JP2017046285A - Image processing apparatus and image processing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for an image processing apparatus having an interruption function, enabling easy discrimination between an interruption job and an interruption target job.SOLUTION: An MFP 100, on receiving the depression of an interruption button 43, interrupts the processing of a preceding job. Then, the MFP 100 receives the setting of the interruption job, to start the processing of the interruption job. Also, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the preceding job can be processed concurrently with the interruption job. On determining that the concurrent processing is not possible, the MFP 100 resumes the processing of the preceding job after completing the processing of the interruption job. On the other hand, on determining the concurrent processing is possible, the MFP 100 resumes the processing of the preceding job concurrently with the processing of the interruption job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of processing various jobs and a control method thereof. More specifically, the technique relates to an interrupt function for interrupting and processing a second job during processing of the first job.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus capable of processing various jobs such as printing, reading, and facsimile transmission, an interrupt function for interrupting and processing a second job while processing the first job is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a document disclosing the interrupt function. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a second job is interrupted by pressing a start key during processing of the first job, and the first job is interrupted when the second job is interrupted. Whether or not it is necessary to interrupt the processing of the first job, and if the interruption is necessary, the processing of the first job is interrupted to process the second job, and after the processing of the second job is completed, A configuration is disclosed in which the processing is resumed and the first job and the second job are processed in parallel without interrupting the processing of the first job if interruption is unnecessary.

JP 2006-308774 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. That is, in the interrupt function of Patent Document 1, during the processing of the first job, the second job is automatically interrupted by pressing a start key for inputting a start instruction for instructing the start of job processing. For this reason, even if it is necessary to interrupt the processing of the first job, the image processing apparatus continuously operates, and it is difficult to distinguish the second job from the first job.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, which can easily distinguish between an interrupted job and an interrupted job.

  An image processing apparatus for solving this problem includes a plurality of processing units that perform job processing. The processing unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document. Can be processed in parallel with a receiving unit capable of receiving a job processing unit including a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt. A storage unit for storing a combination of job types; and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives the interrupt instruction via the reception unit during processing of the first job. An interruption process for interrupting the processing of the first job; and after interrupting the processing of the first job by the interruption process, the type of the second job and the second job Receiving the start instruction for instructing start Accordingly, a determination process for determining whether a combination of the second job type and the first job type matches a combination stored in the storage unit; and the determination process If it is determined that the combination of job types does not match, the processing of the second job is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed. If it is determined in the determination processing that the combination of job types is the same, the processing of the first job is resumed, the processing of the second job is started, and the second job is transferred to the first job. It is characterized by executing interrupt processing in parallel with jobs.

  When receiving an interrupt instruction, the image processing device disclosed in this specification interrupts the processing of the first job being processed. After the interruption, the image forming apparatus matches the combination of the first job type and the second job type received after receiving the interrupt instruction with the combination that can be processed in parallel and stored in the storage unit. Judge whether to do. If it is determined that they do not match, the image forming apparatus starts processing of the second job, and resumes processing of the first job after completion of processing of the second job. On the other hand, when it is determined that they match, the image forming apparatus processes the first job and the second job in parallel.

  In other words, in the image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification, even when the second job interrupts in the middle of the first job, the first job is received when receiving the instruction to start processing the second job. Since the processing is interrupted and stopped, it is easy to distinguish the second job from the first job. That is, by interrupting the processing of the first job upon receipt of the interrupt instruction, it is possible to grasp the output product or document of the first job separately from the output product or document of the second job.

  In addition, in this specification, as another image processing apparatus, a plurality of processing units that perform job processing are provided. The processing unit includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image from a document. A job processing unit including a receiver, a receiving unit capable of receiving a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt, and a control unit, And the control unit interrupts processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during processing of the first job, and the interrupt processing. In response to receiving the type of the second job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job at Processing of the first job among a plurality of processing units A specifying process for specifying a processing unit to be used based on the type of the first job and a processing unit used for processing the second job based on the type of the second job; Whether or not the same processing unit is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job and the processing unit specified to be used for the second job in the specific processing is determined. When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the specific determination processing and the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination processing, After the second job process is started and the second job process is completed, the first job process is restarted and specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination process. The second job in the processing unit If it is determined that the specified processing unit is not included, the processing of the first job is resumed, the processing of the second job is started, and the second job is changed to the first job. An image processing apparatus that executes specific interrupt processing that is processed in parallel with the image processing is disclosed.

  When receiving the interrupt instruction, the above-described image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification interrupts the processing of the first job being processed. After the interruption, the image forming apparatus identifies a processing unit used for processing the first job and a processing unit used for processing the second job, and determines whether the same processing unit is included. to decide. If it is determined that the same processing unit is included, the image forming apparatus starts processing of the second job, and resumes processing of the first job after the processing of the second job is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the same processing unit is not included, the image forming apparatus processes the first job and the second job in parallel.

  That is, even the above-described image processing apparatus disclosed in this specification is an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, and even when the second job interrupts in the middle of the first job, the second job When the process start instruction is received, the process of the first job is interrupted and stopped. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish between a job to be interrupted and a job to be interrupted.

  A control method for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, it is an image processing apparatus having an interrupt function, and a technique for easily distinguishing between a job to be interrupted and a job to be interrupted is realized.

1 is a schematic external view of an MFP according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a parallel possible table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption process of a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the parallel availability determination process of a 1st form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interruption process of a 2nd form. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the parallel availability determination process of the 3rd form. It is explanatory drawing which shows a utilization structure table.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) having an image forming function and an image reading function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 are both examples of a processing unit. The internal configuration of MFP 100 including image forming unit 10 and image reading unit 20 is an example of a job processing unit. The operation panel 40 is an example of a receiving unit and a notification unit.

  The image forming unit 10 is configured to print an image on a sheet. The MFP 100 includes a paper feed tray 11 and a paper discharge tray 12. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates printing sheets. The paper discharge tray 12 stores printed sheets. The MFP 100 prints on the sheet stored in the paper feed tray 11 using the image forming unit 10, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. MFP 100 may be a device capable of forming a color image or a device dedicated to monochrome images. Further, MFP 100 may be a device capable of double-sided printing or a device dedicated to single-sided printing.

  The image reading unit 20 has a configuration for reading an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. Further, even if color reading is possible, only monochrome reading may be performed.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 22 having a function of conveying a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the upper portion of the casing of the MFP 100 and includes a document tray 24 and a document discharge tray 25. The image reading unit 20 conveys one of the documents placed on the document tray 24 to the ADF 22, reads an image of the document during conveyance, and discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 25.

  The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 is rotatable around one side on the left back side in FIG. A reading glass is provided below the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read a document placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet on the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group. The button group is provided with a start button 42, an interrupt button 43, a stop button, a numeric keypad, and the like. For example, the MFP 100 displays various information on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40. In addition, MFP 100 receives various instructions by receiving a signal transmitted by each button by operating the button group. The liquid crystal display 41 may be a touch panel that allows an input operation in addition to display. In MFP 100 having a touch panel, various instructions may be received by an input to the touch panel instead of an operation to each button.

  Next, an electrical configuration of the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. The MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, a telephone line IF 39, and an operation panel 40, which are electrically connected to the controller 30. Has been.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data and various settings. The ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 is an example of a storage unit.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be a control unit. The controller 30 in FIG. 2 is a collective term for hardware used for controlling the MFP 100 such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The network IF 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The USBIF 38 is hardware for connecting a flash memory such as a USB memory and communicating with the connected flash memory. The telephone line IF 39 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line.

  Note that the MFP 100 can process communication with a plurality of external devices in parallel via the network IF 37. On the other hand, the MFP 100 communicates with the flash memory connected to the USBIF 38 on a one-to-one basis. Further, the MFP 100 includes only one telephone line IF 39, and when a line with a certain external apparatus is connected via the telephone line IF 39, a line with another external apparatus cannot be connected.

  Next, job types that can be processed by MFP 100 and components used by MFP 100 when processing each job will be described. The MFP 100 according to this embodiment is capable of processing PC print jobs, memory direct print jobs, scan-PC jobs, scan-memory jobs, facsimile transmission jobs, facsimile reception jobs, and copy jobs.

  The PC print job is a job for receiving image data from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) via the network IF 37 and performing printing based on the received image data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 to process a PC print job.

  The memory direct print job is a job for reading image data stored in a flash memory connected to the USBIF 38 and performing printing based on the read image data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the USBIF 38 and the image forming unit 10 to process a memory direct print job.

  The scan-PC job is a job that reads an image of a document and transmits image data based on the read image to an external device such as a PC via the network IF 37. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 to process a scan-PC job.

  The scan-memory job is a job for reading an image of a document and saving image data based on the read image in a flash memory connected to the USBIF 38 or in a RAM 33 or NVRAM 34 built in the MFP 100. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 and the USBIF 38 to process a scan-memory job.

  The facsimile transmission job is a job for reading an image of a document and transmitting facsimile data based on the read image to an external apparatus connected to a telephone network via a telephone line IF39. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image reading unit 20 and the telephone line IF 39 to process a facsimile transmission job.

  The facsimile reception job is a job for receiving facsimile data from an external device connected to the telephone network via the telephone line IF 39 and performing printing based on the received facsimile data. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 and the telephone line IF 39 in order to process a facsimile reception job.

  The copy job is a job for reading an image of a document and performing printing based on the read image. That is, the MFP 100 uses the image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 to process a copy job.

  Next, an interrupt operation in MFP 100 will be described. When the MFP 100 accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43 on the operation panel 40 during job processing, if the job being processed can be interrupted, the MFP 100 interrupts the processing of the job being processed, An instruction input is accepted. The MFP 100 receives an instruction input of another job, for example, by an operation on the operation panel 40. In the following, a job accepted after pressing the interrupt button 43 is referred to as an interrupt job, and a job being processed when the interrupt button 43 is pressed is referred to as a preceding job. The preceding job is an example of a first job, and the interrupt job is an example of a second job.

  The MFP 100 accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43 and interrupts the processing of the preceding job, and then determines whether the interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel. If it is determined that the jobs can be processed in parallel, the MFP 100 processes the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jobs cannot be processed in parallel, the MFP 100 first processes the interrupt job, and resumes the processing of the preceding job after the interrupt job processing is completed.

  The MFP 100 can process two jobs that do not use the same component in parallel. Specifically, the MFP 100 can process a job using the image forming unit 10 and not using the image reading unit 20 and a job using the image reading unit 20 and not using the image forming unit 10 simultaneously in parallel. .

  On the other hand, the MFP 100 cannot simultaneously process two jobs that use the same component. Specifically, the MFP 100 cannot process a job using the image forming unit 10 and a job using the image forming unit 10 in parallel. Further, the MFP 100 cannot process a job using the image reading unit 20 and a job using the image reading unit 20 in parallel.

  The MFP 100 stores a parallel enable table 61 as shown in FIG. 3 in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 in order to determine whether or not two jobs can be processed in parallel. The parallel enable table 61 stores the types of interrupt jobs that can be processed in parallel with the preceding jobs corresponding to the types of the preceding jobs. If the received interrupt job type is included in the “type of interrupt job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job” stored in the parallel enable table 61, the MFP 100 determines that the interrupt job type is “interrupt job”. It is determined that the preceding job can be processed in parallel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the preceding job is a PC print job, the type of interrupt job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job is one of a scan-PC job, a scan-memory job, and a facsimile transmission job. It is. As described above, the PC print job is a job that uses the image forming unit 10, and the scan-PC job, the scan-memory job, and the facsimile transmission job all use the image reading unit 20 and the image forming unit. 10 is a job that does not use 10. Therefore, the MFP 100 can process either a scan-PC job, a scan-memory job, or a facsimile transmission job in parallel with the PC print job while processing the PC print job.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 can process a scan-PC job or a facsimile transmission job in parallel while processing a memory direct print job. Further, the MFP 100 can process a PC print job or a memory direct print job in parallel while a scan-PC job is being processed. Further, the MFP 100 can process a PC print job in parallel while processing a scan-memory job.

  Note that the MFP 100 cannot process an interrupt job of a type not stored in the parallel enable table 61 in parallel with the corresponding preceding job. If the combination of the received interrupt job type and the preceding job type is not a combination stored in the parallel enable table 61, the MFP 100 cannot process the received interrupt job in parallel with the preceding job. Judge.

  For example, the MFP 100 cannot process two jobs of the same type in parallel, such as a PC print job and a PC print job. Further, the MFP 100 cannot process a scan-memory job and a memory direct print job, both of which use the USBIF 38, in parallel. Also, the MFP 100 cannot process a copy job and another job in parallel. This is because the MFP 100 uses both the image forming unit 10 and the image reading unit 20 when processing a copy job.

  Next, an interrupt processing procedure for realizing the above-described interrupt operation in MFP 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This interrupt process is executed by the CPU 31 of the MFP 100 when the depression of the interrupt button 43 is accepted.

  When the CPU 31 accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43, it first determines whether or not it is in an interruptible state (S101). Specifically, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a job that can be resumed even if interrupted is being processed. If it is determined that the interrupt is not possible (S101: NO), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt process. If the CPU 31 determines that the interrupt is not possible, the CPU 31 may display the fact on the liquid crystal display 41.

  For example, when the job is not being processed, the CPU 31 determines that the interrupt is not possible. If the job is not being processed, the CPU 31 ends the interrupt process and accepts the job as a normal process.

  Further, the CPU 31 determines that it is not in an interruptible state if a facsimile reception job or facsimile transmission job is being processed. A facsimile reception job or facsimile transmission job is a job for communicating with an external device via a telephone line. And it is not guaranteed whether the external device that is the communication partner is compatible with job interruptions associated with interrupt processing. In other words, if processing of a facsimile reception job or facsimile transmission job is interrupted, there is a possibility that processing of the interrupted job cannot be resumed appropriately. Therefore, if the preceding job is a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job, the CPU 31 does not accept an interrupt even if the interrupt button 43 is pressed. Then, the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing and continues the processing of the facsimile reception job and facsimile transmission job being processed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 31 is processing a job other than a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job, such as a PC print job, a scan-PC job, or a copy job, it determines that an interruptable state is possible. If it is determined that the interrupt is possible (S101: YES), the CPU 31 interrupts the process of the preceding job (S102). S102 is an example of interruption processing.

  In S102, the CPU 31 completes printing and reading of the sheet being processed, and does not start at least an operation including conveyance of the next sheet. Since the movement of the sheet related to the preceding job is stopped by interrupting the processing of the preceding job, it is easy for the user who pressed the interrupt button 43 to understand that the interrupt has been accepted.

  After interrupting the processing of the preceding job, the CPU 31 accepts an interrupt job instruction. For example, the CPU 31 accepts input of various settings regarding the contents of the interrupt job and setting completion instructions on the operation panel 40. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a setting completion instruction has been received (S104). Note that the CPU 31 also determines that it is a setting completion instruction even when the start button 42 is pressed.

  If it is determined that a setting completion instruction has not been received (S104: NO), the CPU 31 receives inputs such as various settings of the interrupt job until a setting completion instruction is received. Note that if the setting completion instruction is not accepted after a predetermined waiting time after stopping the preceding job processing, control may be performed to cancel the interrupt and restart the preceding job processing. .

  If it is determined that a setting completion instruction has been received (S104: YES), the CPU 31 acquires the type of interrupt job based on the received setting (S106). Further, the CPU 31 starts processing of an interrupt job (S107).

  Further, the CPU 31 starts execution of a parallel availability determination process for determining whether or not an interrupt job and a preceding job can be processed in parallel (S109). S109 is an example of a determination process. Next, the procedure of the parallel availability determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the parallel availability determination process, the CPU 31 first reads the parallel availability table 61 (S201). Then, the CPU 31 acquires a job type that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job based on the parallel enable table 61 (S202). Further, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the acquired job type includes the job type of the interrupt job acquired in S106 (S203).

  If it is determined that the job type of the interrupt job is included (S203: YES), the CPU 31 turns on the parallel enable flag (S204) and ends the parallel enable / disable determination process. In other words, when the combination of the job type of the interrupt job and the job type of the preceding job is a combination stored in the parallel enable table 61, the CPU 31 executes the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel. Can be processed. The parallel enable flag is information stored in the NVRAM 34.

  On the other hand, when determining that the job type of the interrupt job is not included (S203: NO), the CPU 31 turns off the parallel enable flag (S205) and ends the parallel enable / disable determining process. In other words, if the combination of the job type of the interrupt job and the job type of the preceding job is not included in the combination stored in the parallel enable table 61, the CPU 31 determines that the interrupt job and the preceding job are Are determined not to be processed in parallel.

  Returning to the interrupt process of FIG. 4, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the parallel enable flag is ON after the parallel enable / disable determining process of S109 (S110). If it is determined that the parallel enable flag is not on (S110: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the interrupt job processing has ended (S112).

  If it is determined that the interrupt job processing has not ended (S112: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job. That is, the CPU 31 waits for the end of the interrupt job. On the other hand, when it is determined that the interrupt job processing has ended (S112: YES), the CPU 31 resumes the preceding job processing (S113) and ends the interrupt processing. S112 and S113 are an example of a part of the interrupt processing.

  If it is determined that the parallel enable flag is on (S110: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the interrupt job process (S115). The predetermined time is, for example, a fixed value within a range of 1 second to 5 seconds, and is stored in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34.

  If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S115: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job. That is, the CPU 31 waits for a predetermined time. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S115: YES), the CPU 31 notifies that the preceding job is processed in parallel with the interrupt job (S117). The notification may be, for example, display on the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40 or reproduction of voice guidance. Further, the CPU 31 resumes the processing of the preceding job (S118). S118 is an example of a part of the interrupt processing.

  By notifying that the preceding job is processed in parallel with the interrupt job, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving the user of the interrupt job anxiety or misunderstanding that the user may have made an erroneous operation. And possibility that the user will perform operation which stops at least one of two jobs currently processed normally in parallel can be reduced. In addition, by restarting the processing of the preceding job after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the interrupt job processing, the possibility that the user of the interrupt job will mistake the processing of the preceding job as the processing of the interrupt job is reduced. it can.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the interrupt job processing has been completed (S120). If it is determined that the processing has not ended (S120: NO), the CPU 31 continues to process the interrupt job and the preceding job. If it is determined that the interrupt job processing has ended (S120: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether the preceding job processing has ended (S122). When it is determined that the processing of the preceding job is also completed when the interrupt job processing is completed (S122: YES), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the processing of the preceding job is not completed when the processing of the interrupt job is completed (S122: NO), the CPU 31 interrupts the processing of the preceding job again (S124). S124 is an example of re-interruption processing. For example, the CPU 31 does not perform an operation including conveyance of the next sheet, as in S102.

  After the interruption, for example, the CPU 31 displays on the liquid crystal display 41 that another interrupt job can be accepted. The CPU 31 may also display that an instruction to end interruption is input when there is no other interruption job. Then, the CPU 31 newly determines whether or not an interrupt job instruction input has been received (S125).

  If it is determined that an instruction for a new interrupt job has been received (S125: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S104 and determines whether or not a setting completion for a new interrupt job has been received. When the CPU 31 determines that the completion of the setting of a new interrupt job has been received, the CPU 31 determines whether the new interrupt job and the preceding job can be processed in parallel, and processes them in parallel if possible. . S109 for a new interrupt job is an example of a redetermination process, and S112, S113, and S118 for a new interrupt job are examples of a re-interrupt process.

  Even when processing of the interrupt job is completed, the user may interrupt another job. In that case, it is troublesome for the user to start again from the input of the interrupt button 43. Therefore, after processing of the interrupt job is completed before the processing of the preceding job is completed, the processing of the preceding job is interrupted again, and a new interrupt job to be interrupted next is accepted, so that an interrupt instruction can be input. This saves the user time and effort.

  On the other hand, for example, after an instruction to end an interrupt is received or after the processing of an interrupt job is completed, a predetermined time is not input without an instruction to execute a new interrupt job from the user. If it is determined that an instruction for a new interrupt job is not accepted due to elapse of time or the like (S125: NO), the CPU 31 resumes the process of the preceding job (S126) and ends the interrupt process.

  As described above in detail, when the MFP 100 of the first embodiment accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43 during the processing of the preceding job, the processing of the preceding job is interrupted. In other words, the preceding job is not processed while accepting the interrupt job setting. Then, MFP 100 determines whether or not the combination of the preceding job and the interrupt job is a combination that can be processed in parallel, based on parallelism table 61. Further, when it is determined that the MFP 100 can process in parallel, the preceding job and the interrupt job are processed in parallel. When it is determined that the MFP 100 cannot process in parallel, the MFP 100 starts processing the interrupt job. After the interrupt job processing is completed, the preceding job processing is resumed. Therefore, even if the combination can be processed in parallel, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted, so that it is easy to distinguish between the interrupt job and the preceding job. In other words, the processing of the first job is interrupted by the reception of the press of the interrupt button 43, so that the output product or document of the first job can be grasped separately from the output product or document of the second job. As a result, for example, they can be once removed from the image processing apparatus.

  Further, MFP 100 of the first embodiment accepts a second job start instruction after receiving an interrupt instruction. That is, the user can issue a second job start instruction after confirming that the interrupt instruction has been accepted. Therefore, the user does not have to hesitate to give an interrupt instruction as compared with a case where an interruption is made by receiving a start instruction.

  Next, a second embodiment that embodies the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the second mode, in the MFP 100 having the same configuration as that of the first mode, the preceding job is processed in parallel with the interrupt job processing, and the processing when the interrupt job is completed before the completion of the preceding job is as follows. Different from the first embodiment. About the same structure and process as a 1st form, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  An interrupt processing procedure for realizing an interrupt operation in MFP 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This interrupt process is executed by the CPU 31 of the MFP 100 when the depression of the interrupt button 43 is accepted, similarly to the interrupt process of the first embodiment. The interrupt process of the second form is different from the interrupt process of the first form only in the process after NO is determined in S122.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU 31 processes the interrupt job and the preceding job in parallel, the interrupt job processing is completed, and the preceding job processing is not completed (S122: NO). It is determined whether or not the interrupt button 43 has been pressed (S301). In the interrupt processing of the second form, the processing of the preceding job is not interrupted prior to S301. That is, the CPU 31 accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43 while continuing the processing of the preceding job. This is different from the first mode in which the processing of the preceding job is stopped when the interrupt job ends.

  If it is determined that the interrupt button 43 has not been pressed (S301: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the end of the interrupt job processing (S302). The CPU 31 stores the fixed time used for the determination in S302 in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34. When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S302: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S301 and waits until the interrupt button 43 is pressed or the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed without accepting the pressing of the interrupt button 43 (S302: YES), the CPU 31 ends the interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that pressing of the interrupt button 43 has been accepted (S301: YES), the CPU 31 displays a menu on the liquid crystal display 41 (S305). The menu displayed in S305 is a list of jobs of the same type as the previously executed interrupt job. Note that a list of job types that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job may be displayed as a menu. When a job is selected from the menu, the CPU 31 accepts the selected job as a new interrupt job.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether one job is selected as a new interrupt job from the menu (S306). If it is determined that one job has been selected (S306: YES), the CPU 31 starts processing of the selected interrupt job (S307), and proceeds to S120. After the interrupt job that can be processed in parallel with the preceding job is completed, if the interrupt button 43 is pressed again within a certain period of time, it is processed in parallel with the preceding job, such as a job of the same type as the ended interrupt job. A possible job is likely to be specified. By displaying a job of the same type as the completed interrupt job on the menu and selecting it, an interrupt job that can be reliably processed in parallel with the preceding job is selected. Therefore, it is not necessary to interrupt the preceding job again.

  On the other hand, when determining that one job has not been selected (S306: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the menu was displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 (S308). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S308: NO), the CPU 31 waits until either a job is selected from the menu or a predetermined time has elapsed. After displaying the menu on the liquid crystal display 41, if it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed without selecting a job from the menu (S308: YES), the CPU 31 deletes the menu and ends the interrupt process. . Note that when an interrupt termination instruction is received, the interrupt process may be terminated at that point without waiting for a predetermined time.

  As described above in detail, in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted even in a combination that can be processed in parallel as in the first embodiment. It is easy to distinguish between embedded jobs and preceding jobs.

  Furthermore, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment does not re-interrupt the processing of the preceding job when the interrupt job is completed before the preceding job is completed. If the user of the interrupt job causes another job to be interrupted, the new interrupt job is likely to be the same type of job as the previous interrupt job. Since jobs of the same type can continue to be processed in parallel, if an interrupt instruction is received immediately after the interrupt job processing is completed, the interrupt job can be processed without interrupting the preceding job processing. By accepting the same type of job settings, the processing of the preceding job can be completed early. On the other hand, in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, after the interrupt job processing is completed before the preceding job processing is completed, the preceding job processing is interrupted again, the interrupt instruction is not input, and the next interrupt is processed. Accepts jobs. Therefore, the user's effort can be reduced no matter what the next interrupt job is.

  Next, a third embodiment that embodies the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The third mode is different from the first mode in determining whether or not an interrupt job and a preceding job can be processed in parallel in MFP 100 having the same configuration as the first mode. In other words, when the MFP 100 of the third form receives a press of the interrupt button 43 during the processing of the preceding job, the MFP 100 executes the interrupt process similar to the first form or the second form, As the parallel availability determination process executed in the process, a process different from the first form or the second form is executed. About the same structure and process as a 1st form, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The MFP 100 according to the third embodiment determines whether or not two jobs can be processed in parallel in the parallel availability determination process based on the components used for processing each job. The components include an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a USB IF 38, and a telephone line IF 39. As described above, the MFP 100 cannot process two or more jobs using the same component in parallel.

  Specifically, the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment replaces the parallel enable table 61 shown in FIG. 3 to determine whether or not the preceding job and the interrupt job can be processed in parallel, for example, , A utilization configuration table 62 as shown in FIG. 8 is used. In the use configuration table 62, whether or not to use each of the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the USB IF 38, and the telephone line IF 39 is determined for each type of job that may be a preceding job or an interrupt job. It is remembered. The MFP 100 stores the usage configuration table 62 in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34.

  A procedure of parallel availability determination processing for realizing an interrupt operation in MFP 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The CPU 31 of the MFP 100 executes the parallel availability determination process in S109 of the interrupt process of FIG. 4 or FIG.

  In the parallel availability determination process of the third form, the CPU 31 first identifies the components used in each of the preceding job and the interrupt job (S401). S401 is an example of a specific process. For example, the CPU 31 refers to the usage configuration table 62 shown in FIG. 8 and identifies the configuration unit to be used based on the job types of the preceding job and the interrupt job.

  Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the image forming unit 10 is included in the components of both of the specified jobs (S402). If it is determined that the image forming unit 10 is not included in at least one job component (S402: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the image reading unit 20 is included in both the specified job components. Judgment is made (S403).

  If it is determined that the image reading unit 20 is not included in at least one job component (S403: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the USBIF 38 is included in both the specified job components (step S403: NO). S404). When it is determined that the USBIF 38 is not included in at least one job component (S404: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether the telephone line IF 39 is included in both specified job components (S405). ).

  If it is determined that the telephone line IF 39 is not included in at least one job component (S405: NO), the CPU 31 turns on the parallel enable flag (S406) and ends the parallel enable / disable determining process. S402, S403, S404, and S405 are examples of specific determination processing. In addition, S112, S113, and S118 in the interrupt process executed by the MFP 100 of the third embodiment are an example of a specific interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming unit 10 is included in both components (S402: YES), or when it is determined that the image reading unit 20 is included in both components (S403: YES), or When it is determined that the USBIF 38 is included in both components (S404: YES), or when it is determined that the telephone line IF39 is included in both components (S405: YES), the CPU 31 determines the parallel enable flag. Is turned off (S407), and the parallel availability determination process is terminated.

  As described above in detail, the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment processes the preceding job and the interrupt job in parallel based on whether the preceding job and the interrupt job use the same component. Determine if you can. Even in this case, as in the first and second embodiments, even if the combination can be processed in parallel, the processing of the preceding job is temporarily interrupted. Easy to distinguish.

  Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus having an image forming function and an image reading function, such as a copying machine and a facsimile machine, without being limited to a multifunction machine.

  Further, for example, the notification of processing in parallel is made, but it is not necessary to do so. That is, S117 may be omitted. However, it is preferable that the notification is made because it is easy for the user to understand that two jobs are being processed in parallel.

  Also, for example, when processing is possible in parallel, the preceding job is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the interrupt job processing, but may be started immediately. For example, S115 may be deleted, and if YES in S110, the process may proceed to S117. Also, for example, after accepting the completion of interrupt job setting, it is determined whether or not processing is possible in parallel. If it is determined that processing is possible, the processing of the preceding job is resumed and the interrupt job You may perform a process start simultaneously. However, it is easier for the user to distinguish between the preceding job and the interrupt job by resuming the processing of the preceding job after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the interrupt job processing.

  Also, for example, even if the preceding job and the interrupt job cannot be processed in parallel, there are processing parts that can be processed without using the components used in the interrupt job. Alternatively, only a part of the preceding job may be resumed during the interrupt job processing. For example, when the preceding job is a copy job and the interrupt job is a PC print job, a document reading process of the preceding jobs may be executed and the read image data may be stored in the RAM 33. Then, after the interrupt job processing is completed, the image data may be read from the RAM 33 and printed.

  Further, for example, in each embodiment, while a facsimile reception job or a facsimile transmission job is being processed, an interrupt itself is not accepted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the MFP 100 accepts pressing of the interrupt button 43 during processing of a facsimile reception job, the MFP 100 may store the received facsimile data in the RAM 33 without stopping the reception and interrupting only the printing. . Then, after the interrupt job processing is completed, the image data may be read from the RAM 33 and printed.

  Further, for example, a table that stores combinations of job types that cannot be processed in parallel may be used instead of the parallel enable table 61. Further, for example, instead of the usage configuration table 62, a table that stores configuration units that are not used may be used for each type of job.

  The processing disclosed in this embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image formation part 20 Image reading part 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 NVRAM
37 Network IF
38 USBIF
39 Telephone line IF
40 Operation panel 100 MFP

Claims (8)

A plurality of processing units for processing a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt;
A storage unit for storing combinations of job types that can be processed in parallel;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
An interruption process for interrupting the processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during the processing of the first job;
In response to receiving the type of the second job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after the process of the first job is interrupted in the interrupt process. A determination process for determining whether a combination of the second job type and the first job type matches a combination stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined in the determination process that the combination of job types does not match, the processing of the second job is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is performed. When the determination process determines that the combination of job types matches, the process of the first job is restarted, the process of the second job is started, and the second job is Interrupt processing to be processed in parallel with the first job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by executing The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
With a notification section,
The controller is
In the case where the first job and the second job are processed in parallel in the interrupt processing, the notification unit is processing the first job and the second job in parallel To notify
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
In the interrupt process, when it is determined in the determination process that the combination of job types matches, the process of the second job is started first, and a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the process of the second job. Resume processing of the first job later,
An image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
When the first job and the second job are processed in parallel in the interrupt processing, the processing of the second job is completed before the processing of the first job is completed. A re-interruption process for interrupting the processing of the first job;
After the processing of the first job is interrupted in the re-interruption processing, the type of the third job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the third job are received via the receiving unit. In response, a re-determination process for determining whether a combination of the third job type and the first job type matches a combination stored in the storage unit;
If it is determined in the re-determination process that the combination of job types does not match, the process of the third job is started, and after the process of the third job is completed, the process of the first job is completed. If the combination of job types is determined to match in the re-determination process, the first job process is restarted, the third job process is started, and the third job is started. Re-interrupt processing for processing in parallel with the first job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by executing In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
When the first job process and the second job process are started in the interrupt process, and within a period from when the second job process ends until a predetermined time elapses. If the interrupt instruction is re-received via the receiving unit before the processing of the first job is completed, the processing of the first job is not interrupted and the second job is not interrupted. Accept settings for the same type of job,
An image processing apparatus. A plurality of processing units for processing a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
An interruption process for interrupting the processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during the processing of the first job;
In response to receiving the type of the second job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after the process of the first job is interrupted in the interrupt process. Then, of the plurality of processing units, a processing unit used for processing the second job is used for processing the second job based on the type of the first job. Specific processing to identify each based on job type,
Whether or not the same processing unit is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific processing and the processing unit specified to be used in the second job in the specific processing Specific decision processing to judge
When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specific determination process, the second job After the processing of the second job is started, the processing of the first job is resumed, and in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specification determination processing When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is not included, the processing of the first job is resumed, the processing of the second job is started, and the second job A specific interrupt processing for processing in parallel with the first job;
An image processing apparatus characterized by executing A plurality of processing units for processing a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt;
An image processing apparatus control method comprising:
An interrupting step for interrupting the processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during the processing of the first job;
An acquisition step for acquiring a combination of job types that can be processed in parallel;
In response to receiving the type of the second job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupting step. A determination step of determining whether a combination of the second job type and the first job type matches the combination acquired in the acquisition step;
If it is determined in the determination step that the combination of job types does not match, the processing of the second job is started, and after the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed. If it is determined in the determining step that the combination of job types matches, the processing of the first job is resumed, the processing of the second job is started, and the second job is transferred to the first job. An interrupt step to be processed in parallel with other jobs,
The control method characterized by including. A plurality of processing units for processing a job, the processing unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit for reading an image from a document;
A receiving unit capable of receiving a job type, a start instruction for instructing start of job processing, and an interrupt instruction for instructing start of an interrupt;
An image processing apparatus control method comprising:
An interrupting step for interrupting the processing of the first job in response to receiving the interrupt instruction via the receiving unit during the processing of the first job;
In response to receiving the type of the second job and the start instruction for instructing the start of the second job via the receiving unit after interrupting the processing of the first job in the interrupting step. Then, of the plurality of processing units, a processing unit used for processing the second job is used for processing the second job based on the type of the first job. Specific steps to identify each based on the type of job,
Whether or not the same processing is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specifying step and the processing unit specified to be used for the second job in the specifying step. Specific judgment steps to judge,
When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is included in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specification determination step, the second job After the processing is started and the processing of the second job is completed, the processing of the first job is resumed, and in the processing unit specified to be used for the first job in the specifying step When it is determined that the processing unit specified to be used for the second job is not included, the processing of the first job is resumed, the processing of the second job is started, and the second job A specific interrupt step for processing in parallel with the first job;
The control method characterized by including.

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