JP2004042539A - Bookbinding system and bookbinding processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a bookbinding system capable of performing an interrupt job and processing an interrupt job with high priority as soon as possible.
When a job server distributes a job to a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a sheet stored in a container of the image forming apparatus is fed off-line by a post-processing apparatus to create a booklet. , The job server 10 accepts the interrupt job. When the job server 10 recognizes the end of the image forming process of the interrupt job, the notifying unit 83 accepts the interrupt job in the status display column 503h so that the post-processing device 150 is temporarily stopped and the interrupt job can be processed. In addition to displaying that it has become possible, the work instruction unit 84 further displays a work instruction procedure in the work instruction column 503i.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bookbinding system and a bookbinding processing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a field called on-demand printing has attracted attention as a field related to digital copying machines and printing. On-demand printing is suitable for producing documents such as manuals and pamphlets for individuals because it can meet the demands of many kinds and small lots and can change the contents. In addition, the time required for delivery is significantly reduced due to a significant reduction in print inventory, a significant reduction in man-hours and time by enabling in-line data entry to bookbinding, and ease of data transfer by connecting to customers via digital lines. It is possible to shorten the delivery time and reduce the delivery cost.
[0003]
As for such an on-demand printing technique, an image recording apparatus such as a digital copying machine has been widely used in recent years, and the image quality has been improved to a level close to that of a printed matter. Also, with the recent rapid spread of personal computers (PCs) in offices and personal computers, a plurality of client devices such as PCs have a print server provided with a print server via a local area network (LAN) in the company or a digital line. A network system is configured by being connected to an image recording apparatus such as a digital copier, and necessary image information can be freely recorded at any time.
[0004]
It is used in combination with these networked image recording systems, and is used as a post-processing device to create a small amount of booklets such as catalogs, device manuals, and handouts distributed in offices. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a collating saddle stitching apparatus that performs a so-called collating process for aligning each printed page in a page order, and binds and binds as necessary.
[0005]
Recently, the colorization of booklet information such as catalogs and product manuals on the market or booklet image information such as handouts distributed at offices and the like is rapidly progressing. Many of which have mixed color images. It is well known that printing all pages with a color copier in this case requires more time and cost than a black and white copier. Therefore, recently, original image data such as catalogs are divided into black and white pages and color pages, black and white pages are printed by a black and white copying machine, color pages are printed by a color copying machine, and then printed by each copying machine. A method of combining printed matters with the above-described post-processing device (collating and saddle stitching device) or the like to create a booklet is generally used.
[0006]
However, in the case of a post-processing device such as a collation saddle stitching device used in combination with these network image recording technologies, basically, bins are required in a number corresponding to the number of pages of a booklet to be created. There is a problem that the processing apparatus itself becomes large.
[0007]
In order to solve such problems, the following booklet creation method and post-processing apparatus have been proposed. For example, the server device analyzes a total of 6 print jobs (see FIG. 19) in which three black and white pages and three color pages are mixed, and copies the color pages with a color copier and the black and white pages with black and white. Output a print request as if printing on a machine.
[0008]
Each copying machine requested to print discharges the recording sheets so that m copies are stacked in units of copies (see FIG. 23). The discharged recording sheets are transferred to a tray of a post-processing device in tray units. On the other hand, the post-processing apparatus feeds color pages and black-and-white pages from respective trays in the order of pages for collating work. Then, a binding process or the like is performed as necessary to create a booklet (see FIG. 22).
[0009]
Such a technique is already known, for example, as a distributed processing booklet creation system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-186953. This distributed processing type booklet creation system includes a server that distributes one job input from a client device to a plurality of recording devices, and a plurality of recording devices that record on a sheet based on the job in accordance with an instruction from the server. And a post-processing device that creates a booklet using the recording sheets output from these recording devices. Further, the post-processing device is configured to control a plurality of sheet feeding units on which recording sheets output from the plurality of printing devices are set for each of the printing devices and the operations of the plurality of sheet feeding units based on information from the server. And a control unit for controlling.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned conventional distributed processing booklet creation system has the following problems. That is, it is difficult for the user to recognize which sheet bundle is not set in the post-processing apparatus. Further, when a plurality of types of booklets are created, when a plurality of booklet sheet bundles are set on the tray of the post-processing device, it is difficult to determine which sheet bundle is the one of which booklet, and it is easy for a user to make a mistake. Was. Further, it was difficult to determine whether or not all the sheet bundles were set. Further, when an interrupt job that needs to be processed urgently occurs, the operator has to manually perform the interrupt job, which is difficult.
[0011]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bookbinding system and a bookbinding processing method capable of preventing erroneous operations by a user by improving operability, and improving productivity by reducing operation stop time of the apparatus.
[0012]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding system and a bookbinding processing method capable of performing an interrupt job and processing a high-priority interrupt job as soon as possible.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a bookbinding system according to the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form an image on a sheet, an information processing apparatus that distributes a job to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A post-processing apparatus for feeding a sheet output from the apparatus to create a booklet, wherein the bookbinding system is capable of executing an interrupt job, and the output status of the image forming apparatus in which the interrupt job is distributed. Job monitoring means for monitoring the job, interrupting means for instructing the post-processing device to issue an interrupt request when the completion of the output of the interrupt job is detected, and the interrupt request being issued. In the case, the post-processing device interrupts the job being post-processed, and includes a post-processing control unit that causes the post-processing device to perform post-processing of the interrupt job. That.
[0014]
The bookbinding processing method of the present invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses that form images on sheets, an information processing apparatus that distributes jobs to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a sheet output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A bookbinding processing method for a bookbinding system, comprising: a post-processing device that feeds a booklet to create a booklet, and is capable of executing an interrupt job, wherein an output state of the image forming apparatus in which the interrupt job is distributed is monitored. A job monitoring step, as a result of the monitoring, when it is detected that the output of the interrupt job is all completed, an interrupt instruction step of instructing the post-processing device to issue an interrupt request; and And a post-processing control step of interrupting a job being post-processed by the post-processing device and causing the post-processing device to perform post-processing of the interrupt job. That.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a bookbinding system and bookbinding processing method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a distributed processing type bookbinding system according to an embodiment. The job server 10 receives a job request from a client and receives 1 to X (X is an arbitrary integer) monochrome image forming apparatuses 100 and 1 to X (X is an arbitrary integer) units connected via a network such as a LAN. For example, when outputting a document in which a black-and-white output sheet and a color output sheet are mixed on the color image forming apparatus 200, a decentralized processing function that divides the job and outputs the job to the monochrome image forming apparatus 100 and the color image forming apparatus 200 Having. The sheet bundle divided and output by the decentralization process is processed by the post-processing device 150 having a collation function, so that bookbinding can be performed.
[0017]
The job server 10 corrects the job scheduling so as to preferentially process the interrupt job requested by the client, and the job control unit 80 corrects the job scheduling. The job monitoring unit 81 includes a job monitoring unit 81 that monitors the progress, and an interrupt instruction unit 82 that detects that the output of the interrupt job registered from the client is completed, and issues an interrupt request to the post-processing device 150 as a result of the monitoring.
[0018]
The interrupt instruction from the interrupt instruction unit 82 is transmitted to the post-processing control unit 75 that controls the management and operation state of the job in the post-processing device 150 using a network such as a LAN. The post-processing control unit 75 interrupts the interrupt job that is currently being executed at a break between jobs (at the end of the post-processing that was performed when the interrupt instruction was issued) and waits in a state where the interrupt job is accepted. . Then, the notifying unit 83 notifies the worker that the interrupt job can be accepted. Further, the work instructing unit 84 performs operations such as a method of handling a sheet bundle already set in the post-processing apparatus 150 and a method of setting an interrupt job output from the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 in the post-processing apparatus 150 of a sheet bundle. Tell the operator how to do it.
[0019]
By providing the bookbinding system having such an interrupt control function, the post-processing device 150 can be operated until the interrupt job output operation is completed, and the interrupt job can be performed efficiently. . In addition, by presenting the work instruction of the interrupt job to the worker, the worker performs work according to the work instruction. This makes it possible to easily perform an interrupt job.
[0020]
Further, the job server 10 provides the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 with the job information JOB-ID for recognizing which job the sheet bundle belongs to, The sheet information 78 including the page information PAGE-ID for recognizing the output sheet bundle is transmitted.
[0021]
Further, the job server 10 transmits the job information JOB-ID and the job (JOB-ID) transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 so that the bookbinding process can be performed using the sheet information 78 transmitted to the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200. The job information includes all page information PAGE-IDs assigned when the job is divided, and information such as the page number, page stacking order, and number of copies included in the sheet bundle as detailed information of the page information (PAGE-ID). The information is transmitted to the post-processing control unit 75 that manages the job in the post-processing device 150 as information 76.
[0022]
In this embodiment, a network such as a LAN is used to transmit the job information 76 to the post-processing device 150 as a job information transmission unit. However, the job information is converted into barcode information and output to a sheet. The job information 76 may be transferred using a barcode connected to the post-processing device 150.
[0023]
The sheet information transmission unit 400 transfers the sheet information 78 sent to the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 to the post-processing control unit 75 in the post-processing device 150. In the present embodiment, the sheet information transmission unit 400 is connected to the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 and shares a stacking container of a stacker that performs sheet stacking processing and an output sheet supply container of the post-processing apparatus 150. Further, by providing a storage medium in the container, the sheet information 78 is stored in the storage medium when the output is started in a state where the container is installed in the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200, and after the output operation is completed, the operator can perform the operation. The sheet information is transferred by reading the sheet information 78 when the container is set in the post-processing device 150. Thus, the job information 76 and the sheet information 78 are sent to the post-processing control unit 75 in the post-processing device 150.
[0024]
The sheet information transmission unit 400 prints a barcode indicating sheet information on a sheet bundle divided and discharged from the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200, and when the operator installs the sheet bundle on the post-processing device 150, The sheet information 78 may be transferred by being read using a barcode reader.
[0025]
The post-processing control unit 75 checks all the registered job information 76 and sheet information 78 by the job determining unit 79 every time a container (sheet information transmitting unit 400) is installed in the post-processing device 150, and It is determined that the post-processing can be started from a job having the same page information PAGE-ID, and if the post-processing is possible, the post-processing is automatically started.
[0026]
With such a distributed processing type bookbinding system, the worker carries out the work of transporting the sheet bundle output from the image forming apparatuses 100 and 200 to the post-processing apparatus 150 without performing the job setting work for performing the post-processing. Thus, since the processing is automatically started from the job for which the post-processing is enabled, the workability can be improved.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the distributed processing type bookbinding system. In this distributed processing type bookbinding system, there is a client that creates a desired booklet manuscript, such as a product manual, a catalog, or a distribution at an office.
[0028]
The job server 10 distributes a job input / instructed by a client from a personal computer (PC) 20 to 50 or a color or monochrome image scanner connected to the personal computer 20 to 50 to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. is there. Further, the job server 10 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, manages a plurality of jobs from clients, and corrects job scheduling so that interrupt jobs with high priority are processed with priority. A job control unit 80), a job monitoring function (job monitoring unit 81) for monitoring the progress of jobs of the monochrome copying apparatuses 100a and 100b, and the color copying apparatuses 100c and 100d. When it is detected that the output of the interrupt job from 200a, 200b has been completed, it has an interrupt instruction function (interrupt instruction unit 82) for issuing an interrupt request to a post-processing device including the collator 500 and the finisher 600. When multiple recording sheets belong to a job It has a function of generating a page recognition data indicating which part of it the same job in the recognition and job recognition data for recognizing whether a.
[0029]
Reference numeral 100 denotes a black and white image forming apparatus (black and white copying apparatus, black and white printer) as an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 illustrates two black-and-white copying apparatuses, which are distinguished by reference numerals 100a and 100b, respectively. In the present embodiment, a large-sized apparatus capable of high-speed recording is used as the black-and-white copying apparatuses 100a and 100b. However, the capacity is not particularly limited, and a small-sized apparatus may be used.
[0030]
On the other hand, reference numeral 200 denotes a color image forming apparatus (color copying apparatus, color printer) as the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 exemplifies two color copying apparatuses, which are distinguished by reference numerals 200a and 200b, respectively. In the present embodiment, the color copying apparatuses 200a and 200b have image forming units of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, but may form color images by other methods.
[0031]
Reference numeral 300 denotes a sheet storage device (hereinafter, referred to as a stacker) connected to each image forming apparatus. Stackers connected to the black-and-white copying apparatuses 100a and 100 and the color copying apparatuses 200a and 200b are represented by reference numerals 300a to 300d, respectively.
[0032]
Reference numeral 400 denotes a sheet storage unit (container) detachably attached to each stacker. The containers 400 attached to the stackers 300a to 300d are represented by 400a to 400h, respectively.
[0033]
Reference numeral 500 denotes a collator for creating a booklet using sheets output from the image forming apparatus. The bookbinding process is performed by the finisher 600 connected to the collator 500. The above-described post-processing device 150 includes a collator 500 and a finisher 600.
[0034]
The job server 10, the personal computers 20 to 50, the monochrome copying apparatus 100, the color copying apparatus 200, the stacker 300, the container 400, the collator 500, and the finisher 600 are connected to a communication line 60 including a digital line such as a LAN or the Internet and a connection cable. Are connected via the Internet, and transmit and receive job data related to bookbinding.
[0035]
[Black and white image forming apparatus]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the monochrome image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of the monochrome image forming apparatus of FIG. The transfer paper S set in the paper feed cassettes 109a to 109d is transported to the image forming unit 102 by the paper feed rollers 119a to 119d and the transport roller pair 127. Simultaneously with this operation, the primary charger 113, the exposure unit 106, and the developing unit 111 perform processing from the electrostatic latent image to the visualization process on the photosensitive drum 110, and the copied toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 110. Formed on top.
[0036]
When the transfer sheet is conveyed to the transfer section at a timing such that the leading end of the transfer sheet is aligned with the leading end of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 110 by the registration roller 122, a transfer bias is applied to the transfer sheet S and Is transferred to the transfer paper side. The transferred transfer paper is conveyed to a fixing device 125 by a conveyance belt 117, and is held between a heating roller 143 and a pressure roller 144 to thermally fix the toner image. At this time, on the photosensitive drum 110, foreign matters such as residual toner adhered without being transferred to the transfer paper are scraped off by the blade of the cleaning device 112, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 110 is cleared, so that the next image formation is performed. Prepare for.
[0037]
The heat-fixed transfer paper is guided to the transport path A by the first transport path conversion flapper 128, and then inverted by the second transport path conversion flapper 129 and the reversing roller 130 in the transport direction and the front and back of the sheet. In the case of single-sided transfer designation, the second transport path conversion flapper 129 does not operate, and the transfer paper is again discharged out of the apparatus through the transport path A as it is. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided transfer designation, after the reversing roller 130 reverses the transport direction and the front and back of the sheet, the second transport path conversion flapper 129 is operated so as to be guided to the transport path C at the same timing. The single-sided transfer paper guided by the second conveyance path conversion flapper 129 to the conveyance path C in the double-side reversing device 103 is again conveyed to the registration roller 122 and reaches the image forming process on the second side. This image forming process is the same as in the case of single-side transfer. Then, the sheet is again heat-fixed by the fixing device 125 and then discharged outside the apparatus.
[0038]
[Color image forming apparatus]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the color image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of the color image forming apparatus of FIG. The color image forming apparatus includes four photoconductor drums 201a (for yellow), 201b (for magenta), and 201c (for cyan) arranged in parallel to form toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. ), 201d (for black), and a transfer belt 221 disposed so as to extend longitudinally below the photosensitive drums 201a to 201d.
[0039]
Primary chargers 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, and developing devices 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d, around photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d driven by an ultrasonic motor (not shown), respectively. In addition, transfer chargers 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d are arranged, and above the photosensitive drums 201a to 201d, exposure devices 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d including LEDs and the like are arranged.
[0040]
In this color image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are charged by chargers 202a, 202b, 202c, and 202d, respectively, and color-separated light images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are exposed. Exposure is performed by 206a, 206b, 206c, and 206d, and yellow, magenta, cyan, and black latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d, and the latent images are developed by the developing units 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d. And yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d.
[0041]
Recording paper S as a transfer material is stored in cassettes 207a to 207d. Each of the cassettes 207a to 207d can be pulled out in the front direction in the figure. For example, replenishment of recording paper, jam clearance in the case of jam in the cassette, and the like can be performed by pulling out the cassette to the front side of the apparatus. The recording paper S is sent out one by one from one of the cassettes 207a to 207d by the pickup rollers 208a to 208d, passed through an upper transport roller 209, adjusted in timing by a registration roller 210, guided by a transport guide 218, and transferred to a transfer material. Is conveyed to a nip portion composed of a pressing roller 212 for pressing the transfer belt and a transfer belt 221, and is conveyed on the transfer belt 221 in a direction indicated by an arrow E in FIG.
[0042]
A backup roller 217 is provided on the opposite side of the pressing roller 212 across the transfer belt 221. The pressing roller 212 is held by a pressing arm (not shown) and is pressed by a pressing spring (not shown). The recording paper S pressed against the transfer belt 221 by the pressing roller 212 is sequentially conveyed to the transfer unit facing each of the photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d by the rotation of the transfer belt 221. The toner images of the respective colors on the photosensitive drums 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d are superimposed by the action of the transfer blades 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d, which are disposed in the respective transfer units and to which a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied. When the toner image is transferred onto the transfer material S, a color image in which four toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are superimposed on the recording paper S is obtained.
[0043]
The recording paper S onto which the four color toner images have been transferred is separated from the transfer belt 221 at the leading end in the transport direction and transported to the fixing device 211. In the fixing unit 211, fixing is performed by receiving heat and pressure, and the toner of each color is melted and mixed to form a full-color print image fixed to the recording material S, and then provided downstream of the fixing unit 211. The paper is conveyed outside the image recording apparatus by the discharged paper conveyance unit 263.
[0044]
[Seat storage device]
7 to 10 are views showing the configuration of a sheet storage device connected to various image forming apparatuses. The stacker main body of the sheet storage device (stacker) 300 is provided with two upper and lower outlets, and each outlet is provided with a detachable sheet storage unit (container) 400A, 400B. Tables 310 and 320 are attached. Here, the container mounted on the upper container table 310 is represented by 400A, and the container mounted on the lower container table 320 is represented by 400B.
[0045]
The sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is received by the entrance roller 301 and guided to the upper transport path 302 or the lower transport path 303 by the path switching solenoid SL300.
[0046]
In the upper transport path 302, the sheet is transported by the transport rollers 311 and 312, and is discharged to the container 400A by the discharge roller 313. In the lower transport path, the sheet is transported by the transport roller 321 and is discharged to the container 400B by the discharge roller 322. The entrance roller, each transport roller, and each discharge roller are driven and controlled by a stacker transport motor M300 via a drive transmission unit (not shown).
[0047]
An elevating drive unit 316 for storing the sheets discharged to the upper discharge port in a container includes a drive transmission unit (not shown) connected to a drive pulley shaft 316a, a driven pulley shaft 316b, drive belts 316c and 316d, and a drive pulley shaft. The upper lift motor M311 is connected to the upper and lower lift motors M311. The upper lift motor M311 rotates forward and reverse, and the lift lifter 315 fixed to both drive belts performs a lifting operation. In addition, an upper detection lever 317 and an upper loading surface detection sensor PI311 are provided as a loading surface detection unit when performing the elevating operation. The lower discharge port has the same configuration as the upper discharge port, and is driven and controlled by a lower lifting motor M321, a lower detection lever 327, and a lower loading surface detection sensor PI321.
[0048]
In the vicinity of the container tables 310 and 320, a container display unit, a stacker upper connector 319 for communicating with the container memory, and a stacker lower connector 329 are provided. The stacker upper connector 319 and the stacker lower connector 329 are arranged so as to be connected with the container 400 set. On the container bases 310 and 320, container set sensors PI312 and PI322 for detecting the set state of the container 400 and container detection levers 318 and 328 are provided.
[0049]
[Container section]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container unit. The container 400 includes a container box 401 and a container tray 402. The container tray 402 is configured to be able to move up and down with respect to the container box 401 by the above-described elevating lifter 315. At the front of the container box 401, there are provided a container display unit 403 for displaying sheet information discharged into the container, a completion display LED 404 for displaying the discharge operation status, and a processing display LED 405.
[0050]
Further, a container connector 406 connected to the above-described stacker connector 319 is provided near the display unit, and the container display unit 403 and the container memory 408 are arranged so as to be able to communicate with the main body of the stacker. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the container display unit 403, the completion display LED 404, and the processing display LED 405. The container display unit 403 displays Job. I. D display field 403a, and a Page. I. It is divided into a D display column 403b so that a user can recognize information of a sheet bundle in a container.
[0051]
[Post-processing device]
13 to 16 are views showing the configuration of the post-processing device. The post-processing device includes the collator 500 and the finisher 600 as described above. A plurality of containers 400 similar to those mounted on the stacker 300 described above are detachably mounted on the collator 500. In the present embodiment, the containers 400 can be set at eight positions on the container tables 510 to 580, respectively. Further, a collator display unit 503 is provided on the front of the post-processing device. The collator display unit 503 displays, by the notification unit 83, a job set state associated with the connection of the container or an interrupt job reception standby state. There is provided a status display column 503h (see FIG. 17) for displaying a work instruction column 503i (see FIG. 17) for displaying a work instruction at the time of executing an interrupt job by the work instruction unit 84.
[0052]
Since all the container tables have the same configuration, only the container table 510 will be described here. The sheet bundle in the container 400 set on the container table 510 is moved up and down together with the container tray 402 by a collator lifter 515 that is moved up and down by a container up / down drive unit 516. The uppermost sheet in the container is fed by a sheet feed roller 511 grounded on the sheet surface by a first pickup solenoid SL511. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed by the conveying rollers 512, 513, and 514 in the first row conveying path 505. The paper feed roller and each transport roller are driven by a first transport motor M512 via a drive transmission unit (not shown). The sheet conveyed by each conveyance roller in the first row conveyance path 505 is shared by a common conveyance roller group 501 driven by a common conveyance motor M500 via a drive transmission unit (not shown) and a common horizontal conveyance by a discharge roller 502. The sheet is conveyed to a finisher via a path 508 and a discharge path 507. Similarly, the sheet is conveyed in the second row conveyance path 506, and is conveyed to the finisher by the discharge roller 502.
[0053]
The lifting drive 516 of the container table 510 includes a first pulling motor M511 connected to a driving pulley shaft 516a, a driven pulley shaft 516b, driving belts 516c, 516d, and a driving pulley shaft via a driving transmission unit (not shown). The first lifting motor M511 rotates forward and backward, and the lifting lifter 515 fixed to both drive belts performs a lifting operation. Further, an upper detection lever 517 and an upper loading surface detection sensor PI 511 are provided as a loading surface detection unit when performing the elevating operation.
[0054]
A collator first connector 519 for communicating with the container display unit 403 and the container memory 408 is provided near the container table 510. When the container 400 is set, the collator first connector 519 is connected to the container connector 406. It is arranged to connect with. On the container table 510, a container set sensor PI512 for detecting a set state of the container and a container detection lever 518 are provided.
[0055]
[Collator display section]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing display contents of the collator display unit 503. The collator display unit 503 displays information about three jobs among the latest setting statuses, and the output progress status of the image forming apparatus. Job fields 503a to 503c for displaying job information include job information (Job.ID) 503e for identifying a job, the number of pages (Page Counter) 503f for displaying the number of divisions, and the number of divided pages. Page. In other words, Page. 503 g of page information (Page Information) for displaying the ID is displayed.
[0056]
Further, the status display column 503h displays the state of the collator to notify the operator of the interruption standby state. Further, a work instruction at the time of interruption work is displayed in the work instruction column 503i. The specific work instruction contents for executing the interrupt job are as follows.
[0057]
-If there is no space in the sheet feeder required for performing the interrupt job and it is necessary to remove the container already set in the collator, the collator is designated.
[0058]
・ Instructs to set the container installed in the stacker loaded with the interrupt job to the collator.
[0059]
In order to perform an operation on the post-processing apparatus side, for example, to execute an interrupt job, the removal instruction of the stacking tray of the finisher is issued.
[0060]
After the interruption job is completed, instruct the container to load the sheet bundle of the suspended job to the collator to restart the suspended job.
[0061]
In order to make these work instructions easier, both the completion indicator LED 404 and the processing indicator LED 405 of the container shown in FIG. 12 are turned on, so that the operator can recognize that the interrupt job is a loaded job. Let it. Further, the container display unit 403 for displaying sheet information may display detailed information for recognizing an interrupt job or a container interrupted by the interrupt job.
[0062]
In the job fields 503b and 503c, the number of set pages is smaller than the number of pages 503f, and it can be seen that sheets are not aligned. Here, the column of unaligned sheets is blank, but a specific symbol such as "-" or "*" may be used to represent an unaligned page.
[0063]
[Finisher]
The finisher 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. The sheet conveyed from the collator 500 is guided into the apparatus by an inlet roller 601 and then switched by a flapper (not shown) or the like and conveyed to an upper conveying path 609 or a lower conveying path 610. In the upper conveyance path 609, the sheet is discharged onto the first stacking tray 611 by the upper discharge roller 603 via the conveyance roller 602. In the lower conveyance path 610, the sheet is temporarily discharged onto the processing tray 608 and stacked by the lower discharge roller 605 via the conveyance roller 604. The sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 608 is subjected to binding processing by the stapler 607, and then discharged onto the second stacking tray 612 by the bundle discharge roller 606 and stacked.
[0064]
[Controller for collator]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the collator 500. This control device mainly includes a control circuit 700 including a microcomputer (CPU) 701, a RAM 702, a ROM 703, an input / output unit (I / O) 705, a communication interface 706, a network interface 704, and the like. Signals from various sensors are input to an input port of the I / O 705. The main sensors include an upper stacking surface detection sensor PI511 attached to the container base 510 and detecting a stacking surface of sheets, a container set sensor PI512 for detecting that the container 400a is set on the container base 510, and the like.
[0065]
Various loads are connected to the output port of the I / O 705 via a control block (not shown) and various drivers (not shown). The main drive system includes a first transport motor (paper feed motor) M512 that feeds the sheet in the container into the collator and transports the sheet via the first row transport path 505, a common horizontal transport path 508, and a discharge path 507. , A first lifting motor M511 provided on the container table 510 for lifting and lowering sheets in the container, and a pickup solenoid SL511 for grounding a paper feed roller for feeding the uppermost paper in the container to the paper surface. and so on.
[0066]
Further, a container memory (EEPROM) 408 of the container 400a is connected to the communication interface 706, and when the container 400a is mounted on the container table 510, the memory contents of the container memory 408 are loaded into the RAM 702 via the communication interface 706. It is. The other container bases and containers have the same configuration, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0067]
[Create booklet]
In job E, a booklet is created by printing image data in which a color image and a monochrome image are mixed on one side of a sheet for each of three pages. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing image data in which a color image and a black-and-white image in job E are mixed on one side of a sheet for each of three pages. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the creation of a booklet of the job E by the collator. When the client device (PC) requests the job server 10 for the job E, the job server 10 analyzes the image data of the job E, and converts the pages (P2, P4, P5) of the monochrome image into the monochrome image forming apparatus 100. And the distribution process is performed such that the color image pages (P1, P3, P6) are printed by the color image forming apparatus 200, respectively. Then, m sheet bundles B1 and C1 are stacked in the container. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a stacked state of a sheet bundle of the monochrome image forming apparatus and the color image forming apparatus.
[0068]
At this time, the output sheet bundles B1 and C1 (see FIG. 21) are stacked from the bottom in order of m pages, with the image side up. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a stacked state of sheets in a container. Thereafter, the user sets the container 400 on which the sheets are stacked on the container table in the collator 500. When the collator 500 recognizes that all the containers have been set, the collator 500 starts collation processing. The determination as to whether or not all the containers have been set is made in a process described later. The collator 500 appropriately controls sheet feeding from each container based on information from the job server 10, and creates a booklet G (see FIG. 21). The completed booklet G is a booklet in which the color image and the black and white image are mixed in the page order. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a booklet G in which m copies have been printed by the job E.
[0069]
Next, bookbinding processing in the bookbinding system will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts in FIGS.
[0070]
[Job control]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a job control processing procedure in the job server 10 when an interrupt instruction is issued from a client. This process is performed by the job control unit 80 in the job server 10. First, it is determined whether there is a job request from the client (step S20). If there is no job request, the process of step S20 is repeated. On the other hand, if there is a job request, it is determined whether or not it is an interrupt job request (step S21).
[0071]
If the request is an interrupt job request, the scheduling of the job is corrected so that the interrupt job is promptly processed by performing an operation such as switching the order of the jobs (step S22). On the other hand, if the request is not an interrupt job request, job scheduling is performed so that the job is processed after the previously registered job (step S23). Thereafter, the process returns to step S20.
[0072]
[Job monitoring control]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a job monitoring control processing procedure in the job server 10. Since the technology for managing the progress of the job (job monitoring unit 81) is already a general technology, only the processing up to the issuance of the interrupt instruction will be briefly described here.
[0073]
First, the job monitoring unit 81 monitors the progress of the job from the output completion notification from the image forming apparatus on which the job has been subjected to the distributed processing, and determines whether the job subjected to the distributed processing has been completed (step S30). If the job has not been completed, the process of step S30 is repeated. On the other hand, if the job has been completed, it is determined whether or not the job is an interrupt job (step S31). If the job is not an interrupt job, the process returns to step S30. On the other hand, if it is determined that the job is an interrupt job, an interrupt instruction is issued to the post-processing device 150 (step S32). Thereafter, the process returns to step S30.
[0074]
[Print processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the print output processing procedure of the job server 10 for a job. In this process, the output device is switched based on the characteristics of the image to be printed. First, it is determined whether print output by the job server 10 has been started (step S1). If not started, the process of step S1 is repeated, and when started, the page information is initialized to a value of 1 (step S2).
[0075]
Then, it is determined whether the page is a monochrome image or a color image (step S3). If it is determined that the image is a color image, the data is transferred to the color printer to output the page of the color image (step S5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is not a color image, the data is transferred to a monochrome printer, and a page of a monochrome image is output (step S4). Here, “monochrome” is expressed as “BW” for convenience. Then, after the page is output, it is determined whether the output up to the last page is completed (step S6).
[0076]
If the output up to the last page has not been completed, one page is added (step S7), and the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when all pages are completed in step S6, the process returns to step S1, and the start of the next print output is checked.
[0077]
By repeating such processing, sharing of the image forming apparatus suitable for the type of image (color or monochrome) can be performed. That is, for a print output of one job, a monochrome printer page is divided by a monochrome printer, and a color image page is divided by a color printer. As a result, each of the divided pages is stored on a stacker attached to each image forming apparatus.
[0078]
[Stacker storage processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the stacker storage processing procedure. The stacker storing process is a process relating to a stacker attached to a BW printer or a color printer, which is an image forming apparatus connected to the job server 10, and sequentially stores and stacks sheets discharged from each printer. Perform the operation. Since the stackers attached to the BW printer and the color printer respectively perform the same processing, they will be described together.
[0079]
First, the start of output from the printer is determined (step S10). The process of step S10 is repeated until the output starts, and after the output starts, the sheet conveyed or discharged from the printer is monitored. Then, a memory write process is performed to write the job ID for job recognition sent from the job server 10 at the start of the job, a page ID indicating which part of the job, and the total number of divided page IDs of the job (step). S11). The memory writing process is a process of entering information on sheets stored in the stacker 300. In the present embodiment, writing is performed on a container memory (EEPROM) 408 provided in the container 400 that stores the sheets. Details of this processing will be described later.
[0080]
Thereafter, the process waits for output of all pages to be printed to be completed (step S12), and when print output is completed, the process returns to step S10. Based on the data written in this memory, the container display unit 503 displays JobI. D display column 403a and a page I.D. for identifying a page in the job. The D display field 403b is displayed.
[0081]
[Job determination process]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a job determination processing procedure in which the job determination unit 79 in the collator determines whether a job is executable. First, a change in the connection state of the container 400 is checked (step S40). If there is no change in the connection state of the container 400, the processing of step S40 is repeated. On the other hand, if the connection status has changed, the connected container number (cont_num), job information (job ID) of the installed container, and page ID information indicating which part of the job is stored. From the stored data cont_job_id [cont_num] and cont_page_id [cont_num], the job ID and page ID of the container whose state has changed this time are stored in the work data job_id and page_id, respectively (step S41).
[0082]
It is determined whether or not the connection has been released (step S42). According to the work data job_id and page_id stored earlier, ON / OFF indicating the connection status is set in the storage data page_set [job_id-1] [page_id-1] for managing the connection status of the container of each job ID. . That is, when the container is connected in step S42, ON is set to the storage data page_set [job_id-1] [page_id-1] (step S43). On the other hand, if the connection has been released in step S42, OFF is set to the storage data page_set [job_id-1] [page_id-1] (step S44).
[0083]
The work variable page_cnt used to determine whether the job can be executed is cleared to a value of 0 (step S45). The maximum value page_max of the work variable page_cnt is the total number of page IDs of the same job ID, and is equal to the number of divisions of the container.
[0084]
In steps S46 to S48, it is determined whether or not all containers having the same job ID are connected. That is, it is determined whether or not the stored data page_set [job_id-1] [page_cnt] = ON (step S46). If it is ON, the value 1 is added to the work variable page_cnt (step S47), and it is determined whether the work variable page_cnt is smaller than the maximum value page_max (step S48). If smaller, the process returns to step S46. On the other hand, when the work variable page_cnt becomes equal to the maximum value page_max, it is determined that all the jobs are connected, and the storage data job_enable [job_id-1] for managing the job progress is set to ON (executable) (step S49). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of step S40.
[0085]
On the other hand, if there is a container with the same job ID which is OFF in step S46 and is not connected, OFF (executable) is set in job_enable [job_id-1] (step S50). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of step S40.
[0086]
By performing such control in the job determination unit 79 of the collator, every time the connection status of the container changes, it is determined whether or not the job can be executed, and the job is managed. For this reason, when the containers of the preceding job ID are not arranged, it is possible to determine that the containers of the next job ID are arranged, and the processing order of the jobs is changed depending on the procedure for setting the container in the collator ( That is, it is possible to overtake the previous job.
[0087]
[Post-processing job control processing]
Next, automatic job start processing and interrupt processing by the job start unit 85 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure for automatically starting a job and accepting an interrupt in the collator 500.
[0088]
First, it is determined whether or not the job can be started (step S60). If the job is already running and the job cannot be started, the process proceeds to the running control in step S65.
[0089]
On the other hand, if it is in the job reception waiting state, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt job (step S61). If there is an interrupt job, an interrupt job process is performed (step S62), and the process returns to step S60. Details of this interrupt job processing will be described later. On the other hand, if there is no interrupt job, it is determined whether or not there is a job that has become executable among the registered jobs by using the storage data job_enable [] that stores the result of determining whether the job is executable. Is determined (step S63). If there is an executable job, the job is automatically started (step S64). On the other hand, if there is no executable job, the process returns to step S61.
[0090]
After starting the job in step S64, the end of the job is checked (step S65). If the job has been completed, the process returns to step S60 to be in a job waiting state. On the other hand, if the job has not been completed, it is determined whether or not there was an interrupt request from the job server 10 during the execution of the job (step S66). If there is no interrupt request, the process returns to step S65. On the other hand, if there is an interrupt request, a stop process is started (step S67).
[0091]
Waiting for the end of the stop processing (step S68), and after the end of the stop processing, the fact that the interrupt has been accepted is displayed in the status display column 503h of the collator display unit 503 to notify the worker (step S69). The work instruction procedure for the interrupt job is displayed in the work instruction column 503i of the collator display unit 503 (step S70). After receiving this interrupt, the process returns to step S60.
[0092]
[Interrupt job processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the interrupt job processing procedure in step S62. First, it is determined whether or not the interrupt job is in an executable state using the above-described storage data job_enable [] (step S70). If the work is not in the executable state, it is determined whether or not the work has progressed (step S71). If the work has not progressed, the process returns to step S70. If the work has progressed, the work displayed in the work instruction column 503i. The instruction is updated (step S72), and the process returns to step S70.
[0093]
On the other hand, if the interrupt job is executable in step S70, the interrupt job is started (step S73). Waiting for the interruption job to end (step S74), and when the interruption job ends, the collator display unit 503 changes the collator state to the interruption job return state to notify the worker of the completion of the interruption job (step S75).
[0094]
The worker is instructed to perform a return operation (step S76). Then, it is determined whether the return operation has been completed (step S77). If the return work has not been completed, it is determined whether or not the work has progressed (step S78). If the work has not progressed, the process returns to the step S77. On the other hand, if the work has progressed, the work instruction displayed in the work instruction column 503i is updated to urge the worker to perform a return work (step S79), and the process returns to step S77. On the other hand, if the return operation has been completed in step S77, the process returns to the main process and enters the job waiting state. As a result, the interrupted job is automatically restarted.
[0095]
As described above, in the distributed processing type bookbinding system according to the present embodiment, an interrupt job can be performed. In addition, the worker does not need to perform a job setting operation for performing post-processing, but only carries the sheet bundle output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses to the post-processing apparatus by the decentralized processing. Since the processing is automatically started from the job in which the processing device becomes possible, the workability can be improved. Further, the job scheduling is changed so that the interrupt job is executed earlier than the job before the image forming process registered before the job server 10 or the job whose image formation output has already been started By interrupting and starting the processing of the interrupt job, it is possible to process the interrupt job with a high priority as soon as possible.
[0096]
The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions described in the claims or the functions of the configurations of the embodiments are not limited to those described in the claims. Any configuration that can be achieved is applicable.
[0097]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, sharing (dispersion processing) of a job is performed for a black-and-white image and a color image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and dispersion processing is performed for a text document, a photograph, a figure, and the like. Alternatively, the decentralization processing may be performed separately for low resolution, high resolution, and the like.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, by monitoring the setting state of the sheet bundle, when performing the parallel processing of a plurality of types of booklets, the image forming apparatus ends the output, and the offline processing is performed by being left without being set in the post-processing apparatus. It is possible to prevent a job progress delay in a copy unit. Therefore, operability can be improved to prevent erroneous operation by the user, and the operation stop time of the apparatus can be reduced to improve productivity.
[0099]
In addition, when a user sets a sheet storage device in which sheets distributed and processed by a plurality of image forming apparatuses are stored in a post-processing device which is a next process for bookbinding, the content is automatically post-processed. Since it is recognized by the device, there is no need to perform a predetermined procedure for the setting place and order. In particular, the degree of freedom can be increased for off-line work that is not automated and is most likely to cause erroneous operations by the user, and operability for finally stable bookbinding can be improved.
[0100]
As a result, it is possible to prevent a user from making mistakes, thereby reducing the operation stoppage time of the image forming apparatus, thereby improving productivity, and finally building a bookbinding system that realizes stable and high quality bookbinding. Becomes possible.
[0101]
Further, the job scheduling may be changed so that the interrupt job is executed earlier than the job registered before the image formation is started, or the job in which the image formation has already been started is interrupted to interrupt the job. By starting the processing, an interrupt job with a high priority can be processed as soon as possible. In addition, the work efficiency of the worker can be improved by instructing a work method after the post-processing device is ready to accept the interrupt job. As described above, it is possible to execute an interrupt job in the distributed processing type bookbinding system.
[0102]
Further, similarly to the related art, it is possible to create a booklet at a low cost, in a short time and with a small number of bottles, so that a compact system can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a distributed processing bookbinding system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a distributed processing bookbinding system.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a monochrome image forming apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of the monochrome image forming apparatus of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a color image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of the color image forming apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet storage device connected to various image forming apparatuses.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet storage device connected to various image forming apparatuses.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet storage device connected to various image forming apparatuses.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet storage device connected to various image forming apparatuses.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a container unit.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a container display unit 403, a completion display LED 404, and a processing display LED 405.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing device.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing device.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing device.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing device.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing display contents of a collator display unit 503.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of a collator 500.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating image data in which a color image and a black and white image in job E are mixed on one side of a sheet for each of three pages.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a stacked state of sheets in a container.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating creation of a booklet of job E by a collator.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a booklet G in which m copies have been printed by a job E.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a stacked state of a sheet bundle of the monochrome image forming apparatus and the color image forming apparatus.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a job control processing procedure in the job server when an interrupt instruction is issued from a client.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a job monitoring control processing procedure in the job server 10.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a print output processing procedure of the job server 10 for a job.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a stacker storage processing procedure.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a job determination processing procedure for determining whether a job is executable by a job determination unit 79 in the collator.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure for automatically starting a job and accepting an interrupt in the collator 500.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an interrupt job processing procedure in step S62.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Job server
20-50 PC
73 Job information transmission unit
75 Post-processing control unit
79 Job judgment unit
83 Information Department
84 Work instruction section
100 black and white image forming apparatus
150 Post-processing equipment
200 color image forming apparatus
300 Stacker
400 containers
408 Container memory
500 collator
503 Collator display
503h Status display field
503i work instruction column
600 Finisher

Claims (8)

A plurality of image forming apparatuses for forming an image on a sheet, an information processing apparatus for distributing a job to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a sheet output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses to create a booklet A bookbinding system comprising a post-processing device and capable of executing an interrupt job,
A job monitoring unit that monitors an output state of the image forming apparatus in which the interrupt job is distributed and processed;
As a result of the monitoring, when it is detected that all the outputs of the interrupt job have been completed, an interrupt instructing unit that instructs the post-processing device to issue an interrupt request;
Post-processing control means for interrupting a job being post-processed by the post-processing device when the interrupt request is instructed, and causing the post-processing device to post-process the interrupt job. Bookbinding system. 2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus includes a job control unit that changes a schedule so that the interrupt job is preferentially processed, the job monitoring unit, and the interrupt instruction unit. . 2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, further comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that the post-processing device has become ready to receive the interrupt job. 2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, further comprising: work instruction means for instructing a work procedure after the post-processing apparatus is ready to accept the interrupt job. Job information transmitting means for transmitting job information from the information processing device to the post-processing device,
Sheet information transmitting means for transmitting sheet information relating to sheets output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses to the post-processing apparatus,
The post-processing device, based on the transmitted job information and sheet information, a job determination unit that determines whether sheets necessary to perform the job are complete,
2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, further comprising: a job executing unit that executes the job when it is determined that the necessary sheets are present to execute the job. The sheet information transmitting unit is a storage unit provided in a plurality of sheet storage units that respectively store sheets output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses,
Sheet information writing means for writing sheet information created based on information from the information processing apparatus into the storage means,
Sheet information reading means for reading sheet information stored in the storage means,
The post-processing device is characterized in that the sheet storage means is freely attachable, and based on the read sheet information, feeds sheets stored in the sheet storage means and performs collation processing. The bookbinding system according to claim 5, wherein 2. The bookbinding system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is applied to a client-server system, and the information processing apparatus as a server apparatus distributes a job input from the client apparatus to the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A plurality of image forming apparatuses for forming an image on a sheet, an information processing apparatus for distributing a job to the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a sheet output from the plurality of image forming apparatuses to create a booklet A bookbinding processing method for a bookbinding system comprising a post-processing device and capable of executing an interrupt job,
A job monitoring step of monitoring an output state of the image forming apparatus in which the interrupt job is distributed and processed;
As a result of the monitoring, when it is detected that all the outputs of the interrupt job are completed, an interrupt instruction step of instructing the post-processing device to issue an interrupt request;
And a post-processing control step of suspending a job being post-processed by the post-processing device when the interrupt request is instructed, and causing the post-processing device to post-process the interrupt job. Processing method.

Images