JP2018050244A - Image forming apparatus, image forming system, image forming method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible, when abnormality occurs in an image reading part, to appropriately print a job according to the degree of the abnormality.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming part that forms an image on a transfer medium; a conveying part that conveys the transfer medium; and a control part that manages a job and controls conveyance of the transfer medium and formation of the image. The control part can acquire a result of image reading performed by an image reading part and the state of reading including where abnormality is not present, where abnormality is present and predetermined image reading can be performed, or where abnormality is present and predetermined image reading cannot be performed, and sets the order to output jobs according to the state of reading performed by the image reading part and settings of image reading in the jobs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, and an image forming control program capable of acquiring an image reading result by an image reading unit.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine, an image is output to a transfer medium based on image data included in a job in accordance with set image forming conditions (image forming position, color, density, etc.). The Since the image forming conditions may change temporarily or gradually with the operation of the image forming apparatus, the quality is maintained by various adjustment operations. For example, a patch image or a mark image is output on a transfer medium every predetermined time when the image forming apparatus is operated or every predetermined number of printed sheets, and the output image is detected by an image reading unit such as an inline sensor or a colorimeter. The image and the position of the image are determined appropriately. When the image quality is deviated or the image forming position is deviated, adjustment is performed to correct the print density and the image forming position by feedback.

  By the way, when transporting paper or the like as a transfer medium, dust or paper dust is generated and gradually adheres as dust (paper dust or dust) to the glass surface or the like of the image reading unit, and finally a predetermined image cannot be read. . The image reading unit has a function of detecting the presence / absence of dust (paper dust, dust) attached to the glass surface and the degree of dust. For example, it is possible to perform a stain determination (the presence or absence of dust, the degree of contamination, etc.) by performing reading using a reflector or the like in the absence of a transfer medium and analyzing the reading result.

There are at least the following three types of dust states that can be detected by the image reading unit. When a plurality of image reading units are provided, each of the image reading units can detect the dust state.
・ Dust non-detection ・ Detects dust that cannot be scanned ・ Detects dust that cannot be scanned

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 proposes controlling job output in accordance with an abnormality that has occurred on the downstream side of the image forming apparatus. Patent Document 1 describes that it is determined whether or not post-processing can be executed, a job that includes the post-processing as an execution target is interrupted, and a job that does not include the post-processing as an execution target is executed with priority. Has been.
However, Patent Document 1 determines only whether or not post-processing can be performed, and does not indicate a processing method in the case where the degree of abnormality is different, such as the stain determination of the image reading unit.

When dust that does not become unreadable cannot be detected by the image reading unit, it is possible to continuously output a job that uses the target image reading unit although a dust detection warning is displayed.
When unreadable dust is detected, a dust detection warning is displayed and the output job can be stopped to prevent the position / gradation adjustment using the scanned image from being affected. Until the cleaning of dust is completed, jobs using the target scanner can be disabled thereafter.

JP 2010-280060 A

  By the way, it is possible to set whether each image is read by the image reading unit. The jobs in the output list include those that perform image reading and those that do not perform image reading, and a plurality of image reading units. In this case, it is possible to set which image reading unit performs image reading.

  In the dirt determination of the image reading unit, when a job using the target image reading unit stops due to dust detection, a job using another image reading unit or a job that does not perform image reading at all is loaded as a subsequent job. Even in rare cases, there is a problem that the productivity is lowered although the job output is not affected. Also, if image reading is possible even if dust is detected, even if a job that does not perform scanning is executed, the image reading unit can read subsequent jobs that perform image reading due to increased pride and paper dust. The problem that trouble will arise arises.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, and a control capable of appropriately determining a job output order according to a reading state of an image reading unit. One of the purposes is to provide a program.

That is, the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the transfer medium, a job that manages the transfer medium, A control unit that controls image formation;
The control unit can acquire an image reading result and a reading state in the image reading unit, and sets a job output order according to the reading state of the image reading unit and the image reading setting in the job. It is characterized by.

According to another aspect of the invention of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, at least the image reading unit has no abnormality, the image reading unit has an abnormality, and a predetermined image can be read. The image reading unit is abnormal and the predetermined image reading is impossible.
According to another aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, the control unit has an abnormality in the image reading unit and can read a predetermined image based on the reading state. If it is determined that the job is set to read an image by the image reading unit having an abnormality, the job is preferentially output.
According to another aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, the control unit has an abnormality in the image reading unit based on the reading state, and a predetermined image by the image reading unit. When it is determined that reading is impossible, priority is given to a job that is set so as not to be read by the image reading unit having an abnormality.

In another aspect of the invention of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, the image reading unit is plural.
The control unit is capable of acquiring an image reading result and a reading state for each of the plurality of image reading units.
The image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the invention may be configured to change the job output order when an abnormality occurs in at least one image reading unit in the reading state of the image reading unit. It is characterized by doing.
The image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the image reading unit is disposed at least below a conveying path for conveying the transfer medium and is conveyed along the conveying path. A first image reading unit for reading an image formed on the lower surface of the transfer medium;
And a second image reading unit that reads an image formed on the upper surface of the transfer medium that is disposed above the conveyance path and is conveyed along the conveyance path.
The image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit has an abnormality in both the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, and has a predetermined value. When it is determined that the image can be read, the setting job for reading by the first image reading unit is output with priority.
The image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit has an abnormality in one of the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit and has a predetermined value. When it is determined that image reading is possible, a job that is read by both the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, rather than a job that is only read by the abnormal image reading unit Is output with priority.
According to another aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, when the control unit has an abnormality in at least one of the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, A job that does not pass through a conveyance path in which an image is read by the first image reading unit or the second image reading unit is preferentially output.
According to another aspect of the invention of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, a job that does not pass through the conveyance path is discharged to a paper discharge unit positioned upstream in the transfer medium conveyance direction of the image reading unit. It is characterized by being.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect includes an operation unit in the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit is configured according to a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in a job. Whether to set the job output order can be selected by a user operation.
According to another aspect of the invention of the image forming apparatus, in the image forming apparatus of the above aspect, when the control unit determines that the abnormality has been resolved in the image reading unit in which the abnormality has occurred, When the job output order is changed due to an abnormality, the job output order is returned to the original order.
An image forming apparatus according to another aspect is characterized in that the image forming apparatus according to the aspect includes the image reading unit.
An image forming apparatus according to another aspect is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit performs image formation adjustment based on an image reading result.
An invention of an image forming apparatus of another form is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus of the above form, the setting of image reading in a job is presence or absence of reading.

Of the image forming system of the present invention, the first form is an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer medium, a transport unit for transporting the transfer medium, and an image on the transfer medium. A control unit that controls the image reading unit to read and manage jobs;
The control unit can acquire an image reading result in the image reading unit and a reading state, and a job in the image forming unit is set according to a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job. The output order is set.

  An image forming system according to another aspect is characterized in that, in the image forming system according to the above aspect, the control unit is provided in a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus.

Among the image forming methods of the present invention, the first mode includes a step of managing jobs and setting an output order in image formation, a step of acquiring a reading state in an image reading unit,
And a step of changing a job output order in accordance with a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job.

Of the control program of the present invention, the first form is a computer that controls an image by controlling an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer medium, a transport unit that transports the transfer medium, and an image reading unit. A control program to be executed,
Managing jobs and setting output order;
Obtaining a reading state in the image reading unit;
And a step of changing a job output order in accordance with a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job.

  The control program according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that the control program according to the aspect further includes a step of obtaining an image reading result in the image reading unit and adjusting the image forming unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately set the job output order in consideration of productivity and the like in accordance with the reading state of the image reading unit and the job reading setting.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, it is a figure which shows a control block. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the outline of the machine structure of an image reading apparatus. It is a figure which shows the outline of the machine structure of the image reading apparatus of another example. It is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of detecting adhesion of dust in the scanner of one Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for changing the job output order when dust adhesion is detected only by a downstream scanner and predetermined image reading is possible. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing the job output order when two scanners detect dust adhesion and both can read a predetermined image. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting dust adhesion only with an upstream scanner and changing the job output order when a predetermined image cannot be read. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing the output order of jobs when dust adhesion is detected only by a downstream scanner and predetermined image reading is possible. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for detecting adhesion of dust from two scanners and changing the job output order when both of the predetermined image reading is impossible. Similarly, when there is an abnormality in the scanner and a predetermined image can be read, it is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for returning the job output order when the abnormality is resolved by cleaning the dust of the scanner.

Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 1A, a relay apparatus 200, an image reading apparatus 300, and a post-processing apparatus 400 from the upstream side in order of the sheet conveyance direction. Each device is mechanically and electrically connected to enable transfer of a transfer medium between the devices and transmission / reception of information between the devices. In the present embodiment, these devices constitute an image forming apparatus.
In the present invention, the configuration of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the above, and the image forming apparatus may be configured by the apparatus main body 1A and the image reading apparatus 300, or an image is formed only by the apparatus main body 1A. The image forming apparatus may be configured to include the image reading apparatus 300, the post-processing apparatus 400, and the like, and the image forming apparatus may be configured together with the image forming apparatus.

In the apparatus main body 1A, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 14 is provided on the upper side of the housing. The document fed by the automatic document feeder (ADF) 14 can be read by the scanner unit. The document can also be read on a platen glass (not shown).
An operation display unit 140 is further arranged on the upper side of the apparatus main body 1A. The operation display unit 140 includes a touch panel type LCD 141, and information can be displayed and operations can be received by the LCD 141. The operation unit may be configured with a mouse, a tablet, or the like, and may be configured separately from the display unit. The LCD 141 may be movable.

  A paper feed tray 12 is disposed on the lower side of the apparatus main body 1A. The paper feed tray 12 has one or a plurality of paper feed stages for storing and feeding paper. Further, a large-capacity paper feeder may be provided attached to the apparatus main body 1A. The paper corresponds to the transfer medium of the present invention. The transfer medium is not limited to paper, and may be cloth or plastic.

A conveyance path 13 is provided inside the apparatus main body 1A. The transport path 13 transports paper fed from the paper feed tray 12 and is connected to the transport path 23 of the relay apparatus 200.
An image forming unit 11 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path 13 of the apparatus main body 1A. The image forming unit 11 has a photoconductor 11a for each color (cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K)). It has a charger, LD, and developer. Further, the image forming unit 11 includes an intermediate transfer belt 11b to which an image on the photoreceptor 11a is transferred, and a secondary transfer unit 11c that transfers the image on the intermediate transfer belt 11b to a sheet.

A fixing device 11d is arranged in the conveyance path 13 on the downstream side of the secondary transfer portion 11c. The image forming unit 11 includes the above-described photoreceptor 11a, a charger (not shown), an LD, a developing unit, an intermediate transfer belt 11b, a secondary transfer unit 11c, a fixing unit 11d, and the like. The image forming unit may form a single color image. The image forming unit may print only a single color.
The conveyance path 13 has a reverse conveyance path 13a branched from the straight side on the downstream side of the fixing device 11d. A downstream transport path 13c branches off from the reverse transport path 13a, and a retreat transport path 13b branches off on the downstream side. The reverse conveyance path 13 a joins the conveyance path 13 on the upstream side of the image forming unit 11 on the downstream side after the retreat conveyance path 13 b branches.

When only the face surface switching is performed, the sheet conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 13a is once sent to the retreat conveyance path 13b, and then reversely traveled to the downstream conveyance path 13c. The downstream conveyance path 13c merges with the conveyance path 13 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and the sheet sent to the downstream conveyance path 13c is conveyed downstream through the conveyance path 13 in a state where the face surface is switched. Is done.
When the paper is reversed and circulated to the image forming unit 11, the paper is once sent from the reverse conveyance path 13 a to the retreat conveyance path 13 b and then reversely fed to the reverse conveyance path 13 a on the downstream side. Then, the image is merged with the conveyance path 13 to form an image on the back side of the sheet.
The control unit 100 of the apparatus main body 1A controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, and includes a CPU, a program executed by the CPU, a storage unit serving as a parameter and a work area, and the like.

  A relay apparatus 200 is connected to the downstream side of the apparatus main body 1A. The relay apparatus 200 has a conveyance path 13 connected to the conveyance path 13 of the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A and connected to the conveyance path 33 of the subsequent image reading apparatus 300. In the relay apparatus 200, a plurality of sheets can be stacked or the sheets can be reversed and sent to the downstream side. In addition, the relay apparatus 200 has the RU sub-tray 21 and can discharge the sheet conveyed on the conveyance path 23 to the RU sub-tray 21 without being conveyed downstream by setting.

The image reading apparatus 300 is connected to the downstream side of the relay apparatus 200, and the downstream side of the transport path 23 of the relay apparatus 200 is connected to the transport path 33 of the image reading apparatus 300.
In the middle of the transport path 33, an upstream scanner 30 is disposed on the upstream side, which is located below the transport path 33 and outputs inspection light upward to read an image formed on the lower surface side of the sheet. A downstream scanner 31 is disposed on the downstream side of the transport path 33 and outputs inspection light downward to read an image formed on the upper surface side of the sheet.

The upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 can be constituted by a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, and can have a line sensor structure. The upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 correspond to the image reading unit of the present invention, the upstream scanner 30 corresponds to the first image reading unit of the present invention, and the downstream scanner 31 corresponds to the second image reading unit of the present invention. It corresponds to the part. In the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31, a reflective material (not shown) is arranged on the opposite side across the conveyance path 33, and inspection light is output in a state where the sheet is not at the irradiation position of the conveyance path 33 and is received. As a result, it is possible to grasp a reading state such as dirt on the image reading unit. The inspection direction in the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner is not limited to the above, and may be reversed.
Further, on the downstream side of the downstream scanner 31, a colorimeter 32 is installed above the conveyance path 33. The colorimeter 32 also corresponds to the image reading unit of the present invention. In the colorimeter 32, for example, a region where the RGB value in the reading result exceeds a predetermined value may be made dirty.
As the image reading apparatus, what is called ICCU can be used.

A post-processing device 400 is connected to the downstream side of the image reading device 300, and the downstream side of the transport path 33 provided in the image reading device 300 is connected to the transport path of the post-processing device 400.
The conveyance path is branched and connected to the FS main tray 41 and the FS sub-tray 42, and a post-processing unit (not shown) is provided in the middle of the conveyance path. In the post-processing unit, predetermined post-processing is executed. Examples of post-processing include appropriate processing such as stapling, punching, and booklet processing.

Next, control blocks of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes image data input / output between a digital copier having a control block 110, a scanner unit 130, an operation display unit 140, and a printer unit 150, and an external device 5 through the network 2. And an image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160 for processing.

  The control block 110 has a PCI bus 112, and the PCI bus 112 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111 in the control block 110. Further, the HDD 119 is connected to the PCI bus 112 via a controller IC 118. The HDD 119 can store image data and the like.

Further, the control block 110 includes a control CPU 113, and the DRAM control IC 111 is connected to the control CPU 113. In addition, a non-volatile memory 115 is connected to the control CPU 113. The non-volatile memory 115 includes a program executed by the control CPU 113, setting data of the image forming apparatus 1, process control parameters, control parameters for performing various adjustments based on the acquired image data, and colorimetry using a colorimeter. The data of the image patch for performing the data is stored in a readable / writable manner.
The control CPU 113 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 by executing a program and grasps the state of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The control CPU 113 controls sheet conveyance, image formation control, image forming apparatus adjustment, job Management, setting of the job output order based on the degree of abnormality of the image reading apparatus, and the like are performed. The control unit of the present invention is configured by the control CPU 113 and a control program operating on the control CPU 113. The control program may be stored in a movable storage unit and distributed and used. The control CPU 113 is connected to an RTC (date / time data generator) 125, and can transmit date / time data to the control CPU 113.

  The scanner unit 130 includes a CCD 131 that performs optical reading, and a scanner control unit 132 that controls the entire scanner unit 130. The scanner control unit 132 is connected to the control CPU 113 so as to be capable of serial communication, and is controlled by the control CPU 113. The scanner control unit 132 can be configured by a CPU or a program for operating the CPU. The image data read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by a reading processing unit 116. The read processing unit 116 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111.

  The operation display unit 140 includes a touch panel type LCD 141 and an operation unit control unit 142. The LCD 141 and the operation unit control unit 142 are connected to each other so that the operation unit control unit 142 and the control CPU 113 can perform serial communication. It is connected. With this configuration, the operation display unit 140 is controlled by the control CPU 113. The operation unit control unit 142 can be configured by a CPU, a program for operating the CPU, and the like.

The operation display unit 140 can input operation control conditions such as settings and operation commands in the image forming apparatus 1 and can display setting contents, machine states, information, and the like. Be controlled. The operation display unit 140 can perform a predetermined operation including temporary suspension and resumption of a job.
The operation display unit 140 can also display a warning when an abnormality of the image reading apparatus 300 is detected. Further, the user may be able to set whether to change the job order when there is an abnormality in the image reading unit.

  The DRAM control IC 111 is connected to an image memory 120 including a compression memory 121 and a page memory 122. The image memory 120 stores image data acquired by the scanner unit 130 and image data acquired through the network 2. The image memory 120 is a storage area for image data, and stores image data of a job to be printed. The DRAM control IC 111 can store image data relating to a plurality of jobs in the image memory 120. The image memory 120 can store image data of a reserved job and job output order information. The image data can also be stored in the HDD 119.

The DRAM control IC 111 is connected to a compression / decompression IC 117 that compresses image data or decompresses the compressed data. A write processing unit 123 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111. The writing processing unit 123 is connected to the LD 154A of the printer unit 150, and processes data used for the operation of the LD 154A. The LD 154A is a generic name for the LDs for each color. The printer unit 150 includes the image forming unit 11, a paper feed tray, a mechanism for transporting paper through a transport path, and the like.
The printer unit 150 includes a printer control unit 151 that controls the entire printer unit 150. The printer control unit 151 is connected to the control CPU 113 and receives control. That is, the printing operation is started / stopped according to the parameters given from the control CPU 113.

  A DRAM control IC 161 of an image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160 is connected to the PCI bus 112 connected to the DRAM control IC 111. In the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160, an image memory 162 is connected to the DRAM control IC 161. In the image processing unit (print & scanner controller) 160, a controller control unit 163 is connected to the DRAM control IC 161, and a controller control unit 163, a LAN control unit 164, and a LAN interface 165 are connected to the DRAM control IC 161. ing. The LAN interface 165 is connected to the network 2.

Further, a LAN control unit 127 and a LAN interface 128 are connected to the control CPU 113, and the above-described network 2 and other networks can be connected to the LAN interface 128. The network 2 can be connected to the external device 5 described above.
An I / O 126 is connected to the control CPU 113, and information can be transmitted / received to / from other devices via the I / O 126. Through the I / O 126, the upstream scanner 30, the downstream scanner 31, The reading result and reading state information of the colorimeter 32 can be acquired.

An external device 5 and other image forming devices 6 and 7 are connected to the network 2, and image data and control commands can be transmitted to and received from the image forming device 1.
The external device 5 can function as a terminal or can function as a management device that manages the image forming apparatus 1. The external device 5 has an external device control unit 50, and the external device 5 is controlled by the operation of the external device control unit 50. The external device control unit 50 can be configured by a CPU, a program for operating the CPU, a storage unit, and the like.
When the image forming apparatus 1 is controlled by the external device 5, the external device control unit 50 can function as a control unit of the present invention. In this case, the external apparatus 5 serves as a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus 1, and the external apparatus control unit 50 stores the control program of the present invention. The network 2 may be used as a WAN in addition to the LAN.
The management apparatus may directly control the image forming apparatus, or may instruct the image forming apparatus about the contents of control and cause the image forming apparatus to operate according to the contents of the instruction.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
First, a procedure for storing image data in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
When the scanner unit 130 reads an image of a document and generates image data, the scanner unit 130 optically reads the document image from the document by the CCD 131. At this time, the operation of the CCD 131 is controlled by the scanner control unit 132 that receives a command from the control CPU 113. The image read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by the reading processing unit 116, and the processed image data is compressed by a compression / decompression IC 117 by a predetermined method, and stored in the compression memory 121 or HDD 119 via the DRAM control IC 111. Stored. Image data stored in the compression memory 121 or the HDD 119 can be managed as a job by the control CPU 113.

  When acquiring image data from the outside, for example, image data transmitted from the external device 5 or other image forming apparatuses 4, 5 through the network 2 is transmitted to the controller control unit via the LAN interface 165 and the LAN control unit 164. The image data is stored in the image memory 162 by the DRAM control IC 161 controlled by the H.163. Data in the image memory 162 is temporarily stored in the page memory 122 via the DRAM control IC 161, the PCI bus 112, and the DRAM control IC 111. The data stored in the page memory 122 is sequentially sent to the compression / decompression IC 117 via the DRAM control IC 111 and compressed, stored in the compression memory 121 and the HDD 119 via the DRAM control IC 111, and the control CPU 113 as described above. The management by.

When the image forming apparatus 1 outputs an image, that is, when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a copying machine or a printer, the image data stored in the compression memory 121 or the HDD 119 is sent to the compression / decompression IC 117 via the DRAM control IC 111, By developing the data and repeatedly developing the developed image data on the LD 154A by the writing processing unit 123, the image data can be printed on the roll paper RP.
When used as a copying machine, information such as a printing condition (print mode) set on the operation display unit 140 is notified, and setting information is created by the control CPU 113. The created setting information can be stored in the RAM in the control CPU 113.
When used as a printer, printing conditions can be set by a printer driver in the external device 5. The printing conditions set here are stored in the same manner as an image (external device 5 → LAN IF 165 → image memory 162 → DRAM control IC 161 (controller) → DRAM control IC 111 (main body) → page memory 122.
The printing conditions include the presence / absence of adjustment based on the reading result in the image reading apparatus 300, that is, whether to use each scanner or colorimeter of the image reading apparatus 300, the presence / absence of post-processing, and the like. They can be set for each output job.

In the printer unit 150, each unit is controlled by the printer control unit 151 that receives a command from the control CPU 113.
When image output is performed by the image forming apparatus 1, printing conditions are set through the operation display unit 140, and the control CPU 113 can control printing by this setting. In the image forming unit, the toner image written on each photosensitive drum is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt, and then transferred to a sheet by a secondary transfer roller, and is fixed by a fixing unit. The sheet on which the image has been formed is conveyed to the relay device 200, the image reading device 300, and the post-processing device 400, and image reading and processing are performed according to the printing conditions. When there are a plurality of reserved jobs, image output is sequentially performed according to the set order.

Next, the basic structure of the image reading apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the sheet is transported from the upstream side in the transport direction by the image reading apparatus 300, the sheet is transported through a position where the upstream scanner 30, the downstream scanner 31, and the colorimeter 32 are disposed.
The image reading device 300 reads an image under the control of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 can perform image reading settings (designation of an image reading unit, presence / absence of image reading, etc.) in association with a job.
For example, when reading an image located on the lower surface side of the sheet, the upstream scanner 30 outputs inspection light upward in accordance with the sheet conveyance timing, receives the reflected light, and transmits the reading result to the control unit 100. To do. When reading an image located on the upper surface side of the paper, the downstream scanner 31 outputs inspection light downward in accordance with the paper transport timing, receives the reflected light, and transmits the read result to the control unit 100. To do. When reading images on both sides of the sheet, the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 respectively read the images. In the setting for performing color measurement, the colorimeter 32 performs color measurement and transmits the color measurement result to the control unit 100.
Note that an operation for obtaining the reading state of the image reading unit may be performed before the output of the job or at an appropriate time. The read state can be transmitted to the control unit 100 to analyze the dirt state. In addition, an analysis unit may be provided in the image reading apparatus, and after analyzing the dirt state based on the reading state, it may be transmitted to the control unit 100.

In the present embodiment, the image reading apparatus has been described as having three image reading units. However, the number of the present invention is not particularly limited, and the image reading apparatus may have one image reading unit. FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the image reading apparatus 310.
The image reading apparatus 310 has a conveyance path 34 connected to another apparatus, and a scanner 35 is disposed above the conveyance path 34. The scanner 35 emits inspection light downward and reads an image on the upper surface of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance path 34.
The scanner may be a line sensor or a colorimeter that reads an image at a point.

  The conveyance path 34 has a reverse conveyance path 34 a branched from the straight side on the downstream side of the scanner 35. The retreat conveyance path 34b branches in the middle of the reverse conveyance path 34a. The reverse conveyance path 34 a joins the conveyance path 34 on the upstream side of the scanner 35 on the downstream side after the retreat conveyance path 34 b branches.

The paper transported on the transport path 34 is transported to the reverse transport path 34a when the face surface is switched after passing through the scanner 35. When only the face surface is switched, the sheet conveyed to the reverse conveyance path 34a is once sent to the retreat conveyance path 34b, and then reversely travels along the retreat conveyance path 34b and returns to the conveyance path 34 to the downstream side. Sent.
When reading images on both sides of a sheet, the sheet is sent to the retreat conveyance path 34b and then returned to the reversal conveyance path 34a, and is sent along the reverse conveyance path 34a in the forward direction with the face surface switched. Then, it is transported downstream through the transport path 34. On this sheet, an image printed on the surface opposite to the previously read surface is read by the scanner 35.
If only one-side image reading is performed and the face surface is not switched, the transport path 34 is transported straight without being sent to the reverse transport path 34a.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image reading unit is described as being installed in a housing separate from the apparatus main body 1A. However, the apparatus main body 1A may include an image reading unit, and a plurality of image reading units may be provided. In the case where the apparatus main body 1A is provided, a part of the image reading unit may be provided in the apparatus main body 1A.

  In this embodiment, the image reading apparatus is described as being mechanically connected directly or indirectly to the apparatus main body 1A. However, the image reading apparatus is mechanically connected to the apparatus main body 1A. It may not be.

Next, dust detection operation in the image reading apparatus 300 will be described.
The image reading apparatus 300 has a function of detecting the presence or absence of dust (paper dust, dust, etc.) adhering to the glass surfaces of the CCD scanners of the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31. Based on the read data.
The image reading apparatus 300 can determine whether the dust adhesion state is in one of the following three stages according to the level of dust detection.
That is, in the image reading apparatus 300, each scanner determines whether 1) dust is not detected, 2) dust that cannot be scanned is detected, or 3) dust that cannot be scanned is detected. It is possible. Here, “unscannable” indicates that image formation adjustment using an image acquired by the scanner is not correctly performed. “Unscannable” corresponds to a case where the predetermined image reading is impossible in the present invention. Below, garbage detection is treated as an abnormality. The predetermined image reading can be set as appropriate and is not limited to the above.

The control unit 100 can determine whether a job for performing adjustment using the scanner can be executed according to the dust detection status of each scanner.
When dust that does not become unscannable is detected, a dust detection warning is displayed, but jobs using the target scanner can be continuously output. When the scanner detects dust that cannot be scanned, a dust detection warning is displayed to prevent the position / gradation adjustment using the scanned image acquired by the scanner from being affected. To stop. Then, until manual dust cleaning by the operator is completed, a job using the scanner in which dust is detected cannot be output.

For example, when the upstream scanner 30 or the downstream scanner 31 detects dust that cannot be scanned, and the job using the scanner in which dust is detected is being output, the job is continuously output. If unscannable dust is detected and a job using the detected scanner is being output, the output of the job is temporarily stopped.
However, if the job does not use a scanner in which dust is detected, the job can always be output regardless of the dust detection state. In addition, after the dust that cannot be scanned is detected, if the dust is removed by cleaning and the dust is not detected, a job using the scanner in which the dust has been detected can be executed.

  When dust is detected by the upstream scanner 30 or the downstream scanner 31, a warning is displayed in the message display field 1410 of the setting screen 1400 shown in FIG. The warning message is determined by the type of scanner in which dust is detected and the degree of dust. Hereinafter, the upstream scanner is indicated as ICCU1 and the downstream scanner is indicated as ICCU2 as appropriate. For example, when dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the upstream scanner 30 or the downstream scanner 31, a job that uses a scanner in which dust is detected cannot be output. "Cannot execute" message is displayed as a warning. The warning can be displayed on the operation display unit 140 or may be displayed on the display unit of the external device. Further, the warning message shown in Table 1 below is displayed along with the normal message as the fourth line message according to the scanner in which the dust is detected and the state of the dust. A normal message is displayed on the first to third lines.

  In the display screen example of FIG. 5, dust is detected by the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31, and a message “This job cannot be executed due to dirt” is displayed on the first line in the message display field 1410, and “ICCU1 / The message “Dirt detected in 2” is displayed on the fourth line.

Table 2 shows the relationship between the dust detection state of the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 and whether or not each adjustment function can be performed. In Table 2, the scanner 1 corresponds to the upstream scanner 30, and the scanner 2 corresponds to the downstream scanner 31. “◯” indicates that the job can be started before the job is started, and indicates that the job is continuously output if the job is being output. “X” indicates that the job cannot be started before the job is started, and that the job is temporarily stopped and cannot be restarted after the job is being output. The job here refers to a job set to execute each adjustment item.
As shown in Table 2, adjustment using the upstream scanner becomes impossible when the upstream scanner detects dust that cannot be scanned, and adjustment using the downstream scanner makes adjustment that uses the downstream scanner impossible. If it is detected, it cannot be executed. In the case of adjustment using only the colorimeter without using the upstream scanner or the downstream scanner, the adjustment can be performed regardless of the dust detection state of the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner.
The adjustment items of the present invention are not limited to those in the table, and even when arbitrary adjustment items are added, ◯ and × are determined according to the use of the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner.

  Next, a procedure for changing the job output order according to the dust detection state in the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 will be described. The following procedure is executed in the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1.

First, when “dust that cannot be scanned” is detected in either the upstream scanner 30 or the downstream scanner 31, a job using the scanner in which dust is detected can be preferentially output.
The amount of dust attached to the scanner increases with the passage of paper and the passage of time regardless of whether or not scanning is performed with the scanner. For this reason, when dust that does not become unscannable is detected, a job that uses the scanner is preferentially output, so that more output can be executed before scanning becomes impossible.

In the following, the procedure in the case where “dust that does not become unscannable” is detected only by the downstream scanner 31 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same procedure can be used even when similar dust is detected in the upstream scanner.
If dust is not detected by the upstream scanner and dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the downstream scanner (step s1), whether the job that is being output detects dust that cannot be scanned cannot be used. Is determined (step s2). If the job being output is to use a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (No in step s2), the procedure ends.
On the other hand, if the job being output does not use a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (Yes in step s2) in step s2, the scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned is used. It is determined whether the job exists in the subsequent jobs (step s3). If there is no job using the scanner that has detected dust that cannot be scanned in the subsequent jobs (No in step s3), the procedure ends.
In step s3, if a job using a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned is present in the subsequent jobs (step s3, Yes), the job being output is stopped (step s4), and scanning is not possible. A job that uses a scanner that detects dust that does not reach is moved to the top of the job list (step s5). Thereafter, job output is resumed (step s6), and the procedure is terminated.

For example, assume that the following two jobs are reserved.
JOB1: Job using upstream scanner (currently outputting)
JOB2: Job using downstream scanner In this case, when JOB1 is being output, if the upstream scanner detects dust not detected and the downstream scanner detects “trash that cannot be scanned”, JOB1 is a job that uses the upstream scanner. Since JOB2, which is a job using the downstream scanner, is loaded in the job list, JOB1 using the upstream scanner is temporarily stopped. After JOB1 is stopped, JOB2 is automatically interrupted, and output is started with priority on JOB2.
As a result, it is possible to preferentially output a job that uses a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned.

Next, when both the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 detect “dust that cannot be scanned”, the job using the upstream scanner is output with priority over the downstream scanner.
In the present embodiment, the upstream scanner 30 has a structure for reading the back surface (lower surface) of the sheet to be conveyed, and the CCD is mounted with the camera portion facing upward. The upstream scanner is more likely to collect dust than the downstream scanner. Therefore, when both the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31 detect “trash that cannot be scanned”, the upstream scanner 30 is more likely to reach “unscannable dust” first. Priority is given to jobs using 30.
If the upstream scanner detects the top surface of the paper and the downstream scanner reads the bottom surface of the paper, the downstream scanner uses the downstream scanner rather than the job that uses the upstream scanner because the camera portion of the downstream scanner is facing upward. Priority is given to the job to be executed.

The procedure of the above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner, when dust that does not become unscannable is detected (step s10), it is determined whether the job being output uses only the downstream scanner (step s11). If the job being output does not use only the downstream scanner (No in step s11), the procedure is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step s11 that the job being output uses only the downstream scanner (step s11, Yes), it is determined whether a job using the upstream scanner exists in the subsequent jobs (step s12). . If there is no job using the upstream scanner in the next job (No in step s12), the procedure is terminated. On the other hand, if a job using the upstream scanner exists in the following and subsequent jobs (step s12, Yes), the job being output is stopped (step s13), and the job using the upstream scanner is moved to the top of the job list ( Step s14). Thereafter, job output is resumed (step s15), and the procedure is terminated.
By this procedure, a job using the upstream scanner can be used with priority over the downstream scanner.

As an example, consider the case where the following job is reserved in the job list.
JOB1: Job using downstream scanner (currently outputting)
JOB2: Job that uses the upstream scanner In this case, if both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner detect “garbage that cannot be scanned” during JOB1 output, JOB1 is a job that uses the downstream scanner, and the upstream scanner Since JOB2 that is a job that uses is stored in the job list, JOB1 that uses the downstream scanner is temporarily stopped. After JOB1 is stopped, JOB2 is automatically interrupted and output is preferentially started.

Next, when unscannable dust is detected in one or both of the upstream scanner 30 and the downstream scanner 31, a job that does not use the scanner that detects the dust is preferentially output.
When there is a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned, adjustment using the scanner cannot be performed. In that case, output can be continued by giving priority to a job that does not use the scanner.

The above procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the following procedure describes the case where dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the upstream scanner, but the same procedure can be used when dust that cannot be scanned by the downstream scanner is detected. Further, even when dust that cannot be scanned is detected in both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner, it can be implemented by making appropriate changes.
First, dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the upstream scanner, and if dust is not detected by the downstream scanner (step s20), it is determined whether the job being output is one that uses the upstream scanner (step s21). If the job being output does not use the upstream scanner (No in step s21), the procedure is terminated.
On the other hand, if the job being output uses the upstream scanner (step s21, Yes), it is determined whether a job using only the downstream scanner exists after the next job (step s22). In step s22, it may be determined whether there is a job that does not use the upstream scanner. If no job using the downstream scanner exists after the next job (step s22, No), the procedure is terminated. On the other hand, if a job using the downstream scanner exists in the following and subsequent jobs (step s22, Yes), the job using the downstream scanner is moved to the top of the job list (step s24), and the job output is resumed. (Step s25), the flow ends.

As an example of the above operation, consider a case where the following jobs are reserved in the job list.
JOB1: Job using upstream scanner (currently outputting)
JOB2: Job that uses the downstream scanner At this time, when the upstream scanner detects "unusable dust" by the upstream scanner and no downstream dust is detected, JOB1 is a job that uses the upstream scanner. Since JOB2, which is a downstream scanner use job, is loaded in the job list, JOB1 using the upstream scanner is temporarily stopped. After JOB1 is stopped, JOB2 is automatically interrupted and JOB2 is preferentially output. As a result, even when dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the upstream scanner, it is possible to output a job that uses the downstream scanner.

Next, when dust that cannot be scanned is detected by either the upstream scanner or the downstream scanner, a job using both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner is preferentially output.
The above procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The following procedure shows the case where dust that does not become unscannable is detected in the downstream scanner, but the same procedure can be used when dust that does not become unscannable is detected in the upstream scanner. It is.

  If dust is not detected by the upstream scanner and dust that cannot be scanned is detected by the downstream scanner (step s30), only the scanner that has detected dust that cannot be scanned by the job being output is used. It is judged whether it is a thing (step s31). If the job being output does not use only a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (No in step s31), the procedure ends. On the other hand, if the job being output uses only a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (Yes in step s31), the job that uses both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner is the job after the next job. (Step s32). If there is no job that uses both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner after the next job (step s32, No), the procedure is terminated. On the other hand, if a job using both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner exists after the next job (step s32, Yes), the job being output is stopped (step s33), and both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner are used. The job to be moved is moved to the top of the job list (step s34), the job output is resumed (step s35), and the flow ends.

As an example of the above operation, consider a case where the following jobs are reserved in the job list.
JOB1: Job that uses the downstream scanner JOB2: Job that uses the upstream scanner and downstream scanner At this time, while the JOB1 is being output, the upstream scanner does not detect the dust, and the downstream scanner does not detect dust. When JOB1 is detected, JOB1 is a job that uses only the downstream scanner, and JOB2, which is a job that uses the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner, is loaded in the job list. Therefore, the output of JOB1 that uses the downstream scanner is temporarily stopped. To do. Thereafter, JOB2 is automatically interrupted and priority output is started.

Regardless of whether or not the job is to perform image reading, if you always pass the paper on the transport path where the image reading unit is located each time you print, paper dust and dust will Accumulate. In any case, there is a problem that dust that cannot be scanned is detected.
For this reason, if either the upstream scanner or the downstream scanner detects “trash that cannot be scanned” or “unscannable”, the job is to output paper to the output tray in front of the image reading device. Is given priority for output.

The above procedure will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following procedure, a case where dust that cannot be scanned is detected by both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner has been described. However, the same procedure can be used in other cases.
First, when the unscannable dust is detected by both the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner while the job is being output (step s40), it is determined whether the job being output uses the scanner that has detected the unscannable dust. (Step s41). If the output job does not use a scanner that detects unscannable dust (No in step s41), the procedure is terminated.
On the other hand, when the output job uses a scanner that detects unscannable dust (step s41, Yes), it is determined whether the output destination of the output job is a discharge tray after the ICCU (image reading apparatus). Determination is made (step s42). The discharge trays after the ICCU indicate the FS main tray 41 and the FS sub-tray 42 in the present embodiment. If the output destination of the job being output is not the output tray after the ICCU (image reading apparatus) (No in step s42), the flow ends.

  On the other hand, when the output destination of the job being output is the output tray after the ICCU (image reading apparatus) (step s42, Yes), the job to be output to the output tray preceding the ICCU (image reading apparatus) is the next. It is determined whether it exists after the job (step s43). In this embodiment, the paper discharge tray in front of the ICCU (image reading device) indicates the RU sub-tray 21. If there is no job to be output from the ICCU (image reading apparatus) to the output tray at the preceding stage after the next job (No in step s43), the flow is ended. If there is a job to be output from the ICCU (image reading device) to the output tray at the preceding stage after the next job (step s43, Yes), the job being output is stopped (step s44), and the output of the apparatus at the preceding stage from the ICCU is stopped. The job to be output to the paper discharge tray is moved to the top of the job list (step s45). Thereafter, the output of the job is resumed (step s46), and the flow ends.

For example, assume that the following job is reserved in the job list.
JOB1: Job using upstream scanner, paper output tray: FS main tray (currently outputting)
JOB2: Job using downstream scanner, paper output tray: FS sub-tray JOB3: upstream / downstream scanner unused job, paper output tray: RU sub-tray , Both JOB1 and JOB2 are jobs that use the scanner, and the paper discharge destination is the FS main / sub-tray that has passed through the conveyance path of the image reading apparatus. Since JOB3 to be discharged to the RU sub-tray that does not pass through the conveyance path of the image reading apparatus is loaded on the job list, JOB1 is temporarily stopped. After JOB1 is stopped, JOB3 is automatically interrupted and output is preferentially started.

Next, when dust cleaning is performed while the job is stopped, the job output order changed after dust detection is restored.
The above procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 11, when dust that does not become unscannable is detected, a case where the job order is changed so that a job that uses a scanner that detects dust is output preferentially is used as an example.

  First, during the output of a job, if dust is detected by the upstream scanner that has not been detected but cannot be scanned by the downstream scanner (step s50), the job being output is scanned for dust that cannot be scanned. It is determined whether the detected scanner is not used (step s51). If the job being output uses a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (No in step s51), the procedure ends. If the output job does not use a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned (Yes in step s51), a job that uses a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned exists after the next job. Is determined (step s52). If there is no job that uses a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned in the subsequent jobs (No in step s52), the procedure ends.

On the other hand, if there is a job that uses a scanner that detects dust that cannot be scanned, after the next job (step s52, Yes), the job that is being output is stopped (step s53), and scanning is not disabled. The job list order number of the job that uses the scanner that has detected dust is stored (step s54), and the job that uses the scanner that has detected dust that cannot be scanned is moved to the top of the job list (step s55). Then, job output is resumed (step s56).
Thereafter, the operator presses the STOP button to stop the job being output (step s57), and when the operator cleans the dust from the upstream scanner and the downstream scanner (step s58), the output job order is stored in the stored job list order number. Is changed (step s59), and job output is resumed (step s60).
The STOP button is a button for stopping job output, and may be provided on the operation display unit 140 or may be operated through the screen of the operation display unit 140. When the job is stopped by an instruction from the external device, the operation corresponds to pressing the STOP button.

As an example of the above operation, consider a case where the following jobs are reserved in the job list.
JOB1: Job using downstream scanner (currently outputting)
JOB2: Job that uses the upstream scanner At this time, if an upstream scanner / downstream scanner “trash that cannot be scanned” is detected during the output of JOB1, JOB1 is a JOB that uses the downstream scanner. Since the job JOB2 to be used is loaded in the job list, JOB1 using the downstream scanner is temporarily stopped. Then, after JOB1 is stopped, JOB2 is automatically interrupted, and priority output of JOB2 is started.
Thereafter, when the operator depresses the STOP button at an arbitrary timing during the output of JOB2, the output of JOB2 is stopped. Thereafter, the dust of the upstream and downstream scanners is cleaned and the job list is returned to the order of the job list before the job2 interruption, so that the first job is changed to JOB1, the next job is changed to JOB2, and the output of JOB1 is started.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the job output order is set by the control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 1. However, in the control unit provided in the management apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus, the reading state of the image reading unit is described. May be obtained and the job output order may be set.

  According to the present embodiment, even when dust is detected in the scanner of the image reading apparatus, the job output can be continued as much as possible by changing the job output order, and the productivity is reduced due to the dust adhering to the scanner. It becomes possible to suppress.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the said embodiment, the range of this invention is not limited to the content of the said description, Unless it deviates from the scope of this invention, the appropriate change with respect to the said embodiment is carried out. Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Network 5 External apparatus 6 Image forming apparatus 7 Image forming apparatus 11 Image forming part 23 Conveyance path 30 Upstream scanner 31 Downstream scanner 32 Colorimeter 35 Scanner 50 External apparatus control part 100 Control part 113 Control CPU
200 Relay Device 300 Image Reading Device 400 Post-Processing Device 1400 Setting Screen 1410 Message Display Field

Claims (21)

An image forming unit for forming an image on a transfer medium;
A transport unit for transporting the transfer medium;
A control unit that manages the job and controls transfer of the transfer medium and image formation;
The control unit can acquire an image reading result and a reading state in the image reading unit, and sets a job output order according to the reading state of the image reading unit and the image reading setting in the job. An image forming apparatus.   The reading state is at least normal in the image reading unit, the image reading unit is abnormal and a predetermined image can be read, and the image reading unit is abnormal and a predetermined image cannot be read. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is any one of the above.   When it is determined that the image reading unit is abnormal and a predetermined image can be read based on the reading state, the control unit reads an image by the image reading unit having the abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the set job is preferentially output.   When it is determined that the image reading unit has an abnormality and the predetermined image reading by the image reading unit is impossible based on the reading state, the control unit has an abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a job set not to read is preferentially output. A plurality of the image reading units;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of acquiring an image reading result and a reading state for each of the plurality of image reading units.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output order of the jobs is changed when an abnormality occurs in at least one image reading unit in the reading state of the image reading unit. The image reading unit is at least a first image reading unit that is disposed below a conveyance path that conveys the transfer medium and that reads an image formed on a lower surface of the transfer medium that is conveyed along the conveyance path;
7. A second image reading unit that is disposed above the conveyance path and reads an image formed on an upper surface of the transfer medium that is conveyed along the conveyance path. 7. The image forming apparatus described.   When it is determined that both the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit have an abnormality and the image reading is possible, the control unit reads the first image reading unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus outputs the job with the priority set in priority.   When it is determined that one of the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit is abnormal and image reading is possible, the control unit only reads by the image reading unit having an abnormality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a job that is read by both the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit is output with priority over a job that is executed.   When at least one of the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit has an abnormality, the control unit reads the image by the first image reading unit or the second image reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a job that does not pass through a transport path to be performed is output with priority.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the job that does not pass through the conveyance path is a job that is discharged to a paper discharge unit positioned upstream of the image reading unit in the transfer medium conveyance direction. Having an operation part,
The control unit allows a user operation to select whether to set a job output order according to a reading state of the image reading unit and a setting of image reading in a job. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 11 above.   When it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved in the image reading unit in which the abnormality has occurred, the control unit changes the job output order when the job output order is changed due to the abnormality in the image reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the original order is restored.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the image reading unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs image formation adjustment based on an image reading result.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading setting for the job is presence or absence of reading. A control unit for managing a job by controlling an image forming unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and forms an image on a transfer medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the transfer medium, and an image reading unit that reads an image on the transfer medium. Have
The control unit can acquire an image reading result in the image reading unit and a reading state, and a job in the image forming unit is set according to a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job. An image forming system in which the output order of the images is set.   The image forming system according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is provided in a management apparatus that manages the image forming apparatus. Managing jobs and setting output order in image formation;
Obtaining a reading state in the image reading unit;
An image forming method comprising: changing a job output order according to a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job. A control program executed by a computer that controls an image forming unit that forms an image on a transfer medium, a conveyance unit that conveys the transfer medium, and an image reading unit, and manages jobs,
Managing jobs and setting output order;
Obtaining a reading state in the image reading unit;
A control program comprising: changing a job output order according to a reading state of the image reading unit and an image reading setting in the job.   21. The control program according to claim 20, further comprising a step of acquiring an image reading result in the image reading unit and adjusting the image forming unit.

Images