JP2021011035A - Image formation apparatus and image formation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which can shorten the time required for post-processing in a case where an inoperable post-processing unit exists.SOLUTION: In an image formation apparatus, a post-processing part includes a post-processing unit which performs processing for each sheet and a post-processing unit which performs processing for every plural sheets, as post-processing units. A control part determines whether or not the post-processing unit is operable, stops execution of the post-processing for every plural sheets excluding cutting processing among the operable post-processing, in accordance with the post-processing unit that is determined to be inoperable, and permits execution of the post-processing for each sheet that is determined to be operable and the cutting processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method.

In the image forming apparatus, an image is formed on paper in an image forming unit, and various post-processing is performed on the paper on which the image is formed in a post-processing unit. The post-processing unit of the image forming apparatus is composed of a post-processing unit that realizes various post-processing functions such as paper cutting processing, paper folding processing, staple processing, and punch processing.

Further, the post-processing unit arranged in the post-processing unit includes a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper and a post-processing unit that processes each sheet. As a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper, for example, there is a post-processing unit that performs processing such as perforation processing, folding processing, and foil stamping processing. Further, as a post-processing unit that processes a plurality of sheets of paper, there is a post-processing unit that performs processing such as binding, cutting processing, staples, gluing, and binding.

A plurality of post-processing units are mounted on the post-processing unit in order to perform many processes, but an abnormality may occur in one of the post-processing units and the post-processing unit may become inoperable. For example, the operation of the post-processing unit may be stopped due to a paper jam in the processed portion in the post-processing unit. Further, in the folding process and the cutting process, it is necessary to perform a process in which a strong load is generated on the post-processing unit side for bending or cutting the paper bundle, and an abnormality such as a lock or disconnection of the drive motor due to an overload occurs. In some cases.

When an abnormality occurs in the post-processing unit as described above, only the post-processing function that uses the post-processing unit in which the abnormality has occurred cannot be used, and other post-processing functions can be used to form an image. It has been proposed to avoid a state in which the entire device is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-314833

In the image forming apparatus, when any of the post-processing units is inoperable, the post-processing is executed by using the offline post-processing device separately from the online post-processing unit arranged in the post-processing unit. , The user can get the desired deliverable (output).

However, if the post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper is stopped and the post-processing that processes each sheet is executed by the online post-processing unit, the paper is processed using the offline post-processing device. Post-processing that processes one sheet at a time cannot be executed.
Further, when the post-processing for processing each sheet of paper is performed using an offline post-processing device, it takes time to complete the post-processing for all the sheets.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of shortening the time required for post-processing when there is an inoperable post-processing unit.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the paper on which an image is formed, and a control unit that controls according to a user's operation. The post-processing unit has, as a post-processing unit, a post-processing unit that performs processing for each sheet and a post-processing unit that performs processing for each of a plurality of sheets. The control unit determines whether the post-processing unit can operate, and stops the execution of post-processing for each of a plurality of operable post-processing except the cutting process, depending on the post-processing unit determined to be inoperable. However, the post-processing and cutting processing for each sheet judged to be operable are permitted.

The image forming method of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper on which an image is formed, and a post-processing unit that processes each sheet. It is used for an image forming apparatus including a post-processing unit having the above and a control unit that controls according to a user's operation. The control unit determines whether the post-processing unit can operate, and stops the execution of post-processing for each of a plurality of operable post-processing except the cutting process, depending on the post-processing unit determined to be inoperable. However, the post-processing and cutting processing for each sheet judged to be operable are permitted.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of shortening the time required for post-processing in the presence of an inoperable post-processing unit.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart for setting the execution of a post-processing function. This is an example of a screen for provisional processing settings to be displayed on the display unit. This is an example of a screen during provisional processing setting to be displayed on the display unit. This is an example of the job execution history screen displayed on the display unit. It is a flowchart of the process which a control part sets a provisional process. It is a figure which shows the example of the post-processing unit table. It is a figure which shows the example of the print setting which shows that the post-processing was executed in the provisional processing setting. It is a figure which shows the example of the cutting process performed on a paper. It is a flowchart when the post-processing unit becomes inoperable during job execution. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting table of the provisional processing delimiter.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

<Image forming device>
Hereinafter, an example of a specific embodiment of the image forming apparatus will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming unit 101, a control unit 102, a paper feeding unit 104, a storage device 105, a post-processing unit including a plurality of post-processing units 106, 107, 108, and a paper ejection tray 109. 110 is provided, and each unit is connected along the paper direction of the paper transport path 103. It also includes an image forming apparatus 100 and an operation display unit 115 that accepts operations and displays information by the user.

In the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 102 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The control unit 102 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown). The CPU reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM, expands it in the RAM, executes the expanded program, and controls the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 100 and the like. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 105 are referred to.

The storage unit 105 is composed of, for example, a storage device such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a program for the CPU of the control unit 102 to control each unit, a program such as an OS (Operating System), and a controller. , Memorize the data. A part of the program and data stored in the storage unit 105 may be stored in the ROM of the control unit 102. Further, the readable recording medium in which the program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 is stored is not limited to the HDD, and is, for example, a recording medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a CD-ROM, or a DVD-ROM. You may.

The operation display unit 115 is installed on the upper surface of the housing constituting the image forming apparatus 100, and includes a touch panel capable of touch operation including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and hardware including various buttons such as number keys and start buttons. Have a key. The operation display unit 115 accepts input operations by the user such as image formation conditions such as paper size and paper feed tray, and processing conditions of the post-processing unit. In addition, various information such as the state of the image forming apparatus 100 for notifying the user and the state of each configuration is displayed.

The paper feed unit 104 has a plurality of paper feed trays for accommodating various types of paper such as A4 size and A3 size. When the start of the image forming process is selected by the operation display unit 115 or the like, the paper feed unit 104 takes out the paper from the paper feed tray by a pickup roller, a handling roller, or the like. Then, the taken-out paper is transported one by one to the paper transport path 103 by a transport roller or the like.

In the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 101 includes a transfer unit 111, a photoconductor 113, an image forming unit including a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, and the like (not shown), and a fixing unit 112. The image forming unit 101 forms an image with each color toner of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) based on the input image data.

The image forming unit 101 adds an electric charge to the photoconductor 113 of each color (YMCK) by the charging unit, and then irradiates the photoconductor 113 with laser light from the exposed unit to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 113. Then, the developing unit visualizes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 113 to form a toner image. After that, the toner image is transferred to the transfer unit 111 for each color (YMCK), and the toner image transferred to the transfer unit 111 is transferred to the surface of the paper conveyed at a predetermined timing by the secondary transfer unit 114. The paper on which the image is transferred is transported to the fixing unit 112 installed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 101 in the paper transport direction.

The fixing unit 112 is composed of, for example, a pressure roller, a fixing roller, a belt, or the like, and heats and pressurizes the paper conveyed from the image forming unit 101 to fix the toner image on the paper. .. The paper fixed by the fixing unit 112 is conveyed to the post-processing units 106, 107, 108 designated by the user.

The post-processing unit executes predetermined post-processing by operating the post-processing units 106, 107, and 108. The post-processing units 106, 107, and 108 include a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper and a post-processing unit that processes each sheet. As a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper, for example, there is a post-processing unit that performs processing such as perforation processing, folding processing, and foil stamping processing. Further, as a post-processing unit that processes a plurality of sheets of paper, there is a post-processing unit that performs processing such as binding, cutting processing, staples, gluing, and binding. The post-processing unit that processes a plurality of sheets of paper is a post-processing unit that can perform post-processing on one or more sheets of paper. When the post-processing unit that processes multiple sheets of paper is requested to process multiple sheets of paper as a unit in a job, the post-processing unit is used for each set number of sheets of the job or for each unit of a predetermined number of sheets. Perform post-processing. Further, if only one sheet of paper is required in the job, the post-processing unit that processes each of a plurality of sheets can also perform post-processing with one sheet.
The paper that has passed through the post-processing unit is ejected from the output trays 109 and 110.

[Block diagram of image forming apparatus]
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 201, a display unit 202, an operation unit 203, an image forming unit 204, a post-processing unit 205, a communication unit 206, and a storage unit 207.

The control unit 201 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 206. Do. The control unit 201 receives, for example, image data (input image data) transmitted from an external device, and forms an image on paper based on the image data. The communication unit 71 is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card.

The storage unit 207 is used as an example of a computer-readable non-transient recording medium that stores a program executed by the control unit 201.
The communication unit 206 is composed of a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, or the like, establishes a connection with a post-processing unit and an external device (not shown), and executes transmission / reception of various data.

The display unit 202 and the operation unit 203 (operation display unit 115) receive input of various settings such as printing conditions and execution timing of formation position adjustment of front and back images, display of device status, and input of various instructions. The control unit 201 receives job settings by the user, registration of post-processing functions using the post-processing device, and the like from the operation unit 203. Then, based on the control of the control unit 201, the display is performed on the display unit 202. For example, the processing result of the control unit 201 is displayed on the display unit 202.

The control unit 201 controls the control of the image formation process (printing operation) of the image forming unit 204 and the execution of the post-processing function of the post-processing unit 205 based on the instruction of the job set through the operation unit 203.
For example, the control unit 201 supplies the image information formed by the user to the image forming unit 204. The image forming unit 204 causes the image forming unit (transfer unit 111, photoconductor 113, etc., see FIG. 1) to perform image forming. Further, the control unit 201 causes the fixing unit 112 to execute the fixing operation.

Further, the control unit 201 controls the operation of the post-processing units 106, 107, 108 (see FIG. 1) and the execution of the post-processing function in the post-processing unit 205 according to the instruction of the set job. For example, the control unit 201 operates the post-processing unit 205 to perform punching, stapling, folding, cutting, bookbinding, pasting with glue, etc. set by the job on the paper conveyed from the image forming unit 204. The post-processing is executed in the post-processing units 106, 107, 108.

Further, the control unit 201 detects an inoperable post-processing unit in the post-processing unit 205. For example, the control unit 201 receives information from a sensor or the like provided in each post-processing unit in the post-processing unit 205, and detects an operating state of the post-processing member mounted on each post-processing unit.

When the inoperable post-processing unit is detected, the control unit 201 performs the following control according to the type of the detected inoperable after-processing unit.
If the inoperable post-processing unit is a post-processing unit that processes paper one by one, the control unit 201 stops the post-processing function that uses the inoperable post-processing unit that processes each sheet. Further, the post-processing function that uses the post-processing unit that processes each of a plurality of sheets is also stopped except for the cutting processing function.
Further, the control unit 201 permits the execution of the post-processing function of the post-processing using the post-processing unit that processes each operable sheet and the cutting process.

If the inoperable post-processing unit is a post-processing unit that processes multiple sheets of paper, the control unit 201 stops the post-processing function that uses the inoperable post-processing unit that processes each of a plurality of sheets. .. Further, the control unit 201 stops not only the inoperable post-processing unit but also the post-processing function that uses the other post-processing unit that processes each of a plurality of sheets, except for the cutting process.
Further, the control unit 201 permits the execution of the post-processing function of the post-processing using the post-processing unit that processes each sheet and the cutting process.

If the inoperable post-processing unit is a post-processing unit that cuts a plurality of sheets of paper, the control unit 201 stops the post-processing function of the post-processing unit that performs the cutting process. Further, the post-processing function that uses the post-processing unit that processes each of a plurality of sheets other than the cutting process is stopped.
Further, the control unit 201 permits the execution of the post-processing function using the post-processing unit that processes each sheet.

The cutting processing function that is permitted when an inoperable post-processing unit is detected may allow all cutting processing for the paper, but the number of copies of the paper (artifact) on which the image is formed after the post-processing does not increase. It is preferable to allow only cutting processing. Cutting, which increases the number of copies of the product, is not preferable because the number of copies to be post-processed offline increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 201 only allows the cutting process in which the number of copies of the deliverable does not increase.

[Flowchart for setting execution of post-processing function]
The control method for setting the execution of the post-processing function performed by the post-processing unit 205 in the control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for setting the execution of the post-processing function.

First, the control unit 201 receives a print job execution request from a terminal (PC or the like) via the communication unit 206, and saves the print job information in the storage unit 207 (step S100). Then, the control unit 201 reads the post-processing setting of the print job information from the storage unit 207, and detects the post-processing unit necessary for executing the print job (step S101).

Next, the control unit 201 acquires the status of the post-processing units 106, 107, 108 connected to the post-processing unit (step S102). Then, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the post-processing unit required for executing the print job includes an inoperable post-processing unit (step S103).

When there is an inoperable post-processing unit (YES in step S103), the control unit 201 sets a provisional processing setting for restricting the execution of the post-processing function using the inoperable post-processing unit and executing the job. (Step S106). Details of the provisional processing setting in step S6 will be described later.

The control unit 201 displays a message indicating that the post-processing function using the inoperable post-processing unit in the job is set, the provisional processing setting set in step S106, and a message as to whether to allow the provisional processing setting. Is displayed (step S107). Then, the control unit 201 accepts the selection by the user and determines whether or not the job setting change by the provisional processing setting is permitted (step S108).

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for displaying the provisional processing setting on the display unit 202. As shown in FIG. 4, as an error notification, the control unit 201 displays a display indicating an inoperable post-processing unit, information on recommended job setting changes, and whether or not the user allows post-processing setting changes. A message for selecting is displayed on the display unit 202. Note that FIG. 4 shows a case where post-processing A1, post-processing A2, and post-processing B are set in the job. Further, the post-processing A1 and the post-processing A2 show a post-processing function using a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper, and the post-processing B is a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper other than the cutting process. Shows the post-processing function using.

In FIG. 4, since the post-processing unit that executes the post-processing A1 cannot operate due to a failure, it is recommended to turn off the setting of the post-processing A1. Further, in order to facilitate the execution of the post-processing A1 by the offline post-processing apparatus, it is recommended to turn off the setting of the post-processing B for processing each plurality of sheets in accordance with the post-processing A1. Further, it is recommended that the post-processing A2, which is operable and processes the paper sheet by sheet, is executed with the setting turned ON.

When the job setting change is permitted (YES in step S108), the control unit 201 updates the job setting so as to apply the provisional processing setting to the print job information (step S109). Then, the control unit 201 displays on the display unit 202 that the provisional processing is being set (step S110).

FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for displaying on the display unit 202 that the provisional processing is being set. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 201 is executing the job with the provisional processing setting due to the fact that the job is being executed in the image forming apparatus 100 and the failure (inoperability) of the post-processing A1 as a warning display. The display unit 202 indicates that the job is being executed (job 1), the waiting job (job 2, job 3), and whether or not the provisional processing is applied to each job. To do.

If there is no inoperable post-processing unit (NO in step S103), or after processing in step S110, the control unit 201 instructs the image forming unit 204 to execute image formation on paper based on the print job information. Then, the post-processing unit 205 is instructed to execute the post-processing on the image-formed paper (step S104).

Then, the control unit 201 adds the information of the print job that has been executed to the job execution history (step S105), and ends the process according to this flowchart. At this time, if provisional processing is being set, that fact is recorded in the job execution history. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 201 has, as the job execution history, the names of the jobs that have been executed (job 1, job 2, job 3, job 4, job 5) and provisional processing in each job. The storage unit 207 stores the display "provisional process" indicating whether or not the job has been applied and the completion date and time of each job. Then, the control unit 201 displays the job execution history on the display unit 202 as needed.

If the job setting change is not permitted (NO in step S108), the control unit 201 deletes the print job information from the storage unit 207 and informs the display unit 202 that the execution of the print job has been stopped. It is displayed (step S111), and the process according to this flowchart is terminated.

[Temporary processing settings]
Next, the provisional processing setting in step S106 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the process in which the control unit 201 sets the provisional process.

In the provisional processing setting, first, the control unit 201 generates a provisional processing setting in which the execution setting of the post-processing function using the inoperable post-processing unit is changed from ON to OFF (step S200).
Then, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the inoperable post-processing unit is a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper (step S201). For example, the control unit 201 determines by referring to the post-processing unit table in which the processing unit is set for each post-processing unit (post-processing function) stored in the storage unit 207. An example of the post-processing unit table is shown in FIG. In the post-processing unit table shown in FIG. 8, it is set whether to process one sheet at a time or a plurality of sheets for each post-processing function that can be executed by the post-processing unit 205. In FIG. 8, perforation processing, crease processing, coating, foil stamping processing, embossing processing, and punching processing are set as post-processing functions for processing each sheet of paper, and binding, cutting processing, staple processing, and so on. Gluing, wrapping, and binding are set as post-processing functions that process multiple sheets of paper. In the post-processing unit table, the processing unit may be set not for each post-processing function but for each post-processing unit mounted on the post-processing unit 205. Further, the processing unit for each post-processing function shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and the processing unit for each post-processing function (post-processing unit) can be arbitrarily set for each one or a plurality of sheets.

Next, when the inoperable post-processing unit is a post-processing unit that processes the paper sheet by sheet (YES in step S201), the control unit 201 refers to the print job information stored in the storage unit 207, and refers to the print job information. It is determined whether or not the post-processing using the post-processing unit that processes a plurality of sheets of paper is set in the job (step S203). In this determination, the control unit 201 makes a determination with reference to the post-processing unit table (FIG. 8) in the same manner as in step S201 described above.

When the post-processing to be processed for each of a plurality of sheets is set (YES in step S203), the control unit 201 determines whether or not the post-processing to be processed for each of the set plurality of sheets is a cutting process. (Step S204).

When the post-processing for processing each of a plurality of sheets is not a cutting process (NO in step S204), the control unit 201 changes the execution setting of the post-processing function for processing each of a plurality of sheets from ON to OFF and sets the provisional processing setting. Update (step S205).

If the inoperable post-processing unit is not a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper (NO in step S201), or if the post-processing that processes each sheet is not set (NO in step S203), a plurality of sheets. When the post-processing to be processed for each sheet is a cutting process (YES in step S204), or after updating the provisional processing setting by turning off the execution setting of the post-processing function in step S205, the control unit 201 sets the provisional processing setting. The print setting of the image formed by the image forming unit 204 is set so as to print a mark or the like indicating that the post-processing has been executed (step S202), and the processing according to this flowchart is completed.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a print setting indicating that the post-processing has been executed in the provisional processing setting. On the paper shown in FIG. 9, "PROVISIONAL" is printed as an example of a mark indicating that post-processing has been executed in the provisional processing setting as an example of the printing setting. The print setting shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the control unit 201 can arbitrarily set the image forming unit 204.

According to the above-mentioned processing, even if any of the post-processing units mounted on the post-processing unit 205 becomes inoperable, the post-processing unit that processes the operable paper one by one and the cutting process. It is possible to execute post-processing by the post-processing unit. Therefore, as compared with the case where all the post-processing is stopped, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing time when the post-processing not performed by the post-processing unit 205 is replaced by the offline post-processing device.

In the above-mentioned flowchart, a case where one post-processing for processing a plurality of sheets of paper is set is described as an example. When a plurality of post-processes for processing each of a plurality of sheets of paper are set, the processes of steps S204 to S205 described above are repeated for each post-processing (for each of a plurality of sheets). When multiple types of post-processing for processing each sheet of paper are set and one of the post-processing for processing each sheet is infeasible (inoperable), some of the post-processing is inoperable. If only the post-processing for each of a plurality of sheets is performed, the post-processing by the offline post-processing machine becomes difficult. For this reason, if one of the post-processing to be processed for each of a plurality of sheets is infeasible (inoperable), a provisional process is performed so as not to execute the post-processing for all of the plurality of sheets except the cutting process. It is preferable to set it.

(Judgment of cutting process)
The determination of whether or not the cutting process is performed in step S204 described above not only determines whether or not the cutting process of all conditions is performed on the paper, but also determines whether or not the cutting process is performed, and the number of copies of the job deliverable is before the cutting process. It may be determined whether or not the cutting process is performed under conditions that do not increase from the number of sheets of paper. Cutting, which increases the number of copies of the product, is not preferable because the number of copies to be post-processed offline increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 201 only allows the cutting process in which the number of copies of the deliverable does not increase.

When the number of copies of the product increases due to the cutting process, the time for other post-processing in the offline post-processing machine increases in proportion to the increase in the number of copies. For this reason, in the cutting process, it is preferable to allow only the cutting process in which the number of copies of the deliverable after the cutting process does not increase, rather than the number of sheets before the cutting process. By permitting only the cutting process that does not increase the number of copies of the deliverable, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing time when the post-processing that was not performed by the post-processing unit 205 is replaced by the offline post-processing device.

Whether or not the number of copies of the deliverable is increased is determined by, for example, whether the position where the paper is cut includes the portion provided to the user as the deliverable of the job (hereinafter referred to as "commodity section") or the job. It is determined whether or not only the part (hereinafter referred to as "waste part") that is not provided to the user as a product of Then, if the cutting position is only the scrap portion, the control unit 201 sets the provisional processing by setting the cutting process to remain ON. Further, when the cutting position is included in the product unit, the control unit 201 turns off the cutting processing setting and sets the provisional processing.

FIG. 10 shows an example of cutting processing performed on paper. FIG. 10 shows an example of a cutting process for producing three deliverables from one sheet of paper. In FIG. 10, the shaded portion including the central portion of the paper is the product section 301, and the portion surrounding the product section 301 on three sides is the waste section 302 that is discarded after cutting. Further, as the cutting process, the position where the cutting (three-way cutting) is performed is shown by the solid line 303. The alternate long and short dash line 304 indicates the position where the product unit 301 is cut into three pieces. The position of the perforation to be formed on the product section 301 is indicated by the broken line 305.

In the cutting process, when only the cutting process in which the number of copies of the deliverable is not increased is permitted, the control unit 201 executes the cutting process because the cutting process at the position indicated by the solid line 303 is only the cutting process of the waste unit 302 not including the product unit 301. Make provisional processing settings to allow. However, the control unit 201 sets a provisional process so as not to permit the execution because the cutting process at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line 304 is the cutting process of the portion including the product unit 301 and the number of copies of the deliverable increases due to the cutting process. I do. Further, since the perforation processing is a post-processing for processing each sheet of paper (see FIG. 8), the control unit 201 is allowed to perform the processing even for the processing of the portion including the product unit 301. Make provisional processing settings.

In this way, instead of the determination process of whether or not to perform the cutting process, it may be determined whether or not the number of copies of the deliverable is increased by the cutting process. Then, by setting the fixed processing so as to allow only the cutting process (for example, three-way cutting, four-way cutting, etc.) that does not increase the number of copies of the deliverable, the time required for the post-processing by the offline post-processing device is suppressed. can do.

Further, when the cutting process is not performed, when the print setting is performed in step S202 described above, the positioning register mark or the like is formed on the paper when the print setting of the mark indicating that the post-processing has been executed in the provisional process setting is performed. The print setting of the image formed by the image forming unit 204 may be set so as to print the mark and the like. In FIG. 9 described above, cutting register marks 402a to 402f are printed as examples of positioning register marks along with a mark indicating the provisional processing setting. By printing marks such as positioning register marks on the paper, it becomes easier to confirm the cutting position when performing cutting processing with an offline post-processing machine, and the time required for post-processing with an offline post-processing device can be reduced. It can be suppressed.

[Stop the post-processing function during job execution]
The post-processing unit that was operating before the job execution started may become inoperable during the job execution. An example of setting the execution of post-processing corresponding to the case where the post-processing unit becomes inoperable during such job execution will be described.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for the control unit 201 to set the execution of the post-processing function in response to the case where the post-processing unit becomes inoperable during job execution. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is partially the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 described above. Therefore, in the following description, description of the same processing as the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 described above will be omitted.

First, the processes of steps S300 to S303 are performed in the same manner as in steps S100 to S103 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

If the inoperable post-processing unit does not exist (NO in step S303), that is, if the inoperable post-processing unit does not occur during job execution, the control unit 201 forms an image based on the print job information. Instruct unit 204 to form an image on paper, and instruct post-processing unit 205 to post-process each sheet of image-formed paper (step S304).

Next, the control unit 201 refers to the print job information, and then determines whether or not there is unoutput paper for which image formation and post-processing are performed (step S305).
If there is unoutput paper (YES in step S305), the process returns to step S302.

If there is an inoperable post-processing unit (YES in step S303), that is, if an inoperable post-processing unit occurs during job execution, steps S106 to S109 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 above and The processes of steps S308 to S311 and step S315 are performed in the same manner as in step S111.

Then, after updating the job information to the provisional processing setting in step S311, the provisional processing delimiter setting for changing the paper transport condition is acquired from the storage unit 207 (step S312). As for the provisional processing delimiter setting, the provisional processing setting is applied so that the user can know the division position between the paper to which the job setting before the provisional processing setting is applied and the paper to which the provisional processing setting is applied. Applies to paper. Further, in the provisional processing delimiter setting, the operation on the paper set in advance by the user is stored in the storage unit 207 as a data table or the like. The control unit 201 stores the information of the provisional processing delimiter set by the user, for example, the setting table of the provisional processing delimiter in the storage unit 207.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a setting table for provisional processing delimiters. In FIG. 12, “shift”, “partition paper”, and “another output tray” are shown as examples of provisional processing delimiter settings.
The “shift” is to move the position or stack position of the sheets to be processed after the provisional processing break is set in the transport path to the front side or the back side of the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the paper is ejected so as to be stacked at the offset positions on the output trays 109 and 110.
The “partition paper” is a partition paper inserted at a partition position between the paper before the provisional processing break is set and the paper after the provisional processing break is set.
The “separate output tray” means that the paper before the provisional processing delimiter is set and the paper after the provisional processing delimiter is set are ejected to different output trays. For example, the paper before the provisional processing break is set is discharged to the output tray 109, and the paper after the provisional processing division is set is discharged to the output tray 110.

After acquiring the provisional delimiter setting, the process of step S313 is performed in the same manner as in step S110 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, after the processing in step S313, the control unit 201 updates the print job information so as to set the reoutput for the job being processed (step S314). In the re-output setting, the re-output setting may be made so that the copy of the job being processed at the timing when the post-processing unit becomes inoperable is re-executed from the first sheet of the copy unit. The re-output setting may be set so that the job is re-executed from the first sheet (first sheet) of the job.

As an example of the re-output setting, a case where the post-processing unit becomes inoperable at the 100th image in a total of 120 image forming jobs in which the staple processing is performed every 30 images will be described. In this job, the unit of staple processing is 1 to 30, 31 to 60, 61 to 90, and 91 to 120. Then, when the post-processing unit becomes inoperable at the 100th sheet, the output is set so that the job is performed again for the units of 91 to 120 sheets including the 100th sheet.
By re-outputting in units of copies, it is possible to perform post-processing in the offline post-processing machine collectively for each copy. Further, by re-outputting in units of copies, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to match the paper before and after the post-processing unit becomes inoperable in units of copies.
Further, as compared with the case of re-outputting from the first sheet of the job, by restarting from the 91st sheet, the amount of discarded paper (spoiled paper) can be reduced.

After updating the print job information so as to perform the re-output setting, the process proceeds to the process of step S304, the control unit 201 instructs the image forming unit 204 to form an image on paper, and the post-processing unit 205 is instructed. The post-processing of each sheet of image-formed paper is instructed. At this time, if the job is being executed by the provisional processing setting, the post-processing unit 205 applies the paper division operation before and after applying the provisional processing setting according to the provisional processing delimiter setting acquired in step S312 described above. , Output paper.

When there is no unoutput paper (NO in step S305), the control unit 201 instructs the post-processing unit 205 to perform post-processing for each of a plurality of image-formed sheets based on the print job information (step S306). Then, the process of step S307 is performed in the same manner as in step S105 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, and the process according to this flowchart is completed.

As a result of the above processing, even if any of the post-processing units mounted on the post-processing unit 205 becomes inoperable during job execution, the provisional processing setting is applied at the timing when the post-processing unit becomes inoperable. can do. Thereby, it is possible to execute the post-processing unit that processes the operable paper one by one and the post-processing by the post-processing unit that performs the cutting process. Therefore, as compared with the case where all the post-processing is stopped, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing time when the post-processing not performed by the post-processing unit 205 is replaced by the offline post-processing device.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the configuration of the present invention.

71,206 communication unit, 100 image forming unit, 101,204 image forming unit, 102,201 control unit, 103 paper transport path, 104 paper feeding unit, 105 storage device, 106,107,108 post-processing unit, 109,110 Paper output tray, 111 transfer part, 112 fixing part, 113 photoconductor, 115 operation display part, 202 display part, 203 operation part, 205 post-processing part, 207 storage part, 301 product part, 302 waste part, 303 solid line, 304 One-dot chain line, 305 broken line, 402a to f cutting dragonfly

Claims (12)

An image forming part that forms an image on paper,
A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the paper on which the image is formed,
An image forming apparatus including a control unit that controls according to a user's operation.
The post-processing unit has, as a post-processing unit, the post-processing unit that performs processing for each sheet and the post-processing unit that performs processing for each of a plurality of sheets.
The control unit determines whether the post-processing unit can operate, and determines whether or not the post-processing unit can operate.
According to the post-processing unit determined to be inoperable, among the post-processing that can be operated, the execution of the post-processing for each of a plurality of sheets excluding the cutting process is stopped.
An image forming apparatus that permits post-processing for each sheet judged to be operable and execution of the cutting process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit permits the cutting process in which the number of copies of the deliverable after the cutting process is not increased from the number of sheets before the cutting process is performed. When the job includes post-processing using the post-processing unit determined to be inoperable, the control unit stops the inoperable post-processing and the post-processing for each of a plurality of sheets excluding the cutting process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which notifies the user of the provisional processing setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the user is permitted to change the setting of the job to the provisional processing setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit executes the job with the provisional processing setting when the provisional processing setting is permitted to the user. When the job is executed with the provisional processing setting, the control unit prints on the image forming unit so as to print a mark indicating that the job is being executed with the provisional processing setting on the paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit cancels the job when the provisional processing setting is not permitted by the user. When the job is executed with the provisional processing setting, the control unit sets a provisional processing delimiter setting for separating the paper to which the provisional processing setting is applied from the paper to which the provisional processing setting is not applied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, which is applied to the paper to which the provisional processing setting is applied. When the post-processing unit becomes inoperable during job execution, the control unit notifies the user of the provisional processing setting at the timing when the post-processing unit becomes inoperable, and informs the user of the provisional processing setting. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined whether or not the change of the setting of the job to the processing setting is permitted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit sets an output so that the job is executed again in the provisional processing setting when the provisional processing setting is permitted by the user. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit re-executes the job from the first sheet of the unit in which the processing is performed. An image forming part that forms an image on paper,
A post-processing unit having a post-processing unit that processes each sheet of paper on which an image is formed and the post-processing unit that processes each sheet.
An image forming method using an image forming apparatus including a control unit that controls according to a user's operation.
The control unit determines whether the post-processing unit can operate, and determines whether or not the post-processing unit can operate.
According to the post-processing unit determined to be inoperable, among the post-processing that can be operated, the execution of the post-processing for each of a plurality of sheets excluding the cutting process is stopped.
An image forming method that permits post-processing for each sheet determined to be operable and execution of the cutting process.

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