JPH11286159A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device in which both productivity of printing operation and practicability are compatible and usage is easy for a user. SOLUTION: The image forming device executes a plurality of printing jobs in parallel. In the image forming device, an operation part is equipped with both a start key indicating operation start of a printing job and a liquid crystal indication panel 202 indicating operation after the printing job in which operation start has been indicated when a unit used in the printing job, in which operation start has been indicated, is used in the other printing job. The printing job, in which operation start has been indicated, is executed according to the contents indicated by the liquid crystal panel 202.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when performing a copy operation in a copying machine, after setting various functions, for example, a copy key is pressed to start the copy operation. A series of copy operations executed by pressing the copy key once is called a print job.

In a conventional copier, function setting and execution instructions for a second print job are permitted during the operation of the first print job, and the recording operation of the first print job and the second print job are performed. In some cases, the reading operation of the print job can be performed in parallel to reduce the waiting time for the execution of the second print job.

[0004]

However, in a conventional copying machine, when a unit used in a preceding print job is used in a subsequent print job,
At the start of a subsequent print job, it only warns that the necessary units are in use, and it is not possible to determine what to do with subsequent operations according to the user's wishes, resulting in poor usability. .

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which is compatible with productivity and practicality of a printing operation and which is easy for a user to use.

[0006]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel in a unit used in a subsequent print job. Has job operation instructing means for instructing subsequent operations of the succeeding print job when being used in another preceding print job, and according to the contents instructed by the job operation designating means, The print job is executed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. Is to execute the succeeding print job after using the unit in use of the preceding other print job.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. Then, the setting of the succeeding print job is changed so as not to use the used unit of the preceding other print job, and the subsequent print job is executed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. A job operation instructing unit for instructing either the standby of the subsequent print job or immediate operation, and when the standby of the subsequent print job is instructed by the job operation instruction unit, the preceding When the subsequent print job is executed after the use of the unit in use of another print job to be performed, and the immediate operation of the subsequent print job is instructed by the job operation instructing means, The setting of the succeeding print job is changed so that the used unit of the preceding other print job is not used, and the subsequent print job is executed.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
4. In the image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 4, the unit is a staple unit or a double-sided unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or fourth aspect, the job operation instructing means includes an operation screen for instructing subsequent operations of the subsequent print job. And instructs the operation in accordance with a user's input operation on the operation screen.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 is based on claim 1,
7. The image forming apparatus according to 4 or 6, wherein the setting contents of the job operation instructing means can be initialized.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a digital copying machine to which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of the whole system], [Configuration of the image forming apparatus], [Control system of the image forming apparatus], [Image processing unit (IPU) of the image forming apparatus], [Operation section of the image forming apparatus], [ Example of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus].

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a print system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The print system shown in FIG. 1 is an image forming apparatus 1 having a scanner and a printer function.
00 and a host computer 3 such as a PC for sending print data to the image forming apparatus 100 to perform printing.
00a, 300b, and 300c. The host computers 300a and 300b are connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a LAN.
00c is connected to the image forming apparatus via a parallel I / F. Note that data transmission is not limited to a wired system as shown in the figure, but may be a wireless system. Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a facsimile function, a copy function, and a printer function and employs multi-job, and these facsimile function, copy function,
And the printer function can be executed simultaneously in parallel. For example, the printout of the facsimile function and the printout of the copy function can be executed alternately.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. A document bundle (not shown) placed on a document table 102 of an ADF (automatic document feeder) 101 with a document image surface facing upward is operated by an operation unit 20 described later.
When the start key 205 on the top 1 is pressed, the original is fed from the lowermost original to a predetermined original reading position on the contact glass 105 by the feed roller 103 and the feed belt 104.

The document fed on the contact glass 105 is discharged by the feed belt 104 and the discharge roller 107 after the document image is read by the reading unit 106. Further, the original set detection sensor 108
If it is detected that the next document exists on the document table 102, the next document repeats the same operation as the previous document.
The feed roller 103, the feed belt 104, and the discharge roller 107 are driven by a transport motor (not shown).

The first tray 109 and the second tray 11
The transfer papers stacked on the tray 0 and the third tray 111 are respectively
First paper supply unit 112, second paper supply unit 113, and third paper supply unit 1
The paper is fed by the printer 14, and is transported by the vertical transport unit 115 to a position where it contacts the photoconductor 116. The document image read by the reading unit 106 is written as image data on the photoconductor 116 by a laser (not shown) from the writing unit 117, and is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 118.

Next, the toner image on the photoconductor 116 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 119 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 116. The toner image transferred to the transfer paper is fixed as an image by the fixing unit 120. Subsequently, the transfer paper on which the image has been fixed (hereinafter referred to as an image forming) is discharged by a paper discharge unit 121 to a finisher 122 which is a post-processing device.

The finisher 122 of the post-processing apparatus transfers the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit 121 of the apparatus main body.
Output tray 126 direction and staple processing unit (lower left of drawing)
Can be guided in the direction. The guidance at this time is performed using the switching plate 124. By switching the switching plate 124 upward, the normal paper output tray 126 via the paper discharge roller 123 and the transport roller unit 132
Can be discharged to the side. Further, by switching the switching plate 124 downward, the transport rollers 125 and 127 are switched.
, And can be conveyed to the staple table 128.

The transfer paper stacked on the staple table 128 is aligned with the jogger 129 for paper alignment each time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 130 when a part of the copy is completed. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 130 is stored in the staple completed paper discharge tray 131 by its own weight.

On the other hand, a normal paper discharge tray 126 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The discharge tray 126 that can be moved back and forth is provided for each document or for an image memory 50 described later.
1, the copy paper that moves back and forth and is simply discharged is sorted for each part of the copy sorted by 1.

When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the first tray 109, the second tray 110, and the third tray 11
By setting the branching claw 133 for path switching on the upper side without guiding the transfer paper fed and imaged from No. 1 to the discharge tray 126 side, the double-sided paper feeding unit 134 is once set.
Stock at

Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the duplex paper feeding unit 134 is fed again from the duplex paper feeding unit 134, and after the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 116 is transferred, branching for path switching is performed. When the claw 133 is set on the lower side, it is guided to the paper discharge tray 126. As described above, the duplex sheet feeding unit 134 is used when forming an image on both sides of the transfer sheet.

The photosensitive member 116, the conveying belt 119, the fixing unit 120, the paper discharging unit 121, and the developing unit 1
Reference numeral 18 is driven by a main motor 403 (see FIG. 3), and the first paper supply unit 112, the second paper supply unit 113, and the third paper supply unit 114 drive the main motor 403 by the first motor, respectively.
Paper feed clutch 404 (see FIG. 3), second paper feed clutch 4
05 (see FIG. 3) and the third paper feed clutch 406 (see FIG. 3). The vertical transport unit 115 controls the driving of the main motor by the intermediate clutch 4.
07 (see FIG. 3).

Next, an image reading operation in the reading unit 106 and an image writing operation in the writing unit 117, that is, an operation until a latent image is formed on a recording surface will be described. Here, the latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image to light information and irradiating the image on the photoconductor surface.

First, the reading unit 106 includes a contact glass 105 on which a document is placed, and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 135, a first
Mirror 136, lens 137, CCD image sensor 1
38, a second mirror 139, a third mirror 140, and the like. Exposure lamp 135 and first mirror 136
Is fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 139 and the third mirror 140 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown).

The original image is read by the CCD image sensor 138, converted into an electric signal, and processed. Lens 137 and CCD image sensor 138
By moving in the left-right direction (in FIG. 1),
The image magnification changes. That is, the positions of the lens 137 and the CCD image sensor 138 in the left-right direction are set corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 117 comprises a laser output unit 141, an imaging lens 142 and a mirror 143. Inside the laser output unit 141, a laser diode (not shown) as a laser light source and a motor (not shown) are provided. ), A rotating polygon mirror (hereinafter, referred to as a polygon mirror and not shown) that rotates at a high speed at a constant speed is provided.

The laser light emitted from the laser output unit 141 is polarized by a polygon mirror rotating at a constant speed, passes through the imaging lens 142, is turned back by the mirror 143, and is focused and formed on the surface of the photoconductor 116. .

The polarized laser beam is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photoconductor 116 rotates, and a selector 502 of an image processing unit 402 described later.
(See FIG. 5) The recording of the image signal output from each line is performed. By repeating the main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor 116, an image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 116.

As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 117 is applied to the photoconductor 116.
A beam sensor (not shown) that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position near one end of the photoconductor 116 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting and outputting an image signal described later are performed.

[Control System of Image Forming Apparatus] Next, a control system of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a control system of the image forming apparatus. As shown, a main controller 401 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus.
Each part is arranged around. The main controller 401 includes an operation unit 201 that performs display to an operator and input of function setting from the operator, control of a scanner, control of writing a document image in an image memory, and image forming operation of an image stored in the image memory 501. An image processing unit (IPU) 402 for performing control and the like, and a distributed control device such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) 101 are connected. Each of these distributed control devices (operation unit 201, IPU4
02, the ADF 101) and the main controller 401 transmit and receive the state of the machine and the operation command as needed.

The main controller 401 includes a printer controller 600, a main motor 403 used for driving paper conveyance and the like, a first paper feed clutch 404, and a second
The paper feed clutch 405, the third paper feed clutch 406, and the intermediate clutch 406 are connected. The main controller 401 includes a main motor 403 and each of the clutches 4.
The drive control of 04 to 407 is performed.

The printer controller 600 analyzes an image received from the outside (a host computer or the like) and a command for print instruction, develops a bitmap into a state in which it can be printed as image data, analyzes a print mode from the command, and determines an operation. ing. LA and the above image and command
The LAN control unit 601 and the parallel I / F control unit 602 function to receive and operate through the N and parallel I / F.

[Image Processing Unit of Image Forming Apparatus (IP
U)] Next, referring to FIG. 4, the image processing unit (IP
The block configuration of U) 402 will be described in detail.

First, the irradiation light from the exposure lamp 51 irradiates the surface of the original and is imaged on the CCD image sensor 138 of the reading unit 106 by an imaging lens (not shown). CCD image sensor 1 of reading unit 106
Numeral 38 photoelectrically converts the received original image to generate image data (analog electric signal).
After being converted into a digital signal by the converter 503 and subjected to shading correction by the shading correction circuit 504, the MTF / γ correction circuit 505 outputs the MTF.
Correction and γ correction processing are performed.

The selector 502 has an MTF / γ correction circuit 5
The image data input from the first print synthesizing unit 506 through the first print synthesizing unit 506 is converted into a scaling circuit 508 through the second print synthesizing unit 507.
Alternatively, the image data is switched and supplied to the memory controller 510, and the image data that has passed through the scaling circuit 508 is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the scaling factor and sent to the writing unit 117. The selector 502 switches and supplies image data input from the external image circuit 520 to the scaling circuit 508 or the memory controller 510 via the second print synthesizing unit 507.

On the other hand, between the memory controller 510 and the selector 502, image data can be input and output bidirectionally. Although not specifically shown in FIG.
The U402 can process not only image data input from the reading unit 106 but also image data supplied from the outside via the I / O port 514, for example, data input from a data processing device such as a personal computer. It has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data.

The IPU 402 includes a CPU 511 for setting various information (commands) to the memory controller 510 and the like and controlling the reading unit 106 and the writing unit 117, and a ROM 512 and a RAM 513 storing programs and data of the CPU 511. And Further, the CPU 511 includes the memory controller 51
In this configuration, writing or reading of data in the image memory 501 is performed via the “0”.

Next, one page of image data in the selector 502 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart of image data for one page. A frame gate signal (hereinafter, "/ FGAT"
E ") represents an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. Main scan synchronization signal (hereinafter, referred to as
“/ LSYNC” is for each line, and
Image data becomes valid at a predetermined clock after LSYNC rises. Line gate signal (hereinafter, "/ LGA
Is a signal indicating that image data in the main scanning direction is valid.

These / FGATE, / LSYNC and /
LGATE is synchronized with a pixel synchronization signal (hereinafter abbreviated as “VCLK”), and data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of VCLK.

Although detailed description is omitted, the IPU 40
2 is a separate / for image input and image output, respectively.
FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE and VCLK
, And by performing phase adjustment and the like in the case of directly outputting the read original image (image data), various combinations of image input / output can be realized.

Next, the memory controller 510 and the image memory 501 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the memory controller 510 and the image memory 501. The memory controller 510 includes an input data selector 701, an image synthesis unit 702, a primary compression / decompression unit 703, an output data selector 704, and a secondary compression / decompression unit 705.
The setting of the control data in each section is performed by the CPU 511. The addresses and data shown in FIG. 4 indicate the addresses and data of the image data.
The data and address of the control data connected to 1 are omitted.

The image memory 501 includes a primary storage device 706
And a secondary storage device 707. The primary storage device 706 performs writing to the image memory 501 substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data, or reading from the image memory 501 at the time of image output at a high speed.
For example, a DRAM or the like that can be accessed at high speed is used. Further, the primary storage device 706 is configured to divide into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed and to simultaneously execute input / output of image data (not shown,
Interface unit with the memory controller 510).

The memory controller 510 and the interface unit are divided into two sets, one for reading and one for writing, so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel in each divided area of the primary storage device. Address of
Connected by data line. Thus, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 becomes possible.

The secondary storage device 707 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If both the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707 use elements that can be accessed at high speed, data processing is performed without distinction between the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707, and the memory controller 51
Although the control of 0 is relatively easy, the elements such as the DRAM are expensive, so that the access speed of the primary storage device 706 is set to be high and the input / output data is processed.
It is needless to say that a high-speed device such as a DRAM may be used for the secondary storage device 707 as well as the primary storage device 706.

By configuring the image memory 501 with the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707 as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, it can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 510 will be described. First, image input (storage in the image memory 501) will be described.

The input data selector 701 selects image data to be written to the primary storage device 706 from a plurality of data. The image data selected by the input data selector 701 is supplied to the image synthesizing unit 702, and is synthesized with the data already stored in the image memory 501 by the image synthesizing unit 702. The image data processed by the image synthesizing unit 702 is subjected to data compression by a primary compression / decompression unit 703, and the compressed data is written to a primary storage device 706. The data written in the primary storage device 706 is transferred to the secondary compression / decompression unit 705 as necessary.
After further compression, the data is stored in the secondary storage device 707.

Next, image output (reading of image data from the image memory 501) will be described. First, at the time of image output, image data stored in the primary storage device 706 is read. Even when the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 706, the primary compression / decompression unit 703 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 706 and outputs the decompressed data or the decompressed data. The output data selector 704 selects and outputs data after image synthesis of the input data and the input data.

The image synthesizing unit 702 includes a primary storage device 706
With the input data (having the function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selecting the output destination of the synthesized data (image output, write-back to the primary storage device 706, simultaneous output to both output destinations) Output is also possible).

The image to be output is the primary storage device 706
If the image data is not stored in the secondary storage device 707, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 707 is
05, and the expanded data is stored in the primary storage device 70.
After writing the data in No. 6, the above-described image output operation is performed.

[Operation Section of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation section 201 of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 201 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 202, as shown in FIG.
Numeric keys 203, clear / stop key 204, start key 205, switch key 207, test print key 2
08, a mode clear key and the like.

The liquid crystal touch panel 202 has function keys,
A message indicating the number of copies and the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed. The test print key 208 is a key for printing a part of the print regardless of the set number of prints and confirming a print result. Also, the switching key 207
Are a "copy" key 207a, a "stored copy" key 207b, and a "printer" key 207c for switching between a copy function, a stored copy function, and a printer function, respectively.

Here, the copy function is a function of copying an image read by a scanner (reading unit 206) on a transfer sheet by a designated operation. What is the printer function?
This is a function to print out based on image data and a print command received from the outside (a host computer or the like) via a LAN and a parallel I / F (see FIG. 1). The storage copy function is a function of storing an image read by a scanner or image data transmitted from the outside, and printing the image data in accordance with an operation of a machine.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the operator touches the key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 202, the key indicating the selected function is turned black. If the details of the function need to be specified (for example, if the magnification is a magnification, a scaling value is displayed), touching a key displays a detailed function setting screen. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel 202 uses the dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.

FIGS. 8 to 22 show the liquid crystal touch panel 2.
It is the figure which showed the example of a display of 02. Hereinafter, display examples of the liquid crystal touch panel 202 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 shows a screen for selecting and setting a copy function. The screen for selecting and setting the copy function is displayed when the “copy” key 207a in FIG. 7 is pressed. In the screen shown in Fig. 8, the upper left is "Can copy",
A message area that displays a message such as "Please wait", the upper right corner displays the number of copies that displays the number of copies set, the lower part of the message area has an automatic density key that automatically adjusts the image density in order from the top, Automatic paper selection key to automatically select the transfer paper, same-size key to set the magnification to the same size, staple key to specify the process to bind the sorted sheets one by one, and the process to sort the copies for each page Equipped with a stack key to specify, a stamp, a print key to set printing of date and page, etc., an erase / move key to set erase / move, a two-sided key to set duplex mode, and a scaling key to set enlargement / reduction magnification. .

FIG. 9 shows an operation screen of the printer function.
The operation screen for this printer function is shown in FIG.
Displayed when key 207c is pressed. The screen shown in FIG. 9 includes an online / offline key for setting permission of a print request, a forced ejection key for instructing forcible ejection of an image that has not been ejected in the data-in state, and a data-in display unit for indicating a data input state of image data. And a setting status display unit for notifying the setting status of the transfer paper.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show operation screens for the storage copy function. This accumulated copy operation screen is displayed by pressing the “accumulated copy” key 207b in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows each file list screen of the stored image data. On this screen, the user name, file name, number of pages, and registration time of the transferred image are displayed. The item “order” indicates the printing order,
A plurality of output designations can be set individually, and the output is performed in the order of setting. In the figure, the hatched portion indicates the file whose output is specified.

The "print" key 202a is a key for shifting to a screen for printing the set file (see FIG. 11). A “read” key 202b is a key for shifting to a screen for storing an image from the scanner. The "cancel" key is used to cancel the file selection set for output. The “↑ ↓” key is used to scroll the screen when the number of files exceeds the number of files that can be displayed at one time. A “delete” key 202c is a key for deleting a selected file.

FIG. 11 shows a storage copy output setting screen. This storage copy output setting screen is displayed when the “print” key 202a is pressed on the screen of FIG. This screen is a screen for setting output conditions. Output conditions can be set and the copy operation can be started with the start key 205. If a plurality of files are set, they are processed as a group of images connected in the order of setting. Therefore, when the stapling mode is set, stapling is performed not for each file but for all images.

FIG. 12 shows a screen for executing the storage operation from the scanner. "Read" key 20 on the screen of FIG.
Displayed when 2b is pressed. On this screen, each mode is set, and the reading operation is started with the start key 205. The user name and file name of this file are automatically set as shown in the figure. If there are multiple files, they are named so that the file names can be distinguished. The reading operation is terminated with the reading end key, and the file is closed.

FIG. 13 shows a screen for selecting a file to be deleted when deleting the file. The file selection and the screen for printing are also used. After the selection, the “print” key 202a
Is pressed or the "Delete" key 202c is pressed to switch the processing of the selected file. When the "delete" key 202c is pressed on this screen, a deletion confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

FIG. 14 shows the screen shown in FIG.
7 shows a screen for confirming deletion processing after pressing a key 202c. When the “YES” key 202d is pressed on this screen, the image information of the specified file is deleted, and FIG.
The screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. On the other hand, in the screen of FIG.
When the “NO” key 202e is pressed, the deletion of the specified file is stopped, and the screen returns to the screen in FIG. 13 where no file is selected.

FIG. 15 shows a screen after executing the deletion process. There is no information on the file designated to be deleted, and a “Resurrection” key 2 is used instead of the “Delete” key 202c as a key for canceling the deletion of the deleted file (image).
02f is displayed. When the "Resume" key 202f is pressed during the period in which this key is displayed, the file deleted immediately before can be restored, and the file can be returned to a printable state.

As for the resurrection function, the resurrection can be facilitated by storing the fact that the actual image information is not deleted but deleted. In this case, the restoration process can be performed without increasing the entire image storage capacity until a new file accumulation process. In order to be able to recover even after new storage, it is necessary to separately prepare a memory for reuse, otherwise the image data will be overwritten during new storage.

FIG. 16 shows a password input screen at the time of reading. FIG. 7 shows a screen for restricting printing operation by attaching a password to a printed file in order to restrict printing of an image read during a document reading operation. This FIG.
If you set the password on the screen shown in and perform the reading operation of the original, when you print this read image,
Printing is not permitted unless the same password is entered.
That is, in order to solve a security problem, a password is input at the time of reading an image, and printing cannot be performed unless the password is input at the time of printing.

FIG. 17 shows a screen for prompting the user to input a password at the time of printing and deletion designation selection for a file for which a password is set at the time of printing. When the password is entered, the screen returns to the selection screen and the file is highlighted and selected.
If the passwords do not match, return to the list screen without selecting a file. Regarding password, if password information is added even when storing images from outside,
At the time of printing, similar processing is performed. In this case, it is necessary to allow a driver or the like on the external host to input a password.

FIGS. 18 to 20 show warning screens displayed when a unit required for operation is used by a print job that is operating first. FIG. 18 shows a warning screen when a unit used in a succeeding print job is being used in a preceding print job. On this screen, when the user wants to operate immediately without using the unit in use, pressing the “immediate continuation” key 202g instructs to immediately operate without using the unit in use. be able to. When the user wants to continue the standby until the unit can be used, the user can depress the “standby for use” key 202h to instruct to continue the standby until the unit can be used.

FIG. 19 shows a "unit standby standby screen" displayed when the "standby" key 202h is pressed on the screen of FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a "screen for notifying an action change" displayed when the "immediate continuation" key 202g is pressed on the screen of FIG.

FIG. 21 shows an initial setting screen for initially setting how to perform subsequent operations of a succeeding job when a unit used for the succeeding print job is being used for another print job. is there. In this screen, "Acquisition wait" key 2
When 02i is selected, the standby is continued until the unit becomes usable. When the “unused continuation” key 202j is selected, the operation is performed immediately without using the unit in use. When the "warning confirmation" key 202k is selected, the warning screen shown in FIG. 18 asking the user to select either "standby" or "continue immediately" is displayed.
This initial setting will be stored in the memory.

[Example of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining processing at the start of a printing operation of the image forming apparatus. Hereinafter, an example of a process at the start of the printing operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22 and the display examples of FIGS.
More specifically, an arbitration operation in a case where a unit used in a print job instructed to start operation (a subsequent print job) is being used in another preceding print job will be described. Here, the units used will be described as a double-sided unit (such as the double-sided paper feeding unit 134) and a staple unit (such as the stapler 130).

The reason why these two units are used is that these units have a mechanism that cannot perform an alternate operation for each print. More specifically, since both sides and staples are temporarily stacked on the intermediate tray in a unit of a page bundle,
If a unit is used by another print job in the middle of the preceding print job, for example, in the case of stapling, stapling is performed in a state where the prints of the preceding print job and the succeeding print job are mixed. Therefore, it is necessary to manage at least a part so that printed matter is not mixed. In particular, when there is a unit having operation characteristics, such processing is necessary.

In FIG. 22, first, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not there is a print operation start instruction (step S10). If the result of this determination is that there is a print operation start instruction, the flow moves to step S11, whereas if there is no print operation start instruction, the flow ends. Here, the print operation start instruction is a copy start instruction when the start key 205 of the operation unit 201 of the image forming apparatus is pressed in the case of the copy function. This is reception of data from a host computer or the like.

In the step S11, it is determined whether or not the use unit is set. If the result of this determination is that a unit has not been set, the flow moves to step S17 to start operation, while the unit (for example, “double-sided”
If “Staple” is set, the main controller 401 is requested to obtain a use of a required (set) unit (step S12).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the necessary units can be obtained (step S13). If the necessary units (for example, "double-sided" and "staple") can be obtained, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if the required unit cannot be obtained, that is, if the required unit is being used in another print job, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, it is determined what initial setting (see FIG. 21) the operation setting is. If "acquisition standby" is set, the process proceeds to step S18 and "warning confirmation" is performed. Is set, the process proceeds to step S15. If "unused continuation" is set, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S18 (waiting for acquisition),
For example, as shown in FIG. 19, "unit use standby" is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 202 of the operation unit 201, and a required unit acquisition request is sent to the main controller 401, so that the required unit can be used. Then, the operation is automatically started (Step S17).

In step S20 (continuation of non-use), the operation is changed to an operation in which the unit currently in use is not used (see FIG. 20).
“Staple” is changed to “sort”, and the operation is started (step S17). In the display example shown in FIG.
"Double-sided" is released, and "staple" is changed to "sort" is displayed.

In step S15 (warning confirmation), for example, the screen shown in FIG.
In addition to displaying a warning that "the required unit is in use", the "immediate continuation" key 202g and the "standby" key 2
02h is displayed to urge the user to select “continue immediately” or “standby”. This warning display is deleted when the operation starts.

Then, the user waits for a key input (step S16). When the "standby" key 202h is pressed, the flow shifts to step S18 to be in the acquisition standby state, while the "immediate continuation" key 202g is pressed. If so, the process moves to step S20 to change the setting to an operable one, and starts the operation (step S17).

As described above, in the present embodiment, a unit (for example, a staple unit or a duplex unit) used in a print job instructed to start operation (a succeeding print job) is replaced by another preceding unit. When a print job in use is in use, the subsequent operation of the print job whose operation start is instructed can be instructed. Even when the units to be used compete with each other, it is possible to execute the print job instructed to start the operation in a manner according to the request of the user, and the convenience for the user is improved.

In this embodiment, a unit (for example, a staple unit or a duplex unit) used in a print job instructed to start operation (a succeeding print job) is being used in another preceding print job. In the case of, when the “start of use” of the print job instructed to start the operation is instructed, the operation is started after the unit in use of the preceding other print job is used. In other words, the operation of starting execution after waiting for the end of use of a unit used in another preceding job is guaranteed, and the operation is automatically started when the unit is released, so that operability can be improved. Thus, the unit can be restarted immediately after the unit is released, and the reduction in productivity can be minimized.

In the present embodiment, a unit (for example, a staple unit or a duplex unit) used in a print job instructed to start operation (a succeeding print job) is being used in another preceding print job. In the case of, the “immediate continuation”
Is instructed, the setting of the print job instructed to start the operation is changed so that the unit used in the preceding print job is not used, and the print job instructed to start the operation is changed. Since it is decided to execute, the standby state of the print operation can be eliminated, and the overall productivity can be improved. Also, when an abnormality occurs in the previously executed print job, it is scheduled to be used It is possible to prevent a situation in which printing is not performed when a state in which the unit is not released for a long time occurs.

In the present embodiment, the units that compete for use are the staple unit or the double-sided unit. effective.

In this embodiment, a unit (for example, a staple unit or a duplex unit) used in a print job instructed to start operation (a succeeding print job) is being used in another preceding print job. In the case of (1), an operation screen (see FIG. 18) for instructing the subsequent operation of the print job in which the operation start has been instructed is provided, and the operation start is instructed on this operation screen in accordance with the user's input operation. Since the subsequent operation of the job is determined, it is possible to respond to the user's needs in detail. In addition, the content of the print job allows the user to make a judgment, and in the case of urgency, the printing operation is performed without using a competing unit and the printout is completed immediately. It is possible to perform a print operation that emphasizes the finish.

In this embodiment, a unit (for example, a staple unit or a duplex unit) used in a print job instructed to start operation (a succeeding print job) is being used in another preceding print job. In the case of (1), since the instruction content of the subsequent operation of the print job for which the operation start is instructed can be initialized on the operation screen (see FIG. 21), the user's operation can be saved and the operation can be saved. Performance can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0093]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. Further includes job operation instructing means for instructing subsequent operations of the subsequent print job, and executing the subsequent print job in accordance with the content specified by the job operation designating means. Even when the units used in other preceding print jobs conflict with each other, it is possible to execute the print job instructed to start operation in a mode according to the user's request,
User convenience is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. Is to execute the succeeding print job after using the unit in use of the preceding other print job, so that the operability can be improved and the unit can be restarted immediately after the unit is released. Thus, it is possible to minimize the decrease in productivity.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. Since the setting of the subsequent print job is changed so as not to use the unit in use of the preceding print job, and the subsequent print job is executed, the standby state of the print operation is changed. Can be eliminated and the overall productivity can be improved, and when a unit that is to be used is not released for a long time, such as when an error occurs in a print job executed earlier, etc. Can be prevented from being printed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job. A job operation instructing unit for instructing either a standby for a succeeding print job or an immediate operation. When the job operation instructing unit instructs to wait for a subsequent print job, another preceding print job is performed. After the unit in use of the job is used, the succeeding print job is executed, and when the job operation instructing means instructs immediate operation of the succeeding print job, the setting of the subsequent print job is performed. Since the unit in use of the preceding print job is changed to not be used and the subsequent print job is executed, operability can be improved and immediately after the unit is released. A decrease in productivity can be a possible resumption can be suppressed to a minimum. On the other hand, it is possible to eliminate the waiting state of the printing operation and improve the overall productivity, and if the unit to be used has a long period of time, for example, when an abnormality occurs in a previously executed print job. It is possible to prevent a situation in which printing is not performed when an unreleased state occurs. That is, it is possible to achieve both productivity and practicality of the printing operation.

The invention according to claim 5 relates to claims 1 to
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the conflicting unit is a staple unit or a double-sided unit. effective.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first or fourth aspect, the job operation instructing means includes an operation screen for instructing subsequent operations of the print job instructed to start the operation. Since the operation instruction is given on the operation screen according to the user's input operation, it is possible to respond to the user's needs in detail.

The invention according to claim 7 is based on claim 1,
In the image forming apparatus described in 4 or 6, since the setting contents of the job operation instructing means can be initialized, it is possible to save the user's operation trouble and improve the operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a print system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an image processing unit (IP) of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of U).

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of an image signal for one page.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a memory controller and an image memory illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

8 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

11 is an explanatory view (part 4) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

12 is an explanatory view (No. 5) showing an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

13 is an explanatory view (No. 6) showing an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view (No. 7) showing an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

15 is an explanatory view (No. 8) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

16 is an explanatory view (No. 9) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view (part 10) of a display screen example of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

18 is an explanatory view (No. 11) of a display screen example of the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

19 is an explanatory view (No. 12) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

20 is an explanatory view (13) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

21 is an explanatory diagram (14) of an example of a display screen on the liquid crystal touch panel of the operation unit in FIG. 7;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) 102 Document Plate 103 Feed Roller 104 Feed Belt 105 Contact Glass 106 Reading Unit 107 Discharge Roller 108 Document Set Detection Sensor 109 First Tray 110 Second Tray 111 Third Tray 112 First Feed Paper unit 113 Second paper feed unit 114 Third paper feed unit 115 Vertical transport unit 117 Writing unit 118 Developing unit 122 Finisher 134 Double-sided paper feed unit 201 Operation unit 202 LCD touch panel 203 Numeric keys 204 Clear / Stop key 205 Start key 206 Initial setting Key 207 Switching key 208 Test key 401 Main controller 402 Image processing unit (IPU) 501 Image memory 502 Selector 506 First print synthesizing unit 5 07 Second print synthesizing unit 510 Memory controller 511 CPU 512 ROM 513 RAM 514 I / O port 701 Input data selector 702 Image synthesizing unit 703 Primary compression / expansion unit 704 Output data selector 705 Secondary compression / expansion unit 706 Primary storage Device 707 secondary storage device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03G 21/00 386 G03G 21/00 386 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 C

Claims (7)

[Claims] In an image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, when a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job, the subsequent print job is executed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a job operation instructing unit for instructing a subsequent operation of a job; and executing the subsequent print job in accordance with the content designated by the job operation designating unit. 2. An image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, wherein, when a unit to be used in a succeeding print job is being used in another preceding print job, the other one of the preceding print jobs is used. An image forming apparatus that executes a subsequent print job after using the unit in use of the print job. 3. An image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, wherein, when a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job, the subsequent print job Wherein the setting is changed so that the unit in use of the preceding other print job is not used, and the subsequent print job is executed. 4. An image forming apparatus capable of executing a plurality of print jobs in parallel, wherein, when a unit used in a subsequent print job is being used in another preceding print job, said subsequent print job Job operation instructing means for instructing either the standby or immediate operation of the print job, and when the job operation instructing means instructs to wait for the subsequent print job, After the used unit is used, the subsequent print job is executed. If the job operation instructing unit instructs the immediate operation of the subsequent print job, the subsequent print job is executed. An image forming apparatus, wherein the setting is changed so that the used unit of the preceding other print job is not used, and the subsequent print job is executed. 5. The unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit is a staple unit or a double-sided unit.
5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 4. 6. The job operation instructing means includes an operation screen for instructing subsequent operations of the subsequent print job, and performing the operation instruction in response to a user's input operation on the operation screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting contents of said job operation instruction means can be initialized.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.