JP3782500B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus connected to a network such as a LAN., Image forming method and image forming systemAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, image forming apparatuses have become more complex in function, and a copying function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like are realized by a single apparatus. In addition, such an image forming apparatus is connected to a network or the like. It is used as a networked personal computer, workstation printer, and scanner.
[0003]
When connected to the network in this way, the image data sent via the network (strictly speaking, not the image data itself but in many cases data that should be printed so as to be visible such as character codes) is used. Facsimile image data sent through the image forming apparatus is temporarily stored in a file of the image forming apparatus, and then formed and discharged after a copying operation.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described system centered on the image forming apparatus has the following problems. That is, even if the image data is transferred from the terminal on the network to the image forming apparatus, if the image forming apparatus is performing a copy process, the copy process is given priority. The image data relating to the transfer cannot be output until the end. For this reason, when there is a copy processing queue in the image forming apparatus or when a large amount of originals are copied, there is a problem that it takes time to output the image data for transfer. there were.
[0005]
In addition, when the image forming apparatus having a composite function has a single sheet discharge tray, output sheets related to various functions are output to the sheet discharge tray at any time. In some cases, the output paper is left unsorted.
[0006]
If there is a single paper discharge tray and a paper discharge tray corresponding to each function of the image forming apparatus such as the print function, FAX function, and copy function, There is no means for separating the sheet bundle and the sheet bundle that are output separately, and the output sheets from the image forming apparatus are merely stacked on the sheet discharge tray, which is a desired sheet bundle. It was not possible to determine. Therefore, when a desired sheet bundle is taken out, all the sheet bundles are taken out, a desired bundle is searched from among them, and the remaining bundle is returned to the original paper discharge tray. Under such circumstances, an unexpected situation may occur in which a part or all of the output document is lost.
[0007]
  The present invention has been made under such a background.Any image forming apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus that is not performing image formation) at a desired timingData processing device connected to the networkTransferred to storage device fromDataProvided are an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming system for receiving and forming an image.There is to do.
[0008]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data processing apparatus that processes data and a storage device that records data via a network to form an image forming system. Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the stored data transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and the identification information is input by the input means. An acquisition unit that acquires data related to the identification information from the storage device via the network, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the data related to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit on a sheetThe identification information for identifying the data is information that is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored in the storage device together with the data.It is characterized by that.
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data processing apparatus that processes data and a storage device that records data via a network to form an image forming system. Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the stored data transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and the identification information is input by the input means. An acquisition unit that acquires data related to the identification information from the storage device via the network, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the data related to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit on a sheet And the identification information for identifying the data is information generated in the storage device, and Characterized in that the data in the storage device from over data processing apparatus is the information stored in the storage device with the data if it is transferred.
[0015]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming method for an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system by being connected to a data processing device for processing data and a storage device for recording data via a network. An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network; and the input step Obtaining the data related to the identification information from the storage device via the network when the identification information is input atThe identification information for identifying the data is information that is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored in the storage device together with the data.It is characterized by that.
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming method for an image forming apparatus that constitutes an image forming system by being connected to a data processing device for processing data and a storage device for recording data via a network. An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network; and the input step And acquiring the data related to the identification information from the storage device via the network when the identification information is input, and the identification information for identifying the data includes the identification information Information generated in the storage device, and the data is transferred when the data is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device. Characterized in that together with the data which is information stored in the storage device.
[0017]
  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system in which a data processing device for processing data, a storage device for storing data, and an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet are connected to a network. A first transfer means for transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device by the first data transfer means. An input unit that inputs data in the image forming apparatus; and when the identification information is input by the input unit, a data transfer unit that transfers data related to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network. And an image based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus by the second transfer unit and the second transfer unit. Image forming means for formingAnd the data processing device transfers the identification information for identifying the data to the storage device, and the storage device stores the data together with the identification information relating to the data.It is characterized by that.
  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system in which a data processing device for processing data, a storage device for storing data, and an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet are connected to a network. A first transfer means for transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device by the first data transfer means. An input unit that inputs data in the image forming apparatus; and when the identification information is input by the input unit, a data transfer unit that transfers data related to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network. And an image based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus by the second transfer unit and the second transfer unit. And the storage device generates the identification information for identifying the data and stores the identification information together with the data when the data is transferred from the data processing device. And
[0025]
  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system in an image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network. A first transfer step of transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and identifying the data transferred to the storage device in the first transfer step An input step of inputting identification information for the image forming apparatus, and when the identification information is input in the input step, the identification information is transferred from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network. A second transfer step for transferring the data, and the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus in the second transfer step. Image forming step and forming an image based on such data to the sheetThe identification information for identifying the data is information that is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored in the storage device together with the data.It is characterized by that.
  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming system in an image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network. A first transfer step of transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network, and identifying the data transferred to the storage device in the first transfer step An input step of inputting identification information for the image forming apparatus, and when the identification information is input in the input step, the identification information is transferred from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network. A second transfer step for transferring the data, and the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus in the second transfer step. An image forming step for forming an image based on the data on a sheet, and the identification information for identifying the data is information generated in the storage device, and the information is generated from the data processing device to the storage device. The information is stored in the storage device together with the data when the data is transferred to the storage device.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) 1, an image output unit (hereinafter referred to as a printer unit) 2, an external device 3, and a circulation type automatic The document feeding device 4 and the sheet post-processing device 5 are main components, and the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 constitute a main body unit.
[0030]
[Configuration of main body (reader 1 and printer 2)]
The reader unit 1 optically reads information recorded on an original, photoelectrically converts it, and inputs it as image data. The scanner unit 104 includes an original placement table (platen glass) 101, a lamp 102, and a mirror 103. , Mirrors 105 and 106, a lens 107, an image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 108 having a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, and the like.
[0031]
The printer unit 2 is an image forming unit that outputs the image data input by the reader unit 1 or the like as a visible image on a recording sheet (hereinafter referred to as a sheet). The light control unit 201, the photosensitive member 202, and the developing unit 203. A plurality of types of sheet cassettes 204 and 205, a transfer unit 206, a fixing unit 207, a paper discharge unit 208, a conveyance direction switching member 209, a sheet refeeding sheet stacking unit 210, a conveyance roller 211, and the like.
[0032]
[Operation of the main unit (reader unit 1 and printer unit 2)]
Next, operations of the reader unit 1 and the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
First, in the reader unit 1, the originals stacked on the circulating automatic document feeder 4 are sequentially conveyed onto the platen glass 101 one by one. The configuration and operation of the circulation type automatic document feeder 4 will be described later. When the document is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass 101, the scanner unit 104 moves with the lamp 102 turned on to irradiate the document. Reflected light from the document is input to the CCD 108 via mirrors 103, 105, 106 and a lens 107. Then, the CCD 108 photoelectrically converts the reflected light from the input document and outputs it to the printer unit 2 as digital image data.
[0034]
In the printer unit 2, an optical signal modulated based on input image data (image data input from the printer unit 2 or the external device 3) is input to the photoconductor 202 under the control of the exposure control unit 201. Irradiate. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by this irradiation light is developed by the developing unit 203.
[0035]
A sheet is conveyed from the sheet cassette 204 or 205 in synchronization with the leading edge of the developed image. The developed image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 206 on the conveyed sheet, and is fixed by the fixing unit 207. Then, the sheet is discharged to the outside of the main body by the paper discharge unit 208. . Then, the sheets discharged to the outside by the paper discharge unit 208 are sorted and bound by the sheet post-processing device 5 (the configuration and operation of the sheet post-processing device 5 will be described later) according to an operation mode designated in advance. Is done.
[0036]
The above-described sheet conveying operation is a case where the sequentially read images are recorded on one side of the sheet, but when recording on both sides of the sheet, the following sheet conveying operation is performed.
[0037]
That is, when recording on both sides, the sheet subjected to the fixing process by the fixing unit 207 is once transported to the paper discharge unit 208 and then re-feeded via the transport direction switching member 209 with the sheet transport direction reversed. It is conveyed to the paper sheet stacking unit 210. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process. However, since the sheet is re-supplied from the re-feed sheet stacking unit 210, the surface of the same sheet is eventually obtained. Two original images can be recorded on the back side.
[0038]
[Configuration of External Device 3]
The external device 3 is electrically connected to the reader unit 1 via a cable and has various functions. That is, the external device 3 converts a facsimile unit 301 that performs facsimile transmission / reception, a hard disk 302 connected to the facsimile unit 301, and various types of document information into electrical signals and stores them in an external storage device 303 such as a magneto-optical disk. A file unit 304, a network interface unit 305 for connecting to a computer via a network such as LAN 6, a formatter unit 306 for converting code information such as characters from a computer into image information to develop it into a visible image, An image memory unit 307 for storing information from the reader unit 1 or temporarily storing information sent from a computer, a core unit 308 for controlling the above functions, and the like are provided. The core unit 308 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and controls each of the above functions while using the RAM as a work memory based on a program preset in the ROM or the like with the CPU as a core. is there.
[0039]
[Configuration of circulation type automatic document feeder 4]
As shown in FIG. 3, the circulation type automatic document feeder 4 has a document stacking tray 401 for stacking document bundles, and the document stacking tray 401 is equipped with a document feeding mechanism. The document feeding mechanism includes a half-moon roller 402, a separation and conveyance roller 403, a separation motor (not shown), a registration roller 404, a full-surface belt 405, a belt motor (not shown), a large conveyance roller 406, It includes a transport motor (not shown), a paper discharge roller 407, a flapper 408, a recycle lever 409, a paper feed sensor, a reverse sensor, a paper discharge sensor (not shown), and the like.
[0040]
[Operation of circulation type automatic document feeder 4]
The half-moon roller 402 and the separation conveying roller 403 are rotated by the separation motor to separate and feed the originals one by one from the lowest part of the original bundle on the original stacking tray 401. Further, the registration roller 404 and the entire surface belt 405 are rotated by a belt motor and convey the originals separated one by one to the exposure position (sheet path c) on the platen glass 101 via the sheet paths a and b. The large conveying roller 406 is rotated by a conveying motor to convey the original on the platen glass 101 from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The document transported to the sheet path e is returned to the uppermost portion of the document stack on the document stacking tray 401 by the paper discharge port roller 407.
[0041]
The recycle lever 409 detects the circulation of the original. When the original feeding starts, the recycle lever 409 is placed on the upper part of the original bundle, the original is sequentially fed, and the rear end of the final original is the recycle lever 409. When it comes out of it, it falls by its own weight, thereby detecting one cycle of the document.
[0042]
When feeding a double-sided document with information recorded on both sides, the document feeding mechanism once guides the double-sided document to sheet paths a and b to read one side, and then rotates the transport large roller 406. By switching the flapper 408, the leading edge of the double-sided document is guided to the sheet path d and reversed, and then, the double-sided document is passed through the sheet path b by the registration roller 404, and then conveyed onto the platen glass 101 by the full belt 405. Read the other side.
[0043]
By transporting the originals of the original stack loaded on the original stacking tray 401 one by one through the sheet paths a, b, c, d, e until the recycle lever 409 detects that one circulation has occurred, The number of documents stacked on the document stacking tray 401 can be counted.
[0044]
[Configuration and operation of sheet post-processing apparatus 5]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sheet post-processing apparatus 5 includes a machine body 501, a bin unit (discharge means) 502, and a stapler (binding means) 510, and the machine body 501 has a carry-in port 503. A carry-in roller pair 504 is provided in the vicinity. A flapper 507 for switching the sheet conveyance direction to the conveyance path 505 or 506 is disposed downstream of the carry-in roller pair 504.
[0045]
One transport path 505 extends substantially in the direction of the water tank, and a transport roller pair 508 is disposed downstream thereof, while the other transport path 506 extends downward and transport roller pair 509 downstream thereof. Is disposed, and a stapler 510 is disposed in the vicinity of the conveying roller pair 509.
[0046]
The carry-in roller pair 504 and the transport roller pairs 508 and 509 are driven by a transport motor (not shown). The transport path 505 is provided with a non-sort path sensor 511 that detects the passage of sheets, and the transport path 506 is provided with a sort path sensor 512.
[0047]
The bin unit 502 includes a large number of bins B and is disposed on the downstream side of the pair of conveyance rollers 508 and 509. By engaging one end with the hook of the bin unit 502 and holding the weight with a spring having the other end fixed to the body 501, the bin unit 502 is supported so as to be movable up and down.
[0048]
Guide rollers 513 and 514 are rotatably supported on the upper and lower portions of the base end side of the bin unit 502, and the guide rollers 513 and 514 are provided in the machine body 501 so as to extend in the vertical direction. It is configured to guide the elevation of the bin unit 502 by rolling in 515.
[0049]
The machine body 501 is provided with a shift motor 516. A lead cam 518 is fixed to a rotary shaft 517 pivotally supported by the body 501. Further, a chain 519 is stretched around the output shaft of the shift motor 516, whereby the rotation of the shift motor 516 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 517 via the chain 519.
[0050]
Further, the bin unit 502 is supported by a bottom frame 520 composed of an inclined portion and a vertical portion, a pair of frames 521 provided vertically on the front side and the back side of the bottom frame 520, and the frame 521. A unit main body 523 constituted by a cover 522 is provided.
[0051]
On the front side of the unit main body 523, a reference plate that can be brought into contact with and aligned with the sheet is provided. A first lower arm that is rotated by a first alignment motor (not shown) is rotatably supported on the rear side of the base end of the bottom frame 520. Further, a first upper arm is rotatably supported at a position facing the first lower arm of the cover 522 via a support shaft of the first lower arm. A first alignment bar 524 is installed between the tip of the first upper arm and the tip of the first lower arm. The first alignment bar 524 is configured to be rotated by a first alignment motor, and aligns the sheet S on the bin B to the front side.
[0052]
Similarly, a second lower arm that is rotated by a second alignment motor (not shown) is rotatably supported on the near side of the base end of the bottom frame 520. A second upper arm is rotatably supported on the cover 522 at a position facing the second lower arm via the same axis as the support shaft of the second lower arm. A second alignment rod 525 is installed between the tip of the second lower arm and the tip of the second upper arm, and the second alignment rod 525 is rotated by a second alignment motor (not shown). The sheet S on the bin B is aligned with the back side.
[0053]
The first and second alignment motors are constituted by stepping motors, and the positions of the first and second alignment bars 524 and 525 can be detected by an alignment bar home sensor. Therefore, the positions of the first and second alignment bars 524 and 525 can be accurately controlled by appropriately controlling the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor while confirming the positions with the alignment bar home sensor.
[0054]
Each of the bins B has an engagement plate formed on the front side and the back side thereof, and the engagement plate is engaged with a support plate provided inside the frame 521 so that the bin B is supported on the front side. It has become. Further, the bin B is longer than the rotation distance of the first alignment rod 524 and sufficiently wider than the width of the first alignment rod 524 at a position away from the support shaft of the first upper and lower arms by a predetermined distance. A long hole that is longer than the rotational distance of the second alignment rod 525 and sufficiently wider than the width of the second alignment bar 525 at a position separated from the long hole 526 by a predetermined distance from the support shafts of the second upper and lower arms. 527 has been established.
[0055]
The base end portion Ba of the bin B rises perpendicular to the sheet storage surface Bb. The front end of the bin B is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the machine body 501, and the sheet is slid on the sheet storage surface Bb so that the rear end abuts against the base end portion Ba and is aligned in the front-rear direction. It has become so.
[0056]
Further, the bin B is provided with a notch at a portion where the stapler 510 enters so as not to interfere with the stapler 510. A first alignment rod 524 is inserted into the long hole 526 of the bins B1, B2,... Bn, and the first alignment bar 524 rotates in the long hole 526 so as to be on the bin B. The sheet is refined to align the front side. Similarly, the alignment rod 525 is fitted in the elongated hole 527 of the bins B1, B2,... Bn, and the alignment rod 525 rotates in the elongated hole 527 so that the sheet on the bin B is moved to the back side. Configured to match.
[0057]
The lead cam 518 is engaged with a part of the bin B, and the bin unit 502 is configured to move up and down along the guide groove 515 by the rotation of the lead cam 518. One rotation of the lead cam 518 is detected by a lead cam sensor 528 disposed in the vicinity of the bin home position sensor 529. The position of the bin unit 502 is detected by a bin home position sensor 529. The presence of the sheet on the bin B can be detected by the sort tray paper presence / absence detection sensor 530.
[0058]
In the vicinity of the pair of conveying rollers 509, an electric stapler 510 for binding (stapling) the sheets stored in the bin B is disposed at a position orthogonal to the sheet loading direction so as to be advanced and retracted by a driving unit. The electric stapler 510 is normally retracted to the first position “A” so as not to interfere with the vertical movement of the bin B, and when the sheet bundle on the bin B is bound, the driving means Thus, the sheet is positioned at the second position “B” and the sheet bundle is bound. After completion of the binding process, the electric stapler 510 is moved back to the first position A by the driving means.
[0059]
In addition, the electric stapler 510 performs a stapling operation by rotation of a motor (not shown), and when the sheets of the plurality of bins B1, B2,. The sheet 502 is moved to a predetermined position and the sheets stored in the other bin B are bound. Further, the driving means can rotate and move (slide) the electric stapler 510 in the arrow “R” direction shown in FIG. 4 and in the arrow “Y” direction shown in FIG.
[0060]
However, when the sheet is reversed and discharged, the electric stapler 510 is turned upside down by the driving unit, and when the output image is rotated by an image rotation circuit 145 described later, a stapler position detecting unit (not shown). In accordance with the detection result, the drive means slides in the arrow “Y” direction shown in FIG.
[0061]
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 531 denotes a manual stapling key. When the manual stapling key 531 is pressed after the sorting is completed, a stapling operation is performed. Further, the position of the sheet bundle on the bin B can be pushed forward by the rotation operation of the first alignment bar 524.
[0062]
[Configuration of operation unit and display unit]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an arrangement configuration of the operation / display panel provided in the main body (reader unit 1 and rink unit 2).
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 6, on the operation surface of the operation / display panel 600, various keys described later and a display unit 601 including a liquid crystal display or the like are provided. A display unit 601 displays information related to the state of the apparatus, the number of copies, the magnification, sheet selection, and various operations. The display unit 601 employs a touch panel method, and various modes can be displayed and selected by pressing each key.
[0064]
A copy start key (copy start key) 602 is pressed to start copying. A clear / stop key 603 functions as a clear key when pressed during standby (standby), and functions as a stop key when pressed during copy recording. The clear / stop key 603 is also used when canceling the set number of copies. Reference numeral 604 denotes a numeric keypad, which is used when setting the number of copies. A copy density key 605 is pressed to manually adjust the copy density. Reference numeral 606 denotes an AE key which is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the document or when AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and density adjustment is switched to manual. Reference numeral 607 denotes a cassette selection key which is pressed to select a plurality of types of sheet cassettes 204 and 205 shown in FIG. Further, when a document is loaded on the document transport device 4, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected by a cassette selection key 607. When APS is selected, a cassette containing transfer paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected.
[0065]
Reference numeral 608 denotes an equal-magnification key which is pressed to make an equal-magnification (original size) copy. Reference numeral 609 denotes a zoom key, which can specify an arbitrary magnification between 64% and 142%. Reference numerals 610 and 611 denote standard scaling keys, which are pressed when designating reduction / enlargement of the standard size. Reference numeral 612 denotes a sorter key for selecting various operation modes of the sheet post-processing apparatus 5, to which an electric stapler 510 capable of selecting a paper discharge method (stapling, sorting, grouping) and binding the recorded paper with staples is connected. In this case, it is possible to select the staple mode / sort mode, select or cancel the folding of the recorded paper (cross section Z shape / cross section V shape), and the like.
[0066]
Furthermore, reference numerals 613, 614, and 615 denote keys for setting various processes. For example, a double-sided mode, a binding margin setting, a photo mode, multiple processing, page continuous shooting, and a 2 in 1 mode can be set. Reference numeral 620 denotes an ID input key. When the ID input key 620 is pressed, the operation unit enters an ID input waiting mode. In an ID input waiting state, an ID code is input from the numeric keypad 604, and after the input is completed, the ID input key 620 is pressed again to determine the ID code related to the input.
[0067]
[Description of network]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a network configuration in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus includes a reader unit 1 for reading an image of a document, a printer unit 2 for outputting input image data, a feeder for automatically feeding a document and causing the reader unit 1 to read it (circulation type automatic). (Document feeder) 4 and a sorter (sheet post-processing device) 5 for storing paper discharged from the printer unit 2 in one of a plurality of bins. It is connected to a LAN 6 and a telephone line 10 through an external device 3 having a function.
[0068]
The LAN 6 is a network that enables data exchange between arbitrary devices. In addition to a plurality of image forming apparatuses (only one is shown in FIG. 7), a workstation 7, a personal computer 8, a file server 9, and the like are included. Connected. The workstation 7 and the personal computer 8 create, modify, and display documents. The file server 9 can be accessed from the external device 3, the workstation 7, the personal computer 8 and the like via the LAN 6. It is a storage device of capacity. The telephone line 10 is used for FAX data transmission / reception, and is also used when an arbitrary device connected to the reader unit 1, the printer unit 2, or the LAN 6 accesses a remote network.
[0069]
Next, an outline of the printing operation unique to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0070]
When printing processing data processed by a data processing device such as the workstation 7 or the personal computer 8, the processing data {text data (code data), graphic data (image data)} to be printed is copied to the number of copies, after the sheet. Along with the ID code (see FIG. 9), which is identification data for identifying the collating mode, stapling processing mode, and the like, the print job (processing data to be printed), etc. (see FIG. 9). Then, it is transferred to the file server 9 and registered (step S1). This operation is called print registration.
[0071]
When actually printing on a sheet, when an ID code is input using the ID input key 620 of the operation unit 600 of the image forming apparatus, the processing data and the processing mode corresponding to the ID code are filed. The image data is loaded from the server 9 to the image forming apparatus, printed by the printer unit 2, and discharged to the sheet post-processing apparatus 5 (step S2). This operation is called print output.
[0072]
Next, details of the print registration operation in step S1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0073]
In a data processing apparatus such as the workstation 7 or the personal computer 8, first, an ID code is input in order to create the data shown in FIG. 9 (step S11). The ID code includes personal identification data, print job identification code, identification code of a data processing apparatus such as a workstation 7 or a personal computer 8 that supplies processing data to be printed, and a plurality of ID codes connected to the image forming apparatus. A management code or the like used in a management device that manages the number of printed sheets for each management code can be used.
[0074]
Next, a processing mode including setting of the number of copies, a collation mode such as a sorting mode performed by the sheet post-processing apparatus 5, and a post-processing mode such as stapling is input and set (step S12). Then, the ID code and processing mode input in steps S11 and S12 are combined with the print output target processing data to create data to be registered in the file server 9 (step S13). In order to register with the server 9, it transfers via LAN6 (step S14), and a print registration operation is complete | finished.
[0075]
Next, details of the print output operation in step S2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0076]
The core unit 308 of the image forming apparatus monitors the input of the ID code (step S21). When the ID code is input, the file server 9 is accessed via the LAN 6 and corresponds to the ID code related to the input. The job (process data) to be searched is searched on the file server 9 (step S22), and it is determined whether or not the corresponding job exists (step S23). As a result, if there is no corresponding job, the process returns to step S21 to disable print output by a person other than the authorized operator.
[0077]
On the other hand, if the corresponding job exists, the processing data corresponding to the input ID code and the processing mode are loaded from the file server 9 into the apparatus, transferred to the image memory unit 307, and then the printer unit. 2 is printed, the sheet relating to the printing process is discharged to the sheet post-processing apparatus 5 (step S24), and the print output is terminated.
[0078]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described form. For example, the identification data for identifying the processing data to be printed is stored on the file server 9 side when the processing data is transferred to the file server 9. The data may be automatically generated and transferred to the work station 7, the personal computer 8, and each image forming apparatus as the processing data transmission source. It is also possible to use an ID card as the identification data input means so that the identification data can be input quickly.
[0079]
In this way, the processing data to be printed processed by the workstation 7 and the personal computer 8 is registered in the file server 9 together with the identification data of the processing data, and the processing data registered in the file server 9 is identified as the identification data. In other words, since print jobs are distributed and can be printed out from any image forming device, any image forming device that has not performed printing output can be selected arbitrarily. Thus, it is possible to perform print output at a desired timing.
[0080]
As described above, since the print output can be performed at a desired timing, it is not necessary to search for a desired sheet from the sheet bundle related to the printing stacked on the paper discharge tray as in the prior art, and the usability is improved. In addition, since it is possible to arbitrarily select an image forming apparatus that has not performed printing output, printing output can be started quickly.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, according to the present invention,Process dataData processing deviceas well asRecord dataWith storagenetworkThroughConnectedConfigure the image forming systemImage forming apparatusIn,Image formation in which an arbitrary image forming apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus that is not performing image formation) receives data transferred from a data processing apparatus connected to a network to a storage device at a desired timing to form an image An apparatus and an image forming method can be provided.
In addition, according to the present invention, in an image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network, arbitrary image formation is performed. Image forming system and image forming apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus that is not performing image formation) receives data transferred from a data processing apparatus connected to a network to a storage device at a desired timing and forms an image A method can be provided.
[0082]
Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to search for a desired sheet from the sheet bundle related to printing stacked on the paper discharge tray, and the user has to operate the apparatus to obtain a small number of sheets related to printing. Ease of use is improved by eliminating the need for it. In addition, it is possible to start printing output quickly by arbitrarily selecting an image forming apparatus that has not performed printing output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a circulation type automatic document feeder in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of an operation / display panel in the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network to which the image forming apparatus is connected.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a printing operation.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of registration data.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of a print registration operation in step S1 of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of a print output operation in step S2 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2. Printer unit (image forming device)
6 ... LAN (network)
7 ... Work station (data processing device)
8 ... PC (data processing device)
9 ... File server (storage device)
308... Core part (search means, print control means)
620 ... ID input key (input means)

Claims (20)

In an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system by being connected to a data processing apparatus that processes data and a storage apparatus that records data via a network,
Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
An acquisition means for acquiring data relating to the identification information from the storage device via the network when the identification information is input by the input means;
An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the data related to the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit ;
The image forming apparatus , wherein the identification information for identifying the data is information transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored together with the data in the storage device. In an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system by being connected to a data processing apparatus that processes data and a storage apparatus that records data via a network,
Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
  An acquisition means for acquiring data relating to the identification information from the storage device via the network when the identification information is input by the input means;
  An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the data related to the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit;
The identification information for identifying the data is information generated in the storage device, and is stored in the storage device together with the data when the data is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the information is information. The acquisition unit acquires, when the identification information is input by the input unit, from the storage device via the network, the data related to the identification information and information related to the sheet processing conditions related to the data,
Said image forming means, image formation according to image based on the data related to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that formed on the sheet based on the information on the processing conditions apparatus. It said input means, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said entering the identification information based on an input instruction from the operator of the image forming apparatus. It said input means, the identification information image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that inputting the identification information by reading the identification information from the stored storage medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image forming unit performs predetermined post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed based on information on the processing conditions. An image forming method of an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system by being connected to a data processing apparatus for processing data and a storage device for recording data via a network,
An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
When the identification information is input in the input step, an acquisition step of acquiring data relating to the identification information from the storage device via the network ,
The image forming method , wherein the identification information for identifying the data is information transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored in the storage device together with the data . An image forming method for an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming system by being connected to a data processing apparatus for processing data and a storage device for recording data via a network,
An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage device and transferred from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
  When the identification information is input in the input step, an acquisition step of acquiring data relating to the identification information from the storage device via the network,
The identification information for identifying the data is information generated in the storage device, and is stored in the storage device together with the data when the data is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device. An image forming method characterized in that the information is information. In the acquisition step, when the identification information is input in the input step, the data related to the identification information and information related to the processing conditions of the sheet related to the data are acquired from the storage device via the network.
9. The image according to claim 7 , wherein the image forming step forms an image based on the data related to the identification information acquired in the acquiring step on a sheet based on information on the processing condition. Forming method. An image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network,
First transfer means for transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device by the first data transfer means in the image forming apparatus;
Second transfer means for transferring data relating to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network when the identification information is input by the input means;
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus by the second transfer means ;
The data processing device transfers the identification information for identifying the data to the storage device, and the storage device stores the data together with the identification information relating to the data. . An image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network,
  First transfer means for transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
  Input means for inputting identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device by the first data transfer means in the image forming apparatus;
  Second transfer means for transferring data relating to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network when the identification information is input by the input means;
  Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus by the second transfer means;
The image forming system, wherein the storage device generates the identification information for identifying the data, and stores the identification information together with the data when the data is transferred from the data processing device. When the identification information is input by the input unit, the second transfer unit is configured to process data relating to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network and processing of the sheet relating to the data. Information relating to conditions is transferred, and the image forming means forms an image based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus by the second transfer means on a sheet based on the information relating to the processing conditions The image forming system according to claim 10 , wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. It said input means, the image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that inputs the identification information based on an input instruction from the operator of the image forming apparatus. It said input means, the image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that inputting the identification information by reading the identification information from the storage medium in which the identification information is stored. The image forming system according to claim 12 , wherein the image forming unit performs a predetermined post-processing on a sheet on which an image is formed based on information on the processing conditions. An image forming system including a plurality of the image forming apparatuses, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses can acquire data stored in the storage device and form an image based on the data. The image forming system according to any one of claims 10 to 15 . An image forming method in an image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network,
A first transfer step of transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device in the first transfer step in the image forming device;
A second transfer step of transferring data relating to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming device via the network when the identification information is input in the input step;
An image forming step of forming an image on the sheet based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus in the second transfer step ;
The image forming method , wherein the identification information for identifying the data is information transferred from the data processing device to the storage device and stored in the storage device together with the data . An image forming method in an image forming system in which a data processing device that processes data, a storage device that stores data, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet are connected to a network,
  A first transfer step of transferring data from the data processing device to the storage device via the network;
  An input step of inputting identification information for identifying the data transferred to the storage device in the first transfer step in the image forming device;
  A second transfer step of transferring data relating to the identification information from the storage device to the image forming device via the network when the identification information is input in the input step;
  An image forming step of forming an image on a sheet based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus in the second transfer step;
The identification information for identifying the data is information generated in the storage device, and is stored in the storage device together with the data when the data is transferred from the data processing device to the storage device. An image forming method characterized in that the information is information. In the second transfer step, when the identification information is input in the input step, the data relating to the identification information and the sheet relating to the data are transferred from the storage device to the image forming apparatus via the network. Information relating to processing conditions is transferred, and the image forming step is configured to transfer an image based on the data relating to the identification information transferred to the image forming apparatus in the second transferring step based on the information relating to the processing conditions. The image forming method according to claim 17, wherein the image forming method is formed as follows. An image forming system having a plurality of said image forming apparatus, said input step and said image forming step is more of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that it is performed in each of the plurality of image forming apparatus the image forming method according to any one of claims.

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