JP2010215363A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a more effective method for selecting a direction of paper while a stacking amount is varied even with respect to paper in the same size depending on the method for selecting the direction in an image forming device with paper discharge trays different in stacking performance in accordance with the direction of discharged paper. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device includes a stacking performance priority mode setting means for setting an operation mode giving priority to the stacking performance, an output paper setting means for setting output paper, a discharging destination setting means for setting a discharging destination, and an automatic paper selecting means for executing control so as to feed paper of a paper direction of higher stacking performance when the stacking performance priority mode is set, automatic paper is set, and moreover, a printing job set to be discharged to the paper discharge tray is input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a job processing method, a storage medium, a program, a printing system, and a printing apparatus of a printing system that can accept a plurality of jobs in an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, some printing apparatuses include a stacker apparatus having a capacity capable of withstanding large-scale printing as a post-processing apparatus. (See Patent Document 1) By using such a stacker device, it is possible to have two paper discharge trays and stack a large amount of sheets.

JP 2008-87965 A

  However, in the case of such a stacker device, the stacking method differs depending on the direction of the paper to be discharged. For example, small size paper (A4, B5) fits in one tray, but printing using A4R or B5R paper does not fit in the width of one tray, and the paper spans two trays. Are ejected. For this reason, only half of the number of sheets that can be originally loaded on each of the two trays can be loaded. For example, if each tray can stack up to 5000 sheets of A4 size paper, it can normally stack up to a total of 10,000 sheets in two trays, but if it is discharged across the sheet, it can only stack up to 5000 sheets. Can't load.

For the above purpose, in the present invention,
An image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray having different stackability according to the direction of paper to be discharged,
A stackability priority mode setting unit that sets an operation mode that prioritizes stackability, an output sheet setting unit that sets output paper, a discharge destination setting unit that sets a discharge destination, and the stackability priority mode are set. In addition, when automatic paper is set and a print job set for paper discharge is input to the paper discharge tray, control is performed to feed paper for paper with higher stackability. An automatic paper selection unit is provided.

  Also, an image forming apparatus having a paper discharge tray having different stackability according to the direction of paper to be discharged, stackability priority mode setting means for setting an operation mode for giving priority to stackability, and output for setting output paper If the paper setting means, the paper output destination setting means for setting the paper output destination, the stackability priority mode is set, and the paper output setting is set to the paper output tray, the paper with the high stackability is loaded. Means for controlling the operation screen so that only the designated paper feed tray can be set.

  According to the present invention, by setting the stacking priority, it is possible to select and feed a sheet suitable for a sheet having a high stacking property, so that the use efficiency can be further increased.

It is a figure for demonstrating the example of whole structure of the printing environment 10000 containing the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structural example of the inline finisher used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structural example of the inline finisher used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the stack tray of the high capacity | capacitance stacker used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing flow in this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display control with respect to UI part used as a control object by this form. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of control of the printing system 1000 used as the control object by this form.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Description of the system configuration of the entire printing environment 10000 including the printing system 1000]
The present embodiment assumes a printing environment different from an office environment such as a POD environment in order to cope with a problem assumed in the background art. Therefore, here, the system environment of the entire POD environment site (the printing environment 10000 in FIG. 1) including the printing system 1000 will be described. Such a printing environment itself is one of the features of this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the printing environment 10000 to which the present printing system 1000 can be applied is called a POD system 10000 because it is suitable for the POD environment.

  The POD system 10000 in FIG. 1 includes a printing system 1000 of this embodiment, a server computer 103, and a client computer 104 (hereinafter referred to as a PC) as components. A paper folding machine 107, a cutting machine 109, a saddle stitch binding machine 110, a case binding machine 108, a scanner 102, and the like are also provided. In this way, a plurality of devices are prepared in the POD system 10000.

  The printing system 1000 includes a printing apparatus main body 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200 as components. As an example of the printing apparatus 100, in this embodiment, a multi-function machine having a plurality of functions such as a copying function and a PC printing function will be described. However, a single-function printing apparatus having only a PC function or only a copying function is used. Even if it is, it is good. Hereinafter, the multi-function peripheral is also referred to as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

  Here, the paper folding machine 107, the cutting machine 109, the saddle stitch binding machine 110, and the case binding machine 108 in FIG. 1 are defined as sheet processing apparatuses in the same manner as the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000. This is because this is a device capable of executing sheet processing on a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 included in the printing system 1000. For example, the paper folding machine 107 is configured to be able to execute a folding process for a sheet of a job printed by the printing apparatus 100. The cutting machine 109 is configured to be able to execute a cutting process for a sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 in a sheet bundle unit composed of a plurality of sheets. The saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 is configured to be able to execute a saddle stitch bookbinding process for a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100. The case binding machine 108 is configured to execute case binding processing for a sheet of a job printed by the printing apparatus 100. However, in order to execute various sheet processing by these sheet processing apparatuses, the operator takes out the printed matter of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 from the paper discharge unit of the printing apparatus 100, and the sheet processing apparatus to be processed In addition, it is necessary to set the printed material.

  As described above, when a sheet processing apparatus other than the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself is used, an operator intervention is required after the printing process by the printing apparatus 100.

  In other words, when the sheet processing required by a job printed by the printing apparatus 100 is executed using the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself, the operator performs the print processing by the apparatus 100 after executing the printing process. No intervention is required. This is because the sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 can be directly supplied from the printing apparatus 100 to the sheet processing apparatus 200. Specifically, the sheet conveyance path inside the printing apparatus 100 is configured to be connectable to the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200. Thus, the sheet processing apparatus 200 and the printing apparatus 100 included in the printing system 1000 itself are in a physical connection relationship with each other. In addition, the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 include a CPU and are configured to be capable of data communication. This is because the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 are in electrical connection with each other.

  In this embodiment, the control unit included in the printing system controls the printing apparatus 100 and the sheet processing apparatus 200 in an integrated manner. As an example of this, in this example, the controller unit 205 inside the printing apparatus 100 in FIG. 2 performs overall control. In this embodiment, these sheet processing apparatuses are also referred to as post-processing apparatuses or post presses.

  Of the plurality of devices in the POD system 10000 in FIG. 1, all devices other than the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 are connected to the network 101 and configured to be capable of data communication with other devices.

  For example, the printing apparatus 100 causes the printing apparatus 100 to print the print data of a job to be processed, which is transmitted from the information processing apparatus corresponding to an example of the external apparatus such as the PC 103 or 104 via the network 101.

  In addition, for example, the server PC 103 manages all jobs to be processed in the POD environment 10000 by executing transmission / reception of data with other apparatuses via network communication. In other words, it functions as a computer that performs overall management of a series of workflow processes including a plurality of processing processes. The PC 103 determines post-processing conditions that can be finished in the environment 10000 based on the job instruction received from the operator. In addition, the post-processing (finishing processing) process is instructed as requested by the end user (in this example, the customer who requested the print creation). At this time, the server 103 uses an information exchange tool such as JDF to exchange information with each post-processing device using a command or status inside the post press.

  As one of the points of interest of this embodiment in the POD environment 10000 having the above components, each of the sheet processing apparatuses is classified into three types in this embodiment and defined as follows. .

[Definition 1]
A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus satisfying both (condition 1) and (condition 2) listed below is defined as an “inline finisher”. Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the present embodiment.

(Condition 1)
A paper path (sheet conveyance path) is physically connected to the printing apparatus 100 so that the sheet conveyed from the printing apparatus 100 can be directly received without operator intervention.

(Condition 2)
It is electrically connected to another device so that data communication required for operation instructions and status confirmation can be made with the other device. Specifically, it is electrically connected to the printing apparatus 100 so as to be able to perform data communication, or via the network 101, it is electrically connected so as to be able to perform data communication with apparatuses other than the printing apparatus 100 (for example, the PCs 103 and 104) What has been done. Those satisfying at least one of these conditions shall be matched with (Condition 2).

  That is, the sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 itself corresponds to an “inline finisher”. This is because, as described above, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is a sheet processing apparatus that is physically connected to the printing apparatus 100 and is electrically connected to the printing apparatus 100.

[Definition 2]
A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus that does not satisfy (Condition 1) of (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) listed in the preceding paragraph but satisfies (Condition 2) is defined as “nearline finisher”. Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called a near-line type sheet processing apparatus in this embodiment.

  For example, the paper path is not connected to the printing apparatus 100, and an operator (operator) needs an intervention work such as transport of printed matter. However, operation instructions and status confirmation can be transmitted and received electrically via communication means such as the network 101. A sheet processing apparatus that meets such conditions is defined as a “near line finisher”.

  That is, the paper folding machine 107, the cutting machine 109, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110, and the case binding machine 108 in FIG. 1 correspond to “near line finishers”. This is because these sheet processing apparatuses are not physically connected to the printing apparatus 100. However, this is because the sheet processing apparatus has an electrical connection relationship capable of data communication with other apparatuses such as the PC 103 and the PC 104 via the network 101 at least.

[Definition 3]
A sheet processing apparatus corresponding to an apparatus that does not satisfy either of the conditions (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) listed in the preceding paragraph is defined as an “offline finisher”. Note that an apparatus corresponding to this definition is also called an offline type sheet processing apparatus in the present embodiment.

  For example, the paper path is not connected to the printing apparatus 100, and an operator (operator) needs an intervention work such as transport of printed matter. Moreover, it does not have a communication unit required for operation instructions and status confirmation, and data communication with other devices is impossible. Therefore, the worker manually carries out the transportation of the output material, the setting of the output material, the manual operation input, and the status report generated by the device itself. A sheet processing apparatus that meets such conditions is defined as an “offline finisher”.

  That is, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine 110 in FIG. 1 corresponds to an “offline finisher”. This is because the sheet processing apparatus is not physically connected to the printing apparatus 100. In addition, this is because the sheet processing apparatus cannot be connected to the network 101 and cannot communicate with other apparatuses and is not in an electrical connection relationship.

  As described above, various sheet processes can be executed in the POD environment 10000 including various sheet processing apparatuses classified into three types.

  For example, various sheet processing processes such as a cutting process, a saddle stitch binding process, a case binding process, a sheet folding process, a punching process, an enclosing process, and a registering process are performed on a print medium of a job that has been printed by the printing apparatus 100. It is configured to be executable. In this way, the sheet processing can be executed with a desired bookbinding printing style desired by the end user (customer).

  In addition to the nearline finisher and offline finisher managed by the server PC 103, there are various other types such as a stapler dedicated device, a punching dedicated device, a sealing machine, or a book machine (collator). The server 103 grasps the device status and job status via the network 101 by sequential polling or the like using these nearline finishers and a predetermined protocol. In addition, the execution status (progress status) of each of a large number of jobs to be processed in the environment 10000 is managed.

  Note that this embodiment may be configured such that the above-described plurality of recording sheet processes can be executed by separate sheet processing apparatuses, or a configuration in which a plurality of types of recording sheet processes can be performed by one sheet processing apparatus. Further, the system may include any one of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses.

  Here, further points of interest of this embodiment will be described.

  A printing system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes a printing apparatus 100 and a sheet processing apparatus 200 that can be attached to and detached from the printing apparatus 100. The sheet processing apparatus 200 is an apparatus that can accept a job sheet printed by the printing apparatus 100 directly via the sheet conveyance path. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus executes the sheet processing requested by the user together with the print execution request via the user interface unit on the job sheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100. This point is also clear from the fact that it is the inline type sheet processing apparatus.

  Here, it should be noted that the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment can be defined as a series of sheet processing apparatus groups 200. This is because, in the present embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is configured such that a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses that are independent from each other and can be used independently are connected to the printing apparatus 100 and can be used. . As an example of this, the printing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 means that the printing system 100 includes a printing apparatus 100 and three sheet processing apparatuses. In other words, the printing system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes three sheet processing apparatuses connected in series to the printing apparatus 100. In this example, such a configuration in which a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are connected to the printing apparatus 100 is referred to as cascade connection. A plurality of sheet processing apparatuses included in a series of sheet processing apparatus groups 200 cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 are all handled as inline finishers in this embodiment. A controller 205 in FIG. 2 corresponding to an example of a control unit of the system 1000 controls the printing apparatus main body 100 and the plurality of inline-type sheet processing apparatuses in an integrated manner, and various types described in the following embodiments. Execute control. Such features are also provided. This configuration will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Internal configuration of this system 1000 (mainly software configuration)]
Next, the internal configuration (mainly software configuration) of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the shift block diagram of FIG. In this example, the sheet processing apparatus 200 (strictly speaking, a series of sheet processing apparatuses that can be configured by a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses) of the units shown in FIG. All the units other than the group) are provided inside the printing apparatus 100. In other words, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is a detachable sheet processing apparatus with respect to the printing apparatus 100 and is configured to be provided as an option of the printing apparatus 100. As a result, it is possible to provide the necessary number of inline finishers for the required number in the POD environment. Therefore, it has the following configuration.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk 209 (hereinafter also referred to as HD) capable of storing a plurality of job data to be processed. In addition, the printing apparatus 100 has a copying function for printing job data received from the scanner unit 201 included in the printing apparatus 100 by the printer unit 203 via the HD. In addition, it has a print function for printing job data received from an external device such as the PC 103 or 104 via an external I / F unit 202 unit corresponding to an example of a communication unit, using the printer unit 203 via the HD. . It is an MPF type printing apparatus (also referred to as an image forming apparatus) having such a plurality of functions.

  In other words, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be a printing apparatus capable of color printing or a printing apparatus capable of monochrome printing, and may have any configuration as long as various controls described in the present embodiment can be performed.

  The printing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a scanner unit 201 that reads a document image and performs image processing on the read image data. Further, it includes an external I / F unit 202 that transmits and receives image data and the like with a facsimile, a network connection device, and an external dedicated device. Further, a hard disk 209 capable of storing image data of a plurality of jobs to be printed received from either the scanner unit 201 or the external I / F unit 202 is provided. The printer unit 203 executes print processing of print target job data stored in the hard disk 209 on the print medium. The printing apparatus 100 also includes an operation unit 204 having a display unit that corresponds to an example of a user interface unit included in the printing system 1000. As another example of the user interface unit provided in the printing system 1000, for example, a display unit of an external device of the PC 103 or 104, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like correspond to this.

  A controller unit (also referred to as a control unit or a CPU) 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the printing system 1000 comprehensively controls processes and operations of various units included in the printing system 1000. The ROM 207 stores various control programs required in the present embodiment, including programs for executing various processes in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The ROM 207 also stores a display control program for displaying various UI screens on the display unit of the operation unit 204 including the illustrated user interface screen (hereinafter referred to as UI screen). The control unit 205 reads out and executes the program in the ROM 207, thereby causing the printing apparatus to execute various operations described in this embodiment. A program for executing an operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from an external device (103, 104, etc.) via the external I / F 202 and expanding it into raster image data (bitmap image data) Is also stored in the ROM 207. These are processed by software.

  A ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores various programs such as programs such as a boot sequence and font information, and the above programs. A RAM 208 is a readable / writable memory, and stores image data, various programs, and setting information transmitted from the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F 202 via the memory controller 206.

  An HDD (hard disk) 209 is a large-capacity storage device that stores the image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 210. The HDD 209 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job to be processed. The control unit 205 controls the printer unit 203 to print data of a job to be processed input via various input units such as the scanner unit 201 and the external I / F unit 202 via the HDD 209. . In addition, control is performed so that transmission to an external apparatus via the external I / F 202 is possible. In this way, the control unit 205 controls to execute various output processes of the job target data stored in the HDD 209. The compression / decompression unit 210 performs compression / decompression operations on image data and the like stored in the RAM 208 and the HDD 209 by various compression methods.

  With the above configuration, the control unit 205 as an example of the control unit provided in the printing system also controls the operation of the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 as illustrated in FIG. The mechanical configuration of the printing system 1000 including this description will be described with reference to FIG.

[Device configuration of the system 1000 (mainly mechanical configuration)]
Next, the configuration (mainly mechanical configuration) of the printing system 1000 will be described with reference to the apparatus configuration explanatory diagram of FIG.

  As described above, the printing system 1000 is configured such that a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100. In addition, the inline type sheet processing apparatus that can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 is configured so that an arbitrary number of sheets can be installed in accordance with the use environment in order to improve the effect of the present embodiment under specific restrictions.

  Therefore, in order to make the description clearer, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, it is assumed that N sheet processing apparatuses 200 can be connected as a series of sheet processing apparatus groups. In addition, the sheet processing apparatuses 200a, 200b,... Are sequentially shown from the first sheet processing apparatus, and the sheet processing apparatus 200n is illustrated as the Nth sheet processing apparatus. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the shape of the sheet processing apparatus 200 has a shape as shown in the figure for explanation. However, the original overview has a configuration as described later.

  First, the mechanical configuration when executing the printing process in the printing apparatus 100 corresponding to the process before the sheet processing by the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 is executed will be described. Mainly, the controller unit (hereinafter referred to as a control unit or CPU) 205 in FIG. 2 causes the printing apparatus 100 to execute, and supplies a sheet of a job that has undergone printing processing from the inside of the printer unit 203 to the inside of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The paper handling operation up to the time will be described.

  Of reference numerals 301 to 322 shown in FIG. 3, 301 corresponds to the mechanical configuration of the scanner unit 201 of FIG. 302 to 322 correspond to the mechanical configuration of the printer unit 203 in FIG. In this embodiment, a configuration of a 1D type color MFP will be described. Note that a 4D type color MFP and a monochrome MFP are also examples of the printing apparatus of this embodiment, but a description thereof is omitted here.

  An automatic document feeder (ADF) 301 in FIG. 3 separates a bundle of documents set on the stacking surface of the document tray from the first page document in order of pages, and scans the document by the scanner 302. Transport onto the glass plate. A scanner 302 reads an image of a document conveyed on a platen glass and converts it into image data by a CCD. A rotary polygon mirror (polygon mirror or the like) 303 makes incident light such as laser light modulated according to the image data, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 304 as reflected scanning light through a reflection mirror. The latent image formed by the laser beam on the photosensitive drum 304 is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to the sheet material attached on the transfer drum 305. A series of image forming processes is sequentially performed on yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners to form a full-color image. After the four image forming processes, the sheet material on the transfer drum 305 on which a full-color image has been formed is separated by the separation claw 306 and conveyed to the fixing device 308 by the pre-fixing conveying device 307.

  The fixing device 308 is configured by a combination of a roller and a belt, and includes a heat source such as a halogen heater, and melts and fixes the toner on the sheet material to which the toner image is transferred by heat and pressure. The paper discharge flapper 309 is configured to be swingable about a swing shaft, and defines the sheet material conveyance direction. When the paper discharge flapper 309 is swinging in the clockwise direction in the figure, the sheet material is conveyed straight and is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 310. On the other hand, when forming images on both sides of the sheet material, the paper discharge flapper 309 swings counterclockwise in the figure, and the sheet material is changed in the downward direction and sent to the duplex conveying unit. The double-sided conveyance unit includes a reverse flapper 311, a reverse roller 312, a reverse guide 313, and a double-sided tray 314.

  The reverse flapper 311 is configured to be swingable about a swing shaft, and defines the sheet material conveyance direction. When processing a double-sided print job, the control unit 205 swings the reverse flapper 311 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. Then, control is performed so as to feed the reversing guide 313. Then, the reverse roller 312 is temporarily stopped in a state where the rear end of the sheet material is held between the reverse rollers 312, and then the reverse flapper 311 is swung clockwise in the drawing. In addition, the reverse roller 312 is rotated in the reverse direction. Thus, the sheet is switched back and conveyed, and the sheet is controlled to be guided to the double-sided tray 314 in a state where the trailing edge and the leading edge of the sheet are switched.

  The sheet material is once stacked on the double-sided tray 314, and then the sheet material is fed again to the registration roller 316 by the refeed roller 315. At this time, the sheet material is fed with the surface opposite to the transfer process on the first surface facing the photosensitive drum. Then, the second image is formed on the second surface of the sheet in the same manner as described above. Then, images are formed on both surfaces of the sheet material, and the sheet is discharged from the inside of the printing apparatus main body to the outside through the discharge roller 310 through a fixing process. The control unit 205 can execute double-sided printing on each of the first and second sides of the job data sheet to be printed on both sides by the printing apparatus by executing a series of double-sided printing sequences as described above. To.

  The paper feeding / conveying section stores paper feeding cassettes 317 and 318 (for example, each of which can store 500 sheets) and a paper deck 319 (for example, 5000 sheets) that store sheets required for the printing process. A manual feed tray 320 and the like. As units for feeding sheets stored in these paper feeding units, there are a paper feeding roller 321 and a registration roller 316. The sheet feeding cassettes 317 and 318 and the paper deck 319 are configured such that sheets of various sheet sizes and various materials can be set separately for each of these sheet feeding units.

  The manual feed tray 320 is also configured to be able to set various print media including special sheets such as OHP sheets. The paper feed cassettes 317 and 318, the paper deck 319, and the manual feed tray 320 are each provided with a paper feed roller 321 so that sheets can be continuously fed in units of one sheet. For example, the sheet material stacked by the pickup roller is sequentially fed out, and the feeding is prevented by the separation roller provided facing the paper feed roller 321, and the sheet material is fed one by one to the conveyance guide. Here, a driving force for rotating the separation roller in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction is input via a torque limiter (not shown). When only one sheet material enters the nip formed between the sheet feeding roller and the sheet material roller, the sheet material is driven to rotate in the transport direction.

  On the other hand, when double feed occurs, the double-fed sheet material is returned by rotating in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, and only the uppermost sheet is sent out. The fed sheet material is guided between the conveyance guides and conveyed to the registration rollers 316 by a plurality of conveyance rollers. At this time, the registration roller 316 is stopped, the leading edge of the sheet material hits the nip portion formed by the registration roller 316 pair, the sheet material forms a loop, and skew is corrected. Thereafter, the registration roller 316 starts rotating and conveys the sheet material in accordance with the timing of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 304 in the image forming unit. The sheet material fed by the registration roller 316 is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 305 by the suction roller 322. The sheet material discharged from the fixing device 308 is introduced into the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200 via the discharge roller 310.

  The control unit 205 processes a job to be printed through the above printing process.

  Based on the print execution request received from the user via the UI unit, the control unit 205 executes the print processing of the print data of the job stored in the HD 209 from the data generation source by the printer unit 203 using the above method. Let

  For example, the data generation source of a job that has received a print execution request from the operation unit 204 means the scanner unit 201. The data source of a job that has received a print execution request from the host computer is of course the host computer.

  Also, the control unit 205 stores the print data of the job to be processed in the HD 209 in order from the first page, reads out the print data of the job from the HD 209 in order from the first page, and prints the print data on the sheet. The image is formed. Such first page processing is performed. In addition, the control unit 205 causes the sheets printed in order from the first page to be supplied to the sheet conveyance path inside the sheet processing apparatus 200 with the image surface facing downward. Therefore, immediately before the sheet is introduced into the sheet processing apparatus 200 by the paper discharge roller 310, a switchback operation for reversing the front and back of the sheet from the fixing unit 308 is executed using the units 309, 312 and the like. The control unit 205 also executes paper handling control for coping with such first page processing.

  Next, the configuration of an inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 that the printing system 1000 includes with the printing apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1000 of this embodiment includes a total of n inline-type sheet processing apparatuses that can be cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100. For example, the number of units may be set as many as possible. However, it is necessary to use at least a sheet processing apparatus configured to be able to supply a sheet printed by the printer unit 203 to a sheet processing unit in the apparatus without intervention by an operator. In other words, for example, it is necessary to use a sheet processing apparatus having a sheet conveyance path (paper path) through which the printing medium discharged from the inside of the printer unit 203 via the discharge roller 309 included in the printing apparatus 100 can be conveyed. . These restrictions are configured to be observed.

  Nevertheless, as one mechanism for improving the effects of this embodiment, the present printing system 1000 can be flexibly constructed within a range in which such restrictions are observed.

  For example, three inline type sheet processing apparatuses are connected, five are connected, and the number of connections is also arbitrary. Of course, since the utilization efficiency of the off-line type sheet processing apparatus is improved, a POD environment in which the administrator determines that the inline type sheet processing apparatus is unnecessary is assumed. For example, even when an inline type sheet processing apparatus is not used at all (that is, zero), the printing apparatus 100 of this embodiment can be used as a matter of course.

  Further, for example, when a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100, the connection order of the plurality of sheet processing apparatuses is also within a range of restrictions by a specific user such as an administrator. It is configured to be arbitrarily changeable and determinable.

  However, since the mechanism as described above is a mechanism for improving user convenience, it does not necessarily have to be an essential component. In other words, for example, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As an example, for example, a system configuration in which the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses that can be used in the printing system 1000 and the connection order of these apparatuses are uniformly defined may be used. Any system configuration or apparatus configuration is included in the present invention as long as at least one of various job controls described later can be executed.

  Note that how many inline type sheet processing apparatuses capable of executing what kind of sheet processing can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 by the printing system 1000 will be described later. .

[Configuration of the operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of the UI unit of the system 1000]
An operation unit 204 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a UI unit) in the system 1000 included in the printing apparatus 100 of the system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation unit 204 includes a key input unit 402 that can accept user operations using hard keys and a touch panel unit 401 as an example of a display unit that can accept user operations using software keys (display keys).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the key input unit 402 includes an operation unit power switch 501. In response to the user operation of the switch 501, the control unit 205 suppresses power consumption by stopping the program in the standby mode (normal operation state) and sleep mode (waiting for an interrupt in preparation for network printing, facsimile, etc.). (State) is controlled to be switched selectively. The control unit 205 controls to accept a user operation of the switch 501 while a main power switch (not shown) that supplies power to the entire system is ON.

  A start key 503 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to start the type of job processing instructed by the user, such as a copying operation or a transmission operation of a job to be processed. A stop key 502 is a key for enabling the user to accept an instruction to interrupt the processing of the accepted job to the printing apparatus. A numeric keypad 506 is a key for making it possible for a user to execute various numerical settings. A clear key 507 is a key for canceling various parameters such as a numeric value set by the user via the key 506. A reset key 504 is a key for accepting an instruction from the user to invalidate all the various settings set for the job to be processed by the user and return the setting values to the default state. A user mode key 505 is a key for shifting to a system setting screen for each user.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a touch panel unit (hereinafter also referred to as a display unit) 401 corresponding to an example of a user interface unit provided by the printing system. The touch panel unit 401 includes a touch panel display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a transparent electrode pasted thereon. The unit 401 has a function of accepting various settings from the operator and a function of presenting information to the operator. For example, when it is detected that a portion corresponding to a display key in the effective display state on the LCD is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 operates the key on the display unit 401 according to a display control program stored in the ROM 207 in advance. The operation screen is controlled so that it can be displayed. FIG. 6 is an example of an initial screen displayed on the display unit 401 when the printing apparatus is in the standby mode (there is no job to be processed by the printing apparatus).

  When the user presses the copy tab 601 on the display unit 401 illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a copy function included in the printing apparatus. When the transmission tab 602 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display an operation screen for a data transmission (Send) function such as fax or E-mail transmission included in the printing apparatus. When the box tab 603 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a box function operation screen provided in the printing apparatus.

  The box function is a function that uses a plurality of data storage boxes (hereinafter referred to as boxes) that can be distinguished and used for each user that is virtually provided in advance in the HDD 209. With this function, for example, the control unit 205 controls the user so that the user can select a desired box via the user interface unit and can accept a desired operation from the user. For example, in response to an instruction from the user input via the operation unit 204, the control unit 205 stores the document data of the job received from the scanner 201 of the printing apparatus in the box selected by the user. The HDD 209 is controlled as possible. Also, text data of a job from an external device (for example, the host computer 103 or 104) received via the external I / F unit 202 is the user of the external device specified via the user interface unit of the external device. According to the instruction, the user can store in the box designated by the user. Further, the control unit 205 causes the user to print the job data stored in the box in a desired output form, for example, by the printer unit 203 in accordance with a user instruction from the operation unit 204, or The external I / F unit 202 is controlled to be able to transmit to an external device.

  In order to allow the user to execute various box operations as described above, the control unit 205 controls the display unit 401 to display a box function operation screen in response to the user pressing the box tab 603. In addition, when the extended tab 604 of the display unit 401 in FIG. 6 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen for setting extended functions such as scanner settings. When the system monitor key 617 is pressed by the user, a display screen for notifying the user of the state and status of the MFP is displayed on the display unit 401.

  A color selection setting key 605 is a display key for enabling the user to select in advance whether color copying, black-and-white copying, or automatic selection. A magnification setting key 608 is a key for causing the display unit 401 to display a setting screen that allows the user to execute magnification settings such as equal magnification, enlargement, and reduction.

  When the double-sided key 614 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 displays a screen that allows the user to set whether to execute single-sided printing or double-sided printing in the print processing of the job to be printed. To display. Also, in response to the user pressing the paper selection key 615, the control unit 205 displays a screen that allows the user to set the paper feed unit, sheet size, and sheet type (media type) required for the print processing of the job to be printed. It is displayed on the display unit 401. In response to the user pressing the key 612, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display a screen for enabling the user to select an image processing mode suitable for the document image such as a character mode or a photo mode. Further, the user can operate the density setting key 611 to adjust the density of the output image of the job to be printed.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 205 displays in the status display field 606 of the display unit 401 the events currently occurring in the printing apparatus, such as standby state, warming up, printing, jam, error, etc. The display for making a user confirm a state is performed. In addition, the control unit 205 causes the display field 607 to display information for allowing the user to confirm the print magnification of the job to be processed. Also, information for allowing the user to confirm the sheet size and paper feed mode of the job to be processed is displayed in the display field 616. Also, information for checking the number of copies of the job to be processed by the user and information for checking the number of sheets being printed during the printing operation are displayed in the display column 610. As described above, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display various information to be notified to the user.

  Further, when the interrupt key 613 is pressed by the user, the control unit 205 stops printing of the job being printed by the printing apparatus, and enables printing of the user's job. When the application mode key 618 is pressed, a screen for setting various image processing and layout such as page continuous shooting, cover / interleaf setting, reduced layout, and image movement is displayed on the display unit 401.

  Here, an example of a further point of interest of this embodiment will be described.

  The control unit 205 allows a user to accept a sheet processing execution request from the sheet processing unit included in the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 included in the printing system 1000 as a setting for a job to be processed. Is displayed by the UI unit. The UI unit also causes the UI unit to execute a display that allows the user to receive an instruction for causing the UI unit to execute this display.

  As an example of this, for example, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to display the display key 609 of FIG. Assume that the user presses this sheet processing setting key 609. In this case, the control unit 205 displays a display that allows the user to specify a desired sheet processing from among sheet processing selection candidates that can be executed using the inline type sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000. The display unit 401 is caused to execute. The “sheet processing setting key 609” illustrated in the display of FIG. 7 is also referred to as a “finishing key”. That is, it means the same function button. Therefore, in the following description, “sheet processing” is also referred to as “finishing”. In addition, regarding the “punching process”, in the POD environment, there is a need for various punching processes (perforating processes for printed sheets).

  For example, in this example, in response to the key 609 being pressed by the user, the display unit 401 is caused to execute the display of FIG. The control unit 205 controls to accept an execution request for sheet processing to be executed by the inline sheet processing apparatus 200 on a sheet printed in a job to be processed via the display in FIG.

However, the control unit 205 determines the sheet processing apparatus candidates that can be selected via the display in FIG. 7 according to the sheet-mounting apparatus that the system 1000 includes. For example, in the display of FIG. 7, it is permitted to accept from the user an execution request for any one of a plurality of types of sheet processing listed below for a sheet printed by the printer unit 203. Yes.
(1) Staple processing (2) Punch processing (3) Folding processing (4) Shift paper discharge processing (5) Trimming processing (6) Saddle binding bookbinding processing (7) Case bookbinding processing corresponding to an example of gluing bookbinding processing ( 8) Top glue binding process corresponding to another example of glue binding process (9) Mass stacking process In the UI control example of FIG. 7, the control unit 205 sets the operation unit 204 to be a candidate for selection of these nine types of sheet processing. I have control. This is because the nine types of sheet processing can be selectively executed by using the inline type sheet processing apparatus provided in the printing system 1000.

  In other words, the UI unit is controlled so that sheet processing corresponding to a type that cannot be executed by the system 1000 is excluded from selection candidates in the display of FIG. For example, if the system 1000 does not include one sheet processing apparatus that can selectively execute case binding processing and top binding binding processing, or if the system 1000 is out of order, the keys 707 and 708 are Control to be in a selection invalid state. For example, the control unit 205 causes a grayed-out shaded display to be executed. Thus, control is performed so that the execution request for the sheet processing is not received from the user. Furthermore, in other words, when the system 1000 includes a sheet processing apparatus capable of executing different sheet processing other than the above nine types of candidates, a display for enabling the user to accept an execution request for the sheet processing The key is controlled to be in an effective display state as shown in FIG. Thereby, it is permitted to accept the execution request for the sheet processing from the user. Such display control can also be executed together with job processing control, which will be described later, in this embodiment, thereby preventing erroneous operation by the user.

  In executing such control, the control unit 205 acquires system configuration information that identifies which sheet processing apparatus the system 1000 includes as the sheet processing apparatus 200. In addition, status information for specifying whether or not an error has occurred in the sheet processing apparatus 200 is also used in the above control. The control unit 205 acquires the information by, for example, manual input by the user via the UI unit, or when the sheet processing apparatus 200 is connected to the printing apparatus 100, the apparatus itself is connected via a signal line. Automatically acquired based on the output signal. Based on such a configuration, the control unit 205 causes the display unit 401 to execute the display in FIG. 7 with display contents based on the acquired information.

  The system 1000 is configured to accept a print execution request for a job to be processed and an execution request for sheet processing required for the job from an external device such as the PC 103 or 104. When a job is input from the external device in this way, control is performed so that the display unit of the external device that is the transmission source of the print data displays a function equivalent to the display of FIG. As an example of this, in this example, a printer driver setting screen, which will be described later, is displayed on the display unit of the computer of the PC 103 or 104. However, when the display of the UI of the external device is executed in this way, the control unit of the device executes the above control. For example, when a later-described printer driver UI screen is displayed on the display unit of the PC 103 or PC 104, the CPU of the PC executes the control subject.

[Specific system configuration example of the printing system 1000 to be controlled in this embodiment]
In relation to an example of the feature point of the present embodiment, the printing system 1000 can determine what kind of inline type sheet processing apparatus is capable of executing what kind of sheet processing to the printing apparatus 100. A system configuration such as a stand and whether it can be connected will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, a system configuration as shown in FIGS. 8 and 14 can be constructed as the system 1000 shown in FIGS.

  In the system configuration example of FIG. 8, the system 1000 includes a large-capacity stacker, a gluing bookbinding machine, a saddle stitch bookbinding machine, and a total of three inline type sheet processing apparatuses as a series of sheet processing apparatus group 200. Means that In addition, the configuration example of FIG. 8 means that the printing apparatus 100 included in the system 1000 is connected in a connection order of a large-capacity stacker, a gluing bookbinding machine, and a saddle stitch bookbinding machine. A control unit 205 corresponding to an example of a control unit included in the system 1000 comprehensively controls the printing system 1000 having the system configuration shown in FIGS.

  In this example, the large-capacity stacker is a sheet processing apparatus that can stack a large number of sheets (for example, 5000 sheets) from the printer unit 203.

  The gluing bookbinding machine of this example is a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing case binding processing that requires gluing processing of sheets when binding a bundle of sheets printed by the printer unit 203 with a cover. Moreover, the gluing bookbinding machine can also execute a top gluing bookbinding process corresponding to a sheet process for gluing bookbinding without attaching a cover. The gluing bookbinding machine is also called a case bookbinding machine because it is at least a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing the case binding process.

  Further, the saddle stitch binding machine can selectively execute a stapling process, a punching process, a cutting process, a shift discharge, a saddle stitch binding process, and a folding process on a sheet from the printer unit 203. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 causes various system configuration information related to these sheet processing apparatuses to be registered in a specific memory as management information required for various controls. For example, when the system 1000 has a system configuration as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 205 registers the information listed below in the HDD 209.

(Information 1)
Device presence / absence information for enabling the control unit 205 to confirm that the system 1000 has an inline type sheet processing device. In this way, information that enables the control unit to specify whether or not the system 1000 includes an inline type sheet processing apparatus corresponds to this.

(Information 2)
This system 1000 is information on the number of inline sheet processing apparatuses for enabling the control unit 205 to confirm that three inline type sheet processing apparatuses 200 are provided. In this way, information that enables the control unit to specify the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses included in the system 1000 corresponds to this.

(Information 3)
Type information of the inline sheet processing apparatus that enables the control unit 205 to specify that the system 1000 includes a high-capacity stacker, a glue binding machine, and a saddle stitch binding machine. As described above, this information corresponds to information that allows the control unit to confirm the type of the inline sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000.

(Information 4)
Information that enables the control unit 205 to confirm that one of the three units is a large-capacity stacker that can execute the stacking process of sheets from the printer unit 203. One of them is apparatus capability information that allows the control unit 205 to confirm that there is a glue binding apparatus that can execute a glue binding process (case binding process and / or top glue binding process) of a sheet from the printer unit 203. . One of them controls that the sheet from the printer unit 203 is a saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus that can selectively execute stapling, punching, cutting, shift paper discharge, saddle stitch bookbinding processing, and folding processing. Information that can be confirmed by the unit 205. In other words, there are nine types of sheet processing that can be executed in this system: stapling, punching, cutting, shift discharge, saddle stitch binding, folding, case binding, top binding, and large stacking. Information for enabling identification by 205. In this way, information for enabling the control unit to confirm sheet processing capability information that can be executed by the inline type sheet processing apparatus of the system 1000 corresponds to this.

(Information 5)
The three sheet processing apparatuses make it possible for the control unit 205 to confirm that the printer 100 is cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the order of a large-capacity stacker, a gluing bookbinding machine, and a saddle stitch bookbinding machine. information. In this way, when a plurality of inline finishers are connected, the connection order information of these sheet processing apparatuses in this system corresponds to this.

  Various types of information as indicated by the above (Information 1) to (Information 5) are registered in the HD 209 as system configuration information required by the control unit 205 for various types of control. In addition, the control unit 205 uses this information as judgment material information required for job control to be described later.

  Assuming the above configuration, for example, assume that the system configuration status of the printing system 1000 is a system configuration as shown in FIG. The following describes how the control unit 205 executes this system configuration.

  For example, when the system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, all of the nine types of sheet processing can be executed by the system. This fact is recognized by the control unit 205 based on the determination materials (Information 1) to (Information 5). Further, based on the recognition result, the control unit 205 controls the UI unit so that all nine types of sheet processing shown in the display of FIG. In addition, the control unit 205 executes control in response to the following user operation.

  For example, it is assumed that when the user presses the key 701 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a request for executing a stapling process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8 to execute the stapling process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 702 in the display of FIG. 7 which is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a request for execution of punch processing (sheet punching processing) is performed for the processing target job via the UI unit. Assume that it is accepted from the user. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c of FIG. 8 to execute punch processing for the sheet that has been subjected to print processing in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 703 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a cutting process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch binding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8 to perform sheet cutting processing on which printing processing has been performed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 704 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a cutting process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch binding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8 to perform sheet cutting processing on which printing processing has been performed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 705 in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, the execution request of the saddle stitch binding process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. To do. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. 8 to execute the saddle stitch bookbinding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 706 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, a folding process execution request is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 performs a folding process (for example, a sheet process called Z-folding) on which the printing process has been performed in the job, corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200c in FIG. It is executed by the binding apparatus.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 707 in the display of FIG. 7 that the control unit 205 causes the UI unit to execute, the case binding process execution request is received from the user via the UI unit for the processing target job. . In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the glue binding machine corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200b in FIG. 8 to execute the case binding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 708 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 in the UI unit, a request to execute the binding binding process for the processing target job is received from the user via the UI unit. To do. In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the gluing bookbinding machine corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200b in FIG. 8 to execute the top glue bookbinding process for the sheet that has been printed in the job.

  On the other hand, for example, when the user presses the key 709 in the display of FIG. 7 that is executed by the control unit 205 on the UI unit, the execution request for the large-volume stacking process is received from the user for the processing target job via the UI unit. . In this case, in response to the request, the control unit 205 causes the large-capacity stacker corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200a in FIG.

  As described above, the control unit 205 sends a request for execution of a desired type of sheet processing from the selection candidates corresponding to the types of sheet processing that can be executed by the sheet processing apparatus included in the system 1000 to the UI unit. And the print execution request together with the print execution request. In addition, a print execution request for a job to be processed is received from the user via the UI unit provided in this embodiment, and the printer unit 203 executes the print processing required for the job. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus of the system 1000 executes the sheet processing required for the job on the sheet of the job that has undergone the print processing.

  In addition, as an example of the feature point of the present embodiment, the control unit 205 also executes the following control in the system 1000.

  For example, assume that the system 1000 has a system configuration as shown in FIG. In other words, it is assumed that the printing system 1000 is connected in the order of the printing apparatus 100 → the large-capacity stacker → the gluing bookbinding machine → the saddle stitch bookbinding machine. The internal system configuration in this case is as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is an apparatus cross-sectional view of the entire printing system 1000 when the configuration of the printing system 1000 is the system configuration of FIG. Further, the device configuration of FIG. 14 corresponds to the device configuration of FIG.

  FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the entire system 1000. Further, the device configuration of FIG. 14 corresponds to the device configuration of FIG.

  As is apparent from the internal configuration of the apparatus in FIG. 14, the sheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 is configured to be supplied to the inside of each sheet processing apparatus. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, each sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path that can convey a sheet via points A, B, and C inside the apparatus. is there.

  In addition, each inline type sheet processing apparatus, such as the sheet processing apparatuses 200a and 200b in FIG. 14, is preceded by its own apparatus even though the sheet processing that can be executed by the own apparatus is not necessary for the job to be processed. A function of receiving a sheet from a preceding apparatus connected to the. In addition, it has a function of transferring the sheet received from the preceding apparatus to the succeeding apparatus connected behind the own apparatus.

  As described above, in the printing system 1000 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus that executes sheet processing different from the sheet processing required for the job to be processed transfers the sheet of the job to be processed from the preceding apparatus to the subsequent apparatus. It has a function to convey. This configuration is also an example of the feature point of this embodiment.

  Assuming the system configuration as described above, for example, when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, a job for which a print execution request is made by the user via the UI unit as described above is given. On the other hand, the control unit 205 executes the control exemplified below.

  For example, it is assumed that a job to be processed that receives a print execution request from a user in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 is a job that requires sheet processing (ex stacking processing) by a large-capacity stacker through print processing. Here, this job is called a “stacker job”.

  When processing this stacker job with the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the control unit 205 passes the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 through point A in FIG. The sheet processing by the stacker is executed. In addition, the print result of the stacker job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex stack processing) by this large-capacity stacker is not conveyed to another apparatus (for example, a subsequent apparatus), and is directly discharged from the large-capacity stacker shown in FIG. Hold at paper tip X.

  The printed matter of the stacker job held at the paper discharge destination X in FIG. 14 is configured to be taken out by the operator directly from the location of the paper discharge destination X. In other words, a series of apparatus operations and operator operations such as unnecessarily conveying a sheet to the discharge destination Z at the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction in FIG. 14 and taking out the printed matter of the stacker job from that location are unnecessary. .

  A series of controls executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 corresponds to the control example of (Case 1) of FIG.

  On the other hand, for example, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from a user in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 is subjected to sheet processing (ex case binding processing or top binding binding processing) by a gluing bookbinding machine after printing processing. ). Here, this job is referred to as a “glue binding job”.

  When the glue binding job is processed into the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the control unit 205 passes the points A and B in FIG. 14 through the sheet of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100. Then, the sheet processing by the glue binding machine is executed. In addition, the print result of the gluing bookbinding job that has been subjected to sheet processing (ex case binding processing or top gluing bookbinding processing) by this gluing bookbinding machine is sent as it is without being conveyed to another apparatus (for example, a subsequent apparatus). It is held at the paper discharge destination Y inside the gluing bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG.

  The printed material of the gluing bookbinding job held at the paper discharge destination Y in FIG. 14 is configured to be taken out by the operator directly from the location of the paper discharge destination Y. In other words, a series of device operations and operator operations such as unnecessarily transporting a sheet to the discharge destination Z on the most downstream side in the sheet transport direction in FIG. 14 and taking out the printed material of the glue binding job from that location are unnecessary. To do.

  A series of controls executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 corresponds to the control example of (Case 2) of FIG.

  Further, on the other hand, for example, a job to be processed that has received a print execution request from the user in the system configurations of FIGS. 8 and 14 is subjected to sheet processing (for example, saddle stitch binding or Assume that the job requires punch processing, trimming processing, shift paper discharge processing, or folding processing. Here, this job is referred to as a “saddle stitching job”.

  When this saddle stitch bookbinding job is processed into the system configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the control unit 205 converts the sheets of the job printed by the printing apparatus 100 into points A, B, and C in FIG. 14. And the sheet processing by the saddle stitch binding machine is executed. Further, the print result of the saddle stitch bookbinding job subjected to the sheet processing by the saddle stitch bookbinding machine is held as it is at the paper discharge destination Z of the saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG. 14 without being conveyed to another apparatus. Let

  Note that the paper discharge destination Z in FIG. 14 has a plurality of paper discharge destination candidates. This is because the saddle stitch bookbinding machine of this embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processing and has a configuration in which the discharge destination is different for each sheet processing, as will be described later with reference to FIG. To do.

  A series of control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000 has the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 corresponds to the control example of (Case 3) of FIG.

  As described above, the control unit 205 corresponding to an example of the control unit of the present embodiment also executes paper handling control based on the system configuration information of the system 1000 stored in the HD 209.

  Information corresponding to the system configuration information includes information on whether or not an inline finisher is provided, information on the number of devices when the inline finisher is provided, and capability information on the devices. In addition, when a plurality of inline finishers are provided, the connection order information also corresponds to this.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 8, 14, and the like, the printing system 1000 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be connected to the printing apparatus 100. . In addition, the plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be connected to the printing apparatus 100 by being independently connected or disconnected, and can be attached to the printing apparatus 100. Further, the connection order of the plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be freely combined as long as they can be physically connected. However, in this embodiment, restrictions are also provided regarding the configuration of these systems.

  For example, an apparatus permitted to be used as an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the present system 1000 is an apparatus having the following configuration requirements.

  Subsequent apparatus that receives a sheet of a job that can be executed by the own apparatus itself and that does not require sheet processing by the own apparatus from the preceding apparatus. A sheet processing apparatus having a sheet conveying function to be transferred to a sheet. For example, in this example, the large-capacity stacker and the glue binding machine shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 correspond to this.

  In this embodiment, the sheet processing apparatus not corresponding to the above configuration is permitted to be used in the system 1000 as an inline type sheet processing apparatus. For example, an apparatus that satisfies the following requirements corresponds to this.

  While it is possible for the device itself to execute the sheet processing for a job sheet that requires sheet processing that can be executed by the device itself, the device at the latter stage receives a sheet of a job that does not require sheet processing by the device itself from the preceding device. A sheet processing apparatus that does not have a sheet conveying function. For example, in this example, the saddle stitch bookbinding machine shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14 corresponds to this. However, there are restrictions on such devices.

  For example, as described above, when an inline finisher (for example, a saddle stitch binding machine in FIGS. 8 and 14) having no function of conveying a sheet to a subsequent apparatus is used in the printing system 1000, the number of the apparatuses used. Is only one. However, it is permitted to use other types of inline finishers at the same time.

  For example, as shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14, it is permitted to use a large-capacity stacker or a glue binding apparatus together with a saddle stitch binding apparatus. However, when a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses are connected in cascade as described above, the inline type sheet processing apparatus that does not have the sheet conveying function to the subsequent apparatus is positioned at the most downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. Install.

  For example, as shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8 and 14, the saddle stitch binding machine is configured to be connected most last in the system 1000. In other words, as a system configuration different from the system configurations of FIGS. 8 and 14, it is prohibited to configure the saddle stitch binding machine between the large capacity stacker and the glue binding machine.

  The control unit provided in the present system performs overall control of the present system 1000 so as to perform operations within a range in which the above restrictions are observed.

  As an example of this, for example, when an inline type sheet processing apparatus is connected in a connection order that violates the above constraints, the control unit 205 causes the UI unit to execute a warning display. Further, for example, in the configuration in which the user himself / herself inputs the connection order of a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses via the UI unit as in the configuration described above, the control unit 205 does not perform user settings that violate the above restrictions. Control to disable. For example, grayout display or shaded display is executed in order to prevent inappropriate connection settings.

  By adopting the configuration as described above, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation of the user, malfunction of the apparatus, and the like when the configuration as in this embodiment is employed. That is, the effect described in this embodiment is further improved.

  On the premise of such a configuration, in this embodiment, the system configuration of the system 1000 is configured so as to be flexibly constructed within a range in which the above restrictions are observed.

  For example, the connection order and the number of connected inline type sheet processing apparatuses can be arbitrarily determined and changed by an operator of the POD system 10000 within a range in which the above restrictions are observed. The system 1000 executes control according to the system configuration status.

[Internal configuration of large capacity stacker]
9 and 10 show an example of a cross-sectional view of the internal configuration of a large-capacity stacker that is controlled by the control unit 205 in the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 14.

  The large-capacity stacker is roughly divided into three as a sheet conveyance path from the printing apparatus 100. As an example of this, as shown in FIG. 9, one is a straight path. One is an escape path. One is a stack path. Thus, three sheet conveyance paths are provided inside. Further, there are roughly two discharge stages, an escape tray at the top of the apparatus and a stack tray inside the stacker. Here, as a further focus of the present embodiment, there are two stack trays inside the stacker.

  Note that the straight path provided in the large-capacity stacker of FIG. 9 serves as a function for passing the sheet received from the preceding apparatus to the succeeding apparatus, and is also referred to as a through path in the inline sheet processing apparatus in this example.

  The straight path provided in the large-capacity stacker is a sheet conveyance path for transferring a sheet of a job that does not require a sheet stacking process by a stacking unit included in the apparatus to a subsequent apparatus. In other words, it is a unit for transporting a sheet of a job for which sheet processing by the sheet processing apparatus itself is not requested from an upstream apparatus to a downstream apparatus.

  The escape path provided in the large-capacity stacker is used when it is desired to output without stacking. For example, when a subsequent sheet processing apparatus is not connected, when performing output confirmation work (proof printing) or the like, the printed matter is conveyed to the escape path in order to simplify the take-out from the stack tray, The printed matter can be taken out from the tray.

  Note that a plurality of sheet detection sensors required to detect the sheet conveyance status and jam are provided in the sheet conveyance path inside the large-capacity stacker.

  A CPU (not shown) of the large-capacity stacker electrically connects the sheet detection information from each of these sensors to a signal line for performing data communication with the control unit 205 (the sheet processing apparatus 200 and the control unit 205 shown in FIG. The control unit 205 is notified of the signal line). Based on the information from the large-capacity stacker, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status and jam inside the large-capacity stacker. As another system configuration of the printing system, when other sheet processing apparatuses are cascade-connected between the sheet processing apparatus and the printing apparatus 100, the large capacity stacker is connected via the CPU of the sheet processing apparatus. The sensor information is notified to the control unit 205. Thus, it has a configuration unique to the inline finisher.

  Furthermore, the stack path provided in the large-capacity stacker is a sheet conveyance path for causing the apparatus to execute a stacking process for sheets of a job that requires a sheet stacking process by a stacking unit included in the apparatus. When the sheet is conveyed to the stack path, the sheet is discharged to the stack tray. Here, there are two stack trays, a left stack tray and a right stack tray. When the width of the printed output is smaller than the width of the stack tray, it can be discharged separately to each stack tray. In this case, each stack capacity can be loaded on the left and right stack trays. When the width of the print output is larger than the width of each stack tray, the left and right stack trays are used simultaneously and discharged onto the left and right stack trays. In this case, since the left and right stack trays are used at the same time, the load amount is half that of the case where the stack trays are used separately.

  The stack tray will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a view of the stack tray as viewed from above. Reference numerals 1101, 1111, 1121, and 1122 denote stacker trays, and 1102, 1112, and 1123 denote printouts. As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of the combination of 1101/1102, the width of the printed output is smaller than the width of the stack tray, so that it is possible to output to the left and right stack trays. FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the left and right stack trays are discharged separately. However, in the case of the combination of 1111/1112, the width of the printed output is larger than the width of the stack tray, so that it cannot be output to the left and right stack trays. As described above, when the width of the printed output is larger than that of each stack tray, both the left and right stack trays are used, as in 1121/1122/1123, and the sheet is discharged. FIG. 9 is a diagram in which both left and right stack trays are used, and an output sheet that is larger than the width of each stack tray is discharged to the stack tray. The left and right stacker trays have been described. Here, as a further focus of this embodiment, when the same size paper can be discharged to the left and right stack trays as described above in the paper direction In some cases, both the left and right stack trays must be ejected simultaneously. The sheet 1102 in FIG. 11 has been discharged in the direction of the long side, and the width of the printed output is on the short side on the stack tray, and can be discharged to each stack tray. . However, the paper of 1112 has been discharged in the direction of the short side, and on the stack tray, the width of the printed output becomes the long side, and the left and right stack trays are discharged simultaneously. For this reason, the number of sheets that can be stacked differs depending on the direction in which paper of the same size is discharged.

  Assume that the system 1000 includes the large-capacity stacker shown in FIGS. In this system configuration situation, the control unit 205 sends a request for executing a stacking process of sheets that can be executed by the stacker for a job to be processed, for example, by operating a key 709 displayed in FIG. Suppose that it is received from the user via In this case, the control unit 205 controls to convey the sheet to the stack path included in the large-capacity stacker. The sheet conveyed to the stack path is discharged to the stack tray.

  Each of the left and right stack trays in FIGS. 9 and 10 is a stacking unit placed on an extendable stay or the like, and the left and right stack trays can operate separately. A shock absorber or the like is attached to the connecting portion between the left and right stack trays and the extendable stay. The control unit 205 controls the stacking of the printed sheets of the job to be processed to be executed by the large-capacity stacker using the two stack trays. Under the extendable stay is a cart. When a handle (not shown) is attached, the stack output placed above can be carried to another offline finisher. At this time, the left and right stack trays can be separately taken out by a carriage.

  When the front door of the stacker part is closed, the extendable stay rises to the upper position where the stack output is easy to be loaded, and when the front door is opened (or instructed to open) by the operator, the stack tray It is a mechanism to descend.

  In addition, stacking of stack output includes flat stacking and shift stacking, and the flat stacking is always stacked at the same position. Shift stacking is a method that shifts in the back direction in a certain number of copies, jobs, etc., creates a break in the output, and stacks the output so that it is easy to handle.

  As described above, the large-capacity stacker to be used as an inline type sheet processing apparatus in the system 1000 can execute a plurality of types of stacking methods when executing the sheet stacking process from the printer unit 203. It is configured. The control unit 205 executes control of such various operations on the apparatus.

[Job processing flow]
The job processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1201 to 1206 in FIG. 12 represent the steps of the sequence.

  When sheets of the same size can be installed in the paper feed stage on both the short side and the long side with respect to the paper discharge direction, and both can be discharged to the large capacity stacker, 1201 to 1204 is determined. , Printing is performed on the paper that has been placed in the direction of the long side of the paper, output to the left and right stack trays, and a large amount of paper is stacked. This will be described in detail below.

  In 1201, it is determined whether or not the discharge destination of the job is a large-capacity stacker. If the paper discharge destination is a large-capacity stacker, the process proceeds to 1202, and if the paper discharge destination is not a large-capacity stacker, the process proceeds to 1206.

  In 1202, it is determined whether or not the large-capacity stacker stacking priority mode is set in the system 1000. Here, in the large-capacity stacker stacking priority mode, for example, ON / OFF of the large-capacity stacker stacking priority mode can be set as shown in FIG. 13 from the switch 505 in FIG. If this setting has been made, the process proceeds to 1203, and if not set, the process proceeds to 1206.

  In 1203, it is determined whether finishing is set. If an inline finisher is installed between the large-capacity stacker and the print processing apparatus 100 in the middle of a paper discharge path such as punch processing, and the finishing processing is set, for example, punch processing, punching is performed. The paper discharge direction is related to the process of hitting. Therefore, in 1203, it is determined whether or not the finishing related to the paper discharge direction is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to 1206, and if it is not set, the process proceeds to 1204.

  In 1204, it is determined whether the automatic paper setting is set. Here, the automatic paper setting is a setting for whether the control unit 205 may automatically select the optimum paper based on the document size. If it is not automatic paper setting, a paper feed stage is always set. If the automatic paper setting is set, the process proceeds to 1205, and if not, the process proceeds to 1206.

  In 1205, printing is performed by selecting a sheet to be discharged on the long side in the discharge direction. In this case, the printed output can be discharged to each of the left and right stack trays, and each stack tray can be loaded up to its maximum load capacity. I can do it. When printing is finished, this sequence is finished.

  In 1206, printing is performed according to the setting of the job. When printing is finished, this sequence is finished. In this case, there is a possibility that printing is performed using paper that is discharged in the short side with respect to the paper discharge direction, that is, paper that simultaneously uses the left and right stack trays. When the paper is used, the left and right stack trays are used at the same time, so the load amount is half that when the left and right stack trays are used separately.

1000 Printing System 10,000 Printing Environment 100 Printer Main Body 200 Sheet Processing Device

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray having different stackability according to the direction of paper to be discharged, and having the following configuration.
A stackability priority mode setting unit that sets an operation mode that prioritizes stackability, an output sheet setting unit that sets output paper, a discharge destination setting unit that sets a discharge destination, and the stackability priority mode are set. In addition, when automatic paper is set and a print job set for paper discharge is input to the paper discharge tray, control is performed to feed paper for paper with higher stackability. Automatic paper selection means. An image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray having different stackability according to the direction of paper to be discharged, and having the following configuration.
Stackability priority mode setting means for setting an operation mode that prioritizes stackability, output paper setting means for setting output paper, discharge destination setting means for setting a discharge destination, stackability priority mode is set, and Means for controlling the operation screen so that only paper feed trays loaded with sheets suitable for stackable paper can be set when paper discharge is set in the paper discharge tray.