JP6258670B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more particularly to a technique for predicting a time required for job completion.

  As one type of information equipment, an image forming apparatus (typically a copier) is installed in many offices (company, office, etc.). Like a multifunction peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) which is one of such image forming apparatuses, a copy mode, an image communication mode (typically a facsimile mode), a network compatible print mode, and a scanner mode. Many have a plurality of different modes.

  Conventionally, in such an image forming apparatus, there has been a demand to know how long it takes to complete printing of a job instructed to print. If the time until the printing of the job is completed is known, the user can easily determine whether other work can be performed during the execution of the job, for example. Further, for example, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed in an office and a job is being executed in any of the image forming apparatuses, by comparing the time until the printing of the executed job is completed, It is possible to easily determine the image forming apparatus in which the job being executed ends most quickly. That is, when it is desired to execute a desired job, it is possible to easily determine an image forming apparatus that can execute the job earlier.

  Conventionally, as a technology for predicting the time until job printing is completed, there is an output time prediction table in which the output time is managed for each print output condition. The technology to do is known. However, the time calculated using such a technique (the time until the printing of the job is completed) is not so high in accuracy. For example, in an image forming apparatus used in the field of commercial printing or the like, a large number of print processes are executed. Therefore, if the accuracy of the prediction time is low, a large shift occurs between the predicted time and the actual time.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260 proposes an image forming apparatus capable of predicting the time until completion of printing with higher accuracy. This image forming apparatus measures (actually measures) the time until completion of printing of the executed job, and stores the measured time until completion of printing. When the image forming apparatus receives a print instruction for the same job again, the image forming apparatus reads the stored time until the completion of printing and displays the time on the operation unit. When the same job is executed again, the time actually required until the printing of the job is completed is displayed on the operation unit, so that the prediction accuracy of the time until the printing is completed is improved.

JP 2007-144699 A

  In Patent Document 1, the time until the completion of printing can be predicted with higher accuracy only when the same job as the job to be executed is executed before that. If the same job as the job to be executed has not been executed in advance, that is, if the job has been executed for the first time, the actual time taken until the job has been printed is not saved. It is difficult to improve the prediction accuracy of the time until.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to accurately predict the time until completion of printing of a job even if the job is executed for the first time. An image forming apparatus and an image forming system are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a job execution means for executing a job including a plurality of copies of print processing, and a plurality of copies of print processing when the job is executed. A job completion time required to complete the job is calculated using a measuring unit for measuring the time required for the printing process of the predetermined unit and the time required for the printing process of the predetermined unit measured by the measuring unit. And a display means for displaying the job completion time calculated by the calculation means.

  When executing a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing, the image forming apparatus measures the time required for printing processing of a predetermined copy of the plurality of copies of printing processing when the job is executed. The job completion time required to complete the job is calculated using the measured time required for the printing process of the predetermined part. By calculating the completion time of a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing using the time actually required for the printing processing of a predetermined copy, even if the job is executed for the first time, the time until the printing of the job is completed Time (job completion time) can be accurately predicted.

  Preferably, the measuring unit includes a unit for measuring the time required for the first printing process, and the calculating unit uses the time required for the first printing process to complete the job. Means for calculating.

  More preferably, the measurement unit includes a unit for measuring the time required for the printing process of each unit, and the calculation unit calculates the time required for the printing process of the completed unit every time the printing process for each unit is completed. And a means for calculating a job completion time required for job completion using the average value, and the image forming apparatus further updates the display of the job completion time at a predetermined time interval. Display control means for controlling the display of the display means is included.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not a special process for delaying the printing process is performed when the printing process of the predetermined unit is performed, and the calculating unit includes a determination In response to the determination result by the means being positive, the time required for the special process is subtracted from the time required for the printing process of the predetermined copy, and the job completion time required for completing the job using the subtracted time. Is calculated.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes notification means for notifying the user that the special processing has been executed in response to the determination result by the determination means being affirmative.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus responds that the determination result by the determination unit is affirmative, and the actual job completion time is greater than the job completion time calculated using the time required for the printing process of the predetermined unit. Means are further included for notifying the user of shortening.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus includes an image quality adjustment unit for performing an image quality adjustment process for the print image quality each time a predetermined number of print processes are executed, and a print process executed after the previous image quality adjustment process is executed. And a means for determining whether or not the image quality adjustment process is executed during the execution of the job based on the number of images, and the calculating means determines whether or not the image quality adjustment process is executed, The job completion time is calculated by adding the time required for image quality adjustment processing.

  More preferably, the image forming apparatus notifies the user that the job completion time is longer than usual because the image quality adjustment process is scheduled in response to the determination result by the determination unit being affirmative. Further comprising means for notifying.

  An image forming system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: an image forming apparatus; and an information processing apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and that transmits a job including a plurality of copies to the image forming apparatus. An image forming system including the image forming system. In this image forming system, the image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus, a job executing unit for executing the received job, and a printing process for a plurality of copies when executing the job. Calculating the job completion time required to complete the job using the measuring means for measuring the time required for the printing process of the predetermined part of the time and the time required for the printing process of the predetermined part measured by the measuring means And a means for transmitting the calculated job completion time to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes means for receiving the job completion time transmitted from the image forming apparatus and means for displaying the received job completion time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of accurately predicting the time until the printing of the job is completed even if the job is executed for the first time.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a program executed by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job status screen displayed on an operation unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the image forming system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the program performed with the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control structure of a program executed by an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a detailed flow of step S4000 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job status screen and a notification screen displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job status screen and a notification screen displayed on an operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(First embodiment)
[overall structure]
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 100 has a so-called laser (electrophotographic) printing function that uses laser light for exposure. However, other types of printing functions may be provided.

  The image forming apparatus 100 mainly includes an apparatus main body 102 and an automatic document feeder 104, and forms a multicolor or single color image on a predetermined sheet (recording paper) based on image data. The image forming apparatus 100 acquires a job including image data by an input from the outside or by a document reading function provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and executes the acquired job. A job refers to a series of operations related to image formation such as printing. For example, when copying a plurality of documents, a series of operations relating to copying of a plurality of documents is one job, and when copying a plurality of copies, a series of operations relating to a copy of a plurality of copies is one job. is there.

  A document placing table (not shown) made of transparent glass on which the document is placed is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 102. An automatic document feeder 104 is mounted on the document table. The automatic document feeder 104 automatically conveys a document set on a tray onto a document placement table.

  A post-processing apparatus 300 is connected to one side of the apparatus main body 102. The post-processing apparatus 300 can cope with, for example, a staple process for stapling an image-formed (printed) recording sheet and a punching process for punching a recording sheet. A paper discharge tray 310 for discharging recording paper is provided outside the post-processing apparatus 300.

  A large-capacity paper feed unit 400 capable of storing a large number of recording sheets (for example, about 5000 sheets) is connected to the other side of the apparatus main body 102. Further, a manual feed tray 106 is installed on the other side of the apparatus main body 102. A sheet feeding tray 108 (108a, 108b and 108c) capable of storing a plurality of (for example, about 500) recording sheets is provided below the apparatus main body 102. Each of the large-capacity paper feed unit 400, the manual feed tray 106, and the paper feed tray 108 is provided with a paper feed roller (not shown). Be fed.

  The image forming apparatus 100 also has a function of predicting the time until job printing is completed (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “job completion time”). As will be described later, image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can predict job completion time more accurately for a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing.

[Hardware configuration]
2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, a document reading unit 120, an image processing unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper feeding unit 150, an image quality adjusting unit 160, a timer unit 170, an operation unit 180, And NIC (Network Interface Card) 200.

  The control unit 110 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 114 for storing programs, and a volatile storage device. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 116 and a storage device 118 are included. The storage device 118 is a non-volatile storage device that retains data even when power is turned off, and is, for example, a hard disk drive or a flash memory. A BUS line 210 is connected to the CPU 112, and a ROM 114, a RAM 116, and a storage device 118 are electrically connected to the BUS line 210.

  The CPU 112 executes various computer programs in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 180 and the like, thereby performing operations of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 and communication with an external device such as an information processing apparatus (not shown). Execute the process. The various computer programs are stored in advance in the ROM 114 or the storage device 118, and are read from the ROM 114 or the storage device 118 and transferred to the RAM 116 when desired processing is executed. The CPU 112 reads and interprets a program instruction from an address in the RAM 116 specified by a value stored in a register called a program counter (not shown) in the CPU 112. The CPU 112 also reads data necessary for the operation from the address specified by the read instruction, and executes an operation corresponding to the instruction on the data. The execution result is also stored in an address specified by an instruction, such as a register in the RAM 116, the storage device 118, and the CPU 112.

  The storage device 118 stores a computer program for realizing general operations of the image forming apparatus 100. This computer program is provided from an information processing apparatus or the like via the network 50 and the NIC 200. The computer program may be provided by a storage medium such as a DVD on which the computer program is recorded. That is, a DVD as a computer program recording medium is loaded into a DVD drive (not shown) built in the image forming apparatus 100, and the computer program is read from the DVD and installed in the storage device 118. Good. In addition, the storage device 118 stores various data including image data and the like. The ROM 114 or the storage device 118 also stores a management table in which the output time is managed for each print output condition. In the management table, for example, time required for processing such as post-processing (staple processing, punching processing, etc.), aggregate printing, double-sided printing, and the like is managed.

  Further, the document reading unit 120, the image processing unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the paper feeding unit 150, the image quality adjusting unit 160, the timer unit 170, the operation unit 180, and the NIC 200 are electrically connected to the BUS line 210. .

  The document reading unit 120 includes a scanner and a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) line sensor (none of which is shown). The scanner reflects light obtained by irradiating light from a light source (not shown) to an image surface of a document placed on a document placement table manually by a user or by an automatic document feeder 104. An image is formed on a CCD line sensor, and the original is scanned while moving the light source. The CCD line sensor sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light image and outputs it to the image processing unit 130 as image data. In other words, the document reading unit 120 reads image information from a document placed on a document placement table by a scanner when the document is copied or scanned, and converts the read image information into an electrical signal by a CCD line sensor to obtain image data. To the image processing unit 130.

  The image processing unit 130 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit, not shown). The image processing unit 130 performs various processing including predetermined image processing such as rasterization processing on the image data received from the document reading unit 120 or the information processing apparatus or the like, and print data with predetermined gradation. And output to the image forming unit 140.

  The image forming unit 140 prints an image indicated by image data on a recording sheet in color or single color, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit (LSU), a developing device, a transfer device, and a cleaning device. A device, a fixing device, a static eliminator, and the like. For example, the image forming unit 140 is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 150 is conveyed along the conveyance path.

  The paper feed unit 150 includes a paper feed tray 108 and a manual feed tray 106. When the large-capacity paper feed unit 400 is connected to the apparatus main body 102, the paper feed unit 150 further includes the large-capacity paper feed unit 400. The paper feeding unit 150 pulls out the recording paper stored in the large-capacity paper feeding unit 400, the recording paper stored in the paper feeding tray 108, or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray 106 one by one. To the conveyance path of the image forming unit 140. The paper feeding unit 150 further includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the feeding of the recording paper. While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit 140, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device to perform printing on the recording paper. It is. The paper feed unit 150 has a function of detecting a change in the paper feed tray 108 or the like during the execution of the printing process or a replenishment of recording paper to the paper feed tray 108 or the like.

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with this laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. To do. The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum.

  The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to the paper discharge tray 310 after being post-processed by the post-processing device 300 or without being post-processed.

  Image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 is data corresponding to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Accordingly, four photosensitive drums, charging devices, developing devices, and cleaning devices are provided to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and four image forming units of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are provided. Is configured.

  The image forming unit 140 is provided with an endless transfer belt (not shown) in contact with the photosensitive drums of the four image forming units. A toner image formed on the surface of each photoconductive drum is transferred onto a recording sheet via the transfer belt.

  The image forming unit 140 further includes a cartridge mounting unit (not shown) in which a toner cartridge is mounted. The cartridge mounting unit individually recognizes the mounted toner cartridge and detects replacement of the toner cartridge or toner supply.

  The image quality adjusting unit 160 is a functional unit for adjusting the image quality of the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming unit 140). The image quality adjustment unit 160 executes image quality adjustment processing according to an instruction from the control unit 110. The image quality adjustment processing includes processing for automatically adjusting image quality during a print job such as registration adjustment (hereinafter referred to as “registration adjustment”) and process control (hereinafter referred to as “process control”). The image quality adjustment unit 160 includes a detection device (not shown) that detects the pattern interval of the test pattern and a density sensor (not shown) that detects the density of the pattern image.

  In the registration tone, a patch image of a predetermined pattern is formed on the transfer belt by each image forming unit, and the pattern interval of each color is read by a detection device. The amount of misalignment (correction amount) of the printing position between each color is detected from the read pattern interval, and the image quality adjustment (position misalignment adjustment) is performed by reflecting the detected amount of correction in the image forming conditions (changing image forming parameters). ).

  In the process control unit, each image forming unit forms a test patch image, and the density sensor reads the print density of the patch image on the photosensitive drum and the patch image on the transfer belt, and the correction amount is based on the read print density. Is detected. Image quality adjustment (density adjustment) is performed by reflecting the detected correction amount in the image forming conditions. Specifically, the print density (image quality) is adjusted by adjusting image forming parameters such as a developing bias voltage value, a charging potential setting value, and laser power based on the detected correction amount.

  The control unit 110 has a function of counting the number of printed sheets, and causes the image quality adjusting unit 160 to execute image quality adjustment processing every time a predetermined number of printing processes are executed.

  For example, when a job including a plurality of copies of print processing is executed, the timer unit 170 measures the time required for the print processing of a predetermined portion of the plurality of copies of the print processing. In the present embodiment, the timer unit 170 measures the time required for the first printing process. Specifically, the timer unit 170 starts measurement when a recording sheet used for printing the first page of the first set is fed, and the recording sheet used for printing the last page of the first set is discharged. Measurement stops when paper is used.

  The operation unit 180 includes a touch panel display 190. The touch panel display 190 includes a display panel composed of a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a touch panel that is disposed on the display panel and detects a touched position. The display panel provides the user with various information such as information relating to the status of the image forming apparatus 100 and the status of various processes. The touch panel display 190 also provides an interactive operation interface to the user. This interactive operation interface receives a user instruction for the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 100 from the touch panel, displays the contents of the instruction on the display panel, and sends a control signal corresponding to the instruction to the control unit 110 or image processing. Output to the unit 130.

  The NIC 200 has an interface with the network 50. The image forming apparatus 100 can perform data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with an information processing apparatus or the like on the network 50 via the NIC 200. The image forming apparatus 100 can receive a command signal for instructing execution of various processes such as a print job from the information processing apparatus via the NIC 200.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 3, a control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in order to execute a job completion time prediction process will be described. Hereinafter, a case where copy printing is executed as a printing process will be described.

  This program is started in response to the acquisition of a job including a plurality of copies (for example, N copies) of printing processing by the original reading unit 120 reading an image of the original. This program is executed after step S1000 for obtaining a job including N copies of print processing and after step S1000, and the theoretical value of the time required for the first print processing of the jobs including N copies of print processing is calculated. Step S1010 to be calculated and Step S1020 that is executed after Step S1010 and calculates the time until the printing of the job is completed using the calculated theoretical value of the first copy. Step S1030 for storing the time until the completion of printing in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118.

  In step S1010, the control unit 110 calculates the time (basic time) required for the first printing process based on the processing capability of the image forming apparatus (number of printed sheets per unit time: printing speed). When printing conditions (output conditions) such as post-processing and aggregate printing are set, the time required for the first printing process is calculated according to the management table. Specifically, the time required for processing the set printing conditions is calculated based on the management table, and the time required for the first copy processing (theoretical value) is added to the basic time. ) Is calculated. In step S1020, the control unit 110 calculates the time until the printing of the job is completed by multiplying the theoretical value of the first copy calculated in step S1010 by the number of copies (for example, N times).

  This program is further executed after step S1030 to determine whether or not a print processing execution instruction (print instruction) has been issued, and to wait until a print processing execution instruction is issued. In step S1040, the print processing is performed. Is executed when it is determined that the execution instruction is executed, and is executed after step S1050 for initializing the timer unit 170 and step S1050, and it is determined whether the first printing process is started. Step S1060 that waits until the eye print process is started, step S1070 that is executed when it is determined in step S1060 that the first print process is started, and causes the timer unit 170 to start measurement, and step S1070 Is executed after the first printing process to determine whether the first printing process has been completed. There includes a step S1080 of waiting until the end of print processing of the first copy in step S1080 is executed if it is determined to have ended, and step S1090 to stop the measurement with respect to the timer unit 170.

  In step S1040, the control unit 110 is instructed to execute the print process when the user receives an instruction to execute the print process or when the acquired execution order of the job including the plurality of copies of the print process is changed. It is determined that In step S1060, when the control unit 110 receives a signal from the paper feeding unit 150 and detects that the recording paper used for printing the first page of the first copy has been fed, the printing process of the first copy is performed. It is determined that has started. In step S1080, when the control unit 110 detects that the recording sheet used for printing the last page of the first set has been discharged, the control unit 110 determines that the printing process for the first set has been completed.

  This program is further executed after step S1090, and the time (actually measured value) required for the first printing process measured by the timer unit 170 is stored in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118. Step S1110 that is executed later and calculates the job completion time of the job by using the actual measurement value of the first copy, and executed after step S1110, by overwriting and storing the calculated job completion time in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118. Step S1120 for updating the job completion time and ending this program. In step S1110, the control unit 110 calculates the time until the printing of the job is completed by multiplying the stored actual measurement value of the first copy by (number of copies-1) times ((N-1) times). The reason why 1 is subtracted from the number of copies is that the printing process for one copy has already been completed. In step S1110, the control unit 110 stores the calculated job completion time in association with the overwritten time.

  A control structure of a computer program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 in order to display the predicted job completion time on the operation unit 180 (touch panel display 190) will be described with reference to FIG.

  This program starts in response to receiving a job status screen display instruction. This program is executed after step S1200 for receiving a job status screen display instruction, step S1200, step S1210 for displaying the job status screen on the touch panel display 190, and step S1210, and is executed in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118. And reading the stored job completion time and displaying the read job completion time on the job status screen.

  Referring to FIG. 5, on the job status screen 500, for example, the acquired job name, job mode (for example, copy mode, print mode, etc.), the number of print pages of the job, the “end time” of the job, “Printing time” (time from job execution to completion) and job status (running or waiting) are displayed. Further, the job status screen 500 displays “accumulated time” (accumulated time of printing time) of the acquired job. In the present embodiment, the job completion time is displayed on the job status screen 500 as the “end time” of the job and the “print time” of the job.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, this program is further executed after step S1220, determines whether a predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed, and waits until the predetermined time elapses step S1230. Are executed when it is determined in step S1230 that a predetermined time has elapsed, and are executed after step S1240 for updating the display of the job status screen 500 and after step S1240, and whether there is an instruction to switch the display of the screen by the user. And step S1250 that branches the control flow according to the determination result. If it is determined in step S1250 that there is no instruction to switch the screen display, the control returns to step S1230. If it is determined in step S1250 that there is an instruction to switch the screen display, the program ends.

[Operation]
Image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates as follows. In the following description, only the part related to the present invention in the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Other operations are the same as those of the conventional image forming apparatus.

  Assume that the user gives an instruction to start copy printing in which a plurality of copies are printed. The image forming apparatus 100 reads an image of a document by the document reading unit 120 and acquires a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing (step S1000 shown in FIG. 3). The image forming apparatus 100 calculates the theoretical value of the time required for the printing process of the first copy of the acquired job (step S1010), and calculates the job completion time of the job using the calculated time (theoretical value) (step S1010). S1230). The image forming apparatus 100 stores the calculated job completion time (theoretical value) in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118 (step S1030). The image forming apparatus 100 reads the job completion time (theoretical value) calculated when the job status screen 500 is displayed (step S1210 shown in FIG. 4) or when the display of the job status screen 500 is updated (step S1240). 500.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 detects a print processing execution instruction for this job (YES in step S1040 shown in FIG. 3), the image forming apparatus 100 initializes the timer unit 170 (step S1050). The image forming apparatus 100 causes the sheet feeding unit 150 to feed a recording sheet in order to form an image on the recording sheet. When the sensor detects that the recording paper used for printing the first page of the first copy has been fed by the sensor, the paper feed unit 150 transmits a detection signal indicating that fact to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 receives the detection signal from the paper feeding unit 150 and detects that the recording paper used for printing the first page of the first copy has been fed. Thereby, control unit 110 detects that the first printing process has been started (YES in step S1060). When detecting that the first printing process has started, the control unit 110 causes the timer unit 170 to start measuring the time required for the first printing process (step S1070).

  The control unit 110 detects that the printing process for the first copy has been completed by detecting that the recording paper used for printing the last page of the first copy has been discharged (YES in step S1080). In response to detecting that the first printing process has been completed, the control unit 110 controls the timer unit 170 to stop the measurement by the timer unit 170 (step S1090).

  The control unit 110 calculates the job completion time of the job using the time (actual measurement value) required for the first printing process measured by the timer unit 170 (step S1110). The calculated job completion time is overwritten and stored in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118 (step S1120). At this time, the control unit 110 stores the job completion time in association with the overwritten time. The image forming apparatus 100 reads out the job completion time when the job status screen 500 is displayed or when the job status screen 500 is updated, and displays it in the job status screen 500.

  Referring to FIG. 5, for example, when job 1 is a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing, when the first printing processing of job 1 is completed, the time required for the first printing processing (actual value) The job completion time calculated using is displayed in the job status screen 500. In the “end time” of the job status screen 500, the end time of the job calculated using the job completion time is displayed. In the “print time” of the job status screen 500, the job completion time is displayed. Since the printing process continues after the job completion time is stored, the image forming apparatus 100 prints by subtracting the elapsed time from the time when the job completion time is stored, for example, at a timing such as display update of the job status screen 500. Switch display on time.

[Action / Effect]
As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained by using the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  When executing a job including a plurality of copies of printing processing, the image forming apparatus 100 measures the time required for the first printing processing when the job is executed. A job completion time required to complete the job is calculated using the measured time required for the first printing process. By calculating the completion time of a job that includes multiple copies of print processing using the time actually required for one copy of print processing, even if the job is executed for the first time (first time), the print of the job is completed Time (job completion time) can be accurately predicted.

(Second Embodiment)
[overall structure]
Referring to FIG. 6, image forming system 600 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 700 and an information processing apparatus 800 connected to image forming apparatus 700 via network 50. The image forming apparatus 700 is the same image forming apparatus as the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 800 includes, for example, a personal computer (PC) and includes a display device 810 for displaying information.

  The information processing apparatus 800 transmits a job to the image forming apparatus 700. The image forming apparatus 700 receives the job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800 and executes print processing. When the image forming apparatus 700 executes a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800, RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing is performed to convert image data included in the job into print data that can be printed. Is done. When the image forming apparatus 700 receives a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800, the image forming apparatus 700 performs a printing process after performing a RIP process.

  When the job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800 is a job including a plurality of copies of the printing process, the image forming apparatus 700 takes the time required for the RIP process and the image forming unit 140 until the first printing process is completed. Based on the processing capability of the (print engine) (number of prints per unit time), the presence / absence of post-processing, etc., the time until the job is printed is calculated and displayed in the job status screen. Image data (print data) generated by the RIP process is stored in the storage device 118 for use in printing from the second copy.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 700 calculates the time from the time (actual measurement value) required for the first print processing to the completion of printing the job when the first print processing is completed. Display in the job status screen. In the second and subsequent copies, the RIP processing is not performed because the image data generated by the RIP processing at the time of the first copy is used. Therefore, when the job completion time is calculated using the time (actual value) required for the first printing process, the job completion time is calculated by subtracting the time required for the RIP process.

  When the image forming apparatus 700 calculates the time (job completion time) until the printing of the job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800 is completed, the image forming apparatus 700 transmits the calculated job completion time to the information processing apparatus 800. The information processing apparatus 800 displays the job completion time transmitted from the image forming apparatus 700 in the status screen displayed on the display device 810. That is, the job completion time is also displayed on the display device 810 of the information processing apparatus 800.

Software configuration
With reference to FIG. 7, a control structure of a computer program executed in the image forming apparatus 700 in order to execute a job completion time prediction process for a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800 will be described. The program in FIG. 7 includes steps S2000 to S2040 instead of steps S1000 to S1020, step S1100, and step S1110 in FIG. Processing in steps S1030 to S1090 and step S1120 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  This program starts in response to receiving a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 800 and including a print process of a plurality of copies (for example, N copies). This program is executed after step S2000 for obtaining a job including N number of print processes, step S2000 for calculating a theoretical value of the time required for the first print process, and after step S2010. And step S2020 for calculating the time until the printing of the job is completed using the calculated theoretical value of the first copy. In steps S2010 and S2020, the time required to complete the printing of the job is calculated based on the time required for the RIP processing, the processing capability of the image forming unit 140 (print engine) (number of prints per unit time), the presence or absence of post-processing, and the like. To do. When the process of step S2020 ends, control proceeds to step S1030.

  This program is further executed after step S1090, and is executed after step S2030, which stores the time required for the first printing process measured by the timer unit 170 in the RAM 116 or the storage device 118, and after step S2030. And step S2040 for calculating the job completion time of the job using the actual measurement value of the first copy. In step S2030, when the time required for the RIP process is included in the time required for the first printing process, the time obtained by subtracting the time required for the RIP process is stored as the time required for the first printing process. . In step S2040, the job completion time is calculated using the stored time required for the first printing process. When the process of step S2040 ends, control proceeds to step S1120.

(Third embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the job completion time is updated by taking into account the time required for the print processing of the copy-completed print processing as needed. Different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  When a job including a plurality of copies (for example, N copies) of print processing is executed, the image forming apparatus uses the time required for the first copy processing when the first copy processing is completed. Calculate the time to complete printing. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when the second and subsequent printing processes are completed, the display of the job completion time is updated every time the printing process is completed in consideration of the time required for the printing process in calculating the job completion time. Specifically, when the printing process for the second copy is completed, an average value of the time required for the printing process for the second copy and the time required for the printing process for the first copy is calculated, and the average value (average time) ) Is used to calculate the time (job completion time) required for the printing process of the remaining copies. Similarly, when the third copy print process is completed, the average value of the time required for the third copy print process, the time required for the second copy print process, and the time required for the first copy print process is calculated. Then, using the average value (average time), the time (job completion time) required for the printing process of the remaining copies is calculated. The job completion time is calculated in the same manner when the fourth and subsequent copies are finished. The display of the print end time (“end time” and “print time”) in the job status screen is updated using the calculated job completion time. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the job completion time increases as the number of copies for which the printing process is completed increases.

Software configuration
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 8 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program in FIG. 8 includes steps S3000 to S3100 instead of steps S1050 to S1120 in FIG. The processing in steps S1000 to S1040 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 8, this program is executed when it is determined in step S1040 that a print processing execution instruction has been issued, and a coefficient n indicating the number of print processes to be executed is initialized (n = 1) Step S3000 executed after Step S3000, Step S3010 for initializing the timer portion, Step S3010 executed after Step S3010, whether or not the n-th printing process has been started is determined. Steps S3020 for waiting until the eye print process is started, steps S3030 that are executed when it is determined in step S3020 that the n-th print process has started, and the timer part starts measurement. This step is executed later to determine whether or not the n-th printing process has been completed, and to wait until the n-th printing process is completed. And S3040, print processing of n th copy in step S3040 is executed if it is determined to have ended, and a step S3050 to stop the measurement with respect to the timer unit.

  In step S3020, when n = 1 (in the case of the first copy printing process), when it is detected that the recording paper used for printing the first page of the first copy has been fed, the printing process of the nth copy is performed. It is determined that has started. On the other hand, when n is 2 or more (in the case of printing processing for the second and subsequent copies), when it is detected that the recording paper used for printing the last page of the immediately preceding copy has been discharged, printing of the nth copy is performed. It is determined that processing has started. In step S3040, when it is detected that the recording sheet used for printing the final page of the nth copy is discharged, it is determined that the printing process of the nth copy is finished.

  This program is further executed after step S3050, and the time (measured value) required for the n-th printing process measured by the timer unit is stored in the RAM or the storage device, and is executed after step S3060. Then, the average value of the actually measured values up to the n-th copy is calculated, and the job completion time is calculated after step S3070 for calculating the job completion time of the job using the calculated average value (average time). Step S3080 for updating the job completion time by overwriting and storing the completion time in the RAM or storage device, and a copy executed after step S3080 (the coefficient n) is one less than the number N of copies included in the job ((N-1) part) It is determined whether or not (n = N-1), and control is performed according to the determination result. A step S3090 for branching les, executed if it is determined not to be n = N-1 in step S3090, and a step S3100 of adding 1 to the coefficient n. When the process of step S3100 ends, control returns to step S3010. If it is determined in step S3090 that n = N−1, this program ends.

[Action / Effect]
The timer unit measures the time required for the printing process of each unit included in the job. The image forming apparatus calculates an average value of the time required for the print processing of the completed copy every time the print processing for each copy is completed, and calculates the job completion time required for job completion using the average value. Then, the display of the job completion time is updated. As a result, the prediction accuracy of the job completion time is improved as the number of copies that have been printed is increased.

(Fourth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment subtracts the time required for the special process when a special process for delaying the end of the print process occurs during the execution of the first copy process. It differs from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that the completion time is calculated. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  If a special process occurs during the execution of the first copy process, the time required for the first copy process is increased by the time required for the special process. As the special processing, for example, image quality adjustment processing such as a process control, replenishment of recording paper, replacement of a toner cartridge, and jam processing are assumed. Such special processing does not necessarily occur in the printing processing for the second and subsequent copies. Therefore, if the job completion time is calculated in a state where the time required for the first copy includes the time required for the special processing, the job completion time is predicted to be longer than the actual time.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a special process has occurred during execution of the first print process. If a special process has occurred, the actual value of the first print process is determined. The job completion time is calculated by using the time obtained by subtracting the time required for the special processing from the time (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “correction time”). Specifically, the time until the completion of printing of the job is calculated by multiplying the correction time by (number of copies-1) times ((N-1) times).

  When a special process occurs, the image forming apparatus measures (actually measures) the time required for the special process separately from the first printing process. The image forming apparatus calculates the correction time by subtracting the measured time required for the special process from the time required for the first printing process.

Software configuration
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the program shown in FIG. 9 is executed instead of the program shown in FIG. The program in FIG. 9 includes step S4000 instead of step S1100 in FIG. The processing in steps S1000 to S1090, step S1110, and step S1120 is the same as the processing in each step shown in FIG. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 9, this program is executed after step S1090, and includes step S4000 for storing the time (actually measured value) required for the printing process of the first copy in the RAM or the storage device. FIG. 10 is a detailed flow of step S4000 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, this routine determines whether or not a special process that causes a delay has occurred during the execution of the printing process for the first copy, and branches the control flow according to the determination result. Step S4010 is executed when it is determined in step S4010 that special processing has occurred, and steps S4020 and S4020 are performed by subtracting the time required for the special processing from the time required for the first printing process. After that, or when it is determined in step S4010 that no special process has occurred, the measured time is stored as an actual measurement value of the time required for the first printing process, and this routine is terminated. Step S4030.

  If special processing has occurred, in step S4030, the correction time is stored as an actual measurement value of the time required for the first printing process. On the other hand, if no special processing has occurred, as in the first embodiment, in step S4030, the time required for the first printing process measured by the timer unit is stored as an actual measurement value.

[Action / Effect]
Even if special processing occurs during execution of the first copy, even if special processing occurs by calculating the job completion time by subtracting the time required for the special processing , Job completion time can be accurately predicted.

(Fifth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, when a special process is executed during the execution of the first copy printing process, a notification screen for notifying the user that the special process has been executed is popped up on the touch panel display. This is different from the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, assume that job status screen 510 is displayed on touch panel display 190. Job 1 is a job including a plurality of copies of print processing, and the print processing of job 1 is executed. When the image forming apparatus detects that a special process such as a process control has been executed during the execution of the first print process for job 1, a notification screen 512 is displayed in a pop-up on the job status screen 510. The notification screen 512 displays a message for notifying the user that a special process such as a process control has been executed and that the job completion time calculated from the time required for the first printing process will be shorter. ing. This notification screen 512 is automatically deleted (closed) when a predetermined time elapses. In addition, by providing a soft key for deleting the screen in the notification screen 512, the notification screen 512 may be configured to be deleted in response to the user operating the soft key.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus pops up the notification screen 512 when a special process is executed, so that the user can be notified that an accurate job completion time is displayed for the user's erroneous prediction. Can be recognized. Therefore, it does not give the user a sense of anxiety. Furthermore, by displaying a notification screen 512, a special process is executed by notifying the user that the actual job completion time is shorter than the job completion time calculated from the time required for the first printing process. It is possible to make the user recognize that this has not been taken into account for the print processing time for the second and subsequent copies. Therefore, this does not give the user anxiety.

(Sixth embodiment)
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the first in that the job completion time is calculated in consideration of the time required for the image quality adjustment process when the image quality adjustment process is scheduled until the job is completed. Different from the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. In other respects, the image forming apparatuses have the same configuration.

  The image forming apparatus analyzes the acquired job and acquires the number of print pages to be printed in the job. When the job is executed, the image forming apparatus performs the image quality adjustment process until the job is completed based on the number of print processes (count number) executed after the previous image quality adjustment process and the number of print pages of the job. Determine if it is scheduled.

  The image forming apparatus also stores a table in which the required time is managed for each type of image quality adjustment processing to be executed. In this table, for example, time required for density image quality adjustment (high density), density image quality adjustment (medium density), color resist adjustment, charging device cleaning, toner replenishment operation, and the like are registered. The density image quality adjustment (high density) is a high density density adjustment (high density color adjustment) process, and the required time is, for example, 10 seconds. The density image quality adjustment (intermediate density) is an intermediate density adjustment (intermediate density color adjustment) process, and the required time is, for example, 10 seconds. Color registration adjustment is a process for adjusting color misregistration (not required for monochrome printing), and the required time is, for example, 30 seconds. The charging device cleaning is a process of cleaning according to the usage amount (discharge time) of the charging device, and the required time is, for example, 30 seconds. The toner replenishment operation is a replenishment operation that is performed when toner replenishment does not follow normal supply, such as when the toner density becomes extremely low. The required time is, for example, 30 seconds.

  When the image quality adjustment process is scheduled until the job is completed, the image forming apparatus calculates the time required for the scheduled image quality adjustment process based on the table. Then, when calculating the time until the printing of the job is completed using the time required for the first printing process, the time required for the calculated image quality adjustment process is taken into account. That is, the image forming apparatus calculates the job completion time by adding the time required for image quality adjustment processing to the time until the completion of printing of the job calculated using the time required for the first copy printing processing. Thereby, the job completion time can be predicted with higher accuracy.

  Further, when the image quality adjustment process is scheduled until the job is completed, the image forming apparatus notifies the user that the image quality adjustment process is scheduled and takes time. Referring to FIG. 12, it is assumed that job status screen 520 is displayed on touch panel display 190. Here, it is assumed that job 2 is a job including a plurality of copies of print processing, and that job 2 is on standby. When the image forming apparatus determines that image quality adjustment processing is scheduled when job 2 is executed, the image forming apparatus pops up a notification screen 522 in the job status screen 520. The notification screen 522 displays a message for notifying the user that image quality adjustment processing is scheduled at the time of job execution and that the end time will be longer than usual. The notification screen 522 is automatically deleted (closed) when a predetermined time has elapsed. By displaying such a notification screen 522 on the touch panel display 190, it is possible to prevent the user's schedule from going wrong. In addition, by providing a soft key for deleting the screen in the notification screen 522, the notification screen 522 may be configured to be deleted in response to the operation of the soft key by the user.

(Modification)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. As long as it has a printing function, the image forming apparatus may be other than a multifunction peripheral. For example, an image forming apparatus such as a copier or a printer may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the post-processing device and the large-capacity paper feeding unit are connected to the image forming apparatus has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Optional devices such as a post-processing device and a large-capacity paper feeding unit may be used as necessary.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the job completion time is displayed on the job status screen has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The job completion time may be displayed on a screen other than the job status screen. Further, the job completion time may be displayed on either the image forming apparatus or the information processing apparatus, or may be displayed on both the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the job completion time is calculated using the time required for the printing process of the first copy. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the job completion time may be calculated using the time required for the print processing of the second and subsequent specific copies. Here, the time required for the printing process for the first copy is the time from when the recording paper used for printing the first page is fed to when the recording paper used for printing the last page is discharged. On the other hand, the time required for the printing process for each of the second and subsequent copies is determined after the printing process for the previous portion of the corresponding portion is completed (the recording paper used for printing the last page in the immediately preceding portion is discharged). This is the time from when the recording paper used for printing the last page of the relevant section is discharged. Therefore, the time required for the printing process for the first copy is slightly different from the time required for the printing process for each of the second and subsequent copies. Therefore, when the job completion time is calculated using the time required for the printing process of the second and subsequent specific parts, it is possible to further improve the prediction accuracy of the job completion time. This is particularly effective when the number of copies included in the job is large. For example, at the time when the first printing process is completed, the job completion time is calculated using the time required for the first printing process, and the time is displayed, and the second and subsequent printing processes are completed. Sometimes the job completion time may be calculated using the time required for the printing process of the second and subsequent copies (for example, the second copy) to update the display.

  In the third to sixth embodiments, the example of calculating (predicting) the job completion time of copy printing has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The configurations shown in the third to sixth embodiments are also applicable when calculating (predicting) the job completion time of a job received from the information processing apparatus.

  Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the techniques disclosed above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Network 100, 700 Image forming apparatus 110 Control part 118 Storage apparatus 120 Document reading part 130 Image processing part 140 Image forming part 150 Paper feed part 160 Image quality adjustment part 170 Timer part 300 Post-processing apparatus 310 Paper discharge tray 400 Large capacity paper feeding Unit 500, 510, 520 Job status screen 512, 522 Notification screen 600 Image forming system 800 Information processing device 810 Display device

Claims (9)

A display device;
Storage means for storing a management table in which an output time is managed for each print output condition;
A theoretical value calculating means for calculating a theoretical value of the time required for the first printing process included in the job based on the management table in response to acquiring a job including a plurality of copies of the printing process; ,
Means for calculating a job completion time required for completion of the acquired job based on the theoretical value;
Means for causing the display device to display the calculated job completion time;
Job execution means for executing the acquired job;
A measuring means for measuring a time required for the printing process of a predetermined number of the plurality of printing processes when the job is executed;
Calculation means for calculating a job completion time required for completion of the job using a time required for the printing process of the predetermined part measured by the measurement means;
An image forming apparatus, comprising: an update unit configured to update the display of the job completion time of the display device to the job completion time calculated by the calculation unit. The measuring means includes means for measuring the time required for the first printing process,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating unit includes a unit for calculating a job completion time required for completion of the job by using a time required for the printing process of the first copy. The measuring means includes means for measuring the time required for the printing process of each part,
The calculation unit calculates an average value of the time required for the print processing of the completed copy every time the print processing for each copy is completed, and calculates a job completion time required for completion of the job using the average value. Including means for
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling the display device so as to update the display of the job completion time at predetermined time intervals. The image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not a special process for delaying the printing process is performed when the printing process of a predetermined unit is performed,
In response to the determination result by the determination unit being affirmative, the calculation unit subtracts the time required for the special process from the time required for the printing process of the predetermined part, and uses the subtracted time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a job completion time required to complete the job is calculated.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify a user that the special processing has been executed in response to a positive determination result by the determination unit. Image forming apparatus.   In response to the determination result by the determination unit being affirmative, the image forming apparatus has an actual job completion time shorter than the job completion time calculated using the time required for the printing process of the predetermined unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for notifying the user of the fact. The image forming apparatus includes:
Image quality adjusting means for performing image quality adjustment processing of print image quality each time a predetermined number of print processes are executed;
Means for determining whether or not the image quality adjustment process is executed during the execution of the job based on the number of print processes executed after the previous image quality adjustment process is executed;
The said calculation means adds the time which the said image quality adjustment process requires according to whether the said image quality adjustment process is performed, The said job completion time is calculated in any one of Claims 1-6. Image forming apparatus.   In response to a positive determination result by the determination unit, the image forming apparatus notifies the user that the job completion time is longer than usual because an image quality adjustment process is scheduled. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means for An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus and transmitting a job including a plurality of copies to the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Storage means for storing a management table in which an output time is managed for each print output condition;
Receiving means for receiving the job transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
A theory for calculating the theoretical value of the time required for the first printing process included in the job based on the management table in response to the reception unit receiving a job including a plurality of printing processes. A value calculating means;
Means for calculating a job completion time required for completion of the received job based on the theoretical value;
Calculated job completion time was and means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus,
Job execution means for executing the received job;
A measuring means for measuring a time required for the printing process of a predetermined number of the plurality of printing processes when the job is executed;
Calculation means for calculating a job completion time required for completion of the job using a time required for the printing process of the predetermined part measured by the measurement means;
Means for transmitting the job completion time calculated by the calculation means to the information processing apparatus in order to update the job completion time in response to the calculation means calculating the job completion time ;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Means for receiving the job completion time transmitted from the image forming apparatus;
Means for displaying the received job completion time ;
In response to receiving a new job completion time in a state where the job completion time is displayed, the means for displaying is controlled to display the job completion time at the received new job completion time. An image forming system including means for updating .

Images