JP6459571B2 - Image forming system and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system for delivering a printed matter output from an image forming apparatus to a destination, and an image forming apparatus used therefor.

  Conventionally, a printer, a copier, or an MFP (Multi-functional Peripheral) is used to print on paper or the like based on image data (print data) transmitted from a personal computer or a print job by a scanner. MFPs) are used in offices.

  Normally, for MFPs and printers, by selecting the optimal specifications, number, and layout according to the office environment such as the number of users, print volume, and layout, both improvement in business performance and reduction in installation costs can be achieved. Has been done.

  For example, a document output from a printer needs to be moved to the printer for the user to take, which is one factor that lowers business performance. If a printer is arranged for each user to solve this problem, the number of printers increases, leading to an increase in installation cost and an increase in installation area.

  Conventionally, a technique for automatically delivering a printed matter such as a document output from a printer to a user has been proposed.

  For example, a robot / printer has been proposed in which a printer equipped with a moving means moves to a user's desk and delivers a printed material while avoiding an obstacle with a laser scanner by dragging and dropping a document that the user wants to print to a dedicated URL. ing. However, in this case, since the printer itself moves, there are problems that other users cannot use during the movement, and that the printer itself moves so that the energy efficiency is low for carrying the printed matter.

  Therefore, it can be said that it is desirable also in terms of energy efficiency to provide a small and lightweight delivery means separately from the printer and to carry the printed matter without moving the printer itself.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which an image forming apparatus is provided with a detachable and self-propelled paper discharge tray, and the printed paper output from the self-run paper discharge tray is conveyed to a destination according to destination information. ing.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a self-propelled finisher is provided in the image forming apparatus, and the printed matter that is output is held in the self-propelled finisher and is self-propelled based on the travel route information and is carried to the destination. A configuration is proposed.

JP 2006-284810 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-321583

  In the case of Patent Document 1 described above, since the printed material is delivered by a self-propelled paper discharge tray, the problem of moving the image forming apparatus itself is solved, but the amount of printed material to be output is enormous. In such a case, it is possible that delivery by a self-propelled paper discharge tray becomes impossible.

  In the case of Patent Document 2, the weight of the delivery means is reduced by autonomously running only the self-propelled finisher as compared with the case where the image forming apparatus main body is self-propelled. In enormous cases, delivery with a self-propelled finisher may be impossible.

  Also, the lighter the delivery means that travels, the better the energy efficiency. Reducing the weight of the self-propelled paper discharge tray and self-propelled finisher in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is preferable from the viewpoint of improving energy efficiency. On the other hand, it is considered that reducing the weight reduces the maximum load weight and increases the number of cases where delivery is impossible depending on the amount of printed matter to be output.

  For example, if the amount of printed matter printed by a single print job is large and its weight exceeds the maximum load weight, various troubles such as a decrease in travel speed or battery exhaustion due to an increase in power consumption may occur. There is sex. In this case, energy efficiency is greatly reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and enables a printed matter output from an image forming apparatus to be delivered while maintaining good energy efficiency, and is delivered depending on the amount of the printed matter to be output. The purpose is to make it impossible.

  An image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention is an image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus, and the image forming apparatus performs printing based on a given print job and under set printing conditions. A printing unit that performs printing and outputs printed matter, a weight acquisition unit that obtains the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit, and a maximum loading weight storage unit that stores the maximum loading weight that the delivery device can deliver at one time, A weight determination unit that determines whether or not the weight of the printed material based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight, and the weight determination unit that determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight. A job dividing unit that divides the print job, and the delivery device is independently movable with respect to the image forming device, and prints output from the image forming device Is delivered to the destination, and in a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus stands by at a position where the printed matter can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is stacked. After loading, the movement toward the destination is started.

The weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed matter based on the print job and using the set printing conditions before the printing unit performs printing, and the weight determination unit determines the weight of the printed matter. When it is determined that the weight exceeds the maximum load weight and the weight of the printed material is equal to or less than a threshold value, the weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed material by changing the printing condition, and determines the maximum load weight. If there is a printing condition that is determined not to exceed, the printing condition closest to the maximum load weight is set in the printing unit.

  Alternatively, the delivery device includes a loaded weight detection unit that detects the weight of a stacked printed material, and the weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed material based on the weight detected by the loaded weight detection unit. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to deliver printed matter output from the image forming apparatus with good energy efficiency, and it is possible to prevent delivery from being impossible depending on the amount of printed matter to be outputted.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an overall functional configuration of an image forming system. It is a perspective view which shows the example of a delivery apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of job division in the image forming apparatus. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a schematic flow of an operation of the image forming apparatus. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the schematic flow of the operation of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a printing condition selection process. It is a figure which shows the mode of the change of the weight calculated by the change of printing conditions. It is a figure which shows the example which determines the order of selection with respect to a some delivery apparatus.

[Description of Image Forming System 1]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows an example of the overall functional configuration of the image forming system 1, and FIG. 3 shows an example of a delivery device HS. , Respectively.

  1 and 2, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus GK and a delivery apparatus HS. Although only one delivery device HS is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of delivery devices HS may be provided as shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus GK includes an image reading unit (scanner) 11, an image forming unit 12, a paper feeding unit 13, a finisher 14, a control unit 21, and an operation panel 22.

  Referring to FIG. 2 in particular, the image reading unit 11 reads an image of one or a plurality of documents and generates image data. The read series of image data is sent to the control unit 21 as a print job JB, and after necessary processing, is sent to the image forming unit 12 and the like. The image reading unit 11 is provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF). Normally, a plurality of documents set in the automatic document feeder are continuously read by one operation instruction, and their image data are handled as one print job JB.

  The image forming unit 12 performs printing (image formation) based on the given print job JB and under the set printing conditions, and sends the printed matter to the finisher 14. The image forming unit 12 according to the present embodiment includes an electrophotographic print engine capable of printing a monochrome image and a color image, and is set on various types of sheets set on one side or both sides of a sheet having various sizes and thicknesses (weights). It is possible to perform printing under the printing conditions.

  The sheet feeding unit 13 can store sheets (sheets) of various sizes and thicknesses and feed them to the image forming unit 12.

  The finisher (post-processing unit) 14 performs post-processing on the printed paper output from the image forming unit 12 as necessary, and outputs it from the discharge port 140. As post-processing, it is possible to perform alignment processing for adjusting the overlap of a plurality of papers, stapling processing for binding a bundle of papers with a needle, processing for punching papers, and the like. The finisher 14 can also reverse the front and back of the paper printed on one side and return it to the image forming unit 12 by using the internal paper conveyance paths 141 and 142 for double-sided printing.

  The control unit 21 controls each unit and the whole of the image forming apparatus GK, and performs a print job JB sent from the image reading unit 11 or a print job JB sent from the personal computer PC or the like via a network. Then, after performing various processes, it is sent to the image forming unit 12 as a print job JB for execution. The control unit 21 also performs a process for dividing the print job JB as necessary so that the weight of the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus GK does not exceed the maximum load weight of the delivery apparatus HS. This will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 21 includes one or a plurality of CPUs (Central Processing Units), ROMs (Read Only Memory), RAMs (Random Access Memory), nonvolatile memories, dedicated processing processors, peripheral circuits, interface circuits, communication circuits, detection circuits, Other electronic circuits, sensors, power supply circuits, etc. are provided. For example, various functions described later are realized by the CPU executing the program and the operation of the electronic circuit.

  The operation panel 22 includes a touch panel display, and the screen displays the state of the image forming apparatus GK or the delivery apparatus HS, setting values, and the like, and allows the user to perform touch input for operating instructions.

  The delivery device HS can move independently of the image forming apparatus GK, and delivers the printed matter PM output from the image forming apparatus GK to the destination. For example, after the printed material PM output from the image forming apparatus GK is stacked at the position where the printed material PM output from the image forming apparatus GK is in a standby state, the printed material PM for one time output from the image forming apparatus GK is stacked. Start moving towards the destination.

  The delivery device HS includes a flight engine (flight main body) 31, a printed matter holding unit 32, a control unit 33, a battery 34, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the delivery device HS is an unmanned air vehicle capable of automatic flight by the flight engine 31 capable of vertical takeoff and landing. In FIG. 1, while the delivery device HS is hovering (floating in the air), the printed matter holding unit 32 suspended from the flight engine 31 via the load weight detecting unit 321 receives the printed matter PM output from the finisher 14. Yes.

  In the image forming apparatus GK shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 12, the paper feeding unit 13, the finisher 14, and the stacking auxiliary unit 15 constitute a printing unit PT.

The stacking assisting unit 15 is a device that assists in stacking the printed matter PM output from the finisher 14 on the delivery device HS. The stacking assisting unit 15 may be, for example, a guide member or a shout member that guides and guides the printed matter PM output from the finisher 14, a manipulator or a conveying device that grips and conveys the printed matter PM, and the like. When the delivery device HS lands, it may be a landing table or a device that supports the delivery device HS. The stacking auxiliary portion 15 may not be provided, and may be provided as a part of the finisher 14.
[Description of Image Forming Apparatus GK]
Next, the image forming apparatus GK will be described in detail.

  2, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus GK includes a job receiving unit 211, a printing condition setting unit 212, a maximum load weight setting unit 213, a weight acquisition unit 214, a weight determination unit 215, a job division unit 216, a delivery device. A detection unit 217, a distance detection unit 218, a delivery device selection unit 219, a destination setting unit 220, a communication unit 221 and the like are provided.

  The job receiving unit 211 receives a print job JB sent from the image reading unit 11 or a personal computer, and temporarily stores image data, printing conditions, destinations, and the like, which are the contents thereof.

  The printing condition setting unit 212 executes printing or makes a determination for printing conditions, such as printing conditions included in the print job JB, various changed printing conditions, and printing conditions modified to execute actual printing. Set the printing conditions. The printing conditions include, for example, designation of color printing or monochrome printing, designation of color in the case of color printing, resolution, paper size, type, thickness, number of printed sheets, toner adhesion amount, environmental temperature and humidity, and the like.

  The maximum load weight setting unit 213 sets, in the memory 213M, the maximum load weight LW that the delivery device HS can deliver at one time. The maximum load weight LW is the maximum value of the load weight that allows stable flight based on the flight capability of the delivery device HS.

  The memory 213M is a maximum load weight storage unit that stores the maximum load weight LW. When there are a plurality of delivery devices HS, or when the maximum load weight LW changes according to the status of the delivery device HS and the surrounding environment, the corresponding maximum load weight LW is set and stored.

  Further, the maximum load weight setting unit 213 is set so that a value reduced according to the remaining energy of the battery 34 of the delivery device HS and the distance to the destination is stored as the maximum load weight LW.

  The weight acquisition unit 214 obtains the weight WP of the printed matter PM output from the printing unit PT. In obtaining the weight WP, various methods are used.

  For example, the weight acquisition unit 214 obtains the weight WP of the printed material PM before the printing unit PT performs printing based on the print job JB and using the set printing conditions. That is, before executing the print job JB, the weight WP of the printed matter PM is obtained using the printing conditions based on the print job JB, and the weight WP when printing is predicted. It is also possible to obtain the weight WP of the printed matter PM by changing the printing conditions.

  Further, the weight acquisition unit 214 may determine the weight WP of the printed matter PM based on the weight WPr detected by the load weight detection unit 321 of the delivery device HS. In this case, it is possible to obtain the weight WPr detected in real time as the weight WP of the printed matter PM as it is, and based on the detected weight WPr and the degree of progress of the print job JB at that time, It is also possible to predict the weight WP when the entire print job JB or a predetermined portion is executed by calculation or the like.

  In calculating the weight WP, for example, the weight of one sheet is obtained from the size and weight of the paper used for printing, and this is multiplied by the number of printed sheets. By adding the weight of the toner used for printing to this, the accuracy can be increased.

  The weight determination unit 215 determines whether or not the weight WP of the printed matter PM based on the print job JB exceeds the maximum load weight LW of the delivery device HS.

  The job dividing unit 216 divides the print job JB when the weight determining unit 215 determines that the weight WP of the printed material PM exceeds the maximum load weight LW. By dividing the print job JB, the weight WP of the printed matter PM by each divided print job JB becomes less than the maximum load weight LW, and by increasing the number of deliveries, each delivery is reliably and quickly performed, and overall efficiency Can be delivered well.

  Note that when dividing the print job JB, the job dividing unit 216 divides the original print job JB itself into a plurality of independent print jobs JB, and the original print job JB is divided into a plurality of times. It is possible to divide the program so that it is executed.

  The delivery device detection unit 217 detects that the delivery device HS has reached a position where the printed matter PM output from the image forming apparatus GK can be stacked, that is, the stacking position SP. In the present embodiment, the delivery device HS receives the printed material PM from the image forming device GK while hovering. Therefore, when the delivery device HS reaches the loading position SP in order to minimize the waiting time while hovering at the loading position SP. The image forming apparatus GK immediately executes the print job JB for one time and outputs the printed matter PM. Therefore, as will be described later, the printing unit PT of the image forming apparatus GK starts warming up when the delivery apparatus HS approaches the image forming apparatus GK to a distance equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  Note that a delivery device detection sensor SE1 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet 140 of the finisher 14 in order to detect whether or not the delivery device HS is at the loading position SP. The delivery device detection unit 217 detects that the delivery device HS has reached the stacking position SP when the delivery device detection sensor SE1 detects that the printed matter holding unit 32 is within a predetermined distance range. For detection by the delivery device detection sensor SE1, a detection body to which the delivery device detection sensor SE1 reacts sensitively may be provided in a portion of the printed material holding unit 32 facing the delivery device detection unit SE1. As such a delivery device detection sensor SE1, for example, a photoelectric, electromagnetic, or capacitive distance sensor may be used.

  Further, instead of using such a delivery device detection sensor SE1, or together with this, even if it is detected that the delivery device HS has reached the loading position SP using a detection result by the distance detection unit 218 described below. Good.

  The printing unit PT stops printing when printing for one time based on the print job JB is completed, and 1 based on the next print job JB when the delivery device detection unit 217 detects a new delivery device HS. Start batch printing.

  The distance detection unit 218 detects the distance between the image forming apparatus GK and the delivery apparatus HS. As a method of detecting the distance by the distance detection unit 218, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver or a similar device is mounted on both the image forming apparatus GK and the delivery apparatus HS, and the positions of the positions are detected. A method of obtaining the distance from the difference may be used. Alternatively, the distance may be directly detected by a distance meter such as a laser beam type, an ultrasonic type, or an optical type. Alternatively, the distance may be detected based on the size of ultrasonic communication time between the image forming apparatus GK and the delivery apparatus HS.

  The delivery device selection unit 219 determines which of the delivery devices HS to be used this time to be selected when there are a plurality of delivery devices HS that are on standby other than the loading position SP. In addition, when there are a plurality of unexecuted print jobs JB, the order in which a plurality of delivery devices HS that stand by other than the stacking position SP are used is determined.

  For example, the delivery device selection unit 219 determines the order so that the delivery device HS that takes less time to load and deliver the printed matter PM output from the image forming device GK to the destination is preferentially selected. . Further, for example, the order is determined so that a delivery device HS having a large maximum load weight LW is preferentially selected.

  The destination setting unit 220 sets a destination for delivering the printed matter PM by the print job JB, that is, a delivery destination. The data indicating the destination is included in the original print job JB received by the job receiving unit 211, and is included in each divided print job JB after it is divided.

The communication unit 221 communicates with each delivery device HS to exchange various necessary data. As communication means, wireless communication, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, or the like is used.
[Description of delivery device HS]
Next, the delivery device HS will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the flight engine 31 is a vertical take-off and landing flight engine including a fuselage 311, a guide 312, and four propeller units 313 a to 313 d. The flight engine 31 uses the battery 34 as a power source (power source) and operates under the control of the control unit 33. Since the flight is stabilized when a load such as a printed material PM is applied to the center of gravity of the flight engine 31, all functions are concentrated.

  The printed matter holding part 32 is a box-like one provided with an inlet 322 on the upper side, and is connected to the flight engine 31 by being suspended via a load weight detecting part 321. The printed material PM output from the discharge port 140 of the finisher 14 enters through the input port 322 and is stored in the printed material holding unit 32. The weight WPr of the printed material PM stored in the printed material holding unit 32 is detected in real time by the loaded weight detection unit 321. The detected weight WPr is transmitted to the image forming apparatus GK. In the image forming apparatus GK, based on the received weight WPr, the weight WP of the printed matter PM based on the print job JB is obtained as described above. The load weight detection unit 321 is preferably a load cell type (electric resistance wire type) from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the apparatus, but may be an electromagnetic type or the like.

  Note that the printed material PM stacked on the printed material holding unit 32 is taken out by the user who is present when the destination is reached. Further, at the destination, the connection of the printed material holding unit 32 loaded with the printed material PM may be released. In that case, you may make it connect the empty printed matter holding | maintenance part 32 by a suitable preparation station.

  The control unit 33 includes an automatic control unit 331, a destination recognition unit 332, an obstacle avoidance unit 333, a battery remaining amount detection unit 334, a communication unit 335, and the like.

  The autopilot 331 controls the flight engine 31 so that the delivery device HS performs a predetermined operation and flight. For example, control is performed so as to reach the destination recognized by the destination recognition unit 332, and after the printed matter PM is lowered at the destination, the printer waits at the position or an appropriate standby place as necessary. Control to return to the loading position SP of the image forming apparatus GK.

  When the image forming apparatus GK outputs the printed material PM, the delivery destination of the printed material PM is sent to the destination recognition unit 332, so that the delivery destination is recognized as the destination.

  The obstacle avoiding unit 333 gives an instruction to the automatic piloting unit 331 so as to avoid the obstacle and reach the shortest distance when heading to the destination.

  The battery remaining amount detection unit 334 detects the remaining amount of the battery 34.

  The communication unit 335 communicates with the image forming apparatus GK and exchanges various necessary data. As communication means, wireless communication, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, or the like is used.

The battery 34 is a rechargeable secondary battery and serves as all power sources for the delivery device HS. When the delivery device HS stops at the charging station, it is possible to charge appropriately.
[Division and delivery of print jobs]
Next, the division operation of the print job JB and the delivery operation of the printed matter PM will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a state of job division in the image forming apparatus GK, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a schematic flow of the operation of the image forming apparatus GK.

  4A to 4C, the height of the “print job JB0” indicates the weight WP of the printed matter PM by the given original print job JB. “Maximum load weight LW1” indicates the maximum load weight LW of the delivery device HS that delivers the printed matter PM.

  In FIG. 4A, since the print job JB0 exceeds the maximum load weight LW1, the print job JB0 is divided into two print jobs JB1 and JB2 that are equal to or less than the maximum load weight LW1. As a result, the printed matter PM is delivered twice by the same or different delivery device HS.

  In FIG. 4B, since the print job JB0 exceeds the maximum load weight LW1, it is divided into three print jobs JB1, 2, and 3 that are equal to or less than the maximum load weight LW1. As a result, the printed matter PM is delivered in three times by the same or different delivery device HS.

  In FIG. 4C, since the print job JB0 exceeds the maximum load weight LW1, one print job JB1 having the maximum load weight LW1 or less is generated by the division. For the remaining part of the print job JB0, the print job JB0 is divided under a maximum load weight LW2 different from the maximum load weight LW1, and is divided into two print jobs JB2 and JB3. As a result, for example, the printed material PM is delivered three times by the same or different delivery device HS.

  In FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus GK receives the print job JB (# 21). In order to deliver the printed matter PM, the delivery device HS is selected, and the maximum load weight LW corresponding to the delivery device HS is set (# 22).

  The weight WP for the print job JB is calculated (# 23), and it is determined whether the weight WP is smaller than the maximum load weight LW (# 24).

  If the weight WP is smaller than the maximum load weight LW, there is no need for division, so the print job JB is executed as it is (# 26). If the weight WP exceeds the maximum load weight LW, the print job JB is divided so as not to exceed the maximum load weight LW (# 25), and the first divided print job JB is executed (# 26). ). When it is detected that the delivery device HS has reached the loading position SP, printing is performed so that the printed matter PM is output from the finisher 14.

  The printed material PM is output (# 27) and loaded on the printed material holding unit 32 of the delivery device HS (# 28). When execution of the print job JB is completed, the delivery device HS takes off and delivers to move toward the destination (# 29).

  For the print job JB remaining after the division, the process may be restarted from step # 21 assuming that the remaining print job JB is received.

By dividing the print job JB to be equal to or less than the maximum load weight LW, the delivery can be surely performed quickly and can be delivered efficiently.
[When the weight is detected in real time]
Next, regarding the case where the weight WPr of the printed material PM is detected in real time by the loaded weight detection unit 321, the division operation of the print job JB and the delivery operation of the printed material PM will be described. The description here is an example of the embodiments of the inventions of claims 4 and 5.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a schematic flow of the operation of the image forming apparatus GK when the weight WPr is detected in real time.

  In FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus GK receives the print job JB (# 31). The delivery device HS is selected, and the maximum load weight LW corresponding to the delivery device HS is set (# 32). The execution of the print job JB is started (# 33), and the printed matter PM is output and loaded on the delivery device HS (# 34). The weight WPr of the stacked printed material PM is detected in real time (# 35). Based on the detected weight WPr, the weight WP of the printed matter PM when the entire print job JB is executed is obtained (# 36). It is determined whether or not the weight WP is smaller than the maximum load weight LW (# 37).

  If the weight WP is smaller than the maximum load weight LW, there is no need for division, and the print job JB is executed as it is. When the weight WP exceeds the maximum load weight LW, the print job JB is divided so as not to exceed the maximum load weight LW (# 38), and the execution of the first divided print job JB is continued. When the execution of the print job JB is completed (# 39), the delivery device HS moves toward the destination and completes the delivery (# 40).

  For the print job JB remaining after the division, the process may be restarted from step # 21 assuming that the remaining print job JB is received.

  Since the weight WP by the print job JB is obtained using the actually measured weight WPr, the weight WP can be obtained more accurately and can be delivered more efficiently.

The timing for calculating the weight WP in step # 36 is, for example, when the print job JB prints a plurality of copies, and the weight WPr of the one copy of printed matter PM at the timing when one copy is finished. Is detected and multiplied by the number of copies to determine the total weight WP. Alternatively, the weight WPr may be detected at the timing when printing of an appropriate number of pages is completed, and the weight WP of all pages may be obtained based on this.
[Change printing conditions]
Next, a method for changing the printing conditions so as not to exceed the maximum load weight LW and delivering more efficiently will be described. The description here is an example of an embodiment of the invention of claim 7.

  That is, when the weight determination unit 215 determines that the weight WP of the printed matter PM exceeds the maximum load weight LW and the weight WP of the printed matter PM is equal to or less than the threshold value TH, the weight acquisition unit 214 sets the printing condition. The weight WP of the printed matter PM is changed to obtain the print condition PM, and if there is a print condition that is determined not to exceed the maximum load weight LW, the print condition closest to the maximum load weight LW is selected. The printing condition setting unit 212 sets the printing conditions thus selected in the printing unit PT.

  To change the printing conditions, for example, change the toner for four colors to black toner to change to monochrome printing, change to one with a small paper size or weighing, or change single-sided printing to double-sided printing. Etc.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a flow for selecting a printing condition when the printing condition is changed so as not to exceed the maximum load weight LW. FIG. 8 shows a change in the weight WP due to the change of the printing condition. Each is shown.

  The processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed when the weight WP of the printed matter PM based on the print job JB0 exceeds the maximum load weight LW and the weight WP is equal to or less than the threshold value TH. As the threshold value TH, for example, the maximum loading weight MW is increased by 5%, increased by 10%, a predetermined weight increase, and the like.

  The weight WP of the printed matter PM is calculated for various executable printing conditions different from the printing conditions specified by the print job JB (# 51). If there is a printing condition that provides a weight WP that does not exceed the maximum load weight LW, the printing condition is selected (# 52). When the maximum load weight LW is not exceeded under a plurality of print conditions, the print condition closest to the maximum load weight LW is selected. The selected printing condition is set (# 53).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the original print job JB0 becomes a print job JB0M with different printing conditions and is executed. As a result, the weight WP of the printed matter PM does not exceed the maximum load weight LW.

In this case, when the change scale of the printing condition is large, the gap with the original document (print job JB0) becomes large. Therefore, it is preferable that the maximum load weight LW is accommodated when the change scale is small. The user may set the change scale in this case.
[Setting the maximum load weight according to the remaining energy of the battery]
Next, a method for performing delivery more efficiently by changing the setting of the maximum load weight LW according to the remaining energy of the battery 34 will be described. The description here is an example of an embodiment of the invention of claim 8.

  That is, the energy E1 required for the delivery device HS to deliver the printed material PM is the product (WH × DR1) of the weight WH of the delivery device HS and its moving distance DR1, and the weight WP of the printed material PM and its moving distance DR2. And a product of (WP × DR2) and the sum (WH × DR1) + (WP × DR2), which can be considered to be simply proportional. In other words, it is possible to represent the following equation using K1 as a coefficient.

E1 = K1 × [(WH × KR1) + (WP × KR2)] (1)
When the remaining energy E0 of the battery 34 that contributes to the flight of the delivery device HS is equal to or higher than the energy -E1 described above, the printed matter PM can be delivered.

  Therefore, a value that reduces the maximum load weight LW is set in consideration of the maximum value of the weight WP of the printed matter PM that satisfies the condition E0> E1. By doing so, the delivery device HS can be delivered efficiently without becoming undeliverable on the way due to running out of battery and without being charged in the middle.

The moving distance DR1 of the delivery device HS is the distance from the current position to the destination of delivery or the charging station thereafter, and the moving distance DR2 of the printed material PM is the destination from the loading position SP of the image forming apparatus GK. It is the distance to.
[Select from multiple delivery devices HS]
Next, selection of the delivery device HS by the delivery device selection unit 219 will be described. The description here is an example of the embodiments of the inventions of claims 9 and 10.

  9A and 9B show an example of a method for determining the order of selection for a plurality of delivery devices HS.

  In FIG. 9A, the standby positions of the delivery devices HS1 to HS5 in the XY coordinates with the loading position SP as the origin are shown. When the image forming apparatus GK receives the print job JB, the image forming apparatus GK grasps the position and status of each of the delivery apparatuses HS1 to HS5. Among the delivery devices HS1 to HS5, the delivery device HS that is not being delivered is grasped. Here, if the delivery devices HS1 to 5 are not delivering, the order of selection is determined in the order of delivery time HS that is short for delivery to the destination, that is, the delivery device HS that is closer to the image forming device GK. In the illustrated example, the order is HS1, HS4, HS5, HS3, and HS2.

  In FIG. 9B, delivery devices HS1 to HS5 having different maximum loading weights LW are shown. When the image forming apparatus GK receives the print job JB, the image forming apparatus GK grasps the position and status of each of the delivery apparatuses HS1 to HS5. Among the delivery devices HS1 to HS5, the selection order is determined in descending order of the maximum load weight LW. In the illustrated example, the order is HS1, HS4, HS5, HS3, and HS2.

  By selecting a plurality of delivery devices HS in this order, delivery can be completed in a shorter time and with a smaller number of deliveries, and delivery can be performed efficiently.

  Note that the order of selection may be determined by combining both the standby position of the delivery devices HS1 to HS5 and the maximum load weight LW.

  In the embodiment described above, the example using the unmanned air vehicle capable of automatic flight as the delivery device HS has been described. In the case of a flying object, it is not necessary to secure the moving path on the ground surface or the floor surface GL, which is advantageous in terms of space saving. However, it is not limited to a flying object, and may be a self-propelled delivery device. For example, a delivery device HS may be used in which a part of the paper discharge unit such as a discharge tray is separated and self-runs.

  In addition, the printing unit PT, the control unit 21, the image forming apparatus GK, the printed matter holding unit 32, the control unit 33, the delivery apparatus HS, and the configuration, the structure, the shape, the number, the arrangement, and the control of each part or the whole of the image forming system 1. The contents, order, timing, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 12 Image forming part 14 Finisher 21 Control part 211 Job acceptance part 212 Printing condition setting part 213 Maximum load weight setting part 213M Memory (maximum load weight storage part)
214 Weight acquisition unit 215 Weight determination unit 216 Job division unit 218 Distance detection unit 219 Delivery device selection unit 220 Destination setting unit 221 Communication unit 32 Printed matter holding unit 33 Control unit 321 Load weight detection unit 331 Automatic control unit 332 Destination recognition unit 334 Battery remaining amount detection unit 335 Communication unit 34 Battery
GK Image forming device HS Delivery device PT Printing section JB Print job PM Printed material MW Maximum load weight WP Weight TH Threshold

Claims (10)

An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving ,
The weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed matter based on the print job and using the set printing conditions before the printing unit performs printing,
When the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed matter exceeds the maximum load weight and the weight of the printed matter is equal to or less than a threshold value, the weight obtaining unit changes the printing condition to change the weight of the printed matter. And when there is a printing condition that is determined not to exceed the maximum load weight, the print condition closest to the maximum load weight is set in the printing unit.
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
The delivery device includes a load weight detector for detecting the stacked heavy weight,
The weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed matter based on the weight detected by the load weight detection unit;
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
The delivery device includes a load weight detector for detecting the stacked heavy weight,
The weight acquisition unit obtains the weight detected in real time by the load weight detection unit as the weight of the printed matter,
The job dividing unit divides the print job when the weight of the printed matter exceeds the maximum load weight;
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
The image forming apparatus includes a delivery device detection unit that detects that the delivery device has reached a position where the printed matter output from the image forming device can be stacked,
The printing unit stops printing when printing for one time based on the print job is completed, and performs printing for one time based on the next print job when the delivery device detection unit detects a new delivery device. To start the
An image forming system. The image forming apparatus includes a distance detection unit that detects a distance between the image forming apparatus and the delivery device,
The printing unit starts warming up when the distance detected by the distance detection unit is a predetermined value or less.
The image forming system according to claim 4 . An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
The delivery device has a battery as its power source,
The maximum load weight storage unit is set so that a value reduced according to the remaining energy of the battery and the distance to the destination is stored as the maximum load weight.
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
When there are a plurality of delivery devices in a standby state, the delivery device that takes less time to load the printed matter output from the image forming device and deliver it to the destination is preferentially selected. The
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. Start moving,
When there are a plurality of delivery devices in a standby state, the delivery device having the largest maximum load weight is configured to be preferentially selected.
An image forming system. An image forming system having an image forming apparatus and a delivery apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered by the delivery device at one time;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit that divides the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed material exceeds the maximum load weight;
The delivery device is:
The image forming apparatus can move independently of the image forming apparatus, and delivers a printed matter output from the image forming apparatus to a destination.
In a state where the printed matter output from the image forming apparatus is waiting at a position where it can be stacked, the printed matter for one time output from the image forming device is loaded, and after the printed matter for one time is loaded, it goes to the destination. To start moving,
The delivery device is an unmanned air vehicle capable of automatic flight,
An image forming system. A printing unit that prints based on a given print job and outputs the printed matter under set printing conditions;
A weight acquisition unit for obtaining the weight of the printed matter output from the printing unit;
A maximum load weight storage unit for storing a maximum load weight that can be delivered at once by a delivery device for delivering a printed matter output from the printing unit to a destination;
A weight determination unit that determines whether the weight of the printed matter based on the print job exceeds the maximum load weight;
A job dividing unit for dividing the print job when the weight determining unit determines that the weight of the printed matter exceeds the maximum load weight;
I have a,
The weight acquisition unit obtains the weight of the printed matter based on the weight detected by the load weight detection unit;
An image forming apparatus.

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