JP3740912B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus applied to, for example, a composite digital copying machine having functions such as a copy / printer / fax.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an image forming apparatus, there is known an apparatus in which a memory is built in an apparatus main body, and a plurality of jobs such as stored images, print modes, sequence information, and the like are stored and registered in the memory. If the user makes an operation mistake, the job being executed or before execution can be discarded (hereinafter also referred to as deletion or cancellation) from the operation panel, or the job registered in the memory can be printed. For example, when there is a job waiting next during an operation such as discarding, the print operation starts automatically after a certain time or according to a user instruction Is done.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above configuration has a drawback that the printing operation by the apparatus may be stopped unnecessarily, and the operation rate for the printing process is reduced.
[0004]
Moreover, the operability for users was not good. That is, when the user discards the job in the memory, the printing operation of the apparatus is temporarily stopped and the operation is performed. Normally, it seems reasonable to restart the printing operation after the user's job discarding operation is completed. However, if the same user registers multiple jobs in memory, the above job When the printing operation is started immediately after the discarding operation is finished, there is a problem that the timing for executing the job is lost when the user wants to discard another job.
[0005]
Since the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, it is possible to facilitate the operation when processing a stored / registered job, and to shorten the useless stop time and improve the overall processing efficiency. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The above tasks can store and register multiple jobsAnd every time the running job is finished, the job in the waiting state is executed.In the image forming apparatus, an operation unit capable of discarding a job that is executing image formation, and one stored / registered when the job that is executing image formation is discarded by the operation of the operation unit Or when there are a plurality of jobs, control means for controlling the start processing of the next waiting job according to the registered job attributes. This is solved by the image forming apparatus.
[0007]
According to this image forming apparatus, when a job in progress of image formation is discarded by the operation of the operation unit, the start processing of the next waiting job is controlled according to the attribute of the stored / registered job Therefore, regarding the resumption of the job, that is, the resumption of the image forming operation, various correspondences can be made according to the attributes of the stored / registered job, the usability is improved, and unnecessary stop time of the apparatus is shortened. , Processing efficiency is increased.
[0008]
  As an example of the control of the start processing of the next waiting job by the control means, if a job having the same attribute as the discarded job does not exist in the registered job, the job is discarded. Immediately after that, start the next waiting jobControlCan be mentioned.
[0009]
  Same attributeIf there is no such job, the wasteful stop of the apparatus is shortened by automatically starting the next waiting job immediately after discarding the job.
[0010]
  In this case, the control meansIf a registered job contains a job with the same attribute as the discarded job,It is preferable to start the next waiting job after elapse of a predetermined time. As a result, even if a registered job contains a job with the same attribute as the discarded job, even if it is left as it is without any operations such as discarding, Further unnecessary stoppage of the apparatus can be avoided.
[0011]
  Also,If there is a job with the same attribute as the discarded job in the registered job, the control means prohibits starting the next waiting job immediately after discarding the job It is good also as composition to do. By performing such control by the control means, it is possible to continuously perform processing such as discarding on registered jobs with the same attribute, for example, jobs registered by the same user, Sexuality is improved. Also,A configuration may be provided that includes display means for displaying a job having the same attribute as the discarded job. In this case, the user can determine whether to discard the job by looking at the display means.
[0012]
  The display means displays an operation screen for performing a job operation on a job having the same attribute as the discarded job, and the control means displays the operation screen of the display means when the operation screen is closed. A configuration may be adopted in which a job whose start is prohibited is immediately started.
[0013]
  According to this image forming apparatus, when the operation screen for performing the job operation is closed,Start was forbiddenSince the job is restarted immediately, useless stop time of the apparatus is eliminated and operability is improved.
[0015]
According to this image forming apparatus, by specifying job attributes, it is possible to batchly discard jobs having the corresponding attributes among one or a plurality of stored and registered jobs. As a result, the stop time is shortened and the operability is improved.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a digital multi-function peripheral having an image reader part IR, a page printer part PR, and a memory unit part MEM.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily stores an image read from the image reader unit IR in the memory unit unit MEM, and further performs a copy operation by sending the image to the printer PR. On the other hand, a page description language is received from a computer connected to the LAN, the image is rendered by the memory unit MEM, and the image is sent to the page printer unit PR, thereby operating as a printer.
[0020]
The image reader IR is a scanning system 10 that decomposes and reads a document placed on the document glass 18 into pixels, quantization of photoelectric conversion signals output from the scanning system 10, and signal processing according to various image forming modes. The image signal processing unit 20 is configured to perform the above. Also, a document feeder 500, which is an additional device that also serves as a document cover, is assembled to the upper portion of the apparatus main body so that it can be opened and closed with its rear end as a fulcrum.
[0021]
The scanning system 10 is a line scanning type document reading mechanism. The scanning system 10 reads an image of a document with light irradiated from a document irradiation lamp, and inputs the document image as a pixel by an image sensor 16 composed of a CCD array. The scanning system 10 is driven by a scan motor M2 and reads the entire document placed on the document glass 18.
[0022]
The image input from the image sensor 16 is processed by the image signal processing unit 20 and then sent to the memory unit MEM.
[0023]
The page printer unit PR includes a print processing unit 50 that outputs an exposure control signal, a print head 60 that uses a semiconductor laser as a light source, a development / transfer system 70B that includes a photosensitive drum and its peripheral devices, a fixing roller, and a discharge roller. The fixing / discharging system 70D, a paper feeding system 70A for supplying paper from a paper feeding cassette 80 for storing printing paper, a transport system 70C for transporting paper, and the like. The image signal received from the memory unit MEM forms an image on a sheet through an electrophotographic process.
[0024]
Since the operations of the image reader unit IR and the page printer unit PR are well-known techniques, detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an operation panel in the image forming apparatus 1.
[0026]
The operation panel 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31 that is an operation screen for performing status display and various mode designations, a numeric keypad 33 for inputting copy numerical conditions (number of sheets, magnification, etc.), and start and stop states of a copy operation. A start key 34 for instructing the restart from the start, a stop key 35 for instructing to stop the operation of the apparatus 1, a reset key 36 for instructing the copy mode initialization and job destruction, and storing in the apparatus 1 The job list key 32 is used to display a list of registered jobs on the liquid crystal display panel unit 31.
[0027]
When performing a copying operation (copying), the start key 34 is pressed to start the operation. When the copying operation is temporarily stopped in the middle, the stop key 35 is pressed. When the stop key 35 is pressed to stop an operation such as printing and then the reset key 36 is pressed, the job being printed can be discarded. The job can be stopped and discarded even in the case of a printer job by the same operation. For a job that is not currently printed, a discard operation is performed on a job list screen displayed by pressing a job list key 32 described later.
[0028]
When the job list key 32 is pressed, a list of jobs stored in the memory (FIG. 4) 46 is displayed as shown in FIG. On this screen, not only the waiting job can be discarded, but also the mode can be changed.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a simple block diagram showing an outline of the electrical connection relationship of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0030]
As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is generally configured by the image reader unit IR that reads an image, the memory unit unit MEM that stores a plurality of read images, and the page printer unit PR that prints the read images. .
[0031]
In order to perform the copying operation, the memory unit MEM can control the operations of the image reader unit IR and the page printer unit PR.
[0032]
The memory unit unit MEM, the image reader unit IR, and the page printer unit PR are connected by a communication line for exchanging control signals and an image BUS. The communication line is for the memory unit MEM to instruct the image reader unit IR and the page printer unit PR of the timing of document feeding / reading and sheet feeding / printing operations. The communication line is also used to send the state of the image reader unit IR and the page printer unit PR to the memory unit unit MEM.
[0033]
The image BUS-A is used to transfer an image read from the image reader unit IR to the memory unit unit MEM. The image stored in the memory unit MEM is further sent to the page printer PR through the image BUS-B, and an image forming operation is performed.
[0034]
In this apparatus 1, since a plurality of images can be stored in the image memory (FIG. 4) 46, the image read by the image reader unit IR is stored in the image memory 46 and stored in the memory. By sending images to the page printer unit PR many times, the same document can be printed many times, or the order of printing can be changed by controlling the order of images sent from the image memory 46 to the printer.
[0035]
The apparatus 1 also has a function as a printer. An image is drawn in the memory unit MEM according to the description language received through the LAN. The operation of the printer is realized by sending this image to the page printer section PR through the image BUS-B.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the memory unit MEM.
[0037]
In the memory unit MEM, the CPU 40 as the control means executes control according to the procedure of the program stored in the ROM 42.
[0038]
The images BUS-A and B are connected to a RAM 46 as an image memory, and the images are stored in the RAM 46. Image transfer control is performed by a DMA controller 47 capable of transferring several channels.
[0039]
In addition, a compressor 48 and a decompressor 49 are connected to the images BUS-A and B, and a compression operation and an expansion operation can be performed on the images. Information about the image accumulated in the image RAM 46 is stored in the system RAM 41. The system RAM 41 also stores parameters necessary for operating the program.
[0040]
The operation panel controller 37 performs I / O control of key input of the operation panel 30 and display / input of the liquid crystal touch panel 31 shown in FIG. The communication driver 44 is a serial communication control driver for communicating with the image reader unit IR and the page printer unit PR.
[0041]
The timer 43 is used for time measurement. On the other hand, when operating as a printer, the LAN controller 45 performs communication for receiving a page description language from a personal computer (PC).
[0042]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the flow of an image in the memory unit MEM.
[0043]
The image RAM 46 is divided into an input image memory 46A, an output image memory 46B, and a compressed image memory 46C.
[0044]
The DMA controller (not shown in FIG. 5) 47 performs image transmission between the memories. By setting a transfer start address and a transfer size in the DMA controller 47, image transfer between memories is performed by hardware.
[0045]
The image read from the image reader unit IR is DMA-transferred to the input image memory 46A through the image BUS-A. The image stored in the input image memory 46A is compressed by the compressor 48 and DMA-transferred to the compressed image memory 46C.
[0046]
The image stored in the compressed image memory 46C is expanded by the expander 49 and DMA-transferred to the output image memory 46B.
[0047]
The image transferred to the output image memory 46B is transferred to the page printer unit PR through the image BUS-B by the DMA controller 47, and an image is formed on the paper.
[0048]
When performing the above control, the memory unit MEM gives a document or paper feed instruction via the communication line and takes a timing on the control.
[0049]
When operating as a printer, the page description language received via the LAN is temporarily stored in the system RAM 41. The CPU 40 analyzes the language content and draws an image on the compressed image memory 46C. Since the decompressor 49 can pass the image without performing the decompression operation, the image is accumulated in the output image memory 46B from the compressed image memory 46C through the decompressor 49, and then the printing operation is performed. The operation as a printer is performed.
[0050]
FIG. 6 illustrates the handling of a plurality of jobs registered in the memory.
[0051]
Jobs registered in the memory 46 are queued in the registered order. Each time a job being executed is completed, jobs in the waiting state are sequentially executed.
[0052]
When registering a job, or in the case of a job as a copying machine, the user (operator) name is input on the operation panel 30 and then the start key 34 is pressed. In the case of a job as a printer, when printing is started for an application, the user name and print data printed by the printer driver are sent. Here, the print jobs are executed in the order received on the apparatus 1 side.
[0053]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a job management method.
[0054]
Job management information is stored in the storage area T1 of the memory 46 for each job. Here, the job type, job operation mode, job execution status, user who registered the job, job execution order, and the like are stored.
[0055]
The order in which the jobs are stored is stored by a chain list indicating the execution order. In the case of a job as a printer, information such as the name of the terminal that instructed printing and the file name is also stored. The information is information sent by the printer driver when printing, and may not be sent depending on designation on the terminal side.
[0056]
Information for each document at the time of copying and information for each sheet at the time of printing are stored in the storage area T 2 of the memory 46. Here, information such as the image size to be printed, the image creation status, and paper feed port selection designation is stored.
[0057]
The compressed image is stored in the compressed image memory 46C. The above-described information is connected by a directory structure, and when a job is specified, image data printed by the job and its detailed information are stored. Can get to.
[0058]
FIG. 8 shows a screen display for explaining the operation and operation method of the image forming apparatus 1.
[0059]
If any job is printed, the message “Printing is in progress. Press the stop key to stop” on the LCD touch panel 31 of the operation panel 30 as shown in FIG. 8A. Is displayed. When the stop key 35 is pressed in this state, a transition is made to the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, a message “Stopped. Press the reset key to cancel printing” is displayed.
[0060]
If the reset key 36 is pressed here, the job currently being executed is discarded. As shown in FIG. 8D, when the job is discarded, if a job of the same user as the discarded job does not exist among the registered jobs and the job is waiting next. The message “Print canceled. Your job has been kept because there is no job. Printing is in progress.” Is displayed, and printing of the next job starts immediately.
[0061]
If a job of the same user as the discarded job exists among the registered jobs, as shown in FIG. 8C, the job is kept constant so that the job in the waiting state can be operated. To stop the time and operate the user's job, “The previous print has been cancelled. Your job has the following registered. It has been stopped for a while. To restart, press the start key. Is displayed on the screen. Here, jobs of the same user are listed on the screen for easy operation.
[0062]
The user can continue to discard the registered job or modify the job mode. When a job is being operated, time measurement for starting is not performed, and resumption of printing is prohibited.
[0063]
In this apparatus 1, as described above, the start (resume) timing of the next waiting job is changed according to the registered job attribute (whether the job user is the same in the above example). Is possible. As a result, while the user's operability is ensured, the time during which the apparatus 1 stops uselessly is shortened.
[0064]
Note that FIG. 8C shows an example in which a job with the same user name as the deleted job exists, but whether the terminal name is the same as the job attribute determination other than whether the user name is the same. Whether or not the file names are the same is determined, and if they are the same, the same attribute may be determined. For example, if the file names are the same, it is possible that the job has the same content as the discarded job. In addition, by determining whether the job is a copier job or a printer job, even if the same user discards the printer job, the copier job is not discarded. The attribute determination is not limited to one method, and two or more attributes may be determined in combination.
[0065]
FIG. 9 shows a display when the job list key 32 is pressed.
[0066]
On the screen shown in FIG. 9A, a job can be operated from the list display. "Delete key" 37a for selecting and deleting a job, "Mode change key" 37b for selecting a job and changing the mode, and specifying a specific attribute from the list displayed in the job list to batch "Delete key by attribute" 37c for deleting the job is displayed.
[0067]
Here, as an example of an operation, an operation for deleting jobs by designating attributes will be described.
[0068]
When the “delete by attribute” 37c is pressed, a key for selecting a job attribute is displayed as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0069]
Here, “job number”, “user name”, “terminal name”, “file name”, and “COPY / PRINTER (type)” can be selected. When “user name” is selected, each user name is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C, and jobs of the user can be deleted collectively, which is convenient.
[0070]
In this apparatus 1, it is possible to continue the printing operation even when this screen is displayed. However, when it is time to print a job operated on the operation panel 30, Since the operation is prioritized, the printing operation is stopped.
[0071]
If the job list display screen is closed and the screen is exited, it can be determined that the operation for the job has been completed. Therefore, when the screen is closed, the stopped job is restarted, and the device is wasted. Is prevented.
[0072]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the overall processing by the image forming apparatus 1.
[0073]
In the following description and drawings, step is abbreviated as S.
[0074]
When the power is turned on, the hardware is initialized in S1, and the internal variables are initialized in S2. In S3, the image reader unit IR / page printer unit PR is connected by initial communication, and in S4, the operation panel 30 is initialized. Thereafter, job control is performed in S5, read control is performed in S6, and print control is performed in S7. Further, the memory control is performed in S8, the panel control is performed in S9, the printer controller control is performed in S10, and the process returns to S5 to repeat the processes of S5 to S10.
[0075]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of job control S5 of FIG.
[0076]
First, in S51, a “job switching process” for switching a plurality of jobs is performed. In S52, a “job discarding process” for performing a job discarding process is performed. In S53, a job is started. Perform “Resume / Start process”. Further, in S54, “job list processing” for creating a list of jobs registered in the apparatus main body is performed. In S55, an “execution job status update” that updates and displays the execution status of the job being executed is displayed. "Is processed.
[0077]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the job switching process S51 shown in FIG.
[0078]
In S511, it is determined whether or not the job being executed has ended. If the job being executed has ended (YES in S511), it is determined whether or not the next job is waiting in S512. If the next job is waiting (YES at S512), the process switches to the next waiting job at S513.
[0079]
If the job being executed has not ended (NO in S511), the process returns. If the next job does not exist (NO in S512), the process returns.
[0080]
In step S514, it is determined whether the next job on standby is operated on the operation panel 30 (whether it is operated based on the job list), and the next job on standby is operated on the operation panel 30. (S514: YES), there is a possibility of being discarded. If the waiting next job is not operated on the operation panel 30 (NO in S514), the next job is started in S515.
[0081]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the job discarding process (deleting a registered job) S52 shown in FIG.
[0082]
In S521, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to discard the job. If there is an instruction to discard the job (YES in S521), it is determined whether or not printing is currently being performed in S522. If YES in step S522 (YES in step S522), in step S523, processing for invalidating the job being printed is performed. Here, job information and job image data are deleted from the memory 46. If there is no job discard instruction (NO in S521), the process returns. If printing is not currently being executed (NO in S522), the print job is invalidated in S523, and the process returns.
[0083]
After the print job invalidation process is performed, in S524, it is determined whether or not the next job is waiting. If the next job is waiting (YES in S524), the next job is determined in S525. To switch to the job. If the next job is not waiting (NO in S524), the process returns.
[0084]
Next, in S526, it is determined whether or not there is a job of the same user (job having the same attribute) as the discarded job among the registered jobs, and if a job of the same user exists (S526). In S527, the timer (start timer) 43 is started for a predetermined time in order to guarantee the user's operation. The next waiting job is not started until the timer 43 expires after the set time elapses. Further, in S528, after processing for displaying a list of jobs registered by the user on the operation panel 30, the process returns. If there is no job of the same user as the discarded job among the registered jobs (NO in S526), the waiting job is started in S530.
[0085]
In this way, if a job with the same attribute as the discarded job exists, a certain time is secured without immediately starting the next job, so that the user is registered as necessary during this period. You can discard a job. On the other hand, if there is no job having the same attribute as the discarded job, the next job is immediately started, so that unnecessary stop of the apparatus can be prevented.
[0086]
Although the example of the same user has been described here, the determination may be made using attributes other than the user.
[0087]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the job restart / start process S53 shown in FIG.
[0088]
First, in S531, it is determined whether or not a restart / start instruction has been issued by the start key 34. If there is a restart / start instruction (YES in S531), the registered job is resumed / restarted in S534. Start it. At this time, since the use of the timer 43 is unnecessary, the process returns after clearing (resetting) the timer 43 in S535.
[0089]
If the start key 34 has not been pressed (there is no resumption / start instruction) (NO in S531), it is determined in S532 whether or not the timer 43 is operating. In step S533, it is determined whether the timer 43 has reached a predetermined value (set time). If the timer 43 has reached a predetermined value (set time) (YES in S533), the start process is performed in S534, and the timer 43 is reset in S535, as in the case where the start key 34 is pressed. Therefore, even if there is a job having the same attribute as that of the job disabled in S526 in FIG. 13, the user starts the next job after a predetermined time elapses by the timer 43, so the user performs the job discarding process. Even when the device is left as it is, the stop time of the apparatus can be minimized.
[0090]
If the timer 43 is not in operation (NO in S532) or if the timer 43 has not reached the set value (NO in S533), both return.
[0091]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing when the job list of S54 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.
[0092]
First, in S541, it is determined whether or not the job list is being displayed by the job list key 32. If the job list is being displayed (YES in S541), it is determined whether or not a job operation is being performed in S546. .
[0093]
If a job operation is being performed (YES at S546), the operation number is stored at S547, then the job operation process is performed at S554, and the process proceeds to S548. The number stored in S547 is used in the determination step (S514) as to whether or not to start the next waiting job in the job switching process 51 of FIG.
[0094]
If the job list is not displayed (NO in S541), it is determined in S542 whether or not the job list is closed. If the job list is closed (YES in S542), in S543. Then, it is determined whether there is a next waiting job. If there is a waiting job (YES in S543), the waiting job is started in S544, and the job number being operated is invalidated in S545.
[0095]
In this way, the reason for starting the next waiting job when the job list is closed is that, as described above, the operator has determined that no operation will be performed on the job thereafter. .
[0096]
Next, in S548, it is determined whether or not the user's job list is displayed after the job is discarded. If the user's job list after the job is discarded is determined (YES in S548), the job is processed in S549. It is determined whether or not an operation is being performed. If a job operation is being performed (determination in S549 is YES), in S550, the timer operation described above is stopped and then the process returns. The reason for stopping the timer operation is to prevent the job from starting while the user is operating the job.
[0097]
If the job list of the user after the job is discarded is not in a display state (NO in S548), the process returns after clearing the timer 43 in S551. In addition, even if the job list is displayed, if no job operation is performed (NO in S549), it is determined in S552 whether or not the timer 43 is stopped, and the timer 43 is stopped. If the timer 43 is not stopped (NO in S552), the process returns.
[0098]
If the job list is not closed (NO in S542), there is no job waiting (NO in S543), and no job operation is performed (NO in S546). ), The process proceeds to S548.
[0099]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the job operation process shown in S554 of FIG.
[0100]
In step S5541, it is determined whether or not the job to be operated is a job that is currently being executed such as printing. If the job is currently being executed (YES in step S5541), no processing is performed and the process returns. To do. If the job is not currently being executed (NO in S5541), a mode change process is performed in S5542, then a job deletion process is performed in S5543, and a job deletion process based on attributes is performed in S5544.
[0101]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing job deletion processing based on the attribute of S5544.
[0102]
In S55441, an attribute type (for example, a user name) is selected for which attribute the job is to be deleted, and in S55442, the attribute item (for example, “Yoshida” in FIG. 9) is selected.
[0103]
Since these pieces of information are stored in the job management information storage area T1 of FIG. 7, the job management information storage area T1 is searched in S55443. Next, in S55444, it is determined whether or not the corresponding job exists in the information. If the corresponding job exists in the information (the determination in S55444 is YES), the corresponding job is deleted in S55445, and the process proceeds to S55446. move on. If the corresponding job does not exist in the information (NO in S55444), the process proceeds to S55446.
[0104]
In S55446, it is determined whether there are other jobs. If there are other jobs (YES at S55446), the process returns to S55443, and search and deletion of the corresponding job are repeated until there are no more jobs. Thereby, the job desired by the user is efficiently discarded. If there is no other job (NO in S55446), the process returns.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, various correspondences can be made regarding the start processing of the next waiting job, that is, the resumption processing of the image forming operation, according to the registered job attributes, and the usability is improved. In addition, unnecessary downtime of the apparatus can be shortened, and processing efficiency can be improved.
[0106]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continuously perform processing such as discarding on jobs having the same attribute among registered jobs, for example, jobs registered by the same user. Improves. In addition, when there is no job with the same attribute, immediately after the job is discarded, the next waiting job is automatically started, thereby suppressing unnecessary stoppage of the apparatus and improving the processing efficiency. Can do.
[0107]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a registered job includes a job having the same attribute as that of the discarded job, it is left as it is without being subjected to an operation such as discarding. Even so, a further useless stop of the apparatus can be avoided.
[0108]
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the display means for displaying the job having the same attribute as the discarded job is provided, the user can determine whether to discard the job by looking at the display means.
[0109]
According to the invention of claim 5, when the operation screen for performing the job operation is closed, it is determined that the job operation is completed, and the job whose printing operation is stopped is immediately restarted. The useless stop time of the apparatus can be reduced and the operability can be improved.
[0110]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since one or a plurality of stored / registered jobs can be collectively discarded by specifying the job attribute, the operation time is shortened and the apparatus is reduced. The useless stop time is shortened and the operability is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overview diagram showing an operation panel in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical connection relationship in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory unit section.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the flow of an image in the memory unit.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of handling a plurality of jobs that are also stored in the memory unit.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a job management method.
FIG. 8 is a transition diagram of a display screen on the operation panel corresponding to a job discarding operation.
FIG. 9 is a transition diagram of a display screen on the operation panel corresponding to an operation of a job list key.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing job control processing in FIG. 10;
12 is a flowchart showing job switching processing in FIG. 11;
13 is a flowchart showing the job discarding process of FIG.
14 is a flowchart showing a restart / start process of FIG.
15 is a flowchart showing job list processing of FIG. 11. FIG.
16 is a flowchart showing job operation processing of FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing job deletion processing with the attributes of FIG. 16;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Image forming device
30 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Operation panel
31 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Touch panel (display)
32 ... Job list key
36 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Reset key (operation means)
37c ······· Delete key by attribute (operation means)
40 ..... CPU (control means)

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus capable of storing and registering a plurality of jobs and executing a job in a waiting state every time a job being executed ends.
Operation means capable of discarding a job that is executing image formation;
If one or a plurality of stored / registered jobs exist when the job in which image formation is being performed is discarded by the operation of the operation means, the stored job is registered according to the registered job attribute. Control means for controlling start processing of the next waiting job;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The control means starts the next waiting job immediately after discarding the job when there is no job having the same attribute as the discarded job among the registered jobs. The image forming apparatus described. If there is a job having the same attribute as the discarded job in the registered job , the control means starts a job waiting next after a predetermined time elapses. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2.   When there is a job with the same attribute as the discarded job in the registered job, the control means prohibits starting the next waiting job immediately after discarding the job The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising display means for displaying a job having the same attribute as the discarded job. The display means displays an operation screen for performing a job operation on a job having the same attribute as the discarded job,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit immediately starts a job whose start is prohibited when the operation screen of the display unit is closed.

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