JP7102753B2 - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a program having a jam recovery function. More specifically, it is a technique related to control when a memory shortage occurs in a situation where the jam recovery function is enabled.

Conventionally, as one of the print recovery functions, an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function for reprinting a page in which a jam has occurred when returning from a jam is known. For example, Patent Document 1 is a document that discloses a technique related to a jam recovery function. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which it is possible to set whether or not to perform jam recovery, and when jam recovery is set, reprinting is performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-149317

In order to realize the jam recovery function described above, the image forming apparatus stores the print data until the printing is completed when the jam recovery function is enabled. However, if a memory shortage occurs in which a free space for newly saving the print data cannot be secured, it becomes difficult to save the print data, so that the printing cannot be continued and the printing is canceled. Or, it waits until the memory shortage is resolved, and the printing speed decreases.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques. That is, the problem is to provide an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which can complete printing while maintaining the printing speed even when a memory shortage occurs.

An image forming apparatus made for the purpose of solving this problem includes an image forming unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, and when a jam occurs, the image being formed on the jammed sheet is transferred to another sheet. In an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which is a function of re-forming the data, the control unit generates print data in which image data to be printed is rasterized, and stores the print data in the storage unit. An image forming process for forming an image in the image forming unit based on the print data stored in the storage unit, and an image produced by the image forming unit among the print data stored in the storage unit. When the data discard process for discarding the formed and printed print data from the storage unit, the jam detection process for detecting the jam, and the jam detection process for detecting the jam, the image forming unit performs the data discarding process. In the interruption process of interrupting image formation, the memory shortage detection process of detecting that the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data, and the jam recovery function being effective in the jam detection process. A jam recovery process that causes the image forming unit to re-form an image of a page for which printing has not been completed based on the print data stored in the storage unit when returning from the detected jam, and the jam recovery process. When it is detected during printing that the function is effective and the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data in the memory shortage detection process, the printing stored in the storage unit is performed. Jam recovery invalidation processing that discards at least a part of the print data that has not been printed and has been image-formed by the image forming unit, and invalidates the jam recovery function. And, it is characterized by executing.

The image forming apparatus disclosed in the present specification has a jam recovery function, and if the jam recovery function is effective, when a jam occurs and the image is recovered from the jam, it is being formed on the jammed sheet. Reform the existing image on another sheet. Therefore, if the jam recovery function is enabled, the image forming apparatus stores the entire print data of the unprinted sheet until printing is completed. When the jam recovery function is effective and the memory is insufficient, the image forming apparatus discards the print data in which the image is formed even before the printing is completed. Then, the image forming apparatus disables the jam recovery function. As a result, the memory shortage is resolved, and the possibility that printing can be continued without waiting is increased. As a result, it can be expected that printing will be completed while maintaining the printing speed.

A control method for realizing the function of the image forming apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing the computer program are also new and useful.

According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function is realized, and a technique capable of completing printing while maintaining a printing speed even when a memory shortage occurs is realized.

It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the printer which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of data generation by a printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the difference of operation by the discard condition. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the printing process of a printer. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jam recovery option setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of memory area acquisition processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the read data discard processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of jam processing.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is an application of the present invention to a printer having an image forming function.

The electrical configuration of the printer 100 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 of this embodiment includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and a non-volatile memory 34. Further, the printer 100 includes an image forming unit 10, a network interface (network IF) 37, a USB interface (USB-IF) 38, and an operation panel 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 30. There is.

The ROM 32 stores an operation program or the like for operating the printer 100. The RAM 33 is used as a work area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The non-volatile memory 34 is, for example, an HDD or a flash memory, and is used as an area for storing data such as various programs and image data and various settings. The RAM 33 is an example of a storage unit. If the ROM 32, the non-volatile memory 34, and the CPU 31 include a CPU buffer, the CPU buffer may be an example of the memory.

The CPU 31 controls each component of the printer 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the non-volatile memory 34 according to the program read from the ROM 32 or the non-volatile memory 34. The CPU 31 is a part of the control unit, and the controller 30 is an example of the control unit. The controller 30 in FIG. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used for controlling the printer 100, such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the printer 100. do not have. Further, the number of CPUs 31 is not limited to one, and may be one that operates in cooperation with a plurality of CPUs.

The image forming unit 10 includes a jam detecting unit 11, and has a configuration for printing an image on the sheet and a configuration for transporting the sheet. The printer 100 of this embodiment is, for example, a printer that forms an image by an inkjet method, and the image forming unit 10 has a print head provided with an ink ejection nozzle. The image forming unit 10 scans the print head with a carriage to print one scan, and alternately repeats the image formation for one scan and the transfer of the sheet for one scan to obtain an image for one page. Complete the formation. The printing method of the image forming unit 10 is not limited to the inkjet method, and may be an electrophotographic method, a thermal transfer method, or the like. Further, the printer 100 may be a device capable of printing a color image or a device dedicated to monochrome printing.

The jam detection unit 11 includes one or more sheet sensors, and detects jams based on the sheet transport status during printing. The jam detection unit 11 detects, for example, the presence or absence of a sheet at a predetermined detection location in the sheet transfer path by the sheet sensor, and the presence or absence of the sheet does not change for a predetermined time or longer even during the sheet transfer control. That is, when the sheet has not been conveyed for a predetermined time or more, a signal indicating that a jam has been detected is output. As one of the sheet sensors, the jam detection unit 11 is provided with a paper discharge sensor at a position downstream of the print head in the sheet transport direction, and not only the sheet transport status in the apparatus but also the sheet discharge status. Also detects the completion of. In this embodiment, it is considered that printing is completed when the completion of paper ejection is detected. However, even if the completion of paper ejection is not detected, if all the image formation is completed, it may be considered that the printing of the sheet is completed. Further, the printer 100 may be considered to have detected the completion of paper ejection of the sheet by passing the sheet at a position facing the print head instead of providing the paper ejection sensor.

The network IF 37 includes hardware for communicating with an external device connected via the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The printer 100 receives, for example, a print job transmitted from an external device such as a PC via a network IF37.

The USB-IF38 includes hardware to which a USB connection device such as a USB memory is connected. The printer 100 can print based on the image data stored in the USB memory connected to the USB-IF38, for example. The USB-IF38 is an example of a connection unit, and the USB memory connected to the USB-IF38 is an example of an external storage device. The operation panel 40 displays the operation status and accepts input operations by the user.

Subsequently, the processing procedure of the print job in the printer 100 of this embodiment will be described. The printer 100 receives a print job from the PC via, for example, the network IF37, and receives the image data of the print job. Alternatively, the printer 100 receives a print instruction of image data stored in the USB memory inserted in the USB-IF 38 by operating the operation panel 40. The printer 100 sequentially processes the received image data, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and finally generates line data, which is a data format used by the image forming unit 10.

As a configuration for processing data, the controller 30 of the printer 100 includes a data receiving unit 301, a rasterization unit 302, an image processing unit 303, a print engine control unit 304, and a print control unit 305. Further, the printer 100 configures an image memory 331, a page memory 332, and a line memory 333 in the RAM 33, respectively, in order to temporarily store various data.

As shown in FIG. 2, the data receiving unit 301 receives image data from an external device such as a PC 200, and writes the received image data in the image memory 331. The image data is, for example, data described by PDL (Page Description Language). Examples of PDL include PCL (Print Control Language), PS (PostScript (registered trademark)), and AirPrint (registered trademark).

As shown in FIG. 2, the rasterization unit 302 reads image data from the image memory 331, performs rasterization processing to generate page data, and writes the generated page data to the page memory 332. The page data is dot data including color information of each dot of the image, and is processed in units of one page. The rasterization unit 302 generates page data, which is dot-by-dot data in RGB format or CMYK format, depending on the type of image data. The image data that has been read by the rasterization unit 302 is discarded from the image memory 331.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing unit 303 reads page data from the page memory 332, performs image processing such as error diffusion processing to generate line data, and writes the generated line data to the line memory 333. The line data includes information such as the amount of ink ejected from each ejection nozzle, and is data for controlling the print head of the image forming unit 10, and is processed in units of one line, which is a predetermined processing unit. Note that one line is a range in which an image can be formed by one scan of the print head. The amount of data for one line may differ depending on the print width of the image and the configuration of the print head.

As shown in FIG. 2, the print engine control unit 304 reads the line data from the line memory 333 and passes it to the image forming unit 10, so that the image forming unit 10 executes the image forming. The line data read by the print engine control unit 304 and used for printing is discarded from the line memory 333. Line data is data that can be randomly accessed, and can be read or discarded for each line.

On the other hand, the page data stored in the page memory 332 is data having a sequential structure, and the reading and discarding thereof are performed in order from the top of the page. The timing of discarding the page data differs depending on the setting of the jam recovery option described later. However, regardless of the setting of the jam recovery option, when the formation of the image on the sheet is completed and the sheet ejection is completed, the printer 100 discards all the page data of the image formed on the sheet that has been ejected. ..

As shown in FIG. 2, the print control unit 305 monitors the state of the image forming unit 10 and controls the rasterization unit 302, the image processing unit 303, and the print engine control unit 304. Further, the print control unit 305 receives from the image forming unit 10, for example, error information such as the occurrence of jam and state information including paper discharge completion information (or print completion information).

The printer 100 of this embodiment first configures a memory area in the RAM 33 when generating page data and line data. The print control unit 305 determines whether or not the RAM 33 has a free area corresponding to the data size of the data to be saved, and if the free area is insufficient, determines that the memory is insufficient and the rasterization unit 302. And the data generation by the image processing unit 303 is interrupted.

Subsequently, the jam recovery function in the printer 100 of this embodiment will be described. The jam recovery function is a function to reprint the page that was being printed on the sheet where the jam occurred on another sheet. The printer 100 of this embodiment includes a jam recovery option for setting the enable or disable of the jam recovery function for each print job in the print control unit 305. And the control over saving page data depends on whether the jam recovery option setting is on or off.

When the jam recovery option is set to on, the printer 100 saves all page data to be printed on a sheet that has not been ejected, without discarding it, until the ejection is complete. The page data for one sheet is the page data of all the pages to be printed on one sheet. For example, in double-sided printing or 2in1 printing, the page data for a plurality of pages is used. Further, in the case of the printer 100 that simultaneously conveys a plurality of sheets, the page data printed on all the sheets being conveyed is the target of storage. If a jam occurs while printing a print job with the jam recovery option turned on because the page data of the sheet that has not been ejected is saved, the printer 100 resolves the jam and gives an instruction to continue printing. If accepted, the saved page data can be used to print the contents of the jammed sheet again.

On the other hand, when the jam recovery option is set to off, the printer 100 discards at least a part of the page data for which line data has been generated, even before the paper ejection is completed. By discarding, the free space of the page memory 332 can be increased and the possibility of running out of memory can be reduced. However, unlike when the jam recovery option is turned on, the page data is lost and you cannot print the page again. Therefore, if a jam occurs while printing a print job with the jam recovery option turned off, the printed matter that is output when the jam is cleared and printing continues is missing the page printed on the jammed sheet. It will be in a state of printing.

The printer 100 sets the jam recovery option on or off for each print job based on the print settings of the received print job. For example, when the received print job is a job instructing printing with high image quality or high definition, the amount of page data is large and there is a high possibility that the memory will be insufficient. Therefore, for print jobs with high-quality or high-definition print settings, the printer 100 turns off the jam recovery option in advance.

Further, in the case of storage printing for printing the image data of the USB memory inserted in the USB-IF 38, the printer 100 can read the image data from the USB memory again and print it without storing the page data in the RAM 33. It's easy. Therefore, for the print job of storage printing, the printer 100 turns off the jam recovery option in advance. Then, in the case of a print job that is neither high quality nor storage printing, the printer 100 turns on the jam recovery option. The storage printing may be any medium as long as it can be read by the printer 100, and is not limited to a USB memory, and may be, for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

When the jam recovery option is turned on, the page data is saved until the paper ejection is completed, so the amount of data saved in the page memory 332 tends to be large, which may cause memory shortage. .. If the memory becomes insufficient while printing is being executed with the jam recovery option turned on, the printer 100 discards at least a part of the page data of the portion where the image formation is completed. However, if there is a possibility that the memory shortage will be resolved over time without discarding immediately, the memory shortage may be resolved without discarding. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, it may be determined whether or not the discard condition for discarding the page data is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the printer 100 starts processing the print job with the jam recovery option turned on (t1), for example, when the image formation on the first sheet is completed, the first sheet is formed. Sheet is ejected (t2). After ejecting the sheet, the printer 100 discards the page data corresponding to the sheet.

If the memory becomes insufficient during the processing of the print job, the printer 100 determines whether or not the discard condition is satisfied (t3). If it is determined that the discard condition is not satisfied, the printer 100 does not discard the page data and leaves the jam recovery option on (t4), as shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the discard condition is a condition in which the image forming unit 10 does not interrupt the image forming and the line data or page data before the image forming does not remain. For example, when double-sided printing is being executed by storing double-sided line data and page data, and printing on the second side is not completed even if printing on the first side is completed, line data before image formation is performed. And page data remain, the printer 100 determines that the discard condition is not satisfied.

In this case, if printing on the second surface is completed and sheet ejection is completed (t5), there is a high possibility that the line data and page data will be discarded. Further, when the image forming unit 10 interrupts the image forming, there is a high possibility that the line data and the page data are discarded by restarting the image forming. Then, if the line data and page data are discarded, there is a high possibility that the memory shortage state will be resolved. Therefore, when the printer 100 determines that the discard condition is not satisfied at the stage (t3) when the memory shortage occurs, the printer 100 does not discard the page data (t4).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the discard condition is satisfied at the stage where the memory shortage occurs (t3), the printer 100 discards at least a part of the page data (t6). If the discard condition is satisfied, there is a high possibility that the memory shortage will not be resolved only by the passage of time. Therefore, for example, the printer 100 has completed image formation among the page data of the page to be printed on the sheet being printed. Discard the part and the part where the line data has been generated. By discarding a part of the page data, the free memory area increases and the memory shortage is solved, so that printing can be continued without reducing the printing speed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the discard condition is satisfied, the printer 100 turns off the jam recovery option for the print job during printing (t6). Since a part of the page data is discarded, it is impossible for the printer 100 to re-form the image of this sheet when a jam occurs in the sheet being printed. Therefore, the printer 100 turns off the jam recovery option, and discards the read page data for the subsequent pages even before the paper ejection is completed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when a jam occurs during the execution of the same print job, the operation of the printer 100 differs depending on the setting of the jam recovery option. When a jam occurs in a job with the jam recovery option turned on (t7), the page data of the page to be printed on the jammed sheet is stored. After the jam is resolved and printing is resumed, the printer 100 uses the stored page data to re-form the image being printed on the jammed sheet (t8). That is, since recovery printing is possible, page omission does not occur.

On the other hand, when a jam occurs in a job in which the jam recovery option is off (t9), recovery printing cannot be performed because a part of the page data of the page to be printed on the jammed sheet is discarded. Then, after the jam is resolved and printing is resumed, the printer 100 forms an image from the sheet next to the jammed sheet (t10). That is, page omission occurs. Therefore, the printer 100 notifies the user of the occurrence of page omission by displaying at (t9) or changing the paper ejection mode at (t10).

Subsequently, the procedure of the printing process by the printer 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This print process is executed by the CPU 31 when the print job is accepted by the printer 100. In addition, each processing step of the following flowchart basically shows the processing of the CPU 31 according to the instruction described in the program. The processing of the CPU 31 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS of the printer 100.

First, the CPU 31 executes a jam recovery option setting process for determining the jam recovery option setting based on the received print job (S101). The procedure of the jam recovery option setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the jam recovery option setting process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the print setting of the received print job is a high image quality setting (S201). When it is determined that the high image quality setting is not set (S201: NO), the CPU 31 has a USB memory inserted in the USB-IF38, and a print instruction for storage printing to read and print the image data stored in the USB memory. It is determined whether or not it is (S202). When it is determined that the printing instruction is not for storage printing (S202: NO), the CPU 31 sets the jam recovery option to ON (S203). The CPU 31 stores the jam recovery option setting in the RAM 33.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the high image quality setting is set (S201: YES) or when it is determined that the storage printing is a print instruction (S202: YES), the CPU 31 sets the jam recovery option to off (S204). ), Stored in the RAM 33. The high image quality setting is a print setting that causes the image forming unit 10 to print at a high resolution. The high image quality setting is an example of the second print option of the image quality print option, and the print setting that is not the high image quality setting is an example of the first print option. After S203 or S204, the CPU 31 ends the jam recovery option setting process and returns to the print process.

When high image quality setting or high resolution printing is set, the data size of page data and line data tends to be large, and memory shortage is likely to occur when the jam recovery option is turned on. Therefore, by turning off the jam recovery option in advance, the printing processing load can be reduced. The jam recovery option may be turned off even when the size of the image is large or the sheet size of the sheet to be printed is large.

Further, in the case of storage printing, it is easy to reacquire the image data, and jam recovery is possible even if the print data is not stored in the storage unit. Therefore, by turning off the jam recovery option in advance, the printing processing load can be reduced.

Returning to the description of the printing process of FIG. After the jam recovery option setting process, the CPU 31 rasterizes the received image data in the rasterization unit 302. Therefore, the CPU 31 executes a memory area acquisition process that constitutes the page memory 332 necessary for storing the page data (S102). The procedure of the memory area acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the memory area acquisition process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the RAM 33 has a free area having an amount of data required to form the page memory 332 (S301). The amount of data required to form the page memory 332 is, for example, the amount of page data of a page to be printed on one sheet. When it is determined that there is a free area (S301: YES), the CPU 31 acquires a memory area for forming the page memory 332 (S302). Then, the CPU 31 ends the memory area acquisition process and returns to the print process.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the free area is insufficient (S301: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of times the execution of the memory area acquisition process is repeated without acquiring the memory area exceeds a certain number of times (S301: NO). S303). The determination of NO in S301 is an example of the memory shortage detection process. If the required free area cannot be secured even after repeating the memory area acquisition process more than a certain number of times, there is a high possibility that a memory shortage has occurred. Further, instead of a fixed number of times, a fixed period may be used. That is, if the required free area cannot be secured by the elapse of a certain period of time, there is a high possibility that a memory shortage has occurred.

Then, when it is determined that the number of times exceeds a certain number (S303: YES), the CPU 31 determines to make a discard request (S304), ends the memory area acquisition process, and returns to the print process. If it is determined that the number of times has not exceeded a certain number (S303: NO), the CPU 31 does not make a discard request, ends the memory area acquisition process, and returns to the print process.

Returning to the description of the printing process of FIG. After the memory area acquisition process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the memory area can be acquired (S103). When it is determined that the memory area could not be acquired (S103: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the discard request has been made (S104). If it is determined that the discard request has not been made (S104: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S102 and executes the memory area acquisition process again.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the discard request has been made (S104: YES), the CPU 31 performs the portion of the page data that has been read out by the image processing unit 303 (the portion where the image is formed or the image is formed). The read data discard process for discarding (corresponding to the portion that is expected to be damaged) is executed (S105). The procedure for discarding read data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.

In the read data discard process, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a print error has occurred in the image forming unit 10 (S401). When it is determined that no print error has occurred (S401: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is page data that has not been read by the image processing unit 303, such as page data on the second side during double-sided printing. Is determined (S402). Then, when it is determined that a print error has occurred (S401: YES), or when it is determined that there is page data for which reading has not been completed (S402: YES), the CPU 31 performs the read data discard process. Finish and return to the printing process.

When the image forming operation of the image forming unit 10 is interrupted due to a printing error such as jam occurrence, sheet running out, or ink running out, reading or discarding of page data does not proceed. In this case, if the print error is resolved and the image formation operation is restarted, there is a high possibility that the read page data will be discarded and the free memory area will increase. Further, when there is page data that has not been read by the image processing unit 303, there is a high possibility that the free memory area will increase as the reading progresses. Therefore, in the case of a print error or when there is page data that has not been read, the printer 100 solves the memory shortage without immediately discarding the data even if the free memory area is insufficient. Wait for it.

On the other hand, when it is determined that no print error has occurred and there is no page data that has not been read (S402: NO), the CPU 31 discards the read page data (S403). The page data to be discarded may be the read part, the entire page, or a part of the page. Further, the CPU 31 sets the jam recovery option to off (S404). S403 and S404 are examples of jam recovery invalidation processing. Then, the CPU 31 ends the read data discarding process and returns to the printing process.

Returning to the explanation of the print process of FIG. 4, when the read data is discarded by the read data discard process, the free memory area increases, and there is a possibility that the memory area can be successfully acquired by the next memory area acquisition process. Is high. Then, when it is determined that the memory area can be acquired (S103: YES), the CPU 31 configures the page memory 332 in the acquired memory area and stores the page data (S106). S106 is an example of data storage processing. Further, as described above, the CPU 31 performs rasterization and image processing in this order, and starts image formation by the image forming unit 10 (S107). S107 is an example of an image forming process and an image forming instruction process.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a jam has occurred during image formation (S108). S108 is an example of jam detection processing. When it is determined that a jam has occurred (S108: YES), the CPU 31 executes a jam process (S109). The jam processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the jam processing, the CPU 31 interrupts the image formation by the image forming unit 10 and notifies that the jam has occurred (S501). S501 is an example of interruption processing. The printer 100 performs at least one of displaying on the operation panel 40 and notifying the external device that has transmitted the job, for example.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the jam recovery option is set to ON (S502). When it is determined that the jam recovery option is on (S502: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the jam has been resolved (S503). When the jam paper is removed by the user and the resumption instruction is received, the CPU 31 restarts the sheet transfer and determines whether or not the jam has been resolved. If it is determined that the jam has not been resolved (S503: NO), the CPU 31 waits until the jam is resolved.

When it is determined that the jam has been resolved (S503: YES), the CPU 31 re-forms the image being printed on the jammed sheet on the next sheet (S504). S504 is an example of the jam recovery process. The CPU 31 re-reads the saved page data and redoes the printing procedure from the generation of the line data to re-form the image that was supposed to be printed on the jammed sheet on another sheet. Can be done. After S504, the CPU 31 ends the jam processing and returns to the printing processing.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the jam recovery option is not on (S502: NO), the CPU 31 notifies that the jam recovery cannot be performed (S505). S505 is an example of notification processing. That is, the CPU 31 notifies that the image that was supposed to be printed on the sheet in which the jam occurred is not formed again, and that the image is not recovered even if the jam is further generated in the running job. In S505, the printer 100 performs at least one of display on the operation panel 40 and notification to the external device that has transmitted the job, for example.

The jam recovery option is set automatically by the printer 100, and it is difficult for the user to grasp whether or not recovery printing is performed when recovering from the jam. Therefore, by notifying that the printing of the sheet in which the jam is detected cannot be completed, the user can be made aware of that fact. In addition to notifying that reprinting has not been executed, it is advisable to notify the page number where the jam occurred.

Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the jam has been resolved (S506). If it is determined that the jam has not been resolved (S506: NO), the CPU 31 waits until the jam is resolved.

When it is determined that the jam has been resolved (S506: YES), the CPU 31 outputs a partition paper that serves as a mark for the position of the sheet in which the page omission has occurred (S507). The partition paper is, for example, a blank paper, a paper on which a message indicating that a jam has occurred, or a paper on which the number of a page in which a page omission has occurred is printed. By outputting the partition paper, the printer 100 can print. It is possible to let the user know the position of the page that has not been completed or that the printing has not been completed.

In S507, the CPU 31 may switch the paper ejection mode for the sheets after this job instead of outputting the partition paper. That is, the printer 100 has a plurality of types of paper ejection modes, and the paper ejection mode after the position of the sheet in which page omission has occurred may be switched to a mode different from that before that. The modes for switching the paper ejection mode include, for example, changing the paper ejection surface (reversing the front and back sides for ejection) and changing the paper feed tray (for example, printing on sheets in different orientations such as A4 portrait and A4 landscape). This includes printing on a sheet of paper type) and changing the paper ejection position (for example, ejecting to a different output tray, ejecting by changing the ejection direction, ejecting by shifting the ejection position). By switching the paper ejection mode, the user can be made aware of the fact that printing is not completed and the position of the page where printing is not completed.

Then, the CPU 31 reads out the remaining data that was planned to be printed on the jammed sheet (S508). The CPU 31 reads, for example, the remaining part of the page data and line data of the page to be printed on the jammed sheet until the end of the page. Then, after S504 or after S508, the CPU 31 ends the jam processing and returns to the printing processing.

Returning to the description of the printing process, when it is determined that no jam has occurred (S108: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the jam recovery option is on (S110). If it is determined that the jam recovery option is not on (S110: NO), the CPU 31 discards the read page data (S111).

After S111, or when it is determined that the jam recovery option is on (S110: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the paper ejection of the sheet for which image formation has been completed is completed (S112). When it is determined that the paper ejection is completed (S112: YES), the CPU 31 discards all the page data of the page printed on the sheet on which the paper ejection is completed (S113). S113 is an example of data destruction processing. Further, it is determined whether or not the processing of the received print job is completed (S114).

After the jam processing in S109, when it is determined that the paper ejection has not been completed (S112: NO), or when it is determined that the job has not been completed (S114: NO), the CPU 31 newly pages. It is determined whether or not there is a page for creating data (S115). When it is determined that there is a new page (S115: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S102 and processes the next page.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no new page (S115: NO), the CPU 31 proceeds to S108 and performs the processes of S108 to S115 until the job is completed. That is, after the image formation is completed, the CPU 31 performs image formation and sheet transfer until all the sheets have been ejected. Even if a jam occurs between the time when the image formation is completed and the time when the paper is ejected, the above-mentioned jam processing is executed. Then, when it is determined that the job is completed (S114: YES), the CPU 31 ends the printing process.

As described in detail above, the printer 100 of this embodiment has a jam recovery function, and if the jam recovery option is turned on, the page data of the entire sheet being printed is saved until the sheet ejection is completed. do. When the printer 100 detects that the memory is insufficient while the jam recovery option is on, the printer 100 discards at least a part of the page data and turns off the jam recovery option even if the page has not been printed. By discarding a part of the page data, the memory shortage can be solved and new data can be stored. Therefore, printing can be continued without canceling the print job and without reducing the printing speed.

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, as a matter of course, the present invention can be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, it is not limited to a printer, and can be applied to any device having an image forming function, such as a multifunction device, a copying machine, and a fax machine.

Further, in this embodiment, the completion of paper ejection is used as an example of the timing of printing completion, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the paper ejection is not completed, the sheet in which the image formation is completed and is conveyed to a predetermined position may be a sheet in which printing is completed. For example, even if the sheet being fed is jammed and the sheet being ejected is stopped and the sheet ejection is not completed, the sheet being ejected is regarded as a sheet that has been printed. You may.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the discard condition, both the condition that the print error does not occur in the image forming unit 10 and the condition that there is no page data that has not been read out are satisfied. One may be used, or other conditions may be added. In addition, there may be no discard condition. Specifically, the determination of S401 and S402 in the read data discard process may be omitted, and when the execution of the read data discard process is started, the process may proceed to S403.

Further, for example, when returning from the jam, the notification of page omission, the ejection of the partition paper, and the switching of the ejection mode may be performed by any one or in combination of two or more. .. Moreover, it is not necessary to do either. However, it is preferable to give a notification or the like so that the user can grasp the page omission.

Further, in this embodiment, when a jam occurs, if the jam recovery option is off, the jam processing S505 notifies the occurrence of the jam and the unrecoverable state, but the unrecoverable notification is after the recovery from the jam. But it's okay. That is, in S505, only the occurrence of jam may be notified, and after determining YES in S506, a notification that there is a page omission may be given before or after S507 or when the print job is completed. Further, the notification may be made a plurality of times among these.

Further, for example, even in a print job in which the jam recovery option is set to off in advance, if a jam is detected, it is preferable to notify that page omission will occur. Further, when returning from the jam, it is preferable to switch the paper ejection mode or output the partition paper in order to indicate the position of the page where the omission has occurred.

Further, the process disclosed in the embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. In addition, the process disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various aspects such as a recording medium or a method in which a program for executing the process is recorded.

10 Image forming unit 31 CPU
33 RAM
38 USB-IF
100 printer

Claims (10)

Image forming part and
Memory and
Control unit and
In an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which is a function of re-forming an image being formed on a sheet that has become jammed on another sheet when a jam occurs.
The control unit
Data storage processing that generates print data in which image data to be printed is rasterized and stores the print data in the storage unit, and
An image forming process for forming an image in the image forming unit based on the print data stored in the storage unit, and
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, a data discarding process of discarding the print data in which an image is formed by the image forming unit and printing is completed is discarded from the storage unit.
Jam detection processing to detect jam and
When a jam is detected by the jam detection process, an interrupt process for interrupting image formation by the image forming unit and an interrupt process for interrupting image formation by the image forming unit.
Memory shortage detection processing that detects that the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data, and
When the jam recovery function is enabled and the jam is recovered from the jam detected by the jam detection process, the image of the page for which printing has not been completed is obtained based on the print data stored in the storage unit. Jam recovery processing to re-form in the image forming part,
When the jam recovery function is effective and it is detected during printing that the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data in the memory shortage detection process, the memory is stored in the storage unit. Of the print data, at least a part of the print data that has not been printed and has been image-formed by the image forming unit is discarded, and the jam recovery function is invalidated. Recovery invalidation processing and
And
As image quality printing options, there are a first printing option and a second printing option having higher image quality than the first printing option.
Further, the control unit
When the second print option is set in the job, the jam recovery function is disabled in advance.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. Image forming part and
Memory and
Control unit and
In an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which is a function of re-forming an image being formed on a sheet that has become jammed on another sheet when a jam occurs.
The control unit
Data storage processing that generates print data in which image data to be printed is rasterized and stores the print data in the storage unit, and
An image forming process for forming an image in the image forming unit based on the print data stored in the storage unit, and
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, a data discarding process of discarding the print data in which an image is formed by the image forming unit and printing is completed is discarded from the storage unit.
Jam detection processing to detect jam and
When a jam is detected by the jam detection process, an interrupt process for interrupting image formation by the image forming unit and an interrupt process for interrupting image formation by the image forming unit.
Memory shortage detection processing that detects that the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data, and
When the jam recovery function is enabled and the jam is recovered from the jam detected by the jam detection process, the image of the page for which printing has not been completed is obtained based on the print data stored in the storage unit. Jam recovery processing to re-form in the image forming part,
When the jam recovery function is effective and it is detected during printing that the memory of the storage unit is insufficient to store the print data in the memory shortage detection process, the memory is stored in the storage unit. Of the print data, at least a part of the print data that has not been printed and has been image-formed by the image forming unit is discarded, and the jam recovery function is invalidated. Recovery invalidation processing and
And
In the jam recovery invalidation process,
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, the print data for which printing has not been completed, provided that the discard condition for discarding the print data stored in the storage unit is satisfied. At least a part of the print data on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discarded.
If the discard condition is not satisfied, the print data stored in the storage unit is not discarded until the discard condition is satisfied.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 ,
When the image forming portion interrupts the image forming, the discard condition is not satisfied.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 .
If the print data for which printing has not been completed remains in the storage unit, the discard condition is not satisfied.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to claim 2 ,
The discard condition
It is assumed that the image forming unit does not interrupt the image formation and the print data for which printing has not been completed does not remain.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
Equipped with a connection to connect to an external storage device
The control unit
In the case of storage printing in which the image data stored in the external storage device is to be printed, the jam recovery function is disabled in advance.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .
The control unit
In the memory shortage detection process, when the free space of the storage unit cannot be acquired for a certain period of time or a certain number of times by the data storage process while holding the print data required for jam recovery, the memory shortage of the storage unit is detected. do,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .
When the jam recovery function is enabled, after the sheet printing is completed, the print data for one sheet is discarded from the storage unit, and when the jam recovery function is disabled, before the sheet printing is completed. Therefore, at least a part of the print data on which the image is formed out of the print data for one sheet is discarded from the storage unit.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. Image forming part and
Memory and
Control unit and
The control unit of an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which is a function of re-forming an image being formed on a sheet that has become jammed on another sheet when a jam occurs.
Image formation instruction processing for instructing image formation by the image forming unit based on the print data stored in the storage unit, and
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, a data discarding process of discarding the print data in which an image is formed by the image forming unit and printing is completed is discarded from the storage unit.
Jam detection processing to detect jam and
When the jam recovery function is enabled and the jam is recovered from the jam detected by the jam detection process, the image of the page for which printing has not been completed is described based on the print data stored in the storage unit. Jam recovery processing that instructs the image forming part to form again,
When the jam recovery function is effective and a memory shortage occurs in the storage unit, among the print data stored in the storage unit, the print data for which printing has not been completed is the image formation. Jam recovery invalidation processing that discards at least a part of the print data in which the image is formed by the unit and invalidates the jam recovery function,
To run,
As image quality printing options, there are a first printing option and a second printing option having higher image quality than the first printing option.
Further, in the control unit,
When the second print option is set in the job, the jam recovery function is disabled in advance.
A program characterized by that. Image forming part and
Memory and
Control unit and
The control unit of an image forming apparatus having a jam recovery function, which is a function of re-forming an image being formed on a sheet that has become jammed on another sheet when a jam occurs.
Image formation instruction processing for instructing image formation by the image forming unit based on the print data stored in the storage unit, and
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, a data discarding process of discarding the print data in which an image is formed by the image forming unit and printing is completed is discarded from the storage unit.
Jam detection processing to detect jam and
When the jam recovery function is enabled and the jam is recovered from the jam detected by the jam detection process, the image of the page for which printing has not been completed is described based on the print data stored in the storage unit. Jam recovery processing that instructs the image forming part to form again,
When the jam recovery function is effective and a memory shortage occurs in the storage unit, among the print data stored in the storage unit, the print data for which printing has not been completed is the image formation. Jam recovery invalidation processing that discards at least a part of the print data in which the image is formed by the unit and invalidates the jam recovery function,
To run,
In the jam recovery invalidation process,
Of the print data stored in the storage unit, the print data for which printing has not been completed, provided that the discard condition for discarding the print data stored in the storage unit is satisfied. At least a part of the print data on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discarded.
If the discard condition is not satisfied, the print data stored in the storage unit is not discarded until the discard condition is satisfied.
A program characterized by that.

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