JP5029314B2 - Printing system and control program therefor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system and a control program thereof, and more particularly, to a printing system in which at least one of at least one paper feeding device and at least one post-processing device is connected to the printing device, and the printing system. The present invention relates to a printing system control program to be executed by a computer.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus provides various functions by connecting a paper feeding device and a post-processing device. In recent years, a configuration in which post-processing devices and the like are connected in multiple stages has become common. With regard to a paper feeding device and a post-processing device connected to an image forming apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 accumulates transferred paper that is printed with a digital copying machine based on image information and discharged by a paper discharge roller. By providing a transport belt that transports and shifts the discharged transferred paper relative to the paper discharge tray on the paper discharge tray, it is inexpensive and compact without requiring special paper or a cassette. Thus, a technique for realizing a sorting mechanism that satisfies the stack performance is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes the start timing (image forming interval) of the image forming operation for the first sheet in the straight discharge mode when at least the sheet reverse discharge mode is changed to the straight discharge (non-reverse discharge) mode. By delaying the normal image forming operation start timing in the discharge mode and increasing the image forming interval, the processing state was changed during a series of image forming processes for a plurality of sheets. In this case, a technique for avoiding sheet collision is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, when there is no unstored sheet to be carried into the finisher following the stored sheet stored in the intermediate tray, a discharge request signal is output simultaneously with the completion of storing the final sheet in the intermediate tray. When the finisher controller feeds the stack of paper to the main tray and the size of the unstored paper loaded after the stored paper is different from the size of the stored paper, prior to transporting the unstored paper to the intermediate tray Thus, a technique is disclosed in which the stored paper is discharged from the intermediate tray to the main tray, the intermediate tray is emptied, and preparation for storing the next different size paper in the intermediate tray is made.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 4, two paths, a main path and a sub path, are provided as a path for transporting the paper carried into the finisher to the intermediate tray, and the paper is continuously carried into the finisher by executing an automatic discharge operation. The sheet bundle can be discharged to the main tray for each processing unit, and is stored in the intermediate tray when the number of unstored sheets to be stored in the intermediate tray following the sheet bundle is less than n. A technique for preventing the paper from staying in the finisher for a long time by forcibly discharging the paper bundle is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-21369 JP 2001-277619 A JP 2001-220049 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-220050

  In a configuration in which a paper feeding device or a post-processing device is connected to a printing device such as an image forming device, it is necessary to perform initialization processing on each device connected to the printing device every time a print job is completed, and this print job is completed. There is a problem that the processing capacity is reduced by the initialization process every time.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system for printing an image on a sheet of paper, one or more paper feeding devices that supply the sheet to the printing apparatus, and any sheet discharged from the printing apparatus. A printing system in which at least one of at least one post-processing device that performs post-processing is connected, and image printing on paper by the printing device, and the printing device among the paper feeding device and the post-processing device. In a state in which a first print job including at least one of paper supply and post-processing by one or more connected devices is being executed, image printing on paper by the printing device and connection to the printing device are performed. One of the one or more devices connected to the printing device when the execution of the second print job including at least one of paper supply and post-processing by the one or more devices is reserved. Whether a device that needs to execute initialization processing to execute the second print job is determined, and whether all or part of the initialization processing that needs to be executed can be executed during execution of the first print job The determination means for determining whether or not the determination means determines that all or part of the initialization process necessary for execution of the second print job can be executed during execution of the first print job. In this case, all or part of the initialization process determined to be executable is executed by the corresponding device among the one or more devices connected to the printing device. and control means for executing in, seen containing a second storage means, a storing power consumption during initialization executed for all the devices connected to the printing apparatus, said determination means, said second Performs the initialization process to execute the print job. Among the devices that require power consumption when the initialization process stored in the second storage unit is less than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the printing system from the maximum allowable power consumption The initialization process is determined as an initialization process that can be executed during the execution of the first print job.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system control program for a printing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet, one or more sheet feeding apparatuses that supply the sheet to the printing apparatus, and sheets discharged from the printing apparatus. Provided in a printing system in which at least one of at least one post-processing device that performs arbitrary post-processing is connected, and stores power consumption during execution of initialization processing for all devices connected to the printing device One or more computers connected to the printing device among the image printing on the paper by the printing device and the paper feeding device and the post-processing device in the printing system, the computer connected to the second storage means In the state in which the first print job including at least one of paper supply and post-processing by the apparatus is being executed, image printing on the paper by the printing apparatus and the printing apparatus are connected. When the execution of the second print job including at least one of paper supply and post-processing by one or more of the devices is reserved, the first of the one or more devices connected to the printing device Whether or not an apparatus that needs to execute initialization processing to execute the second print job is determined, and whether or not all or part of the initialization processing that needs to be executed can be executed during execution of the first print job. The determination means for determining whether or not all or a part of the initialization process necessary for execution of the second print job is executable during execution of the first print job. In this case, all or part of the initialization process determined to be executable is executed by the corresponding device among the one or more devices connected to the printing device. As a control means to be executed during The determination means includes a power consumption at the time of executing the initialization process stored in the second storage means among devices that need to execute the initialization process in order to execute the second print job. An initialization process in an apparatus having a value equal to or less than a value obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the printing system from an allowable maximum power consumption value is determined as an initialization process that can be executed during the execution of the first print job.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, compared with the case where the initialization process necessary for the execution of the second print job is executed after the end of the first print job, the processing capacity associated with the initialization process is reduced. can be suppressed, it has an excellent effect of Ru can be prevented, that the first power consumption along with possible to execute the initialization process during the execution of the print job exceeds the maximum allowed.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an image forming system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 12. The image forming system 10 corresponds to the printing system according to the present invention, and the image forming apparatus 12 corresponds to the printing apparatus according to the present invention. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 12 charges the photosensitive member and exposes the photosensitive member according to an image to be recorded on a sheet to form an electrostatic latent image of the image. Is developed to form a toner image, and the formed toner image is transferred to a sheet and fixed, and an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on the sheet by a known electrophotographic process; A scanner 16 that photoelectrically reads and outputs image data representing the image, and a control panel 18 that includes an LCD or the like and a display that can display various types of information and a keyboard such as a numeric keypad. The image forming unit 14, the scanner 16, and the control panel 18 are connected to an image forming apparatus control unit 20, and the image forming apparatus control unit 20 is connected to a communication control unit 22.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 20 includes a CPU 20A, a memory 20B, a nonvolatile storage unit 20C including an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, and the like. The storage unit 20C includes a function information table and conveyance information. A table is stored, and a control program for performing processing such as controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 12 by the CPU 20A is installed. The image forming apparatus control unit 20 is a computer (see FIG. 5) connected to the communication control unit 22 via a communication line (for example, a LAN) by the user operating the control panel 18 or executing a control program by the CPU 20A. 2 shows a client PC 24 as an example of this computer), when an image recording (printing) on a sheet is instructed by a user operation, or an image represented by image data output from the scanner 16, or A control process for causing the image forming unit 14 to perform an image recording process for recording an image represented by image data received from a computer via a communication line on a sheet is performed.

  The above control programs include a power-on program for performing power-on processing (FIG. 3), which will be described later, by the CPU 20A, and a job-execution starting program for performing job execution start processing (FIG. 6). These programs correspond to the printing system control program according to the present invention.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 12 can set a large amount of paper and has a function of supplying paper to the image forming apparatus 12 at a high speed in response to a request from the image forming apparatus 12 (also referred to as a pre-processing device). In addition, a plurality of post-processing devices (also referred to as finishers) each having a function of performing predetermined post-processing on a sheet on which an image is recorded and discharged by the image forming apparatus 12 are prepared.

  The plurality of types of paper feeding apparatuses each include a plurality of paper feeding trays each having a capacity larger than that of the paper feeding tray built in the image forming apparatus 12. Set. A plurality of types of paper feeding devices have different capacity and number of paper feeding trays, but a plurality of the same type of paper feeding devices can be connected to the image forming apparatus 12, as shown in FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which two paper feeding devices 26 of the same type are connected in series to the front stage of the image forming apparatus 12. As shown in FIG. 2, each paper feeding device 26 is provided with a paper handling mechanism 28. The paper handling mechanism 28 of the paper feeding device 26 has a function of pulling out a paper from an arbitrary paper feeding tray among a plurality of paper feeding trays and feeding it to the image forming apparatus 12. The paper handling mechanism 28 includes a guide mechanism (not shown) that prevents meandering of the paper being conveyed by contacting both ends in the width direction of the paper being conveyed. The paper handling mechanism 28 includes a plurality of motors 28A. The plurality of motors 28A are used for driving a roller (not shown) for conveying paper and for driving a mechanism for changing the position (guide width) of the guide mechanism. It is done.

  The paper handling mechanism 28 is connected to the paper feeding device control unit 30. The sheet feeding device control unit 30 includes a nonvolatile storage unit 30C including a CPU 30A, a memory 30B, an HDD, a flash memory, and the like, and controls the operation of each unit of the sheet feeding device 26 including the sheet handling mechanism 28. . The storage unit 30C is installed with various programs including programs for performing power-on processing (FIG. 5) and job execution start processing (FIG. 7) described later by the CPU 30A. The sheet feeding device 26 is provided with a communication control unit 32, and the sheet feeding device control unit 30 of each sheet feeding device 26 communicates when the sheet feeding device 26 is connected to the image forming apparatus 12. It is connected to the communication control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 12 via the control unit 32 and a communication cable.

  On the other hand, post-processing that can be executed by a plurality of types of post-processing devices includes, for example, decoloring processing that corrects curling of paper, folding processing that folds paper at a predetermined position on paper, and holes at predetermined positions on paper. Punching to open, staple processing to align the edges of multiple sheets and staple them together as a single sheet bundle, offset processing to discharge sheets (bundles) to different positions on the same discharge tray, discharged sheets (bundles) ), A booklet process for bookbinding by aligning the edges of a plurality of sheets, and the like. The image forming apparatus 12 can connect one to a plurality of arbitrary post-processing devices among a plurality of types of post-processing devices. As an example, FIG. 1 shows four types of post-processing devices 34A to 34D. A configuration in which the image forming apparatus 12 is connected in series at the subsequent stage is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each post-processing device 34 is provided with a paper handling mechanism 36. The paper handling mechanism 36 of the post-processing device 34 has a function of transporting the paper sent into the device itself, performing the post-processing requested by the image forming device 12, and discharging it to the post-processing device 34 or the discharge tray in the subsequent stage. I have. The paper handling mechanism 36 includes a guide mechanism (not shown) that prevents meandering of the paper being conveyed or post-processed by contacting both ends in the width direction of the paper being conveyed or post-processed. ing. The sheet handling mechanism 36 includes a plurality of motors 36A, and the plurality of motors 36A are used to drive a mechanism for changing the position of the guide mechanism (guide width), etc. Used.

  Further, the paper handling mechanism 36 is connected to the post-processing device control unit 38. The post-processing device control unit 38 includes a CPU 38A, a memory 38B, a non-volatile storage unit 38C including an HDD, a flash memory, and the like, and controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device 34 including the paper handling mechanism 36. . The storage unit 38C is installed with various programs including programs for performing power-on processing (FIG. 5) and job execution start processing (FIG. 7) described later by the CPU 38A. Further, the post-processing device 34 is provided with a communication control unit 40, and the post-processing device control unit 38 of each post-processing device 34 communicates when the post-processing device 34 is connected to the image forming apparatus 12. The control unit 32 is connected to the communication control unit 22 of the image forming apparatus 12 via an interface device 42 that controls the communication cable and the interface between the image forming apparatus 12 and the post-processing apparatus 34.

  Next, as an operation of this embodiment, first, when the power of the image forming apparatus 12 is turned on, the image forming apparatus control unit 20 and each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 (the paper feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34). Processes executed by each of the control units (at least one of the above) (paper feeding device control unit 30 or post-processing device control unit 38) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the power of the image forming apparatus 12 is turned on (turned on), the image forming apparatus control unit 20 executes the power-on program stored in the storage unit 20C by the CPU 20A, thereby turning on the power shown in FIG. Perform time processing. In this power-on process, first, in step 50, the presence or absence of the sheet feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34 connected to the own apparatus (image forming apparatus 12) is detected, and the process branches according to the detection result. If the paper feeder 26 and the post-processing device 34 are not connected to the own device, the power-on process is terminated by denying the determination in step 50. When at least one of 34 is connected, the determination in step 50 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 52, and the power supply of the sheet feeding device 26 or the post-processing device 34 connected to the own device is turned on. By performing the process to turn on, for example, in order from the paper feeding device 26 or the post-processing device 34 directly connected to the own device, the power of all the paper feeding devices 26 and the post-processing devices 34 connected to the own device are turned on. Turn it on.

  In the individual devices (the paper feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34) connected to the image forming apparatus 12, when the power is turned on, the control unit (the paper feeding device control unit 30 in the case of the paper feeding device 26, the rear In the case of the processing device 34, the power-on process shown in FIG. 5 is performed by executing the power-on program stored in the storage unit by the CPU of the post-processing device control unit 38). In this power-on process, it is determined in step 100 whether or not transfer of function information is requested from the image forming apparatus 12, and step 100 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

  On the other hand, in the power-on process (FIG. 3) executed by the image forming apparatus control unit 20, in the next step 54, a function for requesting transfer of function information to all apparatuses connected to the own apparatus. Send an information transfer request. This function information transfer request includes the default value of the sheet conveyance speed in the image forming apparatus 12 as information, and in addition to the function information transfer request to all apparatuses connected to the own apparatus. An inquiry is also made at the same time as to whether or not it is possible to convey the paper at the notified default paper conveyance speed. In the next step 56, it is determined whether function information has been received from any device connected to the device itself, and step 56 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. The function information transfer request information transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 20 as described above is received by each control unit connected to the image forming apparatus 12 and executed by the control unit of each apparatus. In the power-on process (FIG. 5), the determination in step 100 is affirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 30C of each sheet feeding device 26 and the storage unit 38C of each post-processing device 34 include the model and model of the own device, the version of installed software (program), the own device. Functions that can be provided (for example, if the device itself is a post-processing device 34, the number and type of trays and stackers provided, functions related to post-processing such as the presence or absence of a device such as a staple compiler), initialization in the device itself Functional information including information such as the time required for processing and power consumption during initialization processing is stored in advance, and if the determination in step 100 of the power-on processing (FIG. 5) is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 102. Then, the function information of the own device stored in the storage unit is read into the memory.

  In the next step 104, the maximum value of the sheet conveyance speed of the own apparatus, which is also stored in the storage unit, is read into the memory, and the sheet included in the function information request received from the image forming apparatus 12 is read. Compared with the default value of the conveyance speed, the smaller one of the maximum conveyance speed in the apparatus and the notified default value of the sheet conveyance speed is set as the conveyance speed of the apparatus. In step 106, the function information read in step 102 and the conveyance speed of the apparatus set in step 104 are transmitted to the image forming apparatus 12. In the next step 108, it is determined whether or not the conveyance speed is notified from the image forming apparatus 12. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 110 to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus 12 has instructed execution of the initialization process. If this determination is also negative, the process returns to step 108, and steps 108 and 110 are repeated until either determination is affirmed.

  In the image forming apparatus 12, every time function information or the like is received from any of the apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 12, step 56 of the power-on process in FIG. 3 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 58. The information is registered in the function information table stored in the storage unit 20C, and the conveyance speed included in the received information is stored in the memory 20B. In the next step 60, it is determined whether or not function information or the like has been received from any device connected to the own device. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 56. As a result, each time function information is received from any of the connected devices until the function information is received from all the devices connected to the own device, the received function information is stored in the function information table. The conveyance speeds registered at the same time and simultaneously received are stored in the memory 20B. The contents of the function information of each device registered in the function information table are displayed on the display of the control panel 18. This allows a user who uses the image forming system 10 to recognize functions (paper feeding function and post-processing function) that can be used when recording an image on paper.

  In the next step 62, it is determined whether or not all the conveyance speeds received together with the function information from the respective apparatuses connected to the own apparatus are the same as the previously notified default value. Here, the conveyance speed transmitted from each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 to the image forming apparatus 12 is transmitted when the value is the default value of the conveyance speed notified from the image forming apparatus 12. This means that the original device is capable of paper transport at the default paper transport speed, and if that value is smaller than the notified default transport speed, the paper transport speed in the source device is It means that the value is the maximum value. For this reason, if the determination in step 62 is negative, it can be determined that there are mixed apparatuses having a sheet conveyance speed lower than the default value among the apparatuses connected to the apparatus. After 68, the sheet conveyance speed is determined for all combinations of the paper feed function and the post-processing function that can be used when recording an image on the sheet.

  That is, first, in step 68, the function information of each device registered in the function information table is referred to, and all combinations of the paper feed function and the post-processing function that can be used by each device connected to the own device are extracted. In the next step 70, a single combination is selected from the combinations extracted in step 68, and all the sheet feeding devices related to (use) the specific combination selected when recording an image on a sheet are used. 26, referring to the conveyance speed notified from the post-processing device 34 and stored in the memory 20B, and extracting the minimum value. In step 72, the minimum value of the conveyance speed extracted in step 70 is registered in the conveyance information table stored in the storage unit 20C as the conveyance speed when the specific combination selected in recording the image on the sheet is used. To do. As a result, among the paper feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34 that are related to (use) the specific combination selected when recording an image on the paper, there are devices whose paper conveyance speed is lower than the default value. When they are mixed, the conveyance speed notified from the low-speed apparatus (the maximum value of the conveyance speed in the low-speed apparatus) is set as the conveyance speed.

  In step 74, the processing combination identification information for identifying the specific combination is used as the conveyance speed when the minimum combination of the conveyance speeds extracted in step 70 is used when the specific combination selected for image recording on the sheet is used. At the same time, it notifies all the paper feeding devices 26 and post-processing devices 34 related to the case of using the specific combination. In the next step 76, it is determined whether or not responses have been received from all devices that have notified the conveyance speed, and step 76 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

As described above, when the conveyance speed in the case of using a specific combination is notified from the image forming apparatus 12 together with the corresponding processing combination identification information, each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 is turned on. The determination in step 108 of the process (FIG. 5) is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 112. In the apparatus itself, a conveyance motor output pulse (pulse output rate P for conveying the sheet at the conveyance speed notified from the image forming apparatus 12). (p / s): Number of output pulses per second) is calculated according to the following equation.
P (p / s) = transport speed V (m / s) x output pulse reference value (p / m)
However, the output pulse reference value is the number of pulses to be output to a transport motor such as a stepping motor in order to transport a sheet of 1 m.

  In step 114, the optimum timer value of the jam timer is calculated by multiplying the carrier motor output pulse calculated in step 112 by a predetermined coefficient. Each paper feeding device 26 and post-processing device 34 is provided with a paper passage sensor that is disposed in the middle of the paper conveyance path formed inside the device and detects whether or not the paper has passed through the placement position. The control unit of each device pulls out the paper from the paper feed tray or starts the jam timer when the paper is loaded into its own device, and uses the paper passage sensor until the jam timer times out. If no paper passage is detected, it is determined that a paper passage failure (jam) has occurred, and processing for notifying the image forming apparatus 12 is performed. The predetermined coefficient multiplied by the transport motor output pulse is determined so that the timer value of the jam timer decreases as the notified transport speed increases, and an optimal timer value corresponding to the paper transport speed can be calculated. it can.

  In the next step 116, the conveyance motor output pulse calculated in step 112 and the timer value of the jam timer calculated in step 114 are stored in a memory or the like in association with the function combination identification information notified from the image forming apparatus 12. In step 118, a response is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 12, and the process returns to step 108.

  When the processing of the above steps 112 to 118 is performed in each device to which the conveyance speed is notified from the image forming apparatus 12, when the image forming apparatus 12 receives responses from all the devices that have notified the conveyance speed, the image is displayed. In the forming apparatus 12, the determination in step 76 of the power-on process in FIG. 3 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 78, and steps are performed for all combinations of the available paper feed function and post-processing function extracted in the previous step 68. It is determined whether the processing from 70 to step 76 has been performed. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 70, and steps 70 to 78 are repeated until the determination of step 78 is affirmed. If the determination at step 78 is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 79.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 12 performs determination of the conveyance speed, registration in the conveyance information table, and notification to each related apparatus for all combinations of available paper feed functions and post-processing functions, and the image In each apparatus connected to the forming apparatus 12, every time the conveyance speed is notified from the image forming apparatus 12, Steps 112 to 118 of the power-on process of FIG. Values are calculated / stored and responses are transmitted.

  On the other hand, if all the conveyance speeds received together with the function information from each device connected to the own device are the same as the default value notified earlier, the determination in the previous step 62 is affirmed and step 64 is performed. , And the default value of the transport speed transmitted to each apparatus previously is registered in the transport information table as the transport speed in all combinations of the available paper feed functions and post-processing functions. In step 65, the default value of the transport speed previously transmitted to each apparatus as the transport speed in all combinations of available paper feed functions and post-processing functions is again transmitted to all apparatuses connected to the own apparatus. Send. In the next step 66, it is determined whether or not responses have been received from all the devices that have notified the conveyance speed, and step 66 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

  In each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12, as described above, the default value of the previously received transport speed is used as the transport speed in all combinations of available paper feed functions and post-processing functions as described above. 12 again, the determination in step 108 of the power-on process (FIG. 5) is affirmed. In steps 112 to 118, the calculation and storage of the carrier motor output pulse and the timer value of the jam timer, the response Each transmission is performed. When the image forming apparatus 12 receives responses from all apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 12, the determination in step 66 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 79.

  In step 79, the paper transport time interval is calculated for each combination of the available paper feed function and post-processing function extracted in step 68 and for each paper size. As parameters that define the paper conveyance time interval, there are many types of parameters as shown in Table 1 below as an example, and the calculation of the paper conveyance time interval can be performed using these parameters.

  Specifically, when calculating a paper transport time interval when using a specific combination of a paper feed function and a post-processing function when recording an image on a paper of a specific paper size, Recognizing the process, the parameter values corresponding to the recognized post-process among the parameters (ta to t above) defining the paper transport time interval are read out, and all the read parameter values are added. This provides a paper transport time interval corresponding to a specific paper size and a specific combination of paper feed and post-processing functions. In step 79, the above calculation is performed for each combination of paper feed function and post-processing function and for each paper size, and the obtained paper transport time interval is registered in the transport information table. As a result, information as shown in Table 2 below is registered in the transport information table as an example.

  In the power-on process of FIG. 3 executed by the image forming apparatus 12 (image forming apparatus control unit 20), an initialization process is subsequently performed in step 80. The details of the initialization process will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, in step 84, an allowable value of power consumption set in advance for the image forming system 10 and each device connected to the own device. Based on the power consumption and required time at the time of initialization processing notified and registered in the function information table, the order and initialization processing of the paper handling mechanism initialization processing in each device connected to its own device The overlap period (timing for starting the initialization process in each device) is determined.

  Specifically, for example, the basic order of initialization processing in each device connected to the own device is determined in advance (for example, the order close to the own device, the same order as the paper conveyance direction, etc.), After the execution periods of the initialization processes are arranged in the basic order, a period in which the initialization processes in a plurality of devices can be executed in parallel within a range where the power consumption does not exceed the allowable value is searched, and the corresponding period exists. In this case, the execution period of the initialization process of each apparatus is changed so that the initialization process is executed in parallel by a plurality of apparatuses during the corresponding period. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8A as an example, an execution sequence of an initialization process for executing initialization processes in a plurality of devices in parallel as much as possible within a range where the power consumption does not exceed the allowable value is obtained.

  In addition, it is also determined whether or not the period during which the initialization process is executed can be shortened by changing the execution order of the initialization process in each apparatus. If the determination is affirmative, the initialization process of the corresponding apparatus is executed. The order may be changed. As an example, in FIG. 8B, the initialization process in the device E is started when the initialization process in the device A is ended, and the initialization process in the device B is ended with respect to the sequence shown in FIG. A sequence when the execution order is changed so that the initialization process in the devices C and D is started as an opportunity is shown. As is apparent from the sequence shown in FIG. 8B, the initialization process is performed by first performing the initialization process of the device E, which requires a relatively long initialization process. In such a case, it is desirable to change the execution order of the initialization process.

In the next step 86, based on the initialization process execution period (initialization start timing) in each device determined in step 84, an initial stage that defines the execution start timing of the initialization process in each device connected to the own device. Determine the timer value for the start timer. For example, when the execution period of the initialization process in each device is determined as shown in FIG. 8, the timer value = 0 for the devices A and B, the timer value = t _{WC for} the device C, the timer value = t _{WD for} the device D, Device E is set to timer value = t _WE respectively.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of modes are provided as the initialization mode. In the next step 88, the target position corresponding to the current initialization mode is set as the target position of the paper handling mechanism in the initialization process of each apparatus. Recognize position. As one of the initialization modes, there is a first mode in which the paper handling mechanism of each apparatus is moved to a preset position as a home position by initialization processing. When the current initialization mode is the first mode, the position preset as the home position is recognized as the target position of the paper handling mechanism in the initialization process of each apparatus. Another mode of the initialization mode is a second mode in which the paper handling mechanism of each apparatus is moved to a position corresponding to a frequently used paper size by the initialization process. When the current initialization mode is the second mode, a frequently used paper size is recognized, and the position corresponding to the recognized paper size is the target position of the paper handling mechanism in the initialization process of each device. Be recognized. Note that the initialization mode is not limited to the first mode and the second mode described above, and other modes such as a mode for moving to a position corresponding to the last used paper size can be applied. It is.

  In step 90, for all devices connected to the own device, the timer value of the initialization start timer determined for each device in the previous step 86 and the initialization process determined for each device in step 88. Each target position is notified. In the next step 92, it is determined whether or not the end of the initialization process has been notified from all the devices connected to the own device, and step 92 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

  In each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12, when the timer value of the initialization start timer and the target position in the initialization process are notified from the image forming apparatus 12, the determination in step 110 of the power-on process in FIG. Is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 120 where the initialization start timer in which the timer value notified from the image forming apparatus 12 is set is started. In the next step 122, it is determined whether or not the initialization start timer has timed out, and step 122 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. When the initialization start timer times out, the determination at step 122 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 124 where the position (guide width) of the guide mechanism of the paper handling mechanism among the motors of the paper handling mechanism of the apparatus itself is changed. An initialization process is performed to drive the motor and move the paper handling mechanism of the apparatus itself to the target position notified from the image forming apparatus 12. When the initialization process in step 124 is completed, the completion of the initialization process is notified to the image forming apparatus in the next step 126, and the power-on process in FIG. 5 is terminated.

  As a result, the initialization process in each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 is performed according to the order and overlap period determined in step 84 of the initialization process in FIG. In the image forming apparatus 12, when the completion of the initialization process is notified from all apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 12, the determination in step 92 of the initialization process in FIG. 4 is affirmed. A target position (that is, current position) of the paper handling mechanism of each connected apparatus is set as a current position of the paper handling mechanism of each apparatus in a mechanism position table stored in advance in the storage unit 20C. The initialization process (power-on process shown in FIG. 3) is terminated. As a result, the image forming system 10 is in a state capable of recording an image on a sheet in accordance with an instruction from the user.

  Subsequently, when an instruction to record an image on a sheet is given by the user, the image forming apparatus control unit 20 and the control unit of each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 (the sheet feeding device control unit 30 or the post-processing device). The processing executed by the control unit 38) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When it is desired to record an image on a sheet by the image forming system 10, the user operates the control panel 18 of the image forming apparatus 12 or the client PC 24 connected to the image forming apparatus 12 via a communication line, Specify the size of the paper for image recording, the number of copies, whether the paper feeder is used, the type of post-processing to be applied to the paper on which the image is recorded, and set the content of post-processing to be applied as necessary After that, the execution of a job including image recording on a sheet is instructed (if it is desired to copy a document image onto a sheet, the document is set on the scanner 16). Note that the above-described operation by the user can be executed even when the image forming system 10 is executing another job. In this case, the job that has been instructed to execute is completed. Will be executed later.

  When the user instructs the execution of the job, the image forming apparatus control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 performs the job execution start process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a job (job newly instructed to be executed) that triggers execution of the job execution start process is referred to as a new job. In the job execution start process, first, in step 130, the paper feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34 to be used for the new job instructed to be executed are recognized. In other words, regarding the paper feeding device 26, it is determined whether or not the user has designated the use of the paper feeding device 26, thereby recognizing whether or not the paper feeding device 26 is to be used for a new job. When the paper feeder 26 is used and a plurality of paper feeders 26 are connected to the own apparatus, a paper feed that uses an appropriate paper feeder 26 among the plurality of paper feeders 26 for a new job. Select as device 26.

  Regarding the post-processing device 34, first, the type of post-processing to be executed in the new job is recognized, and the post-processing device 34 that can execute the recognized post-processing is recognized. Next, the recognized post-processing device 34 (the final post-processing device 34 when there are a plurality of recognized post-processing devices 34) is recognized as the final discharge destination post-processing device 34, and the paper transport direction All post-processing devices 34 from the most upstream post-processing device 34 to the final discharge destination post-processing device 34 (all post-processing devices existing between the interface device 26 and the final discharge destination post-processing device 34) 34) is recognized as the post-processing device 34 used in the new job. Furthermore, the processing to be executed by each post-processing device 34 recognized as the post-processing device 34 used in the new job is recognized.

  As an example, post-processing to be executed includes first post-processing that can be executed by the first post-processing device 34 as viewed from the image forming apparatus 12 and third post-processing that can be executed by the third post-processing device 34. In the case of processing, the third post-processing device 34 is recognized as the final discharge destination, and the first to third post-processing devices 34 are recognized as post-processing devices 34 used for new jobs. The processing to be executed is the first post-processing, the processing to be executed by the second post-processing device 34 is the processing to send paper to the post-processing device 34 in the subsequent stage (bypass), and is executed by the third post-processing device 34. The power process is recognized as the third post-process. For example, when the post-processing to be executed is the fourth post-processing that can be executed by the fourth post-processing device 34, the fourth post-processing device 34 is the final discharge destination, and the first to fourth post-processing. The device 34 is recognized as a post-processing device 34 used for paper discharge, and the processing to be executed by the first to third post-processing devices 34 is a process of feeding paper to the post-processing device 34 (bypass), the fourth processing The process to be executed by the post-processing device 34 is recognized as the fourth post-process.

  In the next step 132, the paper handling mechanism among the devices used in the new job recognized in step 130 based on the paper size in the new job and the current position of the paper handling mechanism of each device stored in the mechanism position table. A device that excludes a device whose current position matches the position corresponding to the paper size in the new job (that is, a device whose current position of the paper handling mechanism does not match the position corresponding to the paper size in the new job) It is recognized that the device needs to be initialized when executing a new job, and the current position of the paper handling mechanism in each device that needs to be initialized when executing a new job, and the position corresponding to the paper size in the new job (in the initialization process) The difference between the target position and the target position is set for each device that needs to be initialized before executing a new job. It is calculated as the difference between the amount of movement of the sheet handling mechanism of the initialization process.

  In step 134, it is determined whether another job is being executed in the image forming system 10. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 136, and the power consumption allowable value set in advance for the image forming system 10 and the function information are the same as in step 84 of the initialization process described above with reference to FIG. Based on the power consumption and time required for initialization of each device that needs to be initialized when executing a new job registered in the table, initialize the paper handling mechanism on each device that needs initialization. The order to be performed and the overlapping period of the initialization process (timing for starting the initialization process in each device) are determined. Note that when the job execution start process is executed, the current position of the paper handling mechanism in each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12 is known, and the initialization process in each apparatus that needs to be initialized before executing a new job Then, since the paper handling mechanism of each apparatus is moved by the difference movement amount calculated in step 132, the time required for the initialization process in each apparatus that needs to be initialized in determining the execution order of the initialization process and the overlapping period. For example, it is not necessary to use the required time registered in the function information table as it is. For example, it is desirable to shorten the registered required time according to the difference movement amount.

  In step 138, as in step 86 of the initialization process of FIG. 4, the timer value of the initialization start timer in each device that needs to be initialized for execution of a new job is determined based on the determined initialization start timing. . In step 140, the timer value of the initialization start timer determined in step 138 and the target position in the initialization process (difference movement calculated in the previous step 132) for each device that needs to be initialized for execution of a new job. Each of the initialization instructions including the amount) is transmitted. In the next step 142, it is determined whether or not the completion of the initialization process has been notified from all the devices that have transmitted the initialization instruction in step 140, and step 142 is repeated until the determination is affirmed.

  In each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12, when the initialization process of FIG. 5 described above is completed, every time when any information is received from the image forming apparatus 12, the operation process shown in FIG. Is done. In this operation process, first, in step 170, the content of information received from the image forming apparatus 12 is determined, and the process branches according to the content of the received information. In the operation process of FIG. 7, if the received information from the image forming apparatus 12 is other than the initialization instruction and the process combination identification information, the process branches from step 170 to step 186, and the information is received according to the received information from the image forming apparatus 12. Process.

  If the received information from the image forming apparatus 12 is an initialization instruction including the timer value of the initialization start timer and the target position (difference movement amount) in the initialization process, the process branches from step 170 to step 172. Then, the initialization start timer in which the timer value notified from the image forming apparatus 12 is set is started. In the next step 174, it is determined whether or not the initialization start timer has timed out, and step 174 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. When the initialization start timer times out, the determination at step 174 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 176, where the position (guide width) of the guide mechanism of the paper handling mechanism among the motors of the paper handling mechanism of the apparatus itself is changed. An initialization process is performed to drive the motor and move the paper handling mechanism of its own apparatus by the difference movement amount notified from the image forming apparatus 12 to reach the target position. When the initialization process of step 176 is completed, the completion of the initialization process is notified to the image forming apparatus in the next step 178, and the operation process is ended.

  It should be noted that the processing from step 172 to step 178 described above is performed from the image forming apparatus 12 only by the control unit of the apparatus that needs to be initialized when executing a new job among the apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 12. This is triggered by the reception of the initialization instruction. The initialization process in step 176 is triggered by the occurrence of a timeout of the initialization start timer that sets the timer value notified from the image forming apparatus 12 in each apparatus that has received the initialization instruction. As a result, the initialization process in each apparatus that needs to be initialized when executing a new job is performed in accordance with the order and overlap period determined in step 136 of the job execution start process in FIG. In the image forming apparatus 12, when the completion of the initialization process is notified from all apparatuses that have transmitted the initialization instruction, the determination in step 142 of the job execution start process in FIG. 6 is affirmed, and the process proceeds to step 162.

  On the other hand, if the timing at which the execution of the job is instructed by the user is the timing at which another job is being executed in the image forming system 10, the determination at the previous step 134 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 144. And an allowable value of power consumption set in advance for the image forming system 10, power consumption at the time of initialization processing of each device that needs to be initialized for execution of a new job, current power consumption of the image forming system 10, And, based on the current operation status of each device connected to the image forming device 12, among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, they are not used in the job currently being executed, In addition, an apparatus in which the power consumption of the entire image forming system 10 does not exceed the allowable power consumption even if the initialization processing is performed (“power consumption during initialization processing ≦ allowable power consumption” It determines whether or not the current device to satisfy the power "on) is present in the image forming system 10. Note that the current power consumption of the image forming system 10 may be calculated by calculation based on the content of the job currently being executed, or a value registered in the table in advance for each job content may be read and used. Good.

  In the next step 146, it is determined whether or not a corresponding device has been found by the determination in step 144. Steps 144 and 146 correspond to the determination means according to the present invention. When each device that needs to be initialized for execution of a new job is being used in a job that is currently being executed, or for each device that needs to be initialized for execution of a new job, the power consumption during initialization processing is If both are larger than the value obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the image forming system 10 from the allowable power consumption value, the determination in step 146 is denied because the corresponding device is not found in the determination in step 144. Control goes to step 148. In step 148, it is determined whether or not the job currently being executed in the image forming system 10 has ended, and step 148 is repeated until the determination is affirmative. If the determination is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 136. Therefore, if there is no device that can be initialized in parallel with the currently executing job among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, After completion of the process, initialization processing of each device that needs to be initialized is performed.

  On the other hand, if there is an apparatus capable of performing the initialization process in parallel with the currently executing job among the apparatuses that need to be initialized when executing the new job, the determination in step 146 is performed. When the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 150, and an initialization instruction including the target position (difference movement amount) of the paper handling mechanism in the initialization process calculated in the previous step 132 is transmitted to the corresponding apparatus. Thus, among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, for devices that can perform initialization processing in parallel with the job that is currently being executed, steps 172 to 172 of the operation processing in FIG. By performing the process 178, the initialization process is performed in parallel with the job currently being executed.

  In addition, in the initialization instruction transmitted in step 150, among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, one device that can perform initialization processing in parallel with the job currently being executed is one. However, as shown in FIG. 9, as an example, there is an apparatus that can perform initialization processing in parallel with the job that is currently being executed. When there are a plurality of devices (devices A, C, and E in the example of FIG. 9), the power consumption by the initialization process is obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the image forming system 10 from the allowable power consumption value. Within a range that does not exceed, a plurality of devices that can perform initialization processing in parallel with the job that is currently being executed in the same manner as in step 84 (FIG. 4) and step 136 (FIG. 6) described above. Determine the execution order and overlap period of the initialization process The timer value of the initialization start timer determined for each of a plurality of devices, the determined timer value may be by an initialization instruction to each notification to a plurality of devices. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the initialization process can be sequentially performed by a plurality of apparatuses in parallel with the job currently being executed.

  In the next step 152, an allowable value of power consumption set in advance for the image forming system 10 and an initialization process in an apparatus that has not received an initialization instruction among the apparatuses that need to be initialized when executing a new job. When initializing a device that has not yet received an initialization instruction after the currently executing job is completed based on the time required for initialization processing in a device that has not yet transmitted initialization instructions. The execution order of the initialization process and the overlap period (initialization start timing) in a device that has not yet received the initialization instruction are determined. In addition, since an initialization process is performed for a device that has not yet received an initialization instruction after the currently executing job is completed, the execution order of the initialization process and the determination of the overlap period are determined by the initialization process. What is necessary is just to carry out so that power consumption may not exceed the allowable value of power consumption. If the initialization process in each device that needs to be initialized for executing a new job can be performed in parallel with the job that is currently being executed, the processes in steps 152 to 160 can be omitted. is there.

  In step 154, based on the initialization start timing determined in step 152, the timer value of the initialization start timer in the device that has not transmitted the initialization instruction is determined. In the next step 156, it is determined whether or not the job currently being executed has ended, and step 156 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. When the job being executed is completed, the determination in step 156 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 158, and the timer value of the initialization start timer determined in step 154 and the previous step 132 are transferred to a device that has not yet received an initialization instruction. An initialization instruction including the target position (difference movement amount) of the paper handling mechanism in the initialization process calculated in step S1 is transmitted. As a result, among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, a device that cannot perform initialization processing in parallel with the job that is currently being executed (for example, the initialization process such as device B in FIG. 9). For a device in which the power consumption of the image forming system 10 exceeds the allowable value when performed in parallel with the job being executed because the power consumption at that time is relatively large, the initialization process is performed after the job being executed is completed. Is done.

  In the next step 160, it is determined whether or not the completion of the initialization process has been notified from all the devices that transmitted the initialization instruction in step 150 or 158, and step 160 is repeated until the determination is affirmed. If the determination at step 160 is affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 162. Steps 150 to 160 described above correspond to the control means according to the present invention.

  In step 162, the target position of the paper handling mechanism notified by the initialization instruction transmitted in step 150 or step 158 to each device that has undergone initialization processing in executing a new job is set to the current status of the paper handling mechanism of each device. Set as a position in the mechanism position table. In step 164, the conveyance speed and the paper conveyance time interval corresponding to the combination of the paper feed function and post-processing function used in the new job and the paper size are read from the conveyance information table, and the read conveyance speed is provided in the own apparatus. The sheet conveyance time interval set in the first area on the memory 20B for holding the drive parameter for driving the read sheet conveyance motor is set on the memory 20B for holding the sheet conveyance time interval. To the second region. The transport speed set in the first area is referred to when driving the paper transport motor of the apparatus itself, and the drive of the paper transport motor is controlled so that the paper is transported at the set transport speed. . The paper conveyance time interval set in the second area is referred to when the paper is pulled out from the paper tray of its own device or when the paper supply device 26 is requested to supply the paper, and the paper conveyance time interval is set at the set paper conveyance time interval. The paper drawing time interval or the paper supply request time interval is adjusted so that the paper is sequentially conveyed.

  In step 166, the processing combination identification information corresponding to the combination of the paper feeding function and the post-processing function used in the new job is notified to the paper feeding device 26 and the post-processing device 34 used in the new job. The process at the start of job execution ends.

  In each apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus 12, when the processing combination identification information is received from the image forming apparatus 12, the operation time process of FIG. 7 is executed by the control unit, and the operation time process from Step 170 to Step 180 is performed. Branch. In step 180, the conveyance motor output pulse and timer value stored in the memory or the like in association with the function combination identification information notified from the image forming apparatus 12 are read. In the next step 182, the read conveyance motor output pulse is read. Set as a transport motor drive parameter. The set transport motor drive parameters are referred to when driving the transport motor in each device, and are used for transport motor drive control. When a new job is executed, a constant transport speed is set by each device used in the new job. The paper is transported at In step 184, the timer value read in step 180 is set in the jam timer, and the operation process is terminated. As a result, when a new job is executed, the jam timer operates with an optimum timer value corresponding to the paper transport speed in each device used in the new job.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when an instruction to execute a new job is issued during job execution, initialization is performed in parallel with the currently executing job in a device that needs to be initialized for execution of the new job. It is determined whether there is a device that can perform processing, and if the corresponding device exists, the initialization processing of the corresponding device is performed in parallel with the job that is currently being executed. The job execution interval shown in FIG. 9 is a period from when the initialization process is started in any of the apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus 12 in FIG. 8 until the initialization process is completed in all the apparatuses. As is apparent from the comparison, the time from the end of one job to the start of execution of the next job is shortened.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus 12 determines the timer value for each apparatus and notifies that the initialization processing in the paper feeding apparatus 26 and the post-processing apparatus 34 is performed in a predetermined order and overlap. This was realized by the individual device starting the initialization process when the initialization start timer that set the notified timer value timed out, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the initialization is performed. Each time the completion of the initialization process is notified from each apparatus without using the start timer, the notified image forming apparatus 12 determines the apparatus that should perform the initialization process next. By instructing the execution of the initialization process, the initialization process in each apparatus can be performed in a predetermined order and overlapping state.

  In the above, among the devices that need to be initialized when executing a new job, whether or not a device that performs initialization processing in parallel with the job being executed is not being used by the currently executing job, and In the above description, the selection is made based on whether or not the power consumption of the entire image forming system 10 does not exceed the allowable power consumption even if the initialization process is performed. However, the allowable power consumption for the image forming system 10 is described. Is very high (for example, all devices do not reach the permissible value even if initialization is performed at the same time), etc. You may select the apparatus which performs an initialization process in parallel with a job. In addition, even if a device is used in a job that is currently being executed, a device that performs initialization processing in parallel with the job that is being executed for a device that has completed processing in the job that is currently being executed It may be included in the selection target.

  In the above description, the image forming apparatus 12 that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic process has been described as an example of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. However, the image forming apparatus 12 is not limited to this. A printing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet by an arbitrary method, such as an apparatus that prints the image, is applicable.

  In the above description, the power-on program and the job execution start program corresponding to the printing system control program according to the present invention are stored (installed) in the storage unit 20C of the image forming apparatus 12 in advance. The printing system control program according to the invention can be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

1 is a front view illustrating an appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming system. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of power-on processing executed in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the initialization process. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of power-on processing executed by the paper feeding device / post-processing device. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of job execution start processing executed in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the operation process performed with a paper feeder and a post-processing apparatus. It is a diagram which shows each an example of transition of the power consumption by the initialization process at the time of power activation. It is a diagram showing an example of transition of power consumption by initialization processing during job execution.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming system 12 Image forming apparatus 20 Image forming apparatus control part 20C Storage part 26 Paper feeding apparatus 28 Paper handling mechanism 30 Paper feeding apparatus control part 34 Post-processing apparatus 36 Paper handling mechanism 38 Post-processing apparatus control part

Claims (2)

One or more paper feeding devices for supplying paper to the printing device and one or more post-processing devices for performing arbitrary post-processing on the paper discharged from the printing device to a printing device that prints an image on paper A printing system in which at least one of the above is connected, image printing on paper by the printing device, and paper supply by one or more devices connected to the printing device among the paper feeding device and the post-processing device In the state in which the first print job including at least one of post-processing and the post-processing is being executed, image printing on the paper by the printing device, and paper supply and post-processing by one or more devices connected to the printing device Initialized to execute the second print job of one or more devices connected to the printing device when execution of the second print job including at least one of the processes is reserved Determination means for determining the physical execution necessary equipment, all or part of the execution that require initialization process determines whether the executable during execution of the first print job,
When the determination unit determines that all or a part of the initialization process necessary for executing the second print job can be executed during the execution of the first print job, it is determined that the execution is possible. Control means for executing all or part of the initialization process during execution of the first print job by a corresponding apparatus among one or more apparatuses connected to the printing apparatus;
Second storage means for storing power consumption at the time of initialization processing for all devices connected to the printing device;
Only including,
Of the devices that need to execute initialization processing in order to execute the second print job, the determination unit uses power consumption when executing initialization processing stored in the second storage unit as power consumption. A printing system that determines that an initialization process in an apparatus that is equal to or less than a value obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the printing system from an allowable maximum value is an initialization process that can be executed during execution of the first print job . One or more paper feeding devices for supplying paper to the printing device and one or more post-processing devices for performing arbitrary post-processing on the paper discharged from the printing device to a printing device that prints an image on paper A computer connected to a second storage means for storing power consumption at the time of execution of initialization processing for all devices connected to the printing device, provided in a printing system in which at least one of the devices is connected;
In the printing system, at least one of image printing on paper by the printing device and paper supply and post-processing by one or more devices connected to the printing device among the paper feeding device and the post-processing device. In a state where the first print job including the print job is being executed, image printing on paper by the printing device, and paper supply and post-processing by one or more devices connected to the printing device are included. When execution of the second print job is reserved, it is determined which of the one or more apparatuses connected to the printing apparatus needs to execute initialization processing in order to execute the second print job. Determining means for determining whether or not all or part of the initialization processing that needs to be executed can be executed during execution of the first print job;
And when the determination means determines that all or part of the initialization processing necessary for executing the second print job can be executed during the execution of the first print job, it can be executed. Control means for executing all or part of the determined initialization process during execution of the first print job by a corresponding apparatus among one or more apparatuses connected to the printing apparatus.
Function as
Of the devices that need to execute initialization processing in order to execute the second print job, the determination unit uses power consumption when executing initialization processing stored in the second storage unit as power consumption. A printing system control program that determines that an initialization process in an apparatus that is equal to or less than a value obtained by subtracting the current power consumption of the printing system from an allowable maximum value is an initialization process that can be executed during execution of the first print job.

Images