finishers for the required number in the POD environment. Therefore, it has the following configuration.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk 209 (hereinafter also referred to as HD) capable of storing a plurality of job data to be processed. In addition, it has a copy function for printing the job data received from the scanner unit 201 provided in the printing apparatus 100 by the printer unit 203 via the HD. In addition, it has a print function for printing job data received from an external device such as the PC 103 or 104 via an external I / F unit 202 unit corresponding to an example of a communication unit, using the printer unit 203 via the HD. . An MFP type printing apparatus (also referred to as an image forming apparatus) having such a plurality of functions.

  In other words, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be a printing apparatus capable of color printing or a printing apparatus capable of monochrome printing, and may have any configuration as long as various controls described in the present embodiment can be performed.

  The printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a scanner unit 201 that reads a document image and performs image processing on the read image data. Further, it includes an external I / F unit 202 that transmits and receives image data and the like with a facsimile, a network connection device, and an external dedicated device. Further, a hard disk 209 capable of storing image data of a plurality of jobs to be printed received from either the scanner unit 201 or the external I / F unit 202 is provided. The printer unit 203 executes print processing of print target job data stored in the hard disk 209 on the print medium. The printing apparatus 100 also includes an operation unit 204 having a display unit that corresponds to an example of a user interface unit included in the printing system 1000. As another example of the user interface unit provided in the printing system 1000, for example, a display unit of an external device of the PC 103 or 104, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like correspond to this.

  A controller unit (also referred to as a control unit or a CPU) 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the printing system 1000 comprehensively controls processes and operations of various units included in the printing system 1000. The ROM 207 stores various control programs required in the present embodiment, including programs for executing various processes in the flowcharts described later. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens on the display unit of the operation unit 204 including the illustrated user interface screen (hereinafter referred to as UI screen). The control unit 205 reads out and executes the program in the ROM 207, thereby causing the printing apparatus to execute various operations described in this embodiment. A program for executing an operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from an external device (103, 104, etc.) via the external I / F 202 and expanding it into raster image data (bitmap image data) Is also stored in the ROM 207. These are processed by software.

  A ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores various programs such as programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and the above programs. A RAM 208 is a readable / writable memory, and stores image data, various programs, and setting information transmitted from the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F 202 via a memory controller 206 (not shown).

  An HDD (hard disk drive) 209 is a large-capacity storage device that stores the image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 210. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The control unit 205 controls the printer unit 203 to print data of a job to be processed input via various input units such as the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F unit 202 via the HDD 209. . In addition, control is performed so that transmission to an external apparatus via the external I / F 202 is possible. In this way, the control unit 205 controls to execute various output processes of the job target data stored in the HDD 209. The compression / decompression unit 210 compresses / decompresses image data stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 by various compression methods such as JBIG and JPEG.

  With the above configuration, the control unit 205 as an example of the control unit provided in the printing system also controls the operation of the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 as illustrated in FIG. The mechanical configuration of the printing system 1000 including this description will be described with reference to FIG.

[Device configuration of the system 1000 (mainly mechanical configuration)]
Next, the configuration (mainly mechanical configuration) of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the apparatus configuration explanatory diagram of FIG.

  As described above, the printing system 1000 is configured such that a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100. In addition, the inline type sheet processing apparatus that can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 is configured so that an arbitrary number of sheets can be installed in accordance with the use environment in order to improve the effect of the present embodiment under specific restrictions.

  Therefore, in order to make the description clearer, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it is assumed that N sheet processing apparatuses 200 can be connected as a series of sheet processing apparatus groups. In addition, the sheet processing apparatuses 200a, 200b,... Are sequentially shown from the first sheet processing apparatus, and the sheet processing apparatus 200n is illustrated as the Nth sheet processing apparatus. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the shape of the sheet processing apparatus 200 has a shape as shown in the figure for explanation. However, the original overview has a configuration as described later.

  First, the mechanical configuration when executing the printing process in the printing apparatus 100 corresponding to the process before the sheet processing by the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 is executed will be described. Mainly, the controller unit (hereinafter referred to as a control unit or CPU) 205 in FIG. 2 causes the printing apparatus 100 to execute, and supplies a sheet of a job that has undergone printing processing from the inside of the printer unit 203 to the inside of the sheet processing apparatus 200 The paper handling operation up to the time will be described.

  Of reference numerals 301 to 322 shown in FIG. 3, 301 corresponds to the mechanical configuration of the scanner unit 201 of FIG. 302 to 322 correspond to the mechanical configuration of the printer unit 203 in FIG. In this embodiment, a configuration of a 1D type color MFP will be described. Note that a 4D type color MFP and a monochrome MFP are also examples of the printing apparatus of this embodiment, but a description thereof is omitted here.

  An automatic document feeder (ADF) 301 in FIG. 3 separates a bundle of documents set on the stacking surface of the document tray from the first page document in order of pages, and scans the document by the scanner 302. Transport onto the glass plate. A scanner 302 reads an image of a document conveyed on a platen glass and converts it into image data by a CCD. A rotary polygon mirror (polygon mirror or the like) 303 makes incident light such as laser light modulated according to the image data, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 304 as reflected scanning light through a reflection mirror. The latent image formed by the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 304 is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet material attached on the transfer drum 305. A series of image forming processes is sequentially performed on yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image. After the four image forming processes, the sheet material on the transfer drum 305 on which a full-color image has been formed is separated by the separation claw 306 and conveyed to the fixing device 308 by the pre-fixing conveying device 307.

  The fixing device 308 is configured by a combination of a roller and a belt, and includes a heat source such as a halogen heater, and melts and fixes the toner on the sheet material to which the toner image is transferred by heat and pressure. The paper discharge flapper 309 is configured to be swingable about a swing shaft, and defines the sheet material conveyance direction. When the paper discharge flapper 309 is swinging in the clockwise direction in the figure, the sheet material is conveyed straight and is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 310. On the other hand, when forming images on both sides of the sheet material, the paper discharge flapper 309 swings counterclockwise in the figure, and the sheet material is changed in the downward direction and sent to the duplex conveying unit. The double-sided conveyance unit includes a reverse flapper 311, a reverse roller 312, a reverse guide 313, and a double-sided tray 314.

  The reverse flapper 311 is configured to be swingable about a swing shaft, and defines the sheet material conveyance direction. When processing a double-sided print job, the control unit 205 swings the reverse flapper 311 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. Then, control is performed so as to feed the reversing guide 313. Then, the reverse roller 312 is temporarily stopped in a state where the rear end of the sheet material is held between the reverse rollers 312, and then the reverse flapper 311 is swung clockwise in the drawing. In addition, the reverse roller 312 is rotated in the reverse direction. Thus, the sheet is switched back and conveyed, and the sheet is controlled to be guided to the double-sided tray 314 in a state where the trailing edge and the leading edge of the sheet are switched.

  The sheet material is once stacked on the double-sided tray 314, and then the sheet material is fed again to the registration roller 316 by the refeed roller 315. At this time, the sheet material is fed with the surface opposite to the transfer process on the first surface facing the photosensitive drum. Then, the second image is formed on the second surface of the sheet in the same manner as described above. Then, images are formed on both surfaces of the sheet material, and the sheet is discharged from the inside of the printing apparatus main body to the outside through the discharge roller 310 through a fixing process. The control unit 205 can execute double-sided printing on each of the first and second sides of the job data sheet to be printed on both sides by the printing apparatus by executing a series of double-sided printing sequences as described above. To.

  The paper feeding / conveying section stores paper feeding cassettes 317 and 318 (for example, each of which can store 500 sheets) and a paper deck 319 (for example, 5000 sheets) that store sheets required for the printing process. A manual feed tray 320 and the like. As units for feeding sheets stored in these paper feeding units, there are a paper feeding roller 321 and a registration roller 316. The sheet feeding cassettes 317 and 318 and the paper deck 319 are configured such that sheets of various sheet sizes and various materials can be set separately for each of these sheet feeding units.

  The manual feed tray 320 is also configured to be able to set various print media including special sheets such as an OHP (Over Head Projector) sheet. The paper feed cassettes 317 and 318, the paper deck 319, and the manual feed tray 320 are each provided with a paper feed roller 321 so that sheets can be continuously fed in units of one sheet. For example, the sheet material stacked by the pickup roller is sequentially fed out, and the feeding is prevented by the separation roller provided facing the paper feed roller 321, and the sheet material is fed one by one to the conveyance guide. Here, a driving force for rotating the separation roller in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction is input via a torque limiter (not shown). When only one sheet material enters the nip formed between the sheet feeding roller and the sheet material roller, the sheet material is driven to rotate in the transport direction.

  On the other hand, when double feed occurs, the double-fed sheet material is returned by rotating in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, and only the uppermost sheet is sent out. The fed sheet material is guided between the conveyance guides and conveyed to the registration rollers 316 by a plurality of conveyance rollers. At this time, the registration roller 316 is stopped, the leading edge of the sheet material hits the nip portion formed by the registration roller 316 pair, the sheet material forms a loop, and skew is corrected. Thereafter, the registration roller 316 starts rotating and conveys the sheet material in accordance with the timing of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 304 in the image forming unit. The sheet material fed by the registration roller 316 is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 305 by the suction roller 322. The sheet material discharged from the fixing device 308 is introduced into the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200 via the discharge roller 310.

  The control unit 205 processes a job to be printed through the above printing process.

  Based on the print execution request received from the user via the UI unit, the control unit 205 executes the print processing of the print data of the job stored in the HD 209 from the data generation source by the printer unit 203 using the above method. Let

  For example, the data generation source of a job that has received a print execution request from the operation unit 204 means the scanner unit 201. The data source of a job that has received a print execution request from the host computer is of course the host computer.

  Also, the control unit 205 stores the print data of the job to be processed in the HD 209 in order from the first page, reads out the print data of the job from the HD 209 in order from the first page, and prints the print data on the sheet. The image is formed. Such first page processing is performed. In addition, the control unit 205 causes the sheets printed in order from the first page to be supplied to the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200 with the image surface facing downward. Therefore, immediately before the sheet is introduced into the sheet processing apparatus 200 by the paper discharge roller 310, a switchback operation for reversing the front and back of the sheet from the fixing unit 308 is executed using the units 309, 312 and the like. The control unit 205 also executes paper handling control for coping with such first page processing.

  Next, the configuration of an inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 that the printing system 1000 includes with the printing apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1000 of this embodiment includes a total of n inline-type sheet processing apparatuses that can be cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100. For example, the number of units may be set as many as possible. However, it is necessary to use at least a sheet processing apparatus configured to be able to supply a sheet printed by the printer unit 203 to a sheet processing unit in the apparatus without intervention by an operator. In other words, for example, it is necessary to use a sheet processing apparatus including a sheet conveyance path (paper path) through which a printing medium discharged from the inside of the printer unit 203 through a discharge roller 310 included in the printing apparatus 100 can be conveyed. . These restrictions are configured to be observed.

  Nevertheless, as one mechanism for improving the effects of this embodiment, the present printing system 1000 can be flexibly constructed within a range in which such restrictions are observed.

  For example, three inline type sheet processing apparatuses are connected, five are connected, and the number of connections is also arbitrary. Of course, since the utilization efficiency of the off-line type sheet processing apparatus is improved, a POD environment in which the administrator determines that the inline type sheet processing apparatus is unnecessary is assumed. For example, even when an inline type sheet processing apparatus is not used at all (that is, zero), the printing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can be used as a matter of course.

  Further, for example, when a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100, the connection order of the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses is also within a range of restrictions by a specific user such as an administrator. It is configured to be arbitrarily changeable and determinable.

  However, since the mechanism as described above is a mechanism for improving user convenience, it does not necessarily have to be an essential component. In other words, for example, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As an example, for example, a system configuration in which the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses that can be used in the printing system 1000 and the connection order of these apparatuses are uniformly defined may be used. Any system configuration or apparatus configuration is included in the present invention as long as at least one of various job controls described later can be executed.

  Note that how many inline type sheet processing apparatuses capable of executing what kind of sheet processing can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 by the printing system 1000 will be described later. .

[Configuration of the operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of the UI unit of the system 1000]
An operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) in the system 1000 included in the printing apparatus 100 of the system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 204 includes a key input unit 402 that can accept user operations using hard keys and a touch panel unit 401 as an example of a display unit that can accept user operations using software keys (display keys).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the key input unit 402 includes an operation unit power switch 501. In response to the user operation of the switch 501, the control unit 205 suppresses power consumption by stopping the program in the standby mode (normal operation state) and sleep mode (waiting for an interrupt in preparation for network printing, facsimile, etc.). (State) is controlled to be switched selectively. The control unit 205 controls to accept a user operation of the switch 501 while a main power switch (not shown) that supplies power to the entire system is ON.

  A start key 503 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to start the type of job processing instructed by the user, such as a copy operation or a transmission operation of a job to be processed. A stop key 502 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to interrupt the processing of the accepted job to the printing apparatus. A numeric keypad 506 is a key for making it possible for a user to execute various numerical settings. A clear key 507 is a key for canceling various parameters such as numeric values set by the user via the key 506. A reset key 504 is a key for accepting an instruction from the user to invalidate all the various settings set for the job to be processed by the user and return the setting values to the default state. A user mode key 505 is a key for shifting to a system setting screen for each user.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a touch panel unit (hereinafter also referred to as a display unit) 401 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit provided by the printing system. The touch panel unit 401 has a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a transparent electrode attached thereon. The unit 401 has a function of accepting various settings from the operator and a function of presenting information to the operator. For example, when it is detected that a portion corresponding to a display key in the effective display state on the LCD is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 operates the key on the display unit 401 according to a display control program stored in the ROM 207 in advance. The operation screen is controlled so that it can be displayed. FIG. 6 is an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 401 when the printing apparatus is in the standby mode (there is no job to be processed by the printing apparatus).

  When the user presses the copy tab 601 on the display unit 401 illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a copy function included in the printing apparatus. When the transmission tab 602 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a data transmission (Send) function such as fax or E-mail transmission included in the printing apparatus. When the box tab 603 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a box function operation screen provided in the printing apparatus.

  The box function is a function that uses a plurality of data storage boxes (hereinafter referred to as boxes) that can be distinguished and used for each user that is virtually provided in advance in the HDD 209. With this function, for example, the control unit 205 controls the user so that the user can select a desired box via the user interface unit and can accept a desired operation from the user. For example, in response to an instruction from the user input via the operation unit 204, the control unit 205 receives the document data of the job received from the scanner unit 201 of the printing apparatus for the box selected by the user. The HDD 209 is controlled so that it can be stored. Also, text data of a job from an external device (for example, the PC 103 or 104) received via the external I / F unit 202 is also in accordance with the user instruction of the external device specified via the user interface unit of the external device. , Storage is possible in a box designated by the user. Further, the control unit 205 causes the user to print the job data stored in the box in a desired output form, for example, by the printer unit 203 in accordance with a user instruction from the operation unit 204, or The external I / F unit 202 is controlled to be able to transmit to an external device.

  In order to allow the user to execute various box operations as described above, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display a box function operation screen in response to the user pressing the box tab 603. In addition, when the extended tab 604 of the display unit 401 in FIG. 6 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen for setting extended functions such as scanner settings. When the system monitor key 617 is pressed by the user, a display screen for notifying the user of the state and status of the MFP is displayed on the display unit 401.

  A color selection setting key 605 is a display key for enabling a user to select in advance whether color copying, black-and-white copying, or automatic selection. A magnification setting key 608 is a key for causing the display unit 401 to display a setting screen that allows the user to execute magnification settings such as equal magnification, enlargement, and reduction.

  When the double-sided key 614 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 displays a screen that allows the user to set whether to execute single-sided printing or double-sided printing in the print processing of the job to be printed. To display. Also, in response to the user pressing the paper selection key 615, the control unit 205 displays a screen that allows the user to set the paper feed unit, sheet size, and sheet type (media type) required for the print processing of the job to be printed. It is displayed on the display unit 401. In response to the user pressing the key 612, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen for enabling the user to select an image processing mode suitable for the document image such as a character mode or a photo mode. Further, the user can operate the density setting key 611 to adjust the density of the output image of the job to be printed.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 205 displays in the status display field 606 of the display unit 401 the events currently occurring in the printing apparatus, such as standby state, warming up, printing, jam, error, etc. The display for making a user confirm a state is performed. In addition, the control unit 205 causes the display field 607 to display information for allowing the user to confirm the print magnification of the job to be processed. Also, information for allowing the user to confirm the sheet size and paper feed mode of the job to be processed is displayed in the display field 616. Also, information for checking the number of copies of the job to be processed by the user and information for checking the number of sheets being printed during the printing operation are displayed in the display column 610. As described above, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display various information to be notified to the user.

  Further, when the interrupt key 613 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 stops printing of the job being printed by the printing apparatus, and enables printing of the user's job. When the application mode key 618 is pressed, a screen for setting various image processing and layout such as page continuous shooting, cover / interleaf setting, reduced layout, and image movement is displayed on the display unit 401.

  Here, an example of a further point of interest of this embodiment will be described.

  The control unit 205 allows a user to accept a sheet processing execution request from the sheet processing unit included in the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 as a setting for a job to be processed. Is displayed by the UI unit. The UI unit also causes the UI unit to execute a display that allows the user to receive an instruction for causing the UI unit to execute this display.

  As an example of this, for example, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the display key (sheet processing setting key 609) of FIG. Assume that the user presses this sheet processing setting key 609. In this case, the control unit 205 displays a display that allows the user to specify a desired sheet processing from among sheet processing selection candidates that can be executed using the inline type sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000. The display unit 401 is caused to execute. The “sheet processing setting key 609” illustrated in the display of FIG. 7 is also referred to as a “finishing key” in FIG. That is, it means the same function button. Therefore, in the following description, “sheet processing” is also referred to as “finishing”. In addition, regarding the “punching process”, in the POD environment, there is a need for various punching processes (perforating processes for printed sheets).

  Accordingly, in the examples shown in FIG. 19 and subsequent figures, “2-hole punch (processing for making two holes in the sheet end corresponding to the binding edge of the sheet)” “multi-hole punch (sheet end) corresponding to a plurality of types of punching processes. Is a process of making a large number of holes such as 30 holes). These processes can be executed by the punch unit included in the saddle stitch binding machine shown in FIGS. In other words, it may be configured such that these punching processes can be executed using other apparatuses and units. However, as illustrated above, a device corresponding to the definition of an inline finisher is permitted to be used in the system 1000, and a device not corresponding to this is prohibited from being used in the system 1000.

  For example, in this example, in response to the key 609 being pressed by the user, the display unit 401 is caused to execute the display of FIG. The control unit 205 controls to accept an execution request for sheet processing to be executed by the inline sheet processing apparatus 200 on a sheet printed in a job to be processed via the display in FIG.

  However, the control unit 205 determines the sheet processing apparatus candidates that can be selected via the display in FIG. 7 according to the sheet-mounting apparatus that the system 1000 includes. For example, in the display of FIG. 7, it is permitted to accept from the user an execution request for any one of a plurality of types of sheet processing listed below for a sheet printed by the printer unit 203. Yes.

(1) Staple processing (2) Punch processing (3) Folding processing (4) Shift paper discharge processing (5) Trimming processing (6) Saddle binding bookbinding processing (7) Case binding processing corresponding to one example of gluing bookbinding processing ( 8) Top glue bookbinding process corresponding to another example of glue binding process (9) Mass stacking process In the UI control example of FIG. 7, the control unit 205 sets the operation unit 204 so that these nine types of sheet processing become selection candidates. I have control. This is because the nine types of sheet processing can be selectively executed by using the inline type sheet processing apparatus provided in the printing system 1000.

  In other words, the UI unit is controlled so that sheet processing corresponding to a type that cannot be executed by the system 1000 is excluded from selection candidates in the display of FIG. For example, if the system 1000 does not include one sheet processing apparatus that can selectively execute case binding processing and top binding binding processing, or if the system 1000 is out of order, the keys 707 and 708 are Control to be in a selection invalid state. For example, the control unit 205 causes a grayed-out shaded display to be executed. Thus, control is performed so that the execution request for the sheet processing is not received from the user. Furthermore, in other words, when the system 1000 includes a sheet processing apparatus capable of executing different sheet processing other than the above nine types of candidates, a display for enabling the user to accept an execution request for the sheet processing The key is controlled to be in an effective display state as shown in FIG. Thereby, it is permitted to accept the execution request for the sheet processing from the user. Such display control can also be executed together with job processing control, which will be described later, in this embodiment, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user.

  In executing such control, the control unit 205 acquires system configuration information that identifies which sheet processing apparatus the system 1000 includes as the sheet processing apparatus 200. In addition, status information for specifying whether or not an error has occurred in the sheet processing apparatus 200 is also used in the above control. The control unit 205 acquires the information by, for example, manual input by the user via the UI unit, or when the sheet processing apparatus 200 is connected to the printing apparatus 100, the apparatus itself is connected via a signal line. Automatically acquired based on the output signal. On the premise of such a configuration, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to execute the display in FIG. 7 with display contents based on the acquired information.

  The system 1000 is configured to accept a print execution request for a job to be processed and an execution request for sheet processing required for the job from an external device such as the PC 103 or 104. When a job is input from the external device in this way, control is performed so that the display unit of the external device that is the transmission source of the print data displays a function equivalent to the display of FIG. As an example of this, in this example, a printer driver setting screen, which will be described later, is displayed on the display unit of the computer of the PC 103 or 104. However, when the display of the UI of the external device is executed in this way, the control unit of the device executes the above control. For example, when a later-described printer driver UI screen is displayed on the display unit of the PC 103 or PC 104, the CPU of the PC executes the control subject.

[Specific system configuration example of the printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment]
In relation to an example of the feature point of the present embodiment, the printing system 1000 can determine what kind of inline type sheet processing apparatus is capable of executing what kind of sheet processing to the printing apparatus 100. A system configuration such as a stand and whether it can be connected will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  In this embodiment, a system configuration as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B can be constructed as the system 1000 shown in FIGS.

  In the system configuration example of FIG. 8A, the system 1000 includes a large-capacity stacker, a gluing bookbinding machine, a saddle stitch bookbinding machine, and a total of three inline type sheet processing apparatuses as a series of sheet processing apparatus group 200. Means that 8A means that the printing apparatus 100 included in the system 1000 is connected in a connection order of a large-capacity stacker, a gluing bookbinding machine, and a saddle stitch bookbinding machine. A control unit 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the system 1000 centrally controls the printing system 1000 having a system configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  In this example, the large-capacity stacker is a sheet processing apparatus that can stack a large number of sheets (for example, 5000 sheets) from the printer unit 203.

  The gluing bookbinding machine of this example is a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing case binding processing that requires gluing processing of sheets when binding a bundle of sheets printed by the printer unit 203 with a cover. Moreover, the gluing bookbinding machine can also execute a top gluing bookbinding process corresponding to a sheet process for gluing bookbinding without attaching a cover. The gluing bookbinding machine is also called a case bookbinding machine because it is at least a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing the case binding process.

  Further, the saddle stitch binding machine can selectively execute a stapling process, a punching process, a cutting process, a shift discharge, a saddle stitch binding process, and a folding process on a sheet from the printer unit 203. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 causes various system configuration information related to these sheet processing apparatuses to be registered in a specific memory as management information required for various controls. For example, when the system 1000 has a system configuration as shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 205 registers the information listed below in the HDD 209.

  (Information 1) Device presence / absence information for enabling the control unit 205 to confirm that the system 1000 has an inline type sheet processing device. In this way, information that enables the control unit to specify whether or not the system 1000 includes an inline type sheet processing apparatus corresponds to this.

  (Information 2) Information on the number of inline sheet processing apparatuses that enables the control unit 205 to confirm that the system 1000 includes three inline type sheet processing apparatuses 200. In this way, information that enables the control unit to specify the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses included in the system 1000 corresponds to this.

  (Information 3) Type information of an inline sheet processing apparatus that enables the control unit 205 to specify that the system 1000 includes a high-capacity stacker, a glue binding machine, and a saddle stitch binding machine. As described above, this information corresponds to information that allows the control unit to confirm the type of the inline sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000.

  (Information 4) Information that enables the control unit 205 to confirm that one of the three units is a large-capacity stacker that can execute the stacking process of sheets from the printer unit 203. One of them is apparatus capability information that allows the control unit 205 to confirm that there is a glue binding apparatus that can execute a glue binding process (case binding process and / or top glue binding process) of a sheet from the printer unit 203. . One of them controls that the sheet from the printer unit 203 is a saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus that can selectively execute stapling, punching, cutting, shift paper discharge, saddle stitch bookbinding processing, and folding processing. Information that can be confirmed by the unit 205. In other words, there are nine types of sheet processing that can be executed in this system: stapling, punching, cutting, shift discharge, saddle stitch binding, folding, case binding, top binding, and large stacking. Information for enabling identification by 205. In this way, information for enabling the control unit to confirm sheet processing capability information that can be executed by the inline type sheet processing apparatus of the system 1000 corresponds to this.

  (Information 5) The above three sheet processing apparatuses can confirm with the control unit 205 that they are cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the order of large-capacity stacker, gluing binding machine, and saddle stitching binding machine. Information to make. In this way, when a plurality of inline finishers are connected, the connection order information of these sheet processing apparatuses in this system corresponds to this.

  Various types of information as indicated by the above (Information 1) to (Information 5) are registered in the HD 209 as system configuration information required by the control unit 205 for various types of control. In addition, the control unit 205 uses this information as judgment material information required for job control to be described later.

  Based on the above configuration, for example, assume that the system configuration status of the printing system 1000 is a system configuration as shown in FIG. 8A. The following describes how the control unit 205 executes this system configuration.

  For example, when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, all of the nine types of sheet processing can be executed by the system. This fact is recognized by the control unit 205 based on the determination materials (Information 1) to (Information 5). Further, based on the recognition result, the control unit 205 controls the UI unit so that all nine types of sheet processing shown in the display of FIG. In addition, the control unit 205 executes control in response to the following user operation.

  For example, it is assumed that when the user presses the key 701 in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a request for executing a stapling process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A to execute the stapling process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 702 in the display of FIG. 7 which is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a request for execution of punch processing (sheet punching processing) is performed for the processing target job via the UI unit. Assume that it is accepted from the user. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A to execute punching processing on a sheet that has been subjected to printing processing in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 703 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a cutting process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A to perform sheet cutting processing on which printing has been performed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 704 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a cutting process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A to perform sheet cutting processing on which printing has been performed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 705 in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, the execution request of the saddle stitch binding process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. To do. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A to execute the saddle stitch bookbinding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 706 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a folding process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 performs a folding process (for example, a sheet process called Z-folding) on which the printing process has been performed in the job, corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8A. It is executed by the binding apparatus.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 707 in the display of FIG. 7 that the control unit 205 causes the UI unit to execute, the case binding process execution request is received from the user via the UI unit for the processing target job. . In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the glue binding machine corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200b in FIG. 8A to execute the case binding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 708 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a request to execute the binding binding process for the processing target job is received from the user via the UI unit. To do. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the gluing bookbinding machine corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200b in FIG. 8A to execute the top glue bookbinding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 709 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, the execution request for the large-volume stacking process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. . In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the large-capacity stacker corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200a in FIG.

  As described above, the control unit 205 sends a request for execution of a desired type of sheet processing from the selection candidates corresponding to the types of sheet processing that can be executed by the sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000 to the UI unit. And the print execution request together with the print execution request. In addition, a print execution request for a job to be processed is received from the user via the UI unit provided in this embodiment, and the printer unit 203 executes the print processing required for the job. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus of the system 1000 executes the sheet processing required for the job on the sheet of the job that has undergone the print processing.

  In addition, as an example of the feature point of the present embodiment, the control unit 205 also executes the following control in the system 1000.

  For example, assume that the system 1000 has a system configuration as shown in FIG. 8A. In other words, it is assumed that the printing system 1000 is connected in the order of the printing apparatus 100 → the large-capacity stacker → the gluing bookbinding machine → the saddle stitch bookbinding machine. In this case, the internal situation of the system configuration is as shown in FIG. 8B.

  FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the entire printing system 1000 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIG. 8A. 8B corresponds to the device configuration in FIG. 8A.

  FIG. 8B shows an apparatus cross-sectional view of the entire system 1000. 8B corresponds to the device configuration in FIG. 8A.

  8B, the sheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 can be supplied to the inside of each sheet processing apparatus. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, each sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path that can convey a sheet via points A, B, and C inside the apparatus. is there.

  In addition, each inline type sheet processing apparatus, such as the sheet processing apparatuses 200a and 200b in FIG. A function of receiving a sheet from a preceding apparatus connected to the. In addition, it has a function of transferring the sheet received from the preceding apparatus to the succeeding apparatus connected behind the own apparatus.

  As described above, in the printing system 1000 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus that executes sheet processing different from the sheet processing required for the job to be processed transfers the sheet of the job to be processed from the preceding apparatus to the subsequent apparatus. It has a function to convey. This configuration is also an example of the feature point of this embodiment.

  Assuming the system configuration as described above, for example, when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, for a job for which a print execution request has been made by the user via the UI unit as described above, Thus, the control unit 205 executes the control exemplified below for the system 1000. Here, as a control example executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on the condition that the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a control example referred to as (Case 1) in FIG. A control example called (Case 2) in FIG. 8B and a control example called (Case 3) in FIG. 8B will be described in order.

  First, regarding the control example of FIG. 8B (case 1) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. ,explain. For example, when the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user requires sheet processing (ex stack processing) by a large-capacity stacker through print processing. Suppose it is a job. Here, this job is called a “stacker job”.

  A case where the stacker job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through the point A in FIG. 8B and causes the large capacity stacker to execute sheet processing. In addition, the print result of the stacker job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex stack processing) by this large-capacity stacker is transported to another apparatus (for example, an inline finisher located at the subsequent stage of the large-capacity stacker in the system of FIG. 8B). Instead, the sheet is held at the paper discharge destination X inside the large-capacity stacker shown in FIG. 8B.

  The printed matter of the stacker job held at the paper discharge destination X in FIG. 8B can be taken out directly from the location of the paper discharge destination X by the operator. In other words, a series of device operations and operator operations such as unnecessarily conveying a sheet to the discharge destination Z on the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 8B and taking out the printed matter of the stacker job from that position are unnecessary. .

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B corresponds to the control example shown in (Case 1) of FIG. 8B.

  Next, the control example of FIG. 8B (case 2) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Will be described. For example, in the case where the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from the user is subjected to sheet processing (ex case binding processing or , A job requiring sheet binding processing). Here, this job is referred to as a “glue binding job”.

  A case in which the system 1000 processes the glue binding job when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through points A and B in FIG. 8B and causes the glue binding machine to execute sheet processing. In addition, the printing result of the glue binding job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex case binding processing or top glue binding processing) by the glue binding machine is used as the subsequent stage of the glue binding machine in the other apparatus (for example, the system of FIG. 8B). Without being conveyed to the inline finisher), the sheet is held at the paper discharge destination Y inside the gluing bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 8B.

  The printed material of the glue binding job held at the paper discharge destination Y in FIG. 8B can be taken out directly from the location of the paper discharge destination Y by the operator. In other words, a series of device operations and operator operations, such as conveying a sheet to the discharge destination Z at the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 8B and taking out the printed material of the glue binding job from that location, are unnecessary. To do.

  A series of controls executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B corresponds to the control example shown in (Case 2) of FIG. 8B.

  Next, the control example of FIG. 8B (case 3) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Will be described. For example, when the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user is subjected to sheet processing (for example, saddle stitch binding) through print processing. Or a job that requires a punching process, a cutting process, a shift paper discharge process, or a folding process). Here, this job is referred to as a “saddle stitching job”.

  A case will be described in which the saddle stitching job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass the points A, B, and C in FIG. 8B and to execute sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine. . Further, the print result of the saddle stitch bookbinding job subjected to the sheet processing by the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is held as it is at the paper discharge destination Z of the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 8B without being conveyed to another apparatus. Let

  8B has a plurality of discharge destination candidates. This is because the saddle stitch bookbinding machine of this embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processing and has a configuration in which the discharge destination is different for each sheet processing, as will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.

  A series of controls executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B corresponds to the control example of (Case 3) of FIG. 8B.

  As described above, the control unit 205 corresponding to an example of the control unit of the present embodiment also executes paper handling control based on the system configuration information of the system 1000 stored in the HD 209.

  Information corresponding to the system configuration information includes information on whether or not an inline finisher is provided, information on the number of devices when the inline finisher is provided, and capability information on the devices. In addition, when a plurality of inline finishers are provided, the connection order information also corresponds to this.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 8 </ b> A, 8 </ b> B, and the like, the printing system 1000 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be connected to the printing apparatus 100. In addition, as apparent from the comparison between FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B described later, these plural inline-type sheet processing apparatuses are independently connected or disconnected. In any combination, the printer 100 can be attached to the printer 100. Further, the connection order of the plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be freely combined as long as they can be physically connected. However, in this embodiment, restrictions are also provided regarding the configuration of these systems.

  For example, an apparatus permitted to be used as an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the present system 1000 is an apparatus having the following configuration requirements.

  Subsequent apparatus that receives a sheet of a job that can be executed by the own apparatus itself and that does not require sheet processing by the own apparatus from the preceding apparatus. A sheet processing apparatus having a sheet conveying function to be transferred to a sheet. For example, in this example, the large-capacity stacker and the glue binding machine shown in the system configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B described later correspond to this.

  In this embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus not corresponding to the above configuration is permitted to be used in the system 1000 as an inline type sheet processing apparatus. For example, an apparatus that satisfies the following requirements corresponds to this.

  While it is possible for the device itself to execute the sheet processing for a job sheet that requires sheet processing that can be executed by the device itself, the device at the latter stage receives a sheet of a job that does not require sheet processing by the device itself from the preceding device. A sheet processing apparatus that does not have a sheet conveying function. For example, in this example, the saddle stitch binding machine shown in the system configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B described later corresponds to this. However, there are restrictions on such devices.

  For example, as described above, when an inline finisher (for example, a saddle stitch binding machine shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) having no function of conveying a sheet to the succeeding apparatus is used in the printing system 1000, the number of apparatuses used is determined. Use only one unit. However, it is permitted to use other types of inline finishers at the same time.

  For example, as shown in the system configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B to be described later, it is permitted to use a large-capacity stacker or a gluing bookbinding machine in combination with a saddle stitch bookbinding machine. However, when a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are connected in cascade as described above, the inline type sheet processing apparatus that does not have the sheet conveying function to the subsequent apparatus is positioned at the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. Install.

  For example, as shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B described later, the saddle stitch binding machine is configured to be connected last in the system 1000. In other words, as a system configuration different from the system configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B described later, this system is configured to connect the saddle stitch binding machine between the large-capacity stacker and the glue binding machine. It is prohibited to do.

  The control unit provided in the present system performs overall control of the present system 1000 so as to perform operations within a range in which the above restrictions are observed.

  As an example of this, for example, when an inline type sheet processing apparatus is connected in a connection order that violates the above constraints, the control unit 205 causes the UI unit to execute a warning display. Further, for example, in the configuration in which the user himself / herself inputs the connection order of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses via the UI unit as in the configuration described above, the control unit 205 does not perform user settings that violate the above restrictions. Control to disable. For example, grayout display or shaded display is executed in order to prevent inappropriate connection settings.

  By adopting the configuration as described above, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation of the user, malfunction of the apparatus, and the like when the configuration as in this embodiment is employed. That is, the effect described in this embodiment is further improved.

  On the premise of such a configuration, in this embodiment, the system configuration of the system 1000 is configured so as to be flexibly constructed within a range in which the above restrictions are observed.

  For example, the connection order and the number of connected inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be arbitrarily determined and changed by an operator of the POD system 10000 within a range in which the above restrictions are observed. The system 1000 executes control according to the system configuration status. An example of this is shown below.

  For example, as an example of a system configuration in which the connection order of a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses in the system configuration of FIG. 8A is changed, the printing system 1000 is configured such that a system configuration as shown in FIG. 9A can also be constructed. .

  The system configuration of FIG. 9A differs from the system configuration of FIG. 8A in the connection order of a plurality of inline sheet processing apparatuses included in the system 1000. Specifically, the printing system 1000 is connected in the order of the printing apparatus 100 → glue binding machine → large capacity stacker → saddle stitch binding machine. The internal system configuration in this case is as shown in FIG. 9B.

  FIG. 9B shows an apparatus cross-sectional view of the entire printing system 1000 when the configuration of the printing system 1000 is the system configuration of FIG. 9A. The system configuration in FIG. 9B corresponds to the internal configuration of the system configuration in FIG. 9A.

  The system internal configuration in FIG. 9B is also configured so that sheets printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 can be supplied into each sheet processing apparatus, as in the previous system configuration example. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, a sheet conveyance path capable of conveying a sheet from the printer unit 203 via points A, B, and C inside the apparatus is provided.

  Moreover, the system configurations of FIGS. 9A and 9B are also system configurations that comply with the above-mentioned restrictions. For example, as described above, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine cascade-connects each sheet processing apparatus to the printing apparatus 100 so as to be the most downstream in the sheet conveyance direction.

  Based on the above configuration, for example, when the system configuration status of the printing system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a job for which a print execution request has been made by the user via the UI unit in the above manner On the other hand, the control unit 205 executes the control exemplified below. Here, as a control example executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on the condition that the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a control example referred to as (Case 1) in FIG. A control example referred to as (Case 2) in FIG. 9B and a control example referred to as (Case 3) in FIG. 9B will be described in order.

  First, the control example of FIG. 9B (case 1) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. ,explain. For example, when the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user requires sheet processing (ex stack processing) by a large-capacity stacker through print processing. Suppose it is a job. Here, this job is called a “stacker job”.

  A case where the stacker job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B will be described. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through points A and B in FIG. In addition, the print result of the stacker job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex stack processing) by the large-capacity stacker is conveyed to another apparatus (for example, an inline finisher positioned at the subsequent stage of the large-capacity stacker in the system of FIG. 9B). Instead, the sheet is held at the sheet discharge destination Y inside the large-capacity stacker shown in FIG. 9B.

  The printed matter of the stacker job held in the paper discharge destination Y in FIG. 9B can be taken out directly from the location of the paper discharge destination Y by the operator. In other words, a series of device operations and operator operations such as conveying a sheet to the discharge destination Z at the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 9B and taking out the printed matter of the stacker job from the place are unnecessary. .

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIG. 9 corresponds to the control example of (Case 1) of FIG. 9B.

  Next, the control example of FIG. 9B (case 2) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Will be described. For example, in the case where the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user is subjected to sheet processing (for example, case binding processing or top binding processing) by a glue binding machine after printing processing. Assume that the job requires glue binding processing. Here, this job is referred to as a “glue binding job”.

  A case will be described in which the system 1000 processes the glue binding job when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through the point A in FIG. 9B and causes the glue binding apparatus to execute the sheet processing. In addition, the printing result of the gluing bookbinding job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex case binding processing or top gluing bookbinding processing) by this gluing bookbinding machine is displayed on the subsequent stage of the gluing bookbinding machine in the system of FIG. Without being conveyed to the inline finisher), the sheet is held at the paper discharge destination X inside the gluing bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 9B.

  The printed material of the glue binding job held in the paper discharge destination X in FIG. 9B can be taken out directly from the location of the paper discharge destination X by the operator. In other words, a series of device operations and operator operations such as transporting a sheet to the discharge destination Z on the most downstream side in the sheet transport direction in FIG. 9B and taking out the printed material of the glue binding job from that location are unnecessary. To do.

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B corresponds to the control example shown in (Case 2) of FIG. 9B.

  Next, the control example in FIG. 9B (case 3) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Will be described. For example, when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user undergoes sheet processing (for example, saddle stitch binding or Assume that the job requires punch processing, trimming processing, shift paper discharge processing, or folding processing. Here, this job is referred to as a “saddle stitching job”.

  A case will be described in which the saddle stitching job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass the points A, B, and C in FIG. 9B and to execute sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine. . In addition, the print result of the saddle stitch bookbinding job subjected to the sheet processing by the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is held as it is at the paper discharge destination Z of the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 9B without being conveyed to another apparatus. Let

  Note that the paper discharge destination Z in FIG. 9B has a plurality of paper discharge destination candidates. This is because the saddle stitch bookbinding machine of this embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processing and has a configuration in which the discharge destination is different for each sheet processing, as will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.

  A series of controls executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B corresponds to the control example of (Case 3) of FIG. 9B.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the printing system 1000 determines the connection order of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses that are permitted to be used as inline sheet processing apparatuses within the scope of the above restrictions. It is configured to be flexible and changeable. As described above, a number of mechanisms for maximizing the effects described above in this embodiment are included.

  From this point of view, in this embodiment, configurations other than the system configurations as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B can be appropriately constructed in the system 1000. An example of this will be described below.

  For example, in the system configurations of FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B, the system configuration including three inline type sheet processing apparatuses has been described. In the present embodiment, the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be arbitrarily determined by the user within a range in which the above restrictions are observed.

  As an example of this, the printing system 1000 is configured such that a system configuration as shown in FIG. 10A can also be constructed.

  The system configuration in FIG. 10A differs from the system configurations in FIGS. 8A and 9A in the number of connected sheet processing apparatuses. Specifically, two printing systems 1000 are connected in the order of printing apparatus 100 → large capacity stacker → saddle stitch binding machine. In this case, the internal system configuration is as shown in FIG. 10B.

  FIG. 10B is a system configuration sectional view of the entire printing system 1000 when the configuration of the printing system 1000 is the system configuration of FIG. 10A. In addition, the device configuration in FIG. 10B corresponds to the device configuration in FIG. 10A.

  The apparatus internal configuration of FIG. 10B is also configured to be able to supply sheets printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 to the inside of each sheet processing apparatus, as in the previous system configuration example. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, a sheet conveyance path is provided through which a sheet can be conveyed via points A and B inside the apparatus. Moreover, the system configuration complies with the above restrictions. For example, as described above, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine connects each sheet processing apparatus so as to be the most downstream in the sheet conveying direction.

  On the premise of such a configuration, for example, when the system configuration status of the printing system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a print execution request is made by the user through the UI unit by the method described above. For the job, the control unit 205 executes the control exemplified below. Here, as a control example executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on the condition that the configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a control example referred to as (Case 1) in FIG. A control example referred to as (Case 2) in FIG. 10B and a control example referred to as (forbidden control) in FIG. 10B will be described in order.

  First, the control example of FIG. 10B (case 1) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. ,explain. For example, when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user is a job that requires print processing and sheet processing (ex stack processing) by a large-capacity stacker. And Here, this job is called a “stacker job”.

  A case where the stacker job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B will be described. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through point A in FIG. 10B and execute sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker. In addition, the print result of the stacker job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex stack processing) by the large-capacity stacker is conveyed to another apparatus (for example, an inline finisher located at the subsequent stage of the large-capacity stacker in the system of FIG. 10B). Instead, the sheet is held at the sheet discharge destination X inside the large-capacity stacker shown in FIG. 10B.

  The printed matter of the stacker job held in the paper discharge destination X in FIG. 10B can be taken out directly from the location of the paper discharge destination X by the operator. In other words, a series of apparatus operations and operator operations such as unnecessarily conveying a sheet to the discharge destination Y on the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 10B and taking out the printed matter of the stacker job from that location are configured unnecessary. .

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 10A and 10B corresponds to the control example of (Case 1) of FIG. 10B.

  Next, the control example of FIG. 10B (case 2) corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Will be described. For example, when the system 1000 has the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user is subjected to sheet processing (for example, saddle stitch binding or Assume that the job requires punch processing, trimming processing, shift paper discharge processing, or folding processing. Here, this job is referred to as a “saddle stitching job”.

  A case will be described in which the saddle stitching job is processed by the system 1000 when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this case, the control unit 205 allows the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 to pass through points A and B in FIG. Further, the print result of the saddle stitch bookbinding job subjected to the sheet processing by the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is held as it is at the paper discharge destination Y of the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 10B without being conveyed to another apparatus. Let

  Note that the paper discharge destination Y in FIG. 10B has a plurality of paper discharge destination candidates. This is because the saddle stitch bookbinding machine of this embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processing and has a configuration in which the discharge destination is different for each sheet processing, as will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B corresponds to the control example shown in (Case 2) of FIG. 10B.

  However, in the case of the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 205 prohibits the user from accepting an execution request for sheet processing (ex case binding processing or sheet binding processing) that can be executed by the gluing bookbinding machine. This control corresponds to the control executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000 on the condition that the configuration of the system 1000 corresponds to the system configuration illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. . A more specific example of this 10B (forbidden control) will be illustrated below.

  For example, when the present printing system is in a system configuration state as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the display of FIG. 7 is executed by the UI unit, the display key 707 and the display key 708 are displayed in a shaded or grayed-out display. The UI unit is controlled by the control unit 205. In other words, the control unit 205 disables the user operation of the keys 707 and 708.

  As described above, when the system 1000 has a system configuration as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 205 prohibits the system 1000 from executing the glue binding process.

  The control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration in FIG. 10 corresponds to (prohibition control) in FIG. 10B.

  As described above, the control unit 205 executes various controls according to the number of connected inline type sheet processing apparatuses included in the printing system 1000. In other words, various controls are executed according to the types of sheet processing that can be executed by the system 1000.

  As is apparent from the description of FIGS. 8A to 10B and the like, the control unit included in the printing system 1000 corresponds to each system configuration status (number of connected inline sheet processing apparatuses and connection order) of the system 1000. The various controls are executed by the system 1000.

  An example of the reason why the present printing system 1000 is configured so that the connection order and the number of inline sheet processing apparatuses can be flexibly constructed and changed to meet user needs in this embodiment will be described. This is because all user merits are taken into consideration.

  For example, first, the reason why each inline type sheet processing apparatus permitted to be used in the system 1000 is configured as an independent casing and detachable from the printing apparatus will be described.

  As an example of this reason, for example, as a POD contractor to whom the system 1000 is delivered, a mechanism that takes into account the presence of a contractor who does not need a case binding process but wants to perform a large capacity loading process. It is.

  In other words, for example, assuming the use environment of the present system, a need for realizing all the nine types of sheet processing with an inline sheet processing apparatus is expected. On the other hand, there is a possibility that only specific sheet processing is realized by an inline sheet processing apparatus. In this way, it is to provide a mechanism for dealing with the various needs of each POD contractor as a delivery destination.

  The reason why the connection order of the inline type sheet processing apparatus permitted to be used in the system 1000 can be arbitrarily changed and rearranged within the scope of the above restrictions will be described. The reason for this is also the reason why a discharge destination is provided for each inline sheet processing apparatus by which an operator can take out the printed matter, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  As an example of this reason, it is considered that it is more convenient for the user of the system 1000 to make it possible to construct a system flexibly according to the usage frequency of a plurality of sheet processes required in the printing system 1000. Because.

  For example, it is assumed that the POD business that owns the POD system 10000 in FIG. 1 has a relatively large number of print jobs that require a case binding process, such as a user manual or a guide book, as a printing form requested by a customer. In such a usage environment, it is more convenient to construct the system 1000 in the connection order as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B than to construct the system 1000 in the connection order as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  In other words, it is more convenient to connect the gluing bookbinding machine to a location closer to the printing apparatus 100. This is because it is more effective to shorten the sheet conveyance distance in the apparatus necessary for executing the case binding process required for the case binding job.

  For example, the longer the sheet conveyance distance, the longer the time required to complete the printed material that is the final product of the job. Further, it is expected that the longer the sheet conveyance distance, the higher the jam occurrence rate inside the apparatus during the sheet conveyance operation. This is the reason.

  That is, in the case of a POD contractor who has a lot of case binding jobs as user needs, the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is more preferable than the system configuration shown in FIGS. This reduces the required sheet conveyance distance. In addition, the printed matter can be taken out quickly.

  In other words, for example, it is assumed that a POD trader other than the trader tends to have more jobs that require a large number of sheets. In this case, the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B is shorter than the system configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B in that the sheet conveyance distance necessary for creating a printed product of the stacker job is shorter. In addition, the printed matter can be taken out quickly.

  In this way, the present embodiment focuses on how to improve the productivity of a plurality of jobs in the printing system 1000 in a flexible system form that is efficient and suitable for the usage environment. In addition, a large number of mechanisms pursuing convenience from the standpoint of the user who uses the present system 1000 can be provided.

  Next, specific examples of the internal configuration of various in-line type sheet processing apparatuses that can be included in the system 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B are individually illustrated for each sheet processing apparatus.

[Internal configuration of large capacity stacker]
FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of the internal configuration of a large-capacity stacker that is controlled by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B.

  The large-capacity stacker is roughly divided into three as a sheet conveyance path from the printing apparatus 100. As an example of this, as shown in FIG. 11, one is a straight path. One is an escape path. One is a stack path. Thus, three sheet conveyance paths are provided inside.

  The straight path included in each of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 11 and the gluing bookbinding machine in FIG. 12 to be described later functions in order to pass the sheet received from the preceding apparatus to the succeeding apparatus. It is also called a through path in the inline sheet processing apparatus.

  The straight path provided in the large-capacity stacker is a sheet conveyance path for transferring a sheet of a job that does not require a sheet stacking process by a stacking unit included in the apparatus to a subsequent apparatus. In other words, it is a unit for transporting a sheet of a job for which sheet processing by the sheet processing apparatus itself is not requested from an upstream apparatus to a downstream apparatus.

  The escape path provided in the large-capacity stacker is used when it is desired to output without stacking. For example, when a subsequent sheet processing apparatus is not connected, when performing output confirmation work (proof printing) or the like, the printed matter is conveyed to the escape path in order to simplify the take-out from the stack tray, The printed matter can be taken out from the tray.

  Note that a plurality of sheet detection sensors required to detect the sheet conveyance status and jam are provided in the sheet conveyance path inside the large-capacity stacker.

  A CPU (not shown) of the large-capacity stacker electrically connects the sheet detection information from each of these sensors to a signal line for performing data communication with the control unit 205 (the sheet processing apparatus 200 and the control unit 205 shown in FIG. The control unit 205 is notified of the signal line). Based on the information from the large-capacity stacker, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status and jam inside the large-capacity stacker. As another system configuration of the printing system, when other sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected between the sheet processing apparatus and the printing apparatus 100, the large capacity stacker is connected via the CPU of the sheet processing apparatus. The sensor information is notified to the control unit 205. Thus, it has a configuration unique to the inline finisher.

  Furthermore, the stack path provided in the large-capacity stacker is a sheet conveyance path for causing the apparatus to execute a stacking process for sheets of a job that requires a sheet stacking process by a stacking unit included in the apparatus.

  For example, it is assumed that the present system 1000 includes the large-capacity stacker shown in FIGS. 8A to 10B. In this system configuration situation, the control unit 205 sends a request for executing a stacking process of sheets that can be executed by the stacker for a job to be processed, for example, by operating a key 709 displayed in FIG. Suppose that it is received from the user via In this case, the control unit 205 controls to convey the sheet to the stack path included in the large-capacity stacker. The sheet conveyed to the stack path is discharged to the stack tray.

  The stack tray in FIG. 11 is a stacking unit that is placed on an extendable stay or the like. A shock absorber or the like is attached to the coupling portion with the stack tray. The control unit 205 uses the stack tray to control stacking of printed sheets of a job to be processed by the large-capacity stacker. Under the extendable stay is a cart. When a handle (not shown) is attached, the stack output placed above can be carried to another offline finisher.

  When the front door of the stacker part is closed, the extendable stay rises to the upper position where the stack output is easy to be loaded, and when the front door is opened (or instructed to open) by the operator, the stack tray It is a mechanism to descend.

  In addition, stacking of stack output includes flat stacking and shift stacking, and the flat stacking is always stacked at the same position. Shift stacking is a method that shifts in the back direction in a certain number of copies, jobs, etc., creates a break in the output, and stacks the output so that it is easy to handle.

  As described above, the large-capacity stacker to be used as an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the system 1000 can execute a plurality of types of stacking methods when executing the sheet stacking process from the printer unit 203. It is configured. The control unit 205 executes control of such various operations on the apparatus.

[Internal configuration of glue binding apparatus]
FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of the internal configuration of the gluing bookbinding apparatus that is controlled by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B.

  The gluing bookbinding apparatus is roughly divided into three as a sheet conveyance path from the printing apparatus 100. As an example of this, as shown in FIG. 12, one is a straight path. One is a body pass. One is a cover path. Thus, three sheet conveyance paths are provided inside.

  The straight path (through path) provided in the gluing bookbinding apparatus of FIG. 12 is a sheet that performs a function for passing a sheet of a job that does not require gluing bookbinding processing of a sheet by a gluing bookbinding unit provided in the apparatus to a subsequent apparatus. It is a transport path. In other words, it is a unit for transporting a sheet of a job for which sheet processing by the sheet processing apparatus itself is not requested from an upstream apparatus to a downstream apparatus.

  Note that a plurality of sheet detection sensors required for detecting the sheet conveyance status and jam are provided in the sheet conveyance path inside the gluing bookbinding machine.

  A CPU (not shown) of the gluing bookbinding machine electrically connects the sheet detection information from each of these sensors to a signal line for performing data communication with the control unit 205 (shown in FIG. 2 between the sheet processing apparatus 200 and the control unit 205). The control unit 205 is notified of the signal line). Based on the information from the gluing bookbinding machine, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status and jam inside the gluing bookbinding machine. As another system configuration of the printing system, when other sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected between the sheet processing apparatus and the printing apparatus 100, the gluing bookbinding apparatus is configured via the CPU of the sheet processing apparatus. The sensor information is notified to the control unit 205. Thus, it has a configuration unique to the inline finisher.

  Further, the body path and the cover path included in the gluing bookbinding apparatus in FIG. 12 are sheet conveyance paths for creating case-bound printed products.

  For example, in this embodiment, the printer unit 203 executes print processing of print data serving as a text as case binding printing processing. In addition, the printed sheet can be used as a body part in an output product for one bundle of case binding printed products. In this example, the sheet bundle of the body part on which the print data corresponding to the body (content) part is printed in case binding is referred to as “body” in this example. In addition, the process of wrapping the body with one sheet for the cover is executed by the case binding process. The sheet as the cover is conveyed through a cover path. On the other hand, the control unit 205 executes conveyance control of various sheets so that the printing paper that is printed by the printer unit 203 that is the main body is conveyed to the main body path.

  Under such a configuration, for example, the control unit 205 executes a case binding process that can be executed by the glue binding machine for a job to be processed by, for example, a key operation of the key 707 shown in FIG. Assume that the request is received from the user via the UI unit. In this case, the control unit 205 controls the apparatus as follows.

  For example, sheets printed by the printer unit 203 are sequentially stored in the stack unit via the body path shown in FIG. In addition, a sheet on which body data required for one sheet of a job to be processed is printed is stored in all stacks in the stack section, and then the cover for the job required for the job via a cover path. The sheet is conveyed.

  In addition, regarding case binding, there is a matter related to one of the feature points of this embodiment. For example, in the case binding process corresponding to one example of the glue binding process in this example, the number of sheets that can be processed as one sheet bundle is one bundle in a different type of sheet process from the glue binding process. This is overwhelmingly more than the number of sheets that can be processed as a bundle of sheets. For example, the case binding process allows up to 200 sheets as a bundle of text sheets for one bundle. On the other hand, the stapling process or the like permits processing of the printing paper as a sheet process for one bundle up to a maximum of 20 sheets and a maximum of 15 sheets in saddle stitching. As described above, the allowable number of print sheets that allow sheet processing as one sheet bundle is overwhelmingly different between the gluing bookbinding process and the other sheet processes.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the inline type sheet processing apparatus to be controlled by the control unit 205 is configured to execute the gluing bookbinding process called the case binding process. In addition, a completely new finishing can be provided as a finishing that can be executed by an inline type sheet processing apparatus that is not required even in an office environment. In other words, it is one of the mechanisms assuming a POD environment, and is a configuration related to control to be described later.

  In case binding, as shown in FIG. 12, as a cover sheet, a preprint sheet on which cover data is printed in advance from the inserter tray of the inserter provided in the gluing bookbinding apparatus itself is printed. Configured to be available. In addition, a sheet on which a cover image is printed by the printing apparatus 100 itself can be used. Any one of these sheets is conveyed to the cover path as a cover sheet. Then, the conveyance of the cover sheet is temporarily stopped at the lower part of the stack unit.

  In parallel with this operation, the gluing process is executed on the body composed of a plurality of sheets on which all the text pages already stacked in the stack unit have been printed. For example, the glued portion applies a predetermined amount of glue to the lower part of the body, and when the glue has spread sufficiently, the glued part of the body is applied to the center part of the cover and is joined so as to be wrapped. In joining, the body is sent out so as to push it down, so that the body wrapped around the cover slides down on the turntable along the guide. Thereafter, the guide moves so that the main body wrapped on the cover is brought down on the turntable.

  The body wrapped in the cover laid on the turntable is aligned at the width-shifting portion, and first, the portion that becomes the fore edge is cut with a cutter. Next, the turntable is rotated by 90 degrees, alignment is performed at the width adjusting portion, and the top portion is cut. Further, it is rotated 180 degrees, alignment is performed at the width adjustment part, and the ground part is cut.

  After cutting, push it back again at the width adjustment part and put the body wrapped in the finished cover into the basket part.

  After the glue is sufficiently dried in the basket portion, the finished case binding bundle can be taken out.

  As described above, the gluing bookbinding machine includes a gluing unit that executes a gluing bookbinding process on a sheet of a job to be processed that is requested by the user to execute a gluing bookbinding process together with a print execution request via the UI unit.

  In addition, as described above, the gluing bookbinding process configured to be executable by the inline type sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a processing process as compared with other types of sheet processing as shown in the above configuration. There are many pre-configurations that should be prepared. In other words, it is completely different from the sheet processing that can be frequently used in an office environment such as stapling or saddle stitch binding, and the processing time required to complete the requested sheet processing is also different for other finishings. It is expected to be longer than that. In this embodiment, attention is also paid to such a point.

  Thus, as can be seen even if only one gluing bookbinding function is taken, in this embodiment, for example, not only in the office environment but also in a completely new printing environment such as a POD environment, the convenience and productivity have been pursued. Adopting a mechanism to aim for practical application of printing systems and products. In other words, for example, new functions that have not been dealt with in the office environment, such as a case binding function and a mass loading function, are provided as configuration requirements so that they can be used in the POD environment. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B, the system configuration itself in which a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be connected to the printing apparatus is also a mechanism for achieving the above object.

  Here, it should be noted that, for example, the present embodiment is not limited to merely having the above-described new functions and system configurations, but use cases and users that can be assumed by adopting the functional configurations. This is the point where issues to be addressed such as needs are discovered and examined in advance. In addition, one of the feature points is that it also has configuration requirements as a solution to the problem. As described above, in this embodiment, when an office machine maker enters and develops a new market, it discovers and examines, in advance, issues such as market requests for newly installed functions and system configurations, and a solution method for the issues. As a configuration, the system is also taken into consideration. Such a point also corresponds to one of the characteristic requirements of this embodiment. As an example of this specific configuration requirement, various controls are executed by the control unit 205 in this embodiment.

[Internal configuration of saddle stitch binding apparatus]
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of the internal configuration of the saddle stitch binding machine that is controlled by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B.

  The saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus includes various units for selectively performing a shift discharge process and the like for a stapling process, a cutting process, a punching process, and a folding process on a sheet from the printing apparatus 100. ing. However, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine does not include a through path that functions as a sheet conveying function to the subsequent apparatus as described in the above restriction.

  Note that a plurality of sheet detection sensors necessary for detecting the sheet conveyance status and jam are provided in the sheet conveyance path inside the saddle stitch binding machine.

  A CPU (not shown) of the saddle stitch binding machine uses a signal line for performing data communication with the control unit 205 (sheet processing apparatus 200 and control unit 205 shown in FIG. The control unit 205 is notified via a signal line that is in an electrical connection relationship. Based on the information from the saddle stitch bookbinding machine, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status and jam inside the saddle stitch bookbinding machine. As another system configuration of the printing system, when other sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected between the sheet processing apparatus and the printing apparatus 100, the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus is connected via the CPU of the sheet processing apparatus. The sensor information is notified to the control unit 205. Thus, it has a configuration unique to the inline finisher.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a sample tray, a stack tray, and a booklet tray are provided, and the control unit 205 switches the unit to be used according to the type of job and the number of discharged recording sheets. Control as follows.

  For example, when the control unit 205 performs a key operation of the display key 701 in FIG. 7, a request for executing a stapling process that can be executed by the saddle stitch binding machine for the job to be processed is made via the UI unit. Suppose you accept it. In this case, the control unit 205 controls to convey the sheet from the printer unit 203 to the stack tray side. At this time, before the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray, the recording paper is sequentially stored in the processing tray inside the saddle stitching bookbinding unit for each job, and is bound on the processing tray by the stapler. Then, the recording paper bundle is discharged to the stack tray. The stapling process for the sheet printed by the printer unit 203 in this way is executed by the apparatus.

  In addition, there are a Z-folder for folding paper into a Z-shape and a puncher for punching two (or three) holes for files, and each process is performed according to the type of job. For example, when the user sets Z-folding processing via the operation unit as a setting related to recording paper processing for a job to be output, the folding paper is executed by the Z-folder on the recording paper of the job, and In the above, control is performed so that the paper is passed through the apparatus and discharged to a discharge tray such as a stack tray or sample tray. Also, for example, when the user has set punching processing via the operation unit as a setting related to recording paper processing for a job to be output, punch processing by puncher is executed on the recording paper of the job, and Then, control is performed so that the paper is passed through the apparatus and discharged onto a discharge tray such as a stack tray or a sample tray.

  The saddle stitcher binds the central part of the recording paper in two places, and then folds the recording paper by biting the central part of the recording paper with a roller to create a booklet like a pamphlet. Process.

  The recording paper bound by the saddle stitcher is discharged to the booklet tray. Whether or not the recording paper processing operation such as bookbinding processing by the saddle stitch can be executed is also based on the recording paper processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  The inserter is for sending the recording paper set in the insert tray to either the stack tray or the sample tray without passing through the printer. Accordingly, the recording paper set on the inserter can be inserted (inserted) between the recording paper (recording paper printed by the printer unit) fed into the saddle stitch bookbinding unit and the recording paper. The insert tray of the inserter is set face-up by the user, and is fed in order from the uppermost recording paper by a pickup roller. Therefore, the recording paper from the inserter is discharged in a face-down state by being conveyed to the stack tray or the sample tray as it is. When sending to the saddle stitcher, the face is aligned by sending it back to the puncher side and then switching back.

  Whether or not a recording paper processing operation such as recording paper insertion processing by the inserter can be executed is also based on the recording paper processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  In this embodiment, as an example, a saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus also includes a cutting part (trimmer part). This explanation will be given below.

  The output that has become a booklet (saddle-stitched booklet) in the saddle stitching bookbinding section enters this trimmer. At that time, the output of the booklet is first fed by a predetermined length by a roller, cut by a predetermined length by a cutter unit, and dispersed among a plurality of pages in the booklet. The edges will be neatly aligned. Then, it is stored in the booklet hold unit. Whether or not a recording paper processing operation such as a cutting process by the trimmer can be executed is also based on the recording paper processing setting set by the user for the job to be output as described above.

  As described above, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine includes a saddle stitch bookbinding unit that executes a saddle stitch bookbinding process on a sheet of a job to be processed that is requested by the user to execute the saddle stitch bookbinding process together with a print execution request via the UI unit. It has.

  For example, when saddle stitch binding is selected by the user with the display key 705 in FIG. 7, the control unit 205 causes the UI unit to execute the display in FIG. 14. Through the display in FIG. 14, the control unit 205 controls to accept detailed settings for saddle stitch binding from the user. For example, it is possible to determine whether to actually execute the saddle stitching process for the vicinity of the center of the sheet using the staple. Also, settings such as split bookbinding, change of saddle stitching position, presence or absence of cutting, or change of cutting width can be accepted from the user.

  For example, it is assumed that “saddle binding” and “cut” are set by the user via the display of FIG. 14 executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit. In this case, the control unit 205 controls the operation of the system 1000 so that the job to be processed becomes a print format as shown in FIG. 15 as a saddle stitch bookbinding print result. As shown in the saddle stitch bookbinding printing result of FIG. 15, saddle stitching is performed, and the edge side is cut. Moreover, if the position of the saddle stitch or the position of the cutting surface is set in advance, it can be changed to a desired position.

  Also, for example, when a case binding execution request is made by the user using the display key 707 in FIG. 7, the control unit 205 prints the job to be processed as a case binding print result as shown in FIG. The system 1000 is controlled as follows. As shown in the example of FIG. 16, the cut width can be set for each of the cut surfaces A, B, and C in the case of case binding.

  In addition, the printing system 1000 is configured to be able to accept a print execution request and a sheet processing execution request for a job to be processed from an information processing apparatus corresponding to an example of an external apparatus. Hereinafter, an example of using the printing system 1000 from a host computer will be described.

  For example, when operating program data for executing various processes and controls of the present embodiment on a data supply source such as WEB or a host computer (PC 103 or 104 in FIG. 1) downloaded from a specific storage medium, Control as follows. However, the control subject is the control unit of the PC.

  For example, in response to a mouse or keyboard operation from the user, a printer driver activation instruction for operating the printing apparatus 100 of the system 1000 is given. In response to this, the CPU of the host computer displays the print setting screen shown in FIG. 17A on the display unit of the host computer. 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating examples of user interface screens to be controlled in the present embodiment.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the finishing key 1701 on the operation screen of FIGS. 17A and 17B is pressed by the user's mouse operation. Then, the CPU of the host computer controls the display unit to switch the print setting screen to a print setting screen as shown in FIG. 17B.

  Then, the CPU of the host computer determines the type of sheet processing to be executed by the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the system 1000 via the sheet processing setting item 1702 on the print setting screen in FIGS. 17A and 17B. It is controlled so that it can be selected by the user.

  Although omitted here, in the external apparatus including the host computer, instructions equivalent to instructions that can be input through various display screens described in detail in the present embodiment as screens other than those shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. Is configured to display a display screen for enabling input. In other words, processing and control equivalent to the various processing and control described in this embodiment can be executed on the external device side.

  Then, it is assumed that the user selects a desired sheet process via the setting item 1701, returns to the screens of FIGS. 17A and 17B, and presses the OK key.

  In response to this, the CPU of the host computer associates a command indicating various printing conditions set by the user via the print setting screen and a series of print data to be printed by the printing unit 203 as one job. , To the system 1000 via the network 101.

  When the external I / F unit 202 of the system 1000 receives a job from the computer, the control unit 205 of the system receives the job from the host computer by the user at the host computer. Based on the set processing requirements, the system 1000 is controlled to perform processing.

  With the configuration as described above, various effects described in the present embodiment can be obtained even in a job from an external device or the like, and the utilization efficiency of the system 1000 can be further improved.

  The control unit included in the printing system 1000 according to the present embodiment executes various controls described later on the premise of the various configuration requirements described above.

  The configuration described using FIGS. 1 to 17B corresponds to the configuration requirements common to all the embodiments described in the present embodiment. In other words, for example, various controls described in the present embodiment correspond to the configuration requirements based on the configuration.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17B, the printing system 1000 according to the present embodiment is configured not only in the office environment but also in a printing environment suitable for the POD environment.

  For example, as an example, a mechanism that can cope with use cases and user needs that can be assumed in a POD environment that cannot be assumed in an office environment is adopted.

  As an example of this, for example, in a POD environment, a POD contractor can receive various printing forms from a customer.

  For example, as described above, finishing that cannot be required as user needs in the office environment, such as gluing bookbinding processing and mass loading processing, can be realized by the inline sheet processing apparatus. In other words, the present embodiment is configured to cope with user needs other than those that may be required in an office environment such as stapling in consideration of the POD environment. Further, for example, the printing system 1000 is configured to be able to flexibly cope with a business form in a POD trader that conducts business in a POD environment to be delivered.

  As an example of this, for example, as described above, a plurality of inline sheet processing apparatuses can be connected to the printing apparatus 100, and each inline sheet processing apparatus can be configured with an independent casing and capable of independent operation. doing. In addition, an arbitrary number of sheet processing apparatuses can be connected, and the printing system 1000 can flexibly add or change inline sheet processing apparatuses.

  In this embodiment, the design of the printing system 1000 is designed with sufficient consideration for user operability. As an example of this, for example, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the operator can manually register the system configuration of the printing system 1000 in the HD 209 has been described. Therefore, it illustrates using this.

  For example, it is assumed that the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is desired to be constructed by a POD contractor as the system configuration of the printing system 1000. In this case, first, the operator of the POD trader connects the three sheet processing apparatuses shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B purchased together with the printing apparatus 100 to the printing apparatus in the connection order shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Then, the user mode key 505 of the operation unit 204 is pressed. In this case, in response to the key operation, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to execute the display in FIG. 18A.

  The display in FIG. 18A is a display for enabling manual input of system configuration information of the printing system 1000 by the operator himself. The control unit 205 enables the operator to determine the type of the inline type sheet processing apparatus to be connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the displays of FIGS. In addition, the control unit 205 allows the operator to determine the connection order of a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses connected to the printing apparatus 100 via the displays of FIGS.

  In addition, when the “detailed setting” key provided for each setting item in the display of FIG. 18A is pressed by the operator, the control unit 205 displays a screen (not shown). On this screen, the sheet processing apparatuses used in the printing system can be specified one by one. In addition, since the present embodiment obeys the restrictions as described above, this information is also notified to the operator as guidance information. For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, the control unit 205 “register the type and connection order of the sheet processing apparatus to be connected to the printing apparatus. Up to 5 units can be connected. However, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine Please connect to the end of the connected device. " Here, the maximum number of connected inline sheet processing apparatuses is five, but it is not particularly limited to this.

  Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the sheet processing apparatuses to be used can be determined one by one in order from the top of the setting items in FIG. 18A. This is determined as the actual connection order of the devices.

  Based on the above configuration, for example, when the system configuration of the printing system 1000 is changed to the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the type and connection order of each sheet processing apparatus are registered as shown in FIG. 18B. get. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18B, the setting items are set in the order of “large capacity stacker → glue binding machine → saddle stitching machine” from the top of the setting items. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, this setting order is determined by the control unit 205 as the actual connection order.

  On the other hand, for example, when the system configuration of the printing system 1000 is changed to the system configuration shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the type and connection order of each sheet processing apparatus are registered as shown in FIG. 18C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18C, the setting items are set in order from the top of the setting items such as “glue binding machine → large capacity stacker → saddle stitching machine”. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, this setting order is determined by the control unit 205 as the actual connection order.

  On the other hand, for example, when the system configuration of the printing system 1000 is changed to the system configuration shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the type and connection order of each sheet processing apparatus are registered as shown in FIG. 18D. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18D, the setting items are set so that “large-capacity stacker → saddle stitching machine” in order from the top of the setting items. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the setting order is determined by the control unit 205 as the actual connection order.

  In this way, UI control itself that improves convenience assuming an actual use case in the field also corresponds to one of the feature points of this embodiment.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18D, the system 1000 can flexibly cope with various use cases and user needs with a view to a POD environment and the like in which use cases and user needs are different from those in the office environment. It has various mechanisms for the practical application of products.

  In addition to simply having the above-described new functions and new configurations, the system 1000 executes the following various controls in order to maximize the effects of the printing system 1000. It is configured as possible.

  As an example of this, for example, a control unit included in the printing system controls the printing system 1000 to execute the following control.

  Before describing the specific control below, the configuration of the system 1000 will be supplemented.

  The inline finisher according to the present embodiment includes a door that can be opened and closed on the front surface of the apparatus housing in order to remove jammed printing paper or take out printed matter for each apparatus.

  For example, as illustrated in the internal configuration of FIG. 13, the large-capacity stacker of the present embodiment discharges paper to a stack tray (also simply referred to as a stacker unit) and an escape tray (also referred to as a sample tray) on which large-capacity printed materials can be stacked. Is possible. Further, it has a function of conveying a sheet to a subsequent finisher through a through path inside the apparatus. In addition, the tray is lowered according to the sheet stacking amount of the printed material stacked on the stack tray. In addition, it is possible to perform alignment processing of printed matter.

  The above configuration is as described with reference to FIG. 13, but as shown in the example of the device overview in FIG. 19, a door 2002 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front surface of the large-capacity stacker. In addition, a switch 2001 for an operator to input an instruction for opening the door 2002 is provided in the upper part of the apparatus casing. Control of various operations in the large-capacity stacker is performed mainly by a control unit (not shown) included in the large-capacity stacker itself. The control unit opens the door 2002 in accordance with a manual input command from the switch 2001 by the operator. Specifically, the door 2002 is locked with a key (not shown) when the door 2002 is closed, and the door 2002 is opened by unlocking the key. Thus, the printed matter loaded on the stack tray of the large-capacity stacker can be taken out by the operator. Further, not only the operation from the switch 2001 but also the door 2002 can be automatically opened by an instruction from the control unit 205 of the printing apparatus 100. At this time, the door open signal is transmitted from the control unit 205 to the control unit of the large-capacity stacker via a signal line inside the apparatus shown in FIG. In addition, when the operator takes out the printed material stacked on the stack tray of the large capacity stacker, the door 2002 is opened, and the operator takes out the printed matter.

  In this embodiment, when a printed matter of a job that has undergone printing processing is taken out from the large-capacity stacker by an operator, a subsequent job for which a print execution request has been made after the job is made to the stack tray provided in the large-capacity stacker This printing system 1000 is controlled mainly by the control unit 205 so that the sheet is not discharged.

  In other words, the printing system 1000 according to the present embodiment follows the job with respect to the sheet processing unit in the sheet processing apparatus during the operation of taking out the printed matter of the job that has been printed by the operator in the sheet processing apparatus. Control the job sheet not to be ejected.

  However, the control unit 205 performs control so that, for example, the operations exemplified below can be executed even during the operation of taking out the printed material from the stack tray of the large-capacity stacker by the operator. For example, this is an operation of discharging a sheet of a succeeding job that has undergone printing processing to an escape tray at the top of the large-capacity stacker. Further, for example, a sheet of a succeeding job corresponding to a job that does not require sheet stacking processing by the large-capacity stacker and that requires sheet processing by a sheet processing apparatus connected after the large-capacity stacker is processed. In this operation, the sheet is conveyed through a through path inside the capacity stacker.

  In other words, these operations correspond to operations that permit execution even when the door 2002 remains open. This operation is a typical example of the continuous run operation of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 so that the following various operations related to the continuous run operation can be executed by the printing system 1000. By configuring the control relating to the continuous run operation to be executable for the printing system 1000, the following exemplary effects can be enjoyed in the present embodiment.

  For example, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with a problem assumed in the problem described in the technical background at the beginning. Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to construct a convenient printing environment that is easy to use and can be applied not only in the office environment but also in the POD environment. In particular, according to this embodiment, for example, not only can the effect A described below be enjoyed, but also the effect B described below cannot be enjoyed because the effect A can be enjoyed. It is possible to construct a printing environment that satisfies both effect A and effect B without causing trouble.

  (Effect A) For example, it is assumed that the movable unit of the sheet processing apparatus to be used in the printing system 1000 is in an open state due to a maintenance work or a printed matter take-out work. For example, even in such a case, the system 1000 can execute print processing of a job that is not affected by this. The effect of providing a printing environment that can maintain high productivity as much as possible, assuming use cases and needs that may occur in the future in the POD market.

  (Effect B) Although the printing system should have been configured so as to be able to enjoy the effect A, the printed material to be delivered to the customer is added to the system because the operator does not notice that the movable unit of the sheet processing apparatus is open. Making it difficult to create. As a result, it becomes difficult to maintain high productivity in the system after all. Since such an effect A can be enjoyed, an unexpected trouble such as an example occurs. The effect of making it possible to suppress such troubles as much as possible.

  Then, according to the present embodiment, for example, the continuous run operation disclosed in the present embodiment enables the printing system 1000 to be continuously operated as much as possible, so that both high productivity and high operability can be achieved by the system 1000 as much as possible. A printing environment that can be maintained can be constructed. According to the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to provide a printing system, a job processing method, a storage medium, a program, and a printing apparatus capable of providing various exemplary effects. Assuming various situations and usage environments in this way, we will be able to respond to various needs from various users as flexibly as possible, and commercialize products for the future printing environment such as the POD market. Can contribute.

  The printing system 1000 controlled by the control unit 205 is configured as follows.

  The system 1000 is configured to be able to selectively supply a job sheet (print medium) printed by the printer unit 203 from the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 to a plurality of inline finishers. It is. The printer unit 203 is configured to be able to execute print processing of HD 209 data capable of storing a plurality of job data. In this embodiment, various inline finishers can be used as the plurality of inline finishers. For example, an inline finisher including an opening / closing unit that can be opened and closed in conjunction with an operator's operation is configured to be usable in the printing system 1000. The large-capacity stacker shown in FIG. 19 is one of representative examples. This large-capacity stacker is a post-processing device that includes a front cover (also referred to as a front door) that is an object of an opening / closing operation by an operator. The post-processing apparatus described here means the inline finisher described in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 confirms the statuses of a plurality of types of movable units configured to be able to respond to an operator's operation at the time of taking out a sheet or the like, including an opening / closing unit such as a front door of the large capacity stacker. The movable unit disclosed in the present embodiment, which corresponds to one of the representative examples of the present invention and is configured to be able to respond to the manual operation of the operator, is “movable member” or “movable part” or “movable”. It may be referred to as “component” or the like. Thus, for example, the word itself has no limiting element, but it is preferable that at least an opening / closing unit (opening / closing member) such as a cover unit is included as a representative example of the movable unit. Returning to the description below.

  Whether the control unit 205 is in the open state (open state) or the closed state (closed state) of the movable unit disclosed in the present embodiment such as the front cover and the upper cover of each inline finisher described above, The status is confirmed separately for each movable unit. At the time of this confirmation, the control unit 205 sends current status information indicating the status of the movable unit (for example, information for specifying whether the open / close unit is in the open state or the closed state) to each unit via the internal signal line. Collect automatically from.

  The control unit 205 executes control related to the job to be processed based on the status of each movable unit existing in the system 1000 and the processing conditions of the job to be processed. In particular, in the present embodiment, whether to allow the system 1000 to execute the processing of the job to be processed by the system 1000 while the movable unit is in the open state period is permitted or prohibited based on these pieces of information. The control unit 205 determines.

  For example, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that a movable unit that is not related (not affected) by the completion of processing of a processing target job for which a print execution request has been made is open. In this case, even if the movable unit remains open, the control unit 205 causes the printing apparatus 100 to start and execute print processing for the job. In addition, while the movable unit is in the open state period, the finishing process for the sheet of the job is also executed by the inline finisher required for the sheet processing of the job.

  The control unit 205 executes such control in the system 1000. This series of operations is also a typical example of the continuous run operation in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not each movable unit included in each inline finisher to be used in the system 1000, such as various opening / closing units such as a front cover and an upper cover, remains open. Is executed by the control unit 205.

  In addition, the control unit 205 can accept an execution request for a new job to be processed by the printing apparatus 100 even if any of the movable units of a plurality of inline finishers available in the system 1000 is open. To.

  If a new job is received, the control unit 205 determines whether the job requires post-processing by an inline finisher with the movable unit currently open.

  It is assumed that the newly accepted job is a job that does not require post-processing (sheet processing) by an inline finisher with the movable unit being open (hereinafter referred to as job X). This means that this job X corresponds to “a job that does not require discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the inline finisher whose movable unit is open”. When the control unit 205 makes a determination corresponding to this case (hereinafter referred to as case X), even if the movable unit remains open in the system 1000, the control unit 205 The printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start the printing process.

  If the case X is applicable, the control unit 205 causes the inline finisher to supply the sheet of the job X that has been printed by the printer unit 203.

  In the case of this case X, a system configuration in which a plurality of inline finishers are connected to the printing apparatus 100, and the movable unit of the upstream inline finisher remains open. Suppose that Further, it is assumed that the job X to be permitted to start printing is a job that requires post-processing by a downstream inline finisher further downstream than the upstream inline finisher. In this case, even if the movable unit of the preceding inline finisher is in an open state, the sheet of the job X can be supplied to the inside of the succeeding inline finisher via the sheet conveyance path inside the preceding inline finisher. To do. Such control is also executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000.

  On the other hand, if the movable unit is newly opened when the movable unit is open, the job that requires post-processing (synonymous with sheet processing) by the inline finisher with the movable unit still open (hereinafter referred to as job Y). ). This means that this job Y corresponds to “a job that requires discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the inline finisher with the movable unit open”. When the control unit 205 makes a determination corresponding to this case (hereinafter referred to as case Y), the control unit 205 prints the print processing of the job Y while the movable unit is open in the system 1000. Starting with the device 100 is prohibited.

  When this case Y is satisfied, the control unit 205 permits the printing apparatus 100 to start the printing process for the job Y on condition that both of the following two conditions A and B are satisfied. .

  (Condition A) Guidance information for closing the currently open movable unit included in the inline finisher that should perform post-processing required for job Y is notified by the UI unit of the present embodiment. The control unit 205 controls to notify the operator of the information related to the action to be taken by the operator necessary for completing the processing of the job Y using the UI unit.

  (Condition B) The control unit 205 confirms that the movable unit of the inline finisher that should execute post-processing required for the job Y is closed. This means that the control unit 205 confirms that the status of the movable unit has changed from the open state to the closed state.

  When both of these conditions A and B are satisfied, the control unit 205 permits the printing apparatus 100 to start and execute print processing for the job Y. Although this point is also a feature point of the present embodiment, the control unit 205 also executes the following control as a special point to be noted here.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 receives a print execution request for a job to be processed (hereinafter referred to as job Z) from the operator using the start key 503. At this point, it is assumed that the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the post-processing of job Z remains open. That is, it is assumed that the movable unit of the inline finisher having the paper discharge destination corresponding to the paper discharge destination required for the job Z is in an open state.

  In this example, the inline finisher required for the sheet processing of job Z is assumed to be the large capacity stacker of the inline finisher 200a in FIG. 8A. Assume that a front cover corresponding to an example of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is currently open.

  In this embodiment, prior to the input of the print execution request by the start key 503, the print processing conditions of the job to be processed can be input by the operator via the operation unit 204. The control unit 205 reads out and confirms the print processing condition data of the job Z set by the operator before the key 503 is input from the memory. Based on this confirmation, the control unit 205 specifies that the job Z is a job that requires sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A.

  Further, when determining whether the status of each movable unit existing in the system 1000 is an open state or a closed state, or determining whether there is a change in the status of the movable unit, the control unit 205 is shown in FIG. Various sensor information transmitted via a signal line inside the system 1000 is used. Hereinafter, it returns to description of a specific example.

  In this example, it is assumed that not only the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker of FIG. 8A is in an open state, but also the movable units of other inline finishers in the system 1000 of FIG. 8A are currently in an open state. In this example, it is assumed that the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine corresponding to the inline finisher 200c in FIG. 8A is in an open state.

  As described above, as the status of the system 1000 at the time when the print execution request for the job Z is input, the two movable units (in this example, the front cover of the large-capacity stacker and the saddle stitching machine in the system 1000 of FIG. Assume that the front cover is open. In this case (hereinafter referred to as case Z), the control unit 205 executes the following control as control of the continuous run operation related to the job Z.

  For example, in this case Z, even when a print execution request for job Z is input by the operator using the start key 503, the control unit 205 does not cause the printer unit 203 to start print processing for the job Z. Ban.

  At the time when this print execution request is input, the control unit 205 provides guidance information for closing the front cover of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. Is displayed by the UI unit of this embodiment. For example, here, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 of the operation unit 204 to display a display screen (for example, a pop-up screen of the screen 2404 in FIG. 24) having guidance information for closing the front cover of the large-capacity stacker.

  These controls executed by the control unit 205 in this case Z are based on the fact that the status of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker having the paper discharge destination corresponding to the paper discharge destination of the job Z is open. It was control.

  However, even if it is prohibited to cause the printing apparatus 100 to execute the printing process for the job Z in this way, the control unit 205 causes the printing apparatus 100 to perform a process for storing all pages of the print data for the job Z in the HD 209. It is allowed to execute.

  For example, as an example of this, the control unit 205 enables the document reading operation of the job Z by the scanner unit 201 and the storage operation of the read image data by the HD 209.

  As a result, it is possible to achieve an effect such that it is possible to shorten the required time required from the start of the printing process of the job to be processed to the end of printing as much as possible. Hereinafter, it returns to description of a specific example.

  It is assumed that after the display of the guidance information of job Z described above is executed, the operator who confirms the display content closes the front cover of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A. That is, assume that the status of the front cover changes from the open state to the closed state. Then, the control unit 205 that has confirmed the status change causes the printer unit 203 to start the printing process for the job Z.

  Thereafter, the control unit 205 supplies the printed matter of the job Z that has been printed by the printer unit 203 to the inside of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A, and stacks the printed matter of the job Z on the tray in the large-capacity stacker in FIG. . Thereby, the processing of the job Z is completed.

  The control unit 205 executes the above control for the job Z when the case Z is applicable. This control is as follows: “The printer unit 203 performs the print processing of the job Z without executing notification information for closing the front cover of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A (in this example, pop-up display of the screen 2404). Executing is an example included in the “prohibit” control.

  In case Z, the status of the front cover of the saddle stitching machine in FIG. 8A is open, although the status of the front cover of the large capacity stacker in FIG. Suppose the state remains.

  In this case, even if the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine remains open, the control unit 205 does not depend on the change of the status of the front cover of the large-capacity stacker. The printing apparatus 100 is permitted to execute the printing process.

  Moreover, in this case, the control unit 205 prints the job Z without notifying the guidance information for closing the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine by the operator prior to executing the printing process of the job Z. Can be executed by the printing apparatus 100.

  For example, the control unit 205 performs the printing process for the job Z that requires the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker without displaying the pop-up screen of the screen 2403 for allowing the operator to close the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine. Control system 1000 to be executable.

  These controls are controls that focus on the following points in the present embodiment.

  For example, in this case Z, the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A corresponds to an inline finisher required for post-processing of job Z, and the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 8A corresponds to an inline finisher required for post-processing of job Z. do not do. That is, in case Z, the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8A corresponds to the inline finisher of the discharge destination corresponding to the discharge destination of job Z, and the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. It does not correspond to the inline finisher of the paper discharge destination corresponding to the first.

  Therefore, the control unit 205 executes the notification process for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker that affects the processing of the job Z before the printing of the job Z is performed. In addition, the control unit 205 performs the notification process for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine that does not affect the process of the job Z without executing the job Z before the print execution of the job Z. Allow print execution.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 205 allows the system 1000 to start the print processing of the job after informing the UI unit of the guidance information related to the movable unit that affects the processing of the job to be processed. To control. On the other hand, even if a movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be processed is in an open state, the control unit can start the print processing of the job without notifying the UI unit of the guidance information related to the movable unit. 205 controls the system.

  Display control linked to such selective job control is also executed. As a result, for example, the above-described effects described in this embodiment can be obtained and the system 1000 can be utilized to the maximum while suppressing occurrence of troubles such as the following concerns (1) to (3). It becomes. Thus, the effect obtained in this embodiment can be further improved.

  (1) For example, when a movable unit that does not affect the processing of a job to be processed is in an open state, the operator is notified although the operator does not want guidance information for closing the movable unit. Resulting in.

  (2) Because of this, the operator is requested to take more than necessary treatment, and it becomes difficult to maintain high operability.

  (3) Although the movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be processed can print the job even during the open period and the system 1000 can be continuously operated as much as possible, these (1) and ( 2) makes it difficult to maintain high productivity.

  The various points described above are also one of representative examples of the feature points of the present embodiment.

  However, when a guidance information notification request for prompting the operator to close a movable unit that does not affect the processing to be processed is input from the operator himself, the control unit 205 displays the guidance information in the UI of this embodiment. To be notified.

  For example, in the case Z, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display “System” at any timing before the start of printing of the job Z, during the printing of the job Z, and after the start of printing of the job Z. The “Status / Cancel” key 617 is brought into an effective display state. At any of these timings, in response to the operator input of the key 617, the control unit 205 causes the operator to close the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine that does not affect the processing of job Z. Can be displayed on the display unit 401.

  With this configuration, for example, if the operator himself desires a method of closing the movable unit of the inline finisher that does not affect the processing of the job to be processed, it can be presented in a timely manner. Such an operability improvement effect can be further achieved in addition to the above effects.

  In the present embodiment, as the information related to the movable unit, the control unit 205 displays on the display unit 401 of the operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of the UI unit of the present embodiment that also functions as a notification unit. Are roughly classified into the following four types.

  (1) Status information for enabling an operator to be notified that a movable unit that affects the processing of a job to be processed is open.

  (2) Status information for enabling an operator to be notified that a movable unit that does not affect the processing of a job to be processed is in an open state.

  (3) Guidance information for the operator to close the movable unit that affects the processing of the job to be processed.

  (4) Guidance information for closing the movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be processed by the operator.

  In the present embodiment, of these (1) to (4), the notification information of (1) and (2) can be displayed on the status line located at the lowermost display area of the display unit 401. Control by 205. These are information that can be used as status information of the system 1000.

  Note that both the information in (1) and the information in (2) are automatically generated in response to a change in the status of the movable unit from the closed state to the open state without the input of an explicit display instruction from the operator. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that it can be displayed on the status line.

  Further, the status information of the movable unit in the open state is controlled by the control unit 205 so that the valid display state is maintained on the status line during the period until the status changes from the open state to the closed state.

  For example, even when the status information indicating that the movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be processed is in the open state is displayed on the status line, the control unit 205 performs the following (A), (B ) And (C) can be displayed by the display unit 401. A specific example will be described later.

  (A) A screen for setting print processing conditions for a job to be processed.

  (B) A screen for accepting a print execution request for a job to be processed.

  (C) A screen showing progress information during the printing process of the job to be processed.

  Further, a plurality of status information of the movable units in the open state may be displayed simultaneously on one screen. However, when displaying the status information indicating the open state of the movable unit on the status line, the control unit 205 prohibits displaying a plurality of status information at the same time, and sequentially switches and displays them in the order corresponding to the priority order. Let This specific example will also be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the notification information of (3) and (4) among these (1) to (4) is information that can be used as guidance information for prompting the operator to take an action. is there.

  However, the notification information of (3) is controlled so that the display unit 401 can display pop-up information as job information associated with a job to be processed. In addition, the notification information (3) is also controlled so that it can be displayed without the input of an explicit display instruction from the operator.

  For example, the notification information of (3) can be automatically displayed as a pop-up on the display unit 401 in response to the change of the status of the movable unit that affects the processing of the job to be processed from the closed state to the open state. Then, the control unit 205 controls. However, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display the information (3) even when an explicit instruction from the operator is input by the operation unit 204.

  In addition, the notification information (4) is controlled by the control unit 205 so that the display unit 401 can display the notification information when an explicit instruction from the operator is input by the operation unit 204. However, at least the notification information (4) is controlled by the control unit 205 so that it is not automatically displayed by the display unit 401 prior to the start of print processing of the job to be processed.

  In this embodiment, display processing by a unit having a display function as illustrated above is adopted as a notification method of various notification information to be notified to the operator disclosed in the present embodiment including the notification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which various types of notification information disclosed in the present embodiment are output by voice using a unit having a voice output function may be used. In addition, for example, a configuration in which various notification information disclosed in the present embodiment is printed out by a unit having a printer function such as the printer unit 203 may be used. As described above, any configuration may be used as long as the notification information disclosed in this embodiment can be transmitted to a user who should transmit the notification information disclosed in this embodiment, such as an operator who operates the system 1000. However, since this is an example of a mechanism that can further improve the effects disclosed in the present embodiment, it is not always necessary. Returning to the description of the above control example.

  The control examples exemplified in the above jobs X, Y, and Z are representative examples of selective job processing control and display control related to one job in the continuous run operation. A further specific example of the control related to the continuous run operation in this embodiment will be described below in the case where the system 1000 has the system configuration of FIG. 8B. The following control example is a control example related to a plurality of jobs in the continuous run operation.

  For example, assume that the control unit 205 confirms that the system 1000 has the system configuration in FIG. 8B. Further, in response to an open request from the operator via the switch 2001 to take out a printed matter of a stacker job (hereinafter referred to as a stacker job 8A) loaded on the stack tray of the large capacity stacker of FIG. 8B, FIG. Assume that the control unit 205 confirms that the door 2002 of the stacker is currently open. In a case where the two checks are performed by the control unit 205 (hereinafter referred to as case 8A), the control unit 205 searches whether there is a subsequent job in the HD 209 following the stacker job 8A.

  In this case 8A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 8A. Further, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that this subsequent job is a subsequent job that requires sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B (hereinafter referred to as job 8B). In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 8B), the control unit 205 prohibits the printing apparatus 100 from starting the printing process for the job 8B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is open. To do. In the case 8B, the control unit 205 controls the printing apparatus 100 so that the job 8B maintains the print standby state.

  In the case 8B, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is in an open state when the print execution request for the job 8B is input by the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). During the period. The job 8B corresponds to a job that requires discharge of printed matter to a discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B.

  Therefore, in the case 8B, the control unit 205 not only prohibits the printing process of the job 8B as described above even when a print execution request is input, but also closes the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B. Guidance information is automatically displayed on the display unit 401.

  That is, in the case 8B, the printing process of the job 8B is started and executed by the printing apparatus 100 without the notification of the guidance information for closing the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. It is forbidden to do. In this case 8B, on the condition that the operator closed the door 2002 after notification of the guidance information (that is, according to the change in the status of the door 2002 from the open state to the closed state), the print processing of the job 8B Is permitted by the control unit 205. In case 8B, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 8B in the printing system 1000.

  In case 8A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 8A. In addition, this subsequent job is a job that requires a gluing process by the gluing bookbinding machine in FIG. 8B corresponding to an inline finisher located downstream (downstream) from the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B (hereinafter referred to as job 8C). Assume that the control unit 205 confirms this. In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 8C), the control unit 205 allows the printing apparatus 100 to start the printing process of the job 8C while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. To do.

  For example, in the case 8C, the control unit 205 reads the print data of the job 8C from the HD 209 and causes the printer unit 203 to print it while maintaining the state in which the stacker door 2002 in FIG. 8B is opened. In the case 8C, the control unit 205 maintains the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 8B is opened, and the control unit 205 converts the sheet on which the print data of the job 8C is printed by the printer unit 203 in FIG. 8B. It passes through a series of transport paths from point A to the through path inside the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B to point B in FIG. 8B. In this way, the control unit 205 performs the sheet supply operation of the job 8C from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 to the inside of the glue binding apparatus in FIG. 8B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is in the open state. Is executed by the system 1000. In the case of the case 8C, the control unit 205 applies the sheet (print medium) of the job 8C supplied from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. The glue binding process is executed by the glue binding machine of FIG. 8B. Accordingly, the control unit 205 completes the processing of the job 8C in the system 1000 while maintaining the state in which the stacker door 2002 in FIG. 8B is opened.

  Even in the case 8C, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is opened when the print execution request for the job 8C is input by the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). State. However, the job 8C corresponds to a job that does not require discharge of the printed material to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B.

  Therefore, in the case 8C, when the print execution request of the job 8C is input by the operator in the UI unit, guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002 of the large capacity stacker in FIG. Display is prohibited. In the case 8C, the printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start the printing process of the job 8C even when the door 2002 remains open.

  That is, in the case 8C, the printing process of the job 8C is performed without causing the operation unit 204 to automatically execute guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B. Allow to start with.

  In the case of the case 8C, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 8C in the printing system 1000.

  In case 8A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 8A. In addition, this subsequent job is a subsequent job (hereinafter referred to as job 8D) that requires sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. Assume that the control unit 205 confirms. In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 8D), the control unit 205 permits the printing apparatus 100 to start the printing process of the job 8D while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is in the open state period. To do.

  For example, in the case 8D, the control unit 205 reads the print data of the job 8D from the HD 209 and causes the printer unit 203 to print it while maintaining the state in which the stacker door 2002 in FIG. 8B is opened. In the case 8D, the control unit 205 maintains the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 8B is opened, and the control unit 205 displays the sheet on which the print data of the job 8D is printed by the printer unit 203 in FIG. 8B. It passes through a series of transport paths from point A to a through path inside the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B to point B in FIG. 8B to point C in FIG. 8B. In this way, the control unit 205 supplies the sheet of the job 8D from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 to the inside of the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 8B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is open. The operation is executed by the system 1000. In the case 8D, the control unit 205 applies the sheet (print medium) of the job 8D supplied from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 8B is opened. The sheet processing is executed by the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 8B. Thus, the control unit 205 completes the processing of the job 8D in the system 1000 while maintaining the state in which the stacker door 2002 of FIG. 8B is opened.

  Even in the case 8D, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B is opened when the print execution request for the job 8D is input by the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). State. However, similarly to the job 8C, the job 8D corresponds to a job that does not require discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B.

  Therefore, even in this case 8D, when the print execution request for the job 8D is input by the operator in the UI unit, guidance information for closing the large-capacity stacker door 2002 in FIG. It is prohibited to display on In the case 8D, the printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start the printing process of the job 8D even if the door 2002 remains open.

  That is, also in the case 8D, the printing process of the job 8D is performed without causing the operation unit 204 to automatically execute guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 8B. Allow 100 to start.

  When the case 8D is applicable, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 8D in the printing system 1000.

  As in the above-described three types of control examples in case 8B, case 8C, and case 8D, in this embodiment, selective processing is performed based on the processing conditions of the job to be processed and the status information of the movable unit of the system 1000. The control unit 205 executes job control. In addition, in conjunction with the job control, the control unit 205 selectively executes display control based on the processing conditions of the job to be processed and the status information of the movable unit.

  Next, a further specific example of a control example related to a plurality of jobs in the continuous run operation will be described below.

  For example, assume that the control unit 205 confirms that the system 1000 has the system configuration in FIG. 9B. Further, in response to an open request made by the operator via the switch 2001 in order to take out the printed matter of the stacker job (hereinafter referred to as the stacker job 9A) loaded on the stack tray of the large capacity stacker of FIG. 9B, FIG. Assume that the control unit 205 confirms that the door 2002 of the stacker is currently open. In a case where the two checks are performed by the control unit 205 (hereinafter referred to as case 9A), the control unit 205 searches the HD 209 for a subsequent job following the stacker job 9A.

  In the case 9A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 9A. Further, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that this subsequent job is a subsequent job that requires sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B (hereinafter referred to as job 9B). In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 9B), the control unit 205 prohibits the printing apparatus 100 from starting the printing process for the job 9B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. To do. In the case 9B, the control unit 205 controls the printing apparatus 100 so that the job 9B maintains the print standby state.

  In the case 9B, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is in an open state when the print execution request for the job 9B is input by the operator in the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). During the period. The job 9B corresponds to a job that requires discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B.

  Therefore, in the case 9B, even if a print execution request is input, the print processing of the job 9B is not prohibited as described above, but guidance information for closing the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B by the operator is provided. Displayed automatically by the display unit 401.

  That is, in the case of the case 9B, it is prohibited to cause the printing apparatus 100 to execute the printing process of the job 9B without causing the operation unit 204 to automatically execute guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002. To do.

  In the case 9B, on the condition that the operator closes the door 2002 after the information is notified (that is, according to the status of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B changing from the open state to the closed state). And the execution of the printing process of the job 9B is permitted.

  When the case 9B is applicable, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 9B in the printing system 1000.

  In the case 9A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 9A. In addition, this succeeding job is a succeeding job (hereinafter, referred to as job 9C) that requires the pasting process by the pasting and binding machine in FIG. 9B corresponding to the inline finisher positioned upstream (upstream side) of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B. Assume that the control unit 205 confirms that there is something. In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 9C), the control unit 205 permits the printing apparatus 100 to start the printing process for the job 9C while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is open. To do.

  For example, in the case 9C, the control unit 205 reads the print data of the job 9C from the HD 209 and causes the printer unit 203 to print it while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 9B is opened. Further, in the case 9C, the control unit 205 maintains the state in which the stacker door 2002 of FIG. 9B is opened, and the control unit 205 uses the printer unit 203 to print the sheet on which the print data of the job 9C is printed. Pass through point A. In this way, the control unit 205 performs sheet supply operation of the job 9C from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 to the inside of the glue binding apparatus in FIG. 9B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is in the open state. Is executed by the system 1000.

  In the case 9C, the control unit 205 applies the sheet (print medium) of the job 9C supplied from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 9B is opened. The glue binding process is executed by the glue binding machine in FIG. 9B. Accordingly, the control unit 205 completes the processing in the system 1000 of the job 9C while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 9B is opened.

  Even in the case 9C, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is opened when a print execution request for the job 9C is input by the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). State. However, the job 9C corresponds to a job that does not require discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B.

  Therefore, in the case 9C, when the print execution request for the job 9C is input by the operator in the UI unit, guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. Display is prohibited. In the case 9C, the printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start the printing process of the job 9C even when the door 2002 remains open.

  That is, in case 9C, the printing apparatus 100 starts the printing process of the job 9C without automatically informing the operator 204 of guidance information for closing the door 2002 of the large capacity stacker in FIG. Allow that.

  In the case of the case 9C, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 9C in the printing system 1000.

  In the case 9A, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that there is a subsequent job that has received a print execution request after the job 9A. In addition, this subsequent job is a subsequent job (hereinafter referred to as job 9D) that requires sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 9B, which corresponds to an inline finisher positioned after the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B. Assume that the control unit 205 confirms. In this case (hereinafter referred to as case 9D), the control unit 205 allows the printing apparatus 100 to start the printing process of the job 9D while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is in the open state period. To do.

  For example, in the case 9D, the control unit 205 reads the print data of the job 9D from the HD 209 and causes the printer unit 203 to print it while maintaining the state in which the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 9B is opened. In the case 9D, the control unit 205 maintains a state in which the stacker door 2002 in FIG. 9B is opened, and the control unit 205 uses the printer unit 203 to print a sheet on which the print data of the job 9D has been printed. It passes through a series of transport paths from point A to point B in FIG. 9B to through path in the large capacity stacker in FIG. 9B to point C in FIG. 9B. In this way, the control unit 205 supplies the sheet of the job 9D from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 to the inside of the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 9B while the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is open. The operation is executed by the system 1000. In the case of the case 9D, sheet processing (for example, saddle stitch binding) for the sheet (printing medium) of the job 9D supplied from the inside of the printing apparatus 100 while the open state of the door 2002 of the stacker in FIG. 9B is maintained. 9B is executed by the saddle stitch binding machine in FIG. 9B. Accordingly, the control unit 205 completes the processing of the job 9D in the system 1000 while maintaining the state in which the stacker door 2002 of FIG. 9B is opened.

  Even in the case 9D, the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B is opened when a print execution request for the job 9D is input by the UI unit (for example, when the start key 503 is pressed). State. However, similarly to job 9C, job 9D corresponds to a job that does not require discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B.

  Therefore, even in the case 9D, when the print execution request for the job 9D is input by the UI unit, the display unit 401 displays guidance information for causing the operator to close the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. 9B. It is prohibited to display automatically. In the case 9D, the printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start the printing process of the job 9D even when the door 2002 remains open.

  That is, also in the case 9D, the printing apparatus 100 performs the printing process of the job 9D without causing the operation unit 204 to automatically notify the guidance information for closing the door 2002 of the large-capacity stacker in FIG. Allow to start.

  When the case 9D is applicable, the control unit 205 executes such control for the job 9D in the printing system 1000.

  Various types of job control and display control illustrated using the above cases 8A to 9D are also representative examples of control in the continuous run operation. This means that it is one of the representative examples in the configuration in which the following control can be executed for the system 1000.

  For example, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 100 accepts a print execution request for a first job that requires sheet processing by a sheet processing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a first sheet processing apparatus) that requires an opening operation of the movable unit in the sheet extraction operation by the operator. Thereafter, it is assumed that after the printing process of the first job is performed, the printing apparatus 100 accepts a print execution request for the second job as a subsequent job.

  Assume that the second job received after the first job corresponds to a job that requires sheet processing by the first sheet processing apparatus to be used in sheet processing of the first job. Further, it is assumed that the status of the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus remains open. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a first case.

  When the control unit 205 makes a determination corresponding to the first case, the control unit 205 executes the printing process of the second job by the printing apparatus 100 while the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus is in an open state. It is prohibited to do. In addition, in the case of the first case, when the print execution request for the second job is input, the control unit 205 provides guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus. To automatically notify. That is, in the case of the first case, even if a print execution request for the second job is input, the print processing for the second job is printed without causing the operation unit 204 to automatically notify the guidance information. Execution by the device 100 is prohibited.

  The control executed in the first case is executed by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the second job does not correspond to a job that requires sheet processing by the first sheet processing apparatus to be used in the sheet processing of the first job. However, the status of the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus is assumed to remain open. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a second case.

  When the control unit 205 makes a determination corresponding to the second case, the control unit 205 performs the printing process of the second job while the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus is opened. Is allowed to execute. In addition, in the case of the second case, when a print execution request for the second job is input, guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus is automatically notified by the UI unit. It is forbidden to do. That is, in the case of the second case, when the print execution request for the second job is input, the printing apparatus 100 performs the print processing of the second job without automatically informing the guidance information by the UI unit. Allow to start.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 executes the control executed in the second case.

  In the second case, all the sheets of the second job that have undergone the printing process are used for the sheet processing of the second job, even if the movable unit of the first sheet processing apparatus remains open. It is conveyed inside the apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a second sheet processing apparatus). Further, the sheet processing required for the second job is executed by the second sheet processing apparatus for one bundle of sheets of the second job while the movable unit is kept open.

  In the present embodiment, the control under the above situation is also executed by the control unit 205 for the system 1000.

  As described above, a mechanism for improving both productivity and operability as much as possible in the printing system 1000 as in the control examples disclosed in the cases 8A to 9D and the first case and the second case, It is an example of control of the continuous run operation disclosed in the present embodiment.

  In addition, as can be seen from the comparison of the control example using FIG. 8B and the control example using FIG. 9B, the control section The job control to be executed is changed according to 205. Also in this control, the control unit 205 uses the system configuration information described at the beginning, the status information of each inline finisher, and the print processing condition information of each job for which the printing apparatus 100 has received a print execution request. Various control examples to be described later are also related to the continuous run operation.

  Note that the sheet processing (synonymous with post-processing) described in this embodiment is an execution request for a job to be processed by an operator on the UI screen in FIG. 7 or the UI screen in FIG. 17B, for example. Means post-processing (sorting, stapling, cutting, shift paper discharge, saddle stitch binding, folding processing, case binding processing, top binding binding processing, mass stacking processing) and the like to be performed. However, sheet conveyance processing such as conveying a print medium in the sheet conveyance path inside the system 1000 does not correspond to “sheet processing required for a job to be processed (post-processing)” described in this embodiment. .

  As one of the controls for the above-described continuous run operation, the control unit 205 prohibits the start of the print operation of a subsequent job for which a print execution request has been made after a job to be taken out of a sheet by an operator from the sheet processing apparatus. Or allow. In addition, display control linked to this can be executed by the control unit 205.

  The configuration as described above is also one of the representative examples of the configuration based on the configuration unique to the inline finisher that is physically connected to the printing apparatus and is electrically connected.

  Based on the above configuration, the control unit 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the printing system 1000 executes the following control.

  In addition, before explaining exemplary control below, it supplements here about a prerequisite component.

  As a premise, the system 1000 includes a printing apparatus 100 including a printer unit 203 capable of executing print processing of HD 209 data capable of storing a plurality of job data. In addition, the system 1000 includes a plurality of sheet processing units 200 a to 200 n that can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 and can execute sheet processing on sheets of jobs printed by the printer unit 203. Each of these sheet processing apparatuses is configured so that an operator can take out a printed matter that has been subjected to sheet processing by itself. In addition, the system 1000 is configured to selectively supply sheets of jobs printed by the printer unit 203 from the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 to the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses. Yes.

  The control unit 205 corresponding to an example of the control unit of the present embodiment is based on the above system configuration, and executes control as illustrated below.

  Here, the display method on the display means when the cover is opened, which is a feature of the present embodiment, and how the control unit 205 controls the job operation control will be described below. In order to explain more specifically, the system configuration of a printing system in which a large-capacity stacker 200a, a gluing bookbinding machine 200b, and a saddle stitch bookbinding machine 200c are connected to the printing apparatus main body 100 in FIGS. 8A and 8B in this order. This case will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and subsequent drawings.

  First, display control executed by the control unit 205 on the condition that the printing apparatus 100 is in the cover open state when there is no job to be printed by the system 1000 will be described. The cover open state of the printing apparatus 100 means that the cover unit of the printing apparatus 100 itself is open, which corresponds to an example of a movable unit that can be manually operated by an operator disclosed in the present embodiment. Here, the front cover of the casing of the printing apparatus 100 is taken as an example. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control executed by the control unit 205 on the touch panel unit 401 (display unit) of the operation unit 204 when the cover of the printing apparatus main body 100 is open. In the figure, 2011 is a display screen that the control unit 205 displays on the display unit 401 on condition that there is no job to be processed and the printing apparatus 100 is in a standby state. When the state of the system 1000 is this state, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 so that a new job can be submitted.

  When the operator opens the cover of the printing apparatus 100 while the screen 2011 is displayed, the control unit 205 receives information indicating that via the internal signal line. In response to this information notification, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen display 2012 that prompts the user to close the cover.

  As described above, when the movable unit that can respond to the manual operation of the operator included in the printing apparatus 100 is in the open state, the control unit 205 does not allow a new job to be input to the printing apparatus 100. Restrict (prohibit) acceptance of print execution requests. As described above, when the cover of the printing apparatus 100 itself is opened, the control unit 205 prohibits the printing apparatus 100 from executing the printing process even if other sheet processing apparatus groups are operable. In addition, when the cover of the apparatus 100 is opened, the control unit 205 controls to prohibit all operations of all jobs that require printing processing. For this purpose, the control unit 205 controls the display content of the display unit 401 to be the display content of the screen 2012 so that an input such as an instruction for executing the printing process is disabled.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to automatically display the screen 2012 when the status of the movable unit of the printing apparatus 100 changes from the closed state to the open state. The screen 2012 is configured to include guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit included in the printing apparatus 100 itself.

  Even during the display period of the screen 2012, the control unit 205 controls the operator to press the “system status / cancel” key located in the lower area of the display screen. This key is used when inputting an instruction for notifying the operator of the device status of the system 1000.

  For example, it is assumed that the “system status / cancel” key on the screen 2012 is input by the operator under a situation where the screen 2012 is displayed on the display unit 401. In response to the input of the “system status / cancel” key, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen 2013 for displaying a device status instead of the screen 2012.

  In the case described above, the control unit 205 displays status information indicating that the cover of the printing apparatus 100 is open in the status line at the bottom of the screen whether the screen 2013 is displayed or the screen 2013 is displayed. Keep the display.

  Next, the control executed by the control unit 205 on the condition that the movable unit capable of responding to the manual operation by the operator of the sheet processing apparatus is open when there is no job to be printed by the system 1000. explain. This control will be described here with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B. The sheet processing apparatus described here corresponds to the inline finisher in the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 205 confirms that the movable unit of the printing apparatus 100 is in the closed state. In addition, the control unit 205 confirms that the movable unit included in at least one of the plurality of sheet processing apparatus groups 200 available in the system 1000 is in an open state.

  In this case, the control unit 205 permits input of a new job that requires print processing. For example, in this case, the control unit 205 controls to accept setting of a print processing condition for a new job and a print execution request via the operation unit 204.

  However, in this case, as a device state of the system 1000, the movable unit included in the sheet processing apparatus is in an open state. Therefore, in order to transmit this status information to the operator, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display a message indicating the information on the status line at the bottom of the display screen area of the display unit 401.

  Hereinafter, a specific example of the display control performed by the control unit 205 for the operation unit 204 including the display unit 401 will be described with reference to the display screen 2101 in FIG. 21A to the display screen 2116 in FIG. 21B. 21A and 21B exemplify a total of 15 types of movable units as representative examples of the movable units disclosed by the present embodiment configured to be able to respond to a manual operation by an operator. 21A and 21B are executed on the assumption that the control unit 205 has confirmed that at least the movable unit of the printing apparatus 100 is in the closed state. First, for example, the control unit 205 confirms that at least a large-capacity stacker exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the front cover of the stacker (corresponding to the front door 2002 in FIG. 19) is in an open state. And In this case, the control unit 205 displays the screen 2101 in FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2101, the control unit 205 accepts a new job processing condition and a print execution request from the operator while a message notifying that the front cover is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled as possible.

  In this way, an example message is displayed on the screen 2101 corresponding to one of the candidates to be displayed on the status line, for example, that the front cover of the large-capacity stacker is open to remove the printed matter on the stack tray. Under the condition, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the condition. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the status information displayed on the status line of the screen 2101 is erased on condition that the front cover of the stacker is closed. Next, control examples other than this control example will be described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that the system configuration includes at least a large-capacity stacker as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the upper cover of the stacker is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2102 in FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2102, the control unit 205 accepts a new job processing condition and a print execution request from the operator while a message notifying that the upper cover is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled as possible.

  The large-capacity stacker of the present embodiment also includes an upper cover as a movable unit that can be opened and closed by an operator in order to perform jam processing, for example, in a straight path (see the internal configuration in FIG. 11) of the apparatus. When it is confirmed that the upper cover has been opened by the operator, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an exemplary message on the screen 2102. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the status information displayed on the status line of the screen 2102 is deleted on condition that the upper cover of the stacker is closed. Examples of control other than are described below.

  For example, suppose that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a large-capacity stacker exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the discharge tray cover of the stacker is open. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2103 of FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2103, the control unit 205 sends the processing condition and print execution request for the new job to the operator while the message notifying that the paper discharge tray cover is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the terminal.

  The large-capacity stacker of this embodiment includes a discharge tray cover at a portion (see the internal configuration in FIG. 11) that conveys a sheet from an escape path to an escape tray as a movable unit configured to be able to respond to manual operation by an operator. To do. When it is confirmed that the sheet discharge tray cover has been opened by the operator, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an exemplary message on the screen 2103. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the status information displayed on the status line of the screen 2103 is deleted on condition that the paper discharge tray cover is closed.

  Here, it is assumed that the system 1000 is in a state where the operation unit 204 is executing any one of the three types of displays of the screen 2101 to the screen 2103 in FIG. 21A. That is, it is assumed that the movable unit (in this example, any one of the front cover, the upper cover, and the discharge tray cover) included in the large-capacity stacker corresponding to the inline finisher that can be used in the system 1000 is open. Under this circumstance, the job that the control unit 205 permits to start the printing process is a job that does not require sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker.

  For example, when the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display any of the screens 2101 to 2103 in FIG. 21A, a print execution request for a job that does not require sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker is input by the operator 503. Suppose.

  In this case, the control unit 205 maintains the display of the status information so that the message display indicating the open state of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker remains displayed on the status line.

  However, in this case, the printing process of the job can be started and executed by the printing apparatus 100 without causing the display unit 401 to display guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker. The control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “permission to start and execute print processing of a job to be processed without causing the notification unit to notify the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  On the other hand, under the situation where any one of the screens 2101 to 2103 is displayed, execution of print processing of a job that requires sheet processing by this large-capacity stacker is prohibited (restricted) unless specific conditions are satisfied. In addition, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  For example, when the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display any one of the screens 2101 to 2103 in FIG. 21A, a print execution request for a job that requires sheet processing by the large-capacity stacker is input by the operator 503. To do.

  In this case, although the print execution request for the job has been input, the control unit 205 prohibits the start execution of the print processing for the job, and provides guidance for the operator to close the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker. The display of information is executed by the display unit 401.

  In this case, the guidance information is displayed on the display unit 401, and after the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is closed by the operator, the print unit can be started and executed. 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “prohibiting starting print processing of a job to be processed without notifying the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher by the notification unit”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  In this embodiment, as a display of guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker, for example, a pop-up screen display of a screen 2304 in FIG. Next, control examples other than the control examples of the screens 2101 to 2103 will be described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a glue binding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that an inserter (see the internal configuration in FIG. 12) of the glue binding machine is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2105 in FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2105, the control unit 205 can accept a processing condition and a print execution request for a new job from the operator while a message notifying that the inserter is in the open state is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled. The inserter and insert tray (see FIG. 12) of the gluing bookbinding machine are also configured to be opened and closed by the operator when removing the accumulated paper in the inserter path inside the bookbinding machine. This is an example. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2105 is deleted on the condition that the inserter of the glue binding apparatus is closed. Next, control examples other than this control example will be described below. For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a glue binding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the upper cover of the glue binding machine is open. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2106 of FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2106, the control unit 205 keeps a message notifying that the upper cover of the glue binding apparatus is open on the status line, and processing conditions and a print execution request for a new job. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the operator. The top cover of this gluing bookbinding machine (see the internal configuration in FIG. 12) is also an example of an opening / closing unit of this embodiment, which is configured so that an operator can open and close when removing stagnant paper in the straight path portion. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2106 is deleted on condition that the upper cover of the glue binding apparatus is closed. Next, control examples other than this control example will be described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a glue binding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the front cover of the glue binding machine is open. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2107 in FIG. 21A. Via this screen 2107, the control unit 205 keeps a message notifying that the front cover of the gluing bookbinding machine is open on the status line while displaying the processing conditions and print execution request for the new job. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the operator. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2107 is deleted on the condition that the front cover of the glue binding apparatus is closed.

  Here, it is assumed that the system 1000 is in a state where the operation unit 204 is executing any one of the three types of displays from the screen 2105 to the screen 2107 in FIG. 21A. In other words, the movable unit (in this example, at least one of the inserter, the upper cover, and the front cover) that is responsive to the manual operation of the operator included in the gluing bookbinding machine that corresponds to the inline finisher that can be used in the system 1000 is open. Suppose that Under this circumstance, the job for which the control unit 205 permits the start of the printing process is a job that does not require sheet processing by the gluing bookbinding machine.

  For example, when the display unit 401 causes the display unit 401 to display any one of the screens 2105 to 2107 in FIG. 21A, a print execution request for a job that does not require sheet processing by the glue binding machine is input by the operator 503. Suppose.

  In this case, the control unit 205 maintains the display of the status information so that the message display indicating the open state of the movable unit of the glue binding apparatus remains displayed on the status line.

  However, in this case, the display of the guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine can be started and executed by the printing apparatus 100 without causing the display unit 401 to execute the display. The control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “permission to start and execute print processing of a job to be processed without causing the notification unit to notify the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  On the other hand, under the situation where any one of the screens 2105 to 2107 is being executed, unless the specific condition is satisfied, the execution of the print processing of the job requiring the sheet processing by the glue binding machine is prohibited (restricted). In addition, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  For example, when the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display any one of the screens 2105 to 2107 in FIG. 21A, a print execution request for a job requiring sheet processing by the gluing bookbinding machine is input by the operator 503. To do.

  In this case, although the print execution request for the job has been input, the control unit 205 prohibits the start execution of the print processing for the job, and provides guidance for the operator to close the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine. The display of information is executed by the display unit 401.

  In this case, the guidance information is displayed on the display unit 401, and after the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine is closed by the operator, the print processing of the job can be started and executed. 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “prohibiting starting print processing of a job to be processed without notifying the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher by the notification unit”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  In this embodiment, for example, the display of a pop-up screen on a screen 2503 in FIG. 25 described later is employed as an example of the guidance information display for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the glue binding machine.

  Next, control examples other than the control examples of the screens 2105 to 2107 will be described below.

  For example, the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000, and that the upper cover of the Z folding part (see the internal configuration of FIG. 13) of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is open. Is confirmed. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2108 of FIG. 21A. Also, via this screen 2108, the control unit 205 allows the processing conditions and printing of the new job to be performed while the message notifying that the upper cover of the Z-folding part is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that an execution request can be received from the operator. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2108 is deleted on condition that the upper cover of the Z-folded portion is closed. The upper cover of the Z-folding section of the saddle stitching bookbinding machine (see the internal configuration in FIG. 13) is also movable so that the operator can open and close when removing stagnant paper on the conveyance path to the subsequent sheet processing apparatus. It is an example of a unit. Next, control examples other than this control example will be described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that an inserter provided in the upper part of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2109 in FIG. 21B. Also, via this screen 2109, the control unit 205 sends a new job processing condition and a print execution request from the operator while the message notifying that the inserter is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so as to be accepted. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2109 is deleted on condition that the inserter of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed. The inserter included in the saddle stitching bookbinding machine (see the internal configuration in FIG. 13) is also an example of a movable unit that can respond to an operator's operation. Next, control examples other than this control example will be described below.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the Z-fold portion of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is pulled out to the front. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2110 in FIG. 21B. Also, via this screen 2110, the control unit 205 sends a processing condition or print execution request for a new job while the message notifying that the Z-folding unit is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the operator. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2110 is deleted on condition that the Z-folding unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is returned to the original position. To do. The Z-fold portion of the saddle stitching bookbinding machine (see the internal configuration in FIG. 13) is also an example of a movable unit configured to be able to respond to an operator's manual operation.

  This saddle stitch binding machine whose internal structure is shown in FIG. 13 has other movable units that can be manually operated by an operator in addition to the movable units. The information to be displayed in the status line exemplified in the screen 2111 to the screen 2116 in FIG. 21B is information to be displayed when the corresponding movable unit is in the open state.

  For example, the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000, and that the front cover of the casing in which the puncher unit and the stapler of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine are open is open. Suppose that In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2111 in FIG. 21B. In addition, via this screen 2111, the control unit 205 keeps the message indicating that the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine is open on the status line, the processing conditions of the new job, The operation unit 204 is controlled so that a print execution request can be received from the operator. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2111 is deleted on condition that the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed.

  Further, for example, the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the upper cover of the housing in which the puncher unit and the stapler of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine are open is open. Is confirmed. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2112 in FIG. 21B. Also, via this screen 2112, the control unit 205 allows the operator to send a new job processing condition and a print execution request while displaying a message notifying that the upper cover is open on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the terminal. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2112 is deleted on condition that the upper cover is closed.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least the saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the cover of the inserter included in the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2113 in FIG. 21B. In addition, via this screen 2113, the control unit 205 displays the processing condition and print execution request for the new job while the message notifying that the cover of the inserter is open is displayed on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the operator. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2113 is erased on condition that the inserter cover of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed.

  The above-described front cover, upper cover, and inserter cover of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine are also examples of movable units that can be opened and closed by an operator when removing stagnant paper inside the saddle stitch bookbinding machine.

  In addition, for example, the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the unit of the trimmer unit included in the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is pulled out. To do. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2114 of FIG. 21B. In this case, a new job print execution request is received from the operator while the status line is informed to the operator that the unit of the trimmer unit has been pulled out as shown in the screen 2114. The control unit 205 can control the operation unit 204. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the status line message on the screen 2114 in FIG. 21B is deleted on condition that the unit of the trimmer unit is returned to the original position. The unit of the trimmer portion of the saddle stitch binding machine (see the internal configuration in FIG. 13) is also configured to be able to be pulled out by an operator's manual operation, and is an example of the movable unit disclosed in this embodiment.

  Further, for example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the upper cover of the trimmer unit included in the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2115 of FIG. 21B. In this case, a new job print execution request can be received from the operator with the status line notifying the operator that the upper cover of the trimmer is open as shown in the screen 2115. The control unit 205 controls the operation unit 204. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the status line message on the screen 2115 in FIG. 21B is deleted on condition that the upper cover of the trimmer unit is closed.

  For example, it is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that at least a saddle stitch bookbinding machine exists as an inline finisher of the system 1000 and that the front cover of the trimmer unit included in the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is in an open state. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2116 in FIG. 21B. Also, via this screen 2116, the control unit 205 allows the processing condition and print execution of the new job to be displayed with the message notifying that the front cover of the trimmer unit is open on the status line. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that a request can be received from the operator. Note that the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the message displayed on the status line of the screen 2116 is deleted on condition that the front cover of the trimmer unit is closed.

  The above-described trimmer unit, upper cover, and front cover are also examples of movable units that can be operated by an operator when removing the accumulated paper in the trimmer unit.

  Here, it is assumed that the system 1000 is in a state where the operation unit 204 is executing any one of the nine types of displays on the screen 2108 in FIG. 21A to the screen 2116 in FIG. 21B. . That is, it is assumed that the movable unit included in the saddle stitch binding machine corresponding to the inline finisher that can be used in the system 1000 is in an open state. Under this circumstance, the job for which the control unit 205 permits the start of printing processing is, for example, a job that does not require sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine.

  For example, when the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display any one of the screen 2108 to FIG. 21B in FIG. 21A, a print execution request for a job that does not require sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine is the key 503. It is assumed that the operator inputs.

  In this case, the control unit 205 maintains the display of the status information so that the message display indicating the open state of the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains on the status line.

  However, in this case, the printing apparatus 100 can start and execute printing processing of the job without causing the display unit 401 to display guidance information for closing the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine. The control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “permission to start and execute print processing of a job to be processed without causing the notification unit to notify the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  On the other hand, under the situation where any one of the screens 2108 to 2116 is being displayed, unless the specific condition is satisfied, the execution of the print processing of the job that requires sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine is prohibited (restricted). As described above, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  For example, when the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display any one of the screens 2108 to 2116, it is assumed that a print execution request for a job that requires sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine is input by the operator 503. .

  In this case, although the print execution request for the job has been input, the control unit 205 prohibits the start of the print processing for the job and allows the operator to close the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine. Display of guidance information is executed by the display unit 401.

  In this case, the display of the guidance information is executed by the display unit 401, and after the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed by the operator, the print processing of this job can be started and executed. The unit 205 controls the system 1000.

  This control is included in the control of “prohibiting starting print processing of a job to be processed without notifying the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher by the notification unit”. This corresponds to one example of control.

  In this embodiment, as a display of guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine, for example, a pop-up screen display of a screen 2403 in FIG.

  The control executed by the control unit 205 on the condition that the control unit 205 has confirmed that at least one of the plurality of types of movable units of the sheet processing apparatus group 200 is in the open state is described with reference to FIGS. Illustrated using 21B. The control executed by the control unit 205 when displaying any one of the screen 2101 of FIG. 21A to the screen 2116 of FIG. 21B is the control executed by the control unit 205 when displaying the screen 2012 or the screen 2013 of FIG. Is different.

  For example, in the control illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the control unit 205 displays a message (status information) indicating that the movable unit is in the open state on the status line located at the bottom of the display screen. . However, the control unit 205 controls the operation unit 204 so that setting of print processing conditions for a new job and input of a print execution request can be executed by an operator while the display of the status information is maintained.

  In other words, the control of making all operations of the operator unacceptable by executing a full-screen display that covers the entire display area, thereby prohibiting the input of a new job is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. When executing the exemplary control, it is not executed. This does not prohibit job execution at the stage when it is not certain which inline finisher will be used for newly submitted jobs, and assures continuous operation of the system 1000 as much as possible to process multiple jobs with high productivity. It is an example of the mechanism for aiming at the effect of this form. In addition, this configuration is a mechanism for achieving the further effect of this embodiment, that is, it is possible to enjoy this effect while maintaining high operability without requiring extra work to the operator as much as possible. This is an example.

  It is assumed that a plurality of movable units among the total 15 movable units illustrated in FIGS. 21A and 21B are open in the system 1000. In this case, among the total of 15 types of messages to be displayed on the status lines of the screens of FIGS. 21A and 21B, the status information of a plurality of movable units corresponding to the open state is sequentially displayed on the status line. The control unit 205 controls to display the image above. At this time, for example, the control unit 205 displays a message indicating the open state of the movable unit preferentially from the inline finisher present near the printing apparatus 100. As described above, when the movable units are open at a plurality of locations, the status information of these movable units may be displayed according to a predetermined priority order. Also, when displaying status information of a plurality of movable units in this way, these information are automatically switched at regular intervals and displayed on the status line. Thereby, all messages of each status information of the movable unit in the open state are automatically displayed. Such display control may be executed by the control unit 205.

  Next, control when a job is submitted will be described. First, when any of the movable units illustrated above is not opened in the system 1000 (all the movable units are in the closed state), control when the control unit 205 newly receives a job execution request. An example will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the following description, “no cover open” means that all the movable units that can be manually operated by the operator during the manual operation of the operator such as jam removal are closed in the system 1000 as in the above example. Means things. In addition, the “standby state” described in the following description means a state in which a printing interruption factor or the like by the printing apparatus 100 has not occurred, and means that the printing apparatus 100 is in a printable state.

  First, when the system 1000 is in a standby state, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen 2201 in FIG. 22 so that the operator can be notified of the fact. Through this screen 2201, the control unit 205 waits for a new job to be input.

  In this standby state, it is assumed that the operator uses the operation unit 204 to set print processing conditions for a new job to be processed and presses the start key 503. By pressing the key 503, the control unit 205 determines that a print start request for the job has been input by the operator. In response to this, the control unit 205 causes the printing apparatus 100 to start print processing for the job.

  Assume that this job is a copy job. In this case, in response to an input of a print start request from the key 503, the control unit 205 first causes the scanner unit 201 to execute document reading processing for print data of the job. In addition, the print data of the job subjected to the reading process is stored in the HD 209. After that, the printer unit 203 causes the print data of the job stored in the HD 209 to be printed. In this way, the job reading process and storage process are executed prior to the printing process.

  On the other hand, if the job is a box job, the print data of the job has already been stored in the HD 209 prior to the input of the print start request from the operation unit 204. Therefore, if the job is a box job, after the print start request is input from the operation unit 204, the print data of the job is read from the HD 209 and printed by the printer unit 203 without executing the reading process or the storage process of the job. Let

  As described above, in this embodiment, various jobs such as a copy job and a box job are handled as jobs to be printed, but the control disclosed in this embodiment is a control that can be commonly applied to these various jobs.

  In response to the fact that the printing apparatus 100 has actually started the processing of a job for which a print start request has been made by the method described above, the control unit 205 is configured to notify the operator of the progress of the job. Is displayed on the display unit 401.

  For example, if the job is being printed by the system 1000, the display of the screen 2202 in FIG. In this embodiment, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a pop-up screen display indicating that a job is being executed, such as the display of this screen 2202. Note that the pop-up screen exemplified in this screen 2202 is a screen configured to notify the operator of the progress status of the job being processed in real time, and is called a job processing status screen in this embodiment.

  It is assumed that the processing of this job is completed in the system 1000 through a series of processes as described above. In this case, in response to this, the control unit 205 deletes (closes) the job processing status screen from the screen and changes the display unit 401 so that the display content of the display unit 401 becomes the display content in the standby state. Control. For example, in response to the completion of processing of the job to be displayed on the pop-up screen of the screen 2202, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the same screen 2203 as the display content of the screen 2201.

  The above is one example of job execution control executed by the control unit 205 and display control for the display unit 401 during a period when there is no cover open.

  In this control, all of the movable units that can be operated by the operator are controlled by the system 1000 during the closed state period. That is, this is a control example in the case where the status of the movable unit has not changed from the closed state to the open state. On the other hand, in the following, guidance information notification control executed in a case where any one of the movable units of the inline finisher changes from the closed state to the open state, and job control at that time will be exemplified. First, the control executed by the control unit 205 in a case where the status of the front cover of the large-capacity stacker of the system 1000 has changed from the closed state to the open state in accordance with an operator operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2301 in FIG. 23 when it is confirmed that the printing apparatus 100 is in the standby state and the cover is not open. In this state, the control unit 205 permits job submission. The job input described in this embodiment means that a request (instruction) for executing a job process that requires a print process is input. When the front cover of the large-capacity stacker is opened by the operator in this state, information indicating that is notified from the large-capacity stacker to the control unit 205 via an internal signal line. Based on this information, the control unit 205 confirms that the status of the front cover has changed from the closed state to the open state. In response to this confirmation, the control unit 205 causes the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2301 to the display of the screen 2303. In the display of this screen 2303, control is performed so that a message indicating that the front cover of the stacker is open is displayed on the status line (lower part of the screen). In addition, while the display of this message is maintained, the control unit 205 can accept the setting of the print processing condition of the new job and the print execution request from the operator via this screen 2303. When the movable unit of the inline finisher is in the open state as described above, the control unit 205 prohibits the operation unit 204 from executing the cover open display of the full screen such as the screen 2012 of FIG.

  This full screen cover open display does not only serve to notify the information of the movable unit in the open state. This cover-open display of the full screen also serves to prohibit (invalidate) the setting of the processing conditions of a job that requires printing processing and the reception of a request for executing the processing of the job from the operator. For example, the cover open display of the full screen is displayed on the display unit 401 by the control unit 205 on the condition that the movable unit of the printing apparatus 100 is opened. The screen 2012 in FIG. 20 is an example of this. Hereinafter, the description returns to FIG.

  Assume that a new job in which a large-capacity stacker discharge destination is specified as a print output destination is input by the operator using the operation unit 204 with the screen 2303 of FIG. 23 displayed on the display unit 401. For example, a case where an operator inputs a print execution request for a new job in which a large-capacity stacker is designated by the input of the key 709 in FIG. 7 corresponds to this situation.

  In this case, although the print execution request for the job is input by pressing the key 503, the control unit 205 prohibits the printing apparatus 100 from starting and executing the print processing of the job. In this case, the control unit 205 not only prohibits execution of print processing of the job, but also causes the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2303 to the screen 2304.

  This control is executed by the control unit 205 on the condition that the job to be processed is a job that requires post-processing by an inline finisher with the movable unit open.

  For example, the job to be processed is a job that requires a discharge destination of a large capacity stacker. The paper discharge destination of this job matches the paper discharge destination of the inline finisher currently in the cover open state. Therefore, the control unit 205 executes the control based on the determination result. In this case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a pop-up screen shown in a screen 2304 as a screen for interrupting execution of the job.

  In this embodiment, when a print processing request for a job requiring post-processing by an inline finisher having an open movable unit is input, the control unit 205 closes the movable unit of the inline finisher related to the job processing by the operator. The display unit 401 displays a display screen including a message prompting the user to do so.

  The pop-up screen of this screen 2304 includes “copy job, reception number 0001” as job information for specifying the job type and identification number of this job, along with guidance information “Please close the front cover of the stacker”. It is. . In this way, the control unit 205 displays guidance information related to actions to be taken by the operator necessary for resuming processing of a job that requires post-processing by an inline finisher having a movable unit that is currently open. Let you know.

  In this embodiment, the expressions “job interruption” and “job restart” are used in this way. This is because this job is a copy job and requires a document image data reading process and a storage process to the HD 209 prior to the start of the printing process.

  Therefore, as in this example, even in the case where execution of the print processing of the job is prohibited, the control unit 205 determines the document reading operation and the like necessary for the job to be executed prior to the start of the print processing. Complete at 100. Then, the printing apparatus 100 is controlled to stop (interrupt) the processing of the job at the time when all the necessary processing is completed before the start of the printing processing.

  In the present embodiment, since the control unit 205 performs such control on the printing apparatus 100, the expressions “job suspension” and “job restart” are used as described above. Hereinafter, the description returns to FIG.

  As in the display example of the screen 2304, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 notifies the job-specific information that directly affects the job to be processed to the pop-up screen that is the target of pop-up display by the display unit 401. Control.

  For example, as in the display example of the screen 2304, the pop-up screen displays guidance information for closing the movable unit that affects the processing of the job whose print processing is prohibited. However, the control unit 205 displays the display unit 401 so that information on the movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be prohibited from printing is not displayed on this pop-up screen even if the movable unit is open. Control. For example, even when a movable unit that is not affected by the processing of the job is in an open state, the control unit 205 prohibits the guidance information for closing the movable unit from being displayed on the pop-up screen.

  The information related to the movable unit to be displayed on the pop-up screen or the status line is automatically displayed on the display unit 401 without the operator explicitly inputting a display instruction on the operation unit 204. Control. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to automatically display information on the movable unit to be notified based on status information of the movable unit existing in the system 1000 and a change in the status. . This point applies to all the configurations disclosed in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the description returns to FIG.

  In this embodiment, even when guidance information for closing a movable unit that affects a job to be processed is displayed, information that can be distinguished from this information is displayed on the status line on the status line. Control the status information of the displayable.

  For example, if a movable unit that affects the processing of a job to be processed is open, a message indicating that the movable unit that affects the job to be processed is open is displayed on this status line. Control displayable as information.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, even when a movable unit that does not affect the job to be processed is open, a message indicating that the movable unit that does not affect the job to be processed is open is displayed on this status line. It is controlled so that it can be displayed as status information.

  For example, in the example of the screen 2304, the control unit 205 displays status information for notifying the operator that the cover is open even when guidance information for closing the front cover of the stacker is displayed on the pop-up screen. Display above. The former guidance information is information that can be identified by the operator as job information related to a job to be processed, and this status information is information that can be identified by the operator as status information of the system 1000.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 displays the status information on the status line if the status of the movable unit that affects the processing of the job to be processed or the movable unit that does not affect the status is open. Display. In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 can display guidance information for closing the movable unit related to the processing of the job to be processed on the same screen while maintaining the display of the status information. The display unit 401 is controlled.

  In addition, the pop-up screen of this embodiment configured to notify the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher that affects the job to be processed has a display key configured to allow the operator to input a specific instruction. It is constituted so that it may also have.

  For example, as shown in the pop-up screen of the screen 2304, the control unit 205 displays a screen that includes the guidance information for closing the front cover of the large-capacity stacker and the display keys of “to other function” and “stop key”. Display.

  Assume that an operator inputs a “to other function” key included in this pop-up screen. In this case, the control unit 205 can execute the processing of other jobs other than this job while the processing of the job that is currently prohibited from starting printing remains in the standby state (that is, the prohibition state of starting printing of this job is maintained). Control system 1000.

  For example, in response to the input of this key, the control unit 205 deletes the pop-up display of this screen 2304 from the screen, sets processing conditions for other jobs that require print processing other than the job, and issues a print execution request. The operation unit 204 is controlled so that it can be received from the operator.

  Further, it is assumed that the “stop” key included in the pop-up screen is input by the operator. In this case, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 so that processing of a job that is currently prohibited from printing start is canceled (cancelled), and processing of other jobs other than this job can be executed. At this time, for example, if the print data of the job in the print prohibition state has already been stored in the HD 209, the control unit 205 controls to delete the print data from the HD 209.

  Note that, regardless of which of the “Go to another function” key and the “Cancel” key included in this pop-up screen is pressed, the situation is that the movable unit is in the open state period. Therefore, the control unit 205 maintains the display of the status information in which the operator can be notified that the movable unit is in the open state on the status line.

  For example, the control unit 205 closes the pop-up screen and the display content of the display unit 401 is displayed on the screen 2304 in response to the “To another function” key or “Cancel” key being pressed by the operator on the screen 2304. Control is performed so that the display content of 2307 is obtained.

  Also, in the display state of the screen 2304, for example, the operator who has confirmed the pop-up display of the screen 2304 is currently in the open state provided in the large-capacity stacker that should perform the post-processing required for the job to be prohibited from printing. Suppose that the front door of is closed. That is, it is assumed that the status of the front door has changed from an open state to a closed state. In response to this, the control unit 205 permits the printer unit 203 to start the print processing of the print prohibition target job. That is, the control unit 205 controls the system so that the processing of the job to be prohibited from printing is resumed at this point.

  In addition, when the control unit 205 confirms the status of such a movable unit and its change, it acquires sensor information necessary for the confirmation from the related inline finisher via an internal signal line. Check. In this embodiment, the control unit 205 can confirm the change in the status of the movable unit of the inline finisher by such a method.

  In this way, when the print prohibition state of the job in the print prohibition state is canceled, the above pop-up screen is closed. As a result, the guidance information for closing the movable unit that affects the processing of the job is deleted from the screen. In addition, instead of this pop-up screen, a job processing status screen configured to be able to notify the progress status of the job whose printing prohibition has been released in real time is displayed on the display unit 401 as a pop-up. The control unit 205 performs such display control on the display unit 401.

  For example, when the front door is closed, the control unit 205 causes the printing apparatus 100 to start printing the job, and at the same time, the pop-up screen on the screen 2304 is closed and the pop-up screen on the screen 2306 is automatically displayed. The display unit 401 is controlled so that it can be displayed.

  Thereafter, upon completion of all processing of this job to be executed in the system 1000, the control unit 205 changes the display content of the display unit 401 from the screen 2306 to the screen 2308. That is, the standby state is the same as the display state of the screen 2301, and the execution request for processing of jobs other than the job can be accepted.

  As described above, one example of the control executed by the control unit 205 has been described in this embodiment including a series of display control of the screen 2303 → the screen 2304 → the screen 2306 → the screen 2308.

  This control is executed by the control unit 205 when the control unit 205 confirms that the movable unit of the inline finisher required in the post-processing of the job to be processed is open before starting the print processing of the job to be processed. Control.

  However, this control is performed when the status of the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the post-processing of the job changes from the closed state to the open state while the printer unit 203 is printing the job to be processed. It is also an example of control executed by. This point is common to the control exemplified in FIGS. 24 and 25 described later. This is illustrated in FIG.

  For example, it is assumed that the statuses of at least these two movable units of the movable unit included in the printing apparatus 100 and the movable unit included in the large-capacity stacker are closed. In this situation, it is assumed that a print execution request for the job requiring post-processing by the large-capacity stacker is input by the key 503. In response to this, the control unit 205 causes the printer unit 203 to start print processing for the job. Assume that the job is currently being printed. At this time, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a pop-up screen (for example, the pop-up screen of the screen 2202 in FIG. 22) indicating the progress of the print processing of the job.

  It is assumed that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker corresponding to the inline finisher required for the post-processing of the job is opened by an operator operation while the printer unit 203 is executing the print processing of the job. This is because the status of the movable unit included in the printing apparatus 100 remains in the closed state while the printing process of the job is being executed by the printer unit 203, but the status of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker changes from the open state to the closed state. Means that

  When this situation is confirmed, the control unit 205 controls the printer unit 203 so as to immediately interrupt the print processing of the job being printed by the printer unit 203. In addition, the control unit 205 sets the job to a print standby state when the printing is interrupted. Further, display control is also performed in conjunction with this. For example, when the situation is confirmed, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the pop-up screen display of the screen 2202 indicating the progress information of the print processing of the job is immediately terminated. At the same time, instead of the screen, control is performed to immediately display a pop-up screen of a screen 2304 configured to be able to notify guidance information for closing the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker that affects the job processing. A unit 205 controls the display unit 401.

  Since the control after the display of this screen 2304 is the same as the above except for the following points, the details are omitted.

  For example, the control unit 205 causes the printer unit 203 to resume the print processing of the job to be interrupted by the printer unit 203 when the status of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker changes from the open state to the closed state. However, in this case, the printing process proceeds until just before the job is interrupted. Therefore, when the processing of the job is resumed, the printing process is resumed from an unprocessed portion immediately before the job is interrupted.

  As described above, the control executed by the control unit 205 when the status of the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the post-processing of the job to be processed has changed from the closed state to the open state can be performed even before the printing of the job is started. This is also applied during printing of the job. This point is also common to the control examples described later.

  In the above-described control including the series of display control of the screen 2301 → the screen 2303 → the screen 2304 → the screen 2306 → the screen 2308, the control unit 205 executes the control of the configuration requirement (A) described below. This is control included in an example of the configuration to be performed.

  (A) When a job to be processed is a job that requires post-processing by an inline finisher having an open movable unit, printing the job without notifying the UI unit of guidance information for closing the movable unit Prohibit execution of processing.

  In the control of (A), the job information is notified and the job is closed on the condition that the movable unit is closed (the status of the movable unit is changed from the open state to the closed state). Execute the printing process.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 205 not only executes the control of (A) but also executes the control of the configuration requirement (B) described below.

  (B) If a job to be processed is a job that does not require post-processing by an inline finisher having an open movable unit, the job unit is not notified of the guidance information for closing the movable unit. Permit to execute print processing.

  Moreover, in the control of (B), even if the movable unit in the open state remains open in the system 1000, the system 1000 starts and executes the print processing of the job that does not require post-processing by the inline finisher. Allow things.

  In either case of executing the control (B) or (A), the control unit 205 can perform notification of status information indicating that the open movable unit is open by the UI unit. To do.

  Further, as an example of control included in the control (B), here, the control unit 205 prohibits the transition from the screen 2303 to the screen 2304 and controls the case where the screen 2303 transitions to the screen 2305. I will explain with an example.

  The state in which this screen 2303 is displayed is a situation in which the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is in an open state, but the control unit 205 permits the acceptance of new jobs. However, the type of job that allows the control unit 205 to execute the print processing in response to a print execution request input by the operator via the screen 2303 is a job that does not require post-processing by the large-capacity stacker.

  For example, it is assumed that, from the state in which the screen 2303 is displayed on the display unit 401, a print execution request for a job that requires the discharge destination of the saddle stitch binding machine as the output destination of the printed material is input to the operator using the operation unit 204. . For example, a case where post-processing by a saddle stitch binding machine is set for a job to be processed via the screen 700 of FIG. 7 and the key 503 is pressed corresponds to this case. As described above, when the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is in the open state period, a saddle stitch binding machine (indicated as finisher in FIG. 23) as a paper output destination is input with a new job designated by the operator setting. To do.

  In this case, the control unit 205 allows the printing apparatus 100 to execute a printing process for a job that requires a discharge destination of the saddle stitch binding machine even when the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is open. To do. Therefore, the control unit 205 causes the printer unit 203 to start the print processing of the job when the print execution request for the job is input via the display on the screen 2303. In conjunction with this, the control unit 205 changes the display content of the display unit 401 from the screen 2303 to the display content of the screen 2305.

  By displaying this screen 2305, the control unit 205 controls the display unit to pop up a job processing status screen configured to be able to notify in real time the processing status of the job permitted to execute this printing. Moreover, status information indicating that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is in an open state is displayed on the status line of the screen 2305 while maintaining the state in which the job processing status is notified in real time on the pop-up screen. .

  In the display example of the screen 2305, the control unit 205 displays a message indicating that the front cover of the large-capacity stacker is open on the status line while the processing status of the job is displayed on the pop-up screen. Controls the display unit 401.

  When all the processing of this job is completed in the system 1000, the control unit 205 displays the pop-up display of this job processing status screen and displays the display content of the display unit 401 to return to the display in the standby state. The unit 401 is controlled. However, in this example, the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker remains open. Therefore, the control unit 205 controls the display content of the display unit 401 to be the display content of the screen 2307 corresponding to the same state as the screen 2303. In addition, via the screen 2307, the control unit 205 controls the operation unit 204 so that a new job print processing condition setting and an input of a print execution request can be received from the operator.

  Note that the information to be displayed on the status line of the screen 2307 indicates that the control unit 205 displays the display unit 401 so that the system 1000 deletes the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker from the screen on condition that the operator closes it. Control.

  In addition, the control unit 205 performs a series of control from the screen 2303 to the screen 2305 to the screen 2307 without executing the display of guidance information for causing the operator to close the front cover of the large-capacity stacker on the display unit 401. The system 1000 is controlled to execute the printing process.

  For example, in this case, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the pop-up screen of the display target screen 2304 is prohibited in the control of the job that requires the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker.

  As described above, the operation of the system 1000 is not stopped as much as possible in an environment that suppresses the trouble that the guidance information for urging the user to close the stacker cover is unnecessary even though the operator himself does not want it. To enable continuous operation.

  In addition, even when the movable unit is in the open state, the system 1000 can be operated continuously as much as possible, and the status information indicating the open state of the movable unit can be maintained on the status line. Configure.

  As a result, the system 1000 has high productivity and high operability without giving rise to new troubles that affect operability because priority is given to the ability to process multiple jobs with high productivity. Can be realized.

  An application example of the control example included in the control example of the configuration requirement (B) will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is an example of a control example executed by the control unit 205 in a case where a plurality of movable units of a plurality of inline finishers existing in the system 1000 are in an open state.

  First, in the system 1000, when the door is not open and in the standby state, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2401 on the condition. Via this screen 2401, the control unit 205 permits the input of a new job in a state in which information indicating the standby state is notified to the operator.

  Assume that the operator can open the front cover of the large-capacity stacker of the system 1000 and the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine while the screen 2401 is displayed. That is, assume that the statuses of these two movable units both change from the closed state to the open state. In response to this, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display status information on the status line that enables the operator to be notified that these movable units are open. However, in this example, these pieces of information are not displayed at once on the status line. Here, first, the control unit 205 controls to display the screen 2402. The control unit 205 displays a message indicating that the front cover of the large-capacity stacker is open on the status line of the screen 2402. This is based on the priority determined based on the system configuration information of the system 1000 registered in the HD 209, and the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a plurality of status information indicating the open state of these movable units. It is an example of a structure.

  For example, assume that the system 1000 has the system configuration of FIG. 8A. This configuration is a system configuration in which the large-capacity stacker is closer to the printing apparatus 100 than the saddle stitch bookbinding machine (finisher). Based on the system configuration information, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the status information of the large-capacity stacker with priority over the status information of the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine. Therefore, at the stage of displaying the screen 2402, the two movable units are both open, but the control unit 205 sets the display content of the display unit 401 as the display content of the screen 2402. That is, a message indicating the open state of the front cover of the stacker is displayed on the status line. Note that the control unit 205 may control the two status information messages indicating the open states of the two movable units in the open state to be switched and displayed at regular intervals.

  As described above, in the system 1000, it is assumed that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker and the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine are in the open state period and the screen 2402 is displayed on the display unit 401. In this situation, the control unit 205 waits for input of a new job to be printed (input of a print execution request) via this screen 2402.

  Here, it is necessary for a job in which print processing conditions are set by the operator via the screen 2402 and a print execution request is input by pressing the start key 503 to discharge the printed matter to the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker. Suppose that it is a job. Hereinafter, this job is referred to as a job 24A. If the determination corresponding to this case is made, the control unit 205 suspends the execution of the job 24A in the system 1000 and prohibits the printer unit 203 from executing the print processing of the job 24A. At the same time, in the case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the job 24A. In this example, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the display content of the display unit 401 transitions from the screen 2402 to the display content of the screen 2404. On the same screen 2404, since the paper output destination of the job 24A matches the cover position in the cover open state, a pop-up screen for interrupting job execution (“Close the front cover of the stacker”) is displayed.

  While the screen 2404 is displayed on the display unit 401, the operator has performed an operation to close the front cover of the large-capacity stacker required for the job 24A in the suspended state (printing prohibited state) in the system 1000. Is confirmed by the control unit 205. However, it is assumed that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains open without being closed.

  Even in this case, the status of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker required for the job 24A corresponds to the case where the status changes from the open state to the closed state.

  Therefore, even if the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains in the open state, the control unit 205 does not depend on this, but the job 24A is triggered by confirming the change in the status of the movable unit of the stacker. The printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start and execute the printing process. From this point of time, the control unit 205 causes the system 1000 to restart the job 24A and allows the printer unit 203 to execute the printing process of the job 24A. At the same time, the control unit 205 ends the display of the guidance information for closing the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker, and causes the display unit 401 to display the progress of the job 24A instead. In this example, the control unit 205 controls the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2404 to the display content of the screen 2406.

  In the display of this screen 2406, the pop-up screen (the pop-up screen to be displayed on the screen 2404) containing guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is closed. Instead, a job processing status screen configured to notify the operator in real time of the progress status of the job 24A in the system 1000 whose printing prohibition state has been canceled by the control unit 205 is displayed in a pop-up manner.

  In addition, at the present stage, the control unit 205 has confirmed that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker has been closed. Therefore, in the display of this screen 2406, the status information of this movable unit is deleted from the status line.

  However, at this stage, the status change of the movable unit of the saddle stitching machine that is not required in the processing of the job 24A has not been confirmed. That is, the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open even at this stage.

  Therefore, in the display of this screen 2406, the state of notifying the progress status of the job 24A in real time is maintained (the job processing status screen remains in the effective display state), and the saddle stitching machine that is not required for the job is movable. Display unit status information in the status line. In the status line of this screen 2406, a message indicating that the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine (shown as finisher in the drawing) is open is displayed.

  When all processes to be executed for the job 24A are completed in the system 1000 with the screen 2406 displayed, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 to return to the standby state. In addition, when the job 24 </ b> A ends, the control unit 205 changes the display content of the display unit 401 from the screen 2406 to the screen 2408.

  Note that the state of the system 1000 at the time when the processing of the job 24A is completed is in the standby state, but the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains open. Therefore, the control unit 205 can accept the setting of print processing conditions and a print execution request for a new job other than the job 24A on the display of the screen 2408, and the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open. Status information indicating the situation is displayed on the status line. The message “Finisher front cover is open” on the status line of the screen 2408 means that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to delete the information displayed on the status line of the screen 2408 from the screen on condition that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed.

  Next, a description will be given of a control example executed by the control unit 205 in a case where a job is input by specifying a sheet discharge destination as a saddle stitch binding machine (finisher) from a state where the screen 2402 is displayed.

  For example, it is assumed that a job newly input by an operator operation via the screen 2402 while the two movable units are both open is a job that requires an inline finisher different from the job 24A. For example, it is assumed that this job is a job that requires discharge of printed matter to the discharge destination of the saddle stitch binding machine. Hereinafter, this job is referred to as a job 24B.

  Even when a determination corresponding to this case is made, the control unit 205 suspends the execution of the job 24B in the system 1000 and prohibits the printer unit 203 from executing the print processing of the job 24B. At the same time, in the case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the job 24B.

  Even in this case, both the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker and the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine are both open. That is, the situation when the print execution request for the job 24B is received is the same as the situation when the print execution request for the previous job 24A is received. However, in this case, the processing target job 24B is a job that does not use the discharge destination of the large-capacity stacker, and that uses the discharge destination of the saddle stitch binding machine.

  Therefore, when a determination corresponding to this case is made, the control unit 205 prohibits the display content of the display unit 401 from transitioning from the screen 2402 to the screen 2404 and transitions from the screen 2402 to the screen 2403. In the display of the screen 2403, guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine required for post-processing of the job 24B is displayed in a pop-up manner as job information of the job 24B.

  However, on the status line in the display of the screen 2403, status information for notifying the operator that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker that is not used in the post-processing of the job 24B is open is displayed in the status of the system 1000. Display as a situation. That is, the status information indicating the open state of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is given priority over the status information indicating the open state of the movable unit of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine, and is displayed on the status line.

  This is because the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIG. 8A, and the control unit 205 is based on the fact that the apparatus close to the printing apparatus 100 among the two inline finishers is not a saddle stitch binding machine but a large capacity stacker. Is display control to be executed.

  As described above, in the case where the processing target job received by the two movable units during the open state period corresponds to the job 24B instead of the job 24A, the control unit 205 performs the display control as described above. The display unit 401 is caused to display the screen 2403.

  In the display example of the screen 2403, a message indicating that the front cover of the stacker is open is displayed on the status line. On the other hand, on the pop-up screen indicating that the job 24B is interrupted on the same screen 2403, a message prompting the user to close the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine that is the discharge destination of the job 24B (in the figure, “Close the front cover of the finisher. Please display "). As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 independently controls display of movable unit information as status information of the system 1000 and display of movable unit information as guidance information related to a job. Returning to the description of the control example of the job 24B.

  With the display of the screen 2403 displayed on the display unit 401, the system 1000 performs an operation of closing the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine required by the operator 24B in the suspended state (printing prohibited state). It is assumed that the control unit 205 confirms that However, the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is assumed to remain open without being closed.

  Even in this case, the status of the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine required for the job 24B corresponds to the case where the status changes from the open state to the closed state.

  Therefore, even if the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker remains in the open state, the control unit 205 is triggered by confirming the change in the status of the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine. The printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start and execute the printing process of the job 24B. From this point, the control unit 205 causes the system 1000 to restart the job 24B and allows the printer unit 203 to execute the printing process of the job 24B. At the same time, the control unit 205 ends the display of the guidance information for closing the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine, and causes the display unit 401 to execute the display indicating the progress of the job 24B instead. . In this example, the control unit 205 controls the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2403 to the display content of the screen 2405.

  In the display of the screen 2405, the pop-up screen (the pop-up screen to be displayed on the screen 2403) including guidance information for closing the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine by the operator is closed. Instead, a job processing status screen configured to notify the operator in real time of the progress status of the job 24B in the system 1000 whose printing prohibition state has been canceled by the control unit 205 is displayed in a pop-up manner.

  However, even at the present stage, the status change of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker that is not required in the processing of the job 24B has not been confirmed. That is, the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is still open at this stage.

  Therefore, in the display of this screen 2405, the state of notifying the progress status of the job 24B in real time is maintained (the job processing status screen remains valid), and the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker that is not required for the job Status information is displayed on the status line. In the status line of this screen 2405, a message indicating that the front cover of the large-capacity stacker is open is displayed.

  When all processes to be executed for the job 24B are completed in the system 1000 with the screen 2405 displayed, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 to return to the standby state. In response to the end of the job 24B, the control unit 205 also causes the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2405 to the screen 2407.

  Note that the state of the system 1000 at the time when the processing of the job 24B is completed is in the standby state, but the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker remains in the open state. Therefore, the control unit 205 can accept the setting of the print processing conditions for new jobs other than the job 24B and the print execution request on the display of the screen 2407, and that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is open. Is displayed on the status line. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to delete the information displayed on the status line of the screen 2407 from the screen on the condition that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is closed.

  As described above, the control unit 205 executes the control of the cover open display, the job suspension and the job resumption when the job is input in the state where the cover open has occurred in the two sheet processing apparatuses in the system 1000. The control has been described.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, display control and job control executed by the control unit 205 when the cover is opened in each of the three sheet processing apparatuses of the large-capacity stacker, the gluing bookbinding machine, and the saddle stitch bookbinding machine (finisher). One example will be described. The “case binding machine” shown in FIG. 25 corresponds to the glue binding machine shown in FIG. 8A. 24 and FIG. 25 are executed on the assumption that the control unit 205 has confirmed that the system configuration of the system 1000 is the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This is an example of control. Returning to the description of FIG.

  First, when the control unit 205 confirms that the system 1000 is in the standby state and the cover is not open, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the screen 2501. In the display of this screen 2501, the control unit 205 displays a message “Ready to copy” as information notifying that it is in a standby state, and waits for a new job to be input.

  While the screen 2501 is being displayed, a total of three movable units including the front cover of the large-capacity stacker of the system 1000, the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine (finisher), and the front cover of the gluing bookbinding machine are operated by the operator. Suppose that it was opened. That is, it is assumed that the status of all these three movable units has changed from the closed state to the open state in a situation where there is no job to be processed. Then, the control unit 205 changes the display content of the display unit 401 from the screen 2501 to the screen 2502 when the occurrence of the status change of the movable unit is confirmed.

  In the display of this screen 2502, the control unit 205 gives priority to a message indicating that the cover of the large-capacity stacker is opened on the status line over the status information indicating the open state of the other two movable units. Display. This is due to the above-described display control of the status information of the movable unit based on the priority order determined based on the positional relationship between the position of each movable unit in the open state and the position of the printing apparatus 100. . Therefore, I will omit it here.

  Assume that a job newly input by an operator operation via the operation unit 204 in a state where the display unit 401 executes the display of the screen 2502 is a job that requires a paper discharge destination of the glue binding machine. Hereinafter, this job is referred to as job 25A. This situation means that the job 25A for which the control unit 205 has received a print execution request during a period in which all the three movable units are open is a job that requires post-processing by the glue binding machine in FIG. 8A. To do.

  If the determination corresponding to this case is made, the control unit 205 suspends execution of the job 25A in the system 1000 and prohibits the printer unit 203 from executing the print processing of the job 25A. At the same time, in the case, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher required for the job 25A. For example, here, the control unit 205 causes the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2502 to the screen 2503.

  In this case, in the system 1000, the three movable units of the large-capacity stacker, the glue binding machine, and the saddle stitching machine are all open. In addition, this corresponds to a case in which status information indicating that the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is in an open state is displayed with priority.

  Therefore, in the display of the screen 2503, the control unit 205 displays a pop-up screen including guidance information for closing the movable unit of the glue binding machine required for the discharge destination of the job 25A on the status line. To display the status information of the large capacity stacker.

  It is assumed that the operator closes a movable unit not related to the job 25A while the screen 2503 is displayed. For example, the case where the front cover of the large-capacity stacker that is not required in the post-processing of the job 25A is closed by the operator during the display period of the screen 2503 corresponds to this case.

  In this case, the status of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker has changed from the open state to the closed state, but the status of the movable unit of the glue binding machine related to the job 25A has not changed and remains in the open state. is there.

  Therefore, even when the status of the large-capacity stacker changes, the control unit 205 maintains the interrupted state of the job 25A in the interrupted state (printing prohibited state) in the system 1000. That is, even when the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker in the open state is closed, it is prohibited to execute the printing process for the job 25A. In addition, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 so that the guidance information for closing the movable unit of the glue binding machine required for the job 25A is also maintained.

  However, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to switch the status information to be displayed on the status line when the status of the large-capacity stacker changes. In this example, the display content of the display unit 401 is changed from the screen 2503 to the screen 2504.

  In this control, the status information to be displayed on the status line in the display of the screen 2503 is the status information of the large capacity stacker, and the control unit 205 confirms that the movable unit of the large capacity stacker is closed. This control is executed based on the above.

  Therefore, the control unit 205 maintains the pop-up display of the job 25A in the display of the screen 2504, while the movable unit of the glue binding apparatus is in the open state on the status line of the screen 2504. Display status information to be notified.

  The candidates that are currently displayed as status information are status information for notifying that the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine is open, and notifying that the movable unit of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is open. Status information. However, the status information having the second highest priority after the status information of the movable unit of the large-capacity stacker is not the status information of the movable unit of the saddle stitch bookbinding machine but the status information of the movable unit of the glue binding machine. This is also as described for the display control based on the above-mentioned priority order.

  Therefore, the control unit 205 displays the status information of the movable unit of the glue binding machine having the second priority from the top on the screen 2504.

  Thus, even if the display of the guidance information for resuming the job 25A is maintained, the message to be displayed on the status line is the second highest priority glue binding machine (in the figure, the case binding unit). Control to switch to the information on the front cover. Returning to the description of the job 25A.

  While the screen 2504 is being displayed on the display unit 401, the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine (indicated as the front cover of the case binding unit in the figure) is closed by the operator according to the guidance information on the pop-up screen on the screen 2504. Suppose. However, it is assumed that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains open without being closed.

  Even in this case, the status of the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine required for the job 25A corresponds to the case where the status changes from the open state to the closed state.

  Therefore, even if the movable unit of the saddle-stitching bookbinding machine remains open, the control unit 205 is triggered by confirming the change in the status of the movable unit of this gluing bookbinding machine. The printing apparatus 100 is allowed to start and execute the printing process of the job 25A. From this point of time, the control unit 205 causes the system 1000 to restart the job 25A and allows the printer unit 203 to execute the printing process of the job 25A. At the same time, the control unit 205 ends the display of the guidance information for closing the movable unit of the gluing bookbinding machine, and causes the display unit 401 to execute a display indicating the progress status of the job 25A instead. In this example, the control unit 205 controls the display content of the display unit 401 to transition from the screen 2504 to the display content of the screen 2505.

  In the display of this screen 2505, the pop-up screen (the pop-up screen to be displayed on the screens 2503 and 2504) including guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit of the glue binding apparatus is closed. Instead, a pop-up is displayed for a job processing status screen configured to notify the operator in real time of the progress status of the job 25A in the system 1000 for which the print prohibition state has been canceled by the control unit 205.

  In addition, at the present stage, the control unit 205 has confirmed that the movable unit of the glue binding machine has been closed. Therefore, in the display of this screen 2505, the status information of this movable unit is deleted from the status line.

  However, even at this stage, the status change of the movable unit of the saddle stitching machine that is not required in the processing of the job 25A has not been confirmed. That is, the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open even at this stage.

  Therefore, in the display of this screen 2505, the state of notifying the progress status of the job 25A in real time is maintained (the job processing status screen remains in the effective display state), and the saddle stitch binding machine that is not required for the job is movable. Display unit status information in the status line. In the status line of this screen 2505, a message indicating that the front cover of the saddle stitch binding machine (shown as finisher in the drawing) is open is displayed.

  When all the processes to be executed for the job 25A are completed in the system 1000 with the screen 2505 displayed, the control unit 205 controls the system 1000 to return to the standby state. In addition, when the job 25 </ b> A ends, the control unit 205 changes the display content of the display unit 401 from the screen 2505 to the screen 2506.

  Note that the state of the system 1000 at the time when the processing of the job 25A is completed is in the standby state, but the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine remains open. Therefore, the control unit 205 can accept the setting of a print processing condition for a new job other than the job 25A and a print execution request on the display of the screen 2506, and the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open. Status information indicating the situation is displayed on the status line. The message “Finisher front cover is open” on the status line of the screen 2506 means that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is open. The control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to delete the information displayed on the status line of the screen 2506 from the screen on condition that the movable unit of the saddle stitch binding machine is closed.

  In the foregoing, an example of job control in the system 1000 executed by the control unit 205 when all three types of movable units are in the open state and display control for the operation unit 204 linked to the job control has been described.

  Finally, the flow of control will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The left side of FIG. 26 is a flowchart of processing for determining job status display and suspension / resumption, and the right side is a flowchart of processing for controlling device status display of the entire printing system. The flowchart on the left mainly relates to the display state when the job is interrupted or being executed, and the flowchart on the right mainly relates to the control of the cover open state displayed on the status line.

  First, the job status display control process starts from step S2601, and in step S2602, it is checked whether or not a job has been submitted. In other words, for example, in step S2602, the control unit 205 determines whether an execution request for a job that requires print processing is input by an operator via the UI unit of this embodiment. As a result of this check, if the job has not been submitted, the process returns to step S2602. If the job has been submitted, the process proceeds to step S2603.

  In step S2603, information specifying the paper discharge destination of the input job is analyzed. In step S2604, it is checked whether or not the cover related to the paper discharge destination specified by this analysis is in an open state. As a result of this check, if the related cover is not open, the process advances to step S2605 to execute the job. Then, the process proceeds to step S2607, and it is checked whether even one open / close state of the cover of the inline finisher existing in the system 1000 has changed. If an affirmative determination is made in S2607, the process returns from S2607 to step S2604. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S2607, the process proceeds from S2607 to step S2609. In step S2609, it is checked whether the job is finished. If the result of this check is not the end, the process returns to step S2605, and if it is the end, the process according to this flowchart is ended.

  On the other hand, if the related cover is open, the process advances to step S2606 to interrupt the job and cause the display unit 401 to display door information (corresponding to guidance information in the above example). This display is as described above. In step S2608, it is checked whether the cover open / close state has changed. If the result of this check is a change, the process returns to step S2604. On the other hand, if not changed, the process returns to step S2608. That is, it waits until the cover state changes.

  The above is the description of the job status display control.

  Note that the processing of steps S2603 to S2610 in FIG. 26 in other words means that, for example, the configuration in which the control unit 205 performs the following processing is disclosed in the present embodiment.

  First, upon confirming acceptance of a new job in S2602, the control unit 205 performs the following (Confirmation 1).

  (Confirmation 1) Confirm whether the job to be processed whose print execution request has been confirmed in S2602 is a job that requires post-processing by the inline finisher of the movable unit that is open in the system 1000. To do.

  If an affirmative determination is made in this (confirmation 1), the control unit 205 advances the process from S2604 to S2606.

  In step S2606, the control unit 205 suspends the job to be determined in the above (confirmation 1) in the system 1000 and prohibits at least the print processing of the job from being executed. At the same time, the UI unit of this embodiment notifies the operator of guidance information for closing the movable unit of the inline finisher required for processing the job. Note that the control of S2606 is as follows: “The printing apparatus 100 executes the print processing of the job without notifying the UI unit of this embodiment of the guidance information for closing the open movable unit to the operator. Is a control included in the “prohibit” control. When the process of S2606 is completed, the process proceeds to S2608.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in (Confirmation 1), the control unit 205 advances the process from S2604 to S2605.

  In step S2605, the control unit 205 executes print processing for the job even if a movable unit that does not affect the processing of the job to be determined in (Check 1) is open in the system 1000. Allow. In addition, in step S2605, the control unit 205 can execute the print processing of the job by the printing apparatus 100 without notifying the UI unit of the present embodiment of guidance information for closing the movable unit that does not affect the job processing. To. Note that the control in S2605 is “execution of the printing process of the job by the printing apparatus 100 without notifying the UI unit of this embodiment of the guidance information for causing the operator to close the movable unit in the open state. It is a control included in the “permit” control. When the process of S2605 is completed, the process proceeds to S2607.

  In other words, the processing of S2607 means that the control unit 205 performs the following confirmation (2).

  (Confirmation 2) It is confirmed whether or not the status of any one of a plurality of movable units existing in the system 1000 has changed from the closed state to the open state.

  When an affirmative determination is made in this (confirmation 2), the control unit 205 returns the process from S2607 to S2604. If a negative determination is made in (Confirmation 2), the control unit 205 advances the process from S2607 to S2609.

  In other words, the processing of S2609 means that the control unit 205 performs the following confirmation (3).

  (Confirmation 3) Confirmation whether or not the processing of the job permitted to execute printing in S2605 has been completed in the system 1000.

  If an affirmative determination is made in this (confirmation 3), the control unit 205 advances the process from S2609 to S2610, and the process of this job ends. However, actually, the process returns to S2602, and the process is performed again from the confirmation of the existence of a new job. If a negative determination is made in this (confirmation 3), the control unit 205 returns the process from S2609 to S2605. That is, with the aim of completing the processing of the job permitted to be printed in S2605, the processing of the job is continued in the system 1000.

  In other words, the processing of S2608 means that the control unit 205 performs the following (confirmation 4).

  (Confirmation 4) It is confirmed whether or not the status of any one of a plurality of movable units existing in the system 1000 has changed from the open state to the closed state.

  When an affirmative determination is made in this (confirmation 4), the control unit 205 returns the process from S2608 to S2604.

  If a negative determination is made in this (confirmation 4), the transition from S2608 to S2604 is prohibited. That is, the interrupted state (printing prohibited state) of the job that has been put into the suspended state (printing prohibited state) by the processing of S2606 is maintained in the system 1000, and the notification of the guidance information by the UI unit of the present embodiment is also maintained. .

  Note that, as is clear from the above description described with the description of FIG. 26 in other words, the description of FIG. 26 and the description of the description are more specific to the control executed by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment. This is a control example subordinated to That is, for example, both the left flowchart and the right flowchart in the flowchart of FIG. 26 are subordinate conceptual control examples included in the control executed by the control unit 205. In this regard, for example, regarding these, description of various control examples executed by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment described in detail and specifically with reference to FIGS. 20 to 25 described prior to the description of FIG. This is an obvious matter even when compared with. Returning to the description of FIG.

  Next, device status display control will be described using the flowchart shown on the right side of FIG. As an example, the description here will be described as a flowchart as an embodiment in which a message processing device near the main body is preferentially displayed by displaying messages on the status line of the device status of the entire printing system.

  First, this process starts from step S2620. In step S2621, it is checked whether the cover state has changed. If the result of this check is that there is no change, the process returns to step S2620. If it has changed, the process proceeds to step S2622. In step S2622, it is first checked whether the cover state of the large capacity stacker has changed. If the result of this check is that there is no change, the process proceeds to step S2626, but if it has changed, the process proceeds to step S2623.

  In step S2623, it is checked whether this change is due to the large capacity stacker cover being opened. If the result of this check indicates that the change is due to opening, the process advances to step S2624 to cause the display unit 401 to display a message such as “stacker cover is open”. Then, the process returns to step S2621.

  On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S2623 is a change due to closing, the process proceeds to step S2625, and the display such as “Stacker cover is open” is deleted from the screen, and the process proceeds to step S2626. Proceed.

  In step S2626, it is checked whether or not the cover state of the case binding machine, which is the next sheet processing apparatus, has changed. As a result of this check, if there is a change in the cover of the case binding machine, the process advances to step S2627 to determine whether this change is due to the cover being opened or closed. To check.

  If the result of this check is that it has been opened, the process advances to step S2628 to display on the display unit 401 such as “case cover unit cover is open”. Then, the process returns to step S2621.

  On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S2627 is that it is closed, the process proceeds to step S2629, and the display such as “case cover unit cover is open” is erased from the screen, and the process is performed. The process proceeds to S2630.

  In step S2630, it is checked whether or not the cover state of the next sheet processing apparatus, which is a saddle stitch binding machine (finisher), has changed. As a result of this check, if there is a change in the cover state of the finisher, the process advances to step S2631 to determine whether the cover has changed to an open state or a closed state. If the result of this check is that the state has changed to the open state, the process advances to step S2632, and the display unit 401 is caused to display such as “the finisher cover is open”. On the other hand, if the result of the check in step S2631 is that it has changed to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S2633, the display such as “Finisher cover is open” is deleted from the screen, and the process returns to step S2621.

  As described above, according to the specific description in the present embodiment, from the printing unit of the printing apparatus including the printing unit capable of executing the printing process of the data of the storage unit capable of storing a plurality of job data, the printing unit In a printing system in which a sheet of a job subjected to printing processing by the printing unit can be selectively supplied to a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses capable of executing sheet processing on a printed job sheet. A cover state detection unit that detects a cover state of the printing apparatus and the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses; and a display unit that displays the cover state. When the detection unit detects a cover open state, the printing apparatus and the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses As a state of the entire printing system including the sheet processing apparatus, a first cover for controlling to display a cover open state on the display means. -An open display control means; and a second cover open display control means for controlling the display means to display only the cover open state of the sheet processing apparatus used by the job among the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses, The cover open state of the entire system and the cover open state for each job are displayed independently, and the execution of the job is controlled so as to determine whether it can be executed only by the determination of the second cover open display control means. By providing an optimal message display to the operator when the cover is open, a mechanism is provided that allows multiple jobs to be executed efficiently without causing the operator to perform extra work. It becomes possible.

[Other mechanisms]
The functions shown in the drawings in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer (for example, the PC 103 or the PC 104) by a program installed from the outside. For example, a computer-readable computer program for causing a computer to execute a control corresponding to the control executed by the control unit 205 described with reference to FIGS. Download from outside via. Based on this program, the system 1000 can be used to realize the same control as the control executed by the control unit 205 described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 26 disclosed in the present embodiment. Such a configuration may be used. However, at least the display screens to be displayed by the display unit 401 of the operation unit 204 in this embodiment described in FIGS. 20 to 25 can be displayed on the display unit of the host computer in this configuration. It is desirable to configure. Thereby, the effect that the effect disclosed in the present embodiment can be further improved can be achieved. In this case, data for displaying an operation screen similar to the operation screen described in this embodiment including each operation screen is installed from the outside, and the various user interface screens are provided on the display unit of the host computer. Configure as possible. As an example of this, in the present example, this is described with the configuration of the UI screen of FIGS. 17A and 17B. In the case of such a configuration, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to an output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. It is what is done.

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

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

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As another program supply method, a browser of a client computer is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk from the homepage. It can also be supplied by downloading. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

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

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

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not. For example, in this embodiment, the control unit 205 inside the printing apparatus 100 is the main body of the various controls, but one or all of the various controls are executed by an external controller or the like in a separate housing from the printing apparatus 100. You may comprise.

Claims (11)

A printing system including a printing apparatus that executes print processing of a job, and a first post-processing apparatus and a second post-processing apparatus that execute post-processing of the job, wherein the first post-processing apparatus is a first post-processing apparatus. 1, the second post-processing device has a second cover, and the printing system includes:
When the job requires post-processing by the second post-processing device and does not require post-processing by the first post-processing device, and the second cover is in an open state, When the printing apparatus is controlled not to execute job printing processing and the second cover is in a closed state, even when the first cover is in an open state, Control means for controlling the printing apparatus to execute the printing process of the job;
The first cover and the second cover are in an open state, a predetermined screen for prompting an operator to close the second cover is displayed, and the first cover is in an open state. When the information to be displayed is displayed on a part different from the predetermined screen, when any of the covers is closed, the closed covers are the first cover and the second cover. And determining means for determining which cover of
The control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the cover in the closed state is the first cover, it continues to display a predetermined screen for prompting the operator to close the second cover, and Controlling the printing apparatus so as not to execute the printing process of the job by the printing apparatus, while stopping displaying the information indicating that one cover is in an open state on a portion different from the predetermined screen,
When the determination means determines that the cover in the closed state is the second cover, display of a predetermined screen for prompting the operator to close the second cover is stopped, and the second cover is stopped. Controlling the printing apparatus to execute printing processing of the job by the printing apparatus while continuing to display information indicating that one cover is in an open state on a portion different from the predetermined screen. A printing system featuring. When the job requires post-processing by the first post-processing device, the control unit executes the print processing of the job after the state of the first cover changes from the open state to the closed state. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is controlled. When the job requires post-processing by the first post-processing device, the control unit sets the printing device to wait for the print processing of the job until the first cover is closed. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is controlled. The control means prints status information indicating that the first cover is in an open state on the user interface means, regardless of whether the job requires post-processing by the first post-processing device. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein an operator is notified prior to printing processing by the apparatus. The post-processing is
A stapling process for printed matter supplied from the printing apparatus;
Punching for printed matter supplied from the printing device;
Shift paper discharge processing for printed matter supplied from the printing device;
Saddle stitch bookbinding for printed matter supplied from the printing device;
A glue binding process for printed matter supplied from the printing device;
Stacking process for printed matter supplied from the printing device;
Cutting processing for printed matter supplied from the printing apparatus,
The printing system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following. User interface means including at least one of first user interface means of the printing apparatus and second user interface means of a computer that transmits print data of a job to be processed to the printing apparatus. The printing system according to claim 1. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the first post-processing device is located upstream of the second post-processing device. A receiving unit that receives the job that requires post-processing by the second post-processing device and does not require post-processing by the first post-processing device;
When the second cover is in an open state, the control unit controls the printing apparatus so that the printing process of the job is not started when the receiving unit receives the job. When the second cover is in the closed state, even when the first cover is in the open state, the print processing of the job is started when the receiving unit receives the job. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the printing apparatus is controlled as described above. The control unit requires the post-processing by the second post-processing device and the post-processing by the first post-processing device when the second cover is in an open state. while controlling the printing device so as not to execute the printing process, and controls the printing device to start the print processing of another job other than the job, according to claim 1 to 8 The printing system according to any one of the above. A job processing method in a printing system including a printing apparatus that executes print processing of a job, a first post-processing apparatus that executes post-processing of the job, and a second post-processing apparatus, wherein the first post-processing apparatus The processing apparatus has a first cover, the second post-processing apparatus has a second cover, and the job processing method includes:
When the job requires post-processing by the second post-processing device and does not require post-processing by the first post-processing device, and the second cover is in an open state, When the printing apparatus is controlled not to execute job printing processing and the second cover is in a closed state, even when the first cover is in an open state, A control step of controlling the printing apparatus to execute the printing process of the job;
The first cover and the second cover are in an open state, a predetermined screen for prompting an operator to close the second cover is displayed, and the first cover is in an open state. When the information to be displayed is displayed on a part different from the predetermined screen, when any of the covers is closed, the closed covers are the first cover and the second cover. And a determination step of determining which cover is included,
The control step includes
When it is determined in the determination step that the cover in the closed state is the first cover, the display of a predetermined screen for prompting the operator to close the second cover is continued, Controlling the printing apparatus so as not to execute the printing process of the job by the printing apparatus, while stopping displaying the information indicating that one cover is in an open state on a portion different from the predetermined screen,
When it is determined in the determination step that the cover in the closed state is the second cover, display of a predetermined screen for prompting an operator to close the second cover is stopped, and the second cover is stopped. Controlling the printing apparatus to execute printing processing of the job by the printing apparatus while continuing to display information indicating that one cover is in an open state on a portion different from the predetermined screen. A job processing method characterized by the above. A program for causing a computer to execute the job processing method according to claim 10 .

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