JPH06127087A - Sheet delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate a fear of outputting an incorrect print without generating a hole as a temporary interruption of feeding a sheet even when sheets to be sequentially fed on a feeding passage are delivered to a stacker without this order. CONSTITUTION:A first stacker 331 and a second stacker 332 are disposed at positions of different feeding distances as seen from a marking mechanism 27 for printing. Accordingly, when containing position of sheets to be sequentially fed is switched, following sheet might be contained previously in one of the stackers 331, 332, but the sheets can be sequentially continuously fed by clearing resources of a corresponding page of a system disk 53, etc., in the fed order.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper ejection system for ejecting printed paper to a corresponding stacker sequentially through a conveyance path like a paper ejection mechanism of a high speed printer, and more particularly to a paper ejection system. The present invention relates to a paper discharge system that holds print information of the paper until the paper is stored in the stacker.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An information processing apparatus for recording data at high speed, such as a high speed printer, employs a paper discharge system for sequentially sending recorded paper to a conveying path and storing it in a stacker corresponding to the paper. . In such a paper discharge system, image information used for recording or code information as a source thereof is held in a memory until the paper is finally stored in a corresponding stacker. This is because it is necessary to use the information again when the paper jams in the middle of the paper.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of such a conventional paper discharge system. This system is similar to the electric subsystem 11
It consists of the output terminal 12.
Here, the electric subsystem 11 is a mechanism for processing image information for printing, and is provided with a data input mechanism 14 connected to a line or the like. The data input mechanism 14 is connected to the bus 15. Bus 15
A control unit 16 including a CPU (central processing unit) for performing various controls, a working memory for temporarily storing data required for these controls, a display mechanism 18 including a CRT, a program and a print. A disk controller 21 for driving a system disk 19 storing various data for an image, an imaging mechanism 23 for loading print resources and the like into a print memory 22, an image output terminal 12 and commands, etc. An electric subsystem side interface mechanism 24 for exchanging control information is connected.

On the other hand, in the image output terminal 12, the control information sent to the image output terminal side interface mechanism 26 is supplied to the marking mechanism 27. In addition, the imaging mechanism 2
The video data sent from No. 3 is received by the video data receiving mechanism 28 and supplied to the laser control mechanism 29.
The laser control mechanism 29 controls the marking mechanism 27 to print on a sheet. The paper control mechanism 31 controls paper supply and discharge. That is, the sheets are selectively supplied from the first or second feeders 32 ₁ and 32 ₂ to the marking mechanism 27, and the printed sheets are allocated and stored in the first or second stackers 33 ₁ and 33 _2. I will let you. In this figure, the feeder 3
Two and two stackers 33 were prepared, but it goes without saying that three or more of these may exist.

FIG. 12 shows a functional configuration of a control unit in the electric sub system in such a paper discharge system. The control unit 16 includes an input data processing unit 41 and a printer / imager control unit 42.
And an operator control section 43 and a data input mechanism control section 44 for controlling these. Here, the input data processing unit 41 is the data input mechanism 1 shown in FIG.
The data input from 4 is read, converted into internal data, and output to the disk controller 21. The disk controller 21 stores this data in the system disk 19. Input data processing unit 41
After writing a certain amount of print format, issues a print start request to the printer / imager control unit 42. The printer / imager control unit 42 reads the print format from the system disk 19 and prints the print format and the print format to the print memory 22 via the imaging mechanism 23.
Load the print resource specified in the format.

In parallel with the above processing, when the printer / imager control unit 42 receives a print start request from the input data processing unit 41, the printer / imager control unit 42 cycle-ups via the electric subsystem side interface mechanism 24 at this point. Make a request. Further, the input data processing unit 41
Sequentially reads the print formats written on the system disk 19, and determines the feeder 32 ₁ or 32 ₂ for feeding the corresponding paper and the stackers 33 ₁ , 33 ₂ for outputting from the corresponding information. And Image Output Terminal 12
The print bank information will be transmitted to.

The sheet number of the starting page to be applied is added to the print bank information, and if the succeeding sheets have the same attribute as this, the issuing is omitted. This print bank information must be issued before the "printable / unprintable information" as a response to the "print preparation request" sent from the image output terminal 12, which will be described later.

Thereafter, the image output terminal 12 notifies a "print preparation request with the sheet number added. At this point, the print format and the print resource are already loaded in the system disk 19. If so, the electric subsystem 11 is the image output terminal 12
To the "print ready request" corresponding to the sheet number specified by the "print preparation request". At this time,
If the loading is not completed, a "print not possible" command is returned.

When the "printing impossible" command is returned, the "image print request" for the same sheet is again notified from the image output terminal 12. Such processing is repeated until the printer / imager control unit 42 responds with "printable". When the "printable" is returned, the image output terminal 12 will feed the paper from the feed 32.

Image output terminal 12
When the paper is fed, the printer / imager control unit 42 requests the imaging mechanism 23 to start imaging. The imaging mechanism 23 reads necessary information from the print memory 22 and converts it into a raster image. Then, the scan image is transmitted to the video data receiving mechanism 28 of the image output terminal 12 in scan line units.

When the video data receiving mechanism 28 receives this scan image, it passes it to the laser control mechanism 29. In the marking mechanism 27, a scan image is applied to a photoconductor (not shown) to form an electrostatic latent image. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device (not shown) to form a toner image, and this toner image is transferred to the paper sent from the feeder 32. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred is fixed by a fixing device (not shown) and discharged to the output stacker 33. Paper is stacker 3
Image output terminal 12 recognizes the fact of this discharge from the corresponding stacker 33. This "paper ejection information" is notified to the electric sub system 11 via the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24.

The printer / imager control unit 42 releases the print format of the relevant paper from the system disk 19 and the print memory 22 based on the notified "paper ejection information". By this control, the input data processing unit 41 can write a new print format in the opened area of the system disk 19. The input data processing unit 41 writes the print format to the system disk 19 at the time of writing.
After verifying whether or not there is a free area, if there is no such free area, a standby state is entered.

FIG. 13 shows the conventional control contents on the image output terminal side in such a paper discharge system. The image output terminal (IOT) 12 checks whether or not the command notified from the electric subsystem (ESS) 11 exists (step S10).
1), if present (Y), electric sub
The command notified by the electric subsystem 11 is read from the system side interface mechanism 24 (step S102). If this is print bank information (step S103; Y), this is stored (step S104), and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return).

If the command read in step S102 requires cycle up (step S1
05; Y), the top sheet number notified by the corresponding command is held (step S106), and the process returns to the first work procedure (return). If any other command is read, the process corresponding to the command is executed (step S107).

On the other hand, the electric sub system 1
If the command notified from 1 does not exist (step S101; N), the sheet number to be prepared next is determined (step S108). For this sheet number, it is not necessary to switch the stacker 33 (step S109; N), it is not necessary to create holes (step S110; N), or even if holes are needed to be created, the specified pitch number is set. If the corresponding number of holes have been created (step S111; Y), the "print preparation request" with the corresponding sheet number is passed to the electric sub-system side interface mechanism 24 (step S112), and paper ejection is recognized. Transfer to control. here,
A hole is a part of the paper that should be conveyed in order to allow the sheets sent by the page control mechanism 31 to be stored in the stacker 33 to be stored in the stacker 33 in that order. Do not perform, but to make "holes" in the paper transport at these positions.

On the other hand, if it is necessary to switch the stacker 33 (step S109; Y), or if holes need to be created and holes for the specified pitch have not been created (step S111; N). ), The "print preparation request" to which the sheet number "0" is added is passed to the electric subsystem side interface mechanism 24. In this case, the specified pitch number recognition is decremented by "1" (step S113), and the paper discharge recognition control is performed.

In the paper discharge recognition control, it is checked whether or not the discharged paper exists (step S11).
4). If it exists (Y), the "paper ejection information" to which the corresponding sheet number is added is passed to the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24 (step S115), and after performing other processing (step S115).
116), and a series of work is ended (step S11).
6). When there is no discharged sheet (step S114; N), the process of step S116 is immediately executed to end the work (step S116).

FIG. 14 shows the contents of control on the electric sub-system side in the conventional paper discharge system. The electric subsystem (ESS) 11 side checks whether there is a command notified from the image output terminal (IOT) 12 side (step S201), and if there is no command (N), other necessary Then, the processing is executed (step S201) and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return).

When the notified command is present (step S201; Y), the process for this command is executed. That is, if this command is information for ejecting a sheet (step S203; Y), the cylinder number in the system disk 19 in which the print format for this sheet is stored is calculated (step S20).
4). Then, it is checked whether or not this cylinder is the same as the previously registered cylinder (previously registered cylinder) (step S205), and if it is not the same, the immediately previous registered cylinder is released as unnecessary (step S20).
6). Then, the corresponding cylinder is registered as the immediately preceding registered cylinder (step S207). On the other hand, if the cylinder is the same as the immediately preceding registered cylinder (step S205; Y), other necessary processing is executed in step S202 to return to the first work procedure (return). If the command is not the information for ejecting the paper in step S203 (N), the corresponding command is processed (step S208).

That is, in the conventional paper discharge system,
Image Output Terminal 1 shown in Figure 11
This information was once stored in the page controller 31 when the 2 received the "print bank information" from the electric subsystem 11. Then, the page control mechanism 31 makes a "print preparation request" for the sheet number.
When the stacker 33 is designated to be switched from the “print bank information” or when the stacker 33 is not designated when the electric sub system 11 is notified, the stacker 33 is in a full state, etc. If it is the responsibility of the image output terminal 12 to switch the stacker 33 for the reason described above, the mode of the switching is "the paper fed later is earlier than the paper fed earlier. If the sheet is stored in the stacker ”, the sheet number added to the“ print preparation request ”is set to“ 0 ”.

Upon receiving the sheet number "0", the printer / imager control unit 42 recognizes that a hole has occurred, and does not execute imaging. The image output terminal 12 determines how many pitch holes should be created depending on how the stacker 33 is switched, and the sheet number "" is sent to the printer imager control unit 42 of the electric subsystem 11 by the number of holes. After issuing a "print preparation request" of 0 ",
A "print preparation request" with a legitimate sheet number was issued.

[0022]

In such a conventional paper discharge system, the used area of the system disk 19 is managed in units of disk cylinders. For this reason, the arrangement is such that opening requests are also made in units of cylinders, and the contents stored in the cylinders are read sequentially with the paper ejected to the transport path as a trigger, and when the cylinders switch The print format written on the cylinder was also considered obsolete. Therefore, the cylinder which has been used at this point can be opened. Under such a situation, the input data processing unit 41 sequentially uses the cylinders in the system disk 19 from the lowest address.

Therefore, in the conventional paper discharge system, it is necessary to notify the paper discharge information from the image output terminal 12 in the order of the page number of the paper. Because, if this order is out of order, the print format of the paper that has not been ejected to the stacker 33 is released from the system disk, and different print formats are written by different cylinders, and an incorrect print is output. Because there was a fear.

Of course, even if the stacker 33 is switched, the above-mentioned problems do not occur if the sheets fed on the conveying path later are always stored in the stacker 33 later. However, in the printer in which the first and second stackers 33 ₁ and 33 ₂ or a larger number of stackers 33 are arranged at intervals, the paper continuously fed from the feeder 32 is When the storage destination is switched from the distant stacker 33 to another stacker 33 that is much closer to the feeder 32 side, the paper fed later has a shorter reach, so the paper fed earlier than the paper fed first. It is quite possible that the stacker 33 is discharged to the stacker 33.

In consideration of such circumstances, the conventional paper ejection
In the delivery system, the paper is created using the concept of the hole described above.
The emission control of I.e.
When the output terminal 12 ejects paper
Each stacker 33₁, 33 ₂Recognize and deal with them
If there is a situation in which
For the paper to be fed at the specified intervals,
The timing of the paper to be fed after the loaded paper.
It was intentionally delayed by the amount of paper conveyed by one sheet. to this
Therefore, the preceding paper is stored in the distant stacker 33, and the next
If the paper is stored in a stacker close to you
Even if the next paper is stored after the previous paper is stored
I was able to maintain the relationship that was said before and after.

However, in such a paper discharge system, a hole is opened at the conveyance timing under the condition that the paper can be continuously fed, and the number of papers that can be processed per unit time is substantially reduced. As a result, the interface in the device can be simplified, but a big problem occurs that the throughput is reduced.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to generate a hole as a temporary interruption in the sheet conveyance even when the sheets sequentially conveyed in the conveyance path are discharged to the stacker regardless of the order. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper discharge system that does not cause the possibility that an unauthorized print is output.

[0028]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a memory for individually storing, in page units, print information for printing, which corresponds to each sheet sequentially and continuously sent to a transport path, and a transport. Stacker storage time individual detection means for detecting that paper is stored in each of a plurality of paper storage stackers arranged with different reach distances at the end of the road, and stacker storage time individual detection means. When the storage of the paper is detected, the relevant page is ejected with the print information clearing unit that clears the print information on the condition that the paper sent to the transport path before that page was stored in the corresponding stacker. Prepare for the system.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, every time the sheets are stored in the stacker, it is determined whether or not the sheets fed earlier than this are stored in the stacker, and this storage is taken as a condition. Since it is decided to clear the print information to be printed, it is not necessary to convey the paper while creating the holes. In addition, even if the paper sent to the transport path later is stored in the stacker earlier than the paper sent before that, the memory is cleared in the order of the paper sent to the transport path. There is no risk of using the print format of the paper sent to the transport path for the previous paper, and there is no risk of outputting improper prints.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, (a) a memory for individually storing print information for printing on a page-by-page basis and indicating that the printed paper has been discharged to the stacker of the storage destination An electric sub system having interface means for receiving notification of "paper ejection information" and clear means for erasing print information of a page corresponding to the paper in the memory when the "paper ejection information" is notified; (B) One or more feeders for feeding the paper, printing means for printing on the paper sent from the feeder, a transport path for sequentially transporting the printed paper, and a trailing end of the transport path. If multiple stackers for storing paper are arranged with different reach distances, and the electric sub system is ready for printing, "Print preparation is required." While sending a "signal," and interface means for sending the paper discharge information "to the electric sub-system," print preparation request "signal Electric sub-system for the" printable "
When a signal is returned, the paper is fed from the feeder, while this is detected every time the paper is stored in the stacker, and the paper sent to the transport path before that page is sent to the corresponding stacker. An image output terminal having a paper control means for generating "paper discharge information" on condition that the paper is stored is provided in the paper discharge system.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, each time a sheet is stored in the stacker on the image output terminal side, this is detected, and the sheet of the corresponding page sent out on the conveying path before that is detected. The paper control means for generating "paper discharge information" on condition that the paper is stored in the corresponding stacker is arranged, and the "paper discharge information" by this is sent to the electric sub system through the interface means, and the corresponding paper The above-described object is achieved by clearing the print information of the page by the clearing means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, (a) a memory for individually storing print information for printing on a page-by-page basis, and indicating that the printed paper has been ejected to the storage stacker " Interface means to receive "paper discharge information" notification, and when "paper discharge information" is notified, the condition is that the paper sent to the transport path before the relevant page is stored in the corresponding stacker. An electric sub system having a clear means for erasing the print information of the page corresponding to the sheet in the memory, (b) one or more feeders for feeding the sheet, and the sheet sent from the feeder The printing means for printing, the transport path for sequentially transporting the printed sheets, and the end portions of this transport path are arranged with different reach distances. And a plurality of stackers for paper storage was,
Sends a "print preparation request" signal to the electric subsystem when printing is possible,
Interface means for sending "paper ejection information" to the electric subsystem and "print preparation request"
When the electric subsystem responds to the signal with a "printable" signal, the paper is fed from the feeder, while this is detected each time the paper is stored in the stacker, and "paper ejection information" is generated. An image output terminal having a paper control means is provided in the paper discharge system.

That is, according to the third aspect of the invention, on the image output terminal side, each time a sheet is stored in the stacker, this is detected and "paper ejection information" is sent to the electric sub system. On the electric subsystem side, the print information of the page corresponding to the paper in the memory is provided on condition that the paper sent to the conveyance path before the corresponding page by the clearing means is stored in the corresponding stacker. To achieve the above-described object.

[0034]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of a paper discharge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The paper ejection system of this embodiment is the electric sub system 51.
And the image output terminal 52. The electric sub system 51 has
In addition to the print format and print resources being loaded, a system disk 53 storing a program for realizing the paper discharge processing of this embodiment is arranged. Further, the image output terminal 52 has a paper control mechanism 54 which is different from the conventional paper control.
Are arranged. The circuit configuration other than these is the same as that of the conventional paper ejection system shown in FIG. Therefore, these same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 11, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

By the way, in the paper discharge system of the present embodiment, the hole creation and the interrupting process of the paper conveyance by the hole which are conventionally performed are not performed. Further, when the stacker 33 recognizes the discharge of the paper, the discharge information is not unconditionally notified to the electric sub system 51 side, but if the discharge of the previously fed paper is not completed, Notification of discharge information of discharged paper is temporarily suppressed. Then, when the condition that all the previously sent out papers are ejected by the ejection of other papers after that, the paper ejection is performed together with the paper ejection information that was suppressed until then. The electric paper discharge information is notified to the electric sub system 51 side in numerical order.

First, the paper discharge recognition for the stacker 33 will be specifically described. When sheets are stored in the stacker 33, the sheet number (first sheet
The paper control mechanism 54 is notified from the stacker 33 ₁ or the second stacker 33 ₂ ). This sheet number is
It is compared with the "previous ejection sheet number" that has already been registered. If it is larger than this by "1", the sheet number is set in "paper ejection information" and the electric sub
The electric sub system 51 side is notified via the system side interface mechanism 24. In the electric sub system 51, the sheet number is newly set as the "previous discharge sheet number". If this number is in a state other than "1", it is registered in the queue.

Next, the queue queue is searched from the beginning, and while taking out one entry at a time, the comparison with the "immediately preceding discharged sheet number" is repeated until the last entry. Even if the sheet numbers appear in a worm-eaten state, that is, in a discontinuous state, the "paper discharge information" is sequentially notified. The six sheets of paper P _{1 to} P ₆ are sequentially sent out onto the transport path, and the first or second stacker 33 is fed.
An example of discharging to ₁ , 33 ₂ will be specifically described.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which six sheets are conveyed on the conveying path and discharged to the corresponding stacker with a change with time. It is assumed that the _first stacker 33 ₁ is located farther than the second stacker 33 ₂ and there is a distance between which five sheets of paper are continuously conveyed. The stacker-like shape 61 indicated by a dotted line does not indicate a stacker, but represents a unit distance corresponding to each sheet P between the stackers 33 ₁ and 33 ₂ . In this example, the first, third and fifth sheets P ₁ , P ₃ and P ₅ are stored in the first stacker 33 ₁ and the remaining second, fourth and sixth sheets P ₂ and P ₅ are stored. ₄ , P
It is assumed that ₆ has the second stacker 33 ₂ as the storage destination.

FIG. 2A shows the first to sixth sheets P _{1 to} P _6.
Shows a relatively initial state in which the sheet is continuously conveyed to the right in the figure. The second sheet P ₂ has reached the second stacker 33 ₂ of the storage destination. The figure (b) and the subsequent figures show a state in which time has elapsed by one unit distance. In the same figure (b), the conveyance state has advanced by one unit distance compared to the same figure (a), so the second sheet P ₂ is stored in the second stacker 33 ₂ , and the third sheet P 2 ₃ is passing over it. In the state of FIG. 9D, the second and fourth sheets P ₂ and P ₄ are stored in the second stacker 33 ₂ , but the first sheet P _{1 is} still in the first stacker 33 _1. Has not reached.

At the stage shown in FIG.₁Is the first
Stacker 33₁Reach the second stacker at this stage
33₂All paper P scheduled for₂, P_Four, P₆But
It is stored. At the stage of FIG.₁But
First stacker 33₁Is stored in. After this, the figure
At the stage of (ri), the third sheet P₃Is the first stacker 33 ₁
And the fifth sheet of paper P at the stage shown in FIG._FiveIs the first
Stacker 33₁And all storage work is completed
To do.

As described above, in this example, the first to sixth sheets are
P₁~ P₆Are delivered in this order, these
The discharge order is the second paper P₂, Fourth paper P_FourFor the sixth
Paper P ₆, The first paper P₁, Third paper P₃, Fifth paper
P_FiveIt becomes the order of.

FIG. 3 shows the electric circuit in this example.
Sub system (ESS) and image output
It shows how the terminal (IOT) is controlled. First, Electric Sub System (ESS) 5
1 is the image output terminal (IOT) 5
At the time of issuing the cycle up request to 2,
The output terminal 52 sets the "previous discharge sheet number" to "1-1", that is, "0". At this time, nothing is registered in the queue queue. In the process of printing and discharging these in sequence,
As shown in (b), the second sheet P ₂ is first ejected to the second stacker 33 ₂ . Since the sheet number “2” corresponding to the second sheet P ₂ is not larger than “0” of the “immediately discharged sheet number” by “1”, it is registered in the queue queue.

After that, the fourth and sixth sheets P ₄ , P ₆
Are discharged to the second stacker 33 ₂ . As with the second sheet P ₂ , these are not larger than “0” of the “previous ejection sheet number” by “1”, and thus are registered in the queue queue.

Eventually, the first sheet P ₁ is discharged to the first stacker 33 ₁ (see FIG. 2G). The sheet number “1” corresponding to this is “0” of the “immediately preceding discharged sheet number”
Greater than "1". Therefore, the "paper ejection information" for the sheet number "1" is notified to the electric sub system 51 side through the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24. As a result, the "immediately preceding discharge sheet number" becomes "1".

At this time, since there is an entry in the queue queue, the entry is searched, and it is recognized that the sheet number "2" is registered at the head. Since the sheet number "2" is larger than "1" of the "immediately preceding discharged sheet number" by "1", the sheet number "2" corresponding to the second sheet P ₂ is also notified to the electric sub system 51 side. It At this stage, the sheet number “2” is deleted from the queue queue. Further, on the electric sub system 51 side, the "immediately preceding discharge sheet number" is updated to "2". Subsequently, the data of the fourth and sixth sheets P ₄ , P ₆ are read out from the queue queue for retrieval and are compared with "2" of "immediately preceding discharged sheet number".
Since the sheet numbers “4” and “6” are not larger than “2” by “1”, the search process ends.

After that, the third sheet P ₃ is ejected to the first stacker 33 ₁ . The sheet number “3” at this time is larger by “1” than “2” of the “immediately preceding discharged sheet number”. Therefore, the "paper ejection information" for the sheet number "3" is notified to the electric sub system 51 side through the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24. As a result, the "immediately preceding discharged sheet number" becomes "3". In this state, since there is an entry in the queue queue, the search operation is performed. At this time, it is recognized that the sheet number “4” of the fourth sheet P ₄ is larger by “1” than “3” of the “previously discharged sheet number”. Therefore, the "paper ejection information" regarding the sheet number "4" is notified to the electric sub system 51 side through the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24. This allows
The "immediately preceding discharge sheet number" is "4". At this stage, the sheet number "4" is deleted from the queue queue. Subsequently, the sheet number "6" is read from the queue, but this is "1" rather than "4" of the "immediately discharged sheet number".
It's not that big, so the search is over.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 2L, the fifth sheet P ₅ is discharged to the first stacker 33 ₁ . The same process is performed for this, and the "paper ejection information" regarding the sheet number "5" is notified to the electric sub system 51 side. As a result, the "immediately preceding discharged sheet number" becomes "5". Then, the queue queue is searched, and the "paper ejection information" regarding the sheet number "6" is notified to the electric sub system 51 side.
At this stage, the sheet number "6" is deleted from the queue queue, and the entry no longer exists. In this way, all the work is completed.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the state of control on the side of the image output terminal described above. Image Output Terminal (I
OT) 52 is an electric sub system (ES)
(S) It is checked whether or not the command notified from 51 exists (step S301), and if it exists (Y), the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24 sends the electric sub system 51 to the electric sub system 51.
Is read in by the command (step S3)
02). If this is print bank information (step S303; Y), this is stored (step S304), and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return).

If the command read in step S302 requests cycle up (step S3
05; Y), the top sheet number notified by the corresponding command is held (step S306), and the process returns to the first work procedure (return). If any other command is read, the process corresponding to the command is executed (step S307). Immediately after the cycle up, the seat number held in step S306 is the leading seat number "-" notified by the cycle up request from the electric sub system 51.
1 ”.

On the other hand, the electric sub system 5
When the command notified from 1 does not exist (step S301; N), the sheet number to be prepared next is determined (step S308). Then, the "print preparation request" to which the sheet number of the corresponding paper is added is sent to the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24 (step S309).

In this state, the sheet is in a standby state until the sheets are discharged to either of the stackers 33 ₁ and 33 ₂ (step S310). When the sheet is discharged to either of the stackers 33 ₁ and 33 ₂ (Y), it is checked whether or not the sheet number is “1” larger than the “immediately discharged sheet number” (step S311). In other cases (N), this sheet number is added to the queue (step S312). Then, other processing is executed (step S313), and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return). It should be noted that immediately after the cycle up, the leading sheet number “−1” notified by the cycle up request from the electric sub system 51 is set in the “immediately preceding sheet number to be checked” in step S311.
Is set.

On the other hand, if the sheet number of the sheet discharged in step S311 is larger than the "immediately discharged sheet number" by "1" (Y), the "sheet discharge information" to which this sheet number is added is changed to the electric The sheet number is sent to the sub-system side interface mechanism 24, and the sheet number is held as the "previous discharge sheet number" (step S3).
14). Then, in this state, it is checked whether the queue still exists (step S315), and if not, the process proceeds to step S313.

If the queue still exists (step S315; Y), one entry is read from this queue (step S316). Then, it is checked whether or not this sheet number is larger by "1" than the newly determined "previous discharge sheet number" (step S31).
7). If this condition is not met (N), the process returns to step S315 to check the next entry. If this condition is met (step S317; Y), the "paper ejection information" to which the corresponding sheet number is added is sent to the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24, and the sheet number is changed to the "previous ejection sheet number". Hold as ". Then, the entry of the corresponding queue is deleted from this queue (step S318). Then, the process returns to step S315. The above work will be performed until the queue is exhausted.

First Modification

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the state of control on the image output terminal side in the first modification of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. The image output terminal (IOT) 52 checks whether or not the command notified from the electric sub system (ESS) 51 exists (step S401), and if it exists (Y), the electric The command notified by the electric sub system 51 is read from the sub system side interface mechanism 24 (step S402). If this is print bank information (step S40)
3; Y), store this (step S404), and return to the first work procedure (return).

If the command read in step S402 requires cycle up (step S4)
05; Y), the top sheet number notified by the corresponding command is held (step S406), and the process returns to the first work procedure (return). When a command other than this is read, the process corresponding to the command is executed (step S407).

On the other hand, the electric sub system 5
If the command notified from 1 does not exist (step S401; N), the sheet number to be prepared next is determined (step S408). Then, the "print preparation request" to which the sheet number of the relevant paper is added is sent to the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24 (step S409).

In this state, the sheet is in a standby state until the sheets are discharged to either the stacker 33 ₁ or 33 ₂ (step S410). When the paper is ejected to either the stacker 33 ₁ or 33 ₂ (Y), the “paper ejection information” with the sheet number is sent to the electric sub system side interface mechanism 24 (step S41).
1). Then, other necessary processing is executed (step S412), and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return).

That is, in the paper discharge system of this modification, unlike the conventional electric sub system 11, there is no algorithm for creating holes after issuing the "print preparation request". Further, there is no queuing algorithm for "paper ejection recognition" as described with reference to FIG. That is, in this modified example, the image output terminal 52 can issue the “print preparation request” without creating a hole and issue the “sheet ejection information” as soon as the sheet ejection is recognized.

In this case, the electric
The subsystem 51 does not unconditionally perform the release of the cylinder at the time of receiving the "paper ejection information", but if the ejection of the previously fed paper is not completed, once the cylinder for that paper is temporarily released. Suppress the release of.
Then, when the continuity of ejected paper sheets is established by the "paper ejection information" notified thereafter, the cylinders are released together with the "paper ejection information" which has been suppressed until then.

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 14 and shows the contents of control on the electric sub system side in this modification. Electric Sub
The system (ESS) 51 side checks whether there is a command notified from the image output terminal (IOT) 12 side (step S50).
1) If there is none (N), other necessary processing is executed (step S501), and the procedure returns to the first work procedure (return).

If the notified command is present (step S501; Y), the process for this command is executed. That is, if this command is information for ejecting the sheet (step S503; Y), the cylinder number in the system disk 53 in which the print format for this sheet is stored is calculated (step S50).
4). Next, it is checked whether or not the sheet number of the relevant sheet is a value obtained by adding "1" to the previously ejected sheet number (step S505). If it is equal to this value (Y), the corresponding sheet number is registered as the immediately preceding sheet number (step S506).

In this case, it is also checked whether the corresponding cylinder is the same as the cylinder registered immediately before (step S507). If not (N), the immediately preceding registration cylinder is opened. However, this is not executed when the cylinder number is "0". When the immediately preceding registration cylinder is opened, the corresponding cylinder is registered as the immediately preceding registration cylinder (step S508). When the corresponding cylinder is the same as the immediately preceding registered cylinder (step S507; Y), the work of step S508 is omitted.

Next, it is checked at this stage whether or not a queue still exists (step S509). If it exists, one entry is read from the queue (step S510). Then, it is checked whether the read sheet number is equal to the sheet number of the previously ejected sheet plus "1" (step S51).
1). If they are equal (Y), the sheet number is registered as the immediately preceding sheet number (step S512). In this case, next, it is checked whether the corresponding cylinder is the same as the immediately preceding registered cylinder (step S513). If they are not the same (N), the immediately preceding registration cylinder is opened. Then, the corresponding cylinder is registered as the immediately preceding registered cylinder. Also,
The corresponding sheet number is deleted from the queue queue (step S514). After that, returning to step S509, the same work is repeated until there is no queue. If there is no queue (step S509;
N), the process proceeds to step S502.

If the sheet number of the sheet read in step S511 is not equal to the sheet number of the previously ejected sheet plus "1" (N), and step S51
If it is the same as the immediately preceding registered cylinder in 3 (Y), the process returns to step S509 at that time. If the sheet number of the corresponding sheet is not a value obtained by adding “1” to the sheet number that was previously ejected in step S505 (N), the corresponding sheet number is added to the queue (step S515). ), The process proceeds to step S502.

On the other hand, when the command notified from the image output terminal 52 in step S503 is other than the paper ejection information (N), the process of step S502 is performed after the command is processed. And return to the first work procedure (return).

Second Modification

FIG. 7 shows a state of control on the image output terminal side in the second modified example of the present invention at a changed portion in the first modified example shown in FIG. . That is, in the second modification, in the same situation as the first modification, step S
After the calculation of the cylinder number in 504, it is newly checked whether or not the sheet number is the largest ever (step S601), and if so, this is stored as the maximum sheet number (step S602). I am trying. After this, the control after step S505 in FIG. 6 is performed.

FIG. 8 shows how a paper jam (jam) occurs in the second modification. 2 that are the same as those in FIG.
~ The sixth sheet of paper P _{1 to} P ₆ is continuously conveyed to the right in the figure. In addition, the first to sixth sheets P ₁
Discharging order of to P _6, as in the case of FIG. 2, the second sheet P _2, the fourth sheet P _4, the sheet P ₆ of the sixth, the first sheet P
It is assumed that the order is ₁ , the third sheet P _3, and the fifth sheet P ₅ . As shown in this figure, the sheet ejection control from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C is performed in the same manner as described in FIG. 2, and the third sheet is ejected as shown in FIG. It is assumed that a jam occurs when P ₃ is discharged to the _first stacker 33 ₁ . At this stage, only the fifth sheet P ₅ has not been discharged.

Paper discharge control will be described based on the above assumptions. First, in FIG. 8B, the second sheet P ₂ is discharged to the second stacker 33 ₂ . This discharge information notified from the image output terminal 52 shown in FIG. 1 is received by the image output terminal side interface mechanism 26, and is received by the printer imager control unit 42 in the electric sub system 51. . At this time, since the paper discharge information has not been received yet, "2" is set as the "maximum sheet number". Since the "previous sheet number" is "0", the corresponding sheet number "2" is registered in the queue.

In FIG. 8D, the printer / imager control unit 42 receives the ejection information indicating that the fourth sheet P ₄ has been ejected to the second stacker 33 ₂ . The "previous sheet number" is still "0". Therefore, "4" is set as the "maximum sheet number". The corresponding sheet number “4” is
Registered in a queue. Similarly, in Figure 6 (f), the sixth
When the discharge information of the sheet P ₆ is received, “6” is set as the “maximum sheet number” and registered in the queue.

In FIG. 8G, the first sheet P ₁ is ejected to the first stacker 33 ₁ , and the ejection information is received by the printer / imager control unit 42. Since the sheet number “1” is larger than the “previous sheet number” “0” by “1”, the cylinder number used by the sheet number “1” is compared with the “previously registered cylinder number”. At this time, none of the cylinders have been opened. Therefore, the "previously registered cylinder number" is "0", the cylinder number "0" is not released, but the cylinder number "1" for the sheet number "1" is set as the "previously registered cylinder number""1". Set. Further, the sheet number “1” is set as the “previous sheet number” “1”.

Then, the second sheet number "2" is taken out from the queue queue. The sheet number “2” is larger by “1” than the “previous sheet number” “1”. Therefore, the cylinder number "2" used by the sheet number "2" is compared with the "previously registered cylinder number""1", and since they are not the same, the "previously registered cylinder number""1" is released.
This allows a new print format to be written. At this time, the cylinder number “2” for the sheet number “2” is set to the “previous registered cylinder number”.
Set as "2". Further, the sheet number "2" is set as the "previous sheet number""2", and finally the sheet number "2" is deleted from the queue queue. Furthermore, the sheet numbers "4" and "6" are read from the queue,
None of the conditions satisfy the condition that the number is "1" larger than the "previous sheet number""2", so the process ends.

In FIG. 8 (i), the third sheet P ₃ is ejected to the first stacker 33 ₁ , and the ejection information is received by the printer / imager control unit 42. The sheet number “3” is larger than the “previous sheet number” “2” by “1”. Therefore, the "previous sheet number""3" is set, and the cylinder number "2" used by the sheet number "3" and the "previous registered cylinder number""2" are compared. Since the cylinder numbers are the same, the processing for the corresponding paper information ends, and the processing shifts to queue processing.

Here, the sheet number "4" is retrieved from the queue queue. The seat barcode “4” is larger than the “previous seat number” “3” by “1”. Therefore, the "previous sheet number""4" is set, and the cylinder number "3" used by the sheet number "4" and the "previous registered cylinder number""2" are compared. Since the cylinder numbers are not the same, the "last registered cylinder number""2"
Open up. Also, the cylinder number "3" for the sheet number "4" is set as the "previously registered cylinder number""3", and the sheet number "4" is deleted from the queue queue. Further, the sheet number “6” is read from the queue queue, which is “1” rather than “previous sheet number” “4”.
However, the processing ends because the condition that the value is larger is not satisfied.

At the stage of (i) in the figure, a jam occurs on the fifth sheet P ₅ . This causes the printer to cycle down. At this time, the second, fourth, and sixth sheets P ₂ , P ₄ , and P ₆ are discharged to the second stacker 33 ₂ , and the first and third sheets are stacked to the first stacker 33 _1. P ₁ and P ₃ are discharged. Therefore, the fifth sheet P ₅
Only the paper will remain as jammed paper on the transport path.

If there is no entry in the queue queue at the time of cycle up, printing may be started from the next "maximum sheet number". If there are entries in the queue queue, the sheet numbers remaining in the queue are printed in ascending order, and if there are no more entries, printing may be continued from the "maximum sheet number". Since the details of the printing method are not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the paper discharge system of the second modified example described above, it is necessary when the paper fed later is already discharged to the stacker 33 at the time of jam recovery and the paper fed before is already discharged. There is an advantage that it is possible to avoid duplicate output of paper while recovering only the correct paper.

Third Modification

FIG. 9 shows a state of control on the image output terminal side in the third modified example of the present invention at a changed portion in the first modified example shown in FIG. . That is, in the third modification, in the same situation as the first modification, step S
515 is deleted, and instead of this, steps S701 to S7.
It incorporates 03 procedures. That is, step S5
If the sheet number of the relevant sheet in 05 is not the value obtained by adding "1" to the previously ejected sheet number (N), the relevant sheet number is unconditionally added to the queue (step S515). Nothing is done, instead it checks whether the queue queue is full (step S701). If the sheet number is not full (N), the sheet number is added to the queue (step S70).
2).

If the queue queue is full (step S701; Y), the printing operation cannot be continued, so a flag for stopping the printer is set and a warning message is displayed (step S7).
03). After this, the process proceeds to step S502 in FIG.

The control according to the third modification is based on the control according to the first modification as already described. That is, the control is performed by determining that the paper discharge information is missing, which is an extremely simple method. In this method, the number of entries that can be registered in the "queue queue" is limited, so that the queue overflow is determined and an abnormality is detected. Since any printing device has a stopping means, if an abnormality is detected, the stopping means may be activated to stop.

The limit on the number of entries that can be registered in the "queue queue" is that the stacker closest to the stacker (the second stacker 33 _{2 in} this example) is the stacker farthest (the first stacker 33 in this example). If you switch to ₁ ),
It can be determined by the maximum number of sheets that may be ejected first.

FIG. 10 shows a jar according to the third modification.
This is a representation of the occurrence of the problem. Same as Figure 2
The same reference numerals are attached to the minutes, and similarly,
Paper P ₁~ P₆Shows the situation in which
It represents. In this example, the first paper P₁Is the second
Tucker 33₂The second paper P₂Is the first stacker 33
₁And the subsequent paper P₃~ P₆Is the second stacker 33
₂Switching control has been started to be discharged to
There is. In this case, the queue entry is "3" or
It is "4". That is, it is "3" or "4".
The difference depends on the characteristics of the printing apparatus. Same pitch
For a printing device that continuously discharges at
Like the second paper P₂And the sixth paper P₆Are the same as
Stacker 33 that supports imming₁, 33₂Is discharged to
There are cases. In this case, the second paper P₂Discharge of
If there is a guarantee that the information always precedes, the number of entries will be "3".
If there is no guarantee, it will be "4".
It

As described above, according to the paper discharge system of the third modified example, there is a possibility that the communication error occurs between the electric sub system 51 and the image output terminal 52, which is "incorrect". There is an advantage that the "paper ejection information" can be recognized and the recovery can be automatically performed from the next of the normally ejected paper.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, every time a sheet is stored in the stacker, it is determined whether or not the sheet sent out before this is stored in the stacker, and this storage is performed. Since it is decided to clear the corresponding print information under the above condition, it is not necessary to carry the paper while forming the holes, and the paper can be efficiently carried to improve the printing speed. Also, even if the paper that was sent later on the transport path is stored in the stacker earlier than the paper that was sent before that, the memory is cleared in the order of the paper sent to the transport path. Therefore, there is no fear that the print format of the paper that is sent to the transport path later is used for reprinting when the previous paper is jammed, and there is an effect that an unauthorized print is not output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a paper discharge system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing a state in which six sheets are conveyed on a conveyance path and discharged to a corresponding stacker in the present embodiment, together with a temporal change.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of control of an electric sub system and an image output terminal in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control state on the image output terminal side of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a state of control on the image output terminal side in the first modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of control on the electric sub system side in the first modified example.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a state of control on the image output terminal side in a second modified example of the present invention with respect to a changed portion in the first modified example shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing how six sheets of paper in the second modified example are carried on a carrying path together with a temporal change.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a state of control on the image output terminal side in a third modified example of the present invention with respect to a changed portion in the first modified example shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing how six sheets of paper in the third modified example are carried on a carrying path together with a temporal change.

FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a conventionally used sheet ejection system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit in the electric sub system in the paper discharge system.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the conventional control contents on the image output terminal side in the paper discharge system.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of control on the electric sub-system side in the conventional paper discharge system.

[Explanation of symbols]

22 ... Print memory, 24 ... Electric sub
System side interface mechanism, 26 ... Image output terminal side interface mechanism, 27 ... Marking mechanism, 32 ... First feeder, 32 ... Second feeder, 33 ₁ ... First stacker, 33 ₂ ... Second Stacker, 41 ... Input data processing unit, 42 ... Printer imager control unit, 51 ... Electric sub system, 52 ... Image output terminal, 53
... system disk, 54 ... paper control mechanism, P ₁ ~
P ₆ ... first to sixth paper

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A memory for individually storing, for each page, print information for printing, which corresponds to each sheet sequentially sent to the transport path, and a reach distance between the memory and the end portion of the transport path. Stacker storage time individual detection means for detecting that each of a plurality of stackers for paper storage arranged to store paper, and the corresponding page when the stacker storage time individual detection means detects storage of paper Regarding the above, the sheet ejection system is provided with a print information clearing unit that clears the print information on condition that the sheets sent out on the conveying path before that are stored in the corresponding stacker. 2. A memory for individually storing print information for printing on a page-by-page basis, and "paper discharge information" indicating that the printed paper has been discharged to a stacker of a storage destination.
An electric sub system having interface means for receiving notification of "paper ejection information" and clearing means for erasing print information of a page corresponding to the paper in the memory when "paper ejection information" is notified, and for feeding paper. One or a plurality of feeders, a printing unit that prints on the paper sent from the feeder, a conveyance path that sequentially conveys the printed papers, and their reaching distances are different at the end of the conveyance path. While sending a "print preparation request" signal to a plurality of stackers for storing paper that have been arranged and the electric sub system when printing is possible, "paper ejection information" is sent to the electric sub system. In response to the interface means for sending and the "print preparation request" signal, the electric sub system sends "print Sheet is fed from the feeder while the sheet is stored in the stacker, the sheet is detected every time the sheet is stored in the stacker, and the sheet sent to the transport path before that page is sent. A paper discharge system having an image output terminal having paper control means for generating "paper discharge information" on condition that the paper is stored in a corresponding stacker. 3. A memory for individually storing print information for printing on a page-by-page basis, and "paper ejection information" indicating that the printed paper has been ejected to a storage stacker.
The interface means for receiving the notification of the above, and when the "paper ejection information" is notified, the paper of the corresponding page is stored in the corresponding stacker on the condition that the paper sent on the conveyance path before that is stored in the corresponding stacker. An electric sub system having a clearing means for erasing print information of a page corresponding to a sheet, one or a plurality of feeders for feeding the sheet, and a printing means for printing on the sheet sent from the feeder A transport path for sequentially transporting the printed sheets, a plurality of stackers for storing the sheets arranged at the end of the transport path with different reach distances, and the electric sub-portion when printing is possible. -While sending a "print preparation request" signal to the system, the "paper ejection information" is sent to the electric sub system. When the electric sub-system responds with a "print ready" signal in response to the "print preparation request" signal, the paper is fed from the feeder while the paper is stored in the stacker. A paper discharge system comprising: an image output terminal having a paper control means for detecting this each time and generating "paper discharge information".