JPH1042080A - Image processing apparatus and job processing method for image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To output, without delay, a job stored in an output-capable manner using output resources at the time of job stop. SOLUTION: An image processing state of a printer unit is monitored based on system information 7001, and when it is determined that a failure in which image processing cannot be continued has occurred, a controller 1 is provided.
23 stops the running job, temporarily changes the output order of each managed job, and outputs a job that can be output by the printer unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a storage unit for managing and storing input document image information for each job, and a job processing method of the image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a complex processing system capable of executing a complex function of any one or a combination of a facsimile function, an image file function, a printer function, and a copying function. An image storage medium is provided to control output processing by managing output information for each composite processing on a job-by-job basis.

In this case, when the job information stored in the image storage medium is output, the output of the job information is managed in accordance with a predetermined order or a set priority.

[0004] As a result, it is conceivable that a plurality of pieces of job information wait for output and form a queue. This scheduling is considered to greatly affect the productivity of the entire system.

[0005] However, conventionally, there has not been much aggressive processing for the scheduling of job information.

[0006]

Therefore, when a shortage of consumables or the like occurs in the composite image processing system,
For example, when toner runs out, even if job information that can be processed without using the consumables is accumulated,
The job information could not be processed unless the entire system was once stopped and replenishment of consumables was not performed.

Similarly, when a shortage of other consumables, for example, paper of a size to be used occurs, even if a job capable of printing and outputting with paper in another paper feed tray is stored therein. The next job does not start, and when another consumable item, for example, a staple has expired, the supply is awaited.

[0008] As the functions of the composite image processing system are enhanced in this way, the effect of running out of consumables affects the entire system and significantly lowers the productivity of the entire system, resulting in a large waste of time. There was a problem that it would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to seventeenth inventions according to the present invention is to store and manage a plurality of pieces of image information as a job. When processing output, after stopping the running job, output using the output resources at the time of job stop by controlling the output order of each job so that executable jobs are output with priority It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and a job processing method of the image processing apparatus, which can output a stored job without delay and can significantly improve job processing efficiency.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided input means for inputting a document image, and storage means capable of storing a plurality of document images input from the input means as image information for each job. Output means for outputting an image to a recording medium based on image information stored in the storage means; management means for managing an output order of each job to be output from the storage means to the output means; Monitoring means for monitoring the image processing state of the means, stopping the job being executed based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means, temporarily changing the output order managed by the management means, and outputting the output order by the output means Control means for outputting a possible job to the output means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designating means for designating a priority mode in which another job is preferentially executed when a job being output is stopped, and the priority mode is designated by the designating means. In this case, the control unit temporarily changes the output order managed by the management unit and outputs a job that can be output by the output unit to the output unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the output means enables a system connection by combining a plurality of units.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means monitors the operation state of each unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, any one of the plurality of units is a paper feed unit having a plurality of transport paths for transporting a recording medium.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, any one of the plurality of units is a post-processing unit including a plurality of transport paths for performing predetermined post-processing on a recording medium on which image processing has been performed. is there.

In a seventh aspect according to the present invention, the post-processing unit performs a staple process on the image-processed recording medium.

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the post-processing unit performs a bookbinding process for binding the image-processed recording medium.

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the post-processing unit performs a sorter process for sorting the image-processed recording medium.

In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the post-processing unit performs a process of folding the image-processed recording medium.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the post-processing unit performs a process of stacking recording media on which image processing has been performed.

[0021] In a twelfth aspect according to the present invention, the control means stops a job being executed based on a monitoring result of the monitoring means, and preferentially outputs a job which can secure a maximum free area in the storage means. The output order managed by the management means is temporarily changed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means monitors a transport jam of a recording medium on a transport path of the output device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means monitors a state of running out of consumables in the output device.

In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means monitors the presence or absence of a recording medium having a designated size.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means monitors a state in which the output device cannot be loaded due to a full load.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting a document image, a storage means capable of storing a plurality of document images inputted from the input means as image information for each job, In a job processing method of an image processing apparatus having an output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium based on stored image information, a monitoring step of monitoring an image processing state of the output unit and an execution based on the monitoring result A stopping step of stopping the current job; a determining step of determining whether there is a job that can be output by the output unit when the job is stopped; and a preceding job stored in the storage unit based on the determination result. And a processing step.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the configuration of a composite image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image recording unit (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit), 2 denotes an image reading unit (hereinafter, a reader unit), 3 denotes an operation unit (hereinafter, an operator control unit (OCU)), and 4 denotes transfer paper. A paper feeding unit (paper feeding unit), 7 is a bookbinding device, and 8 is a sorting device (sorter). Reader unit 2
Is a document feeder (hereinafter, A) for feeding a document to a reading position.
DF) 200 and a scanner 250 for optically reading a document image. The specific operation of the reader unit 2 will be described later.

The OCU 3 is composed of a display and an operation keyboard (or a touch panel display). The OCU 3 inputs various settings made by the user such as setting of the number of copies, setting of the number of copies, editing and processing of images, and the selected mode and machine. Is displayed. The selection of the operable priority mode described later is also performed from the OCU 3.

The paper feed unit 4 includes a transfer paper storage tray 401 for storing transfer paper, and a transfer paper transport unit 402 for transporting the transfer paper, and feeds the transfer paper necessary for image formation of the job input from the OCU 3. Select from the tray and send to printer unit 1.

The printer unit 1 visualizes an image read by the reader unit 2 or image information sent from various external devices (not shown) such as a computer terminal or a facsimile, Printing on transfer paper fed from

The printer unit 1 includes a large-capacity print buffer memory (hereinafter, PBM) 15 (shown in FIG. 7 described later), and an original feeder (ADF) 2 described later.
Original image information input from 00 and image information sent from an external input device are accumulated, and after accumulation, sorting such as page switching is performed. A specific description of the operation of the printer unit 1 will also be described later.

The bookbinding apparatus 7 aligns the output paper recorded on the recording medium by the printer unit 1 and performs a bookbinding process. Sorting device 8
Sorts the output paper recorded on the recording medium by the printer unit 1 on each bin in the apparatus. Hereinafter, a basic image processing operation in FIG. 1 will be described.

When the user sets a document on the ADF 200 of the reader unit 2 and designates the setting of the mode and the start of copying with the OCU 3, the ADF 200 feeds the document one by one and reads it with the scanner 250. The scanner 250 converts the exposed original image into a CCD line sensor 1 shown in FIG.
At 11, photoelectric conversion is performed and read as an electric signal. The read image signal is subjected to various kinds of processing by an image processing unit 11 shown in FIG. 4 described later, and then subjected to compression processing and transferred to a PBM 15 shown in FIG.

In the printer section 1, images are sequentially read from the PBM 15 in accordance with the above-mentioned user setting from the OCU 3, and the read images are converted into optical signals for photoconductor exposure. The following is recorded on a recording medium through the charging, exposure, latent image, development, transfer, separation, and fixing steps of a normal electrophotographic process. The recorded medium is collated and stacked by the bookbinding device 7 or is sorted and loaded by the sorting device 8 through a transport path downstream of the bookbinding device 7.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the reader unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the reader unit 2 shown in FIG.
200 and a scanner 250.

In the drawing, reference numeral 201 denotes a document tray on which documents are stacked; 202, a first mirror table for receiving the exposure of the document and its reflected light;
Denotes a book mode scan reading position, 205 denotes a sheet feeding unit, 2
Reference numeral 06 denotes a transport path to the original reading position 203 for the flow reading document,
Reference numeral 7 denotes a conveyance path for discharging the one-sided document read at the flow-reading document reading position 203, and reference numeral 208 denotes a flow-reading document reading position 20.
Reference numeral 209 denotes a transport path for transporting the back side of the original read at 3 to the original reading position 203 again, and reading the original back side at the original reading position 203 and then discharging the original. Reference numeral 210 denotes a lens which forms a reflected image of the document on the CCD line sensor 111.

Here, the flow-reading document reading is a method of scanning the document sent from the document tray 201 by moving the reading position while the first mirror table 202 is fixed at the flow-reading document reading position 203. It is.
Reference numeral 211 denotes a standby position in the transport path 206, and reference numeral 212 denotes a standby position in the transport path 208. These are positions at which a document is stopped in the conveyance path according to the state of a print buffer memory PBM15 described later, and position control is performed based on the paper detection sensor passage time and the conveyance speed.

The flow of the original is transported along the direction of the arrow provided on the transport path. Here, when reading the back side of the original, the original is read as a mirror image of the image obtained by reading the front side. Processing for converting the mirror image into a normal image will be described together with an image processing unit 11 shown in FIG.

In the drawing, the solid arrows indicate the flow reading of a single-sided original, and the dotted arrows indicate the flow reading and conveying direction of a double-sided original.

In contrast to this flow-reading original reading method, the original placed on the reading position 204 is not moved during the book mode scan, and scanning is performed while moving optical devices such as the first mirror base 202 and the second mirror base. To read the original.

In any case, the reading is performed by scanning the document by moving the reading section relatively to the document. The reflected light from the original exposure passes through the lens
The image is projected onto the image 111 and photoelectrically converted.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 206 is configured to have a length that can accommodate two A4 originals that are fed vertically (portrait). Similarly, the transport path 208 is configured to have a length that can accommodate two A4 originals that are vertically fed (portrait feed). If the transport paths 206 and 208 are A3 horizontal (landscape feed), one sheet is used. enter. In the present embodiment, the document placed on the document tray 201 is a face-up first page process in which the document surface is stacked on the upper side and the first page is stacked on the top. In the case of single-sided original reading, originals are sequentially read along the solid line arrow. In the case of double-sided original reading, half-size originals (A4 portrait, B5
Vertical, A5 vertical) take a different paper feed sequence.

The half-size original is fed two sheets at a time, and the two sheets read at the original reading position 203 are fed to the transport path 2.
A back side reading is performed through the step 08. And 2 of back side reading
Simultaneously with the completion of reading of the first sheet, a sequence in which reading of the front surfaces of the next two originals starts.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the manuscript includes the first page table, the second page table, the first page back, the second page back,
The third page table, the fourth page table, the third page back, etc. are read in this order.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a transport path when the ADF 200 shown in FIG. 2 reads a double-sided document.

In the figure, reference numerals 1A and 2A denote original images of the first and second pages, respectively, and 1B and 2B denote original images of the first and second pages, respectively. ADF2 of this embodiment
Reference numeral 00 denotes a non-circulating document feeder in which the document placed on the document tray 201 does not return to the document tray 201 again. In addition, the paper feeding unit 205, the transport paths 206 and 2
07, 208, and 209 are configured to be independently drivable, and can be individually driven, stopped, and controlled in speed.

The control of the ADF 200 is controlled by the controller 123 shown in FIG. 4 based on the designation from the OCU 3 and the state of the machine.

Next, the image processing section 11 for the read image data will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing unit 11 of the reader unit 2 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

A line sensor (CCD) 111 receives the reflected light 100 of the document that has arrived at the document reading position, and performs photoelectric conversion to generate RGB electrical signals. The image signal produced here is amplified by an analog / digital (A / D) converter 110 and then converted into a digital image signal.
The digitized RGB signals are subjected to black correction, white correction (shading correction),
Normalization and standardization are performed by performing color correction (masking) processing. Then, the standardized RGB signals are subjected to luminance / density conversion and black / red two-color separation processing in a two-color separation unit 114 to generate a black image signal (data) 115 and a red image signal (data) 116. Subsequent processes have independent circuit configurations for the black image signal and the red image signal, and are performed in parallel.

Numerals 165 and 166 denote external black image data 167 and external red image data 1 input from the outside.
68 and the black image data 115 and the red image data 116 are switched.

In the next filter circuits 117 and 118, an MTF (Modulation Transfer Function: MTF) at the time of image reading is used.
Filtering is performed to recover the deterioration of the modulation transfer function, and to weaken the moiré pattern generated at the time of reading the halftone original.

In the page memories 119 and 120, the maximum A3
It has the capacity to store images up to the size of one page. The image read by the bidirectional document feeder is read as a mirror image while the image read in the reverse direction is read in the forward direction. Here, the page memories 119 and 120 perform control to convert an image read as a mirror image into a normal image by further performing mirror image processing.

Further, a Cut & Paste function for moving a specific area of an image to another place ((a) original image 6 in FIG. 5)
10, processing image 611).
Next-stage scaling / resolution conversion circuit 1 for a plurality of input original images
A reduced layout function (see FIG. 5B) for reducing four images on one sheet by reducing the size to 50% at 25 and 126 is also provided by the memory control signal 1 from the controller 123.
24 on the page memories 119 and 120.

The scaling circuits 125 and 126 perform not only the above-described reduced layout function but also ordinary image size conversion. In the image decoration processing units 127 and 128, functions such as a negative / positive reversal process 621, a shading process 622, a shading process 623 on the image unit and the like are realized by designating an area for the original image 620 as shown in FIG. .

The density conversion tables 129 and 130 perform gamma conversion for correcting the linearity characteristic of the printer and processing for reflecting the density adjustment level input by the user from the operation unit on the image data. The image data up to this point is an 8-bit 256 gradation signal. However, in the gradation number conversion (error diffusion) processing units 131 and 132, a 4-bit 16 gradation image signal (black image data 13) that can be expressed by the printer unit 1 is used.
3, red image data 134). An error is diffused in order to cancel the density unevenness generated at the time of converting the number of gradations when viewed in a certain area. The above is the image signal processing performed by the image processing unit 11. 160 is a compression prediction unit, 122 and 161 are buses, 162 is a control signal,
Details will be described later.

Next, the PBM 15 for storing a large number of pages of images to be printed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printer buffer memory (PBM) 15 for storing the black image data 133 and the red image data 134 output from the image processing section 11 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The black image data 13 input to the PBM 15
3. The red image data 134 is encoded by the variable length reversible compression method of the compression units 150 and 153. The variable-length reversible means that the amount of data at the time of compression differs depending on the input image, but has the property of restoring exactly the same as the input image after decompression processing, and is compared with a fixed-length irreversible compression method such as JPEG. . The variable length lossless compression method is MH,
There are schemes such as Q-CODER and Lempel Ziv, but any scheme may be used.

Reference numerals 151 and 154 denote memory units (DRAMs) in the PBM 15, each comprising a semiconductor memory or a hard disk and a control unit for addressing them.

When the pages are replaced in the pamphlet mode (1 · N pages, 2 · N−1 pages,..., Each of which is formed in one page) in FIG. This is realized by controlling the addressing in 151 and 154.

Then, the image to be printed out is read out from the memory units 151 and 154, and is expanded.
At 56, the original image data is restored. The readout timing here is such that the black image data 135 is read out independently at the timing required for black image formation, and the red image data 136 is read out independently at the timing required for red image formation.

The image data in the memory units 151 and 154 basically stores all jobs. Hereinafter, a memory map of the memory units 151 and 154 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the memory units 151 and 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of the memory 54;

In FIG. 8A, reference numeral 5002 denotes a copy job which is currently being printed, and a 150-page original is 100
Copies are to be made. Pages 1 to 150 are read out one by one in order, printed out, and then subjected to finishing processing. Reference numeral 5003 denotes a standby job as a job to be performed next, which is a job for finishing 60 pages of 50 pages by a printer job requested from an external device. Furthermore, 5004 is 200 pages 50
An image is being read by a copy job called a copy. Here, the memory unit 151 becomes full and the reading operation is temporarily interrupted.

In the meantime, the copy job 5002 is continuously performed, and the last 100 copies are printed on pages 1 to 150. At the same time, the output image does not need to be stored. Are sequentially replaced with images.

When the copy job 5002 ends, printing of the printer job 5003 waiting for the order starts.

In FIG. 8B, reference numeral 5006 denotes a vacant portion of the memory section 151, and other jobs can be input (stored) as long as the memory capacity permits.

Hereinafter, the compression ratio prediction processing of the compression ratio prediction section 160 shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

The compression ratio predicting section 160 controls the controller 12
3, decorative information (shading in FIG. 6, partial movement in FIG. 5A) obtained through bus 161; scaling information (reduced layout in FIG. 5B); Further, the CCD line sensor 1 such as selected density conversion tables 129 and 130, error diffusion processing (1/2/4 bit), etc.
11, the number-of-tones conversion (error diffusion) processing unit 131,
The accuracy of the prediction is improved using the processing information until the processing by 132 is performed.

Normally, a value obtained by performing a simple operation on the statistic of image information (an average value of image density, entropy, etc., which has a high correlation with the compression ratio and is obtained by a simple operation) is used as a predicted value.
The calculation or coefficient used here changes according to the processing information.

For example, assuming that the average density of an image is used for prediction and the following equation (1) is used to convert the average value to a predicted value, the predicted value = the average density of the image * a + b... (1) The controller 123 refers to a RAM table (not shown) by the controller 123 to determine the coefficients a and b determined according to the processing information of the image.
The information is transmitted to the compression ratio prediction unit 160 via 61. Assuming that the density average value of the image area is “40” and the coefficients a and b according to the processing are “0.01 and 0.1”, respectively, the compression ratio prediction is obtained based on the following equation (2). Can be

Predicted value = 40 * 0.01 + 0.1 = 0.5 (2) This is a prediction that the data amount after compression is の of the data amount before compression. The controller 123 performs the above-described control based on the control signal 162 based on the compression ratio prediction obtained via the bus 122.

Next, the configuration of the bookbinding apparatus 7 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view for explaining the configuration of the bookbinding apparatus 7 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 50 denotes an alignment section, 51 denotes a tape storage section, 52 denotes a heater section, 53 denotes a bound bundle transport section,
54 is a stacker unit, and 55 is a horizontal transport unit to a downstream finisher.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a transfer paper entrance, and 61 denotes a conveyance path selection flapper, which transfers the transfer paper entering from the entrance to the OCU 3.
In order to send the job to the downstream finisher based on the job content input from, the user selects whether to send the job to the horizontal transport unit 55 or to the matching unit 50.

Reference numeral 62 denotes an alignment tray, which stacks and aligns the transfer paper sent to the alignment section 50 by the transport path selection flapper 61 on the alignment tray 62. When the alignment is completed, the bundle is gripped by the gripper 63 and sent to the heater unit 52.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a tape storage reel in which a tape which is melted by heat for bookbinding and has adhesive applied on one side is wound around the reel and stored. The tape is cut by a cutter (not shown) to a length corresponding to the size of the bundle to be bound, and is sent to a tape standby position 65 of the heater section 52 by a transport path (not shown). At this time, the glue surface of the tape is on the bundle side. After the tape is sent to the standby position 65 and the bundle is gripped by the gripper 63, the center heater 66 is attached to the tape surface, and the heater unit 52 performs preheating for a certain period of time.

When the preheating is completed, the bundle is transported to the tape position, and the side heater 67 adheres to the side of the bundle. The bound bundle transport unit 53 receives the bound bundle from the gripper 63, carries it to the stacker unit 54, and performs stacking.

The bookbinding operation is performed according to the above-described procedure, and the sheets are stacked on a stacker in the apparatus.

Next, the configuration of the sorting device 8 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the sorting device 8 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 70 denotes a transfer paper loading port, 71 denotes a transfer paper loading bin, and 72 denotes a group of flaps for designating the transfer paper loading bin.

When transfer paper enters from the carry-in port 70, FIG.
According to the content of the job input from OCU3 shown in
The flapper group 72 operates so that the transfer paper enters the bin to be loaded. The transfer paper is transported by each transport roller, and is stacked in a designated bin. The operation is controlled by controller means (not shown), and each sort operation can be performed according to the content of the job.

Hereinafter, a memory access control operation of the printer buffer memory (PBM) 15 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a main block diagram showing an example of a memory access control circuit of the printer buffer memory (PBM) 15 shown in FIG. 7. The same components as those in FIG. is there. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

For example, the controller 123 having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like constantly monitors system information 7001 (for example, whether or not there is a transfer sheet in a transfer sheet feeding unit, the remaining amount of a bookbinding tape, and whether or not there is a staple). The system information 7001 and the DRAMs 151 and 15 in the PBM 15 are stored.
4 is compared with the job information 7002, and if it is determined that the job is possible, an image output signal 7003 for outputting an image and a control signal 70 for performing image output processing
Give 04.

Hereinafter, the correspondence between this embodiment and each means of the first to sixteenth inventions and the operation thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

The first invention comprises an input means (reader unit 2) for inputting a document image, and a storage means (print buffer memory 15) capable of storing a plurality of document images input from the input means as image information for each job. ), An output unit (printer unit 1) for outputting an image to a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit, and an output order of each job to be output from the storage unit to the output unit. Management means (the controller 123 manages the output order of each job as shown in FIG. 8) and monitoring means for monitoring the image processing state of the output means (various sensor outputs (not shown) based on the system information 7001). Controller 1
23 monitors the operating state of the system), stops the job being executed based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit, temporarily changes the output order managed by the management unit, and outputs the job by the output unit. Control means for outputting a possible job to the output means (the controller 123 controls the output of each job stored in the print buffer memory 15 by executing a stored control program such as a ROM not shown). The controller 123 monitors the image processing state of the printer unit 1 based on the system information 7001, and when it is determined that a failure that cannot continue the image processing has occurred, the controller 123 stops the job being executed and manages the job. The output order of each job is temporarily changed to output a job that can be output by the printer unit 1, so that the stored subsequent job is not delayed. It is possible to force.

[0093] In the second invention, the specifying means (OCU3)
When the priority mode is designated by the controller, the controller 123 temporarily changes the output order of each managed job and outputs a job that can be output by the printer unit 1 to the output unit. When specified, the stored subsequent job intended by the user can be output without delay.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since a job that can be output by the printer unit 1 that can be connected to the system by combining a plurality of units is output, a job that can be output by a combination of the units can be output.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means (controller 123) monitors the operation state of each unit.
A unit that causes a job to be stopped and a unit that can output another job can be identified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, one of the plurality of units is a sheet feeding unit (transfer sheet feeding section 4) having a plurality of conveying paths for conveying a recording medium. Even if the paper unit becomes unable to be fed, a recording medium required by another job can be fed from another paper feeding unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, any one of the plurality of units is a post-processing unit having a plurality of transport paths for performing a predetermined post-processing on the image-processed recording medium. Even if a certain factor occurs, a request for another job without post-processing can be processed in advance.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the post-processing unit (the sorting device 8 with a stapler) performs staple processing on a recording medium on which image processing has been performed. Requests for other jobs for which no processing is to be performed can be processed in advance.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the post-processing unit (bookbinding apparatus 7) performs the bookbinding process for binding the image-processed recording medium. Requests for other jobs for which there is no job can be processed in advance.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the post-processing unit (sorting device 8) performs a sorter process for sorting the image-processed recording media. Request of another job to be processed in advance.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the post-processing unit (sorting device 8) folds the image-processed recording medium (for example, Z-folding). In addition, a request for another job without folding processing can be processed in advance.

According to the eleventh aspect, since the post-processing unit (sorting device 8) performs a process of loading the image-processed recording medium, even if a factor that makes the process of loading the recording medium impossible is generated. In addition, a request for another job that does not require processing for loading a recording medium can be processed in advance.

According to a twelfth aspect, the control means (controller 123) stops a job being executed based on the monitoring result of the system information 7001, and gives priority to a job which can secure a maximum free area in the print buffer memory 15. Since the output order of each job managed to be output is temporarily changed, the stored subsequent job can be output without delay, and the input request of the subsequent job can be accepted.

According to a thirteenth aspect, since the monitoring means (controller 123) monitors a transport jam of a recording medium on the transport path of the output device, even if a job is stopped due to the transport jam, another monitor of another job is not performed. It is possible to determine whether or not there is a transport path for outputting.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means (controller 123) monitors the state of running out of consumables (staplers, bookbinding tapes, etc.) in the output device. Even if it stops, it is possible to determine whether or not there is another job that does not use the consumables.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the monitoring means (controller 123) monitors the presence or absence of a recording medium of a designated size. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of another job that can be fed by specifying a size different from that of the job.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring means (controller 123) monitors a state in which loading is not possible in the output device. By specifying a loading location different from the loading location, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of another job that can be loaded.

Next, a first job processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU 3 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, a request window 20001 for a transfer paper of a required size is displayed on the OCU 3. By touching the OK button 20003 position, which is the meaning of confirmation, the request window 20001 is cleared,
A supply position display window 20002 is displayed. The user supplies paper to the transfer paper supply position corresponding to the supply position 20004 in this window.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a first job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (9) indicate each step, and correspond to, for example, a process when transfer paper of a size required for the job is no longer in the transfer paper storage tray 401.

First, the controller 123 determines from the monitoring state of the system information 7001 whether or not there is paper of a size necessary for processing a job in the transfer paper storage tray 401 during the operation and at the start of the operation (1). If it is determined that there is no paper of a size necessary for processing the job in the transfer paper storage tray 401, the display of the corresponding size paper supply request is displayed in a window as shown in FIG. 2) In this state, the processing of the job is stopped (3).

Next, after stopping the processing of the job, the controller 123 determines whether or not the current mode setting state of the system is set to the operable job priority mode (4). O in advance
If it is determined that no designation has been made from the CU 3, the process proceeds to step (9), and the apparatus waits for sheet supply.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the operable job priority mode has been designated from the OCU 3, the size of the paper on the other paper tray and the vacant It is determined whether there is a job that can be processed in the paper discharge tray in the PBM 15 (5). If NO, that is, if it is determined that another job cannot be processed, the process proceeds to step (9) to store the transfer paper. The tray 401 waits for paper supply.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that another job can be processed, the operable job is processed (6).

Next, after the processing of the other job is completed, it is determined whether or not the required size paper has been supplied to the stopped job (7). After the end of the running job, the processing of the first job is restarted (8), and the processing returns to the normal processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the paper has not been replenished, the flow returns to step (5) to operate with the size paper on the other job transfer paper storage tray 401 and an empty paper path. It is determined whether or not a possible item is in the PBM 15.

Thus, when a consumable member is supplied to a job being processed in the system or when a sheet of a designated size runs out, if a preceding job is stored, the job is processed. Processing can be performed by changing the processing order. Therefore, the image processing efficiency can be significantly improved while flexibly coping with the state of the system.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second job processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU 3 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, a tape request window 21001 is displayed on the OCU 3. By touching the OK button 21003 position which is the meaning of confirmation,
The request window (21001) is deleted, and a tape supply position display window 21002 is displayed. The user supplies the tape to a position corresponding to the tape supply position 21004 in this window.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the second job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (9) indicate each step, and correspond to, for example, the processing performed when the bookbinding device 7 runs out of bookbinding tape.

First, the controller 123 determines the presence or absence of a bookbinding tape of the bookbinding apparatus 7 from the monitoring state of the system information 7001 during the operation and at the start of the operation (1), and if NO, stands by as it is. If it is determined that there is no more, the display of the binding tape replenishment request is displayed in a window as shown in FIG. 14 (2), and the operation is continued until all the transfer sheets to be bound are stacked and aligned on the alignment tray, and the job is stopped. (3).

Next, after the processing of the job is stopped, it is determined whether or not the operable job priority mode is specified by the current system (4), and it is determined that the operable job priority mode is not specified by the OCU 3 in advance. If so, the flow advances to step (9) to wait for bookbinding tape supply.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that the operable job priority mode has been designated from the OCU 3, the PBM 15 determines that another job can be processed with a vacant paper path or discharge tray. (5),
If it is determined that another job that can be processed is not operable, the process proceeds to step (9) and waits for bookbinding tape supply.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that another job can be processed, another processable job is processed (6).

Next, after the processing of the other job is completed, it is determined again whether or not the bookbinding tape has been replenished (7). The first job is restarted (8), and returns to the normal job processing mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (7) that the bookbinding tape has not been replenished, the process returns to step (5), and a job which can be operated with an empty paper path in another job is in the PBM 15. Judge whether or not.

Thus, when a consumable member is supplied to a job being processed in the system or when a sheet of a designated size runs out, if a preceding job is stored, the job is processed. Processing can be performed by changing the processing order. Therefore, the image processing efficiency can be significantly improved while flexibly coping with the state of the system.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third job processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU 3 shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, a jam occurrence window 22001 is displayed on the OCU 3. By touching the OK button 22003 position, which is the meaning of confirmation, the jam occurrence window 22001 is deleted and the jam position display window 22002 is displayed. The user performs jam processing at a position corresponding to the jam position 22004 in this window.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the third job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (8) indicate each step, and correspond to, for example, a process at the time of a jam of the post-processing device.

First, the controller 123 determines the occurrence of a jam in the post-processing device during the operation and at the start of the operation from the monitoring state of the system information 7001 (1), and if NO, stands by as it is. If it is determined that the jam has occurred, the display of the jam processing request of the post-processing apparatus is displayed in a window as shown in FIG. 16 (2), and the job is stopped in that state (3).

Next, a paper path vacant in another job,
It is determined whether or not there is any job that can be processed in the paper discharge tray in the PBM 15 (4). If it is determined that there is no other job that can be processed, the process proceeds to step (8) to wait for jam processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (4) that there is another job that can be processed, the processable job is processed (5). Next, after the processing is completed, it is determined whether or not the jam processing has been completed (6). If it is determined that the jam processing has been performed, the first job is restarted after the currently operating job is completed. (7) Return to the normal job processing mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (6) that the jam has not been cleared, the process returns to step (4), and the other job that can operate with the empty paper path is in the PBM 15. Judge whether or not.

Thus, when a consumable member is supplied to the job being processed in the system or when the paper of the designated size runs out, if the preceding job is stored, the job is processed. Processing can be performed by changing the processing order. Therefore, the image processing efficiency can be significantly improved while flexibly coping with the state of the system.

The correspondence between this embodiment and the respective steps of the seventeenth invention and the operation thereof will be described below with reference to FIGS.
A description will be given with reference to FIG.

According to a seventeenth aspect, an input means (reader unit 2) for inputting a document image and a storage means (print buffer memory 15) capable of storing a plurality of document images input from the input means as image information for each job. ) And an output unit (printer unit 1) for outputting an image to a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit, wherein the image processing state of the output unit is monitored. Monitoring process (step (1) in FIGS. 13, 15, and 17) and a stopping process for stopping a job being executed based on the monitoring result (steps (2) and (2) in FIGS. 13, 15, and 17) 3)) and a discrimination step of discriminating the presence or absence of a job that can be output by the output unit when the job is stopped (FIG. 1).
3, a step (5) in FIG. 15 and a step (4) in FIG. 17), and a processing step (steps in FIGS. 6) and step (5) in FIG. 17 are executed by the controller 123 based on a control program stored in the ROM or the like, and the subsequent stored job can be output without delay.

[Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described jam, but can be applied to other jams shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 18 to 21 are cross-sectional views for explaining locations where a jam has occurred in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 18, when a jam occurs in the transfer path from one transfer paper storage tray 401 in the transfer paper feeding section 4 to the printer section 1, the other transfer is performed. If there is a job that can be processed by the transfer paper in the paper storage tray 401, control may be performed to process the job.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When a jam occurs in the printer and the jam does not reach the bookbinding device 7, if there is a job that can be processed without using the sorting device 8, the job may be controlled to be processed.

Further, as shown in FIG.
If a jam occurs in the bundle transport unit inside the printer and the horizontal transport unit of the bookbinding device 7 is operable, and there is a job that performs sorting without binding, control is performed to process the job. May be.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When a jam occurs in the transport path from the upper stage to the bin below the eighth bin, if there is a job that uses the bins from the upper stage to the seventh stage or a job that does not use the sorting device 8,
The job may be controlled to be processed.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0149]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the control unit stops the job being executed based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit that monitors the image processing state of the output unit, and temporarily changes the output order managed by the management unit. Then, the job that can be output by the output unit is output to the output unit, so that the stored subsequent job can be output without delay.

According to the second invention, when the priority mode is designated by the designation means, the control means temporarily changes the output order managed by the management means and changes the output order by the output means. Since a job that can be output is output to the output unit, when the priority mode is specified, the succeeding stored job intended by the user can be output without delay.

According to the third aspect, a job that can be output by the output unit that enables a system connection by combining a plurality of units is output, so that a job that can be output by a combination of the units can be output.

According to the fourth aspect, since the monitoring means monitors the operation state of each unit, it identifies a unit which causes a job to be stopped and a unit which can output another job. be able to.

According to the fifth aspect, since any one of the plurality of units is a paper feed unit having a plurality of transport paths for transporting the recording medium, it is impossible to feed the paper to any of the paper feed units. Even if the above factor occurs, the recording medium requested by another job can be fed from another sheet feeding unit.

According to the sixth aspect, any one of the plurality of units is a post-processing unit including a plurality of transport paths for performing predetermined post-processing on a recording medium on which image processing has been performed. Even if an inability factor occurs, a request for another job without post-processing can be processed in advance.

According to the seventh aspect, the post-processing unit performs staple processing on the recording medium on which the image processing has been performed. Job requests can be processed in advance.

According to the eighth aspect, since the post-processing unit performs the bookbinding process for binding the image-processed recording medium, the bookbinding process is not performed even if a factor that disables the bookbinding process occurs. Requests of other jobs can be processed earlier.

According to the ninth aspect, the post-processing unit performs the sorter processing for sorting the image-processed recording media. Therefore, even if a factor that makes the sorter processing impossible occurs, the sorter processing is not performed. Can be processed in advance.

According to the tenth aspect, the post-processing unit performs a process of folding the image-processed recording medium.
Even if a factor that makes folding processing impossible occurs, a request for another job without folding processing can be processed in advance.

According to the eleventh aspect, the post-processing unit performs the processing for loading the image-processed recording medium. Therefore, even if a factor that disables the processing for loading the recording medium occurs, Can be processed in advance of the request of another job that does not require the loading of the job.

According to the twelfth aspect, the control means includes:
A job being executed is stopped based on a monitoring result of the monitoring unit, and an output order managed by the management unit is temporarily changed so that a job capable of securing a maximum free space in the storage unit is preferentially output. Therefore, the stored succeeding job can be output without delay, and the input request for the succeeding job can be accepted.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the monitoring means includes:
Since the conveyance jam of the recording medium on the conveyance path of the output device is monitored, even if the job is stopped due to the conveyance jam, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a conveyance path for outputting another job.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the monitoring means includes:
Since the running out of consumables in the output device is monitored, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of another job that does not use consumables even if a job is stopped based on running out of supplies that can be supplied.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the monitoring means includes:
Monitors the presence or absence of a specified size of recording medium, so if a job stops due to running out of a specified size of recording medium, it determines whether there is another job that can be fed by specifying a size different from the specified size. Can be determined.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the monitoring means includes:
Since the unloadable state is monitored in the output device, even if the job is stopped due to the inability to load the recording medium to the loading location, another job that can be loaded by specifying a loading location different from the loading location is specified. The presence or absence can be determined.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the image processing state of the output unit is monitored, and the job being executed is stopped based on the monitoring result. Is determined, and the succeeding job stored in the storage unit is advanced based on the determination result, so that the stored subsequent job can be output without delay.

Therefore, there is an effect that the job stored so as to be output using the output resources at the time of stopping the job is output without delay and the job processing efficiency can be remarkably improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of a composite image processing system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a reader unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conveyance path when reading a double-sided document of the ADF illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the reader unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of image processing by an image processing unit of the reader unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image processing by an image processing unit of the reader unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer buffer memory that stores black image data and red image data output from the image processing unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a memory unit illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the bookbinding apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sorting device shown in FIG.

11 is a main part block diagram illustrating an example of a memory access control circuit of the printer buffer memory illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a job processing order change instruction screen displayed on the OCU shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third job processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a location where a jam occurs in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a location where a jam occurs in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a location where a jam has occurred in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a location where a jam has occurred in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 15 Printer buffer memory (PBM) 123 Controller 7001 System information

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masatoshi Yaginuma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Yaguchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside the corporation

Claims (17)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting an original image; a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of original images input from the input unit as image information for each job; and an image information stored in the storage unit. An output unit that outputs an image to a recording medium; a management unit that manages an output order of each job to be output from the storage unit to the output unit; a monitoring unit that monitors an image processing state of the output unit; Control means for stopping a running job based on a monitoring result of the means, temporarily changing an output order managed by the management means, and outputting a job that can be output by the output means to the output means. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising a designation unit for designating a priority mode in which another job is preferentially executed when a job being output is stopped, wherein said control is performed when said priority mode is designated by said designation unit. 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means temporarily changes an output order managed by said management means and outputs a job which can be output by said output means to said output means. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said output means is capable of connecting a plurality of units in a system.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 4. An image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said monitoring means monitors an operation state of each unit. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one of the plurality of units is a paper feed unit including a plurality of transport paths for transporting a recording medium. 6. The post-processing unit according to claim 3, wherein one of the plurality of units is a post-processing unit including a plurality of transport paths for performing predetermined post-processing on a recording medium on which image processing has been performed. Image processing device. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing unit performs staple processing on the image-processed recording medium. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing unit performs a bookbinding process for binding the image-processed recording medium. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing unit performs a sorter process for sorting the image-processed recording medium. 10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing unit performs a process of folding the image-processed recording medium.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing unit performs a process of stacking the image-processed recording medium. 12. The control means stops the job being executed based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means, and manages the management means so as to give priority to a job capable of securing a maximum free area in the storage means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output order is temporarily changed. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors a conveyance jam of a recording medium on a conveyance path of the output device. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors a state of running out of consumables in the output device. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors the presence or absence of a recording medium having a designated size. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors a loading amount of a recording medium loading location. 17. An input unit for inputting a document image, a storage unit capable of storing a plurality of document images input from the input unit as image information for each job, and based on the image information stored in the storage unit. In a job processing method of an image processing apparatus having an output unit for outputting an image to a recording medium, a monitoring step of monitoring an image processing state of the output unit, and a stopping step of stopping a running job based on the monitoring result A determining step of determining whether there is a job that can be output by the output unit when the job is stopped; and a processing step of preceding a succeeding job stored in the storage unit based on the determination result. And a job processing method of the image processing apparatus.