JPH09186803A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to make effective use of the wait tie up to the end of printing by automatically generating a timetable for respective reserved copies and managing the start of printing operation and the operation itself for respective reserved copies according to the timetable. SOLUTION: In a scheduling mode wherein the printing operation for the respective reserved copies is managed according to the timetable, document image data which is made to correspond to print start time that the timetable indicates is read out of a memory unit and printing operation is carried out (S216). When ordinary coping operation is processed as interruptive operation (S214), an interruption flag is set during this interruptive operation (S211) and when the print start time comes in the interruptive operation, the start of printing operation for a reserved copy is suspended until the interruptive operation is ended and the interruption flag is reset. In trouble processing (S214) wherein recording paper runs short, a trouble flag is set (S213) and the start of reserved printing operation is suspended until the flag is reset.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of storing image data, reading the image data from a storage means and printing the image data at a print start time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art JP-A-61-272761 discloses
Each has a plurality of original feed trays that can feed paper on the original table, and copies the set originals in each tray according to the copy data specified for the set originals. There is disclosed an apparatus that erases and copies a set document on another tray according to copy data of the other set document. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-265269 discloses an interrupt copy commanded during execution of a reserved print, and when the reserved print can be ended before the end set time of the reserved print, the interrupt copy is accepted and the reserved print is executed. Disclosed is a device for interrupting the interrupt copy and restarting the reserved print when it is determined that the reserved print cannot be completed by the end setting time after the interruption copy is started. Has been done.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-31874 discloses a device which eliminates concentration in a specific time zone by designating a reservation time by inputting a password having a time function. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-75772 discloses a composite information processing apparatus that executes a plurality of types of information processing functions in the order in which they are reserved.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a device capable of reading a document image and storing it as image data and executing a print operation at a desired time, a plurality of print operations (print operations of a plurality of users) are reserved. There is a request for enabling the print operation to be completed by each delivery date (desired print end time). Further, at the time of reservation, there is also a request that the user does not have to specify the reservation time by automatically adjusting the time zones of the print operations of a plurality of reservations so that they do not overlap. Also,
In the adjustment, even if time is spent for non-reserved print operations (interrupt copy) and replenishment of recording paper, etc., we want to be able to finish each reserved print by each delivery date. There is also. The present invention aims to meet such a demand.

[0005]

According to the present invention, document image data and print start time data of the document image data are stored in a storage means, and at the print start time, a document image associated with the print start time is stored. In an image processing apparatus having a reserved print function for reading data from the storage means and printing the data, a monitor means for monitoring and storing the operating status of the image processing apparatus and a data input for inputting data for printing a document. Means, an end time input means for inputting a desired print end time of the original document, a required time calculating means for calculating a required time for the original document printing operation corresponding to the print data, and the operation. Based on the situation and the time required for each document and the desired ending time, the time zones for the print operations of each document should not overlap. And scheduling means for setting by calculating the print start time of each original, an image processing apparatus having a.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above structure, the monitor means executes a print operation (non-reserved print operation = interrupt copy) executed in the image processing apparatus without depending on the reserved print function. ), The average required time within the unit period and the average required time within the unit period spent for replenishing recording paper in the image processing device are calculated and stored as the operating status. Further, according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned configuration, when the scheduling unit finds, as a result of the calculation, that there is a document whose print operation cannot be completed before the desired end time, the image processing apparatus outputs that fact. Is.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above arrangement, the monitor means is consumed within a unit period in a print operation executed in the image processing apparatus without depending on the reserved print function. The average number of recording papers is calculated and stored as the operating status, and further, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the recording papers and the recording expected to be consumed within a unit period by the reserved print function. If the number of sheets of paper is added to the average number of sheets calculated by the monitor means and the added value is compared with the remaining quantity of recording paper detected by the remaining quantity detecting means, if the remaining quantity of recording paper is small, then An image processing apparatus having a warning unit that outputs a message to that effect.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments.

1. Mechanism and operation outline. FIG. 1 schematically shows the mechanism of a copying machine used in a configuration embodying the present invention. The copying apparatus shown in the figure has a document processing section 10 including a document feeding section 10a and a document reading section 10b, and a printer section 50.

The original feeding unit 10a separates the originals set on the original tray 101 one by one to the preliminary insertion unit 103, and then conveys them onto the original platen glass 100 at a predetermined timing, and the original platen glass 100 is conveyed. This is a device that sets the original image surface downward at the original reading position, and after finishing reading the original, removes it from the original reading position by transporting it in the same direction as when setting it, and ejects it onto the paper ejection tray 102. is there. If the next original document is present in the preliminary insertion portion 103, the next original document is conveyed in the same direction at the time of discharging and is set in the original reading position in the same manner as described above. The spare insertion part 10
The presence of the leading edge of the document at 3 is detected by sensor SE1. In order to realize the above operation, the document feeder 10a
The document processing unit 10 including the above is provided with a document transport unit drive circuit, a document transport unit sensor, and the like, which are not shown.

The document reading section 10b exposes and scans a document on the platen glass 100 with an exposure lamp 11 and guides reflected light to a CCD line image sensor 19 via mirrors 12, 13, 14 and a lens system 15. The image processing circuit 20 forms an image signal and photoelectrically converts the image signal by the CCD line image sensor 19.
Is a device for generating image data by processing in (1) and storing it in the memory of the memory unit section 30. In order to realize the above operation, the document processing unit 10 including the document reading unit 10b is provided with a drive circuit (not shown) and an image processing circuit 20.

In the printer unit 50, an operation of forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 52, an operation of developing the electrostatic latent image with toner, an operation of transferring the developed toner image onto a sheet, a toner image An operation of fixing on a sheet of paper, an operation of feeding the sheet of paper to a transfer position, and of transporting the sheet of paper to which the toner image has been transferred to the fixing position and discharging after the fixing are performed. In order to realize the above operation, the printer unit 50 includes a printed circuit 51,
Various sensors and drive circuits are provided.

The operation of forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is performed by using the image data read from the memory circuit 30,
The printed circuit 51 converts it into a laser drive signal, and the laser 510 is driven by this signal to output laser light corresponding to the image. This laser light is output by the polygon mirror.
It is realized by forming an image on the charged surface of the photoconductor drum 52 which is rotationally driven through 511, the lens system 512, and the mirror 513.

The operation of developing the electrostatic latent image with toner is carried out by attaching the toner in one of the developing devices 531 and 532 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 which is rotationally driven. Will be realized. The operation of transferring the toner image developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 onto the paper is realized by sucking the toner image by the transfer charger 54 and transferring the toner image onto the paper fed to the transfer position. It The operation of fixing the toner image transferred onto the paper is realized by carrying the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred to the fixing device 55 by the carrying belt 571 and performing image fixing processing by thermocompression bonding.

The operation of conveying the sheet is performed by conveying the sheet picked up from one of the sheet trays 591, 592, 593, 594 to the conveying path 595.
Paper is fed to the transfer position between the photoconductor drum 52 and the transfer charger 54, and after transfer, it is conveyed to the fixing device 55 by the conveyance belt 571, and after fixing, through the discharge path 572, a discharge tray outside the machine. 56 Drained upwards. In some cases, by switching the switching claw 573, the sheet after the image fixing is sent to the re-feeding mechanism 574 and re-fed to the transfer position through the re-feeding path 575. In addition, a sensor (not shown) for detecting a sheet to detect a jam trouble or the like is provided near the transport path 595, the re-feed path 575, and the like.

The presence / absence of paper in each paper tray 591,592,593,594 is detected by paper sensors SE11, SE12, SE13, SE14 provided on the paper feed port side of each paper tray 591,592,593,594, respectively, and the I / O 133 of FIG. 3 is detected. Through the CPU
Entered in 103. In addition, each paper tray 591,592,593,59
4 The weight of the paper stored in the
Weight sensors SE101, which are installed below the 592,593,594 respectively.
SE / SE103 / SE104 respectively detect I / in FIG.
It is input to the CPU 103 via O133.

2. Control circuit configuration. 3 shows the overall configuration of the control circuit of the copying apparatus, and FIG. 4 shows the circuit configuration of the memory unit section 30 of FIG. 2 shows an operation panel OP of the copying apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the operation panel OP,
Numeric keypad for entering the number of copies, copy magnification, etc.
92, a clear key 93 for returning the set value to the standard value, a panel reset key 94 for returning the set value set in the copying apparatus to the standard value, a stop key 9 for inputting a stop of the operation.
5, Start key 96 for inputting the start of operation, interrupt key for performing copy operation or entering schedule mode during copy operation or reserved print operation
99 and a liquid crystal panel 91 for displaying messages and touch panel switches are provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal panel 91 has a basic switch TP1, an original copy switch TP2, a finishing switch TP3, a create switch TP4, and a density switch TP5.
, Magnification switch TP6 and Paper switch TP7 are displayed according to the mode. Further, the liquid crystal panel 91 displays various operating conditions of the copying machine such as the exposure level, copying magnification, and recording paper size, various abnormal states of the copying machine such as occurrence of jam, occurrence of service man call, occurrence of paper empty, density, etc. A copy magnification, designation of a copy operation such as recording paper, and other information are displayed. Also, by inputting for reservation, reservation change, addition, deletion, etc. by switching to the schedule creation mode.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit of the present copying machine is constructed by using five CPUs 101 to 105. Each of the CPUs 101 to 105 has a ROM 111 to 115 in which a program is stored and an RA serving as a work area.
M121-125 etc. are connected. Each CPU 101-105
Are connected to each other on the command line to exchange necessary command information. Further, image data is input / output through the image data line. For input / output, each block (each CPU 101-
Each block controlled by 105) is connected to the image data line by each bus switch 161-165.

The CPU 101 is each operation key of the operation panel OP
Touch panel switches TP for 92 to 96,99 and LCD panel 91
1 to accept input from TP7 and display control to liquid crystal panel 91. Therefore, I in the block of CPU 101
/ O131 includes key switches and LEDs on the operation panel OP
The element and the liquid crystal panel 91 are connected. The initial mode setting of the operation panel, the total counter, and the item counter are stored in the NVRAM 141 in the block of the CPU 101.

The CPU 102 controls the image processing section 20 and the document processing section 10. Therefore, the I / O 132 in the block of the CPU 102 is connected to a drive circuit of a scanner motor for moving the exposure lamp 11 and the reflection mirrors 12, 13, 14 of the document reading section 10b in the sub scanning direction. An image signal from the CCD 19 is input to the image processing section 20, which is subjected to predetermined processing and converted into image data. The image data converted by the image processing section 20 is sent to the memory unit section 30 in the block of the CPU 104.

The image processing section 20 is composed of a known image processing circuit such as an A / D converter, a shading correction circuit, a scaling circuit and an image quality correction circuit. The image signal input from the CCD 19 is A / D-converted, quantized into 8-bit image data for each pixel, subjected to shading correction, scaling processing, image quality correction processing, and the like, and stored as image data in the memory unit section. Output to 30.

The CPU 103 controls the printer section 50. Therefore, to the I / O 133 in the block of the CPU 103, drive circuits for the main motor and various clutches for operating various members in the printer unit 50 are connected. The I / O 133 has various sensors (paper sensors SE11 to SE14 for detecting the presence / absence of paper in the paper trays 591 to 594) and paper trays 591 to 59 arranged in the printer unit 50.
Weight sensors SE101 to 104 that detect the weight of the paper inside 4
Etc.) is input. A drive circuit of a laser diode 510 is connected to a print processing unit (print circuit) 51 in the block of the CPU 103.

The CPU 104 performs processing for adjusting the overall timing of the control circuit and setting the operation mode. It also controls the memory unit section 30. That is, the read image data D1 is stored in the image memory 304 and the code memory 306, and the image data D2 is read during the printing operation and output to the print processing unit (print circuit) 51.

As shown in FIG. 4, the memory unit section 30 includes a switching section 301, a binarization processing section 302 for creating binary data based on parameters set by the CPU 104,
An area discrimination processing unit 303 for discriminating an area of each image when synthesizing images, a multiport image memory 304 having a capacity of A4 size at 400 dpi, a compressor 305a and an expander 305b which can operate independently of each other A code processing unit 305, a code memory 306 having multiports, a synthesis processing unit 307,
And a multi-value processing unit 308 and the like.

The CPU 105 performs scheduling work in the schedule creation mode. Therefore, the CPU 105
In the block, there is an arithmetic processor 155 for performing a scheduling operation and a RAM 125 for storing reservation data.
An NVRAM 145 for storing look-up tables T ₂ , T ₃ described later and a ROM 115 for storing look-up tables T ₁ , T ₄ described later are provided.

3. Outline of copy operation control. Next, referring to FIG. 5, in controlling the copy operation, each of the CPUs 101 to 10
Describes commands such as requests and replies sent and received between 4 and data flow. It should be noted that description of unimportant requests and responses is omitted. In the copy operation mode, the image data read by the document reading unit 10b and generated by the image processing unit 20 is once written in the image memory 304, further compressed, and stored in the code memory 306. After that, the data is converted in the memory unit section 30.

When the start key 96 is pressed, the CPU 101
Issues a copy request command to the CPU 104. In response to this, the CPU 104 issues a scan request command to the CPU 102. This allows the CPU
When the scanner 102 starts scanning and reaches the image area of the document, image processing is performed according to the set image processing mode. In addition, the processed image data is stored in the memory unit 30.
Output to This image data is stored in the image memory 304.

The CPU 104 further compresses the image data stored in the image memory 304 to convert it into code data, and stores it in the code memory 306.

When the reading of the original image is completed, the CPU
A scan end reply command is issued from 102 to the CPU 104. In response to this, the CPU 104 performs image editing work. When this image editing work is completed, a print request command is issued from the CPU 104 to the CPU 103. Further, the image data is output from the CPU 104 to the print processing unit 51. This image data is printed by the print processor (print circuit).
It is converted into print data at 51, and as a result, the print processing unit
51 executes a print operation.

When the print operation is completed, the CPU 103 issues a print end reply command to the CPU 104,
The memory is cleared and the operation ends. After that, CP
A copy end reply command is output from U104 to the CPU 101. In this way, the copy operation is controlled.

4. Outline of control in each CPU. Next, an outline of control in each CPU will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10.

4-1. CPU 101. FIG. 6 shows the processing in the CPU 101 which controls the operation panel OP. In the copy display routine, first, an initial screen for copying (see FIG. 7) is read from the NVRAM 141 and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91 (S
Ten) . As a result, the touch panel switches TP1 to TP7 of the liquid crystal panel 91 and the input standby state from the operation keys 92 to 96,99 are set.

Touch panel switch TP1 of liquid crystal panel 91
When the input from the ~ TP7 or the operation keys 92 to 96,99 occurs, the operation input key or switch is detected, and the process branches to the display mode corresponding to the detection result. For example, if the finishing switch TP3 is pressed while in the basic screen for copying, the process branches to the finishing routine (S18). If the density setting key TP5 is pressed, the density setting routine (S15)
The process shifts to and enters the input standby state for density setting. Various settings are made in the density setting routine (S15), the magnification setting routine (S16), the paper setting routine (S17), and the like.

When the start key 96 is pressed, the copy routine (S14) is entered to send a copy request command to the CPU 104. When a key or switch related to reservation is operated, the schedule creation mode is entered. That is, the process proceeds to the mode display routine (S20). As a result, the CPU 101 sends a schedule creation mode selection request command to the CPU 104.

4-2. CPU 104. FIG. 8 shows the processing in the CPU 104 which controls the overall timing. When the power is turned on, after initialization is performed by the program registered in the ROM 114 (S21), a standby state for commands from the CPU 101 is entered.

When a command is input, the process branches to the process corresponding to the input command. For example, when a copy request command is input, copy control processing (S24) is entered. In addition, if the above-mentioned schedule creation mode selection request command is entered, the schedule creation mode (S
After entering 26) and setting or changing the print data in response to the input of the print data relating to the reserved copy, the CPU 105 performs scheduling work or the like. This schedule creation mode will be described later.

4-3. CPU 102. FIG. 9 shows the CPU 10 for controlling the document processing unit 10 including the document feeding unit 10a and the document reading unit 10b.
The processing in 2 is shown. Note that the description of the control of the document transport unit 10a is omitted. When the power is turned on, after initialization is performed by the program registered in ROM112 (S30), C
It is in a standby state for commands from the PU 104.

A command is input from the CPU 104 (S3
1) When a scan request is detected (S32; YES), the scan control / image processing routine (S33) is entered. In the scan control / image processing routine (S33), document scanning and image processing are performed in the image reading mode according to the resolution and gradation that are input together with the scan request from the CPU 104, and the image data generated by this is sent to the CPU 104. Sent.

4-4. CPU 103. FIG. 10 shows the processing in the CPU 103 which controls the printer unit 50. When the power is turned on, initialization is performed by the program registered in the ROM 113 (S34), and then a standby state for commands from the CPU 104 is entered.

A command is input from the CPU 104 (S3
5) When a print request is detected (S36; YES), the print control routine (S37) is entered. In the print control routine (S37), C
The print processing is performed in the print mode according to the resolution, gradation, etc. input together with the print request from the PU 104, and the generated print data is sent to the print processing unit 40. As a result, the printing operation is performed.

5. Schedule creation mode. Next, FIG.
The schedule creation mode will be described with reference to 1 to 16. In the schedule creation mode, it is possible to specify the delivery date (print end time) and reserve the execution of the print operation for the desired print document. In other words, the print operation can be executed during the time when the normal copy operation is not performed, and it can be reserved so that the print can be obtained by the delivery date. Further, this reservation can be made for a plurality of manuscript groups and can be changed or added. The document reading operation is executed immediately after the reservation setting is completed and stored in the image memory (code memory 306), which is read at the reserved time and used for the printing operation.

When the print operation reservation input is performed, the reserved print data (original size, number of originals, print size, number of prints, etc.) and device parameters (each parameter for one print of each size) are set. The required time for the print is calculated based on the actual required time), and based on the calculated required time and the delivery date (desired end time), it overlaps with the print time zone of the reserved copy. The print execution time zone is adjusted so as not to create a timetable. When making this adjustment, a normal copy that is executed without reservation (interrupt copy)
Also, it is determined whether or not each reserved copy can be printed by the delivery date, in consideration of the time spent for supplying recording paper. In addition, it is considered that the copy operation instructed without reservation (referred to as “interrupt copy” in this specification) can be performed without waiting time.

5-1. Reservation data input. As described above, when the operation input regarding the reservation is made from the operation panel OP, the CP
The U101 sends a schedule creation mode selection request command to the CPU 104. This allows the CPU
104 enters schedule creation mode.

In the schedule creation mode, as shown in FIG. 11, if a command for instructing new input is sent from the CPU 101, reservation data is input (S205).
Is performed. If the entered command is not a command for instructing new input, change the reservation content (S20
9) is performed.

In the reservation data input process, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the interrupt flag is reset to 0 (S22
2), interrupts are prohibited. Next, the document set for reserved copying is set on standby. When a document for reserved copy is set (S223; YES), a copy mode for the reserved copy (print data: single-sided / double-sided type, paper discharge size, print magnification, toner density, delivery date (desired end time), Number of sheets,
The input standby state (whether or not sorting, etc.) is set (S224). That is,
A reservation data input start command command is sent to the CPU 101. As a result, the CPU 101 becomes
A message prompting the user to input print data is displayed on 91, and the print data input from the operation panel OP is displayed as C.
Send to PU104. When the print data is input in this way and is further confirmed, the confirmed print data is sent to the CPU 105 through the command line and stored in the RAM 125 in the block of the CPU 105. This process is repeatedly executed until the final reservation is completed (S225).

When the input of all the reservation data is completed and the fact is transmitted from the operation panel OP to the CPU 104 via the CPU 101 (S225; YES), the fact is further transmitted from the CPU 104 to the CPU 105, whereby the The CPU 105 starts the scheduling work described later. In this scheduling work, the print data stored in the RAM 125 is used. The print data for the reserved copy stored in the RAM 125 is called at the print start time of the reserved copy and used for controlling the print operation of the reserved copy. Also, in the CPU 104, when the reservation data is input, the interrupt flag is set.
(S262), the interrupt is permitted.

5-2. Change of reservation contents. When a command other than the command for instructing new input is sent from the CPU 101 when entering the schedule creation mode, the reservation content change process (S209) is performed. Details of the reservation content change process are shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, when the reservation addition is selected in the reservation content change processing (S901; YES), the additional input is made to the liquid crystal panel 91 in substantially the same manner as the above-mentioned reservation data input. When the prompt is displayed, the print data in the copy mode additionally input from the operation panel OP is displayed in the CPU.
It is sent from 101 to CPU 104 and set. Further, the confirmed print data is updated and stored in the reserved area of the RAM 125.

When the change of reservation is selected (S911; YE
S), the print data of the reserved copy number designated as the change target is read from the RAM 125 and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91 (S913), and the displayed print data is different from the case of the reservation data input described above. In substantially the same manner, a display prompting the change input is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91, and the print data in the copy mode input from the operation panel OP is
It is sent from the CPU 101 to the CPU 104 and updated. Also, the print data determined after the update is stored in the RAM 125.
Is stored in the reserved copy area.

If deletion of reservation is selected (S921; YE
S), the print data of the reserved copy number designated as the deletion target is read from the RAM 125 and the liquid crystal panel 91
Is displayed (S923), and after the confirmation to delete the displayed print data is displayed, if the deletion permission is input from the operation panel OP, the print data of the reservation number is stored in the RAM 125. It is deleted from the reserved copy area (S929).

In this way, when the addition / change / deletion of all reservations is completed and the fact is notified from the operation panel OP to the CPU 104 via the CPU 101 (S931; YES), the effect is further notified from the CPU 104 to the CPU 105. And this allows
The CPU 105 activates the scheduling work described later. In this scheduling work, the print data after addition / change / deletion stored in the RAM 125 is used. When the reservation content changing process is completed, the CPU 104 sets the interrupt flag as in the case of the reservation data input described above, and permits the interrupt.

5-3. Scheduling work. When input of reservation data or addition / change / deletion of reservation contents is completed, the fact is notified to the CPU 105, whereby the CP
U105 scheduling work is started. This scheduling work is shown in FIGS.

As shown in the figure, in the scheduling work, after the required time H (N) of the print operation of each reserved copy is calculated with reference to the lookup table T _1.
(S265~S269), with reference to the look-up table T ₂ duration IR interrupt copy is calculated (S270), the time TR spent supply of the recording sheet with reference to the look-up table T ₃ is is calculated (S271), further, the priority is determined by referring to the look-up table T ₄ (S
272), and scheduling is performed based on these (S
273), a timetable is created (S274).

Further, with respect to the created timetable, it is judged whether or not each reserved copy is completed by the delivery date.
(S275), if not ending (S275; NO), rescheduling is performed (S277). If it is determined to end (S275; YES), the timetable data is the CPU
It is sent to 101 and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91 (S276). After this display, when a job processing start command is input from the operation panel OP via the CPU 101, the scheduling work ends.

When it is determined by the rescheduling that any of the reserved copies is not completed by the delivery date,
(S278; NO), data to that effect is sent to the CPU 101 and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91. That is, the user is urged to change or cancel the reservation. In response to this, the user can change or cancel the reservation on the operation panel.
When input from OP, the data to that effect is sent from CPU 101 to C
It is sent to the PU 105 (S279), and the reservation is changed or canceled (S281, S282). In this way, the scheduling work is performed.

5-3-1. Calculation of required time H (N) for reserved copy. As shown in the figure, first, the reserved job number (reserved copy number) N is read from the RAM 125 and set in the variable J.
(S265). Next, the print data of each reserved copy is stored in RAM
The lookup table T ₁ is read from the ROM 115 together with being read from 125 (S266). FIG. 21 shows an example of the lookup table T ₁ .

Next, each element of the print data is converted into time by referring to the lookup table T ₁ (S
267) and based on this, the required time H (N) of the print operation of the reserved copy is calculated (S268).

The required time H (N) is calculated as shown in FIG. H ₁ is a time-converted value of the number of image input screens (scan count), H ₂ is a time-converted value of the image input paper size, H ₃ is a time-converted value of the output method, and H ₄ is a time-converted output magnification. A value, H ₅ is a time-converted value of the toner density, H ₆ is a time-converted value of the output paper size, and H ₇ is a time-converted value of the paper discharge method. Then, H _n is

## EQU1 ## It is represented by H _n = K _n a _n . Here, K _n is a coefficient, which is a value determined by the lookup table T ₁ . Further, a _n is a reference time and is a constant.

From this, the required time H (N) is

[Number 2] In H (N) = Σ (K n a n), is calculated by aggregating the n as 1 to n.

5-3-2. Calculation of required time IR for interrupt copy, etc. As described above, the required time IR for interrupt copy is calculated with reference to the lookup table T ₂ (S270). Further, the time TR spent for replenishing the recording paper is calculated with reference to the lookup table T ₃ (S271). Further, the priority order of each reserved copy is determined with reference to the lookup table T ₄ of FIG. 25 (S272).

The time required for the interrupt copy is measured every time the interrupt copy occurs, and the time spent for the interrupt copy is measured, and the value is stored in the NVRAM 145 (FIG. 18).
(See steps S301, S302, S307 in FIG. 19). Similarly, the replenishment time of the recording paper is measured every time replenishment is performed, and the value is stored in the NVRAM 145 (see steps S323, S324, S327 in FIG. 20).

The data thus stored in the NVRAM 145 is summed up for each day, and the value IR
The latest M times of _d and TR _d are stored. Letting D be the number of working days of the image processing apparatus input by the operator, M is

## EQU00003 ## M = D / 12. Also, the consumption time IR of the interrupt copy per day
Is

## EQU00004 ## In IR = {. SIGMA. (IR _d )} / M, calculation is performed by summing d as 1 to M. This IR is calculated every day at a fixed time and stored in the lookup table T ₂ .

Further, it is assumed that the number of sheets that can be stored in the paper tray is X _k , the value obtained by counting the number of sheets discharged every day within a designated time for each paper tray is X _dk , and the total thereof is X _d . Then, the average number of copies Cp used per day is

## EQU00005 ## In Cp = {. SIGMA. ( _Xd )} / M, calculation is performed by summing d as 1 to M. Further, when the time required for replenishing the recording paper to each paper tray is TR _k (k = 1, 2, ...),

## _EQU6 ## It is expressed as TR _k = (X _dk / X _k +1) × k _tr . However, this is the case where X _dk / X _k is not a natural number. In addition, k _tr is one replenishment time, r is the number of trays,
k is a tray number. Also, TR _k is

## _EQU00007 ## TR _k = (X _dk / X _k ) × k _tr . However, this is the case where X _dk / X _k is a natural number. From these, the daily consumption time TR required for paper supply is

Equation 8] In TR = Σ (TR _k), is calculated by aggregating the k as 1 to r. The lookup table T ₃ is referred to for the calculation of this TR.

5-3-3. Creation of timetable.
Once the data is available, the next step is scheduling (S
273), a timetable is created (S274).

First, as shown in FIG. 26A, each reserved copy is searched in order of priority. Where A, B, ...
Is each reserved job, H (A), H (B), ... Is the time required for each reserved job, D (A), D (B) ,.
Delivery date of each reserved job called from 5, 1, 2, ...
Is the priority.

Next, as shown in (b) of FIG. 26, a timetable is created in which the reserved jobs are arranged in ascending order from the start time S _st of the scheduling management as the starting point. .

Next, by inserting the time R (A), R (B), ... Spent in interrupt copying and recording paper replenishment between the jobs in the above-mentioned time table, (c) in FIG. The timetable shown in is created.

The above R (A), R (B), ...
Is calculated as shown in (a). First, for IR and TR read from the NVRAM 145, the respective values IRh and TRh per unit time are

[Equation 9] IRh = IR / operating time

## EQU10 ## TRh = TR / operating time is calculated. Based on this, the above-mentioned R (N)
(However, N is A, B, ...)

R (N) = H (N) × (IRh + TRh) /
It is calculated as {(1- (IRh + TRh)}.

The scheduling is performed in this way (S
273), a timetable is created that takes into account the time consumed by interrupt copying and paper supply (S274).

5-3-4. Judgment of delivery date and correction of timetable. When the timetable is created, as described above, it is determined whether or not each reserved copy is completed by the delivery date (S27).
Five). If the result of determination is that there is a reserved copy that does not end by the delivery date (S275; NO), rescheduling is performed (S277).

The determination regarding the delivery date is shown in FIG. 26C, at the end time of each H (N) (the right end of each period) and each D.
(N) and D (N) is H for all N
It is performed by checking whether it is earlier than the end time of (N) (right end of each period) (whether it is on the left side in the drawing). For example, in FIG. 26C, the right end of the H (C) period, which is the end time of H (C), is later than D (C) (on the right side). Similarly, the right end of the H (D) period, which is the end time of H (D), is later than D (D) (on the right side). Therefore, it is determined that H (C) and H (D) are not in time for delivery.

In such a case, that is, when there is a slight delay in delivery, the timetable is corrected.
This correction is performed by adjusting the length of R (N). In (c) of FIG. 26, since H (C) and H (D) are not in time for delivery, first, the formula shown in (b) of FIG. 27 is used.

[Equation 12] D (D) -S _st > H (A) + H (B) + H
(C) + H (D) + a {R (A) + R (B) + R
The maximum value of a (0 <a <1) satisfying (C)} is obtained. Next, since the sum of R (N) is the same, the value of R (D) is

[Equation 13] R (D) → R (D) + (1-a) {R (A)
+ R (B) + R (C)} = R (D) '. As a result, as shown in (c) of FIG. 27, a timetable in which each reserved copy is in time for delivery is created. What should be noted in this modification is that if the value of R (N) is greatly changed, the deviation from the actual use situation becomes large, so the degree of change is suppressed to a certain limit. It should be noted that a may be a default setting or may be input by an operator.

Note that such rescheduling (S27
If it is determined by 7) that any of the reserved copies will not be completed by the delivery date, as described above, the data to that effect is sent to the CPU 101 and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 91 to change / cancel the reservation. And the like, and processing according to the selection result of the user is performed.

5-4. Paper feed simulation. When the scheduling work is completed, the CPU 105 causes the paper tray to store paper of each size required for the expected reserved copy print operation and the expected interrupt copy print operation. 591 ~
It is checked whether it is in 594 or not. Here, “expected” means, for example, “expected to be used on that day”. In other words, the paper used in the print operation of each reserved copy managed by the timetable and the print operation of the interrupt copy in the meantime,
Since this paper feed simulation process is performed so that there is no shortage on the way, "expected" means "use within the period when you want to automatically execute the reserved copy print operation without an operator." Is expected ”.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the paper feed simulation process, first, from the print data for each reserved copy stored in the RAM 125, the data on the number of sheets required for the expected reserved copy printing operation is obtained. Is read (S331). Further, the number-of-sheets data required for the expected interrupt copy is read from the lookup table T _{3 of the} NVRAM 145 (S332). For example, 1
The daily average number of used sheets is read. In the look-up table T ₃ , the processing time of each interrupt copy is measured and processed and stored in the interrupt work described later.

Based on the data read in steps S331 and S332, the expected number of sheets of paper used is calculated (S333). For example, the number of sheets of paper expected to be used on that day is calculated. In addition, each paper feed tray 591-59
Weight sensors SE101 and SE provided at the lower positions of 4
Based on the detection signals of 102, SE103, SE104, each paper tray
The remaining amount of paper in 591 to 594 is calculated (S334). Here, the weight of each paper tray 591 to 594 and the weight of each paper tray 59
The data on the correlation with the remaining amount of paper in 1 to 594 is N
The data is registered in the VRAM 145, and this data is read and used for the calculation in step S334.

Next, the estimated number of sheets of paper of each size calculated in step S333 is compared with the remaining amount of paper in each of the paper feed trays 591 to 594 calculated in step S334.
(S335), it is determined for each of the paper feed trays 591 to 594 whether or not paper feed is necessary (S336).

When it is determined in step S336 that the paper feeding is not necessary (S336; YES), the CPU 105 causes the CPU 105 to execute CP to cause the liquid crystal panel 91 to display "OK" (S337).
Interrupt U104. This interrupt causes the CPU
In 104, the paper feed is checked and the OK data is sent to the CPU10.
Sent to 1.

If it is determined in step S336 that paper feed is required for any of the paper feed trays (S336; N).
O), the CPU 101 causes the liquid crystal panel 91 to display a message prompting the user to feed paper to the paper feed tray (S338).
After setting the paper feed flag (S339), 105 interrupts the CPU 104. Due to this interruption, the CPU 104 checks the paper feed, and the NG data prompting the paper feed is sent to the CPU.
Sent to 101. In this interrupt, information is sent from the CPU 104 to the CPU 10 when paper is set in the paper feed tray.
5 to reset the paper feed flag (S
Until 340; YES), the call is repeated at predetermined time intervals.

When the paper feed simulation is completed in this manner, the schedule creation mode (S26 in FIG. 8) for adjusting and setting the print start time of each reserved copy is exited, and the command waits. That is, the scheduling mode for managing the execution of the print operation of the reserved copy is entered according to the timetable.

5-5. Job processing. In the scheduling mode in which the print operation of the reserved copy is managed according to the time table created in the scheduling work, when the print start time indicated by the time table comes, it is associated with the print start time. The document image data is read from the memory unit 30 and the printing operation is performed (step S216 in FIG. 17). This print operation is the same as that described above except that the start time is managed by the timetable and that the document reading operation is not performed and only the print operation is executed because the image data is already stored. The copy operation sequence is executed in the same manner.

In the scheduling mode for managing the print operation of the reserved copy according to the timetable,
When a user instructs a normal copy, that is, an operation of reading and printing a set document, the side managing the scheduling mode processes this normal copy as an interrupt work. That is, the process of step S214 of FIG. 17 is performed. The details of this process are shown in FIG.
It is shown in FIG. Note that the interrupt flag is set during this interrupt work (S211; NO), and if the print start time shown in the timetable arrives during this time, the interrupt work in progress ends and the interrupt Until the flag is reset
The start of the print operation of the reserved copy is awaited.

Further, in the scheduling mode for managing the print operation of the reserved copy according to the timetable, when the recording operation is exhausted and the print operation cannot be executed, the state managing the scheduling mode causes a trouble. Process as. That is, the process of step S215 of FIG. 17 is performed. Details of this processing are shown in FIG. Note that the trouble flag is set during this trouble processing (S213; NO), and if the print start time indicated by the timetable arrives during this time, until the trouble processing ends and the trouble flag is reset, The start of the reserved print operation is awaited.

5-5-1. Interrupt work. First, when a normal copy is input from the operation panel OP, the CPU 101 to the CPU 10
A command to that effect is sent to 4 (S291). As a result, an interrupt request is sent from the CPU 104 to the CPU 105 (S292; YES). After that, it waits until the interrupt permission flag is set by the data sent from the CPU 105 (S293). This waiting occurs when the reservation data is input.

If the interrupt permission flag is set, or if it is set (S293; YES), it is determined whether the scheduling operation, the document scanning, or the printing operation is currently being performed. It If the document is being scanned or the print operation is in progress, the process waits until the processing of the page is completed.

If the scheduling work is currently in progress (S
295; YES), the CPU 105 passes the contents of the register to the CPU 104, and the CPU 104 saves this job data in the stack (S300). If the document scanning or printing operation of the currently executed page is completed (S297; YES, or, S299; YE
S), the CPU 104 saves the job data at that point in the stack (S300).

Next, the timer is reset to start counting up (S301, S302) and the interrupt flag is set (S30
3). When the interrupt flag is set in this way, the operation panel
The above-mentioned normal copy operation instructed from the OP is started. This copy operation is executed in the same manner as the above-described sequence of copy operations.

When the normal copy operation (interrupt copy) is completed, the fact is sent from the CPU 101 to the CPU 104 by the input from the operation panel OP or the lapse of a predetermined time (S30
Four). This returns to the scheduling mode (S
305; YES). That is, the mode returns to the mode for managing the print operation of the reserved copy according to the timetable.

When returning to the scheduling mode, the interrupt flag is reset (S306), and the count value of the timer started to count in step 301 is NVRAM145.
Stored in. This count value is a value corresponding to the time spent for the interrupt copy this time, and is the average value of the interrupt work time within the unit period (in the image processing apparatus without using the reserved print function). The average required time within the unit period of the printing operation executed by the printer is calculated. That is, it is used to calculate the data indicating the operating status of this device.

Next, the job data saved in the stack in step S300 is called (S309) and used for the work before the interruption. That is, if the document scanning or printing operation is in progress before the interruption, the document scanning or printing operation is to be restarted. If the scheduling work is in progress before the interruption, it is sent to the CPU 105 for the scheduling work to be restarted. in this way,
Interruption work is performed.

5-5-2. Trouble processing. Any paper tray 5
If the recording paper in 91 to 594 runs out, the paper sensor S
When detected by any of E11 to SE14, the data to that effect is input to the CPU 104. That is, data indicating that the flags relating to the sensors SE11 to SE14 of the paper tray are set (step S213; YES in FIG. 17) is input to the CPU 104. As a result, in the CPU 104, the trouble process is activated and the trouble flag is set (S322). That is,
The above-mentioned interrupt work and job processing (printing operation of reserved copy) are prohibited.

When the trouble flag is set,
The timer is reset (S323) and counting up is started (S324). Next, trouble data is sent to the CPU 101 to output a warning sound or warning display to warn the user (S325). As a result, the CPU 101 causes the I / O 13
A warning sound is output from a speaker (not shown) and an LED (not shown) is blinked via the device 1.

The recording paper is replenished by the user in the paper tray where the recording paper is exhausted, and the paper sensor SE11
When detected by any of SE14 to SE14, data to that effect is input to the CPU 104. With this (S326; YES), CP
U104 stops the count of the timer that started counting up in step S324 and sets the count value to NVRAM.
It is stored in 145 (S327). This count value is a value corresponding to the time spent for replenishing the recording paper this time, and is the average value of trouble time within the unit period (in the unit period of time consumed for paper replenishment, It is used to calculate the average required time). That is, it is used to calculate the data indicating the operating status of this device. After that, the trouble flag is reset (S328), and the processing of the CPU 104 returns to the address before this trouble processing was started.

6. Modified example. In the above-described embodiment, the original of the reserved copy is read in advance and stored in the memory,
An apparatus that reads out image data from the memory and prints at the print start time managed by the timetable has been described, but the same applies to an apparatus that has a plurality of document feed trays that can feed each document table. it can. In this case, at the copy start time managed by the timetable, the document may be fed from the document feed tray in which the document of the reserved copy is set, read, and printed. . When the timetable is created, the time required for the copy operation (the time required for the print operation and the time required for the document reading is added) is used instead of the time required for the print operation.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, the print required time of each reserved copy is calculated based on the print data, the calculated required time of each reserved copy, and the delivery date (desired end time) of each reserved copy, Based on the interrupt copy (non-reserved copy) that is routinely performed in the device and the average time (reserved print interruption time) that is routinely spent for paper supply, Since the timetable of each reserved copy is automatically created and the print start and operation of each reserved copy is managed according to this timetable,
Even if a plurality of copies are reserved while avoiding duplication and a non-reserved copy operation is interrupted, the print operation can be completed by the delivery date of each reservation. Therefore, the user can effectively use the waiting time until the end of printing.
Further, the input operation for reservation is also simple.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanism of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation panel of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory unit section 30 of FIG.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of processing of each CPU in a copy sequence executed by each CPU of the control circuit of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the CPU 101 of FIG.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing switches and the like displayed on a liquid crystal panel 91 of the operation panel of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the CPU 104 in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the CPU 102 of FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the CPU 103 of FIG.

11 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process in a schedule creation mode executed by the CPU 104 of FIG.
G.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of reservation data input processing executed by the CPU 104 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a reservation content change process executed by the CPU 104 of FIG.

14 is a part of a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a scheduling work executed by the CPU 105 of FIG.

15 is the rest of the flowchart showing the processing procedure of the scheduling work executed by the CPU 105 of FIG.

16 is a flowchart showing a paper feed simulation process executed by the CPU 105 of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing control in a reserved print operation executed by the CPU 104 in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing control in an interrupt copy operation.
Part of the.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing control in an interrupt copy operation.
The rest of G.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a trouble process executed by the CPU 104 in FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lookup table T ₁ .

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of lookup tables T ₂ and T ₃ .

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating a processing time H (N) of a reserved job.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of calculating an average interrupt time IR per day, an average number of times of copy use Cp per day, and an average trouble time TR per day.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lookup table T ₄ .

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for creating a time table.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of correcting a time table.

[Explanation of symbols]

 SE11 to SE4 Paper (presence / absence) sensor SE101 to SE104 (paper) weight sensor 91 Liquid crystal panel 96 Start key TP1 to TP7 Touch panel switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. The original image data and print start time data of the original image data are stored in a storage means, and at the print start time, the original image data associated with the print start time is read from the storage means. In an image processing apparatus equipped with a reserved print function for printing, a monitor means for monitoring and storing the operating status of the image processing apparatus, a data input means for inputting data for printing the original, and a request for finishing printing the original. An end time inputting means for inputting time, a required time calculating means for calculating a required time for a printing operation of an original corresponding to the printing data based on the printing data, the operating condition and the required time of each original And, based on the desired end time, the printing of each document is performed so that the time zones of the print operations of each document do not overlap And scheduling means for setting by calculating the start time, an image processing apparatus having a. 2. The average required time within a unit period of a print operation executed by the image processing apparatus without the reserved print function, and the image processing according to claim 1. An image processing apparatus for calculating an average required time within a unit period spent for replenishing recording paper in the apparatus, and storing it as the operating status. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the scheduling unit finds, as a result of the calculation, that there is a document whose print operation cannot be completed before the desired end time, the fact is indicated. An image processing device for outputting. 4. The monitor device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the monitor unit is a unit in a print operation executed in the image processing apparatus without depending on the reserved print function. The average number of sheets of recording paper consumed within the period is calculated and stored as the operation status, and further, the remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of recording paper, and the reserved print function are used for consumption within a unit period. The number of recording papers expected to be added and the average number calculated by the monitor means are added, and the added value is compared with the remaining quantity of recording papers detected by the remaining quantity detecting means. If the number is small, an image processing apparatus comprising: a warning unit that outputs that effect.