JP3728101B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of receiving a plurality of image jobs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With recent advances in network technology, some printers and copiers having a printer function are also compatible with the network, and some of them can process a plurality of print jobs from a plurality of clients on the network. Among them, there is one in which priority can be set for each of a plurality of print jobs including a copy job and the output urgency can be set. By providing this function, print scheduling that is more convenient for the user can be performed. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the output scheduling more flexibly by enabling the priority to be changed for an arbitrary job among a plurality of jobs scheduled according to the priority set by this function. Become.
[0003]
In addition, since the copying machine and the printer are provided with an image storage device such as a hard disk, that is, an image server, the image input processing for the number of copies is not performed as in the case of the previous copying machine and printer, and one image for all the original images. Multiple copies can be printed by input processing. By providing this function, the image input processing can be released quickly, that is, the binding time of the user such as collection of document bundles or transfer of documents on the network can be shortened. In addition, a plurality of print job processes can be performed more efficiently.
[0004]
Copiers and printers equipped with an image storage device also take advantage of the feature that multiple copies can be generated by a single image input process, and even if the same multiple copies are output, the final output is achieved by simultaneously generating multiple copies. There are more types of discharge processing units (finishers) that complete output bundles part by part than discharge processing units (sorters) that slow down completion of bundles.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a copier and printer that includes this finisher type discharge processing unit and schedules a plurality of print jobs using each priority, the finisher basically has a configuration in which output bundles are accumulated in one stacking unit. Therefore, if a job with a higher priority than the currently processed print job is processed by an interrupt as a result of scheduling, the output bundles of other print jobs are stacked in the output bundle group of one print job. There is a drawback in that it becomes difficult for the user to understand how much the output bundle of the job that the user has output.
[0006]
The present invention takes into account the above points, and for example, an image forming apparatus including a finisher-type discharge processing unit having at least two stacking units that are separated depending on whether post-processing such as stapling is performed or not can be output quickly. Therefore, even when the priority order is changed, an image forming apparatus capable of improving the usability of the user is provided so that the form after output does not become a form in which the consistency of each job is disturbed like the above-mentioned defect. The purpose is to do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs according to an output order based on a priority order given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, and forming and outputting an image. A plurality of stacking means for stacking sheets imaged by the image output means; In accordance with the priority change request, priority order changing means for changing the priority order of the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders to the highest priority order, and the first image changed by the priority order changing means. If the priority of the job is higher than the priority of the second image job having the first output order, the first image job and the second image job are not displayed when the second image job is before execution. The output order is changed, and when the second image job is being executed, the second image job is interrupted and the first image job is interrupted according to the presence or absence of post-processing after image formation for the first and second image jobs. Whether to prioritize image jobs On which of the plurality of stacking means the sheet on which the image is formed is stacked And a control means for determining.
[0008]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs post-processing after the second image job is being executed and the first and second image jobs are formed. When the job is a job, the output order of the first image job is set to the output order next to the second image job, the second image job is being executed, and the first image job is subjected to image formation. When the second image job is a job for which post-processing is not performed and the second image job is a job for post-processing after image formation, the second image job is interrupted and the first and first images are processed. Change the output order of 2 image jobs The sheet formed with the image in the first image job is stacked on the stacking unit different from the sheet formed with the image in the second image job. It is characterized by that.
[0009]
Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs post-processing after the image formation with the first image job and the second image job being executed. If there is no job, the output order of the first image job is the next output order of the second image job, the second image job is being executed, and the first image job is an image. When the second image job is a job that performs post-processing after formation and the second image job is not subjected to post-processing after image formation, the second image job is interrupted and the first and Change the output order of the second image job The sheet formed with the image in the first image job is stacked on the stacking unit different from the sheet formed with the image in the second image job. It is characterized by that.
[0010]
Further, the invention of claim 4 according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the priority order changing means includes the output order display means and a selection means for selecting the output order on the display means. The priority order of the image job selected by the selection means is changed to the highest priority order.
[0011]
Furthermore, the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that in any one of claims 1 to 4, it further comprises means for changing the priority given in advance.
[0012]
Furthermore, the invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the post-processing after the image formation is a binding process of the sheet on which the image is formed.
[0013]
Further, the invention according to claim 7 is an image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs in accordance with an output order based on a priority given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, forming an image, and outputting the image jobs;
A plurality of stacking means for stacking sheets imaged by the image output means; In accordance with the priority change request, priority order changing means for changing the priority order of the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders to the highest priority order, and the first image changed by the priority order changing means. If the priority of the job is higher than the priority of the second image job having the first output order, the first image job and the second image job are not displayed when the second image job is before execution. When the second image job is being executed, the second image job is not interrupted and the output order of the first image job is set to the next output order of the second image job. Then, the sheet on which the image is formed in the first image job is stacked on the same stacking unit as the sheet on which the image is formed in the second image job. And a control means.
[0014]
Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the priority order changing means includes the output order display means and a selection means for selecting the output order on the display means, and the selection means selects the output order. The priority order of the processed image job is changed to the highest priority order.
[0015]
Furthermore, the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that, in claim 7 or 8, the apparatus further comprises means for changing the priority given in advance.
[0016]
Further, the invention of claim 10 is directed to an image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs in the order of output based on priorities given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, and forming and outputting images, and post-processing after image formation Whether post-processing means for performing , And whether the post-processing means has one or more outlets A first priority change processing mode and a first priority change processing mode for executing different processes in response to the detection results of the detection means when there is a request for changing the priority order of a plurality of image jobs. And a priority change processing mode executing means for executing one of the two priority change processing modes.
[0017]
Further, the invention according to claim 11 is the method according to claim 10, wherein the priority order change processing mode execution means gives the highest priority to the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders according to the priority order change request. A priority order changing means for changing the priority order, and when executing the first priority order change processing mode, the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is the first in the output order. If the priority order of the second image job is higher, the output order of the first image job and the second image job is switched when the second image job is before execution, and the second image job Is being executed, whether or not to interrupt the second image job and preferentially execute the first image job according to the presence or absence of post-processing after image formation for the first and second image jobs. Or And from which outlet the imaged sheet is discharged When the second priority order change processing mode is executed, the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is the priority order of the second image job having the first output order. When the second image job is before execution, the output order of the first image job and the second image job is switched, and when the second image job is being executed, the second image job is executed. 2 and the output order of the first image job is the next output order of the second image job. The sheet formed with the image in the first image job is discharged from the same discharge port as the sheet formed with the image in the second image job. It is characterized by doing.
[0018]
The invention of claim 12 is the invention of claim 11, , The priority order change processing mode execution means Inspection Based on the detection result of the output means, when there is one discharge port of the post-processing means, the second priority order change processing mode is executed, and when there are two or more discharge ports of the post-processing means, The first priority order change processing mode is executed.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which 100 is an image forming apparatus main body and 180 is an automatic document feeder (DF). In FIG. 1, 101 is a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 is a scanner, and includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. The scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is transmitted through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 to form an image on the CCD sensor 109. An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 120 sensitizes a laser beam 129 that is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and modulated based on an image signal subjected to predetermined image processing to be described later. The body drum 110 is irradiated. Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided. In the image forming unit 126, the photosensitive drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown). After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, a laser from the exposure control unit 120 is obtained. Light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.
[0020]
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pick-up rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the feed rollers 135 and 136 and fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 137 to be visualized. The toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum is cleaned of residual toner by the cleaner device 116 and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114. After the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the transfer belt 130, and the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, sent to the fixing device 141, and fixed by pressurization and heating. Discharged outside.
[0021]
The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 that can store, for example, 4000 transfer sheets. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. In addition, a multi-manual feed 153 that can accommodate 100 transfer sheets is provided. Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched from the double-sided recording side to the multiple recording side by the tiller paper flapper 154. Reference numeral 158 denotes a lower conveyance path. The transfer sheet sent from the sheet discharge roller 142 is turned over through the reverse path 155 and guided to the refeed tray 156. Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting the multiple flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower conveyance path 158 without going through the reverse path 155. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller that feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 side through the path 160. Reference numeral 161 denotes a discharge roller which is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer paper switched to the discharge side by the paper discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the apparatus. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the copied transfer paper is stored in the refeed tray 156 via the transport paths 155 and 158. At this time, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right during double-sided recording, and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left during multiple recording. The transfer sheets stored in the refeed tray 156 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 137 of the main body via the path 160 by the sheet feed roller 159. When the transfer paper is inverted and cultivated from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the flapper 157 is tilted to the right, the copied transfer paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 155 side, and the trailing edge of the transfer paper is After passing through the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller side by the reverse roller 163, and the transfer paper is turned over by the discharge roller 161 and discharged outside the apparatus.
[0022]
Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing device as a post-processing unit that aligns and binds the transfer paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, and is detachable and can receive the transfer paper discharged from the discharge roller 161 of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit as shown in FIG. 2 is attached as follows, and is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via a cable (and connecting unit such as a connector) (not shown). Be controlled. In a later-described operation unit 172, when a bundled post-processing operation such as sorting or stapling is not set, the sheet passes through the conveyance path 194 and is discharged to the discharge tray 191 one by one without passing through the post-processing tray 193. The When the sheet bundle post-processing operation is set, the transfer sheets that are discharged one by one through the conveyance path 195 are stacked and arranged on the processing tray 193. When the discharge of part of the image formation is completed, the transfer sheet bundle is stapled (binding process) and discharged to the discharge tray 191 or 192 as a bundle. When the bundled sheet post-processing operation is set, the bundle is basically discharged to the sheet discharge tray 192. However, control for switching to the sheet discharge tray 191 is performed depending on conditions such as a full state. The paper discharge trays 191 and 192 are controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and are moved so that the tray to be stacked before the image forming operation starts is positioned at the processing tray.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram in the image forming apparatus 100. A CPU 171 performs basic control of the image forming apparatus 100. A ROM 174 in which a control program including flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11 described later is written, a work RAM 175 for processing, an input / output port 173 is an address bus, Connected by data bus. The RAM 175 has a storage area for various setting information by the operation unit 172, as will be described later. The input / output port 173 is connected to various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch for controlling the image forming apparatus 100 and an input (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the paper position. The CPU 171 sequentially performs input / output control via the input / output port 173 in accordance with the contents of the ROM 174 to execute an image forming operation. An operation unit 172 is connected to the CPU 171 and controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 172. The operator instructs the CPU 171 to switch the image forming operation mode and display through the key input means, and the CPU 171 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the operation mode setting by key input. The CPU 171 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor unit 109 and an image memory unit 3 that stores the processed image.
[0024]
Next, details of the image processing unit 170 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image processing unit. An original image formed on the CCD sensor 109 via the lens 108 is input as black luminance data, and is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to an analog signal processing unit (not shown), subjected to sample & hold, dark level correction, etc., and then subjected to analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) by the A / D conversion unit 301. Then, the digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (variation of sensors for reading a document and correction of light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp). Thereafter, it is sent to the 1 og converter 302. The 1 og converter 302 stores an LUT for converting input luminance data into density data, and converts the luminance data into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data. Thereafter, the image is scaled to a desired magnification by the scaling processing unit 303 and input to the γ correction unit 304. When the density data is output, the γ correction unit 304 performs conversion by LUT in consideration of printer characteristics, and adjusts the output according to the density value set by the operation unit. Thereafter, it is sent to the binarization unit 305. The binarization unit 305 binarizes the multi-value density data, and the density value becomes “0” or “255”. The 8-bit image data is binarized and converted to 1-bit image data of “0” or “1”, and the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced.
[0025]
However, when the image is binarized, the number of gradations of the image is changed from 256 gradations to two gradations. Therefore, when image data having a large halftone such as a photographic image is binarized, the image is generally greatly deteriorated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method of performing halftone expression in a pseudo manner using binary data. In this method, if the density of an image is greater than a certain threshold, the density data is “255”. If the density is less than a certain threshold, the density data is “0”, and after binarization, the actual density is obtained. In this method, a difference between data and binarized data is distributed to surrounding pixels as an error signal. The error is distributed by multiplying an error caused by the binarization by a weighting factor on a matrix prepared in advance and adding it to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be expressed in a pseudo binary manner.
[0026]
The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored in the image. Further, the image data from the computer input from the external I / F processing unit 4 is processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit, and is sent to the image memory unit 3 as it is. The image memory unit 3 has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of storing a plurality of page image data. The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk is output in the order corresponding to the editing mode designated by the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 100. For example, in the case of sorting, images of a document bundle read from the DF 180 are sequentially output. The original image data once stored from the hard disk is read out, and this is repeated a plurality of times and output. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins. The image data output from the image memory unit 3 is sent to the smoothing unit 306 in the printer unit 2. The smoothing unit 306 interpolates data so that the tip of the binarized image is smooth, and outputs the image data to the exposure control unit 120. The exposure control unit 120 forms image data on transfer paper by the above-described processing.
[0027]
Next, details of the image memory unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The image memory unit writes a binary image from the external I / F processing unit 4 and the image processing unit 170 via the memory controller unit 402 to a page memory unit 401 constituted by a memory such as a DRAM, and a printer unit. 2 is read, and image input / output is accessed to the hard disk 404, which is a large-capacity storage device. The memory controller unit 402 generates a DRAM refresh signal for the page memory 401, and arbitrates access to the page memory 401 from the image I / F processing unit 4, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 404. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 171, the write address to the page memory unit 401, the read address from the page memory unit 401, and the read direction are controlled. Thereby, the CPU 171 arranges a plurality of document images in the page memory unit 401 and performs layout, and controls a function of outputting to the printer unit, a function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image, and an image rotating function.
[0028]
The configuration of the external I / F processing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the external I / F processing unit 4 fetches the binary image data of the reader unit into the external I / F processing unit via the image memory unit 3, and also passes the external I / F processing unit via the image memory unit 3. The binary image data from / F is output to the printer unit 2 to form an image. The external I / F processing unit 4 includes a core unit 506, a facsimile unit 501, a hard disk 502 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit, a computer interface unit 503 connected to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 504, and an image memory unit 505. Have. The facsimile unit 501 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. The facsimile unit 501 stores a fax image on the hard disk 502 for processing such as facsimile transmission at a designated time, which is a facsimile function, or transmission of image data from a partner with a designated password. .
[0029]
Thus, once the image is transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 501 and the facsimile hard disk 502 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are not used for the facsimile function. You can send a fax. A computer interface unit 503 is an interface unit that performs data communication with an external computer, and has a local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN), serial I / F, SCSII / F, Centro I / F for printer data input, and the like. . Via this I / F, the status of the printer unit and the reader unit is notified to the external computer 11, and the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to a computer instruction. Also, print image data is received from an external computer.
[0030]
Since the print data notified from the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503 is described by a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 504 forms an image of the code in the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3. Convert to raster image data. The formatter unit 504 performs raster image data development on the image memory unit 505. In this way, the image memory unit is used as a memory in which the formatter unit 504 develops raster image data, or when the image of the reader unit is sent to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503 (image scanner function). The image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once developed in the image memory unit, converted into a data format to be sent to the external computer 11, and sent from the computer interface unit 503. The core unit 506 controls and manages data transfer among the facsimile unit 501, computer interface unit 503, formatter unit 504, image memory unit 505, and image memory unit 3. As a result, even if there are a plurality of image output units in the external I / F processing unit 4 and only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3, exclusive control, The priority is controlled and image output is performed.
[0031]
Next, the operation unit 172 for setting the copying operation of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 621 denotes a power lamp indicating that the power is on. With the power switch 613, the power lamp 621 is turned on / off in accordance with the ON / OFF switching of the power source. Reference numeral 622 denotes a numeric keypad which is used for setting the number of formed images and inputting numerical values for mode setting. On the facsimile setting screen, it is used for inputting a telephone number. Reference numeral 623 denotes a clear key, which clears the setting input with the numeric keypad. Reference numeral 616 denotes a reset key for returning the set number of formed images, an operation mode, a selected paper feed stage, and the like to default values. Reference numeral 614 denotes a start key. When the start key 614 is pressed, an image forming operation is started. In the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether or not the start is possible. When the start is not possible, the red LED is lit, and when the start is possible, the green LED is lit. . A stop key 615 is used to stop the copying operation.
[0032]
Reference numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When this key is pressed and then another key is pressed, a description of functions that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel. The guide display is canceled by pressing the guide key 617 again. Reference numeral 618 denotes a user setting key. When this key is pressed, the setting of the image forming apparatus can be changed by the user. The settings that can be changed by the user are, for example, the time until the settings are automatically cleared, the setting of the default value of the mode when the reset key is pressed, and the like. Reference numeral 619 denotes an interrupt key. When this key is pressed during an image forming operation, other image forming operations are stopped and copying can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 180.
[0033]
Reference numeral 620 denotes a display panel composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display content changes according to the setting mode in order to facilitate detailed mode setting. The surface of the display panel is a touch sensor. The example of FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting screen for the copy operation mode. In FIG. 6, keys 624 to 631 are displayed in the display panel 620, and by touching the display position of this key, it is determined that the key is pressed, and the mode is set. Reference numeral 627 denotes a paper stage selection key. When this key is pressed, a display for setting which of the cassettes 131 and 132 is used for paper feeding is displayed on the display panel 620. Reference numerals 628 to 631 denote keys for setting the copy magnification of the copy operation. Reference numeral 626 denotes an application mode setting key. When this key is pressed, a screen for setting application function modes such as a multiplex operation, a reduced layout mode, and a cover / interleaf mode is displayed on the display panel. For example, as shown in FIG. Each application function mode setting key is displayed, and the application mode can be set.
[0034]
Reference numeral 624 denotes a setting key for duplex operation. For example, “single-both mode” for performing double-sided output from a single-sided document, “both-both mode” for performing double-sided output from a double-sided document, and two-sided output from a double-sided document. Three types of duplex mode, “both-single mode”, are set. Reference numeral 625 denotes a sort key. When this key is pressed, an operation mode setting of the paper discharge processing apparatus 190 and an output paper sorting mode using an image memory are set. In addition to the normal display of the keys in the display panel, if the display key mode cannot be set, the display line is changed to a dotted line (shaded) to indicate that the key cannot be operated. It has become.
[0035]
In the example of FIG. 6, the contents set for the copying operation and the current operation state are displayed above the display panel 620. In addition, there is a display indicating which screen in each function mode, which will be described later, in the upper left of the screen. In the example of FIG. 6, a copy A setting screen is shown. In the example of FIG. 6, it is indicated by characters, but may be a symbol indicating each. Further, below the display panel 620, operation states of other function modes to be described later are displayed in a range that can be displayed in one line. In the example of FIG. 6, it is shown that the output operation of the copy B to the printer unit is in progress. Next to the application mode key 626 in the display panel 620, a key 634 for displaying a screen for setting a print priority order, which will be described later, which is operated by touching the display panel 620, and a status of waiting for print output. A key 635 for displaying a screen to be displayed on the display panel 620 is arranged.
[0036]
In FIG. 6, reference numerals 601 to 612 denote keys and LED displays for switching the display of the operation unit in order to set each function of copying operation and system operation using the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numerals 601, 604, 607, and 610 are keys for switching each function. This key is composed of a translucent key button, and there is a display lamp (not shown) such as an LED inside the key. By pressing these keys, the lamp inside the key is turned on when the operation screen is selected. This lamp inside each key is controlled so that only the lamp inside the key of the selected operation function screen is turned on, and the lamps inside other keys are turned off. In addition, a green LED is arranged on the right of each key (603, 606, 609, 612), and this LED indicates the operation status of each function by LED lighting control. For example, the LED 606 of the copy B is controlled to be turned off when the copy B is on standby, and is controlled to blink when the copy B is in an output operation as in the example of FIG. Further, when the copy B image is stored in the hard disk 304 of the image memory and the copy B print operation is not performed, the lighting control is performed.
[0037]
Similarly, for example, the fax LED 609 is controlled to blink during a communication operation, a printing operation, and a reading operation, and is turned on when there is a fax image on the facsimile unit hard disk 402. A red LED is arranged to the left of each key (602, 605, 608, 611), and this LED indicates that an abnormal state of each function has occurred by LED lighting control. For example, the LED 605 of the copy B is controlled to blink when the copy B is interrupted, such as a paper out interruption or a JAM. At this time, by pressing the copy B function key 604 and switching the display of the operation unit to copy B, the status of copy B is displayed on the display panel, and the details of the abnormal status can be confirmed. These function switching keys can be pressed at any time regardless of the operation status of each function, and the operation unit can be switched. When the copy A function and the copy B function can be switched as in this embodiment, the keys other than the keys in the display panel such as the stop key, the start key, and the reset key described above are function switching keys 601 and 604. The function selected by is operated. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, even when the copy A operation screen is displayed, even if the stop key is pressed, the copy operation cannot be stopped for the copy B output operation. When stopping the copy operation of copy B, the output of copy B is stopped by pressing the stop key 615 after pressing the copy B function key 604. Further, the data set by the user setting key 618 has data on each screen where the copy A and copy B operation units are selected, and the setting operation can be performed independently on each screen.
[0038]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a print priority setting screen for each function displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 800 denotes a print priority order setting screen for setting (selecting) a print priority order set for each function and displaying the print priority order set value given for each function in reverse. To do. In this figure, the priority of the copy function is 1 (highest priority), and the priority of the printer and FAX functions is 2 (second priority). 801 to 809 are priority setting keys (touch keys), which are selected by touching. In this example, priority levels 801 to 803 are set for the copy function, 804 to 806 are set for the printer function, and 807 to 809 are set for the FAX function, and the numbers indicate the priority levels.
[0039]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an output order display screen that displays the print output waiting status displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 900 denotes an output order display screen that displays an output request and a status of waiting for the output. Reference numeral 907 displays the status of the function currently being output and the functions waiting for output in the output wait display area. In this figure, it is displayed that copy B is being output, and that copy C will be output next. 110, Copy A, Printer: Accept No. 111. . . It is displayed that it is output in the order. If the copy B being output is completed, the output of the copy C is executed next.
[0040]
Further, by pressing a portion where the function name is displayed in the output order display area 907, the function can be selected. In this figure, the third copy A in the output waiting order is selected and highlighted. In this output order display area 907, control is performed so that the item being output, that is, copy B in this figure cannot be selected.
[0041]
Reference numeral 903 denotes a return key, which is used to cancel input on this screen and return to the original screen. Reference numerals 905 and 906 are keys for scrolling the screen when an item waiting for output by the cursor key does not enter the output status display area 907. By pressing the down cursor key 905, the fifth to eighth items waiting for output are displayed. Are displayed instead of 1 to 4.
[0042]
An erasure key 902 is a key for canceling the function waiting for output. By selecting an item in the area 907 to be erased with the touch key and pressing the erase key 902, the output can be canceled. However, control is performed so that when an item is selected on this screen, the item being output, in the example of FIG. 9, copy B cannot be selected on this screen.
[0043]
Reference numeral 904 denotes a detailed information key. When an item for which detailed information is to be displayed is selected and the detailed information key 904 is pressed, the content of the processing to be output by the selected item, for example, the output mode such as the number of copies, the number of originals, and both sides are displayed. Display detailed information.
[0044]
Reference numeral 901 denotes a priority key, which controls to move to the head of the queue by selecting an item to be prioritized for output and pressing the priority key 901. The control at that time will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.
[0045]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG.
[0046]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0047]
In step 1001, when a request for changing the priority of a print job (hereinafter referred to as job A) existing in the output queue is issued by pressing the priority key 801, the priority is only described for the pressed job. (See FIG. 8) The value is changed to “0”, which is higher than the value, and in step 1002, the priority order is managed to determine the position where the priority order of job A is compared with all jobs in the output queue. Determination is based on information registered in the database on the RAM 174. In step 1003, based on the determination result in step 1002, it is determined whether the priority is higher than the print job of the output order No. 1 (hereinafter referred to as job B) at that time based on the information in the database. If it is determined in step 1003 that job A is the same as job B, the execution order of job A in the database configured on the RAM 175 that manages the print job queue in step 1004 is after job B. (In the display screen of FIG. 9, the output waiting order is 1), and the management data and image data are held until the order comes.
[0048]
If it is determined in step 1003 that job A has a higher priority than job B, it is determined in step 1005 whether or not job B is currently being executed (specifically, even one sheet is fed). If job B has not yet been executed in step 1005, it is changed to job B in step 1006 and job A is registered first in the queue, and execution is immediately started. The job B is registered on the queue management database in the RAM 175 so that it follows the job A.
[0049]
If job B has already been executed in step 1005, it is determined in step 1007 and subsequent steps whether job B can be stopped and job A can be interrupted. In step 1007, the job A is a job with post-processing (binding processing), that is, a job for discharging a bundle via the post-processing tray 193, or a job without post-processing, that is, discharging one by one through the conveyance path 194. It is determined whether the job is a job to be discharged to the tray 191. If it is determined in step 1007 that job A is a job with post-processing, the processing from step 1009 described later is performed. If it is determined in step 1007 that job A is a job without post-processing, it is determined in step 1008 whether job B currently being executed is a job with post-processing. If it is determined in step 1008 that job B is post-processed, the output of job B is stopped in step 1010 and job A is output in step 1011 so that job A having a higher priority level is interrupted and output. Start.
[0050]
If it is determined in step 1008 that job B is not post-processed, job A and job B are in the same mode, and are discharged to the same discharge unit, and the output bundles are not overlapped. Processing similar to 1004 is performed. After it is determined in step 1007 that job A has post-processing, it is determined in step 1009 whether job B has post-processing. If it is determined in step 1009 that job B is post-processed, both jobs are discharged as bundles with post-processing, and consistency after discharge cannot be obtained, so job A is put in a waiting state in the process of step 1012. If it is determined in step 1009 that job B is not post-processed, the discharge destinations of job A and job B are different.
[0051]
Note that when the print of job A is started in step 1011 and a request for changing the priority of a print job existing in another output queue is issued by pressing the priority key 801 during the execution of the print, Although the procedure of FIG. 10 is executed, the determination process of step 1003 always shifts to step 1004, so that the execution of job A is not stopped by the other job.
[0052]
The above is the control flow of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0053]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG.
[0054]
Specifically, the second embodiment is effective when the paper discharge processing device 190 is not provided, or when the paper discharge processing device 190 has only one outlet.
[0055]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the second embodiment of the present invention. Steps 1101 to 1104 are the same as steps 1001 to 1004 of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. If it is determined in step 1105 that job B is not yet in the execution state, job A is registered first in the queue in place of job B in step 1106 similar to step 1006 in the first embodiment, Start running immediately. Job B is registered on the queue management database so that it follows job A.
[0056]
If it is determined in step 1105 that job B is already being executed, job A is shifted to a waiting state by step 1107 similar to step 1012 of the first embodiment. The above is the control flow of the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0057]
In the image forming apparatus, a part of the control program on the ROM 174 executed by the CPU 171 can be configured as follows. That is, at a suitable timing after the power is turned on, for example, when a request for changing the priority order of a print job is issued by pressing the priority key 801, prior to the control in FIG. 10 or the control in FIG. It is determined whether or not the paper discharge processing device 190 is installed. When it is determined that the paper discharge processing device 190 is installed, the control of FIG. 10 is executed and the paper discharge processing device 190 is not installed. 11 is executed, the control program on the ROM 174 may be configured to execute the control of FIG. 11, and when it is determined that the paper discharge processing device 190 is installed, the discharge port is opened. Further determination is made on whether there is one or more, and when it is determined that there is one outlet, the control of FIG. 11 is executed, and when it is determined that there are two or more outlets, the control of FIG. The It may constitute a control program on the ROM174 so that row.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
In the image forming apparatus that can handle a plurality of image jobs as described above, even if the priority order is changed, the output of one image job is not interrupted by the output of another image job, and the user's desired output result Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a system block diagram.
FIG. 4 is an image processing block diagram of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is an image memory block diagram.
FIG. 6 illustrates an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for a copying operation application mode of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority order setting screen of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output order display screen of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of a copying operation according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a control flowchart of another copying operation of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Leader
2 Printer section
3 Image memory section
171 CPU
172 Operation unit
301 page memory
304 hard disk

Claims (12)

Image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs according to an output order based on a priority given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, forming an image, and outputting the image;
A plurality of stacking means for stacking sheets imaged by the image output means;
Priority changing means for changing the priority of the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders to the highest priority in accordance with the priority change request;
When the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is higher than the priority order of the second image job having the first output order, the second image job is before the start of execution. Switches the output order of the first image job and the second image job, and when the second image job is being executed, whether or not post-processing after image formation is performed on the first and second image jobs. Accordingly, whether to interrupt the second image job and preferentially execute the first image job , and which of the plurality of stacking units to stack the sheet on which image formation has been performed An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for determining In claim 1,
When the second image job is being executed and the first and second image jobs are jobs for post-processing after image formation, the control means is configured to execute the first image job. Is the next output order of the second image job, the second image job is being executed, and the first image job is a job that does not perform post-processing after image formation, and When the second image job is a job for post-processing after image formation, the second image job is interrupted and the output order of the first and second image jobs is changed , and the first image job is changed . an image forming apparatus comprising Rukoto is stacked on another of said stacking means a sheet with an image formed in the image job, and the second sheet with an image formed in the image job. In claim 1,
When the second image job is being executed, and the first and second image jobs are jobs that do not perform post-processing after image formation, the control means is configured to execute the first image job. The output order of the job is the next output order of the second image job, the second image job is being executed, and the first image job is a job for post-processing after image formation, and When the second image job is a job that does not perform post-processing after image formation, the second image job is interrupted and the output order of the first and second image jobs is changed . the sheet having an image formed in the first image job, the image forming apparatus according to claim Rukoto is stacked on another of said loading means and said second sheet with an image formed in the image job. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The priority order changing means has a display means for the output order and a selection means for selecting the output order on the display means, and changes the priority order of the image job selected by the selection means to the highest priority order. An image forming apparatus. In any one of Claims 1-4,
An image forming apparatus, further comprising means for changing the priority given in advance. In claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing after the image formation is a binding process of the image-formed sheet. Image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs according to an output order based on a priority given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, forming an image, and outputting the image;
A plurality of stacking means for stacking sheets imaged by the image output means;
Priority changing means for changing the priority of the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders to the highest priority in accordance with the priority change request;
When the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is higher than the priority order of the second image job having the first output order, the second image job is before the start of execution. Switches the output order of the first image job and the second image job, and when the second image job is being executed, does not interrupt the second image job and outputs the first image job. Control that sets the order to be the output order next to the second image job, and stacks the sheet on which the image is formed in the first image job on the same stacking unit as the sheet on which the image is formed in the second image job And an image forming apparatus. In claim 7,
The priority order changing means has a display means for the output order and a selection means for selecting the output order on the display means, and changes the priority order of the image job selected by the selection means to the highest priority order. An image forming apparatus. In claim 7 or 8,
An image forming apparatus, further comprising means for changing the priority given in advance. Image output means for executing the plurality of image jobs according to an output order based on a priority given in advance to the plurality of image jobs, forming an image, and outputting the image;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not post-processing means for performing post-processing after image formation is mounted , and whether or not there are one or more discharge ports of the post-processing means ;
A first priority change process mode and a second priority change process mode in which different processes are executed in response to detection results of the detection means when there is a request for changing the priority order of a plurality of image jobs. An image forming apparatus comprising: a priority order change processing mode executing means for executing any of the above. In claim 10,
The priority change processing mode execution means includes:
In accordance with the priority change request, there is provided priority change means for changing the priority of the first image job in the second and subsequent output orders to the highest priority.
When executing the first priority order change processing mode, the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is higher than the priority order of the second image job having the first output order. When the second image job is before execution, the output order of the first image job and the second image job is switched, and when the second image job is being executed, the first and second images are output. Whether or not to interrupt the second image job and preferentially execute the first image job according to the presence or absence of post-processing after image formation for the image job , and from which discharge port the image is formed Decide whether to discharge
When executing the second priority order change processing mode, the priority order of the first image job changed by the priority order changing means is higher than the priority order of the second image job having the first output order. When the second image job is not yet executed, the output order of the first image job and the second image job is switched, and when the second image job is being executed, the second image job is output. The output order of the first image job is the next output order of the second image job, and images formed in the first image job are imaged in the second image job. An image forming apparatus that discharges from the same discharge port as the formed sheet . In claim 11 ,
The priority change processing mode executing means, on the basis of the detection result before dangerous detecting means, wherein when the outlet of the post-processing means is one, and executes the second priority change processing mode, the rear When there are two or more discharge ports of the processing means, the first priority order changing processing mode is executed.

Images