Information processing system, program product, and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing system, a program product, and an information processing method, the information processing system including a processor that performs the following processing: acquires information of paper printed in a series of processes; in a case where the paper printed in the series of processes is discharged to a plurality of paper discharge sections, and in a case where a deviation between a fixing temperature set for the paper discharged to each of the plurality of paper discharge sections and a fixing temperature for fixing an image onto the paper is within a range prescribed in advance, determines a reference fixing temperature for each of the plurality of paper discharge sections; and determines a printing order of the paper printed in the series of processes without changing an arrangement order of the paper discharged to each of the paper discharge sections with respect to each other, and in a manner in which printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section having the lower reference fixing temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, program artifacts, and information processing method. The invention can also be applied to programs and program artifacts. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus comprising: a job acquisition unit for acquiring multiple print jobs formed by mixing images using different types of paper; an analysis unit for determining, for each print job, at least one of a temperature condition for the temperature of the fixing unit or the drying unit during the execution of the print job and paper information; a rearrangement unit for rearranging the multiple print jobs in such a way that they are executed consecutively under the same temperature condition or with the same paper information; and a job output unit for outputting the print jobs to an image forming apparatus in the rearranged order.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation to form a toner image on supplied paper; a fixing unit that performs a fixing process to fix the toner image on the paper by clamping the paper with a heating roller and a pressure roller having heaters; a paper feeding unit having a plurality of paper feeding mechanisms for accommodating paper and supplying the paper to the image forming unit; a fixing temperature control unit that performs temperature control of the fixing unit to set the fixing temperature in the fixing process to a target temperature specified for each type of paper; and a target temperature management unit that, when the paper supplied to the image forming unit by the paper feeding unit during continuous printing performed by the image forming unit is switched from paper with a high target temperature to paper with a low target temperature, makes the target temperature of the high target temperature paper during the fixing process approach the low target temperature within the temperature range that allows fixing the high target temperature paper, and gradually decreases it.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a printing apparatus characterized in that, when performing printing processing based on a printing job that prints on various types of printing paper transmitted from a host device, the printing processing is performed in a manner in which the temperature setting of the fixing device is different according to the type of printing paper indicated for use. The printing apparatus includes: a start state storage unit for storing start state information at the start of the printing job; a fixing temperature control unit for sequentially switching the fixing setting temperature in accordance with the type of printing paper specified in the printing data during continuous printing processing within the same printing job; and a fixing temperature setting unit for setting the control temperature of the fixing device based on the start state information stored in the start state storage unit after the continuous printing is completed.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-113115

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-105145

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-224206

[0008] Image forming apparatuses include those with multiple paper output sections. When printed paper is output to multiple paper output sections in a series of processes, the user expects the printed materials to be output in the desired order at each paper output section when receiving the printed materials. For example, the user may expect the printed materials to be output in page order at each paper output section.

[0009] However, in image forming apparatuses, the fixing temperature used to fix the image onto the paper sometimes varies depending on the type of paper. When printing multiple sheets of paper with different fixing temperatures, it is necessary to adjust the temperature of the fixing unit according to the fixing temperature of each paper type. In contrast, when printing sheets in a series of processes in order of lower fixing temperatures, the time for lowering the temperature of the fixing unit is omitted, thereby increasing productivity. However, if the sheets are rearranged in order of lower fixing temperatures without particular restriction and printing is performed, the printed materials may not be output in the order expected by the user when the user receives the printout, thus reducing user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to suppress the decrease in user convenience that occurs when using a printing order that takes into account the fixing temperature, compared to the case where paper is printed in a low-fixing-temperature order without particular restriction.

[0011] The information processing system involved in the first method includes a processor that performs the following processing: acquiring information about the paper used in a series of processes; when the paper used in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections as fixing temperatures for fixing images onto the paper is within a predetermined range, determining a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, determining the printing order of the paper used in the series of processes in such a way that printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0012] In the information processing system of the second method, which is the same as that of the first method, the processor performs the following processing: when the deviation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, and when the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is one type, the reference fixing temperature is determined.

[0013] In the information processing system of the third method, in the information processing system of the first method, the processor performs the following processing: referring to a table of paper types grouped according to the difference in fixing temperature within a predetermined range, and as long as the deviation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, the reference fixing temperature is determined only if the paper types discharged to each paper discharge section belong to the same group.

[0014] In the information processing system involved in the fourth method, as in the information processing system involved in the first method, the processor performs the following processing:

[0015] The predetermined range is set by taking the fixing temperature of the first paper discharged from each paper discharge section as the median.

[0016] The information processing system involved in the fifth method is in any of the information processing systems involved in the first to fourth methods. The series of steps includes printing multiple sheets of paper for multiple copies of documents. The processor performs the following processing: when there is insufficient paper to print all the multiple copies of documents, the printing order is determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of sheets of paper from the multiple copies are printed.

[0017] In the information processing system of the sixth method, which is the same as that of the fifth method, the processor performs the following processing: when there is a shortage of paper in the plurality of copies, a screen is displayed prompting the user to replenish the paper.

[0018] In the information processing system of the 7th method, when the paper supply is replenished and printing restarts, the processor determines the printing order as follows: for the remaining number of copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper supply, the arrangement order of the papers discharged to each paper discharge section is not changed, and printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0019] In the information processing system involved in the 8th method, in any one of the 1st to 7th methods, the processor receives a selection to enable the following function: without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper output section, and determining the printing order in a manner that printing is performed sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0020] In the information processing system of the 9th method, the processor further receives a selection to enable the following function: in the case that the paper supply is insufficient to print all the documents of the plurality of copies, the printing order is determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of the paper supply is used to print the documents of the plurality of copies.

[0021] The program article involved in the 10th method contains an information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquiring information about the paper used in a series of processes; when the paper used in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections as fixing temperatures for fixing images onto the paper is within a predetermined range, determining a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and determining the printing order of the paper used in the series of processes without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, and printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0022] The information processing method involved in the 11th method includes the following steps: acquiring information about the paper used in a series of processes; when the paper used in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections as fixing temperatures for fixing images onto the paper is within a predetermined range, determining a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and determining the printing order of the paper used in the series of processes without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, and printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0023] Invention Effects

[0024] According to the information processing system of the first method, the program article of the tenth method, or the information processing method of the eleventh method, compared with the case of printing paper in the order of low fixing temperature without special restrictions, it is possible to prevent the reduction in user convenience caused by adopting a printing order that takes fixing temperature into account.

[0025] According to the information processing system involved in the second method, the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the same type of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature in the paper discharged to each paper output section.

[0026] According to the information processing system involved in the third method, the printing order considering the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the types of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature in the paper discharged to each paper output section.

[0027] According to the information processing system involved in the fourth method, the printing order considering the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the papers that can be fixed at the same temperature as the first paper discharged to each paper discharge section.

[0028] According to the information processing system involved in the fifth method, when there is insufficient paper supply, it is possible to determine the printing sequence that takes into account the fixing temperature and discharges the same number of sheets of paper in multiple paper discharge sections.

[0029] According to the information processing system involved in the sixth method, it is possible to prompt the replenishment of paper supply, thereby enabling the printing of the same quantity of paper that could not be printed in each of the multiple paper output sections.

[0030] According to the information processing system involved in the seventh method, when printing the same number of sheets of paper that have not been printed in each of the multiple paper output sections, the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the sheets discharged to each paper output section.

[0031] According to the information processing system involved in Method 8, compared with not accepting the option to enable or disable the function that allows changing the printing order, it is possible to suppress the reduction in user convenience.

[0032] According to the information processing system involved in Method 9, compared with not accepting the option to enable or disable the function that ensures paper is dispensed in units of copies, user convenience can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0034] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of the schematic structure of a printable delivery system 100 according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein;

[0035] exist Figure 2 An example of the hardware structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0036] exist Figure 3 An example of the functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown in the figure;

[0037] exist Figure 4An example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0038] exist Figure 5 The image shows an example of a screen display when selecting whether to enable the function that determines the printing order based on the fixing temperature;

[0039] Figure 6 Table 600 is an example of information showing the paper used in a series of printing processes;

[0040] Figure 7 Table 700 is an example of paper discharged to multiple paper discharge sections;

[0041] Figure 8 Table 800 is an example of the printing sequence of paper used in a series of processes.

[0042] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, along with the comparative example, an example of the fixing process when printing in a printing sequence that takes fixing temperature into account is presented;

[0043] exist Figure 10 An example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0044] exist Figure 11 The table shown is an example of a grouping of paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predetermined range;

[0045] exist Figure 12 An example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment is shown;

[0046] exist Figure 13 An example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment is shown;

[0047] exist Figure 14 The screen shown is an example of a screen display when receiving the option to enable the following function: In the case that there is not enough paper to print multiple copies of all documents, the printing order is determined by printing only the number of copies that are sufficient for the paper supply.

[0048] exist Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of printing multiple copies of a document using multiple sheets of paper in a series of processes, and of a situation where there is insufficient paper supply when printing all the contents of multiple copies of the document.

[0049] exist Figure 16The diagram illustrates an example of the printing sequence determined by the amount of paper supplied and the amount of paper that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper supply.

[0050] exist Figure 17 The image shown is an example of a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper supply.

[0051] Symbol Explanation

[0052] 110 - Information processing system; 120 - Image forming apparatus; 201 - CPU; 301 - Acquisition unit; 302 - Determination unit; 303 - Decision unit; 304 - Receiving unit; 305 - Display unit. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent components and parts are labeled with the same reference numerals. Also, sometimes for ease of explanation, the dimensions of the drawings may be enlarged and may differ from the actual dimensions.

[0054] A printed matter providing system 100 according to one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described. Reference will be made here. Figure 1 .

[0055] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of the schematic structure of a printout system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printout system 100 includes an information processing system 110 such as a computer and an image forming apparatus 120 having multiple paper output sections. The information processing system 110 communicates with the image forming apparatus 120. The image forming apparatus 120 may be, for example, a multifunction printer that integrates the functions of a copier, printer, image scanner, and fax machine into one unit.

[0056] In the print supply system 100, the information processing system 110 controls the printing in the image forming apparatus 120 by receiving job inputs and outputting print instructions corresponding to the received jobs. The image forming apparatus 120 prints paper according to the print instructions and provides printables to the user in part or all of the multiple paper output sections. Here, "job" refers to a print processing unit. For example, one job represents the print data when printing one document. One document includes one or more pages, and the number of pages can be arbitrary. The paper used in a series of processes can refer to the paper printed in one job or the paper used in multiple jobs printed consecutively.

[0057] The job received by the information processing system 110 may include ejection position information from the print data, indicating which print page is output to which paper output section. The image forming apparatus 120 can output the printed material to the paper output section based on the ejection position information.

[0058] In this example, the image forming apparatus 120 has five paper discharge sections 121 to 125. A paper discharge section is a location for discharging printed materials; it is where printed materials, stacked after a series of processes, are delivered to the user. For example, a paper discharge section can be a paper tray. By having paper discharge sections with different purposes, the image forming apparatus 120 can handle a wide variety of operations.

[0059] For example, paper discharge section 121 is a top tray for discharging special papers such as samples or billing papers. Paper discharge section 122 is a sorting tray for discharging papers that have been bound or punched. Paper discharge section 123 is a stacking tray for discharging large quantities of unprocessed paper. Paper discharge section 124 is a folding tray for discharging paper that has been folded three times. Paper discharge section 125 is a booklet tray for discharging paper that has been folded in half or saddle-stitched.

[0060] Furthermore, the job received by the information processing system 110 may include information about which print page is printed on which type of paper. The type of paper is sometimes related to the temperature setting of the fixing unit.

[0061] After the image forming apparatus 120 transfers toner (i.e., an image) onto paper, heat is applied in the fixing unit within the image forming apparatus 120 to fix the image. For example, the preferred temperature of the fixing unit may vary depending on the type of paper used. The type of paper refers to the type of paper distinguished by its thickness, the presence or absence of coating, and its material. For example, thicker paper is less likely to conduct heat than ordinary paper, so a higher temperature is generally desired for fixing. Thus, a fixing temperature considered suitable is predetermined and set for the type of paper, and the temperature of the fixing unit is adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the fixing temperature set for the type of paper can be a single value. Where the fixing temperature has an allowable range, the fixing temperature mentioned in this specification may refer to a representative value within that range.

[0062] When the temperature of the fixing unit is not adapted to the fixing temperature of the paper type being printed, the image forming apparatus 120 adjusts the temperature of the fixing unit to the required fixing temperature before starting printing. For example, if printing paper with a fixing temperature of 180°C is followed by printing paper with a fixing temperature of 160°C, the image forming apparatus 120 lowers the temperature of the fixing unit from 180°C to 160°C before starting to print paper with a fixing temperature of 160°C. Therefore, in printing operations that involve a mixture of paper types with different fixing temperatures, it is necessary to adjust the temperature of the fixing unit according to the fixing temperature of each paper type. For example, as described later... Figure 9 The temperature adjustment processes shown in 902, 903, 904 and 905 require time.

[0063] The specific processing will be described later, but in the information processing system 110 disclosed herein, the order in which the paper is discharged to each paper output section of the image forming apparatus 120 is determined without changing the arrangement of the paper between them, taking into account the fixing temperature. This is because the user expects the printed matter to be output in each paper output section in the order recognized when the user inputs the print instruction, for example, in page number order. Furthermore, when determining the print order in the information processing system 110, the print order can be rearranged according to paper units.

[0064] In addition, in this example, the information processing system 110 and the image forming apparatus 120 are described as independently constructed devices, but the information processing system 110 may also be integrated with the image forming apparatus 120.

[0065] [First Implementation]

[0066] The hardware structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, reference is made to... Figure 2 .

[0067] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the hardware structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 110 includes a CPU 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a storage device 204, a communication interface 205, and a user interface 206. These structures are communicatively connected to each other via a bus 207.

[0068] CPU 201 executes various programs and controls various structures. ROM 202 stores various programs and data. RAM 203 serves as a working area for temporary storage of programs or data. Storage device 204 consists of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0069] In the information processing system 110 according to this embodiment, the information processing program is stored in ROM 202 or storage device 204. CPU 201 reads the information processing program from ROM 202 or storage device 204 and executes it using RAM 203 as the working area, thereby performing control of various structures and various arithmetic operations according to the information processing program.

[0070] Communication interface 205 is an interface for the information processing system 110 to communicate with other devices. User interface 206 is an input / output interface for the information processing system 110 to exchange information with the user. User interface 206 may include a touch panel, keyboard, or microphone as an input device, and a display or speaker as an output device. User interface 206 may be an input / output device for the "selection of whether to enable the function" described later.

[0071] Next, the functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, refer to Figure 3 .

[0072] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of the functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 110 has an acquisition unit 301, a determination unit 302, a decision unit 303, and a receiving unit 304 as its functional structure. These functional structures are implemented by the CPU 201 reading the information processing program from the ROM 202 or the storage device 204 and expanding it into the RAM 203 for execution.

[0073] The acquisition unit 301 acquires information about the paper used in a series of processes. The information about the paper used in a series of processes may include information about the type and number of sheets of paper used for the number of prints or copies of print data received as a job, or information about which type of paper is scheduled to be discharged to which paper output unit.

[0074] When the printed paper is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections in a series of processes, and the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections as the fixing temperature for fixing the image to the paper is within a predetermined range, the determining unit 302 determines a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper discharge sections.

[0075] The predetermined range of deviation between fixing temperatures is set to ensure that the paper can be fixed at the same temperature. That is, if the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each piece of paper discharged to the multiple paper discharge sections is within the predetermined range, the paper discharged from each paper discharge section is intended to be paper that can be fixed at the same temperature.

[0076] In this scenario, if the paper destined for each paper output section is collected and printed continuously, the temperature of the fixing unit within the image forming apparatus 120 does not need to be adjusted during the printing of paper destined for one paper output section. Since the collected paper is fixed at the same temperature, the printing order of the paper output to each paper output section does not need to be changed from the arrangement order when the user input the print instruction. If the arrangement order of the paper output to each paper output section can be maintained, the user can receive printouts stacked in the order expected when the print instruction was input in each paper output section.

[0077] Here, the reference fixing temperature is used as the fixing temperature representing each paper output section, and is the value that the determination unit 303 uses as a reference when determining the printing order. By storing data that establishes a correspondence between the type of paper and the fixing temperature suitable for that type of paper in the storage device 204, it can be maintained in the information processing system 110.

[0078] When referencing this data and there is one fixing temperature corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into one paper discharge section, this fixing temperature can be determined as the reference fixing temperature for that paper discharge section. When referencing this data and there is not one fixing temperature corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into one paper discharge section, any representative value of multiple fixing temperatures can be determined as the reference fixing temperature for that paper discharge section. The representative arbitrary value can be set as the highest value, the average value, or the lowest value among the fixing temperatures corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into that paper discharge section.

[0079] Here, the concept of the deviation between fixing temperatures being within a predetermined range includes situations where the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is only one type. Furthermore, the concept of the deviation between fixing temperatures being within a predetermined range includes situations where the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is only the type belonging to the same group in a table grouped together with the types of paper whose fixing temperature difference is within the predetermined range.

[0080] The decision unit 303 determines the printing order of the paper in a series of processes without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section and in a manner that printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0081] Here, the concept of maintaining the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper output section without altering the order in which the print data is processed when a print instruction is received is maintained, including the arrangement order summarized by each paper output section. The arrangement order of the print data when a print instruction is received could be, for example, the page number order within a document or the order in which the job is received.

[0082] Furthermore, the concept of printing sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature includes the following: when comparing the reference fixing temperature, which represents the value of each paper output section, the paper output to the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature is collected and printed continuously, and then the paper output to the paper output section with the second lowest reference fixing temperature is collected and printed continuously.

[0083] Therefore, the temperature of the fixing unit within the image forming apparatus 120 can be gradually increased to perform the printing process. Normally, the time required to lower the temperature of the fixing unit is longer than the time required to raise it, thus increasing productivity without needing to lower the temperature of the fixing unit. In other words, the determination unit 303 can determine the printing sequence considering the fixing temperature by changing the arrangement order of the print data received when the paper feed unit changes its position.

[0084] The receiving unit 304 can receive a selection of whether to enable the following function: determine the printing order in a manner that does not change the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section and prints sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0085] It is possible to consider enabling a function that prints sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature without changing the arrangement of the paper to each output section. This changes the printing order from the order desired by the user when issuing the print instruction. Since it may sometimes be desirable to maintain the printing order desired by the user when issuing the print instruction, the receiving unit 304 can improve user convenience by receiving this selection.

[0086] Next, the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, refer to Figure 4 .

[0087] exist Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. This flow is executed by the CPU 201 reading the information processing program from the ROM 202 or the storage device 204 and expanding it into the RAM 203 for execution.

[0088] In step S401, the CPU201, acting as the receiving unit 304, receives a selection of whether to enable the following function: determining the printing order by not changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each of the multiple paper discharge sections, and by sequentially printing from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. For example, this can be achieved through... (The text abruptly ends here, so the translation stops as well.) Figure 5 The checkbox 501 shown is entered to receive the user's selection.

[0089] Next, in step S402, CPU 201, acting as acquisition unit 301, acquires information about the paper used in the series of processes. For example, CPU 201 acquires the print job and, as described later... Figure 6 As shown in Table 600, information is obtained regarding the type and number of sheets of paper used for the number of prints or copies, or which type of paper is scheduled to be discharged to which paper output section.

[0090] Next, in step S403, the CPU201, acting as the receiving unit 304, determines whether to enable the aforementioned function that makes the decision on the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature effective.

[0091] If the CPU 201 determines that the function that makes the print order decision effective has been enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S404. If the CPU 201 determines that the function that makes the print order decision effective has not been enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0092] In step S404, CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 302, determines whether the paper printed in a series of processes will be discharged into multiple paper discharge sections. For example, as described later... Figure 6 The sheets 1 to 10 shown are discharged into multiple paper discharge sections 121, 122 and 125.

[0093] If the CPU 201 determines that the paper being printed in a series of processes will be discharged to multiple paper output sections, the CPU 201 will proceed to step S405. If the CPU 201 determines that the paper being printed in a series of processes will be discharged to multiple paper output sections, the CPU 201 will proceed to step S408.

[0094] In step S405, CPU201, acting as a determination unit 302, determines whether the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is the same. For example, as described later... Figure 7 Each of the paper discharge sections 121, 122, and 125 shown discharges only one type of paper. Determining whether the paper discharged to each paper discharge section is of the same type is one way to determine whether the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged to each of the multiple paper discharge sections is within a predetermined range.

[0095] If it is determined that the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is 1, the CPU 201 causes the process to proceed to step S406. If it is not determined that the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is 1, the CPU 201 causes the process to proceed to step S408.

[0096] In step S406, CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 302, determines a reference fixing temperature for each of the plurality of paper output sections. For example, the paper output section can be set to a temperature described later. Figure 7The fixing temperature of paper A in the paper discharge section 121 shown is 180°C, which is determined as the reference fixing temperature of the paper discharge section 121. For example, the CPU 201 can refer to data that establishes a correspondence between paper type and fixing temperature suitable for paper type, and determine the fixing temperature corresponding to the paper type that is scheduled to be discharged from each paper discharge section as the reference fixing temperature representing each paper discharge section.

[0097] In step S407, CPU201, acting as decision unit 303, determines the printing order of the paper in a series of processes without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, and prints sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. For example, it can determine the order as described later. Figure 8 The printing order is shown. The printing order refers to the order in which the pages are printed. When the image forming apparatus 120 performs printing in this determined printing order, the order in which the printed matter discharged to each paper feed section overlaps is consistent with the order expected by the user when inputting the print instruction.

[0098] In step S408, CPU 201, acting as decision unit 303, sends print data to image forming apparatus 120. CPU 201 can send print data sequentially to image forming apparatus 120 according to the original arrangement order or the print order determined in step S407, based on paper units. At this point, the process ends.

[0099] When the printing process is performed according to the printing order determined in step S407, the image forming apparatus 120 can perform the printing process in order of decreasing fixing temperature, thus enabling the temperature in the fixing unit to gradually increase. For example, the image forming apparatus 120 can, as described later... Figure 9 The fixing process 911 shown in the figure is a temperature adjustment process 912 that adjusts the temperature once, and a printing process including fixing is performed.

[0100] Next, the screen display when selecting whether to enable the following function will be explained: The printing order is determined by maintaining the arrangement of the paper discharged to each paper output section and printing sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. Here, please refer to... Figure 5 .

[0101] exist Figure 5 The image shows an example of a screen display when selecting whether to enable the function that determines the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature.

[0102] exist Figure 5The image shows a subscreen 502 displaying a checkbox 501, which is used to receive input for the item "Allow changes to the output order by each discharge position". For example, in step S401 above, CPU 201 can receive the user's selection by making this subscreen 502 appear in the user input print instruction screen on user interface 206.

[0103] Next, information on the paper used in the series of printing processes will be explained. See here for reference. Figure 6 .

[0104] Figure 6 Table 600 is an example of information about the paper used in a series of printing processes. Table 600 shows the order of the printed data generated by a print job, in paper units, and displays information indicating the type of paper used for each paper and the paper ejection unit as the ejection position. Here, to distinguish the same page data printed in multiple copies, it is explained as different types of paper. More specifically, in Table 600, a corresponding association is established between papers 1 to 10 used to print two copies of a 5-page document in one job, the type of paper A or B used to print each paper, and the paper ejection units 121, 122, or 125 as the ejection position. Papers 1 to 5 are the papers used to print the first document, and papers 5 to 10 are the papers used to print the second document.

[0105] Next, the paper discharged to the multiple paper output sections will be explained. For reference here... Figure 7 .

[0106] Figure 7 Table 700 shows an example of paper being discharged to multiple paper discharge sections.

[0107] Table 700 is a list of... Figure 6 The information shown in Table 600 is categorized by each discharge location. In Table 700, all paper discharged to paper discharge section 121 is labeled as Paper A, all paper discharged to paper discharge section 122 is labeled as Paper B, and all paper discharged to paper discharge section 125 is labeled as Paper B. In this case, CPU 201 can determine in step S406 above that the paper type discharged to multiple paper discharge sections is one type.

[0108] Furthermore, in Figure 7 The image shows the fixing temperature set for the type of paper. The fixing temperature set for paper A is 180°C, and the fixing temperature set for paper B is 160°C. In this case, CPU201 can determine a reference fixing temperature of 180°C for paper output section 121 and a reference fixing temperature of 160°C for paper output section 122 and paper output section 125 in step S406 above.

[0109] Next, the printing sequence of the paper will be explained, in which the paper is printed sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature in a series of processes without changing the arrangement order of the paper to each paper output section. Here, refer to... Figure 8 .

[0110] Figure 8 Table 800 is an example of the printing sequence of paper used in a series of processes.

[0111] The following printing sequence is shown in Table 800: Instead of directly using the arrangement of the printing data shown in Table 600 as the printing sequence, the printing sequence is changed in a way that the arrangement of the paper discharged to each paper output section is not changed, and the printing is carried out sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0112] In Table 800, the paper output sections are rearranged in the order of paper output sections 122 and 125 corresponding to the lowest reference fixing temperature of 160°C, followed by paper output section 121 corresponding to the lower reference fixing temperature of 180°C. Simultaneously, the paper order is also rearranged on a per-section basis. Furthermore, when multiple paper output sections corresponding to the same reference fixing temperature exist, as with paper output sections 122 and 125, the printing order can be determined by deciding which section to print first.

[0113] In Table 800, the arrangement order of the papers discharged to each paper output section remains unchanged from the arrangement order shown in Table 600. Specifically, for paper output section 122, the arrangement order of papers 2, 3, 7, and 8 is maintained; for paper output section 125, the arrangement order of papers 4 and 9 is maintained; and for paper output section 121, the arrangement order of papers 1, 5, 6, and 10 is maintained. As a result, the arrangement order of papers 1 to 10 in Table 600 is rearranged in Table 800 into the printing order of papers 2, 3, 7, 8, 4, 9, 1, 5, 6, and 10.

[0114] Next, the fixing process will be explained when printing in a printing order that takes fixing temperature into account. Here, please refer to... Figure 9 .

[0115] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, along with the comparative example, an example of the fixing process when printing in a printing sequence that takes fixing temperature into account is presented.

[0116] first, Figure 9The comparative example shown is the fixing process 901 when printing in the original arrangement order, which is the fixing process when printing in the arrangement order of papers 1 to 10 shown in Table 600. As shown in Table 700, the fixing temperature of paper A is 180°C and the fixing temperature of paper B is 160°C. Therefore, in the case of fixing process 901, the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing process on papers 1 to 10 in a state where different types of paper with different fixing temperatures are mixed together.

[0117] Specifically, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing processing on paper 1 at 180°C, and before performing fixing processing on paper 2 at 160°C, a temperature adjustment process 902 occurs to lower the temperature of the fixing unit. Furthermore, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing processing on papers 2-5 at 160°C, and before performing fixing processing on paper 6 at 180°C, a temperature adjustment process 903 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit. Furthermore, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing processing on paper 6 at 180°C, and before performing fixing processing on paper 7 at 160°C, a temperature adjustment process 904 occurs to lower the temperature of the fixing unit. Furthermore, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing processing on papers 7-9 at 160°C, and before performing fixing processing on paper 10 at 180°C, a temperature adjustment process 905 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit.

[0118] then, Figure 9 The fixing process 911 shown is the fixing process for printing in the order shown in Table 800 when printing in the order of fixing temperature. In the case of fixing process 911, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs fixing processing on papers 2, 3, 7, 8, 4 and 9 at 160°C and before performing fixing processing on paper 1 at 180°C, a temperature adjustment process 912 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit. For the remaining papers 5, 6 and 10, fixing processing is performed while maintaining 180°C, so no temperature adjustment process occurs.

[0119] Thus, in the fixing process 901, four temperature adjustment processes occur, two of which are temperature adjustment processes that lower the temperature. In contrast, in the fixing process 911, one temperature adjustment process that raises the temperature occurs.

[0120] During the temperature adjustment process, the image forming apparatus 120 is in a state of waiting for printing to be performed. Therefore, in order to perform the printing process quickly, it is desirable to reduce the number of temperature adjustment processes, thereby suppressing the waiting time. In particular, the time required to lower the temperature of the fixing unit is usually longer than the time required to raise the temperature of the fixing unit. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to omit the step of lowering the temperature of the fixing unit and allow the temperature of the fixing unit to rise gradually.

[0121] [Second Implementation]

[0122] In the first embodiment, as a method of determining whether the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, the process by which the CPU 201, as the determination unit 302, determines whether the type of paper output to each paper output section is the same type is described. In the second embodiment, as another method, the process by which the CPU 201, as the determination unit 302, determines whether the types of paper output to each paper output section belong only to the same group by referring to a table grouping paper types whose fixing temperature differences are within a predetermined range.

[0123] If the fixing process can be performed at the same temperature, then even if there is more than one type of paper used, the arrangement order of the papers discharged to each paper output section can be maintained, and a printing order that takes into account the fixing temperature can be adopted. In the second embodiment, the type of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature can be determined by referring to the table.

[0124] Furthermore, the hardware structure and functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. The information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment will be described here. Referring here... Figure 10 .

[0125] exist Figure 10 The diagram illustrates an example of the information processing flow executed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment. This flow is executed by the CPU 201 reading the information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage device 204 and expanding it into the RAM 203 for execution. Furthermore, regarding the first embodiment… Figure 4 The same steps as the process, labeled and Figure 4 The same symbols in the process, only applicable to those... Figure 4 The different steps in the process and their order before and after will be explained, while other identical steps will be omitted from the explanation.

[0126] This process and Figure 4 The process is different, and it replaces Figure 4The step S405 shown includes steps S1001 and S1002.

[0127] In step S1001, CPU 201, acting as determination unit 302, refers to a table grouping paper types whose fixing temperature differences fall within a predetermined range. For example, it can refer to the table described later. Figure 11 The table shown in Table 1100. The table, which groups paper types whose fixing temperature differences are within a predetermined range, can be maintained by the information processing system 110 in a manner such as storing it in storage device 204.

[0128] Next, in step S1002, the CPU 201, acting as the determination unit 302, determines whether the types of paper discharged to each paper output section belong only to the same group. For example, the paper discharged to a certain paper output section may only belong to the group described later. Figure 11 The paper types C and D in group A shown correspond to the case where the paper types discharged to the paper discharge section are all from the same group. Determining whether the paper types discharged to each paper discharge section are all from the same group is one way to determine whether the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each type of paper discharged to multiple paper discharge sections is within a predetermined range.

[0129] If it is determined that the paper types discharged to each paper output section belong only to the same group, CPU 201 proceeds to step S406. In this case, the reference fixing temperature determined in S406 can be any representative value among multiple fixing temperatures. This representative value can be set as the highest, average, or lowest value among the fixing temperatures corresponding to the predetermined paper types discharged to that paper output section. If it is not determined that the paper types discharged to each paper output section belong only to the same group, CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0130] Next, a table will be presented showing the grouping of paper types based on their fixing temperature difference being within a predefined range. See here for reference. Figure 11 .

[0131] exist Figure 11 The table shown is an example of a grouping of paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predefined range.

[0132] exist Figure 11Table 1100 shows the classification of paper types A through M into three groups based on their fixing temperature range. In Table 1100, papers C, D, E, and F belong to group A because their fixing temperature difference ranges from 110°C to 150°C. Papers B, G, H, and I belong to group B because their fixing temperature difference ranges from 150°C to 160°C. Papers A, J, K, L, and F belong to group C because their fixing temperature difference ranges from 160°C to 200°C. For example, transparent films and similar papers may belong to group A, ordinary papers to group B, and thick papers to group C.

[0133] [Third Implementation]

[0134] In the first embodiment, as a method of determining whether the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, the process by which the CPU 201, as the determination unit 302, determines whether the type of paper output to each paper output section is the same is described. In the second embodiment, as another method, the process by which the CPU 201, as the determination unit 302, determines whether the types of paper output to each paper output section belong only to the same group is described, referring to a table grouping paper types whose fixing temperature differences are within a predetermined range.

[0135] In the third embodiment, as another approach, the process of setting a predetermined temperature range for each paper output section based on the fixing temperature of the type of paper to be discharged first among the paper discharged to each paper output section, and determining whether the deviation between fixing temperatures is within the set range will be described.

[0136] If fixing can be performed at the same temperature, then even if there is more than one type of paper, the arrangement order of the papers discharged to each paper output section can be maintained, and a printing order that takes fixing temperature into account can be adopted. In the third embodiment, using the range of fixing temperatures that are the objects of fixing at the same temperature and the reference value of the range, a range of deviations between fixing temperatures that can be used to perform fixing at the same temperature is set, and it is determined whether the set range of deviations between fixing temperatures is met in each paper output section.

[0137] Furthermore, the hardware structure and functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, therefore, the description is omitted. The information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment will be described here. Referring here... Figure 12 .

[0138] exist Figure 12The diagram illustrates an example of an information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment. This flow is executed by the CPU 201 reading the information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage device 204 and expanding it into the RAM 203 for execution. Furthermore, regarding the information processing flow according to the first embodiment… Figure 4 The same steps as the process, labeled and Figure 4 The same symbols in the process, only applicable to those... Figure 4 The different steps in the process and their order before and after will be explained, while other identical steps will be omitted from the explanation.

[0139] This process and Figure 4 The process is different, and it replaces Figure 4 The step S405 shown includes steps S1201 and S1202.

[0140] In step S1201, the CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 302, sets a predetermined range using the fixing temperature of the first paper discharged from each paper discharge section as the median. For example, the first paper discharged from each paper discharge section is... Figure 7 The paper shown is for printing paper A, which is used for printing paper 1 at the front end of paper feed section 121; for printing paper B, which is used for printing paper 2 at the front end of paper feed section 122; and for printing paper B, which is used for printing paper 8 at the front end of paper feed section 125. This range, which uses the median of the predetermined fixing temperature range of the paper feed that is discharged first, can be set as a predetermined range. For example, if the range of ±10°C is a predetermined range and the fixing temperature of paper A at the front end of paper feed section 121 is 180°C, then the range of 170°C or higher and 190°C or lower can be set as a predetermined range for paper feed section 121.

[0141] Next, in step S1202, the CPU201, as the determination unit 302, determines whether the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections is within the set predetermined range.

[0142] For example, when the range of ±10℃ is a pre-defined range, Figure 7The paper discharged to the paper discharge section 121 shown is all paper A, therefore the fixing temperature of paper A is 180°C, which is in the range of 170°C or higher and 190°C or lower. Assuming that the paper discharged to the paper discharge section 121 is paper A with a fixing temperature of 180°C, paper C with a fixing temperature of 120°C, and paper with a fixing temperature of 190°C, the deviation between the fixing temperatures from 120°C to 190°C is outside the range of 170°C or higher and 190°C. If even one such paper discharge section exists, the CPU 201 will determine in step S1202 that the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections is outside the predetermined range.

[0143] If it is determined that the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S406. In this case, the fixing temperature of the paper output first to each paper output section can be determined as the reference fixing temperature determined in S406. If it is not determined that the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0144] [Fourth Implementation]

[0145] In the fourth embodiment, a solution will be described for a situation where the paper supply is insufficient to print all the contents of multiple copies of a document, which is being printed in a series of processes. Furthermore, an example of the hardware structure of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted. Additionally, although not shown, the functional structure of the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to... Figure 1 In addition to having the same functional structure as the information processing system 110 in the fourth embodiment, it also has a display unit 305. The information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Here, reference is made to... Figure 13 .

[0146] exist Figure 13 The diagram illustrates an example of the information processing flow executed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment. This flow is executed by the CPU 201 reading the information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage device 204 and expanding it into the RAM 203 for execution. Furthermore, regarding the process described in the first embodiment… Figure 4 The same steps as the process, labeled and Figure 4 The same symbols in the process, only applicable to those... Figure 4The different steps in the process and their order before and after will be explained, while other identical steps will be omitted from the explanation.

[0147] This process and Figure 4 The difference in the process shown is that, Figure 4 Step S1301 is present between steps S401 and S402, in which... Figure 4 The step S1302 is present between steps S406 and S407, and except for... Figure 4 In addition to the steps shown, steps S1303 to S1309 are also included.

[0148] In step S1301, the CPU 201, acting as the receiving unit 304, receives a selection of whether to enable the following function: determining the printing order so that only a sufficient number of copies of a document are printed when there is insufficient paper available to print multiple copies. For example, this can be achieved through [the following description]. Figure 14 The checkbox 1401 shown is entered to receive the user's selection.

[0149] This feature ensures that paper is dispensed in units of copies. Sometimes, even printouts dispensed to multiple output sections are intended to be delivered to the user in a common unit of copies. For example, consider a scenario where a user needs to deliver 10 copies of printouts dispensed to three output sections to an ordering party. If, due to insufficient paper supply, up to the fifth copy and a few loose pages are provided in two output sections, and up to the tenth copy is provided in the remaining output section, the user would have to manually exclude the copies not included in the initial five copies if they were to summarize the total number of copies printed across all output sections (five copies) for partial delivery. To avoid this inconvenience, users sometimes want to ensure that paper is dispensed in units of copies in advance. Therefore, providing an option to enable or disable this feature improves user convenience.

[0150] In step S1302, CPU201, acting as decision unit 303, determines whether to enable the following function: when there is insufficient paper to print multiple copies of all documents, the printing order is determined by using only a sufficient number of copies of the multiple documents.

[0151] If the CPU determines that the above function is enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1303. If the CPU does not determine that the above function is enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S407.

[0152] In step S1303, CPU 201, acting as decision unit 303, determines whether the paper supply is insufficient to print multiple copies of all documents. For example, CPU 201 can receive information about the remaining amount of paper in the image forming apparatus 120 and compare the amount of paper required for printing with the remaining amount of paper. For example, as described later... Figure 15 The following situation is shown: In order to print two copies of all the papers 1 to 10, 4 sheets of paper A are needed, but 1 sheet is short.

[0153] If it is determined that there is insufficient paper to print multiple copies of all documents, CPU 201 causes the process to proceed to step S1304. If it is determined that there is sufficient paper to print multiple copies of all documents, CPU 201 causes the process to proceed to step S407.

[0154] In step S1304, CPU201, acting as decision unit 303, determines the printing order in a manner that prints only a sufficient number of copies of paper for the multiple copies. The concept for determining the printing order includes: rearranging the paper in a series of processes such that the order of the papers discharged to each paper feed section remains unchanged, and printing sequentially from the paper feed section with the lowest reference fixing temperature; and then setting the printing order to retain the printing data for printing the number of copies of paper for which the paper supply is insufficient. For example, as described later. Figure 16 As shown, CPU201 determines the printing order by executing the printing of a sufficient number of copies of paper, i.e., the first copy of paper.

[0155] In step S1305, the CPU 201, acting as the decision unit 303, sends print data to the image forming apparatus 120. The CPU 201 can sequentially send print data for a sufficient number of sheets of paper from multiple print orders to the image forming apparatus 120 according to the determined print order. For example, as described later... Figure 16 As shown, CPU 201 can sequentially send the printing data of papers 2, 3, 4, 1, and 5 to image forming apparatus 120. Based on the printed data sent in this way, image forming apparatus 120 can perform printing processing of the same number of sheets of paper in each paper output section without changing the arrangement order, according to the order of the lowest fixing temperature.

[0156] In step S1306, the CPU 201, acting as a display unit 305, displays a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper supply. For example, the CPU 201 may display on the user interface 206 a screen including information described later. Figure 17 The image shown is sub-screen 1701.

[0157] In step S1307, CPU201, acting as decision unit 303, determines whether paper has been replenished.

[0158] If it is determined that paper has been replenished, CPU 201 proceeds to step S1308. If it is not determined that paper has been replenished, CPU 201 terminates the process.

[0159] In step S1308, CPU201, acting as decision unit 303, determines the printing order for the remaining copies of paper that could not be printed due to insufficient paper supply, without changing the arrangement of the papers discharged to each paper output section and sequentially printing from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. The concept of determining the printing order includes rearranging the printing order of the papers printed in a series of processes without changing the arrangement of the papers discharged to each paper output section and sequentially printing from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature, and then setting the printing order to execute the printing data of the remaining copies of paper that were originally held in a reserved state due to insufficient paper supply. For example, CPU201 executes the process described later... Figure 16 The printing order is determined by the way the second copy of the paper, which is in a reserved state as shown, is printed.

[0160] In step S1309, the CPU 201, acting as the decision unit 303, sends print data to the image forming apparatus 120. Based on the print data thus sent, the image forming apparatus 120 can perform the printing of a common number of remaining sheets of paper in each paper output section without changing the arrangement order, according to the order of the lowest fixing temperatures.

[0161] Next, the screen display when selecting whether to enable the following function will be explained: If there is insufficient paper to print multiple copies of all documents, the printing order will be determined by printing only the number of copies that are sufficient for the required paper supply. For reference here... Figure 14 .

[0162] exist Figure 14 The image shows an example of a screen display when receiving a selection to enable the following function: In the case that there is not enough paper to print multiple copies of all documents, the printing order is determined by printing only the number of copies that are sufficient for the paper supply.

[0163] exist Figure 14 The image shows a subscreen 1402 displaying a checkbox 1401, which is used to receive input for the "Discharge of Guarantee Units" item. For example... Figure 14As shown, assuming that the option "Allow changes to output order at each discharge position" has been selected, checkbox 1401 can be set to be selectable. In step S1301 above, CPU 201 can receive the user's selection by displaying subscreen 1402 on the user interface 206 in the screen where the user inputs the print instruction.

[0164] Next, we will explain the printing of multiple copies of a document in a series of processes, and the situation where there is insufficient paper supply when printing all the contents of multiple copies of the document. Here, refer to... Figure 15 .

[0165] exist Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of a series of processes involving the printing of multiple copies of a document on multiple sheets of paper, and a situation where there is insufficient paper supply when printing all the contents of multiple copies of the document.

[0166] exist Figure 15 The following situation is shown in Table 600: The print job includes the printing of the first set of papers 1 to 5 and the printing of the second set of papers 6 to 10. To print all the papers 6 to 10 in the second set, one sheet of paper A is needed less.

[0167] Next, the printing order will be explained, which is determined by the amount of paper needed for a sufficient paper supply and the amount of paper needed for a quantity that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper supply. Here, please refer to... Figure 16 .

[0168] exist Figure 16 The diagram illustrates an example of the printing sequence determined by the amount of paper supplied and the amount of paper that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper supply.

[0169] exist Figure 16 The following determined printing sequence is shown: In the printing sequence rearranged as shown in Table 800, the printing of the first sheets 2, 3, 4, 1 and 5 with sufficient paper supply is performed without waiting for the paper supply to be replenished; while the printing of the second sheets 7, 8, 9, 6 and 10 with insufficient paper supply is reserved until the paper supply is replenished.

[0170] Next, we will explain the screen that prompts the user to replenish the paper supply. See here for reference. Figure 17 .

[0171] Figure 17 The image shows an example of a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper supply. Figure 17 The image shown includes a sub-screen 1701 that reads, "No paper left. Please add more paper to print the remaining copies."

[0172] So far, feasible methods have been illustrated, but the above implementation methods can also be modified into various forms or applied to various purposes.

[0173] In this embodiment, each process is executed by any computer. Furthermore, any computer can execute these processes via a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In this case, the processor is configured to cooperate with the program in executing the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Moreover, the execution order of the processes processed by the processor is not limited to the order described and can be appropriately changed. Any computer can be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or other system capable of executing the processes.

[0174] A processor can be composed of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor can be composed of programmable logic devices such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), dedicated circuits for performing specific processes such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), or NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Furthermore, the type of hardware can be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a single processor, these multiple hardware components can reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Moreover, in any embodiment, the order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the above order and can be appropriately varied. Additionally, the hardware can be composed of circuits, such as those combining semiconductor elements.

[0175] Furthermore, the program can be software such as firmware or microcode. The program can also be, for example, a group of program modules, each of whose functions can be implemented by a processor configured to perform those functions. The program can be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage devices). The program can be divided and stored on multiple non-transitory computer-readable media existing in physically separate devices. Program code or code segments can represent any combination of steps, functions, subroutines, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or commands, data structures, or program statements. Program code or code segments can be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or the contents of memory. Furthermore, the program of this application can be provided as a program article.

[0176] (Postscript) (1)

[0178] An information processing system includes a processor, which performs the following processing:

[0179] Obtain information about the paper used in a series of printing processes;

[0180] In the series of processes, when the printed paper is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections (which are used to fix the image onto the paper) is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is determined for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and

[0181] Without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, the printing order of the paper in the series of processes is determined by printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. (2)

[0183] According to the information processing system described in (1), the processor performs the following processing: when the deviation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, and when the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is 1, the reference fixing temperature is determined. (3)

[0185] According to the information processing system described in (1), the processor performs the following processing: referring to a table of paper types grouped by the difference between fixing temperatures within a predetermined range, and as the deviation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, the reference fixing temperature is determined only if the paper types discharged to each paper discharge section belong to the same group. (4)

[0187] According to the information processing system described in (1), the processor performs the following processing: taking the fixing temperature of the first paper discharged from each paper discharge section as the median, and setting the predetermined range. (5)

[0189] According to any one of (1) to (4) of the information processing system, wherein the series of steps includes printing multiple sheets of paper for multiple copies of documents, the processor performs the following processing: in the case that the paper supply is insufficient to print all copies of the multiple documents, the printing order is determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of sheets of paper from the multiple copies are printed. (6)

[0191] According to the information processing system described in (5), the processor performs the following processing: in the event that there is a shortage of paper in the plurality of copies, a screen is displayed prompting the user to replenish the paper. (7)

[0193] According to the information processing system described in (6), when the paper supply is replenished and printing is restarted, the processor determines the printing order as follows: for the remaining number of copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper supply, the order in which the paper is discharged to each paper discharge section is not changed, and printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. (8)

[0195] According to any one of (1) to (7) the information processing system, wherein the processor receives a selection of whether to enable the following function: without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, and determining the printing order in such a way that printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. (9)

[0197] According to the information processing system described in (5), the processor further receives a selection to enable the following function: in the case that the paper supply is insufficient to print all of the plurality of documents, the printing order is determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of the plurality of documents are printed. (10)

[0199] An information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processing:

[0200] Information on the paper used in a series of processes is obtained; when the paper used in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections as the fixing temperature for fixing the image onto the paper is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is determined for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, the printing order of the paper used in the series of processes is determined in such a way that printing is performed sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0201] According to the information processing system involved in (1) or the information processing program involved in (10), compared with the case of printing paper in the order of low fixing temperature without special restrictions, it is possible to prevent the reduction in user convenience caused by adopting a printing order that takes fixing temperature into account.

[0202] According to the information processing system involved in (2), the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the same type of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature in the paper discharged to each paper output section.

[0203] According to the information processing system involved in (3), the printing order considering the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the types of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature in the paper discharged to each paper output section.

[0204] According to the information processing system involved in (4), the printing order considering the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the papers that can be fixed at the same temperature as the first paper to be discharged to each paper discharge section.

[0205] According to the information processing system involved in (5), in the case of insufficient paper supply, it is possible to determine the printing sequence that takes into account the fixing temperature and discharges the same number of sheets of paper in multiple paper discharge sections.

[0206] According to the information processing system involved in (6), it is possible to prompt the replenishment of paper supply, thereby enabling the printing of the same quantity of paper that could not be printed in each of the multiple paper output sections.

[0207] According to the information processing system involved in (7), when printing the same number of sheets of paper that have not been printed in each of the multiple paper output sections, the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature can be determined without changing the arrangement order of the sheets discharged to each paper output section.

[0208] According to the information processing system involved in (8), compared with not accepting the option to enable the function of changing the printing order, it is possible to suppress the reduction of user convenience.

[0209] According to the information processing system involved in (9), compared with not accepting the option to enable the function of ensuring that paper is dispensed in units of copies, the convenience of users can be improved.

[0210] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not exhaustively encompass the present invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a processor, the processor performing the following processing: Obtain information about the paper used in a series of printing processes; In the series of processes, when the printed paper is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections (which are used to fix the image onto the paper) is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is determined for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and Without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, the printing order of the paper in the series of processes is determined by printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: When the deviation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, the reference fixing temperature is determined when the type of paper discharged to each paper output section is 1.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Referring to a table grouping paper types whose differences in fixing temperatures are within a predetermined range, and considering that the deviations between the fixing temperatures are within the predetermined range, the reference fixing temperature is determined only if the paper types discharged to each paper discharge section belong to the same group.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: The predetermined range is set by taking the fixing temperature of the first paper discharged from each paper discharge section as the median.

5. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The series of processes includes printing multiple copies of documents on multiple sheets of paper. The processor performs the following processing: If there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple documents, the printing order shall be determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of copies of the multiple documents are printed.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: If there is a shortage of paper in one of the multiple sets of copies, a screen will be displayed prompting the user to replenish the paper supply.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein, When the paper supply is replenished and printing resumes, the processor determines the printing order as follows: for the remaining number of copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper supply, the arrangement order of the papers discharged to each paper output section is not changed, and printing is performed sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

8. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The processor receives an option to enable the following function: Without changing the arrangement of the paper discharged to each paper output section, the printing sequence is determined by printing sequentially from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

9. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein, The processor also receives an option to enable the following functions: If there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple documents, the printing order shall be determined in such a way that only a sufficient number of copies of the multiple documents are printed.

10. A program article containing an information processing program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: Obtain information about the paper used in a series of printing processes; In the series of processes, when the printed paper is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections (which are used to fix the image onto the paper) is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is determined for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and Without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, the printing order of the paper in the series of processes is determined by printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

11. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: Obtain information about the paper used in a series of printing processes; In the series of processes, when the printed paper is discharged to multiple paper discharge sections, and when the deviation between the fixing temperatures set for each of the multiple paper discharge sections (which are used to fix the image onto the paper) is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is determined for each of the multiple paper discharge sections; and Without changing the arrangement order of the paper discharged to each paper discharge section, the printing order of the paper in the series of processes is determined by printing sequentially from the paper discharge section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

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