JP3576786B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium based on image output conditions set in a predetermined image output order, and to a method of controlling the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a plurality of computers can share a printer via a network, and a single printer is often shared by a plurality of users.
[0003]
Also, when multiple users share one multifunction copying machine by making multifunction copy and printers with the practical application of multifunction copiers that can receive and print the print data transmitted from the computer. Is even more.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventional multifunction copiers and the like have a plurality of functions and are shared by a plurality of users. For example, when a multifunction copier performs image output of print data from a host computer, other multifunction copiers perform other functions. Usage requests from a plurality of users overlap, for example, when a user instructs a copy process, and the number of times that the user waits for a long time until the image processing specified by the user is completed has increased.
[0005]
In addition, a network printer and a multifunction copier that notify a user of who and how many use requests are made to a printer by a printer driver on the host computer side and in which order the use request is registered are proposed. .
[0006]
However, even when the user issues an image output instruction or a copy instruction from the host computer to the above-described network printer or multifunction copier, the user is notified of his or her own image output order. The user cannot know the processing time and the end time of the instructed image output processing, and does not know when to go to get the image output result, which is inefficient.
[0007]
In addition, there is no clear criterion for selecting a device capable of outputting an image in the shortest time from a plurality of image forming devices, for example, when a user wants to output images in a hurry, so which device can the user select? There was also a problem of not knowing.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and is related to the present invention.DepartureThe purpose of Ming isBased on image information read from the original placed on the platenThe time required for image output for multiple image output jobsNumber of scanned documents andThe image output end time of each of the image output jobs, which is calculated based on the set image output conditions and is controlled in a predetermined order, is provided to the user in real time based on the calculated required image output time. On the display of the operating means to notifyListdisplayAlso, during image output, copy image information is read from the document placed on the platen, a reservation for the copy image output job is accepted, and the copy image output job for which the reservation has been accepted is input in advance. Output images after the image output job endsThis allows the user to clearly check the end time of the image output process,When job processing is included, only the reading processing of the copy processing is executed first so that the easy-to-remove copy processing can be executed,An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method of the image forming apparatus, which can construct a flexible image output environment in which a user can select an image forming apparatus and an image forming process according to a request.
[0009]
[Means for solving the problem]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image is formed on a recording medium based on an image output condition set for an input image output job (from the reader unit 1, the computer interface 7, the facsimile unit 4, etc. shown in FIG. 1). Operating apparatus having a display unit, and a first control for performing image output control of sequentially input image output jobs (copy job, print job, facsimile output job, file output job, etc.) in a predetermined order. Means (the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 performs image output control based on a program stored in the memory 124), and arithmetic means for calculating the required image output time of the image output job based on the image output conditions (The CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 performs arithmetic processing based on the program stored in the memory 124). The image output end time of the image output job is subtracted from the real time (subtracted by a timer built in the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2) based on the operation result of the operation unit and the image output control of the first control unit. Second control means (displayed like the processing time display screen 40 shown in FIG. 6) on the display unit to notify the user of the next job (recalculated every time the job starts). The CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 controls display on the display unit 502 shown in FIG. 4 and the display unit of the PC / WS 12 shown in FIG. 1 based on the program stored in the memory 124).Reading means for reading copy image information from a document placed on a document table during image output, and receiving a reservation for a copy image output job, wherein the first control means receives the reservation by the reservation means Controlling the reserved image output so as to output the copied image output job after completion of the previously input image output job, wherein the calculating means controls the reserved image output by the first control means Calculating a time required for image output of a copy image output job based on image information read from a document placed on the table based on the number of documents read and image output conditions set; Lists the image output end real time of each image output job in the image output order on the display unit based on the operation result of the operation unit and the image output control of the first control unit. To indicate controlThings.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention,An image forming apparatus for forming an input image output job on a recording medium on the basis of an image output condition set, an operation unit having a display unit, and an image output control for sequentially input image output jobs in a predetermined order A first control unit that calculates an image output required time of the image output job based on the image output condition, and a calculation result of the calculation unit and an image output control of the first control unit. A second control means for controlling the display on the display unit to notify the user of the image output end time of the image output job in real time, and from the document placed on the platen during image output. A priority reservation unit for reading the copy image information and receiving a reservation of the copy image output job; and a priority setting unit for setting a priority order for the copy image output job received by the priority reservation unit. Order setting means, wherein the first control means reserves the image output jobs accepted by the priority reservation means so as to output the images in an order based on the priority set by the priority setting means. Image output control, and the arithmetic means controls the time required for image output of a copy image output job based on image information read from a document placed on the document table, the reserved image output of which is controlled by the first control means. Is calculated based on the number of read originals and image output conditions that are set, and the second control unit calculates each of the images based on a calculation result of the calculation unit and an image output control of the first control unit. The image output end real time of the output job is controlled to be displayed in a list on the display unit in the image output order.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input / reading device (hereinafter, referred to as a reader unit), which includes a document feeding device (not shown) and the like, reads a document image and converts it into image data. Reference numeral 1a denotes an operation panel which is capable of displaying a key for inputting settings and instructions, keys such as an interrupt permission key (not shown), a copy reservation key, a copy mode selection key, and a priority setting key (to be described later), and setting contents and processing status. It has a display unit. Reference numeral 2 denotes an image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit) having a cassette for storing a plurality of types of recording media, and outputting image data as a visible image on the recording media in accordance with a print command.
[0022]
Reference numeral 3 denotes a system control device, which is electrically connected to the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2. The system controller 3 includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a computer interface unit 7 for connecting to a computer and a LAN, a formatter unit 8 for visualizing information from the computer, image data from the reader unit 1, It comprises an image memory unit 9 for temporarily storing images developed by the farm mutter unit 8, a core unit 10 for controlling data, and the like.
[0023]
The facsimile unit 4 decompresses the compressed image data received via the public line and transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10. Further, it compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10 and transmits the compressed image data via a public line. A hard disk 11 is connected to the facsimile unit 4 and can temporarily store the transmitted compressed image data and the received compressed image data.
[0024]
An external storage device 6 is connected to the file unit 5. The file unit 5 compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 10, and is set in the external storage device 6 together with a keyword for searching the image data. It is stored in a storage medium. Further, the file unit 5 searches the compressed image data stored in the storage medium set in the external storage device 6 based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10 and reads out the searched compressed image data. It decompresses and transfers the decompressed image data to the core unit 10.
[0025]
The computer interface unit 7 is an interface between the core unit 10 and a personal computer or a workstation (PC / WS) 12 or a network. The formatter unit 8 expands code data representing an image transferred from the PC / WS 12 into image data that can be recorded by the printer unit 2.
[0026]
The image memory unit 9 temporarily stores data transferred from the PC / WS 12, and is a storage medium including a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, and the like. The core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 in detail.
[0028]
Image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 via the interface (I / F) 122, and a control command from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 123. The data processing unit 121 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing, and image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 121 responds to a control command transferred from the reader unit 1. Then, the data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the computer interface unit 7 via the interface (I / F) 120.
[0029]
Further, the code data representing the image input via the computer interface unit 7 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then transferred to the formatter unit 8 to be expanded into image data. This image data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4 or the printer unit 2 after being transferred to the data processing unit 121.
[0030]
The image data from the facsimile unit 4 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the file unit 5, or the computer interface unit 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, facsimile unit 4, or computer interface unit 7.
[0031]
Reference numeral 123 denotes a CPU which performs the above-described control in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 124 and a control command transferred from the reader unit 1 and arithmetic processing of various processing times described later, and a plurality of input image output jobs. For image output control based on a predetermined order. Further, the CPU 123 has a timer therein, and can execute a clocking process. Further, the memory 124 has a nonvolatile memory therein and can hold various data even after the power is turned off. Further, the memory 124 is also used as a work area of the CPU 123.
[0032]
As described above, processing combining the functions of reading an original image, printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, storing an image, and inputting and outputting data to and from a computer is performed mainly on the core unit 10.
[0033]
By the way, the reader unit 1 is not directly involved in the image forming process based on the print data from the PC / WS 12, but transfers the image read by the reader unit 1 via the core unit 10 to the printer unit 2 to perform the copy operation. Is possible. Further, facsimile transmission of compressing image data of an image read by the reader unit 1 via the core unit 10 and the facsimile unit 4 and transferring the compressed image data to a public line becomes possible.
[0034]
On the other hand, it is also possible to perform a scanner operation of loading an image read by the reader unit 1 into the PC / WS 12 on the LAN via the core unit 10 and the computer interface unit 7.
[0035]
Note that the CPU 123 can also calculate a facsimile transmission / reception time, a file search time, and the like.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of the operation panel 1a shown in FIG.
[0037]
In the figure, an operation unit power switch 501 switches the operation unit between ON and OFF. Reference numeral 502 denotes a display with a touch panel (hereinafter referred to as a display unit), which is constituted by a dot matrix including a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, and can be selected by pressing a displayed key. Further, the display unit 502 displays a processing time display screen shown in FIG. A status display lamp 503 indicates the status of the operation of the image forming apparatus and the status of an alarm. A start key 504 executes copy and facsimile transmission. Reference numeral 505 denotes a stop key for stopping continuous copying or facsimile transmission.
[0038]
A reset key 506 returns the setting to the standard mode. Reference numeral 507 denotes a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies and a facsimile telephone number. Reference numeral 508 denotes a clear key for clearing a numerical value input on the numeric keypad 507. Reference numeral 509 denotes an ON / OFF key for a preheating mode, which switches the preheating mode ON / OFF. Reference numeral 510 denotes an interrupt permission key which interrupts continuous copying and other image output operations so that the copying process can be executed. A password key 511 is used to manage a password. Reference numeral 512 denotes a one-touch dial key, which can call a facsimile transmission destination telephone number in which a telephone number is registered in advance in facsimile transmission, with one touch.
[0039]
Reference numeral 514 denotes a copy reservation key. By operating this key, it is possible to immediately read only the original in the copy operation during the print output of the image forming apparatus, and to output the copy after the print job is completed.
[0040]
Reference numeral 515 denotes a copy mode selection key, and 516 denotes a priority setting key. By operating the copy mode selection key 515, only the reading of the original is immediately performed during the printing operation of the image forming apparatus during the printing operation. By the operation of 516, an interrupt can be output between other jobs in the order according to the set priority.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the operation screen displayed on the display unit 502 shown in FIG. 3 in detail.
[0042]
In the figure, reference numeral 601 denotes an application operation unit for selecting various application functions usable for copy, facsimile, and the like. Reference numeral 602 denotes a basic operation unit for setting basic operations, displaying setting buttons for functions for selecting various messages, the state of the image forming apparatus, various messages, and the like. A system key 603 switches to an operation display unit for each function (copy, facsimile, printer, file) of the image forming apparatus. A guide key 604 displays an operation guide.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image development time table in the formatter unit 8 stored in the memory 124 shown in FIG.
[0044]
In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a data attribute column, which is a column in which attributes of print data ("character", "picture", "table", "graphic" in the present embodiment) are described. Reference numeral 32 denotes an image development time (required printing time) column, which is a time per 1 kbyte required to develop code data having an attribute described in the data attribute column 31 into image data by the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG. This is the column described.
[0045]
As described above, the image development time in the formatter unit 8 is stored in the memory 124 in association with the attribute of the code data transmitted from the PC / WS 12.
[0046]
As a result, the image development time calculated by the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 can be set to a more realistic value.
[0047]
Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0048]
First, a process for printing image data from the PC / WS 12 on the network will be described.
[0049]
First, the user of the PC / WS 12 sends an image forming request together with image data to the computer interface unit 7 connected via the LAN. The computer interface unit 7 receives the image forming request and the image data according to the protocol on the LAN, converts the image forming request so that the core unit 10 can interpret it, and sends it to the core unit 10 once.
[0050]
The core unit 10 interprets the image forming request and the image data, and sends the image data to the formatter unit 8 in a language corresponding to the image data. The image data developed by the formatter unit 8 is sent to the printer unit 2 and printed and output on a recording medium.
[0051]
In the above operation, if the printer unit 2 is printing and cannot transfer the image when the development of one page of image data is completed by the formatter unit 8, the developed image is transferred from the formatter unit 8 to the image memory unit 9. The image data is transferred from the image memory unit 9 to the printer unit 2 after the printing by the printer unit 2 is completed, and the image data is transferred from the image memory unit 9 to the printer unit 2. The operation can be continued without stopping the operation.
[0052]
Next, a process of analyzing the contents of the print data and calculating the time until the printing is completed will be described.
[0053]
Upon receiving the print data, the formatter unit 8 analyzes the attributes of the print data and calculates a data capacity for each of the attributes “character”, “picture”, “table”, and “graphic” included in the print data. I do. Next, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 calculates a rough image by using the product sum of the image development time of the formatter unit 8 measured in advance and the data amount for each attribute calculated by the formatter unit 8 shown in FIG. Calculate the deployment time.
[0054]
Further, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 reads from the print data layout settings such as the number of print pages of the image to be printed and whether the image is to be printed on one side or both sides, and calculates the time for printing by the printer unit 2. Next, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 adjusts the time required for data transfer to the calculated image development time and the printing time in the printer unit 2, so that it takes time until the print data is visualized and printed out. Calculate the time.
[0055]
For the image development time, a previously measured image development time table as shown in FIG. 5 may be used as it is, but the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 determines the actual image development time. The image development time for each attribute may be obtained based on the ratio of the data amount for each attribute, and a weighted average with the values in the table may be taken to update the averaged value.
[0056]
Next, a process of calculating the time required for the copy operation will be described.
[0057]
First, the reader unit 1 reads a document from a document feeding device (not shown), counts the number of documents, and prints one-sided or two-sided images input from the applied operation unit 601 of the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1. The CPU 123 of the core unit 10 calculates the time required for the copy operation based on the setting conditions such as the number of printing and copying copies and the presence or absence of a not-shown finishing device (such as a sorter) and the function of the printer unit 2.
[0058]
Next, a process of calculating the time required for the facsimile receiving operation will be described.
[0059]
As described above, the compressed data received via the public line is decompressed by the facsimile unit 4 and converted into image data. Then, when the image size and the number of print pages are determined (by detecting), the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 calculates the time for printing by the printer unit 2 based on the image size and the number of print pages.
[0060]
Since the data transfer time on the public line takes much longer time than the data decompression time in the facsimile unit 4, it is better to temporarily store the received compressed data in the hard disk 11 and then decompress the data. Efficiency is good.
[0061]
In the facsimile transmission, after the original is read by the reader unit 1, image data is sent to the facsimile unit 4 via the core unit 10 and compressed by the facsimile unit 4 to send the data to the public line. That is, no image data is output to the printer unit 2. Therefore, when there is no influence on the calculation of the image output time as in the present embodiment, only reception is considered for transmission and reception of facsimile.
[0062]
Next, a required time calculation process for filing will be described.
[0063]
First, in the file reading process, an original is read from the reader unit 1, image data is transferred to the file 5 via the core unit 10, the data is compressed in the file unit 5, and the image data is stored in the external storage device 6. Is done. In the document feeding device of the reader unit 1, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 detects the set size, number of sheets, reading resolution, and the like, and calculates an approximate data amount of the image. In addition, by multiplying the average compression ratio, the approximate amount of data stored in the external storage device 6 can be calculated.
[0064]
Then, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 calculates the writing and reading times from the reading and compression times and the transfer speed stored in the external storage device 6. As in the case of the facsimile operation, in this case, since there is no output of an image in the printer unit 2, calculation of the time until image output is not considered.
[0065]
On the other hand, in the file search output, a desired image file is specified by a search condition input from the PC / WS 12 or the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1, and if a print layout is set, the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 Detects the image size and the number of printed pages of the image stored in the image file, and calculates the printing time based on the detection result.
[0066]
The time until the end of each operation calculated by the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 for each of the above functions is, for example, displayed on the display unit 502 of the PC / WS 12 or the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1 as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
[0067]
Hereinafter, the processing time display screen displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a shown in FIG. 4 and the display unit of the PC / WS 12 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0068]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing time display screen displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a shown in FIG. 3 and the display unit of the PC / WS 12 shown in FIG.
[0069]
In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a processing time display screen. Reference numeral 41 denotes an order display field, which indicates the processing order of image output jobs. When a new image output job occurs, a line is added to the bottom, and when one job is completed, the job is deleted and the order of the remaining jobs is changed to 1. Go up one by one. Reference numeral 42 denotes a function display field, which is a field for displaying a function for outputting an image. In this embodiment, for example, "copy", "printer", "FAX reception", and "file output" are displayed. Unless the operation is determined during key setting on the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1, "Offline" is displayed. When the operation is set and determined, the above-described function is displayed.
[0070]
Reference numeral 43 denotes a client display field, which displays a user name when operated from the PC / WS 12. The user name is set in advance on this network, or is set from the user ID of the PC / WS 12. Reference numeral 44 denotes a required printing time display field, which displays the required printing time calculated by the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 based on the image development time calculation table shown in FIG. Reference numeral 45 denotes a print end time display field, which displays the time until printing of the corresponding job ends. The print end time is the sum of the required printing times from the first print job to the corresponding print waiting job, including the job being printed.
[0071]
Note that the required printing time of the job being output and the printing end time of each job are decremented by the timer built in the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. The printing end time is recalculated by the CPU 123 of the core unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 at the moment when printing of one job ends and the next job starts, and the display is corrected. Reference numeral 46 denotes a remark display field, which displays various remark messages such as "printing" and "interrupt copying".
[0072]
Hereinafter, a process when the interrupt permission key 510 on the operation panel 1a shown in FIG. 3 is operated will be described.
[0073]
An interrupt permission key 510 on the operation panel 1a is operated when the image forming apparatus is performing print output by an operation of printing or the like instructed by another user and wants to quickly make a copy.
[0074]
For example, if the printer unit 2 is outputting print data from the PC / WS 12 and the interrupt enable key on the operation panel 1 a of the reader unit 1 is pressed, the page being printed is ejected out of the printer unit 2. After that, the data transfer from the formatter unit 8 to the printer unit 2 is prohibited, and the image data subjected to the data expansion processing by the formatter unit 8 is stored in the image memory unit 9.
[0075]
In this way, the printer unit 2 becomes usable, and a document to be copied is set on the reader unit 1 to perform a normal copying operation, so that a copy output can be obtained from the printer unit 2. After the copy is completed, the print operation of the print data from the PC / WS 12 that has been interrupted is started by pressing the interrupt permission key again, and the image stored in the image memory unit 9 is output.
[0076]
During this time, when the interrupt permission key 510 is pressed, the matrix including the job being printed displayed on the processing time display screen 40 is lowered by one stage, and the uppermost function column of the processing time display screen 40 is displayed. Displays "Copy". When "copy" is displayed, the countdown of the required time of the job being printed and the end time of all printing stops.
[0077]
When the condition setting of the interrupt copy is completed and the copy is started, the required time of the copy job displayed at the top of the processing time display screen 40 is calculated, and as described above, the print end time including the interrupted print job is calculated. The time is recalculated and the time countdown is restarted. Since the printing is interrupted by the interrupt copy and the image data from the PC / WS 12 is subjected to data expansion processing by the formatter unit 8 even during the interrupt copy, the expansion processing time is also counted down.
[0078]
Through the above-described interrupt copy processing, the user can recognize the operation state of the image forming apparatus and, if the user is busy, can immediately make an urgent copy.
[0079]
Hereinafter, a process when the copy reservation key 514 on the operation panel 1a shown in FIG. 3 is operated will be described.
[0080]
The copy reservation key 514 on the operation panel 1a is used to immediately perform only reading of an original in a copy operation when the image forming apparatus is performing print output by an operation such as printing instructed by another user. This key is operated when outputting after the middle job is completed, and is used when copying output may take some time or when copying a large number of documents.
[0081]
For example, if the printer unit 2 is outputting print data from the PC / WS 12 and the copy reservation key 514 on the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1 is pressed, a copy accepting state is set, and a document is sent to the reader unit 1. The original can be read by setting it. The read image data is stored in the image memory unit 9. Then, the image data stored in the image memory unit 9 is transferred to the printer unit 2 to copy and output the image data stored in the image memory unit 9 during the printing and after the job waiting for printing is completed.
[0082]
During this time, if the copy reservation key 514 is pressed, the above-described copy job is set at the bottom of the print waiting job displayed on the processing time display screen 40. The calculation and display of the required printing time and the printing end time are as described above.
[0083]
With the above-described reserved copy processing, the user recognizes the operation state of the image forming apparatus, and when the user is busy, immediately performs only the reading processing, and performs a copy processing that is easily accessible without disturbing the image output order. It is possible to do.
[0084]
Hereinafter, the processing when the copy mode selection key 515 and the priority setting key 516 on the operation panel 1a shown in FIG. 3 are operated will be described.
[0085]
The copy mode selection key 515 of the operation panel 1a is used to immediately perform only reading of a document in a copy operation when the image forming apparatus is performing printout by an operation such as printing instructed by another user. The interrupt is output between other jobs in the order according to the priority set by the priority setting key 516 of 1a.
[0086]
The priority setting key 516 is used to set three settings: a setting for interrupting the currently printing job and immediately copying, a setting for copying and outputting after the currently printing job is completed, and a setting for copying and outputting at the end of the print waiting job. it can.
[0087]
For example, when the printer unit 2 is outputting print data from the PC / WS 12, pressing the copy mode selection key 515 on the operation panel 1a of the reader unit 1 enters a copy accepting state. Here, by operating the priority setting key 516, one of “highest”, “medium”, and “lowest” is selected, and the original is set on the reader unit 1 and the original is read.
[0088]
When "highest" is selected, the job currently being printed can be interrupted and copying can be performed immediately by the same operation as when the interrupt permission key is operated.
[0089]
When “medium” is selected, after the processing of the job being printed is completed, copy output is performed while the next print job is kept waiting.
[0090]
When "minimum" is selected, the job is set at the end of the print waiting job, as in the case where the copy reservation key is operated.
[0091]
Here, the priority setting is described in three ways. However, during any of the print queues displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 1a, the up and down keys, the cursor and the like (not shown) of the operation panel 1a are displayed. The priority may be set using the position designation key, and control for printing in the corresponding print processing order may be performed.
[0092]
By the above-described priority setting reservation copy process, the user recognizes the operation status of the image forming apparatus, and if the user is busy, immediately performs only the reading process, and in a desired image output order, a copy that is easily accessible. Processing can be performed.
[0093]
Hereinafter, a control method of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
[0094]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which is executed by the system control device 3 illustrated in FIG. Note that (1) to (14) indicate each step.
[0095]
First, when the power is turned on, initial settings of the entire apparatus are performed, and it is determined whether or not there is a key input from a user through an operation panel 1a provided in the reader unit 1 (1), and it is determined that there is a key input. In this case, the key input is interpreted (2), and the process proceeds to step (4). The key input by the user includes an operation mode, an operation setting, a copy output instruction, a file output instruction, and the like.
[0096]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that there is no key input, it is determined whether or not there is a print request for facsimile reception output from the facsimile unit 4 (an image output job has been accepted). If it is determined that there is not, the process returns to step (1).
[0097]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (3) that there is a print request (image output job), it is determined whether there is another request (other job) to use the image forming apparatus (4). If it is determined that there is not, the process proceeds to step (12).
[0098]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step (4) that there is another job, it is determined whether or not the operation of the newly input job and the operation of the other job conflict (5). For example, since the print operation and the copy operation from the PC / WS 12 are both operations involving the output of an image by the print unit 2, it is determined that there is a conflict. However, in the case of transmitting a facsimile or recording an image of a file in the external storage device 6, since no image is output, it is determined that there is no conflict with the print operation from the PC / WS 12. If it is determined in step (5) that there is no operation conflict, the process proceeds to step (12).
[0099]
In step (12), the processing time of the received job is calculated, and the processing time and the printing end time (the processing time display screen 40 shown in FIG. 6) are displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a and the display unit of the PC / WS12. indicate.
[0100]
If the received job is a job that does not involve image output such as facsimile transmission or image recording of a file to the external recording device 6, the operation end time is displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a and the display unit of the PC / WS12. May be displayed.
[0101]
Next, an image output process (or a process of another function) specified for the newly input job is performed (13), and the process returns to the step (1). Step (12) is performed when it is determined in step (4) that the job is a single job, or when it is determined in step (5) that the jobs do not conflict with each other. Is executed without waiting for the processing of another job.
[0102]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the operation of the newly input job conflicts with the operation of another job, it is determined whether or not the newly input job is a copy operation by the interrupt enable key 510 and the copy key. It is determined whether any one of the reservation key 514 and the copy mode setting key 515 (priority setting key 516) has been pressed (6), and if it is determined that the copying operation is not to be performed, the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a displays A message indicating that the operations conflict with each other and the processing time of the accepted job are calculated, and the processing time and the processing end time are displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a and the display unit of the PC / WS 12 (the processing time display shown in FIG. 6). Screen 40) is displayed (11), and after an output process (or a process of another function) based on another competing job is completed, an image specified for the newly input job is displayed. Performs force cancel (or other processing) (14), the process returns to step (1).
[0103]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the operation is a copy operation, the priority according to the operation of the interrupt permission key 510, the copy reservation key 514, the copy mode setting key 515 (priority setting key 516) and the like is determined. The setting is made (7), and reading of the copy original is started (8).
[0104]
Next, the processing time of the received copy job is calculated, and the processing time and the image output end time (the processing time display screen 40 shown in FIG. 6) are displayed on the display unit 502 of the operation panel 1a (9). Next, the copy output is performed in the order based on the priority set in step (7) (10), and the process returns to step (1).
[0105]
As described above, it is possible for the user to take out the printed matter in accordance with the printing end time of the image forming apparatus.
[0106]
In addition, when the image forming apparatus is installed according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to perform flexible print processing such as selecting another image forming apparatus and performing print processing.
[0107]
Further, it is possible to perform flexible copy processing such as selecting interrupt copy processing or reserved copy processing according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image output required time of an image output job that is sequentially input and image output is controlled in a predetermined order by the first control means is set as the image output condition. The second control means calculates the image output end time of the image output job in real time based on the calculation result of the calculation means and the image output control of the first control means. Display control on the display of the operating means to notifyDuring the image output, the reservation unit reads the copy image information from the document placed on the platen, and accepts a reservation for the copy image output job, and the first control unit accepts the reservation by the reservation unit. Controlling the reserved image output so that the copied image output job is output after the previously input image output job is completed; and the arithmetic means controls the original platen controlled by the first control means to output the reserved image. An image output required time of a copy image output job based on image information read from a document placed on the top is calculated based on the number of read documents and set image output conditions. Displaying a list of the image output end real time of each of the image output jobs on the display unit in the image output order based on the calculation result of the calculation unit and the image output control of the first control unit. To yourSoThe user can clearly confirm the end time of each image output job, and if the user checks the operation state of the image forming apparatus and the job processing is included, only the reading processing of the copy processing is performed first. By doing so, it is possible to execute a copy process that is easily accessible.
[0109]
According to the second invention,The calculating means calculates the required image output time of the image output job which is sequentially input and image output is controlled in a predetermined order by the first control means based on the image output condition, and calculates the calculation result of the calculating means and the first time. Based on the image output control of the control unit, the second control unit controls the display on the display unit of the operation unit to notify the user of the image output end time of the image output job in real time to the user. During the image output, the copy image information is read from the document placed on the platen, the reservation of the copy image output job is received, and the priority order setting unit receives the copy image output job received by the priority reservation unit. The first control means sets the priority, and the first control means sets the copy image output job received by the priority reservation means on the basis of the priority set by the priority setting means. The reserved image output control is performed so that the images are output in order, and the calculating means controls the copied image based on the image information read from the document placed on the document table, the controlled image output of which is controlled by the first control means. The image output required time of the output job is calculated based on the number of read originals and the set image output condition, and the second control unit calculates the calculation result of the calculation unit and the image of the first control unit. Based on the output control, the image output end real time of each image output job is controlled to be displayed in a list on the display unit in the image output order, so that the user can clearly confirm the end time of each image output job, Confirms the operation state of the image forming apparatus, and if the operation is performed, only the read processing of the copy processing is performed first, and the copy processing can be performed in a desired image output order. That.
[0119]
Therefore, the user can clearly confirm the end time of the image output process, and the user can construct a flexible image output environment in which the user can select an image forming apparatus and an image forming process according to his / her needs. To play.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit shown in FIG. 1 in detail.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel shown in FIG. 1 in detail.
FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining in detail an operation screen displayed on a display unit shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image development time table for explaining image development times in a formatter unit stored in the memory illustrated in FIG. 1;
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing time display screen displayed on a display unit of the operation panel illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reader section
2 Printer section
3 System control unit
4 Facsimile part
5 File section
6. External storage device
7 Computer interface
8 Formatter part
9 Image memory section
10 Core part
12 PC / WS
121 Data processing unit
123 CPU
124 memory

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on an image output condition set for an input image output job,
Operating means having a display unit;
First control means for performing image output control of image input jobs sequentially input in a predetermined order;
Calculating means for calculating a required image output time of the image output job based on the image output condition;
A second display control unit that controls display on the display unit to notify a user of an image output end time of the image output job in real time based on a calculation result of the calculation unit and an image output control of the first control unit. Control means;
During the image output, read out the copy image information from the document placed on the platen, having a reservation means for receiving a reservation of the copy image output job,
The first control means controls the reserved image output so that the copied image output job received by the reservation means is output after the image output job input in advance is completed;
The arithmetic unit reads the image output required time of the copy image output job based on the image information read from the original placed on the platen controlled by the first control unit to output the reserved image. Calculated based on the number and the set image output conditions,
The second control means displays a list of the image output end real time of each image output job in the image output order on the display unit based on the calculation result of the calculation means and the image output control of the first control means. An image forming apparatus characterized by controlling . In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium based on an image output condition set for an input image output job,
Operating means having a display unit;
First control means for performing image output control of image input jobs sequentially input in a predetermined order;
Calculating means for calculating a required image output time of the image output job based on the image output condition;
A second display control unit that controls display on the display unit to notify a user of an image output end time of the image output job in real time based on a calculation result of the calculation unit and an image output control of the first control unit. Control means;
During image output, priority reservation means for reading copy image information from a document placed on a platen and receiving a reservation for a copy image output job;
Priority setting means for setting a priority for a copy image output job accepted by the priority reservation means,
The first control means controls the reserved image output so as to output the copy image output job accepted by the priority reservation means in an order based on the priority set by the priority setting means;
The arithmetic unit reads the required image output time of the copy image output job based on the image information read from the original placed on the platen under the reserved image output control by the first control unit. Calculated based on the number and the set image output conditions,
The second control means displays a list of the image output end real time of each image output job on the display unit in an image output order based on the calculation result of the calculation means and the image output control of the first control means. An image forming apparatus characterized by controlling.

Images