JP2009166925A - Paper processing system and display control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention aims to improve the usability of a user who does not perform bookbinding work much, and to improve the work efficiency for a user who specializes in bookbinding work.
A sheet including bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In a sheet processing system that performs processing, a ring bookbinding function display unit 130 that is an operation input display area for each of punch processing related to bind bookbinding processing and punch processing related to a punch processing device and a post-processing function on the operation panel 100 of the image forming apparatus The display units 140 are provided in different display areas of the operation panel 100, respectively.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  A paper processing system connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a digital multifunction machine having these functions combined, and automatically performing bind binding, punching, and stapling by a ring, and display in this system It relates to a control method.

  A plurality of types of work devices such as a ring-binding bookbinding device, a punch processing device, and a staple processing device are connected in a line (in series) to the image forming apparatus, and bookbinding is performed on a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. 2. Description of the Related Art A sheet processing system that creates a sheet or a bundle of sheets that has been subjected to desired sheet processing by performing various processes such as processing, punching, and stipple processing is known. In such a paper processing system, an on-line ring-bound bookbinding device connected to the image forming apparatus is used to open a booklet ring once, and then to add only a punch hole for a ring, which is a function for adding paper. When selecting a function for punching a hole, it is possible for an operator or a user to select a punch hole for 1 to 4 holes provided in a post-processing apparatus having a stipple function and a punch hole for off-line ring binding without mistake. It is necessary to.

  On the other hand, as this type of technology, for example, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known. Among these, Patent Document 1 discloses an appropriate sheet allowable number so as not to place an excessive burden on the processing mechanism, particularly when at least two types of processing modes are selected at the same time according to the selected processing mode. Can be set, or an appropriate processing mode can be selected again, so that sheets discharged from the main body of the image forming apparatus are received, the received sheets are stacked on the processing tray, and the allowable number of sheets is different from each other. In an image forming apparatus including a processing unit that selectively performs at least two types of sheet processing, a processing mode selection unit that can simultaneously select at least two types of sheet processing and an allowable number of sheets in the selected processing mode. When the discriminating means for discriminating and at least two processing modes are selected at the same time, the allowable number of sheets is selected. First setting means for setting the smallest allowable number of sheets in the number of processing modes, counting means for counting the number of sheets on which an image has been formed, the count value by the counting means, and the tolerance set by the first setting means The second setting for comparing the number of sheets and canceling the processing mode in which the count value exceeds the allowable number of sheets when the count value exceeds the allowable number of sheets and setting the next largest allowable sheet number for the plurality of selected processing modes And an invention characterized by comprising means.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses an image forming apparatus including a discharge switching unit that selects back-side discharge and front-side discharge in order to improve punch hole position accuracy, and a sheet that performs punch processing at the front end in the sheet conveyance direction. In an image forming system including a punching unit and a sheet processing apparatus including a reversing unit that reverses a punched sheet, when the punching process is set by the punching instruction unit that instructs the punching process, the sheet conveyance direction In order to perform the punching process on the leading end, the sheet is conveyed from the image forming apparatus to the sheet processing apparatus by front surface discharge, and the sheet is reversed by the reversing unit after the punching process by the sheet punching unit. Is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, in a paper processing apparatus provided with a punching device that can be used by switching a plurality of punch types, the image forming apparatus is integrated or separated to improve the usability of the punching device. Or a punch type which can be executed in a paper processing apparatus provided with a punching means attached to the image forming apparatus and capable of punching a sheet guided from the image forming apparatus by a plurality of punch types such as two holes or three holes. Is displayed, and when the punch of the displayed type is executed, a display means for changing the display corresponding to the punch type to be executed is disclosed.

As described above, as an image forming system, a system in which a plurality of punch types can be switched and a post-processing device that performs a binding process is connected as disclosed in Patent Document 3 is generally used. However, in recent years, however, a staple post-processing device having a punch function for punching holes as described above or performing a binding process, and a device for punching a large number of holes on the binding side of the paper (separate the created paper). This is an on-line device that performs ring binding with an off-line device), and after punching a large number of holes on the binding side of the paper, it is automatically bound with a plastic ring that can be opened and closed, and finished as a ring-bound product A system in which a plurality of ring bookbinding apparatuses and the like are connected is demanded by users who specialize in bookbinding.
Japanese Patent No. 3211282 JP 2003-292235 A JP 2002-128385 A

  However, in the prior art, a punch hole in the ring binding bookbinding apparatus, a 1 to 4 punch hole equipped in a post-processing apparatus having a stipple function, and a punch hole for offline ring bookbinding can be selected efficiently. In addition, it is difficult to make a reliable selection regardless of the skill level of the operator, and there is room for improvement in operability. Moreover, although the work efficiency becomes a problem for a user who specializes in bookbinding work, the prior art cannot meet the demand for work efficiency improvement if the selection is to be made with certainty.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the usability of a user who does not perform bookbinding work so much in a bookbinding system in which a plurality of devices having punching functions are connected at the same time. It is intended to improve the working efficiency for the user who performs.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first means includes a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function at a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium, and a plurality of post-processing devices including the punch processing device. In the paper processing system for performing paper processing including bookbinding processing by connecting the operation input display areas of the punch processing related to the bind bookbinding processing and the punch processing related to the punch processing device to the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. , Provided in different display areas of the operation panel.

  The second means performs bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In the paper processing system that performs paper processing, the operation input display areas of the punch processing related to the bind bookbinding processing and the punch processing related to the punch processing device are displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus in different displays on the operation panel. A first display mode provided in each of the areas; and a second display mode provided in the same display area of the operation panel.

  According to a third means, in the first means, the respective operation input display areas of the punching process related to the binding bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus are the ring bookbinding function display part of the operation panel and the post-processing. It is characterized by being set in each function display section.

  According to a fourth means, in the second means, each operation input display area of the punching process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus is set in a post-processing function display unit. And

  A fifth means is characterized in that, in the first or second means, a paper discharge destination of the paper processed by the ring bookbinding apparatus is displayed on the operation panel.

  A sixth means is characterized in that, in the first or second means, a paper discharge destination of the paper processed by the punch processing device is displayed on the operation panel.

  A seventh means is characterized in that, in the fifth or sixth means, the paper discharge destination displayed on the operation panel is the ring bookbinding function display section.

  According to an eighth means, in the first to seventh means, the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is connected to the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus, and the punch processing apparatus is connected to the subsequent stage of the bind bookbinding processing apparatus. It is characterized by.

  According to a ninth means, in any one of the fifth to seventh means, the paper discharge destination is displayed as a part of a system configuration diagram of the paper processing system.

  A tenth means is a display screen controlled in any one of the first to eighth means, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer and the operation panel is controlled by a printer driver of a personal computer connected to the printer. It is characterized by that.

  The eleventh means is the fourth means, wherein when processing is performed by the punch processing apparatus, a plurality of types of holes to be processed by the punch processing apparatus are set in the post-processing function display section of the operation panel. The key is displayed.

  In the twelfth means, in the fourth means, when processing is performed by the bind bookbinding processing apparatus, a key for selecting processing by the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is displayed on the ring bookbinding function display section of the operation panel. It is characterized by being.

  In the twelfth means, when the process is selected by the key for selecting the process in the bind bookbinding process, the thirteenth means performs only the punch and the key for selecting the bookbinding on the ring bookbinding function display section. A key for selecting this is displayed.

  A fourteenth means is characterized in that, in any one of the first to thirteenth means, the connections are simultaneously connected in series.

  The fifteenth means connects the bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to the subsequent stage of the image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In the display control method of the paper processing system for performing the paper processing including the respective operation input display areas of the punch processing related to the bind bookbinding processing and the punch processing related to the punch processing device on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, It is provided in each of different display areas of the panel, and the punching process related to the binding bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus are displayed so as to be selectively input in each operation input display area.

  The sixteenth means connects bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punching processing function and a plurality of postprocessing devices including a punching processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In the display control method of the paper processing system that performs the paper processing including the operation input display areas of the punch processing related to the bind bookbinding processing and the punch processing related to the punch processing device on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, A first display mode provided in each of different display areas of the panel and a second display mode provided in the same display area of the operation panel, the selection operation of the first and second display modes Is displayed in one of the two modes.

  A seventeenth means is characterized in that, in the fifteenth or sixteenth means, the connections are simultaneously connected in series.

  In an embodiment described later, the image forming apparatus is the MFP 1, the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3, the punch processing apparatus is the post-processing apparatus 5, the operation panel is denoted by reference numeral 100, and the ring bookbinding function display unit is Reference numeral 130 denotes a post-processing function display section, reference numeral 140 denotes a discharge destination, reference numerals 135a and 135b, and a plurality of keys for setting hole types to a “two-hole punch” key 140a and a “three-hole punch” key 140b. The key for selecting processing in the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is the “ring bookbinding” key 133, the key for selecting bookbinding is the “bookbinding” key 131, and the key for selecting only punching is the “punch only” key 132. The selection operations of the first and second modes are performed via the “display mode selection” key 170, respectively.

  According to the present invention, the operation input display areas of the punch process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punch process related to the punch process apparatus are respectively provided in different display areas of the operation panel on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Further, it is possible to improve the usability of the user who does not perform bookbinding work so much. In addition, since it is possible to select one of all punch processes by selecting the second display mode, it is possible to improve work efficiency for a user who specializes in bookbinding.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the system configuration will be briefly described.

  In this embodiment, the main body of the image forming apparatus is composed of an MFP. The MFP 1 includes an ADF 2 and an operation panel 100 with a display device. A ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 is connected downstream of the MFP 1 in the paper discharge direction. The booklet booklet to be bound is aligned by the ring binder bookbinding device 3, and the bound booklet is discharged to the dedicated paper discharge tray 3a. An offline ring punch punching device 4 is connected to the downstream side, and a post-processing machine 5 is connected to the most downstream side. A detailed explanation of the off-line ring punch punching device and post-processing machine is omitted, but a multi-hole punch punching device is built in to punch multi-hole punches on paper or punch up to about 1 to 4 holes. It is a known device that incorporates a device, a stipple device, etc., and performs various types of staple binding, paper alignment, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3, and more specifically shows a mechanism of the online ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 (ring bookbinding apparatus). Hereinafter, the mechanism, operation, and function of the ring binder binding apparatus 3 will be described in order.

  The ring binder binding apparatus 3 includes a horizontal conveyance path 10, alignment trays 13 and 22, a bundle conveyance unit 30, a final bundle conveyance unit 32, and a stack tray 34 along a conveyance path, and also holds a ring. A clamp 25 and a ring binding portion 29 are provided. The paper fed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is transported through the horizontal transport path 10 of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3. When the paper is not ring-bound, it is transported horizontally as it is and then transported to the downstream post-processing device 5. In the case of ring binding, the paper is switched back by the reverse roller 11 located downstream of the horizontal conveyance path. At that time, the switching claw 12 is switched and conveyed to the punch portion obliquely below.

  In the punch section, the end in a direction parallel to the paper transport direction (hereinafter referred to as a lateral direction) is aligned on the alignment tray 13 by a jogger 14 that abuts the paper edge from a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. It is done. On the other hand, the leading end of the sheet in the conveyance direction is abutted against a leading edge abutting stopper 20 protruding into the conveyance path of the alignment tray 13 to determine the leading edge of the sheet in the conveyance direction. That is, the alignment tray 13 and the stopper 20 determine the position of the paper in the horizontal direction and the conveyance direction (vertical direction). Note that when the sheet is abutted against the leading edge abutting stopper 20, a conveying force is applied by the conveying roller 15 with a torque limiter to eliminate the damage at the leading edge of the sheet.

  When the paper is positioned, the cam 19 inside the punch unit 16 is rotated, the punch 18 is pushed down, and a hole is punched in the paper between the die 17. The punch unit 16 is a multi-hole punch for ring binding. After the punch holes have been punched, the paper moves backward from the transport path of the leading end abutting stopper 20 to release the contact operation, and is further transported downstream. Further, punch scrap generated by the perforation is stored in the punch scrap hopper 21.

  Next, the sheet is conveyed to the alignment unit. In the aligning unit, a large number of sheets to be booked are received one by one in the aligning tray 22 and stacked while being aligned. The alignment tray 22 is provided with a horizontal alignment jogger 23 and a tapping roller 24 that presses the paper in the paper conveyance direction. The horizontal direction is aligned by the jogger 23 while aligning the paper conveyance direction (vertical direction) with a fence (not shown). .

  After the number of sheets to be booklet is stacked on the alignment tray 22 and aligned, the clamp 25 holds the vicinity of the binding side of the sheet under pressure. A ring cartridge holder 26 is provided in the vicinity of the alignment tray 22, and a ring cartridge 27 is accommodated in the ring cartridge holder 26. A large number of rings 28 are stacked in the ring cartridge 27. In the present embodiment, a plastic ring of a type in which the circumference is divided into three is shown.

  After the number of sheets to be bound are stacked on the alignment tray 22 and aligned, the ring binding portion 29 is rotated to the lower part of the ring cartridge 27 to take the ring. The ring binding portion 29 takes one link, rotates while holding the one, and passes below the clamp portion 25 to pass the ring through the hole opened at the lower end of the sheet bundle. Thereafter, ring binding is performed by a bind mechanism (not shown). The booklet subjected to the ring binding is received by the discharge claw 31 provided on the belt of the bundle conveyance unit 30 after the rotating bundle conveyance unit 30 moves below the clamp unit 25 and then the clamp 25 is released. It is transferred to the bundle transport unit 30.

  Thereafter, the bundle conveyance unit 30 rotates counterclockwise and moves to a position that is substantially straight with the final bundle conveyance unit 32. Then, the booklet is delivered to the final bundle conveyance unit 32 by the discharge claw 31 provided on the belt of the bundle conveyance unit 30. From the final bundle conveying section 32, the booklet is conveyed by the discharge claw 33 provided on the belt, and is discharged to the stack tray 34. The stack tray 34 moves up and down according to the stack amount. Reference numeral 3 a indicates the lowest position of the stack tray 34. This is the end of the series of booklet creation operations.

  In the case of a paper with punch holes formed from the beginning, a punch hole is detected by detecting a punch hole by providing a sensor in the middle of the horizontal conveyance path 10 or the like. In this embodiment, the presence or absence of a punch hole is detected by a reflective sensor at a portion where the paper stops at the switchback unit, and the punch hole is determined based on the detection result.

  As described above, in a bookbinding system connected with devices having multiple punch processing functions, it is possible to easily select a punch to be used from a plurality of punch hole types, or to improve operability when selecting a punch. It is necessary to reduce setting errors. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the display state of the ring binding function display unit 130 of the operation panel 100 that is a man-machine interface and the selection instruction is set.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an online control configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG. That is, in the online image forming system, a ring binder binding apparatus 3 is connected to an MFP (image forming apparatus) 1, and a post-processing apparatus (finisher) 5 is connected to the ring binder binding apparatus 3. The MFP 1, the ring binder binding apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 5 include CPUs 1U, 3U, 5U and communication ports 1P, 3P1, 3P2, 5P, respectively. The MFP 1 and the ring binder binding apparatus 3 are connected to the ring binder binding by the communication ports 1P and 3P1. The apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 5 can communicate with each other via communication ports 3P2 and 5P. The operation panel 100 is connected to the MFP 1 via an I / F (not shown), a display described later is executed by a display instruction from the CPU 1U of the MFP 1, and an operation input from the user to the MFP 1 is performed by a key input from the operation panel 100.

  The CPUs 1U, 3U, and 5U mounted on the MFP 1, the ring binder binding apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 5 are respectively program codes stored in ROMs mounted on the MFP 1, the ring binder binding apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 5, respectively. Are loaded into the RAM, and the RAM is used as a work area to execute processing according to the program code. Thereby, display control and processing described below are performed.

  Each of these devices is connected in line via the communication ports 1P, 3P1, 3P2 and 5P, and at least mechanically via the horizontal conveyance path 10 in series. In the case of processing, they are electrically controlled simultaneously.

  Hereinafter, each example in the embodiment will be described with specific examples of display.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a “ring binding key” selection screen in Example 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 100 includes a “ready to copy” display unit 110, a “paper selection” key 120, a ring binding function display unit 130, a post-processing function display unit 140, a paper type selection key 150, Keys such as a document setting direction selection key 160, a screen, or a display unit are provided. Note that the liquid crystal display screen is configured as a touch panel, and functions as a so-called soft switch for inputting the contents when the key display portion is touched.

  By the way, the online ring bookbinding apparatus 3 has a stipple function when selecting a function for punching only a ring punch hole, which is a function for once opening a booklet ring that has been bound and adding paper later. In this embodiment, in order to enable the user to select a punch hole without making a mistake with a punch hole (1 hole to 4 holes or the like) provided in the post-processing apparatus or an offline ring binding punch hole, As shown in FIG. 4, the “ring binding” key 133 is selected on the ring binding function display unit 130 where message display and touch input are performed. By this selection, a “bookbinding” key 131 and a “punch only” key 132 for processing by the online ring bookbinding apparatus 3 are displayed on the ring bookbinding function display unit 130. The “ring binding” key 133 is highlighted when selected, and the user can confirm that the online processing in the link binding apparatus 3 has been selected. The highlighted display is shown here with bold lines, but in the actual machine, it is also possible to enhance the display by changing the display such as coloring or inversion.

  With this display, when the user selects an online punch hole, the user only has to operate either the key 131 for performing the process up to bookbinding or the key 132 for performing the process up to punching. Can easily and accurately select the intended work.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the “ring binding” key 133 is not selected on the ring binding function display unit 130, neither the online “binding” key 131 nor the “punch only” key 132 is displayed. No longer displayed on 130. When display control is performed in this way, unnecessary keys are not displayed, so only punch holes for online ring binding are punched when selecting punch holes (1 to 4 holes, etc.) or punch holes for offline ring binding. The user does not make a mistake in selecting a function. Incidentally, FIG. 4 shows an example in which two offline punch holes are selected (reference numeral 140a).

  Further, the discharge destination of the paper with the punches for the online ring is different from the discharge destination of the paper with the other punch holes punched. Therefore, when an online ring punch hole is selected, the discharge destination is displayed on the ring binding function display unit 130. Thereby, a user's operativity can be improved more. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the image forming system image 135 is displayed on the ring binding function display unit 130 of FIG. Then, when the “ring bookbinding” key 133 online is selected from the ring bookbinding function display unit 130 and the “punch only” key 132 is selected, the paper discharge destination 135a to which the punched paper for online use is discharged is displayed. The image is displayed on the image forming system image 135 on the operation unit screen. This makes it easier to understand where the booklet should be taken out after the punching process than in the display example of FIG.

  In the case of the display example in FIG. 7, punch holes (1 to 4 holes) and a paper discharge destination 135 b for discharging off-line punch paper are displayed as a paper discharge tray 5 a of the post-processing device 5. This makes it easier to see where the booklet should be taken out after punching than in the case shown in FIG.

  The display screens shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show the bind bookbinding mode selected by the “ring bookbinding” key 133 on the operation panel 100 when using the ring bind bookbinding apparatus 3 and performing bind bookbinding online. Then, it is possible to select a punching hole drilling process for the ring on the ring binding function display unit 130 with the “punch only” key 132. At this time, there is no confusion with the punch hole selection keys 140a and 140b of the post-processing function display unit 140. On the other hand, the “2-hole punch” key 140a and the “3-hole punch” key 140b, which are punch hole selection keys in the post-processing function display section 140, are displayed in a different area from the “punch only” key 132. Again, no confusion will occur.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the punch process of the image forming system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the system recognition process in FIG. In the figure, when the process starts, first, a system recognition process is executed (step S201). In the system recognition process, as shown in FIG. 11, when a system is turned on, communication with an apparatus connected online is started. As a result, the MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 is notified of the connection status of the post-processing apparatus (here, the apparatus connected online after the MFP 1, that is, the ring binder binding apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 5). (Step S102), the MFP 1 obtains connection information from the post-processing apparatus side. When all the connection information is obtained (step S103-YES), information on the post-processing device connected to the operation panel 100 and operation keys are displayed (step S104). If the power supply is not turned on (step S101-NO), it is confirmed whether or not the connection information is obtained (step S103). If the connection information is obtained, the process of step S104 is executed. If not obtained (step S103-NO), the process returns and waits for the power to be turned on.

  Thus, when the information on the post-processing apparatus side is obtained in step S201, the punch processing input in the post-processing apparatus 5 is checked (step S202). If punching of the post-processing device 5 is selected in this check (step S202—YES), the “2-hole punch” key 140a or “3-hole punch” is displayed from the operation panel 100 displayed as shown in FIG. One of the keys 140b is selected (step S203). As a result, the 2-hole or 3-hole punch selected by the online process is performed, and the punched sheet is discharged to the discharge destination 135b.

  On the other hand, if the punch processing input of the post-processing apparatus 5 is not input in step S202 (step S202-NO), the punch processing input of the ring binder binding apparatus 3 is further checked (step S204), and the punch processing input of the ring binder binding apparatus 3 is checked. If so (step S204—YES), the “ring binding” key 133 is selected from the ring binding function display unit 130 shown in FIG. 7 of the operation panel 100 (step S205). By this selection, the “bookbinding” key 131 and the “punch only” key 132 are displayed on the ring bookbinding function display unit 130 (step S206). Since this is a punch process, the “punch only” key 132 is selected (step S207). As a result, the “punch only” key 132 is highlighted as shown in FIG. 4 to indicate to the user that processing for performing only punching is selected in the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, if the paper discharge destination 135a of the punched paper is displayed in the image processing system image 135, the display becomes more friendly to the user, and a user-like system can be constructed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, when using the punch function of the online ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 and when using the punch function of the post-processing apparatus 5, the functions to be selected are divided on different screens. It is displayed and the setting mistake of the user is reduced. Such a display is considered to be useless for a user who is used by a dedicated operator or the like and does not make a setting error. That is, in the display of the ring bookbinding function display unit 130 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the display is divided into two layers depending on whether or not the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 is used, and an input operation is performed. Therefore, when the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 is used, the number of selection operations is increased once compared with the case where the punch function of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 is directly selected. Since this selection operation must be performed every time work is performed, waste increases as the number of work increases, which is disadvantageous when considered as work efficiency.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the display state of the selection key is changed between the case where the punch function of the ring binder binding apparatus 3 is used as in the first embodiment and the case where the punch function of the post-processing apparatus 5 is used. The arrangement state of the selection key can be changed between an unskilled operator and a well-appointed operator. That is, the first and second display modes are set for the display mode. The first display mode is a mode in which the punch processing selection keys are displayed in different display areas when the punch function of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 is used and when the punch function of the post-processing apparatus 5 is used, and the second display mode. In any case, the mode is a mode in which the selection key is displayed in the same display area. The former is a display for an unskilled operator, and the latter is a display for a well-appointed operator. An example of this is shown in FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the display of the “ring binding” key 131 for selecting an online ring binding apparatus is deleted from the display of FIG. 4, and the “bookbinding” key 131a and the “punch only” key 132a ”are operated. Displayed on the post-processing / ring binding function display unit 140 ′, which is the same as the “punch hole (2 hole) selection” key 140a and “punch hole (3 hole) selection” key 140b in the off-line outside the display screen 130. . The post-processing / ring binding function display unit 140 ′ substantially corresponds to the display area of the post-processing function display unit 140 in the first embodiment, and the display state of FIG. The display status of is switched. As a result, an experienced user can select a punch function to be processed at a time, and the processing efficiency is improved accordingly.

  The selection of the first and second display modes can be performed by, for example, a “display mode selection” key 170 provided outside the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel 100. This “display mode selection” key 170 is provided as a hard key in this embodiment. When the operator selects one of the first and second modes when starting work, the next selection is made. The currently selected mode is valid until changed. This eliminates the need for the selected operator to select the punch function of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3 each time work is performed. Needless to say, it can be set as a soft key on the liquid crystal display screen instead of the hard key.

  Also in this case, if the discharge destination of the processed paper is clear as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 11, the image forming system image 135 is displayed on the ring binding function display unit 130, and the paper discharge destinations 135a and 135b by the selected punching operation are further displayed. As a result, the selected process and the paper discharge destination can be recognized at a glance on the display unit screen 130, thereby eliminating work waste.

  The processing procedure of the second embodiment checks whether the first or second display mode is selected in the previous stage of step S201 in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and when the second table mode is selected. As shown in FIG. 10, the post-processing / ring binding function display section 140 ′ is displayed, and a “bookbinding” key 131a, a “punch only” key 132a, a “two-hole punch” key 140a, and a “three-hole punch” are displayed. The type of punching process can be selected directly from any of the keys 140b. Note that if the first display mode is selected, the processing after step S202 is executed.

  Other parts and processes not specifically described are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner.

  Embodiments 1 and 2 In this embodiment, since the MFP 1 is used as the image forming apparatus main body, the display shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 or FIGS. 10 and 11 is performed using the operation panel 100 of the MFP 1. However, in the case where each post-processing is executed on the paper output from the printer online, it is generally impossible to input an operation from the operation screen of the printer. In such a case, display the contents shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 on the display of the personal computer to be printed by the printer so that operation input can be performed from the operation unit screen displayed on the display of the personal computer. Is also possible. With this configuration, the printer can perform the same processing as in the MFP 1.

  Other parts and processes not specifically described are configured in the same way as in the first or second embodiment and function in the same way.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
1) Since the punch hole selection screen is displayed on another screen when selecting an online ring punch hole or when selecting an offline ring book punch hole, when the ring book punch hole is selected, 1 to 4 holes are selected. A hole or off-line punch hole (punch processing by a post-processing device) can be selected without error by an operator (user), and setting errors at the time of punch selection can be reduced. As a result, operability can be improved.

2) When an online ring punch hole is selected as the paper discharge destination for the paper with the punches for the online ring and other paper discharge destinations with punch holes other than that, or for the offline bookbinding Since it is displayed on the operation unit screen at the time of selection, the operability is further improved.
3) The screen for selecting a punch hole for online ring punching, or when selecting an offline ring punching hole for punching a different area, is used by dedicated operators, etc. Since a plurality of punch functions can be displayed on the same screen for a user who does not make a mistake, the setting can be performed more quickly. As a result, the operation time can be shortened and the working efficiency can be improved.
4) When used as a printer instead of the MFP, a screen similar to the operation panel of the MFP is displayed on the printer driver screen of the PC, and punch holes can be selected by the same operation as in the MFP. The operability when using the printer can be improved.
There are effects such as.

1 is a front view of an external appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of the ring binder bookbinding apparatus 3. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an online control configuration of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a “ring binding key” selection screen according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display screen when a “ring binding key” is not selected in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen on which an image forming system image indicating a discharge destination at the time of online processing is displayed on the ring binding function unit of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen on which an image forming system image indicating a discharge destination at the time of offline processing is displayed on the ring binding function unit of FIG. 4. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure in punch processing of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the system recognition process in FIG. It is a figure which shows the selection screen in Example 2. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display screen on which a selection screen and an image forming system image indicating a discharge destination are displayed in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
1U CPU
3 Ring binder binding device 3U CPU
5 Post-processing device 5U CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Operation panel 130 Ring binding function display part 131 "Bookbinding" key 132 "Punch only" key 133 "Ring binding" key 135 135 Image forming system image 135a, 135b Paper discharge destination 140 Post-processing function display part 140 'Post-processing / Ring Bookbinding function display section 140a “2-hole punch” key 140b “3-hole punch” key 170 “display mode selection” key

Claims (17)

A sheet for paper processing including bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In the processing system,
The operation input display areas of the punching process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus are respectively provided in different display areas of the operation panel on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Paper processing system. A sheet for paper processing including bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In the processing system,
A first display mode in which operation input display areas for punch processing related to the bind bookbinding process and punch processing related to the punch processing apparatus are provided in different display areas of the operation panel on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, respectively. A second display mode collectively provided in the same display area of the operation panel;
A paper processing system comprising: The paper processing system according to claim 1,
The operation input display areas of the punch process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punch process related to the punch processing apparatus are respectively set in the ring bookbinding function display part and the post-processing function display part of the operation panel. Paper processing system. The sheet processing system according to claim 2,
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein operation input display areas of the punching process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus are set in a post-processing function display unit of the operation panel. The paper processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The paper processing system, wherein a paper discharge destination of the paper processed by the ring bookbinding processing apparatus is displayed on the operation panel. The paper processing system according to claim 1 or 2,
The paper processing system, wherein a paper discharge destination of the paper processed by the punch processing device is displayed on the operation panel. The paper processing system according to claim 5 or 6,
The paper processing system, wherein the paper discharge destination displayed on the operation panel is the ring binding function display unit. The sheet processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The sheet processing system, wherein the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is connected to a subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus, and the punch processing apparatus is connected to a subsequent stage of the bind bookbinding processing apparatus. The paper processing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The paper processing system, wherein the paper discharge destination is displayed as a part of a system configuration diagram of the paper processing system. The paper processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A sheet processing system, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer, and the operation panel is a display screen controlled by a printer driver of a personal computer connected to the printer. The paper processing system according to claim 4.
When processing is performed by the punch processing apparatus, a plurality of keys for setting types of holes to be processed by the punch processing apparatus are displayed on the post-processing function display unit of the operation panel. system. The paper processing system according to claim 4.
When processing is performed by the bind bookbinding processing apparatus, a key for selecting processing by the bind bookbinding processing apparatus is displayed on the ring bookbinding function display section of the operation panel. The paper processing system according to claim 12, wherein
When the process is selected by a key for selecting a process in the bind bookbinding process, a key for selecting bookbinding and a key for selecting only punching are displayed on the ring bookbinding function display unit. Paper processing system. The paper processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
A paper processing system, wherein the connections are simultaneously connected in series. A sheet for paper processing including bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In a display control method for a processing system,
The operation input display areas of the punching process related to the bind bookbinding process and the punching process related to the punching apparatus are respectively provided in different display areas of the operation panel on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus,
A display control method for a paper processing system, wherein each of a punching process related to the binding bookbinding process and a punching process related to the punch processing apparatus are displayed so as to be selectively input within each operation input display area. A sheet for paper processing including bookbinding processing by connecting a bind bookbinding processing device having a punch processing function and a plurality of post-processing devices including a punch processing device to a subsequent stage of an image forming device that forms and outputs a visible image on a recording medium. In a display control method for a processing system,
A first display mode in which operation input display areas for punch processing related to the bind bookbinding process and punch processing related to the punch processing apparatus are provided in different display areas of the operation panel on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, respectively. And a second display mode provided together in the same display area of the operation panel,
A display control method for a sheet processing system, wherein display is performed in one of the two modes by a selection operation of the first and second display modes. The display control method for a paper processing system according to claim 15 or 16,
A display control method for a sheet processing system, wherein the connections are simultaneously connected in series.

Images