JP6507941B2 - Image processing apparatus and control method of image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of processing various jobs and a control method thereof. More specifically, the technology relates to an interrupt function for interrupting and processing a second job while processing a first job.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus capable of processing various jobs such as printing, reading, facsimile transmission, etc., an interrupt function has been known which processes a first job while interrupting a second job.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is an example of a document disclosing an interrupt function. According to Patent Document 1, the second job is interrupted and processed by pressing the start key during processing of the first job, and the first job is interrupted when the second job is interrupted. If it is necessary to interrupt the processing of the first job, the second job is processed, and the processing of the second job is completed. A configuration is disclosed in which processing is resumed, and processing of the first job is performed in parallel without interrupting the processing of the first job if interruption is unnecessary.

JP, 2006-308774, A

  However, the above-described conventional techniques have the following problems. That is, in the interrupt function of Patent Document 1, while the processing of the first job, the second job is automatically interrupted by pressing the start key for inputting the start instruction for instructing the start of the processing of the job. Therefore, even when the processing of the first job needs to be interrupted, the image processing apparatus operates continuously, and it is difficult to distinguish the second job from the first job.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-described conventional techniques. That is, the object of the invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, which can easily distinguish between a job to be interrupted and a job to be interrupted.

  An image processing apparatus made for the purpose of solving the problem comprises a plurality of processing units for processing a job, and the processing unit comprises an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document , And a receiving unit capable of receiving, in parallel, a job processing unit including a, a type of job, a start instruction instructing start of processing of the job, and an interrupt instruction instructing start of an interrupt A storage unit storing a combination of job types; and a control unit, the control unit responding to the reception of the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during processing of the first job, After interrupting processing of the first job and interrupting processing of the first job in the interrupt processing, the type of the second job and the second job are interrupted via the receiving unit Receive the start instruction to indicate the start Determining whether or not the combination of the type of the second job and the type of the first job matches the combination stored in the storage unit, If it is determined that the combination of job types does not match, processing of the second job is started, and processing of the first job is resumed after processing of the second job is completed, If it is determined in the determination process that the combinations of job types match, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is selected as the first job. It is characterized in that interrupt processing to be performed in parallel with the job is executed.

  The image processing device disclosed in the present specification interrupts the processing of the first job being processed when the interrupt instruction is received. Then, after the interruption, the image forming apparatus matches the combination of the first job type and the second job type received after receiving the interrupt instruction with the combinations that can be processed in parallel stored in the storage unit. Determine if you want to If it is determined that they do not match, the image forming apparatus starts the processing of the second job, and resumes the processing of the first job after the processing of the second job is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that they match, the image forming apparatus processes the first job and the second job in parallel.

  That is, in the image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification, even when the second job interrupts in the middle of the first job, when the instruction to start the processing of the second job is received, the first job Since the process is interrupted and stopped, it is easy to distinguish the second job from the first job. That is, by interrupting the processing of the first job by receiving the interrupt instruction, it is possible to distinguish the output of the first job and the original from the output of the second job and the original and to grasp the output.

  The present specification also includes, as another image processing apparatus, a plurality of processing units for processing a job, and the processing unit includes an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document A job processing unit including a job processing unit, a type of job, a start instruction instructing start of processing of the job, and a reception unit capable of receiving an interrupt instruction instructing start of an interrupt, and a control unit The control unit is configured to interrupt the processing of the first job in response to the reception of the interrupt instruction via the receiver during processing of the first job; and the interruption processing In response to having received the type of the second job and the start instruction instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in Processing of the first job among a plurality of processing units A identification process for identifying a processing unit to be used based on the type of the first job and a processing unit to be used for processing the second job based on the type of the second job; and the identification process Whether the same processing unit is included in the processing unit specified to be used in the first job and the processing unit specified to be used in the second job in the specifying process When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific judgment processing and the specific judgment processing, The processing of the second job is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed, and it is specified that the identification judgment processing is to be used for the first job. Said second job in the processing unit If it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used is not included, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is used as the first job. An image processing apparatus is disclosed which executes specific interrupt processing to be performed in parallel with the above.

  The above-described image processing device disclosed in the present specification interrupts the processing of the first job being processed when the interrupt instruction is received. Then, after the interruption, the image forming apparatus specifies the processing unit to be used for the processing of the first job and the processing unit to be used for the processing of the second job, and determines whether the same processing unit is included or not. to decide. If it is determined that the same processing unit is included, the image forming apparatus starts processing of the second job and resumes processing of the first job after processing of the second job is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the same processing unit is not included, the image forming apparatus processes the first job and the second job in parallel.

  That is, the above-described image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification is also an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, and the second job interrupts even when the second job interrupts in the middle of the first job. Processing of the first job is interrupted and stopped at the time of reception of the processing start instruction. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish between the job to be interrupted and the job to be interrupted.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, it is an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, and a technology is realized that makes it easy to distinguish between a job to be interrupted and a job to be interrupted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an MFP according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP. It is explanatory drawing which shows a parallel possible table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption processing of a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the parallel determination process of a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption processing of a 2nd form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the parallel determination processing of a 3rd form. It is explanatory drawing which shows a utilization structure table.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having an image forming function and an image reading function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 are both examples of a processing unit. The internal configuration of the MFP 100 including the image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 is an example of a job processing unit. The operation panel 40 is an example of a reception unit and a notification unit.

  The image forming unit 10 is configured to print an image on a sheet. The MFP 100 includes a sheet feed tray 11 and a sheet discharge tray 12. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates sheets for printing. The sheet discharge tray 12 accommodates printed sheets. The MFP 100 prints on a sheet stored in the paper feed tray 11 using the image forming unit 10 and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Further, MFP 100 may be an apparatus capable of forming a color image or an apparatus dedicated to a monochrome image. The MFP 100 may be an apparatus capable of double-sided printing or an apparatus dedicated to single-sided printing.

  The image reading unit 20 is configured to read an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. Also, color reading may be possible, or only monochrome reading may be performed.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 22 having a function of feeding a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the top of the casing of the MFP 100, and includes a document tray 24 and a document discharge tray 25. The image reading unit 20 causes the ADF 22 to convey one sheet of the document placed on the document tray 24, reads an image of the document during conveyance, and discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 25.

  The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 is rotatable around one side on the left back side in FIG. A reading glass is provided below the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read an original placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet in the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group. The button group is provided with a start button 42, an interrupt button 43, a stop button, a ten key, and the like. The MFP 100 displays various information on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40, for example. Also, the MFP 100 receives various instructions by receiving signals transmitted from the respective buttons by operating the button group. The liquid crystal display 41 may be a touch panel that can perform an input operation in addition to the display. In the MFP 100 having a touch panel, various instructions may be received by an input to the touch panel instead of the operation to each button.

  Subsequently, an electrical configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. The MFP 100 further includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, a telephone line IF 39, and an operation panel 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 30. It is done.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data and various settings. The ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 is an example of a storage unit.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 according to the control program read from the ROM 32. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be a control unit. Note that the controller 30 in FIG. 2 is a generic term that collectively describes hardware used to control the MFP 100, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The network IF 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The USB IF 38 is a hardware to which a flash memory such as a USB memory is connected and to communicate with the connected flash memory. The telephone line IF 39 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line.

  The MFP 100 can process communication with a plurality of external devices in parallel via the network IF 37. On the other hand, the MFP 100 communicates with the flash memory connected to the USB IF 38 on a one-to-one basis. Further, when the MFP 100 includes only one telephone line IF 39 and a line with an external device is connected via the telephone line IF 39, the line with another external device can not be connected.

  Next, types of jobs that can be processed by the MFP 100 and components that the MFP 100 uses when processing each job will be described. The MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can process each job of a PC print job, a memory direct print job, a scan-PC job, a scan-memory job, a facsimile transmission job, a facsimile reception job, and a copy job.

  The PC print job is a job for receiving image data from an external apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) via the network IF 37 and performing printing based on the received image data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 to process a PC print job.

  The memo redirect print job is a job for reading out image data stored in a flash memory connected to the USB IF 38 and performing printing based on the read out image data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the USB IF 38 and the image forming unit 10 to process a memory direct print job.

  The scan-PC job is a job for reading an image of a document and transmitting image data based on the read image to an external apparatus such as a PC via the network IF 37. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 to process a scan-PC job.

  The scan-memory job is a job for reading an image of a document and storing image data based on the read image in a flash memory connected to the USB IF 38 or the RAM 33 or NVRAM 34 built in the MFP 100. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 and the USB IF 38 to process a scan-memory job.

  The facsimile transmission job is a job for reading an image of a document and transmitting facsimile data based on the read image to an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line IF 39. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 and the telephone line IF 39 to process a facsimile transmission job.

  The facsimile reception job is a job for receiving facsimile data from an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line IF 39 and performing printing based on the received facsimile data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 and the telephone line IF 39 to process a facsimile reception job.

  The copy job is a job for reading an image of a document and performing printing based on the read image. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 to process a copy job.

  Subsequently, an interrupt operation in MFP 100 will be described. When MFP 100 receives pressing of interrupt button 43 on operation panel 40 during processing of a job, processing of the job being processed is interrupted if the job being processed can be interrupted, and Accepts instruction input. The MFP 100 receives an instruction input of another job, for example, by operating the operation panel 40. In the following, the job accepted after pressing the interrupt button 43 is taken as an interrupt job, and the job being processed when the interrupt button 43 is pressed is taken as a preceding job. The preceding job is an example of a first job, and the interrupt job is an example of a second job.

  After accepting the pressing of the interrupt button 43 and interrupting the processing of the preceding job, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel. If the MFP 100 determines that the processing can be performed in parallel, the MFP 100 processes the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing can not be performed in parallel, the MFP 100 first processes the interrupt job, and resumes the processing of the preceding job after the processing of the interrupt job is completed.

  The MFP 100 can process in parallel two jobs that do not use the same component. Specifically, MFP 100 can simultaneously process in parallel a job using image forming unit 10 and not using image reading unit 20 and a job using image reading unit 20 and not using image forming unit 10 .

  On the other hand, the MFP 100 can not simultaneously process two jobs using the same component in parallel. Specifically, the MFP 100 can not process the job using the image forming unit 10 and the job using the image forming unit 10 in parallel. Further, the MFP 100 can not process the job using the image reading unit 20 and the job using the image reading unit 20 in parallel.

  Then, in order to determine whether or not the two jobs can be processed in parallel, the MFP 100 stores a parallel possibility table 61 as shown in FIG. 3 in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34. The concurrent possibility table 61 stores the types of interrupt jobs that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job, corresponding to the types of the preceding job. If the accepted type of the interrupt job is included in the “type of interrupt job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job” stored in the parallel possibility table 61, the MFP 100 determines that the interrupt job is accepted. It is determined that the preceding job can be processed in parallel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the preceding job is a PC print job, the types of interrupt jobs that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job are either scan-PC job or scan-memory job or facsimile transmission job. It is. As described above, the PC print job is a job using the image forming unit 10, and the scan-PC job, the scan-memory job, and the facsimile transmission job all use the image reading unit 20, and the image forming unit This is a job that does not use 10. Therefore, while processing a PC print job, the MFP 100 can process either a scan-PC job, a scan-memory job, or a facsimile transmission job in parallel with the PC print job.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 can process scan-PC jobs or facsimile transmission jobs in parallel while processing a memory direct print job. Further, the MFP 100 can process a PC print job or a memory direct print job in parallel while processing a scan-PC job. Further, the MFP 100 can process PC print jobs in parallel while processing scan-memory jobs.

  Note that the MFP 100 can not process an interrupt job of a type not stored in the parallel possibility table 61 in parallel with the corresponding preceding job. Then, if the combination of the accepted type of the interrupt job and the type of the preceding job is not a combination stored in the parallel possible table 61, the MFP 100 can not process the accepted interrupt job in parallel with the preceding job. I will judge.

  For example, the MFP 100 can not process two jobs of the same type in parallel, such as a PC print job and a PC print job. Further, the MFP 100 can not process scan-memory jobs and memory direct print jobs, which are jobs using the USB IF 38, in parallel. Further, the MFP 100 can not process the copy job and other jobs in parallel. This is because the MFP 100 uses both the image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 when processing a copy job.

  Next, the procedure of the interrupt processing for realizing the above-described interrupt operation in MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The interrupt process is executed by the CPU 31 of the MFP 100 when the pressing of the interrupt button 43 is accepted.

  When receiving the pressing of the interrupt button 43, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not an interrupt is possible (S101). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not processing of a job that can be resumed from the continuation after interruption is being processed. If it is determined that the state is not an interruptible state (S101: NO), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing. If the CPU 31 determines that the state is not interruptible, the CPU 31 may cause the liquid crystal display 41 to display a message to that effect.

  For example, when the job is not being processed, the CPU 31 determines that an interrupt is not possible. If the job is not being processed, the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing and accepts the job as normal processing.

  If the CPU 31 is processing a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job, it determines that it is not in an interruptable state. The facsimile reception job and the facsimile transmission job are jobs for communicating with an external device through a telephone line. And, it can not be guaranteed whether the external device that is the other end of the communication supports the interruption of the job accompanying the interrupt processing. That is, when the process of the facsimile reception job or the facsimile transmission job is interrupted, the process of the interrupted job may not be properly resumed. Therefore, when the preceding job is a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job, the CPU 31 does not receive an interrupt even if the pressing of the interrupt button 43 is received. Then, the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing and continues the processing of the facsimile reception job and the facsimile transmission job being processed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 is processing a job other than a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job, such as a PC print job, a scan-PC job, a copy job, etc., it determines that an interrupt is possible. When it is determined that the interruption is possible (S101: YES), the CPU 31 interrupts the processing of the preceding job (S102). S102 is an example of the interruption process.

  The CPU 31 completes the printing and reading of the sheet being processed at S102 and does not start an operation including at least the conveyance of the next sheet. Since the movement of the sheet related to the preceding job is stopped by interrupting the processing of the preceding job, it is easy for the user who pressed the interruption button 43 to understand that the interruption is accepted.

  After interrupting the processing of the preceding job, the CPU 31 receives the instruction of the interrupt job. For example, the CPU 31 receives, on the operation panel 40, various settings for the content of the interrupt job and an input of a setting completion instruction. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether an instruction for setting completion has been received (S104). Also when the CPU 31 receives pressing of the start button 42, it determines that it is an instruction to complete the setting.

  If it is determined that the setting completion instruction has not been received (S104: NO), the CPU 31 receives inputs such as various settings of the interrupt job until the setting completion instruction is received. In addition, after stopping the processing of the preceding job, if the setting completion instruction is not received even after the predetermined waiting time, the interruption may be canceled and the processing of the preceding job may be resumed. .

  Then, if it is determined that the setting completion instruction has been received (S104: YES), the CPU 31 acquires the type of the interrupt job based on the received setting (S106). Further, the CPU 31 starts processing of the interrupt job (S107).

  Furthermore, the CPU 31 starts execution of the parallel determination processing to determine whether or not the interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel (S109). S109 is an example of the determination process. Next, the procedure of the parallel determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the parallel determination processing, the CPU 31 first reads the parallel possible table 61 (S201). Then, the CPU 31 acquires the type of job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job based on the parallel possibility table 61 (S202). Furthermore, the CPU 31 determines whether the type of the interrupt job acquired in S106 is included in the acquired type of job (S203).

  When it is determined that the type of the interrupt job is included (S203: YES), the CPU 31 turns on the parallel possibility flag (S204), and ends the parallel determination processing. That is, when the combination of the job type of the interrupt job and the job type of the preceding job is the combination stored in the parallel possible table 61, the CPU 31 sets the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel. Judge that it can be processed. The concurrency flag is information stored in the NVRAM 34.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the type of job of the interrupt job is not included (S203: NO), the CPU 31 turns off the concurrency flag (S205), and ends the concurrence determination processing. That is, when the combination of the job type of the interrupt job and the job type of the preceding job is not included in the combination stored in the parallel possible table 61, the CPU 31 checks the combination of the interrupt job and the preceding job. It can not be processed in parallel.

  Returning to the interrupt processing of FIG. 4, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the concurrency flag is on after the concurrence determination processing of S109 (S110). Then, if it is determined that the parallel possibility flag is not on (S110: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the processing of the interrupt job is completed (S112).

  If it is determined that the processing of the interrupt job has not ended (S112: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job. That is, the CPU 31 waits for the end of the interrupt job. On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing of the interrupt job is completed (S112: YES), the CPU 31 resumes the processing of the preceding job (S113), and ends the interrupt processing. S112 and S113 are an example of a part of interrupt processing.

  If it is determined that the parallel possibility flag is on (S110: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the processing of the interrupt job (S115). The predetermined time is, for example, a fixed value within the range of 1 second to 5 seconds, and is stored in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34.

  When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S115: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job. That is, the CPU 31 waits for the passage of a predetermined time. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S115: YES), the CPU 31 notifies that the preceding job is to be processed in parallel with the interrupting job (S117). The notification may be, for example, display on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40 or reproduction of voice guidance. Furthermore, the CPU 31 resumes the processing of the preceding job (S118). S118 is an example of a part of interrupt processing.

  By notifying that the preceding job is processed in parallel with the interrupt job, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving the user of the interrupt job the fear or misunderstanding that the user may have misoperated. Then, the possibility of the user performing an operation to stop at least one of the two jobs being processed normally in parallel can be reduced. Also, by resuming the processing of the preceding job after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the processing of the interrupt job, the possibility that the user of the interrupt job may misinterpret the processing of the preceding job with the processing of the interrupt job is reduced it can.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether the processing of the interrupt job is completed (S120). If it is determined that the process has not ended (S120: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job and the preceding job. If it is determined that the processing of the interrupt job has ended (S120: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the processing of the preceding job has ended (S122). When it is determined that the processing of the preceding job is also completed when the processing of the interrupt job is completed (S122: YES), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing of the preceding job is not completed (S122: NO), the CPU 31 interrupts the processing of the preceding job again (S124). S124 is an example of re-interruption processing. For example, the CPU 31 does not perform an operation including conveyance of the next sheet, as in S102.

  Then, after the interruption, for example, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display that another interruption job can be received. If there is no other interrupt job, the CPU 31 may also display an instruction to input an interrupt end instruction. Then, the CPU 31 newly determines whether an instruction input of an interrupt job has been received (S125).

  If it is determined that an instruction for a new interrupt job has been received (S125: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S104 and determines whether or not the setting completion of a new interrupt job has been received. Then, when determining that the setting completion of the new interrupt job has been received, the CPU 31 determines whether the new interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel, and processes them in parallel if possible. . S109 for the new interrupt job is an example of the redetermination process, and S112, S113, and S118 for the new interrupt job are an example of the reinterruption process.

  Even if the processing of an interrupt job is completed, the user may interrupt another job. In that case, if the input from the interrupt button 43 is repeated, it will be time-consuming for the user. Therefore, after the processing of the interrupting job is completed before the processing of the preceding job is completed, the processing of the preceding job is interrupted again, and a new interrupting job to be interrupted next is accepted, thereby inputting the interrupt instruction. This saves time and effort for the user.

  On the other hand, for example, after an interrupt end instruction input is received or an interrupt job processing is completed, the user does not receive a user's instruction to execute a new interrupt job, and the predetermined time is not input. If it is determined that a new interrupt job instruction has not been received (S125: NO), the CPU 31 resumes the processing of the preceding job (S126), and ends the interrupt processing.

  As described above in detail, when the pressing of the interrupt button 43 is received during processing of the preceding job, the MFP 100 of the first embodiment interrupts the processing of the preceding job. That is, while accepting the setting of the interrupt job, the preceding job is not processed. Then, the MFP 100 determines, based on the parallelizable table 61, whether or not the combination of the preceding job and the interrupt job can be processed in parallel. Furthermore, if MFP 100 determines that processing can be performed in parallel, it processes the preceding job and the interrupt job in parallel, and if it determines that processing can not be performed in parallel, starts processing the interrupt job. , Resumes the processing of the preceding job after the processing of the interrupt job is completed. Therefore, even in the case of combinations that can be processed in parallel, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted, so it is easy to distinguish between the interrupt job and the preceding job. That is, when the processing of the first job is interrupted by the reception of the pressing of the interrupt button 43, it is possible to distinguish the output of the first job and the original from the output of the second job and the original. As a result, for example, they can be removed from the image processing apparatus once.

  Furthermore, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment receives the start instruction of the second job after receiving the interrupt instruction. That is, after confirming that the interrupt instruction has been accepted, the user can issue a start instruction of the second job. Therefore, compared with the case of interrupting by the reception of the start instruction, the user does not have to interrupt the interrupt instruction.

  Next, a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the second mode, in the MFP 100 having the same configuration as the first mode, the preceding job is processed in parallel with the processing of the interrupt job, and the process when the interrupt job is completed before the completion of the preceding job is It differs from the first form. The same components and processes as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  The procedure of the interrupt process for realizing the interrupt operation in MFP 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This interrupt process is executed by the CPU 31 of the MFP 100 when the pressing of the interrupt button 43 is accepted, as in the first mode interrupt process. The interrupt processing of the second form differs from the interrupt processing of the first form only in the processing after the determination of NO at S122.

  In the second mode, when the CPU 31 processes the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel, the processing of the interrupt job is completed, and the processing of the preceding job is not completed (S122: NO), It is determined whether the interrupt button 43 has been pressed (S301). Note that in the interrupt processing of the second mode, processing of the preceding job is not interrupted prior to S301. That is, the CPU 31 receives pressing of the interrupt button 43 while continuing processing of the preceding job. This point is different from the first mode in which the processing of the preceding job is stopped at the end of the interrupt job.

  If it is determined that the interrupt button 43 has not been pressed (S301: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing of the interrupt job has been completed (S302). The CPU 31 stores in ROM 32 or NVRAM 34 a fixed time used for the determination of S302. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S302: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S301 and waits until the interrupt button 43 is pressed or the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed without accepting the pressing of the interrupt button 43 (S302: YES), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that pressing of the interrupt button 43 has been received (S301: YES), the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a menu (S305). The menu displayed in S305 is a list of jobs of the same type as the previously executed interrupt job. A list of job types that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job may be displayed as a menu. When a job is selected from the menu, the CPU 31 receives the selected job as a new interrupt job.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether one job is selected as a new interrupt job from the menu (S306). If it is determined that one job has been selected (S306: YES), the CPU 31 starts processing of the selected interrupt job (S307), and proceeds to S120. After the interrupt job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job is completed, if the interrupt button 43 is pressed again within a certain time, processing in parallel with the preceding job, such as a job of the same type as the ended interrupt job Possible job is likely to be specified. By displaying a job of the same type as the finished interrupt job on the menu and selecting it from the menu, an interrupt job which can be processed in parallel with the preceding job can be selected. Therefore, there is no need to interrupt the preceding job again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that one job is not selected (S306: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the menu was displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 (S308). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S308: NO), the CPU 31 waits until either a job is selected from the menu or the predetermined time has elapsed. After displaying the menu on the liquid crystal display 41, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed without selecting a job from the menu (S308: YES), the CPU 31 erases the menu and ends the interrupt processing. . When an instruction to end the interrupt is received, the interrupt processing may be ended at that point without waiting for a predetermined time.

  As described above in detail, in the MFP 100 of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted even if the combination can be processed in parallel. Easy to distinguish between embedded job and preceding job.

  Furthermore, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment does not interrupt the processing of the preceding job again if the interrupting job is completed before the completion of the preceding job. If the user of the interrupt job interrupts another job, the new interrupt job is likely to be the same type of job as the previous interrupt job. If the same type of job can be processed in parallel, the interrupt job can be interrupted without interrupting the processing of the preceding job if the interrupt instruction is received immediately after the processing of the interrupt job is completed. By accepting the same type of job settings as in, the processing of the preceding job can be completed early. On the other hand, in the MFP 100 of the first embodiment, after the processing of the interrupt job is completed before the processing of the preceding job is completed, the processing of the preceding job is interrupted again, and the input of the interrupt instruction is omitted. Accept embedded jobs. Therefore, the user's time and effort can be reduced regardless of the next interrupt job.

  Subsequently, a third embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The third mode is different from the first mode in the method of determining whether or not the interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel in the MFP 100 having the same configuration as the first mode. That is, when the pressing of the interrupt button 43 is received during processing of the preceding job, the MFP 100 of the third embodiment executes the same interrupt processing as that of the first or second embodiment, A process different from the first mode or the second mode is executed as the parallelism determination process executed in the inside. The same components and processes as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

  The MFP 100 of the third embodiment determines whether or not two jobs can be processed in parallel based on the configuration unit used in processing each job in the parallel determination processing. The components include an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a USB IF 38, and a telephone line IF 39. Then, as described above, the MFP 100 can not process two or more jobs using the same component in parallel.

  Specifically, in order to determine whether or not the preceding job and the interrupt job can be processed in parallel, the MFP 100 of the third embodiment may replace, for example, the parallel possible table 61 shown in FIG. , Utilization configuration table 62 as shown in FIG. In the use configuration table 62, whether each of the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the USB IF 38, and the telephone line IF 39 is used for each type of job that may be a preceding job or an interrupt job is described. It is memorized. The MFP 100 stores the usage configuration table 62 in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34.

  The procedure of the parallel determination processing for realizing the interrupt operation in the MFP 100 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 31 of the MFP 100 executes the parallel determination processing in step S109 of the interrupt processing of FIG. 4 or FIG.

  In the third embodiment, the CPU 31 first specifies a component used in each of the preceding job and the interrupt job (S401). S401 is an example of a specific process. For example, the CPU 31 refers to the use configuration table 62 shown in FIG. 8 and specifies a configuration unit to be used based on the type of job of the preceding job and the interrupt job.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether the image forming unit 10 is included in the configuration units of both of the specified jobs (S402). When it is determined that the image forming unit 10 is not included in at least one of the job components (S402: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the image reading unit 20 is included in both specified job components. It judges (S403).

  If it is determined that the image reading unit 20 is not included in at least one of the job components (S403: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the USBIF 38 is included in both specified job components (S403). S404). If it is determined that the USB IF 38 is not included in at least one of the job components (S404: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the telephone line IF 39 is included in both of the identified job components (S405). ).

  When it is determined that the telephone line IF 39 is not included in at least one of the job configuration parts (S405: NO), the CPU 31 turns on the concurrency flag (S406), and ends the concurrence determination processing. S402, S403, S404, and S405 are examples of the specific determination process. Further, S112, S113, and S118 in the interrupt process executed by the MFP 100 of the third embodiment are an example of the specific interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming unit 10 is included in both components (S402: YES), or when it is determined that the image reading unit 20 is included in both components (S403: YES), or If it is determined that both components include the USB IF 38 (S404: YES), or if it is determined that both components include the telephone line IF 39 (S405: YES), the CPU 31 sets the parallel enable flag. Is turned off (S407), and the parallel determination processing is ended.

  As described above in detail, the MFP 100 of the third embodiment processes the preceding job and the interrupt job in parallel based on whether or not the preceding job and the interrupt job use the same component. Determine if you can. Even in this configuration, as in the first and second embodiments, even in the case of a combination that can be processed in parallel, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted, so the interrupt job and the preceding job Easy to distinguish.

  The present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is naturally capable of various improvements and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention is applicable to any device having an image forming function and an image reading function, such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc., as well as a multifunction peripheral.

  Also, for example, although it has been stated that processing is to be performed in parallel, it may not be necessary. That is, S117 may be omitted. However, it is preferable to notify because it is easy for the user to understand that two jobs are being processed in parallel.

  Also, for example, when processing can be performed in parallel, although the preceding job is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the processing of the interrupt job, it may be started immediately. For example, S115 may be deleted, and if YES in S110, the process may proceed to S117. Also, for example, after accepting the setting completion of the interrupt job, it is judged whether or not processing is possible in parallel, and if it is judged that it is possible, processing restart of the preceding job and interrupt job The process start may be performed simultaneously. However, by resuming the processing of the preceding job after the lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the processing of the interrupt job, it becomes easier for the user to distinguish between the preceding job and the interrupt job.

  Also, for example, even if the preceding job and the interrupt job can not be processed in parallel, there is a processing portion that can be processed without using the component used by the interrupt job among the preceding jobs. Alternatively, only part of the preceding job may be resumed while processing the interrupt job. For example, when the preceding job is a copy job and the interruption job is a PC print job, among the preceding jobs, the reading process of the document may be executed, and the read image data may be stored in the RAM 33. Then, after the processing of the interrupt job is completed, the image data may be read out from the RAM 33 and printed.

  Further, for example, in each of the embodiments, the interrupt itself is not accepted as long as the facsimile reception job and the facsimile transmission job are being processed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the MFP 100 receives pressing of the interrupt button 43 during processing of a facsimile reception job, the MFP 100 may suspend only printing and store the received facsimile data in the RAM 33 without stopping reception. . Then, after the processing of the interrupt job is completed, the image data may be read out from the RAM 33 and printed.

  Also, for example, instead of the parallelizable table 61, a table storing combinations of types of jobs that can not be processed in parallel may be used. Also, for example, instead of the use configuration table 62, a table may be used that stores components that are not used for each type of job.

  Also, the processing disclosed in this embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processing or a method.

10 image forming unit 20 image reading unit 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 NVRAM
37 Network IF
38 USBIF
39 Telephone line IF
40 Operation panel 100 MFP

Claims (8)

A job processing unit including a plurality of processing units that process a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving the type of job, a start instruction instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction instructing start of interrupt;
A storage unit that stores combinations of job types that can be processed in parallel;
Control unit,
Equipped with
The control unit
Interrupting processing for interrupting processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during processing of the first job;
In response to having received the type of the second job and the start instruction instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupt processing. Determining whether or not a combination of the second job type and the first job type matches the combination stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined in the determination processing that the combination of job types does not match, processing of the second job is started, and processing of the first job is performed after processing of the second job is completed. If it is determined that the combination of job types matches in the determination processing, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is Interrupt processing to be processed in parallel with the first job,
An image processing apparatus characterized by performing. In the image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Equipped with a notification unit,
The control unit
If the first job and the second job are processed in parallel in the interrupt process, the notification unit indicates that the first job and the second job are processed in parallel. Let me know,
An image processing apparatus characterized by The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2
The control unit
In the interrupt processing, when it is determined in the determination processing that the combination of job types match, processing of the second job is started first, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of processing of the second job. Resume processing of the first job later,
An image processing apparatus characterized by The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit
In the case where the first job and the second job are processed in parallel in the interrupt process, the processing of the second job is completed before the processing of the first job is completed. Re-interruption processing for interrupting the processing of the first job, and
After interrupting the processing of the first job in the re-interruption process, the third job type and the start instruction instructing the start of the third job are received via the receiving unit. Accordingly, a redetermination process of determining whether or not a combination of the third job type and the first job type matches the combination stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined in the re-determination process that the combination of job types does not match, processing of the third job is started, and after processing of the third job is completed, processing of the first job is performed. When it is determined in the re-determination process that the combination of job types match, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the third job is started, and the third job is started. Re-interruption processing in parallel with the first job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by performing. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit
In the case where the process of the first job and the process of the second job are started in the interrupt process, within a period from the end of the process of the second job to the elapse of a predetermined time. If the interrupt instruction is received again via the receiving unit before the processing of the first job is completed, the processing of the first job is not interrupted, and the second job is not interrupted. Accept the same type of job settings as
An image processing apparatus characterized by A job processing unit including a plurality of processing units that process a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving the type of job, a start instruction instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction instructing start of interrupt;
Control unit,
Equipped with
The control unit
Interrupting processing for interrupting processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during processing of the first job;
In response to having received the type of the second job and the start instruction instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupt processing. Of the plurality of processing units, based on the type of the first job, the processing unit used for processing the first job, the processing unit for processing the second job, and the second processing unit. Specific processing to specify each based on the job type of
Whether the same processing unit is included in the processing unit specified to be used in the first job in the specific processing and the processing unit specified to be used in the second job in the specific processing Specific judgment processing to judge
If it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the processing units specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination process, the processing of the second job The processing is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed, and in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination processing. If it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used in the second job is not included, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is started. Specific interrupt processing that processes the second job in parallel with the first job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by performing. A job processing unit including a plurality of processing units that process a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving the type of job, a start instruction instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction instructing start of interrupt;
A control method of an image processing apparatus comprising
An interrupting step of interrupting processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction through the receiving unit during processing of the first job;
Acquisition step for acquiring combinations of job types that can be processed in parallel;
According to having received the type of the second job and the start instruction instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupt step. Determining whether the combination of the second job type and the first job type matches the combination acquired in the acquisition step;
If it is determined in the determination step that the combination of job types does not match, processing of the second job is started, and processing of the first job is resumed after processing of the second job is completed. If it is determined in the determination step that the combinations of job types match, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is selected as the first job. Interrupt step to process in parallel with
A control method characterized by including. A job processing unit including a plurality of processing units that process a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving the type of job, a start instruction instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction instructing start of interrupt;
A control method of an image processing apparatus comprising
An interrupting step of interrupting processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction through the receiving unit during processing of the first job;
According to having received the type of the second job and the start instruction instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupt step. Of the plurality of processing units, based on the type of the first job, the processing unit used for processing the first job, the processing unit for processing the second job, and the second processing unit. Specific steps to identify each based on the job type of
Whether the same processing is included in the processing unit specified to be used in the first job in the specific step and the processing unit specified to be used in the second job in the specific step A specific judgment step to judge,
If it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the processing units specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination step, the processing of the second job The processing is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed, and in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination step. If it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used in the second job is not included, processing of the first job is resumed, processing of the second job is started, and the second job is started. A specific interrupt step which processes the second job in parallel with the first job;
A control method characterized by including.

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