JPH11180618A - Image forming processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a precise sectioning processing without performing a special sectioning operation when image forming processing is performed a plurality of times by determining an empty discharge stacker among a plurality of discharge stackers, and discharging an image-formed sheet to be newly processed to this stacker. SOLUTION: In an image forming processing device having a discharge port 1012 set in three positions and the same number of discharge stackers 1013 (1013a-1013c) to discharge ports 1012a-1012c, a sheet detecting sensor for detecting the presence of a received printed sheet (hereinafter referred to as sheet) S is provided in each discharge stacker 1013. An optional empty discharge stacker 1013 in which no sheet S is stacked is selected from a plurality of discharge stackers 1013 as the designation of the sheet S to be newly image- processed. According to this, the independently processed sheets S can be prevented from being included in the same discharge stacker to facilitate the subsequent sectioning processing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of discharge stackers for sequentially receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes. After selecting an empty discharge stacker in which no image-formed sheets are stored from among each discharge stacker, an image-formed sheet to be newly subjected to image formation processing can be discharged to the selected empty discharge stacker. The present invention relates to an improved image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a conventional image forming processing apparatus of this kind (for example, a printing apparatus),
An operation of merely discharging the image-formed sheet (printed sheet) on which the image forming processing (print processing) has been performed to the discharge stacker is performed.

[0003]

As described above, in the conventional apparatus, it is not always necessary to confirm whether or not the preceding image-formed sheet is left on the discharge stacker, and the image formed on the discharge stacker is processed. Since the formed sheets are sequentially discharged, for example, a case may occur where a plurality of types of image-formed sheets that are separately processed a plurality of times are received on the same discharge stacker and are mixed. As a result, the user has to perform a troublesome operation of re-classifying the image-formed sheet for each process manually after the process is completed.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem.
Provided is an image forming apparatus in which individual image formed sheets to be processed a plurality of times can be sequentially received on respective discharge stackers, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent sorting operations. It is.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes. In the image forming processing apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers, each sheet detection unit attached to each of the plurality of discharge stackers to detect the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; A discharge destination selecting means for finding an empty discharge stacker in which no image-formed sheets are stored from among the stackers, and selecting the empty discharge stacker as a discharge destination of a new image-formed sheet; and any one of the sheet detecting means Destination switch that switches the discharge path of the newly processed image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker based on the sheet detection information obtained by A e means, is characterized in that to perform the discharge of the imaged sheet that is the newly processed to the appropriate free delivery stacker.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored is obtained from the plurality of discharge stackers. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet with a series of image forming processes to the stacker, thereby preventing the mixture of image-formed sheets due to different processing results on the same discharge stacker. You.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of output stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching a discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and the empty discharge stacker cannot be found. In this case, the processed image data storage means for temporarily storing and holding the image data to be processed, and the image-formed sheets accumulated on any of the discharge stackers are removed, and the corresponding discharge stacker becomes an empty discharge stacker. Operation control means that waits without executing the series of image forming processing operations until the image forming sheet is removed, and a corresponding empty discharge stacker is removed with the removal of the image-formed sheet from any of the discharge stackers. At the obtained time, the switching operation of the discharge destination switching unit is performed, and the standby state of the operation control unit is released, and the series of images are stored based on the image data stored and held in the processed image data storage unit. A forming process operation is performed, and the newly processed image-formed sheet is discharged to the corresponding empty discharge stacker. To have.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored is obtained from the plurality of discharge stackers, and then the empty discharge stacker is obtained. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet along with a series of image forming processes to the stacker, and if no empty discharge stacker is found, the image-formed sheets stored on any of the discharge stackers When the empty discharge stacker is obtained, the image-formed sheet can be discharged in the same manner. In this case as well, the image-formed sheet based on the different processing results on the same discharge stacker is again used. Mixing is prevented beforehand.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching a discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and for each of the series of image forming processing operations Receiving another identification code, arranging an arbitrary main display device, and displaying the identification code of the corresponding process on the display portion of the main display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means. And a sheet display unit for discharging the newly processed image-formed sheet to the corresponding empty discharge stacker, and displaying the discharge stacker, which is the discharge destination of the image-formed sheet at this time, in the main display. It is characterized in that it can be identified by the display contents of the device.

Therefore, in the image forming processing apparatus according to the third aspect, the empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored is determined from the plurality of discharge stackers, and then the empty discharge stacker is determined. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet to the stacker in a series of image forming processes, and also in this case, the mixture of the image-formed sheets due to different processing results on the same discharge stacker is prevented beforehand. In addition, in this case, it is possible to easily know which print processing result has been discharged to which discharge stacker by the corresponding display contents of the main display device, and the required Usability when taking out the printed sheet is improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching a discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and for each of the series of image forming processing operations After assigning another identification code and arranging the attached display device for each of the plurality of ejection stackers, identifying the corresponding process to the attached display device corresponding to the empty ejection stacker selected by the ejection destination selecting means. Receiving sheet display means for displaying a code, discharges the newly processed image-formed sheet to the corresponding empty discharge stacker, and discharges the image-formed sheet at this time. The stacker can be identified by the display contents of the corresponding attached display device.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, after the empty stacker in which the image-formed sheet is not stored is obtained from the plurality of discharge stackers, the obtained empty discharge stacker is obtained. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet to the stacker in a series of image forming processes. In this case as well, the mixture of the image-formed sheets due to different processing results on the same discharge stacker is similarly prevented. In addition, in this case, in addition, in this case, it is possible to easily know which print processing result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker by the display contents of the corresponding attached display device. The convenience in taking out the printed sheet is improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of output stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching a discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and for each of the series of image forming processing operations Receiving another identification code, arranging an arbitrary main display device, and displaying the identification code of the corresponding process on the display portion of the main display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means. Sheet display means, and display erasing means for erasing display contents of the main display device on the discharge stacker when an image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker is removed to become an empty discharge stacker. The newly processed image-formed sheet is discharged to an empty discharge stacker to be discharged, and the discharge stacker to which the image-formed sheet is discharged at this time can be identified by the corresponding display content of the main display device. Further, when the image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker is removed, the corresponding display content of the main display device on the discharge stacker is erased. It is characterized to that it has to equip the acceptance of subsequent imaged sheet.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, after finding an empty discharge stacker in which no image-formed sheets are stored from among a plurality of discharge stackers, the obtained empty discharge stacker is obtained. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet to the stacker in a series of image forming processes. In this case as well, the mixture of the image-formed sheets due to different processing results on the same discharge stacker is similarly prevented. In addition, in this case, in addition, in this case, it is possible to easily know which print processing result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker by the corresponding display content of the main display device, and In addition to improving the ease of use when removing the printed sheet, the corresponding display contents on the main display unit are removed with the removal of the image-formed sheet from the discharge stacker. Is removed by, it may make acceptance of subsequent imaged sheet smoothly and easily.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching a discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and for each of the series of image forming processing operations After assigning another identification code and arranging the attached display device for each of the plurality of ejection stackers, identifying the corresponding process to the attached display device corresponding to the empty ejection stacker selected by the ejection destination selecting means. Receiving sheet display means for displaying a code; display erasing means for erasing display contents of the attached display device relating to the discharge stacker when the image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker is removed to become an empty discharge stacker. And discharges the newly processed image-formed sheet to the corresponding empty discharge stacker, and sets the discharge stacker, which is the discharge destination of the image-formed sheet at this time, to the corresponding attached display device. It can be identified by the display contents, and when the image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker is removed, It is characterized in that as equip the subsequent processing operations to erase the display content of the display device.

Therefore, in the image forming processing apparatus according to the present invention, after the empty stacker in which the image-formed sheet is not stored is obtained from the plurality of discharge stackers, the obtained empty stacker is obtained. It is possible to discharge an image-formed sheet to the stacker in a series of image forming processes. In this case as well, the mixture of the image-formed sheets due to different processing results on the same discharge stacker is similarly prevented. In addition, in this case, in addition, in this case, it is possible to easily know which print processing result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker by the display contents of the corresponding attached display device. In addition to improving the ease of use when removing the printed sheet, the display of the corresponding attached display device is displayed when the image-formed sheet is removed from the discharge stacker. Description is erased, may make acceptance of subsequent imaged sheet smoothly and easily.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of discharge stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes. A sheet detecting means provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers for detecting the presence or absence of the accepted image-formed sheet; and an image-formed sheet is not stored among the plurality of discharge stackers. An empty discharge stacker is determined, and the newly processed empty sheet stacker is selected based on sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detecting units. Destination switching means for switching the discharge path of an image-formed sheet to a corresponding empty discharge stacker, and an external interface via an appropriate interface. The external control device connected,
Transmitting means for transmitting discharge destination information of a new image-formed sheet selected by the discharge destination selecting means, and discharging the newly processed image-formed sheet to the corresponding empty discharge stacker. At the same time, information on the discharge stacker, which is the discharge destination at this time, is displayed on the display unit of the external control device.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, an empty discharge stacker in which no image-formed sheet is stored is obtained from the plurality of discharge stackers, and then the empty discharge stacker is determined. On the other hand, it is possible to discharge the image-formed sheets accompanying a series of image forming processes, and also in this case, similarly, the mixture of the image-formed sheets due to the different processing results on the same discharge stacker is prevented beforehand. In addition, in addition, in this case, the discharge destination information of the image-formed sheet is displayed on the display unit of the external control device, so that more effective operation of the device can be performed.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail.

Prior to the description of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, first, as an example of an apparatus configuration having a form suitable for applying the apparatus of the present invention, an outline of a laser beam printer will be described with reference to FIG. State. It is needless to say that the device type to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the laser beam printers mentioned here, but may be a printer of another device type.

FIG. 1 is an overall sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a laser beam printer as an application example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In the apparatus configuration shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a laser beam printer (hereinafter, referred to as LBP), and the LBP 1000 stores print information (character codes and the like) and form information input from an externally connected host computer, macro instructions, and the like. At the same time, necessary image data to be printed such as a character pattern and a form pattern are created based on the stored information, and the image data and the like are printed on a sheet as a recording medium. On the operation panel 1000a, there are arranged switches for operation, indicators such as LEDs for displaying operation results, and other necessary operation devices. The LBP 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots (not shown) so that an optional font card, a control card (emulation card) having a different language system, and the like can be connected in addition to the built-in fonts.

Reference numeral 1001 denotes a printer control unit for controlling the entire LBP 1000 and analyzing character information and the like input from a host computer described later. The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts the input character information. The video signal is converted into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern and output to the laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 forms a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003, and switches on / off a laser beam 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 in response to an input video signal. And
The emitted laser light 1004 is
At 5, it is swung in the left-right direction to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1006 as an image forming unit. That is, by this operation, an electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on the electrostatic drum 1006, and after the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 1007 disposed around the drum, The image is transferred onto the sheet S to be printed.

In this case, as the sheet S, a cut sheet (generally, a print recording sheet cut to a predetermined standard size) is usually used. And the sheet S is L
The sheets are stacked in a paper cassette 1008 separately mounted on the BP1000, and are fed one by one from the upper side into the apparatus by a sheet feeding roller 1009 and a conveying roller 1010 before being fed to the electrostatic drum 1006 side. And the developed image is transferred to the fixing unit 10.
After the fixing process has been performed through No. 11, the printed sheet S is discharged to a discharge unit (discharge port) using a pair of discharge rollers.
The discharge stacker (discharge stacker) 10 sequentially from 1012
Thus, a series of print processing operations is completed.

Here, the LBP1000 shown in FIG.
Plays a role of a printing mechanism constituting section in the present invention in this case. In order to realize the image forming processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to this printing mechanism section, it is necessary to generate an image to be printed. Is required. That is, for example, when the present invention is applied to a copying apparatus, a scanner or the like for generating an image is required, and when the present invention is applied to a printer, print information or the like for generating an image is required. An input host computer is required. However, how the image to be printed is generated is not directly related to the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus.

On the other hand, in the LBP 1000 to which the image forming processing apparatus of the present invention is applied, the arrangement of a plurality of discharge stackers 1013 for receiving the printed sheets S is essential. The means for realizing the plurality of discharge stackers 1013 includes a plurality of discharge ports 1012 for receiving the printed sheet S discharged after the printing process,
2, a discharge stacker 1013 is provided for each of the discharge stackers 1013.
13, or
The discharge port 1012 is set at only one location, and a plurality of discharge stackers 1013 are individually movable with respect to the discharge port 1012, so that the paper is sequentially discharged from one discharge port 1012. It is conceivable to adopt a system in which the printed sheets S are received on the individual discharge stackers 1013. However, in this case as well, how to realize the arrangement of the plurality of discharge stackers 1013 that receive the printed sheets S is not directly related to the present invention, and the present invention Can also be applied to a plurality of discharge stackers 1013.

Next, an image forming system to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied, here, a printer control system will be described with reference to the LBP1000 shown in FIG.
Will be described in detail using an example. The image forming system may be an image forming system having a single device configuration or an image forming system including a plurality of device devices as long as the system configuration can easily execute the functions of the present invention. Alternatively, the image forming system may be an image forming system operated and processed via a network such as a LAN, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to each of them.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer control system to which the present invention is applied.

In the printer control system of FIG. 2, reference numeral 3000 denotes a host computer, and 2000 denotes a main control unit of the host computer.
000 is based on a document processing program or the like stored in the program ROM 3a of the ROM 3, for example,
A CPU 1 is provided for executing document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets and the like) are mixed.

In this case, the CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system bus 4, and the RAM 2 functions as a main memory, a work area and the like of the CPU 1. Here, the program R in the ROM 3
The OM 3a stores a control program of the CPU 1 and the like.
The font ROM 3b of the OM3 stores font data and the like used in document processing, and stores the data R in the ROM3.
The OM 3c stores various data used when performing document processing or the like.

A keyboard controller (KBC)
Reference numeral 5 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 9 or a pointing device (not shown). The CRT controller (CRTC) 6 is a CRT display (CR
T) Control the display of 10. Memory controller (M
C) 7 controls access to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) and a floppy disk (FD) that store a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and the like. Further, the printer controller (PR
TC) 8 has a predetermined bidirectional interface (I /
F) It is connected to the LBP1000 via 21 and executes a communication control process with the LBP1000.

In this case, with respect to the CPU 1, on the other hand, for example, a display information RAM set on the RAM 2
The rasterization process of the outline font on the CRT 10 is performed to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various corresponding data processing.

In the configuration of the LBP 1000, the printer CPU 12 is a program ROM in the ROM 13.
On the basis of a control program or the like stored in the memory 13a or a control program or the like stored in the external memory 14, access to each device connected to the system bus 15 is comprehensively controlled, and a print unit interface ( An image data signal as output information is output to a printer unit (printer engine) 17 connected via an I / F 16.

Here, the program ROM of the ROM 13
13a stores a control program of the printer CPU 12 and the like as shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 7 described later, and the font ROM 13b of the ROM 13 stores
A font ROM for storing font data used when generating image data as output information
Reference numeral 13c stores information used on the host computer 3000 when the printer does not have the external memory 14 such as an HD.

The printer CPU 12 has an input unit 18.
, Mutual processing with the host computer 3000 is enabled, and information and the like in the printer can be sent to the host computer 3000. R
The AM 19 functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the printer CPU 12, and can expand the memory capacity by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). In this case, an output information development area, Used for environmental data storage area, NVRAM, etc.

On the other hand, an external memory 14, such as an HD, FD, or IC card, is controlled by the MC 20, and is connected as an option in this case, and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. The external memory 14 is not necessarily limited to only one, but includes at least one or more to store an optional font card, an external font storing a program for interpreting a printer control language of a different language system, and the like in addition to the built-in font. A plurality of memories may be connected, and an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1000a.

Next, different examples of the embodiment in which the image forming processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to the printer control system will be described.

Here, in each of the embodiments described below, the paper discharge port 10
12 are set in three places, and each paper discharge port 1012
a, 1012b, and 1012c, the same number of corresponding discharge stackers 1013a, 1013b, and 101, respectively.
3c, and a sheet detection sensor (not shown again) for detecting the presence or absence of the received printed sheet S is provided on each of the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c. ) Is attached,
Further, based on the detection result by each of these sheet detection sensors, a printed sheet S to be newly printed is processed.
The discharge for selecting and switching an arbitrary empty discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheet S is not stored from the individual discharge outlets 1012a to 1012c, and further from the respective discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c as the discharge destination of It is assumed that there is provided a first switching means. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the number of paper discharge ports 1012 and the total number of the plurality of paper discharge stackers 1013 as described above.

<< First Embodiment >> This first embodiment is based on
When sequentially printing the printed sheets S on which a series of printing processes have been performed onto the plurality of discharge stackers 1013, the discharge stackers that have not yet received the sheets, in other words, the printed sheets S are not stored ( This is an example of application in a case where one of the discharge stackers (not present) is selected, and the printed sheets S here are sequentially discharged to the selected discharge stacker.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the first embodiment.

In the case of the first embodiment, the image forming processing apparatus starts the processing shown in FIG. 3 when the preparation for the printing processing is completed.

In step S301, each of the discharged stackers 1013a is checked in order to check whether or not the printed sheet S is accumulated on each of the discharged stackers 1013a to 1013c.
To set an inspection target index for determining which one of .about.c is to be checked. For example, in this case, the process proceeds to the next step S302 after setting the inspection target index for the earliest paper discharge stacker 1013a.

In step S302, after the detection information as to whether or not the printed sheets S are already accumulated on the discharge stacker 1013a is obtained from the output from the sheet detection sensor of the discharge stacker 1013a to be inspected here. The process proceeds to the next step S303. Then, in step S303, as a result of examining the information content obtained from the corresponding sheet detection sensor in step S302, if the printed sheets S are accumulated on the corresponding discharge stacker 1013a, the process proceeds to step S304, and the accumulated sheets S are not accumulated. If so, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S304, since it is confirmed that the printed sheets S are accumulated on the corresponding discharge stacker 1013a, the inspection target index is advanced to the succeeding discharge stacker 1013b. Then, the process returns to the previous step S302 to continue the same processing. That is, by continuing the processing from step S302 to step S304 in this manner, of all the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c, the corresponding discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not accumulated is provided.
Can be easily found.

On the other hand, in step S305, the discharge destination of the new printed sheet S is set in step S30.
In step S306, after setting the inspection target index in the discharge stacker in which the printed sheets S are not collected, for example, in this case, the discharge stacker 1013b, the process proceeds to step S306. Then, the printed sheets S to be newly printed thereafter are sequentially discharged onto the discharge stacker 1013b set in step S305. That is, a series of operations is completed in this manner.

Therefore, the discharge stacker 1013b in which the printed sheets S are not stored in advance can be easily selected by the discharge control operation of the printed sheets S in the first embodiment, and the selected discharge stacker 1013b can be easily selected.
In addition, it is possible to discharge the printed sheet S accompanying a series of printing processes.

As a result, in the case of the first embodiment,
It is possible to prevent mixing of the printed sheets S by different printing processes on the same paper output stacker 1013, and it is troublesome that the user or the like reclassifies the printed sheets S by different printing processes individually. No extra work is required, and the usability can be greatly improved.

<< Second Embodiment >> In the above-described first embodiment, after a discharge stacker 1013 in which printed sheets S are not stored is selected in advance, a printed sheet S to be newly printed is selected. The case of discharge is described.

The second embodiment is for dealing with the case where the discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not stored can not be found in the first embodiment. While the print processing and its discharge control are stopped without being executed, the apparatus waits until the stored printed sheet S is removed from any one of the discharge stackers 1013, and waits for the corresponding discharge stacker 113.
In the case where the print processing and the discharge control thereof are started again as soon as 013 is empty, and the printed sheets S to be newly printed are sequentially discharged onto the empty discharge stacker 1013 from which the printed sheets S have been removed. This is an example of application to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment.

Also in the case of the second embodiment, the image forming processing apparatus of FIG.
The processing shown in FIG.

In step S401, as in the case of the previous example, the printed sheets S are stored in the respective discharge stackers 1013a to 1013a.
In order to confirm whether or not the sheet is accumulated on the stacker c, the inspection target index is set in the first stacker 1013a among the stackers 1013a to 1013c, and the process proceeds to the next step S402.

In step S402, after the detection information as to whether or not the printed sheets S are already accumulated on the discharge stacker 1013a is obtained from the output from the sheet detection sensor of the discharge stacker 1013a to be inspected here. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S403. In step S403, as a result of examining the information content obtained from the corresponding sheet detection sensor in step S402, if the printed sheets S are accumulated on the corresponding discharge stacker 1013a, the process proceeds to step S404, and the accumulated sheets S must be accumulated. If so, the process proceeds to step S407.

Similarly, in step S404, it is confirmed whether or not the discharge stacker 1013 currently being inspected is the last discharge stacker 1013c among all the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c. If not, the process proceeds to step S405.
If it is the last discharge stacker 1013c, step S4
Proceed to 06.

In this case, with the processing in step S404, it has been confirmed that the corresponding discharge stacker 1013a is the earliest and that the printed sheets S are accumulated. After the target index is advanced to the next paper ejection stacker 1013b,
Returning to the previous step S402, the same processing is continued until the process reaches the last sheet discharge stacker 1013c. When it is confirmed that the printed sheet S is also accumulated in the last sheet ejection stacker 1013c, in the next step S406, the sheet ejection stacker 1013 in which the printed sheet S is not accumulated at this time is set. It is determined that there is no output, and even if the printing process proceeds as it is, there is no discharge destination, and it is not possible to discharge the data. Once stored, the process returns to step S401 again.

That is, by continuously performing the processing from step S401 to step S406 in this manner, among all the paper discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c,
Discharge stacker 101 where printed sheets S are not stored
If No. 3 is found or cannot be found, the state of all the paper discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c is continuously checked thereafter. The user or the like removes the printed sheet S from the required discharge stacker 1013, and the image data to be printed is generated until the discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not stored is generated. Wait without losing.

On the other hand, in step S407, the discharge destination of the new printed sheet S is set in step S40.
3 is a discharge stacker in which the printed sheets S obtained in the step 3 are not stored, for example, also in this case, the discharge stacker 101
After setting the inspection target index in 3b, the next step S4
The process proceeds to step S408, and in step S408, the printed sheets S to be newly printed are sequentially discharged onto the discharge stacker 1013b set in step S407. That is, a series of operations is completed in this manner.

Therefore, when the discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not accumulated cannot be found by the discharge control operation of the printed sheets S in the second embodiment, a new print process and its discharge are performed. Without waiting for the printed sheet S to be removed from any one of the output stackers 1013 while the image data to be printed at this time is stored and held, and the corresponding output stacker 1013 becomes empty. Gradually, a new print process and its discharge are started, and the printed sheets S to be processed thereafter can be discharged onto the empty discharge stacker 1013.

As a result, also in the case of the second embodiment,
In substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent mixed print sheets S by different print processes on the same discharge stacker 1013 beforehand. It is not necessary for the user to re-classify S individually again, and here again, the usability can be significantly improved.

<< Third Embodiment >> This third embodiment is a
It is applied to a case where the information display device (not shown again) on the operation panel 1000a indicates to which of the plurality of paper discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c the discharge control operation associated with a series of print processing has been performed. This is an example. As an example of the configuration of the information display device in this case, for example, display on a liquid crystal panel or the like can be considered. However, the present invention is applicable to an information display device of any display format.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment.

Also in the case of the third embodiment, the image forming processing apparatus of FIG.
The processing shown in FIG.

In the third embodiment, the control operations from steps S501 to S505, which are initially executed, are the same as those in step S301 according to the first embodiment described above.
Since the control operations from step S305 to step S305 are exactly the same, description thereof will be omitted.

In step S506, after acquiring the identification code of a series of print processing which is to be newly executed, the flow advances to the next step S507. As the identification code in this case, for example, when data as a source of a series of print processing here is sent from the host computer 3000, the host computer 3000
Specific data such as an IP address for specifying a computer, or specific data such as a user name of a user who sent image data to the LBP 1000 as a source of a series of print processing can be considered. However, even if any specific data is used for the identification code, the present invention is applicable.

In step S507, step S506
And the identification number of the discharge stacker set in step S505, that is,
After displaying each of the identification numbers of the discharge stacker 1013b on the information display device provided on the operation panel 1000a, the process proceeds to the next step S508.

In step S508, the printing process is actually performed in the same manner as in the above examples, and the printed sheets S processed in this way are sequentially discharged onto the discharge stacker 1013b set in step S505. Let them do it. That is, a series of operations is completed in this manner.

Accordingly, by performing the discharge control operation of the printed sheet S in the third embodiment, the discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheet S is not stored is selected together with the application of each of the above-described examples, and then a new one is selected. The printed sheet S to be printed can be discharged onto a required discharge stacker 1013.

As a result, also in the case of the third embodiment,
As in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent printed sheets S from being mixed by different printing processes on the same discharge stacker 1013 beforehand and to greatly improve the usability. In addition, in this case, it is possible to easily know which print processing result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker 1013 in accordance with the above-described operation and effect. Thus, the usability when the user or the like takes out the required printed sheet S can be further improved.

<< Fourth Embodiment >> In the third embodiment, information on which print processing result has been output to which output stacker 1013 is stored in the operation panel 10.
The case where the information is displayed on one information display device on 00a has been described.

In the fourth embodiment, a printed sheet S obtained by any printing process is used for each of the discharge stackers 101.
This is an example applied to a case where any one of 3a to 3c is displayed on an information display device on the operation panel 1000a or directly on an information display device provided for each of the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c. . Regarding the configuration example of the information display device in this case, the reference regulation in the third embodiment can be similarly applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the fourth embodiment.

Also in the case of the fourth embodiment, the image forming processing apparatus of FIG.
The processing shown in FIG.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the control operations from step S601 to S605, which are executed initially, are the same as those in step S30 according to the first embodiment described above.
Since it is exactly the same as the control operation from 1 to S305,
The description is omitted.

In step S606, as in the case of the third embodiment, after acquiring the identification code of a series of print processing which is to be newly executed, the flow advances to the next step S607. As for the identification code in this case, each unique data in the third embodiment may be used in the same manner, and the standard definition thereof can be similarly applied.

At step S607, the operation panel 100
0a, the identification code obtained in step S606 is replaced with the identification code obtained in step S606.
In step S608, the information is displayed on an information display device corresponding to the discharge stacker set in step 5, ie, in this case, the discharge stacker 1013b.

In step S608, the printing process is actually performed in the same manner as in each of the above examples, and the printed sheets S processed in this manner are sequentially discharged onto the discharge stacker 1013b set in step S605. Let them do it. That is, a series of operations is completed in this manner.

Accordingly, the discharge control operation of the printed sheet S in the fourth embodiment selects the discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not stored together with the application of each of the above examples, and then executes the print processing. The printed sheet S can be discharged onto a required discharge stacker 1013.

As a result, also in the case of the fourth embodiment,
Almost the same as in the first and third embodiments,
The printed sheets S can be prevented from being mixed by different printing processes on the same discharge stacker 1013, and
The user does not have to perform a troublesome operation such as re-sorting the printed sheets S by the different print processes individually, and also determines which print process result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker 1013. Can be easily known, and the usability can be greatly improved.

<< Fifth Embodiment >> In each of the third and fourth embodiments, information indicating which print processing result has been discharged to which discharge stacker 1013 is displayed on the information display device on the operation panel 1000a. Alternatively, a case has been described in which the information is displayed on each information display device for each of the sheet discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c.

In the fifth embodiment, each of the discharge stackers 10
13a to 13c, the printed sheet S is stored, and when the stored printed sheet S is removed from any of the corresponding discharge stackers 1013, the corresponding discharge sheet stacker 1013 is removed. Then, this is an example of a case where the information display indicating that the printed sheet S to be newly printed is discharged is erased from each information display device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the fifth embodiment.

Also in the case of the fifth embodiment, the image forming processing apparatus of FIG.
The processing shown in FIG.

In step S701, a printed sheet S is stored on each of the discharge stackers 1013a-c against a database that stores the presence or absence of the printed sheet S on all of the discharge stackers 1013a-c. After writing the information that it does not exist, the process proceeds to the next step S702. At this time, the database is usually stored on the RAM 2 in the host computer 3000.

In step S702, these discharged stackers 1013a are checked in order to check whether or not the printed sheets S are accumulated on the discharged stackers 1013a to 1013c.
To set an inspection target index for determining which one of .about.c is to be checked. For example, in this case, after the inspection target index is set for the earliest discharge stacker 1013a, the process proceeds to the next step S703.

In step S703, after the detection information as to whether or not the printed sheets S are already accumulated on the discharge stacker 1013a is obtained from the output from the sheet detection sensor of the discharge stacker 1013a to be inspected here. The process proceeds to the next step S704. In step S704, as a result of examining the information content obtained from the corresponding sheet sensor in step S703, if the printed sheets S are accumulated on the corresponding discharge stacker 1013a,
The process proceeds to step S705, and if not accumulated, proceeds to step S706.

Then, in step S705, the corresponding discharge stacker 10 checked in step S703.
After the information for confirming the presence or absence of the printed sheet S on 13a is written in the database, the process proceeds to the next step S707.

On the other hand, in step S706, it is read from the database whether or not there is a printed sheet S previously on the discharge stacker 1013a checked in step S703. Proceeds to the previous step S705, and if there is no printed sheet S, proceeds to step S709.

In step S707, the discharge stacker 1013 to be inspected is the last discharge stacker 101 of all the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c.
3C, and if it is not the last discharge stacker 1013c, the process proceeds to step S708. If it is the last discharge stacker 1013c, the process proceeds to step S708.
Return to 702.

In step S708, the index to be inspected is advanced to the succeeding paper discharge stacker 1013b.
The process returns to step S703 to continue the same processing.
That is, steps S703 to S7 here
By continuing the processing up to 08, it is possible to easily find the corresponding discharge stacker 1013 in which the printed sheets S are not accumulated, from all the discharge stackers 1013a to 1013c.

Subsequently, in step S709, the information display device on the operation panel 1000a or the respective output stackers 1
The display on the printed sheet S checked in step S703 is deleted from the display information of each information display device for each of 013a to 013c. That is, a series of operations is completed in this manner.

Therefore, the discharge control operation of the printed sheet S in the fifth embodiment is performed by the discharge stacker 1.
At the time point when the accumulated printed sheets S are removed from 013, the display indicating which print processing result has been discharged onto which discharge stacker 1013 can be erased.

As a result, in the case of the fifth embodiment,
The useless information display on the information display device can be eliminated, and it is possible to prepare for a new print processing operation.

<< Sixth Embodiment >> In the sixth embodiment, a printed sheet S is stored in any one of the discharge stackers 10.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a case in which information about whether or not the data has been discharged to the host computer 13 is transmitted to the host computer 3000 externally connected to the LBP 1000.

In the first to fourth embodiments, for example, step S305 in FIG. 3 and step S40 in FIG.
8, step S505 in FIG. 5 and step S6 in FIG.
05, when the printing process is executed, the printed sheet S is removed from any of the discharge stackers 101.
3 was set in advance.

In the case of the sixth embodiment, the discharge destination of the printed sheet S is set to any one of the discharge stackers 101.
3 is transmitted to the host computer 30 via the interface (I / F) 21 as described above.
It is controlled so that 00 is notified. As the interface 21 in this case, any interface that can transmit setting information from the LBP 1000 to the host computer 3000 can be arbitrarily applied. For example, a Centronics interface connected one-to-one with the host computer 3000, or , Ether
A network using net may be used.

Therefore, in the control operation of the fourth embodiment, the information as to which discharge stacker 1013 the printed sheet S to be printed at that time is discharged can be easily known by an external device. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the location where the corresponding LBP 1000 is installed and to confirm the location, and the usability can be improved as in the case of each of the above embodiments.

[0098]

As described above in detail in each embodiment, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of sheets printed by a series of printing processes are discharged to a discharge stacker. Since the output stacker in which the preceding printed sheets are not stored is selected from each output stacker and executed, the printed sheets that have been processed separately on the same output stacker are mixed. Can be prevented beforehand, and the user does not have to perform the troublesome work of individually re-sorting and taking out the printed sheets by the respective print processing, and therefore, the usability of the substantial apparatus is easily and markedly improved. It can be improved and is extremely useful in practical use despite simple means.

On the other hand, when the printed sheet is not discharged, if a discharge stacker in which the first printed sheet is not stored cannot be found, a new printing process and its discharge are not performed, and at this time, While the image data to be printed is stored and held, wait until the preceding printed sheet is removed from any one of the output stackers.
A new print process and its discharge can be started, and printed sheets to be processed thereafter can be easily discharged onto an empty discharge stacker, which can likewise significantly improve the usability of the apparatus. It is.

When the information display device displays information on which discharge stacker the printed sheets have been discharged by a series of printing processes,
There is an advantage that it is possible to easily know which print processing result printed sheet is discharged onto which discharge stacker, and thereby the specified printed sheet after discharge can be taken out without fail. .

In this case, in a state where the printed sheet is removed from the discharge stacker, information indicating that a new printed sheet is being discharged onto the discharge stacker is deleted from the corresponding information display device. In such a case, it is possible to easily prepare for a new print processing operation.

Further, in order to notify the externally connected device of information on which print processing result printed sheet has been discharged onto which discharge stacker, the printed sheet at that time is determined by which discharge sheet is output. Information on whether or not the sheet has been discharged to the stacker can be easily known from an external device, and there is a feature that it is not necessary to go to the place where the printing apparatus is installed and check it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a laser beam printer as an application example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system using the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1000 Laser beam printer (LBP) 1000a Operation panel 1001 Printer control unit 1002 Laser driver 1003 Semiconductor laser 1004 Laser beam 1006 Electrostatic drum 1007 Developing unit 1012 Discharge port 1013, 1013a to 1013c Discharge stacker (discharge stacker) 2000 Main control unit 3000 Host computer 1 CPU 2, 2a-2c RAM 4 System bus 5 Keyboard controller (KBC) 6 CRT controller (CRTC) 7 Memory controller (MC) 8 Printer controller (PRTC) 9 Keyboard (KB) 10 CRT display (CRT) 11 External Memory 12 Printer CPU 13, 13a to 13c ROM 14 External memory 15 System bus 16 Printer unit I / 17 printer 18 input unit 19 RAM 20 memory controller (MC) 21 interface (I / F) S sheet, printed already sheet

Claims (8)

[Claims] 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a plurality of discharge stackers each capable of individually receiving an image-formed sheet obtained by a series of image forming processes, the plurality of discharge stackers being provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers; Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. And a discharge destination switching means for switching to the empty discharge stacker. And to perform the discharge of over preparative, image forming apparatus, characterized in that. 2. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. Destination switching means for switching the image data to be processed, and temporarily storing the image data to be processed when the empty discharge stacker cannot be found. Means for storing the processed image data, and the series of image forming processing operations until the accumulated image-formed sheet from any of the discharge stackers is removed and the corresponding discharge stacker becomes an empty discharge stacker. And an operation control unit that stands by without performing the above operation. When the corresponding empty discharge stacker is obtained with the removal of the image-formed sheet from any of the discharge stackers, the discharge destination switching unit Switch operation, and
The standby state of the operation control unit is released, and the series of image forming processing operations are executed based on the image data stored and held in the processed image data storage unit. An image forming processing apparatus, wherein a newly processed image formed sheet is discharged. 3. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. A discharge destination switching means for switching the image forming process, and a different identification code for each of the series of image forming processing operations, and an optional main display device. And receiving sheet display means for displaying an identification code of a corresponding process on a display portion of the main display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means. The newly processed image-formed sheet is discharged to the discharge stacker, and the discharge stacker, which is the discharge destination of the image-formed sheet at this time, can be identified by the corresponding display content of the main display device. An image forming processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the plurality of discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers and are received. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. A discharge destination switching means for switching to each of the plurality of discharge operations; Receiving sheet display means for arranging an attached display device for each stacker, and displaying an identification code of a corresponding process on the attached display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means, The newly processed image-formed sheet is discharged to the corresponding empty discharge stacker, and the discharge stacker to which the image-formed sheet is discharged at this time can be identified by the display content of the corresponding attached display device. An image forming processing apparatus comprising: 5. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. A discharge destination switching means for switching the image forming process, and a different identification code for each of the series of image forming processing operations, and an optional main display device. Receiving sheet display means for displaying an identification code of a corresponding process on a display portion of the main display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means, and an image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker And a display erasing means for erasing the display contents of the main display device relating to the discharge stacker at the time when the empty discharge stacker is removed and the empty discharge stacker is newly processed. In addition to discharging the image-formed sheet, the discharge stacker to which the image-formed sheet is discharged at this time can be identified by the corresponding display content of the main display device, and the image-formed sheet on the discharge stacker is removed. At this point, the display contents of the main display device relating to the discharge stacker are erased to prepare for the subsequent image processing operation. And an image forming processing apparatus. 6. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. A discharge destination switching means for switching to each of the plurality of discharge operations; Receiving sheet display means for displaying an identification code of a corresponding process on the auxiliary display device corresponding to the empty discharge stacker selected by the discharge destination selecting means after arranging the auxiliary display device for each stacker; And display erasing means for erasing display contents of the attached display device relating to the discharge stacker when the image-formed sheet is removed and becomes an empty discharge stacker. The newly processed image-formed sheet is discharged, and the discharge stacker to which the image-formed sheet is discharged at this time can be identified by the display content of a corresponding attached display device. When the formed sheet is removed, the display contents of the associated display device relating to the discharge stacker are erased, and the subsequent image processing operation is performed. Image forming apparatus according to claim were it to equip the. 7. An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of discharge stackers capable of individually receiving image-formed sheets obtained by a series of image forming processes, wherein the discharge stackers are provided for each of the plurality of discharge stackers. Sheet detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an image-formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker in which the image-formed sheets are not stored, from among the plurality of discharge stackers. A discharge destination selecting means for selecting a discharge destination of the formed sheet; and an empty discharge stacker corresponding to a discharge path of the newly processed image formed sheet based on the sheet detection information obtained by any one of the sheet detection means. To a discharge destination switching means for switching the discharge destination to an external control device externally connected through an appropriate interface. Transmitting means for transmitting the discharge destination information of a new imaged sheets selected by-option unit,
And discharging the newly processed image-formed sheet to the corresponding empty discharge stacker, and displaying the information of the discharge stacker, which is the discharge destination of the image-formed sheet, at this time on the external control device. And an image forming processing apparatus. 8. Each of the units constitutes a main part of a control device for performing a printing process corresponding to the image formation by operating substantially an arbitrary printing device such as a laser beam printer. The image forming processing apparatus according to claim 1.