JP2005049392A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in which an image forming system having a plurality of printing decks requires complex control in order to maintain productivity. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming system includes a paper feed buffer device 1300 which has paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 for temporarily storing printing paper to be supplied to an image forming apparatus 100 from a plurality of printing decks 1200a to 1200d and supplies the printing paper stored in the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to the image forming apparatus 100. Only the required number of sheets of paper for the contents of jobs are stored in the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming system capable of supplying a large amount of various types of printing paper and performing image forming processing at high speed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a field called on-demand printing has attracted attention as a field related to digital copying machines and printing. This on-demand print can meet the demand for many kinds and small lots, and the contents can be easily changed, which is suitable for production of documents such as manuals and personal pamphlets. Furthermore, a significant reduction in man-hours is achieved by greatly reducing print inventory, in-line data entry to bookbinding completion, and data transfer is facilitated by connecting to customers via digital lines, resulting in significantly reduced delivery times and delivery. Cost reduction can be realized.
[0003]
As for such on-demand printing technology, there is one that uses an image recording device such as a digital copying machine, and this copying machine has been improved to a level close to printed matter due to the recent improvement in image quality, such as catalogs and product manuals. It has come to be used for printing booklets or booklets such as handouts in offices.
[0004]
In an image forming system using a copying machine that supports on-demand printing, a plurality of printing paper decks that can store a large amount of printing paper are connected side by side in order to support a wide variety of materials (hereinafter referred to as “duplicate”). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0005]
Furthermore, Z-folding processing (for example, processing for Z-folding A3 size to Z-folding to A4 size) is performed on the sheet output after image formation processing from the copying machine. An image forming system has been proposed in which post-processing steps such as inserter processing for inserting sheets such as paper, stapling processing for binding a bundle of sheets, punch punching processing for punching sheets, and bookbinding processing such as glue binding are performed in a series of job operations. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
[0006]
FIG. 12 shows an example of this image forming system. In this system, a plurality of large-capacity print paper decks B can be connected to the copier A to supply a large variety of large-capacity print papers. A paper discharge processing apparatus C that performs post-processing such as processing, inserter processing, stapling processing, punch punching processing, and bookbinding processing is connected to the copier A.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-T-2001-506212 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-21803
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the image forming system in which a plurality of large-capacity print paper decks B shown in FIG. 12 are connected in cascade, the print paper transport path from each print paper deck B to the copier A is shared. A configuration is generally used, and this configuration has the following problems.
[0009]
For example, in the case of a job for creating a sheet bundle in which a plurality of types of materials are mixed in the same bundle, the print paper deck to be used may be changed by changing the material, for example, the print closest to the image forming apparatus When changing to the furthest print paper deck from the paper deck, if the paper is fed from the print paper deck at the normal paper feed timing, the print paper interval (hereinafter referred to as “between paper”) will be long due to the long conveyance path. There is a problem that productivity is lowered due to the large opening of the product.
[0010]
And as a technique for solving these problems, in order to change the paper feed timing in consideration of the number of connected print paper decks and the connection arrangement of the print paper decks, or to shorten the paper gap Complex transport control, such as accelerating and transporting print paper on the transport path, or transporting to a predetermined position on the transport path and waiting in advance, and restarting from the standby position depending on the positional relationship with the preceding print paper Otherwise, productivity could not be maintained with a constant paper gap.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that can simplify the conveyance control of print paper and has good operability.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, a plurality of sheet storage apparatuses that are connected to the image forming apparatus and store sheets to be supplied to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus from the sheet storage apparatus to the image forming apparatus A sheet supply buffer tray for temporarily storing sheets supplied to the image forming apparatus, and a sheet supply buffer device for supplying the sheets stored in the sheet supply buffer tray to the image forming apparatus. The sheet is stored in the sheet feeding buffer tray as much as necessary.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014]
(Image forming device)
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus. Reference numeral 101 denotes a platen glass as a document table. A scanner 102 includes a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104, and the like. A document image of a document placed on the platen glass 101 is scanned by a scanner 102 controlled to reciprocate in a predetermined direction (left and right direction in the drawing) by a motor (not shown), and reflected light from the document is scanned. The light passes through the lens 108 through the mirrors 104 to 106 and forms an image on the image sensor unit (CCD sensor) 109, thereby being converted into an electric signal.
[0015]
An exposure control unit 120 includes a laser output unit and a polygon scanner. The exposure control unit 120 irradiates the photosensitive drum 110 of the image forming unit 126 with laser light 129. The laser beam 129 is modulated on the basis of an image signal obtained as a result of performing predetermined image processing, which will be described later, on an electrical signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the reflected light of the document output from the image sensor unit 109.
[0016]
Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charger 118, a separation charger 119, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are provided as components constituting an image forming unit 126. Yes. A conveyance belt 130, pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and a fixing device 141 are disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 126.
[0017]
In addition, an upper sheet cassette 131 and a lower sheet cassette 132 are provided in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100, and pick-up rollers are used to feed print sheets (sheets) stored in each sheet cassette. 133 and 134 and paper feed rollers 135 and 136 are arranged. The printing paper conveyed by the paper feeding rollers 135 and 136 is sent to the registration roller 137 through the path 160.
[0018]
The photosensitive drum 110 is rotationally controlled by a motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing. After being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the exposure control unit 120 emits laser light 129, and the drum An electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image.
[0019]
Print paper fed from the upper paper feed cassette 131 or lower paper feed cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 or print paper fed from the print paper deck unit 1200 described later is fed to the image forming unit 126 by the registration roller 137. Is done. The printer paper is timed by registration rollers 137 and sent to the photosensitive drum 110, and the toner image visualized on the photosensitive drum 110 is transferred by the transfer charger 118. In the photosensitive drum 110 after the transfer, the residual toner is cleaned by the cleaning device 116 and the residual charge is erased by the pre-exposure lamp 114.
[0020]
The printed paper after the transfer is separated from the photosensitive drum 110 by the separation charger 119 and conveyed to the left in the drawing by the conveyance belt 130. The toner image on the printing paper is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140 and is fixed on the printing paper by being pressurized and heated by the fixing device 141. The fixed print paper is conveyed by a discharge roller 142 toward a paper discharge processing device 190 described later.
[0021]
A paper discharge flapper 154 is disposed between the paper discharge roller 142 and the paper discharge processing device 190, and switches between a paper path on the paper discharge side and a paper path on the duplex recording side or the multiple recording side. When the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the print paper fed from the paper discharge roller 142 is conveyed to the paper path on the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side. In double-sided recording, the print sheet on which the first side has been fixed is sent out from the paper discharge roller 142, reversed through the reverse path 155, and guided to the refeed tray 156 through the lower transport path 158. . Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between a paper path for double-sided recording and a paper path for multiple recording. By tilting the multiple flapper in the left direction in the figure, the print paper directly enters the lower conveyance path 158 without going through the reverse path 155f. By being guided, multiple recording becomes possible. Reference numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller for refeeding the print paper to the image forming unit 126 side through the path 160.
[0022]
Reference numeral 161 denotes a discharge roller disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 154, and is sent out from the paper discharge roller 142 in a state where the paper discharge flapper 154 is switched to the discharge side (a state where it is not raised upward). Operates to eject print paper out of the machine. As described above, at the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, and the fixed print paper is stored in the refeed tray 156 through the lower conveyance path 158. To do.
[0023]
The print sheets stored in the re-feed tray 156 are separated one by one from the bottom by the feed roller 159 and guided again to the registration roller 137 of the image forming apparatus 100 via the path 160. The re-feed tray 156 may be of a type in which a plurality of print sheets are stacked, waiting and sequentially sent out (intermediate tray method), or a form of one print sheet waiting and being sent out (through-pass method).
[0024]
When the print paper is reversed and discharged from the image forming apparatus 100, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised upward, the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right, and the print paper to be discharged is once sent to the reverse path 155 side to print paper. At the timing when the rear end passes the first feed roller 162, it is conveyed to the second feed roller 162 a side by the reverse roller 163, and the print paper is discharged out of the apparatus by the discharge roller 161.
[0025]
(Automatic document feeder)
Reference numeral 180 denotes an automatic document feeder (ADF) disposed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 100. From the document bundle placed on the document table 181, only the uppermost document is separated by the paper feed roller 182 and conveyed onto the platen 101 by the document feed roller 164. Thereafter, the document is scanned by the scanner 102, and the scanned document is discharged to the document discharge table 183 or returned to the document table 181 again.
[0026]
(Discharge processing device)
Reference numeral 190 denotes a paper discharge processing device that aligns and binds the print paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. When the post-discharge bundle post-processing operation such as sorting or stapling is not set, the print paper passes through the conveyance path 194 and is discharged to the discharge tray 191 without passing through the processing tray 193. On the other hand, when the sheet bundle post-processing operation is set, print sheets discharged one by one through the transport path 195 are stacked and aligned on the processing tray 193. Then, after the paper discharge in the first image formation is completed, the print paper bundle is stapled and discharged to the paper discharge tray 191 or the paper discharge tray 192 in a bundle. Note that when the bundled sheet post-processing operation is set, the bundle is basically discharged to the sheet discharge tray 192. However, depending on conditions such as the sheet discharge tray 192 being full, the discharge destination is set to the sheet discharge tray. Control to switch to 191. The discharge trays 191 and 192 are controlled to move up and down by a motor (not shown), and are moved so that the tray on which the discharge sheets are stacked comes to the position of the processing tray before the image forming operation is started.
[0027]
The image forming apparatus 100 is connected in series with a paper feed buffer device 1300, which will be described in detail later, and a plurality of large-capacity print paper deck units 1200 (print paper decks 1200a to 1200d).
[0028]
(Print deck)
The print deck unit 1200 is provided with print paper decks 1200a to 1200d as a plurality of sheet storage devices. Each of the print paper decks 1200a to 1200d is provided with a lifter 1201 that can stack and lift print paper (sheets) and a paper feed roller 1202 for sending out the print paper. The lifter 1201 is controlled to rise according to the amount of print paper so that the print paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 1202 with a predetermined contact pressure. Also, a remaining amount detection sensor S1 for detecting the remaining amount of paper is provided. Each of the print paper decks 1200a to 1200d can store various types of materials such as plain paper, coated paper, and colored paper having different thicknesses.
[0029]
In addition, the print paper conveyance paths are horizontally arranged in the respective print paper decks 1200a to 1200d, and constitute a horizontal conveyance path HP. Then, the print sheet sent from the upstream side (right side in the figure) is conveyed downstream by the conveyance rollers 1203 and 1204. Accordingly, the print paper sent out from the upstream print paper deck is sequentially transported from there to the paper transport path of the downstream print paper deck, and finally fed to the image forming apparatus 100. This paper transport path can be transported even if the deck is opened from the front side of the apparatus (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the drawing) so that the print paper deck unit 1200 supplies paper. In addition, information such as paper size and paper type to be stored can be set from an operation unit (not shown).
[0030]
(Feeding buffer device)
Next, the paper feed buffer device 1300 having a specific configuration of the present invention will be described.
[0031]
Print sheets fed from the respective print sheet decks 1200a to 1200d through the horizontal conveyance path HP are fed to the image forming apparatus 100 via the sheet feed buffer apparatus 1300. The paper feed buffer device 1300 is fed from the print paper deck unit 1200 and the straight path 1304 as the supply means of the present invention to directly send the print paper conveyed from the print paper deck unit 1200 to the image forming apparatus 100. A plurality of paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 for temporarily storing the received print paper are arranged in the vertical direction.
[0032]
The straight path 1304 is provided with a transport roller 1302 for receiving and transporting print paper fed from the respective print paper decks 1200a to 1200d, and on the downstream side, the print paper sent by the transport roller 1302 is provided. Is provided with a flapper 1303 for switching between the direction in which the image is conveyed to the image forming apparatus 100 as it is through the straight path 1304 and the direction in which the image is conveyed to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309.
[0033]
When supplying print paper into the paper feed buffer device 1300, the flapper 1303 is set up to switch the print paper transport direction downward in the figure, and a paper supply path switching mechanism 1305 to the paper feed buffer tray is provided. Then, the print paper is temporarily stored in predetermined paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309. Further, the paper feed buffer tray is provided with a remaining amount detection sensor S2 for detecting the remaining amount of paper and an operation unit (not shown) (details will be described later). Further, each of the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 is provided with an alignment mechanism (not shown) so that the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 are surely accommodated in the paper storage buffer operation.
[0034]
A sheet supply path switching mechanism 1305 has a vertical path branched from the straight path 1304, a flapper for selectively supplying the sheet supply buffer trays 1306 to 1309 from the vertical path, and a sheet. A pair of transport rollers for carrying on the tray is provided. For example, if the state of the paper supply path switching mechanism 1305 to the paper feed buffer tray is the state shown in FIG. 1, the print paper is supplied to the paper feed buffer tray 1308.
[0035]
When paper is fed from the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to the image forming apparatus 100, the paper feed control mechanism 1310 of the paper feed buffer apparatus 1300 selects the print paper stored in the designated paper feed buffer tray from the top. Separate and feed the bottom sheet. As a result, the print paper is supplied from the designated paper feed buffer tray in the order in which it is stored.
[0036]
Each of the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 has the same sheet carry-in direction and sheet discharge direction, and the paper feed control mechanism 1310 separates and feeds the bottom sheet from the print paper. Therefore, the sheet carry-in operation and the carry-out operation can be performed simultaneously.
[0037]
Reference numeral 1301 denotes a multi-feed unit provided in the upper portion of the feed buffer device 1300. The user can supply print sheets of special paper sizes or special materials that cannot be supplied from the paper feed cassettes 131 and 132 or the print paper deck unit 1200. Can be directly supplied to the image forming apparatus 100.
[0038]
(Control part)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the print paper deck unit 1200, and the paper feed buffer device 1300.
[0039]
A CPU 201 performs basic control of the image forming apparatus 100. A ROM 206 in which a control program is written, a work RAM 205 for processing, and an input / output port 204 are connected by an address bus and a data bus. A part of the RAM 205 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off. Various input devices such as a motor and a clutch controlled by the image forming apparatus 100 and an input device to the image forming apparatus 100 such as a sensor for detecting the position of the print paper are connected to the input / output port 204.
[0040]
The CPU 201 sequentially performs input / output control via the input / output port 204 in accordance with the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 206, and executes image forming processing.
[0041]
An operation unit 203 is connected to the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 203. The user instructs the CPU 201 to switch the image forming operation mode and display through the key input unit, and the CPU 201 is set to the display unit of the operation unit 203 by the operation state of the image forming apparatus 100 and the key input. The operation mode is displayed (details will be described later). Further, the CPU 201 is connected to an image processing unit 170 that processes a signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 109 and an image memory unit 3 that stores the processed image.
[0042]
Reference numeral 207 denotes a communication IF for communicating between the CPU 201 and the paper feed buffer device 1300, and communicates with the CPU 2301 of the paper feed buffer device 1300 via the communication IF 2304 on the paper feed buffer device 1300 side.
[0043]
A CPU 2301 performs basic control of the paper feed buffer device 1300. A ROM 2302 in which a control program is written, a work RAM 2303 for performing processing, and an input / output port 2306 are connected by an address bus and a data bus. . A part of the RAM 2303 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off. The input / output port 2306 is connected to various load devices such as a motor and a clutch controlled by the paper feed buffer device 1300 and an input device to the paper feed buffer device 1300 such as a sensor for detecting the position of the print paper.
[0044]
An operation unit 2307 is connected to the CPU 2301, and the CPU 2301 controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 2307. The user instructs the CPU 2301 to switch the operation of the paper feed buffer device 1300 and display through the key input means. The operation mode set by is displayed (details will be described later).
[0045]
A communication IF 2305 communicates between the CPU 2301 and the print paper deck unit 1200, and communicates with the CPU 2201 of the print paper deck via the communication IF 2204 on the print paper deck unit 1200 side.
[0046]
The CPU 2301 executes input / output control sequentially through the input / output port 2306 in accordance with the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 2302, thereby executing print paper buffering, issuing commands to the print paper deck unit 1200, and printing. Printing paper is replenished from the paper deck unit 1200 to the paper supply buffer device 1300, and printing paper is supplied from the paper supply buffer device 1300 to the image forming apparatus 100 in response to a command from the image forming apparatus 100.
[0047]
A CPU 2201 performs basic control of the print paper deck unit 1200. A ROM 2202 in which a control program is written, a work RAM 2203 for processing, and an input / output port 2205 are connected by an address bus and a data bus. . A part of the RAM 2203 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off. The input / output port 2205 is connected to various load devices such as a motor and a clutch controlled by the print paper deck unit 1200 and an input device to the print paper deck unit 1200 such as a sensor for detecting the position of the print paper.
[0048]
An operation unit 2206 is connected to the CPU 2201, and the CPU 2201 controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 2206. The user instructs the CPU 2301 to set the operation of the print paper deck unit 1200 and the paper type and paper size through the key input means, and the CPU 2201 operates the display unit of the operation unit 2206 to operate the print paper deck unit 1200. Displays the status, paper type and paper size set by key input.
[0049]
The CPU 2201 sequentially performs input / output control via the input / output port 2205 in accordance with the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 2202, thereby executing print sheet separation and transport processing in response to commands from the paper feed buffer device 1300. .
[0050]
Note that the CPU of each device can transmit information held by each device via the communication IFs 2204, 2304, and 207.
[0051]
(Image processing unit)
Next, the image processing unit 170 and the image memory unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image processing unit 170 and a device connected to the image memory unit 3.
[0052]
First, the flow of processing when printing a scanned image will be described. A document image formed on the CCD sensor 109 via the lens 108 is converted into an analog electrical signal by the CCD sensor 109. The converted image information is input to the analog signal processing unit 300 for sample & hold, dark level correction, and the like, and then the analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) is performed by the A / D / SH processing unit 301. Further, shading correction is performed on the digitized signal. In the shading correction, correction for variation of each pixel of the CCD sensor 109 and correction of variation in light quantity depending on the position based on the light distribution characteristic of the document illumination lamp 103 are performed.
[0053]
Thereafter, RGB line correction is performed in the RGB line correction unit 302. Since the light input to the RGB light receiving portions of the CCD sensor 109 at a certain time is shifted on the document according to the positional relationship of the RGB light receiving portions, the RGB signals are synchronized here.
[0054]
Thereafter, input masking processing is performed by the input masking unit 303 to convert luminance data into density data. Since the RGB value as it is output from the CCD sensor 109 is affected by the color filter attached to the CCD sensor 109, the influence is corrected and converted to a pure RGB value.
[0055]
Thereafter, the image is scaled at a desired scaling factor in the scaling unit 304, and the scaled image data is sent to the image memory unit 3 and stored therein. The image data from the computer is also input to the image memory unit 3 from the external I / F processing unit 4.
[0056]
When printing the stored image, first, image data is sent from the image memory unit 3 to the γ correction unit 305. The γ correction unit 305 corresponds to a desired output density from the original density data based on a look-up table (LUT) that considers the characteristics of the printer in order to output according to the density value set by the operation unit 203. Converted to density data.
[0057]
Thereafter, the density data is sent to the binarization unit 306. A binarization unit 306 binarizes multi-value density data. In the case of multi-value density data, for example, 8-bit density data, the density value takes any value between “0” and “255”. By binarization, the density value becomes, for example, “0”. "Or" 255 ". That is, 8-bit data is necessary to express the density of a certain pixel, but binarization makes it possible to use a 1-bit data amount. As a result, the memory capacity for storing image data is reduced. However, on the other hand, since the gradation of the image changes from the original 256 gradations to 2 gradations, the image quality of image data with many halftones, such as photographic images, is generally reduced by binarizing the image. Is said to deteriorate significantly.
[0058]
Therefore, pseudo halftone expression using binarized data is important. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method of performing pseudo-halftone expression with binary data. In this method, if the density of an image is greater than a certain threshold value, the density data is “255”. If the density is less than a certain threshold value, the density data is “0”. The difference between the density data and the binarized density data is obtained as an error signal and distributed to surrounding pixels. The error is distributed by multiplying a predetermined weighting factor on the matrix by the error caused by the binarization and adding it to the surrounding pixels. Thus, the density average value in the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be expressed in a pseudo binary manner.
[0059]
The binarized density data is sent to the smoothing unit 307 in the printer unit 2. The smoothing unit 307 performs data complementation so that the end of the binarized image line is smooth, and the complemented image data is output to the exposure control unit 120. The exposure control unit 120 forms an electrostatic latent image of image data on the photoconductor 110 as described above.
[0060]
Next, the flow of processing when transferring a scanned image via a network is shown.
[0061]
The process up to the point where the density data is stored in the image memory unit 3 in the first half is the same as the process flow at the time of printing described above. Thereafter, the image data is sent from the image memory unit 3 to the external I / F processing unit 4. The data is transferred from the external I / F processing unit 4 to a desired computer via a network.
[0062]
(Image memory part)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image memory unit 3 and peripheral devices. The image memory unit 3 includes a page memory 401, a memory controller unit 402, a compression / decompression unit 403, and a hard disk 404.
[0063]
Image data sent from the external I / F processing unit 4 and the image processing unit 170 to the image memory unit 3 is written into the page memory 401 by the memory controller unit 402, and then the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 170. Or stored in the hard disk 404. When image data is stored in the hard disk 404, the image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 403 and written to the hard disk 404 as compressed data. The memory controller 402 also reads image data stored in the hard disk 404 to the page memory 401. At that time, the compressed data read from the hard disk 404 is expanded via the compression / decompression unit 403, and the restored image data is written into the page memory 401. The memory controller unit 402 generates a DRAM refresh signal to be sent to the page memory 401.
[0064]
Also, arbitration of access from the external I / F processing unit 4, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 404 to the page memory 401 is performed. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 201, control for determining a write address to the page memory 401, a read address from the page memory 401, a read direction, and the like is performed. Through these processes, the CPU 201 performs a layout by arranging a plurality of document images in the page memory 401, and outputs to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 170, or a function of cutting out and outputting only a part of the image. In addition, it is possible to control the function of performing image rotation.
[0065]
For example, with respect to the sort mode, the control of reading and printing images in the order recorded in the image memory unit 3 for a certain bundle of documents is repeatedly executed a plurality of times. By performing such control, a finisher having only a small number of bins such as the paper discharge processing device 190 in this embodiment can play the same role as a sorter having a large number of bins.
[0066]
(External I / F processing part)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the external I / F processing unit 4 and peripheral devices.
[0067]
The external I / F processing unit 4 takes in the image data from the reader unit 1 via the image memory unit 3, and sends the image data to an external computer or an external facsimile machine via a network or a telephone line. In addition, image data sent from an external computer or facsimile via a network or telephone line is output to the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3 (and the image processing unit 170) to form an image.
[0068]
The external I / F processing unit 4 includes a core unit 506, a facsimile unit 501, a hard disk 502 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit 501, a computer interface unit 503 connected to the external computer 11, a formatter unit 504, and an image memory unit 505. Composed.
[0069]
The facsimile unit 501 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. The facsimile unit 501 performs a facsimile function such as sending a fax at a designated time or sending image data in response to an inquiry by a designated password from the other party. Realize by using.
[0070]
As a result, once the image is sent from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 501 via the image memory unit 3 and stored in the facsimile hard disk 502, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are used for the facsimile function. You can send a fax without a fax.
[0071]
The computer interface unit 503 is an interface unit that performs data communication with the external computer 11, and includes a local area network (LAN), a serial I / F, a SCSI-I / F, a Centro I / F for data input of a printer, and the like. Have. The status of the printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1 is notified to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503. Alternatively, an image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer 11 according to an instruction from the external computer 11.
[0072]
The computer interface unit 503 also receives print image data from the external computer 11. In this case, since the print image data notified from the external computer 11 is described by a dedicated printer code, the printer unit 2 can form an image using the notified data code in the formatter unit 504. Convert to raster image data. The converted raster image data is developed in the image memory unit 505 by the formatter unit 504. On the other hand, when image data is transmitted to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503, the image formatter unit 504 receives print image data sent from the image memory unit 3 in the image memory unit 505. Density conversion and conversion to an image format recognizable by the external computer 11 are performed.
[0073]
The image memory unit 505 is used not only as a memory for developing the raster image data of the formatter unit 504 in this way, but also when sending image data from the reader unit 1 to the external computer 11 (network scanner function). . That is, when the image from the reader unit 1 is sent to the external computer 11 via the computer interface unit 503, the image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once developed in the image memory unit 505 and sent to the external computer 11 here. The data is converted into a data format and sent from the computer interface unit 503 to the external computer 11.
[0074]
The core unit 506 controls and manages each data transfer performed between the facsimile unit 501, the computer interface unit 503, the formatter unit 504, the image memory unit 505, and the image memory unit 3. As a result, even if a plurality of image output units are connected to the external I / F processing unit 4 or only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3 is excluded under the management of the core unit 506. Since control and priority control are performed, image output is performed appropriately.
[0075]
(Operation section)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation unit 203 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. In the figure, reference numeral 3001 denotes a display unit, which displays various messages such as the operating state of the apparatus and work instructions to the user, work procedures, and the like. Further, the surface of the display unit 3001 is constituted by a touch panel, and acts as a selection key by touching the surface. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a numeric keypad, which is a key for inputting numbers. Reference numeral 3003 denotes a start key, and when this key is pressed, a copy operation is started.
[0076]
(Paper buffer allocation control)
Next, paper feed buffer allocation control of the image forming system will be described.
[0077]
The paper feed buffer allocation control is control for determining which tray among the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 of the paper feed buffer device 1300 to store the print paper of the print paper deck unit 1200.
[0078]
In the image forming system of FIG. 1, the paper feed buffer device 1300 and the print paper deck unit 1200 have the following management information in order to perform paper feed buffer allocation control.
[0079]
[Print paper deck management data]
Deck ID information: ID information for identifying other print paper feed decks Deck storage paper size information: Size information of print paper stored in the print paper feed deck Deck storage paper paper type information: Storage in the print paper feed deck Paper type information (paper buffer management data)
Buffer deck ID: ID information of the print paper deck stored in the paper supply buffer tray Buffer storage paper size information: Size information of print paper stored in the paper supply buffer tray Buffer storage paper type information: Print stored in the paper supply buffer tray The paper type information print paper deck management data includes management data for each print paper deck, and the paper feed buffer management data also includes management data for each paper feed buffer tray. Note that a dedicated code common to the image forming system is set for the paper size, paper type, deck ID, and the like.
[0080]
The relationship between the print paper deck management date and the paper feed buffer device management data is as follows:
Deck ID information: Buffer deck ID
Deck storage paper size information: Buffer storage paper size information Deck storage paper paper type information: Paired relationship such as buffer storage paper paper type information, when assigning a print paper deck to a predetermined paper feed buffer tray Updates the deck ID information to buffer deck ID, deck storage paper size information to buffer storage paper size information, and deck storage paper type information to buffer storage paper type information.
[0081]
As a result, when the paper feed buffer device management data of the paper feed buffer tray and the print paper deck management data of the print paper deck completely match, the paper feed buffer tray is assigned to the print paper deck.
[0082]
These management data are stored in the backup RAM of each device so that the data is not erased even when the power is turned off. Next, in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1, a specific data configuration example is described below in which the print paper decks 1200a to 1200d are the print paper decks 1 to 4, and the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 are the paper feed buffers 1 to 4. Describe. The data configuration example is a state in which the print paper decks 1 to 4 and the paper feed buffers 1 to 4 are assigned in numerical order.
[0083]
[Print paper deck management data]
Print paper deck 1: Deck ID information: 0x01
Deck storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Deck storage paper type information: Plain paper 1 (0x01)
Print paper deck 2: Deck ID information: 0x02
Deck storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Deck storage paper type information: Plain paper 2 (0x02)
Print paper deck 3: Deck ID information: 0x03
Deck storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Deck storage paper type information: Red plain paper 1 (0x11)
Print paper deck 4: Deck ID information: 0x04
Deck storage paper size information: A3 (0x07)
Deck storage paper type information: Plain paper 1 (0x01)
[Paper buffer device management data]
Paper feed buffer 1: Buffer deck ID information: 0x01
Buffer storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Buffer storage paper type information: Plain paper 1 (0x01)
Paper feed buffer 2: Buffer deck ID information: 0x02
Buffer storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Buffer storage paper type information: Plain paper 2 (0x02)
Paper feed buffer 3: Buffer deck ID information: 0x03
Buffer storage paper size information: A4 (0x03)
Buffer storage paper type information: Red plain paper 1 (0x11)
Paper feed buffer 4: Buffer deck ID information: 0x04
Buffer storage paper size information: A3 (0x07)
Buffer storage paper type information: Plain paper 1 (0x01)
In this paper feed buffer allocation control, the print paper deck is replaced or the print paper stored in the print paper deck is changed, that is, there is a difference in the relation between the print paper deck management data and the paper feed buffer device management data. When this is detected, control is started.
[0084]
Next, paper feed buffer allocation control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0085]
In step S701, it is checked whether or not the above-described paper feed buffer allocation control start request has been made. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S702.
[0086]
In step S702, a control counter N for checking the print paper decks in order (the number of print paper decks is a maximum value, here, 4) is initialized to 1, and the print paper deck corresponding to the control counter N is set to 1. The management data ENTRY [4] for checking whether or not the corresponding paper feed buffer tray exists is cleared to all zeros.
[0087]
In step S703, it is checked whether there is a paper feed buffer tray having paper feed buffer device management data that matches the Nth print paper deck management data. If they match, the process proceeds to step S704, and if there is no matching buffer tray, the process proceeds to step S705. In step S704, since the allocation process has been completed, 1 is set in the management data ENTRY [N], and the process proceeds to step S705.
[0088]
In step S705, if the check of the print paper deck for the control counter N has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S703. If completed, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the control counter N is initialized to 1. If the management data ENTRY [N] is 0 in step S707, the process proceeds to step S708. If it is 1, the process proceeds to step S710.
[0089]
In step S708, in order to assign the print paper deck corresponding to the control counter N to the paper feed buffer tray for which the print paper deck has not been determined, a work instruction to remove the paper from the corresponding paper feed buffer tray is given as a paper feed buffer device to be described later. The user is notified on the display unit of the operation unit, and the process proceeds to step S709. When the user's work is completed in step S709, the process proceeds to step S710.
[0090]
In step S710, the print paper deck management data of the print paper deck corresponding to the control counter N is updated to the paper feed buffer device management data determined to be assigned, and the process proceeds to step S711. In step S711, it is checked whether the paper feed buffer allocation processing for all print paper decks has been completed. If not completed, the process returns to step S707, and if completed, the control is terminated.
[0091]
The paper feed buffer allocation control shown in FIG. 7 is a control in which a buffer tray is uniquely allocated according to the position of the print paper deck, but the buffer tray is sequentially allocated according to the print paper deck to be used according to the contents of the job. It is also possible.
[0092]
(Paper buffer control)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of paper feed buffer control performed by the control unit 2301 of the paper feed buffer device in response to a paper feed command from the image forming apparatus 100.
[0093]
First, in step S801, since the first copy of the job does not use the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309, the flapper 1303 is tilted down so that the straight path 1304 can be used. In step S802, a paper feed request from the paper feed buffer device 1300 is awaited, and print paper is fed from the print paper deck in response to the paper feed request (step S803). At that time, the number of sheets fed for each of the print paper decks 1200a to 1200d is stored (step S804).
[0094]
In step S805, the end of the first copy of the job is checked. If the first copy is continued, the process returns to the paper feed request waiting state in step S802. If the end of the first copy of the job is detected in step S805, in step S806, the flapper 1303 is raised to switch to a state where paper can be fed to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309.
[0095]
Subsequently, in step S807, a paper feed buffer tray for replenishing paper is selected, a print paper deck corresponding to the target paper feed buffer tray is selected based on paper feed buffer allocation control, and one copy counted in step S804. On the basis of the number of sheets from the print sheet deck used in the current job, the number of sheets necessary for printing the remaining number of copies of the job is supplied from the print sheet decks 1200a to 1200d to the sheet feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 ( Step S808). However, when the number of sheets to be replenished exceeds the upper limit of stacking set in the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309, the number of sheets to be replenished is replenished, and the remaining number of replenished sheets is stored.
[0096]
In step S809, it is determined whether or not replenishment of print paper for all the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to be used is completed, and paper replenishment is performed for all the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 that are still used. If not, the process returns to step S807 to replenish the next paper feed buffer tray. If it is determined in step S809 that replenishment of print paper has been completed for all paper feed buffer trays used by the job, printing of the second copy of the job is started, and a paper feed request is awaited in step S810. In response to the paper feed request, the paper is fed from the paper feed buffer to the image forming apparatus 100 in step S811. More precisely, the paper feed control mechanism 1310 of the paper feed buffer device 1300 is controlled to feed the print paper to the image forming apparatus 100 from the paper feed paper feed tray corresponding to the designated print paper deck.
[0097]
Thereafter, this paper feed control is repeated until the end of the job is determined in step S812.
[0098]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of paper supply processing for the paper supply buffer tray during the operation of the print job.
[0099]
As described above, during the image forming operation, printing paper is fed from the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, in order not to cause the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to run out of paper, it is necessary to supply print paper to the paper feed buffer tray during the print job.
[0100]
First, in step S31, the number of sheets in the paper feed buffer tray is checked. The number of sheets in the paper feed buffer tray becomes 0 when the job is finished or when there is no paper in the corresponding print paper deck. In this case, the process is finished (step S32).
[0101]
If it is determined in step S33 that the number of sheets in the paper feed buffer tray is below a predetermined threshold value, it is subsequently determined in step S34 whether replenishment is necessary. This is because replenishment is not required when the necessary amount of print paper remains in the paper supply buffer tray until the end of the job. Therefore, if the number of sheets in the paper feed buffer tray is greater than or equal to the threshold value in step S33, or if it is determined in step S34 that replenishment is not necessary, the process returns to step S31 and the number of paper sheets in the paper feed buffer tray is again. Perform the check.
[0102]
If it is determined in step S34 that replenishment of print paper is necessary, the number of print paper to be replenished is calculated (step S35). The number of print sheets to be replenished is the number of sheets until the upper limit of stacking is reached from the current state, or the remaining number required until the end of the job.
[0103]
In step S36, the paper feed path switching mechanism 1305 is controlled so that print paper can be supplied from the corresponding print paper deck to the paper feed buffer tray. In step S37, it is confirmed that the switching has been completed. In this flowchart, the control is described focusing on a specific paper feed buffer tray. However, in actual control, paper feed from a plurality of paper feed buffer trays to the image forming apparatus 100 is performed. This is because there is a case where the paper supply buffer tray is in a replenishment state of the print paper, and arbitration of the right to use the path is necessary.
[0104]
In response to the establishment of the paper feed path in step S37, in step S38, the paper is supplied by the number of sheets obtained in step S35 from the corresponding print paper deck to the paper feed buffer tray. As described above, since it is necessary to handle a plurality of replenishment controls that are simultaneously generated in a balanced manner, the replenishment of the necessary number of sheets is not necessarily continued to the paper feed buffer tray. After the replenishment to the paper feed buffer tray is completed, the process returns to step S31 and the check of the number of sheets in the paper feed buffer tray is resumed.
[0105]
Note that the sheet conveyance speed from the print sheet decks 1200 a to 1200 d to the sheet feed buffer device 1300 when performing the buffer operation is faster than the sheet supply speed to the image forming apparatus 100 and is higher than the sheet supply speed to the image forming apparatus 100. Since the operating speed is faster, the paper in the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 is not lost.
[0106]
In FIG. 8, printing paper is replenished to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 after the first copy of the job. However, it is also possible to replenish paper at other timings.
[0107]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing relating to paper feed buffer control when the paper is supplied to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 during the operation of the first copy of the job. However, in order to perform processing in this flow, it is necessary to add job copy number information to the first paper feed request command.
[0108]
First, in step S1001, the printer waits for a paper feed request, and in response to the paper feed request, in order to feed the first print paper of the job directly to the image forming apparatus 100 without the paper feed buffer operation, the flapper 1303 is tilted and straightened. The pass is made usable (step S1002), and the printing paper is supplied from the printing paper deck designated in step S1003 to the image forming apparatus 100. At that time, the number of copies of the job is checked (step S1004).
[0109]
If it is determined in step S1005 that the job is a job of a plurality of copies, the flapper 1303 is raised in step S1006 to switch to a state where paper can be fed to the paper feed buffer tray. In step S1007, the paper feed buffer tray corresponding to the target print paper deck is selected based on the paper feed buffer allocation control, and the number of sheets necessary for printing the remaining number of copies of the job checked in step S1004 is selected. The paper is supplied from the print paper deck to the paper feed buffer tray (step S1008). However, when the number of sheets to be replenished exceeds the stacking upper limit set in the buffer, the number of sheets to be replenished is replenished, and the remaining replenishment number is stored.
[0110]
In step S1009, it is determined whether the first copy of the job has been completed. If the first copy of the job is still continuing, the process returns to step S1001 to wait for the next paper feed request. If it is determined in step S1009 that the first copy of the job has been completed, printing of the second copy of the job is started, a paper feed request is waited in step S1010, a paper feed request is received, and the paper is fed in step S1011. Paper is fed from the paper buffer tray to the image forming apparatus 100.
[0111]
Thereafter, this paper feed control is repeated until the end of the job is determined in step S1012.
[0112]
If it is determined in step S1005 that the job is a single copy job, it is determined in step S1013 whether the first copy of the job has ended. If not, the flow returns to step S1001 to return the first copy. When it is finished, the process is finished.
[0113]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing relating to paper feed buffer control when the paper is supplied to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 before the first copy operation of the job is started. However, in order to perform processing in this flow, a mechanism for grasping the number of sheets used in the job for each of the print sheet decks 1200a to 1200d is required before the first copy operation is started.
[0114]
In this case, first, in step S1101, it waits for job data to be transmitted. The job data includes the number of print sheets used in the job for each of the print sheet decks 1200a to 1200d. If it is determined in step S1102 from the job data that the job is a multiple-copy job, the process proceeds to step S1103. If it is determined that the job is a one-copy job, the process proceeds to step S1110. In step S1103, in order to supply printing paper to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309, the flapper 1303 is raised to switch the path to a state where paper can be fed to the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309.
[0115]
In step S1104, a paper feed buffer tray to be supplied with print paper is selected, and a print paper deck corresponding to the target paper feed buffer tray is selected based on paper feed buffer allocation control. Replenish sheets of paper from the print paper deck to the paper feed buffer tray. However, if the number of sheets to be replenished exceeds the set upper limit, the number of sheets to be replenished is replenished, and the remaining replenished number is stored.
[0116]
In step S1106, it is determined whether replenishment of print paper has been completed for all paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to be used, and paper replenishment is performed for all paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 that are still used. If not, the process returns to step S1104 to replenish the next paper feed buffer tray.
[0117]
If it is determined in step S1006 that the paper supply to all the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 used for the job has been completed, the job print operation is started, and in step S1107, a paper feed request is waited for. In response to the paper request, the paper is fed from the paper feed buffer trays 1306 to 1309 to the image forming apparatus 100 in step S1108.
[0118]
Thereafter, this paper feed control is repeated until the end of the job is determined in step S1109.
[0119]
If it is determined in step S1102 that the job is a single job, in step S1110, the flapper 1303 is tilted to feed the image forming apparatus 100 without storing print paper by the paper feed buffer tray. The straight path 1304 can be used.
[0120]
Then, the printing operation of the job is started. In step S1111, the image forming apparatus 100 waits for a paper feed request and receives the paper feed request. Feed the paper.
[0121]
Thereafter, this paper feed control is repeated until the end of the job is determined in step S1113.
[0122]
【The invention's effect】
In the image forming system according to the present invention, a sheet feed buffer device that temporarily collects and stores sheets stored in a plurality of sheet storage devices is provided, and sheets are supplied from the sheet supply buffer device to the image forming apparatus. As a result, it is possible to shorten the conveyance path until the sheet is directly supplied to the image forming apparatus, and it is possible to perform the sheet interval control that keeps the sheet interval between the minimum sheets with simple conveyance control. Can be minimized. As described above, a highly reliable image forming system can be provided by simplifying the conveyance control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main body of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the image forming system of FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image memory unit of the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an external I / F processing unit of the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an image forming unit of the image forming system of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart of paper feed buffer allocation control according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a control for replenishing paper to the paper feed buffer after the first copy according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of control of paper supply to the paper feed buffer during a job according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for supplying paper to the paper feed buffer during the first processing of the embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart of replenishment control [Fig. 11] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system composed of a conventional multi-connectable print paper feed deck before starting the first copy of the first embodiment of the present invention. ]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 190 Paper discharge processing device 1200 Print paper deck unit 1200a, 1200b, 1200c, 1200d Print paper deck 1300 Paper feed buffer device 1301 Multi paper feed unit 1304 Straight path 1306, 1307, 1308, 1309 Paper feed buffer tray

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet;
A plurality of sheet storage devices connected to the image forming device for storing sheets to be supplied to the image forming device;
A paper supply buffer device that temporarily stores sheets supplied from the sheet storage device to the image forming apparatus, and supplies the sheets stored in the paper supply buffer tray to the image forming device; ,
And an image forming system that stores as many sheets as necessary in the paper supply buffer tray according to the contents of the job. A supply unit that directly supplies a sheet from the sheet storage device to the image forming apparatus, and a first copy of the job supplies the sheet to the image forming apparatus without storing the sheet in the paper feed buffer tray by the supply unit; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the second and subsequent copies are temporarily stored in the paper feed buffer tray and then supplied to the image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet is stored in the paper feed buffer tray after the first copy of the job is processed. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet is stored in the paper feed buffer tray during processing of the first copy of the job. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet is stored in the paper feed buffer tray before the first copy of the job is processed. Buffer allocation control means for allocating a paper feed buffer tray for storing sheets of the sheet storage device, and a sheet conveyed from each sheet storage device is temporarily stored in a paper feed buffer tray determined by the buffer allocation control means. 6. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer control unit.

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