Image formation device, its control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology which enables an efficient insertion of a sheet of partition paper at a suitable position when a plurality of products in a plurality of jobs are mixed at one discharge part.SOLUTION: In an image formation device which outputs a plurality of products image-formed by a plurality of jobs, a first product (such as a general product 2201) is outputted to the discharge part on the basis of a first job (such as a job 1) out of a plurality of jobs job1 to job6, a second product (such as high-quality product 2202) is outputted to the discharge part on the basis of a second job (such as job2) following the first job out of the plurality of jobs job1 to job6, and a sheet of partition paper 2203 is inserted between the first product and the second product at the discharge part when the kind of the first product is different from that of the second product.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In image forming devices such as multifunction peripherals, when multiple deliverables are stacked on an output tray, a mechanism is in place to insert colored paper, cardboard, or other separators between the deliverables to make the separation between the deliverables easier to see. In this case, there are various positions at which separators can be inserted, such as at the separation between print jobs or at the end of each section within a print job.

[0003] As an example of the above-mentioned mechanism, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when multiple print jobs stored in an image forming device are output collectively, a slip sheet is inserted as a separator after each print job has been output. Meanwhile, in recent years, with the increasing functionality and image quality of image forming devices such as multifunction peripherals, the expansion of finishing devices, and the expansion of paper types that can be handled, there has been an increasing trend to in-house production of printed materials (outputs) that were previously output at printing factories using multifunction peripherals installed in offices. Image forming devices used in such printing environments are often shared with printing of regular office documents, and two types of paper feeders may be temporarily installed at the same time: plain paper (general paper) for regular printing and special printing paper (special paper) for in-house printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-309116 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in image forming devices such as multifunction peripherals, there are often only one or two output trays, which are output sections for outputting printed materials (results). For this reason, for example, high-quality output using special paper and general output using general paper may be mixed in the same output section, raising concerns that other users may mistakenly take home one's own output. The technology described in Patent Document 1 above has the problem of being insufficient in terms of efficiently inserting separator sheets in appropriate positions when multiple output products from multiple jobs are mixed in one output section.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a technology that can efficiently insert separator paper in an appropriate position when multiple deliverables from multiple jobs are mixed in one discharge section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that outputs multiple products formed by multiple jobs to the same discharge section, and has an output means that outputs a first product to the discharge section based on a first job of the multiple jobs, and outputs a second product to the discharge section based on a second job that follows the first job of the multiple jobs, and an insertion means that inserts a separator paper between the first product and the second product in the discharge section when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are different. In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus that outputs multiple products formed by multiple jobs to the same discharge section, and has an output means that outputs a first product to the discharge section based on a first job of the multiple jobs, and outputs a second product to the discharge section based on a second job that follows the first job of the multiple jobs, and an insertion means that inserts a separator paper between the first product and the second product in the discharge section when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and the types of the first product and the second product are specific types. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when a plurality of deliverables from a plurality of jobs are mixed in one discharge section, it is possible to insert partition sheets efficiently and at appropriate positions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed internal configuration of a supply unit of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of a setting process related to a sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a home screen displayed on the operation display unit in step S401 of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation display unit in step S401 of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper setting screen displayed on the operation display unit in step S403 of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of printer driver processing by a PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print setting screen displayed on the display unit in step S802 of FIG. 8 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for printer processing by the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the page generation process in step S1001 of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the printing process in step S1002 of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 12. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the paper feed determination process in step S1203 of FIG. 12 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an out-of-paper error screen displayed on the operation display unit in step S1310 of FIG. 13 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reservation setting screen for a paper feed location displayed on the operation display unit in step S405 of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interleaf setting screen displayed on the operation display unit when the interleaf setting button shown in FIG. 6 is pressed according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product type partition paper setting screen displayed on the operation display unit when the product type partition paper button illustrated in FIG. 16 is pressed according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a paper feed tray setting screen for partition paper that is displayed on the operation display unit when the “insert between different deliverables” button illustrated in FIG. 17 is pressed, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19]11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the printing process in step S1002 of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for determining whether partition paper is to be output as a result of step S1909 in FIG. 19 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for inserting interleave sheets between different deliverables in step S2002 of FIG. 20 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 illustrates the first embodiment and shows a specific example of the process of inserting an interleave between different deliverables in step S2002 of FIG. 20. [Figure 23] 21 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a procedure for inserting an interleave between high-quality deliverables in step S2004 of FIG. 20 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 21 illustrates the second embodiment and shows a specific example of the process of inserting interleave sheets between high-quality deliverables in step S2004 of FIG. 20. [Figure 25] 21 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a procedure for inserting interleave sheets before and after the high-quality product in step S2006 of FIG. 20 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] 21 shows the third embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the process of inserting partition sheets before and after the high-quality product in step S2006 of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment, showing an example of a detailed processing procedure for deleting the "type of product last discharged" of a discharge tray from which a product has been removed in the discharge tray management table stored in the storage unit. [Figure 28] 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for determining whether partition paper is to be output as a result of step S1909 in FIG. 19 according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments of the present disclosure described below do not limit the scope of the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the present disclosure.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a printer, a copier, a facsimile, and a multifunction device that combines the functions of these, and has a function (printing function) of forming an image on a sheet that is a recording medium.

[0013] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the overall schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1(a) is an example of a multifunction peripheral that forms an image on a sheet. However, in this embodiment, the term "sheet" includes paper such as paper sheets and envelopes, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors (OHPs), and cloth. Furthermore, although the terms "paper" and "paper feed" are used in the drawings, unless otherwise specified, they are treated as referring to sheets in general, including sheets other than paper.

[0014] 1(a), the image forming apparatus 100 includes devices such as a printer unit 101, a plurality of paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105), a manual feed tray 106, an output tray 107, and a scanner unit 108. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the paper feed cassette 1 (102), the paper feed cassette 2 (103), the paper feed cassette 3 (104), the paper feed cassette 4 (105), and the manual feed tray 106, they will be simply referred to as "paper feed stages" as supply units that supply sheets.

[0015] The printer unit 101 includes a printer engine 110, which is an example of an image forming unit. The printer unit 101 uses the printer engine 110 to form an image on a sheet supplied from a paper feed tray based on image data input from the scanner unit 108 or an external host computer.

[0016] Each of the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) stores sheets. Furthermore, the manual feed tray 106 supports sheets placed on the manual feed tray 106. The sheets held in the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and the manual feed tray 106 are separated one by one by a paper feed unit (not shown) and supplied to the printer engine 110. The paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and the manual feed tray 106 are each an example of a supply unit that holds sheets in order to supply them to the printer engine 110, which is an example of an image forming unit.

[0017] The discharge tray 107 discharges, as a product, a sheet on which an image is formed by the printer engine 110. In this embodiment, the discharge tray 107 is included in a discharge unit that outputs a plurality of products on which an image is formed by the printer engine 110 based on a plurality of jobs.

[0018] The scanner unit 108 is an image reading device that optically scans an original and converts it into electronic image data using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD type.

[0019] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of the printer engine 110 shown in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, the printer engine 110 includes an electrophotographic image forming unit PU, a transfer device 115, and a fixing device 117. The image forming unit PU includes a photosensitive drum 111, which is a drum-shaped photosensitive member, a charging device 112, an exposure device 113, a developing device 114, and a cleaning device 116. When a request is made to the printer engine 110 to start an image formation operation, the charging device 112 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 111, and the exposure device 113 scans the photosensitive drum 111 with a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the drum surface. The developing device 114 supplies charged toner to the photosensitive drum 111 to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred to a sheet by a transfer device 115. Thereafter, a cleaning device 116 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 111. The toner image transferred onto the sheet is fixed onto the sheet by a fixing device 117, for example, of a thermal fixing type.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system 10 including an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In this Fig. 2, components similar to those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The image forming system 10 has the image forming apparatus 100, a personal computer (PC) 200, and a network 300.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the PC 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage unit 204, a network I / F 205, an operation input unit 206, and a display unit 207. The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the PC 200 and performs various processes. The ROM 202 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 201 to perform various controls and processes. The RAM 203 functions as, for example, a work memory for the CPU 201. The storage unit 204 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 201 to perform various controls and processes as needed, and also stores various information obtained by the CPU 201 performing various controls and processes. Here, the storage unit 204 is, for example, a storage unit such as an HDD (hard disk drive). The network I / F 205 is communicatively connected to a wired or wireless network 300 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 100. An operation input unit 206 inputs information input by an operation of the user of the PC 200 to the CPU 201 etc. A display unit 207 displays various images and various information based on the control of the CPU 201.

[0022] A printer driver is installed in PC 200 as driver software that generates a job (hereinafter referred to as a "print job") that commands image formation on image forming apparatus 100. CPU 201 also functions as a printer driver, and the driver software program is stored, for example, in ROM 202 or storage unit 204. Specifically, CPU 201 functions as a printer driver by, for example, loading the driver software program into RAM 203 and executing it. CPU 201 generates a print job written in PDL based on document data received from a document creation application stored, for example, in storage unit 204. Here, PDL is an abbreviation for Page Description Language, examples of which include PS, PCL, and LIPS (registered trademark). CPU 201 then transmits the generated print job to image forming apparatus 100 via network I / F 205 and network 300.

[0023] 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage unit 124, a network I / F 125, a device I / F 126, a supply unit 127, an image processing unit 128, an operation display unit 129, and a discharge unit 130. The image forming apparatus 100 further includes a scanner unit 108 and a printer engine 110 shown in FIG.

[0024] The CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and performs various processes. The ROM 122 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 121 to perform various controls and processes. The RAM 123 functions as, for example, a work memory for the CPU 121. The storage unit 124 stores programs and various information required for the CPU 121 to perform various controls and processes as needed, and also stores various information obtained by the CPU 121 performing various controls and processes. Here, the storage unit 124 is, for example, a storage unit such as an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0025] In this embodiment, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 operates based on a program read into RAM 123. ROM 122 is, for example, a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. In this embodiment, storage unit 124 stores system software, image data, a program for controlling the operation of image forming apparatus 100, and the like. In this embodiment, the program stored in storage unit 124 is read into RAM 123, and CPU 121 executes the program read into RAM 123 to control the operation of image forming apparatus 100. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that each processing step in the control method for image forming apparatus 100 is executed by CPU 121.

[0026] The network I / F 125 of the image forming apparatus 100 is communicatively connected to a wired or wireless network 300 and communicates with the PC 200, which is an information processing apparatus. The device I / F 126 manages communication between the scanner unit 108, the printer engine 110, and the CPU 121, etc. The supply unit 127 has a function of supplying sheets and includes the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and the manual feed tray 106 shown in FIG. 1(a). The image processing unit 128 performs image processing on image data received via the network I / F 125, and also performs image processing on image data input / output from the device I / F 126. Here, the image data transmitted from the PC 200 is converted by the image processing unit 128 into, for example, raster-format image data and stored in the storage unit 124. The image data stored in memory unit 124 is then sent to printer engine 110 as a video signal via device I / F 126 and is used in the image forming operation by printer engine 110. Operation display unit 129 functions as a display unit that displays various information to a user of image forming apparatus 100 and as an input unit that accepts instructions from the user. Operation display unit 129 includes a screen display unit including a display such as an LCD, a touch panel that is installed on the display and functions as soft keys based on the operated positional relationship with an operation target displayed on the display, and an operation input unit that includes hard keys such as a numeric keypad. Discharge unit 130 includes discharge tray 107 shown in FIG. 1(a) and a paper stack detection sensor 130a that is installed on discharge tray 107 and detects the amount of sheets (paper) stacked on discharge tray 107.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 2. The supply unit 127 supplies sheets to the printer engine 110. The supply unit 127 includes the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) shown in Fig. 1(a), but the illustration of the paper feed cassette 3 (104) and the paper feed cassette 4 (105) is omitted in Fig. 3.

[0028] Paper stack detection sensor 1 (131) detects how many sheets (paper) are stacked in paper feed cassette 1 (102). Paper stack detection sensor 2 (132) detects how many sheets (paper) are stacked in paper feed cassette 2 (103). Furthermore, supply unit 127 also includes paper stack detection sensor 3 that detects how many sheets (paper) are stacked in paper feed cassette 3 (104), not shown, and paper stack detection sensor 4 that detects how many sheets (paper) are stacked in paper feed cassette 4 (105), not shown. These paper stack detection sensors 1 to 4 enable CPU 121 to detect, within a range of several levels, whether or not there are currently sheets (paper) in each of paper feed cassettes 1 to 4, and if there are sheets (paper), how many sheets (paper) are stacked.

[0029] Tray paper presence / absence detection sensor 133 detects whether or not sheets (paper) are stacked on manual feed tray 106. This tray paper presence / absence detection sensor 133 enables CPU 121 to detect in real time whether sheets (paper) are stacked on or removed from manual feed tray 106.

[0030] Open / close detection sensor 1 (134) detects the open / close state of paper feed cassette 1 (102). Open / close detection sensor 2 (135) detects the open / close state of paper feed cassette 2 (103). Furthermore, supply unit 127 also includes open / close detection sensor 3 that detects the open / close state of paper feed cassette 3 (104) (not shown), and open / close detection sensor 4 that detects the open / close state of paper feed cassette 4 (105) (not shown). These open / close detection sensors 1 to 4 enable CPU 121 to detect the open / close state of each of paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 in real time.

[0031] The CPU 121 controls the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and the manual feed tray 106 of the supply unit 127 to supply sheets from the paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) or the manual feed tray 106 as set.

[0032] <Image formation process flow> Next, the flow of processing when image formation is performed in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a paper feed tray reservation process is performed before image formation is performed. Here, paper feed tray reservation refers to a setting for restricting the use of each of paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and manual feed tray 106, which contain sheets to be used in image formation. Thereafter, CPU 201 of PC 200 generates a print job through printer driver processing and outputs the generated print job to image forming apparatus 100. When a print job is input to image forming apparatus 100, image forming apparatus 100 executes printer processing to process the print job. Next, each process will be described in detail.

[0033] <Paper tray reservation> 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for sheet-related setting processing according to the first embodiment. Here, the following description is given assuming that a user of the image forming apparatus 100 places the following special sheet in the paper feed cassette 1 (102) and reserves it. Sheet size: A4 Sheet type (type): Coated paper

[0034] 4, the user of image forming apparatus 100 places the above-mentioned special sheet in paper feed cassette 1 (102). Next, the user of image forming apparatus 100 operates operation display unit 129 of image forming apparatus 100 to set the size and type of the placed sheet.

[0035] When the operation display unit 129 of the image forming apparatus 100 is operated, in step S401 of FIG. 4, the CPU 121 displays a home screen on the operation display unit 129. FIG. 5 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a home screen 500 displayed on the operation display unit 129 in step S401 of FIG. 4. The home screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a copy button 501, a scan and send button 502, a box button 503, a reserve print button 504, and a settings button 505. The copy button 501 is a button that is selected when using the copy function. The scan and send button 502 is a button that is selected when using the scan and send function. The box button 503 is a button that is selected when using the box function. The reserve print button 504 is a button that is selected when using the reserve print function. The settings button 505 is a button for configuring various settings of the image forming apparatus 100. This setting button 505 is also selected when the user sets the size and type of the sheets placed by the user and reserves the paper feed tray.

[0036] 5 has been pressed, the CPU 121 displays a setting screen for making various settings on the operation display unit 129. FIG. 6 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen 600 displayed on the operation display unit 129 in step S401 of FIG. 4. The setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has a paper setting button 601, a paper feed location reservation button 602, a tone correction button 603, and a color misregistration correction button 604. The setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 also has a reserved paper feed tray use button 605 for adjustment, a FAX setting button 606, an interleaf setting button 607, and a back button 608. Of the buttons 601 to 608 provided on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6, the paper setting button 601 is a button that is selected and operated when making sheet (paper) settings. Among the buttons 601 to 608 provided on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6, the paper feed location reservation button 602 is a button that is selected and operated when making a paper feed location reservation setting, which is a characteristic setting in the present disclosure.

[0037] Here, we return to the explanation of FIG. When the process of step S401 in FIG. 4 is completed, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402 in FIG. 4, the CPU 121 determines whether or not the paper setting button 601 on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed.

[0038] As a result of the determination in step S402 in FIG. 4, if the paper setting button 601 on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed (S402 / YES), the process proceeds to step S403. 4, CPU 121 displays a paper setting screen on operation / display unit 129. FIG. 7 shows an example of a paper setting screen 700 displayed on operation / display unit 129 in step S403 of FIG. 4, according to the first embodiment. Paper feed tray selection buttons 701 to 705 are provided for selecting the paper feed trays corresponding to paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and manual feed tray 106. The paper feed tray selection buttons 701 to 705 display the setting status of each paper feed tray. Furthermore, paper setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 also has a sheet type setting button 706, an envelope button 707, a postcard button 708, and an OK button 709. Sheet type setting button 706 is a button selected when changing the sheet type. Envelope button 707 is a button selected when setting the sheet size to a special envelope size. The postcard button 708 is a button that is selected when setting the sheet size to a special postcard size. The sheet type setting button 706, envelope button 707, and postcard button 708 are selected after selecting one of the paper feed tray selection buttons 701 to 705. When the OK button 709 on the paper setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 is selected, the CPU 121 sets the sheet information.

[0039] Here, we return to the explanation of FIG. As a result of the determination in step S402 in FIG. 4, if the paper setting button 601 on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has not been pressed (S402 / NO), the process proceeds to step S404. When the process proceeds to step S404 in FIG. 4, the CPU 121 determines whether or not the paper feed location reservation button 602 on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed.

[0040] As a result of the determination in step S404 in FIG. 4, if the paper feed location reservation button 602 on the setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed (S404 / YES), the process proceeds to step S405. When the process proceeds to step S405 in FIG. 4, the CPU 121 performs a paper feed tray reservation process.

[0041] When the processing of step S403 or step S405 in FIG. 4 is completed, or when it is determined in step S404 that the paper feed location reservation button 602 shown in FIG. 6 has not been pressed (S404 / NO), the process proceeds to step S406. 4, CPU 121 returns the screen displayed on operation display unit 129 to a setting screen for performing various settings. Then, when the processing of step S406 in FIG. 4 ends, CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0042] Next, the setting status displayed for each of the paper feed stage selection buttons 701 to 705 on the paper setting screen 700 shown in FIG. 7, which is displayed in step S403 in FIG. 4, will be described. The setting statuses displayed on the respective paper feed stage selection buttons 701 to 705 shown in FIG. 7 are stored in the storage unit 124 of the image forming apparatus 100 as paper feed stage information, for example, as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0043] In the paper feed tray information shown in Table 1, sheet size 2902 is the size that each paper feed tray automatically detects when the sheets are installed or that is set by the user. Sheet type 2903 is the type (category) of sheet that is set using the sheet type setting button 706 shown in FIG. 7. Remaining sheet quantity 2904 indicates the remaining sheet quantity detected by each paper feed tray on a five-level scale. Reservation status 2905 indicates the reservation status of the paper feed tray, which is a characteristic element of this disclosure, and is set using the paper feed location reservation button 602 shown in FIG. 6. In the example shown in Table 1 above, the reservation status 2905 is all blank, indicating that anyone can use it.

[0044] Next, we will explain the operation when a certain paper feed tray is selected (here, we assume that the paper feed tray selection button 701 in Figure 7 corresponding to paper feed cassette 1 (102) is selected) and the sheet type setting button 706 in Figure 7 is pressed. 7 has been pressed, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 displays a sheet type setting screen (not shown) on operation display unit 129 and waits for the user to select and confirm the sheet type. Then, when the user confirms the sheet type (here, it is assumed that coated paper is selected), CPU 121 updates the paper feed stage information shown in Table 1 with the confirmed sheet type and completes the sheet type setting.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the paper feed tray reservation process in step S405 in Fig. 4. For ease of understanding, a case where paper feed cassette 1 (102) is reserved will be described as an example.

[0046] To reserve a paper feed tray, a paper feed location reservation button 602 on a setting screen 600 shown in Fig. 6 is used. When the CPU 121 detects that the paper feed location reservation button 602 has been pressed, the CPU 121 displays a paper feed location reservation setting screen on the operation and display unit 129 in step S405 of Fig. 4. Fig. 15 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper feed location reservation setting screen 1500 displayed on the operation and display unit 129 in step S405 of Fig. 4. The paper feed location reservation setting screen 1500 shown in Fig. 15 is provided with an ON button 1501 that is selected when reserving each paper feed tray, and an OFF button 1502 that is selected when not reserving each paper feed tray. Furthermore, the paper feed location reservation setting screen 1500 shown in Fig. 15 is provided with a cancel button 1503 for canceling the reservation operation and an OK button 1504 for confirming the reservation. 15, the ON button 1501 corresponding to paper feed cassette 1 (102) is selected, indicating that the paper feed cassette is in a reserved state. In this state, when the CPU 121 detects that the OK button 1504 has been pressed, it records "reserved" for paper feed cassette 1 (102) in the reservation status 2905 of the paper feed stage information in Table 1 stored in the storage unit 124. This allows paper feed cassette 1 (102) to feed paper only for jobs set to use the reserved paper feed stage. To cancel the reservation, the ON button 1501 is selected to the OFF button 1502 on the paper feed location reservation setting screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15, and the information in the reservation status 2905 of the paper feed stage information stored in the storage unit 124 is cleared.

[0047] Table 2 below shows the changes that have been made to the paper feed tray information shown in Table 1 above due to the above-mentioned sheet type change and paper feed tray reservation process. In Table 2, the changes from Table 1 are highlighted with a black background to make it easier to compare with Table 1. [Table 2]

[0048] <Printer driver processing> Next, printer driver processing by the PC 200 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of printer driver processing by PC 200 according to the first embodiment. Note that each processing step shown in Fig. 8 is realized by CPU 201 installed in PC 200 executing a program constituting a printer driver stored in storage unit 204, for example. The printer driver processing shown in Fig. 8 is started when a user of PC 200 performs an operation to instruct a document creation application to execute printing, for example.

[0049] First, in step S801 in FIG. 8, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 uses a document creation application or the like to generate document data indicating the content (documents, drawings, etc.) to be printed.

[0050] 8, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 sets attribute information of the print job based on a user's operation input to the operation input unit 206. Specifically, in step S802, the CPU 201 first displays a setting screen (print setting screen) for setting print conditions on the display unit 207. FIG. 9 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of the print setting screen 900 displayed on the display unit 207 in step S802 of FIG. 8. A tab 910 on the print setting screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 indicates that this is a screen for performing print settings. A paper size setting field 911 shown in FIG. 9 displays a setting value for the size of the sheet (paper). A paper type setting field 912 shown in FIG. 9 displays a setting value for the type of sheet (paper). A paper feed stage setting field 913 shown in FIG. 9 displays a paper feed stage designated as a sheet (paper) supply source. A reserved paper feed stage usage setting field 914 shown in FIG. 9 displays whether a reserved paper feed stage is to be used. The sheet (paper) size set in the paper size setting field 911 shown in FIG. 9 can be an "original size" that specifies the same size as the document data, a standard size such as "A4," or a user-defined size that the user inputs numerically. The sheet (paper) type set in the paper type setting field 912 shown in FIG. 9 can be set to "plain paper 1," "plain paper 2" with a larger basis weight than "plain paper 1," or "coated paper." The paper feed tray set in the paper feed tray setting field 913 shown in FIG. 9 can be set to any of paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) or manual feed tray 106. For each of the sheet (paper) types and paper feed trays described above, an option such as "automatic selection" that leaves the selection to the image forming apparatus 100 may be provided. By selecting "Yes" in the reserved paper feed tray usage setting field 914 shown in FIG. 9, printing can be performed using sheets (paper) placed in the reserved paper feed tray. Based on user input via the print setting screen 900 shown in Figure 9, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 sets the sheet (paper) size, sheet (paper) type, information specifying the paper feed tray from which the sheet (paper) will be fed, and settings regarding the use of reserved paper feed trays.

[0051] Here, we return to the explanation of FIG. When the process of step S802 in FIG. 8 is completed, the process proceeds to step S803. 8, CPU 201 of PC 200 sets an owner name for the print job. Here, the owner name is information for identifying the user who created the print job, and in this embodiment, the ID of the user currently logged in to PC 200 is used as the owner name.

[0052] 8, CPU 201 of PC 200 sets a document name for the print job. Here, the document name is information for identifying a data file such as a document or drawing to be printed, and is obtained, for example, from the application that generated the document data.

[0053] 8, CPU 201 of PC 200 generates PDL data conforming to the PDL format based on the document data and various setting information acquired through the processes of steps S801 to S804. Here, PDL data includes page data representing the drawing content of each page and setting information for the print job (sheet size, sheet type, paper feed tray, owner name, document name, etc.). Note that page data is image information generated by the printer driver from the document data in accordance with the PDL format.

[0054] 8, the CPU 201 of the PC 200 transmits the PDL data generated in step S805 to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network I / F 205 and the network 300. When the process of step S806 in FIG. 8 ends, the CPU 201 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0055] <Printer processing> Next, a printer process by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as an example of a control method for the image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for the printer process by the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0056] 8, when PDL data is transmitted from PC 200, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 receives this PDL data. Then, in step S1001 of Fig. 10, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 performs page generation processing to generate image data for each page based on the received PDL data.

[0057] 10, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 performs a printing process to form an image on a sheet (paper) based on the image data generated in step S1001. Then, when the process of step S1002 in FIG. 10 ends, CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0058] Next, the page generation process in step S1001 of FIG. 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the page generation processing in step S1001 of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0059] 11, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 receives PDL data related to a print job from PC 200. CPU 121 then temporarily stores the received PDL data in storage unit 124. The PDL data related to the print job stored in storage unit 124 includes page data as image information conforming to the PDL format.

[0060] 11, CPU 121 analyzes the page data included in the PDL data received in step S1101. CPU 121 also analyzes print job setting information, such as sheet size, included in the PDL data, and stores the extracted information in storage unit 124.

[0061] 11, the CPU 121 converts the page data included in the PDL data received in step S1101 into intermediate data. Here, intermediate data refers to drawing objects such as bitmaps, run lengths, trapezoids, boxes, and high-speed boundary-encoded bitmaps, as well as background patterns, and the drawing logic for drawing raster-format images from them.

[0062] 11, the image processing unit 128 of the image forming apparatus 100 performs RIP processing on the intermediate data generated in step S1103 and stores the result in the storage unit 124. Here, RIP is an abbreviation for "Raster Image Processing" and refers to the process of generating raster format image data from image data such as a vector image. Then, when the process of step S1104 in FIG. 11 ends, the CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

[0063] Next, the printing process in step S1002 in FIG. 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the printing process in step S1002 of FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0064] 10 starts, first, in step S1201 of Fig. 12, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 initializes parameter P indicating the page being processed (current sheet) and assigns the value 1. Here, parameter P is an integer value that satisfies P≧1.

[0065] 12, the CPU 121 determines whether the parameter P is equal to or smaller than a variable Pmax indicating the total number of pages (the number of sheets specified by the print job). Here, the variable Pmax is assumed to be extracted by analyzing the PDL data and stored in the storage unit 124.

[0066] As a result of the determination in step S1202 in FIG. 12, if the parameter P is equal to or smaller than the variable Pmax indicating the total number of pages (S1202 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1203. When the process proceeds to step S1203 in FIG. 12, the CPU 121 refers to the storage unit 124 to acquire paper feed stage setting information, and performs paper feed determination processing to determine whether sheets (paper) can be fed from the designated paper feed stage.

[0067] If it is determined in the paper feed determination process of step S1203 that paper can be fed, then in step S1204 of FIG. 12, CPU 121 feeds one sheet (paper).

[0068] Subsequently, in step S1205 of FIG. 12, the CPU 121 reads out the image data of the sheet (paper) being processed from the storage unit .

[0069] 12, the CPU 121 converts the image data of the sheet (paper) being processed, which was read out in step S1205, into video data and transfers it to the printer engine 110.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S1207 of FIG. 12, the printer engine 110, under the control of the CPU 121, executes printing processing (image forming processing) on ​​a sheet (paper) based on the video data acquired in step S1206.

[0071] 12, the CPU 121 increments the parameter P by 1. Then, the process returns to step S1202.

[0072] Furthermore, if the result of the determination in step S1202 in Fig. 12 is that the parameter P is not equal to or less than the variable Pmax indicating the total number of pages (the parameter P is greater than the variable Pmax) (S1202 / NO), the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. Note that the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12 shows a mode in which one sheet is fed and printed before the next sheet is fed, but the present embodiment is not limited to this mode, and for example, a mode in which paper feeding and printing are controlled independently may also be used.

[0073] <Paper feed determination process> Next, the paper feed determination process in step S1203 in FIG. 12 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the paper feed determination process in step S1203 of FIG. 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] When the paper feed determination process starts in step S1203 of Fig. 12, first, in step S1301 of Fig. 13, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 acquires the setting information of the print job stored in storage unit 124 in step S1102 of Fig. 11. This setting information of the print job includes the sheet size, sheet type, and paper feed tray setting information required for printing, and setting information on whether to use a reserved paper feed tray, which is a setting characteristic of the present disclosure.

[0075] 13, the CPU 121 acquires the paper feed stage information stored in the storage unit 124. Here, the paper feed stage information is the setting information for each paper feed stage shown in Table 2 above.

[0076] Next, in step S1303 of FIG. 13, the CPU 121 creates a paper feed stage candidate list by duplicating the paper feed stage information acquired in step S1302, and uses the list to determine paper feed stage candidates in the subsequent processing.

[0077] Next, in step S1304 of FIG. 13, the CPU 121 determines whether or not to use the reserved paper feed tray based on the setting information regarding whether or not to use the reserved paper feed tray acquired in step S1301.

[0078] If the result of the determination in step S1304 in FIG. 13 is that the reserved paper feed tray is to be used (S1304 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1305. 13, CPU 121 performs processing to increase the search priority of reserved paper feed trays in the paper feed tray candidate list created in step S1303. Specifically, CPU 121 rearranges the paper feed tray candidate list created in step S1303 so that reserved paper feed trays are at the top of the list in terms of reservation status (2905). This allows reserved paper feed trays to be given priority in the optimal paper feed tray selection processing in step S1308, which will be described later.

[0079] Also, if the result of the determination in step S1304 in FIG. 13 is that the reserved paper feed tray is not to be used (S1304 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1306. When the process proceeds to step S1306 in FIG. 13, the CPU 121 deletes paper feed trays whose reservation status (2905) is reserved from the paper feed tray candidate list created in step S1303. For example, in the case of the paper feed tray reservation status in Table 2 above, if it is set that the reserved paper feed tray will not be used for the print job, paper feed cassette 1 (102) is deleted from the paper feed tray candidate list. On the other hand, if it is set that the reserved paper feed tray will be used for the print job, no paper feed tray is deleted from the paper feed tray candidate list. In this way, paper feed trays whose reservation status (2905) is reserved can be used to feed paper only for jobs that are set to use the reserved paper feed tray.

[0080] When the processing in step S1305 or step S1306 in FIG. 13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1307. 13, CPU 121 references the paper feed stage setting information from the setting information of the print job acquired in step S1301, and deletes paper feed stages other than the specified paper feed stage from the paper feed stage candidate list. Here, the paper feed stage setting information is the information specified in the paper feed stage setting field 913 shown in Fig. 9. If a specific paper feed stage is specified in the paper feed stage setting field 913 shown in Fig. 9, paper feed stages other than the specified paper feed stage are deleted from the paper feed stage candidate list, and if automatic selection is set, no paper feed stages are deleted from the paper feed stage candidate list.

[0081] 13, CPU 121 performs processing to select the optimal paper feed tray from among the paper feed trays remaining in the paper feed tray candidate list. Specifically, CPU 121 searches the paper feed tray candidate list, starting from the top paper feed tray, to determine whether there is a paper feed tray holding sheets that match the sheet size and sheet type required for printing described in the setting information of the print job.

[0082] Subsequently, in step S1309 in FIG. 13, CPU 121 determines whether or not an optimal paper feed tray is found by the process of step S1308.

[0083] If it is determined in step S1309 in FIG. 13 that there is no optimum paper feed tray (S1309 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1310. 13, the CPU 121 displays an out-of-paper error screen on the operation display unit 129. FIG. 14 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of an out-of-paper error screen 1400 displayed on the operation display unit 129 in step S1310 of FIG. 13. The out-of-paper error screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 displays message information 1406 including information (size and type) of sheets required to continue the print job and information indicating which paper feed trays can accommodate those sheets. The installable paper feed trays included in the message information 1406 are searched for from the paper feed tray candidate list after the processing of step S1307 of FIG. 13. The out-of-paper error screen 1400 of FIG. 14 displays paper feed tray selection buttons 1401 to 1405 for selecting the paper feed trays corresponding to paper feed cassettes 1 to 4 (102 to 105) and manual feed tray 106, as well as a cancel button 1407 and an OK button 1408. At this time, the user of the image forming apparatus 100 can perform any of the following operations. Place the sheet described in the message information 1406 in the paper feed tray described in the message information 1406 to resolve the out-of-paper error. Press any of the paper feed stage selection buttons 1401 to 1405 to forcibly continue processing with a sheet other than the sheet described in the message information 1406. The stop button 1407 is pressed to stop the print job.

[0084] Here, we return to the explanation of FIG. When the process of step S1310 in FIG. 13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1311. 13, CPU 121 determines whether or not there has been any change in the state of the paper feed tray. If the result of this determination is that there has been any change in the state of the paper feed tray (YES in S1311), CPU 121 determines that there is a possibility that the user has placed paper, returns to the processing of step S1302, and performs the processing from step S1302 onwards again.

[0085] If the result of the determination in step S1311 in FIG. 13 is that there is no change in the state of the paper feed tray (S1311 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1312. 13, CPU 121 determines whether or not there has been an operation input from the user via operation display unit 129. If the result of this determination is that there has been no operation input from the user via operation display unit 129 (S1312 / NO), the process returns to step S1311 and repeats the processes from step S1311 onwards.

[0086] Also, as a result of the determination in step S1312 of FIG. 13, if there is an operation input from the user via operation display unit 129 (S1312 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1313. 13, CPU 121 determines whether any one of paper feed stage selection buttons 1401 to 1405 shown in Fig. 14 has been pressed. If the result of this determination is that no selection operation has been performed on any of paper feed stage selection buttons 1401 to 1405 shown in Fig. 14 (S1313 / NO), CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 12.

[0087] 13, if the selection operation of any of the paper feed stage selection buttons 1401 to 1405 shown in Fig. 14 has been performed (S1313 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1314. Also, if the selection operation of step S1309 in Fig. 13 indicates that an optimal paper feed stage is available (S1309 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1314. 13, CPU 121 determines the optimal paper feed tray determined in step S1309 or the paper feed tray selected in step S1313 as the paper feed tray from which paper will be fed. Then, when the process of step S1304 in FIG. 13 ends, CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0088] As described above, by controlling the paper feed tray reservation status (2905) of the paper feed tray information shown in Table 2 to be reserved, sheets (paper) can be fed only when the print job is set to use the reserved paper feed tray, thereby preventing the misuse of sheets (paper).

[0089] <Separator paper separating high-quality deliverables from general deliverables> In the following explanation, a special paper product fed from a paper feed tray (specific supply unit) reserved in step S405 of Fig. 4 will be referred to as a "high-quality product." Also, a general paper product fed from a non-reserved paper feed tray (a supply unit that is not a specific supply unit) will be referred to as a "general product." Specifically, in the example of Table 2, paper feed cassette 1 (102) corresponds to the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 of Fig. 4, and the "high-quality product" will be supplied from the reserved paper feed tray, paper feed cassette 1 (102).

[0090] 13 , it is assumed that a high-quality product, which is a product printed on special paper in a reserved paper feed tray, and a general product, which is a product printed on general paper in an unreserved paper feed tray, will be output to the same output tray 107. If the respective print jobs are executed consecutively, for example, the high-quality product may be mixed in with a large number of general products. In this case, it is conceivable that a user who printed a general product may take home the product with the high-quality product mixed in, without noticing that the high-quality product is mixed in with the general products. In this case, there is a risk that the user will have to go through the trouble of finding the high-quality product among the large number of general products, or that the high-quality product may be used by mistake.

[0091] One measure to prevent the mix-up of deliverables on the output tray 107 is to insert dividers between different deliverables. Possible methods for inserting dividers include inserting dividers each time a print job changes or inserting dividers each time one copy of a deliverable is output. In an environment in which high-quality deliverables and general deliverables are output to the same output tray 107 in the image forming apparatus 100, as in the present embodiment, dividers are inserted to sort the deliverables by type (category). This allows the user to notice the mix-up of deliverables at a glance. In the present embodiment, when deliverables of different types are output to the same output tray 107 (for example, when a high-quality deliverable is output after a general deliverable), the dividers inserted between the deliverables are referred to as "deliverable-type dividers."

[0092] First, a method for setting a product type partition paper will be described. When the interleave paper setting button 607 is pressed on the setting screen 600 shown in Fig. 6, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays an interleave paper setting screen on the operation display unit 129. Fig. 16 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of an interleave paper setting screen 1600 that is displayed on the operation display unit 129 when the interleave paper setting button 607 shown in Fig. 6 is pressed. The interleave paper setting screen 1600 shown in Fig. 16 is provided with a job interleave paper button 1601 for inserting interleave paper for each job, a number of copies interleave paper button 1602, a product type interleave paper button 1603, a back button 1604, and the like.

[0093] When a deliverable type partition paper button 1603 is pressed on the partition paper setting screen 1600 shown in Fig. 16, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays a deliverable type partition paper setting screen on the operation display unit 129. Fig. 17 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 that is displayed on the operation display unit 129 when the deliverable type partition paper button 1603 shown in Fig. 16 is pressed. The deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in Fig. 17 is provided with an "Insert between different deliverables" button 1701, an "Insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702, an "Insert before or after high-quality deliverables" button 1703, and a cancel button 1704.

[0094] When an "Insert between different deliverables" button 1701 is pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in Fig. 17, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays, on the operation display unit 129, a paper feed tray setting screen for partition paper to be inserted between different deliverables. Fig. 18 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a partition paper feed tray setting screen 1800 that is displayed on the operation display unit 129 when the "Insert between different deliverables" button 1701 shown in Fig. 17 is pressed. The partition paper feed tray setting screen 1800 shown in Fig. 18 displays paper feed tray selection buttons 1801 to 1805, message information 1806, a back button 1807, and an OK button 1808. The message information 1806 displays a message prompting the user to select a paper feed tray to use for partition paper. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the paper feed cassette 3 (104) corresponding to the paper feed stage selection button 1803 is selected, and when the OK button 1808 is pressed in this state, the product type partition paper can be set.

[0095] Here, in order to insert a separator between the high-quality deliverable and the general deliverable, the following two pieces of information [1] and [2] are required. [1] Which work is the one you are currently printing? [2] Which product was output immediately before on the output tray 107 to be output?

[0096] The information in [1] above can be obtained by determining whether the currently printed output is being fed from a reserved paper feed tray. Although paper may be fed from multiple paper feed trays in a single print job, if even one sheet is fed from a reserved paper feed tray, it is determined that special paper is being used and the output is of high quality.

[0097] Regarding the information [2] above, it is necessary to store in the memory unit 124 information as to whether or not the final product discharged to the discharge tray 107 to be output is fed from the reserved paper feed tray. The storage of the information [2] above will be explained using the following Table 3. The following Table 3 represents a discharge tray management table 3000, which is stored in the memory unit 124 as a table for managing information about each discharge tray. The example shown in the following Table 3 shows a case where two discharge trays are installed in the image forming apparatus 100. [Table 3]

[0098] The discharge tray management table 3000 shown in Table 3 stores a discharge tray number 3001 and a type (classification) of the last discharged product 3002. Regarding the type (classification) of the last discharged product 3002, when the print job is completed, it is determined whether the print job used a reserved paper feed tray and stored as a "high-quality product" or a "general product."

[0099] Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure of the printing process in step S1002 of Fig. 10 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of inserting an interleave between a high-quality product and a general product when the high-quality product and the general product are output consecutively to the output tray 107. The flowchart shown in Fig. 19 is similar to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, steps S1901 to S1906 in Fig. 19 are similar to steps S1201 to S1206 in Fig. 12, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] The end point of the process in step S1906 in Fig. 19 is the state before the first sheet of the deliverable is printed. Subsequently, in step S1907 in Fig. 19, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 determines whether parameter P indicating the page being processed (current sheet) is 1.

[0101] As a result of the determination in step S1907 in FIG. 19, if the parameter P indicating the page being processed (current sheet) is 1 (S1907 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1908. In step S1908 of FIG. 19, the CPU 121 determines the discharge tray (107) to which the printed product is to be output.

[0102] 19, the CPU 121 performs a process of determining whether to output partition paper by product type. Here, the CPU 121 determines whether to insert partition paper taking into account the type of product.

[0103] When the processing of step S1909 in FIG. 19 is completed, or when it is determined in step S1907 in FIG. 19 that the parameter P indicating the page being processed (current sheet) is not 1 (S1907 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1910. When the process proceeds to step S1910 in FIG. 19, the CPU 121 prints the result.

[0104] 19, the CPU 121 increments the parameter P by 1. Then, the process returns to step S1902.

[0105] Also, if the result of the determination in step S1902 in FIG. 19 is that the parameter P is not equal to or less than the variable Pmax indicating the total number of pages (the parameter P is greater than the variable Pmax) (S1902 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1912. In step S1912 in FIG. 19, the CPU 121 determines whether or not paper has been fed from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG.

[0106] As a result of the determination in step S1912 in FIG. 19, if paper is fed from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG. 4 (S1912 / YES), the process proceeds to step S1913. 19, the CPU 121 registers "high-quality product" in the information of the type 3002 of the product discharged last, corresponding to the discharge tray determined in step S1908, in the discharge tray management table 3000 of Table 3.

[0107] 19. If it is determined in step S1912 in FIG. 19 that paper is not being fed from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG. 4 (S1912 / NO), the process proceeds to step S1914. 19, the CPU 121 registers "general product" in the information of the type 3002 of the product discharged last, corresponding to the discharge tray determined in step S1908, in the discharge tray management table 3000 of Table 3.

[0108] When the process of step S1913 in FIG. 19 is completed, or when the process of step S1914 in FIG. 19 is completed, CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0109] Next, the details of the output determination process for partition paper of product type in step S1909 in FIG. 19 will be described. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment, illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for determining whether to output partition paper by product type in step S1909 of Fig. 19. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 20, the next process is determined based on the information selected on the partition paper by product type setting screen 1700 shown in Fig. 17.

[0110] First, in step S2001 of FIG. 20, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not the "insert between different deliverables" button 1701 has been pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG.

[0111] As a result of the determination in step S2001 in FIG. 20, if the "insert between different deliverables" button 1701 has been pressed (S2001 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2002. When the process proceeds to step S2002 in FIG. 20, the CPU 121 performs a process of inserting partition sheets between different deliverables.

[0112] Also, if the result of the determination in step S2001 in FIG. 20 is that the "insert between different deliverables" button 1701 has not been pressed (S2001 / NO), the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003 of FIG. 20, the CPU 121 determines whether the "insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702 has been pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG.

[0113] As a result of the determination in step S2003 in FIG. 20, if the "insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702 has been pressed (S2003 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2004. When the process proceeds to step S2004 in FIG. 20, the CPU 121 performs a process of inserting partition sheets between the high-quality deliverables.

[0114] Also, if the result of the determination in step S2003 in FIG. 20 is that the "insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702 has not been pressed (S2003 / NO), the process proceeds to step S2005. In step S2005 of FIG. 20, the CPU 121 determines whether the "insert before or after high-quality deliverable" button 1703 has been pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG.

[0115] As a result of the determination in step S2005 in FIG. 20, if the "insert before or after high-quality deliverable" button 1703 has been pressed (S2005 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2006. When the process proceeds to step S2006 in FIG. 20, the CPU 121 performs a process of inserting partition sheets before and after the high-quality product.

[0116] When the processing of step S2002 in Fig. 20 is completed, when the processing of step S2004 in Fig. 20 is completed, or when the processing of step S2006 in Fig. 20 is completed, the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 20. Also, when it is determined in step S2005 in Fig. 20 that the "Insert before or after high-quality deliverable" button 1703 has not been pressed (S2005 / NO), the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 20 without inserting any partition paper.

[0117] Next, the details of the process of inserting interleave sheets between different deliverables in step S2002 of FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing procedure for inserting interleave sheets between different deliverables in step S2002 of FIG. 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0118] First, in step S2101 in FIG. 21, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the current print job is feeding paper from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG. 4 (reserved paper feed tray).

[0119] If the result of the determination in step S2101 in FIG. 21 is that the current print job is feeding paper from the reserved paper feed tray (S2101 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2102. When the process proceeds to step S2102 in FIG. 21, the CPU 121 refers to the discharge tray management table 3000 in Table 3 to determine whether the immediately preceding product on the discharge tray 107 is a "general product."

[0120] 21, if the result of the determination in step S2102 is that the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is a "general product" (S2102 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2104. Note that if the result of the determination in step S2102 / YES is that the process proceeds to step S2104, the type of the product is a "high-quality product" because the current print job is being fed from a reserved paper feed tray (S2101 / YES). Furthermore, the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is determined to be a "general product" (S2102 / YES). 21, CPU 121 inserts a partition paper on top of the "general deliverable" immediately before it on output tray 107. As a result, the "high-quality deliverable" is placed on top of the inserted partition paper on output tray 107, so that a partition paper can be inserted between the "general deliverable" that was output first and the "high-quality deliverable" that will be output thereafter.

[0121] Also, if the result of the determination in step S2101 in FIG. 21 is that the current print job does not feed paper from the reserved paper feed tray (S2101 / NO), the process proceeds to step S2103. When the process proceeds to step S2103 in FIG. 21, the CPU 121 refers to the discharge tray management table 3000 in Table 3 to determine whether the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is a "high-quality product."

[0122] 21, if the result of the determination in step S2103 is that the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is a "high-quality product" (S2103 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2104. Note that if the result of the determination in step S2103 is YES and the process proceeds to step S2104, the type of the product is a "general product" because the current print job is not feeding paper from a reserved paper feed tray (S2101 / NO). Furthermore, the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is determined to be a "high-quality product" (S2103 / YES). 21, CPU 121 inserts a partition paper on top of the "high-quality deliverable" immediately before it on output tray 107. As a result, the "general deliverable" is placed on top of the inserted partition paper on output tray 107, so that a partition paper can be inserted between the "high-quality deliverable" that was output first and the "general deliverable" that will be output thereafter.

[0123] When the processing of step S2104 in Fig. 21 is completed, the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 21. Also, if the determination is NO in step S2102 in Fig. 21, high-quality products are successively output to the output tray 107, so the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 21 without inserting an interleave. Furthermore, if the determination is NO in step S2103 in Fig. 21, general products are successively output to the output tray 107, so the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 21 without inserting an interleave.

[0124] By the process described using Figures 18 to 21, if the type of the product previously output to the output tray 107 is different from the type of the product of the current print job, a separator sheet can be inserted before outputting the first copy of the product of the current print job.

[0125] Fig. 22 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the process of inserting partition paper between different deliverables in step S2002 of Fig. 20. In detail, Fig. 22 illustrates how partition paper is inserted between different deliverables when the "Insert between different deliverables" button 1701 shown in Fig. 17 is pressed and set, and multiple deliverables are output to the same output tray 107 as a result of continuous printing of multiple print jobs.

[0126] In the divider paper insertion image 2200 shown in Fig. 22, a plain rectangle is illustrated as a general deliverable 2201, a dotted rectangle is illustrated as a high-quality deliverable 2202, and a rectangle containing the word "DI" is illustrated as divider paper 2203. Also, in the divider paper insertion image 2200 shown in Fig. 22, print jobs with multiple overlapping rectangles indicate that multiple deliverables were output in one print job. Also, print jobs job1 to job6 indicate the order in which the print jobs were printed, with print job job1 indicating the first print job to be printed and print job job6 indicating the last print job to be printed.

[0127] When print jobs job1 to job6 are processed in the order shown in the divider paper insertion image 2200 in Fig. 22, divider paper 2203 is inserted in the following three locations. Specifically, the first location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job1 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job2. The second location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job3 and the general deliverable 2201 of print job job4. The third location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job5 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job6. Here, applying this to the processing of Figure 21, if it is determined that S2102 / YES is to insert the partition paper 2203 into the first and third locations described above, then it is determined that S2103 / YES is to insert the partition paper 2203 into the second location described above.

[0128] Conversely, there are two locations where the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted, as described below. Specifically, the first location where the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted is between the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job2 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job3. The second location where the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job4 and the general deliverable 2201 of print job job5. Applying this to the processing in FIG. 21 , the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted in the first location described above when it is determined as NO in S2102, and the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted in the second location described above when it is determined as NO in S2103.

[0129] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above is an apparatus that outputs multiple deliverables formed by multiple jobs to the same delivery tray 107. Based on a first job (e.g., job1 in FIG. 22) among the multiple jobs (e.g., jobs1 to 6 in FIG. 22), the CPU 121 outputs a first deliverable (e.g., general deliverable 2201 in FIG. 22) to the delivery tray 107 via the printer engine 110. Based on a second job (e.g., job2 in FIG. 22) that follows the first job among the multiple jobs, the CPU 121 outputs a second deliverable (e.g., high-quality deliverable 2202 in FIG. 22) to the delivery tray 107 via the printer engine 110. Here, the CPU 121 that performs the process of outputting deliverables including the first deliverable and the second deliverable to the delivery tray 107 constitutes an "output unit." Then, when the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are different, CPU 121 inserts partition paper 2203 between the first deliverable and the second deliverable on discharge tray 107. Specifically, when the first deliverable is general deliverable 2201 in Fig. 22 and the second deliverable is high-quality deliverable 2202 in Fig. 22, the types of the deliverables are different, so partition paper 2203 is inserted between the first deliverable and the second deliverable. Here, CPU 121, which performs the process of inserting partition paper 2203 between the first deliverable and the second deliverable, constitutes "insertion means." With this configuration, when multiple deliverables from multiple jobs are mixed on one discharge tray 107, the dividers 2203 are inserted between the different types of deliverables, so that the dividers 2203 can be inserted efficiently and in appropriate positions. This makes it easy to sort the different types of deliverables, and reduces the problem of other users mistakenly taking away one's own deliverables.

[0130] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only matters different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0131] In the first embodiment described above, when multiple deliverables on which images have been formed by multiple jobs are output to the same output tray 107, if the types of the deliverables are different between the previous and next deliverables, a separator sheet is inserted between the previous and next deliverables. Specifically, in the first embodiment described above, a separator sheet is inserted between the high-quality deliverable and the general deliverable, so that the two can be sorted.

[0132] In an environment where multiple users output multiple high-quality deliverables, there is a possibility that another user who outputs another high-quality deliverable may mistakenly take away your high-quality deliverable. Furthermore, since high-quality deliverables often use special paper such as cardboard or coated paper, if different high-quality deliverables are mixed on the same output tray 107, it may be more difficult to distinguish them compared to a mixture with general deliverables because the paper types are similar. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a form will be described in which, when high-quality deliverables are output consecutively on a job-by-job basis on the same output tray 107, separator sheets are inserted between them.

[0133] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the schematic configuration of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming system 10 including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is similar to the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0134] The second embodiment also uses the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG. 17. When an "Insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702 is pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays, on the operation display unit 129, a paper feed tray setting screen for partition paper to be inserted between high-quality deliverables. From this partition paper feed tray setting screen, the paper to be used as partition paper can be set. Note that the partition paper feed tray setting screen described here differs from the partition paper feed tray setting screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18 for inserting between different deliverables only in message information 1806, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] The process of inserting partition sheets between high-quality deliverables envisioned in the second embodiment is performed when the process proceeds to step S2004 in FIG.

[0136] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the processing procedure for inserting interleave sheets between high-quality deliverables in step S2004 of FIG. 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0137] First, in step S2301 in FIG. 23, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the current print job is feeding paper from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG. 4 (reserved paper feed tray).

[0138] If the result of the determination in step S2301 in FIG. 23 is that the current print job is feeding paper from the reserved paper feed tray (S2301 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2302. When the process proceeds to step S2302 in FIG. 23, the CPU 121 refers to the discharge tray management table 3000 in Table 3 to determine whether the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is a "high-quality product."

[0139] 23, if the result of the determination in step S2302 is that the product immediately before the output tray 107 is a "high-quality product" (S2302 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2302. Note that if the determination in step S2302 / YES causes the process to proceed to step S2303, the type of the product is a "high-quality product" because the current print job is being fed from a reserved paper feed tray (S2301 / YES). Furthermore, the product immediately before the output tray 107 has been determined to be a "high-quality product" (S2302 / YES). 23, CPU 121 inserts a partition paper on top of the "high-quality deliverable" immediately before it on output tray 107. As a result, the "high-quality deliverable" is placed on top of the inserted partition paper on output tray 107, so that a partition paper can be inserted between the "high-quality deliverable" that was output earlier and the "high-quality deliverable" that will be output thereafter.

[0140] When the process of step S2303 in Fig. 23 is completed, CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 23. Also, if the determination is NO in S2301 or NO in S2302 in Fig. 23, "high-quality deliverables" are not output continuously on a job-by-job basis, and therefore CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 23 without inserting an interleave sheet.

[0141] Fig. 24 shows the second embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the process of inserting partition sheets between high-quality deliverables in step S2004 of Fig. 20. In more detail, Fig. 24 illustrates how partition sheets are inserted between different deliverables when the "Insert between high-quality deliverables" button 1702 shown in Fig. 17 is pressed and set, and multiple deliverables are output to the same output tray 107 as a result of continuous printing of multiple print jobs.

[0142] In the partition paper insertion image 2400 shown in Fig. 24, as in Fig. 22, a plain rectangle is illustrated as a general deliverable 2201, a dotted rectangle is illustrated as a high-quality deliverable 2202, and a rectangle including the word "DI" is illustrated as a partition paper 2203. Also, in the partition paper insertion image 2400 shown in Fig. 24, as in Fig. 22, a print job with multiple overlapping rectangles indicates that multiple deliverables were output in one print job. Also, in the partition paper insertion image 2400 shown in Fig. 24, as in Fig. 22, print jobs job1 to job6 indicate the order in which the print jobs were executed.

[0143] When print jobs job1 to job6 are processed in the order shown in the interleave paper insertion image 2400 in Fig. 24, the interleave paper 2203 is inserted in one location described below. Specifically, the one location where the interleave paper 2203 is inserted is between the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job2 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job3. In this case, applying this to the processing in Fig. 23, the interleave paper 2203 is inserted in the one location described above when it is determined that S2302 / YES is returned.

[0144] Conversely, there are four locations where the divider paper 2203 is not inserted, as described below. Specifically, the first location where the divider paper 2203 is not inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job1 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job2. The second location where the divider paper 2203 is not inserted is between the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job3 and the general deliverable 2201 of print job job4. The third location where the divider paper 2203 is not inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job4 and the general deliverable 2201 of print job job5. The fourth location where the divider paper 2203 is not inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job5 and the high-quality deliverable 2202 of print job job6. 23, the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted in the first and fourth positions when the determination in S2302 is NO. Also, the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted in the second and third positions when the determination in S2301 is NO.

[0145] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment described above is an apparatus that outputs a plurality of deliverables formed by a plurality of jobs to the same delivery tray 107. The CPU 121 outputs a first deliverable (e.g., a high-quality deliverable 2202 in FIG. 24 ) to the delivery tray 107 via the printer engine 110 based on a first job (e.g., job 2 in FIG. 24 ) of the plurality of jobs (e.g., jobs 1 to 6 in FIG. 24 ). The CPU 121 also outputs a second deliverable (e.g., a high-quality deliverable 2202 in FIG. 24 ) to the delivery tray 107 via the printer engine 110 based on a second job (e.g., job 3 in FIG. 24 ) that follows the first job of the plurality of jobs. Here, the CPU 121 that performs the process of outputting deliverables including the first deliverable and the second deliverable to the delivery tray 107 constitutes an “output unit.” Then, when the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are the same and the types of the first deliverable and the second deliverable are a specific type, the CPU 121 inserts a partition paper 2203 between the first deliverable and the second deliverable on the discharge tray 107. Here, in the second embodiment, the type of the deliverable is a "specific type" which indicates a high-quality deliverable. Specifically, when the first deliverable is the high-quality deliverable 2202 in FIG. 24 and the second deliverable is the high-quality deliverable 2202 in FIG. 24, the deliverables are of the same specific type, so the partition paper 2203 is inserted between the first deliverable and the second deliverable. Here, the CPU 121 that performs the process of inserting the partition paper 2203 between the first deliverable and the second deliverable constitutes an "insertion means." With this configuration, when multiple deliverables from multiple jobs are mixed on one discharge tray 107, the dividers 2203 are inserted between deliverables of the same specific type, so that the dividers 2203 can be inserted efficiently and in appropriate positions. This makes it easy to separate deliverables of the same specific type, and reduces the problem of other users mistakenly taking away your own deliverables of your specific type.

[0146] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description of the third embodiment, matters common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and only matters different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0147] In the first embodiment described above, when multiple deliverables on which images are formed by multiple jobs are output to the same output tray 107, if the types of the deliverables are different, a separator sheet is inserted between the previous and next deliverables. Specifically, in the first embodiment described above, a separator sheet is inserted between a high-quality deliverable and a general deliverable, allowing the two to be sorted. In the second embodiment described above, when multiple deliverables on which images are formed by multiple jobs are output to the same output tray 107, a separator sheet is inserted between deliverables of the same specific type. Specifically, in the second embodiment described above, a separator sheet is inserted between high-quality deliverables on which images are formed by multiple jobs, allowing the two to be sorted.

[0148] Here, by considering a case where the first and second embodiments described above are combined, one's own high-quality deliverables will not be mixed with general deliverables or high-quality deliverables of different jobs, further reducing the possibility of other users accidentally taking them home. Here, if partition paper is inserted when the types of deliverables are different according to the first embodiment or when high-quality deliverables according to the second embodiment are consecutive, the result will be that partition paper is inserted before and after the high-quality deliverables. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a form will be described in which partition paper is inserted before and after the high-quality deliverables on the same discharge tray 107.

[0149] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Moreover, the schematic configuration of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming system 10 including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is similar to the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0150] The third embodiment also uses the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG. 17. When the "Insert before or after high-quality deliverable" button 1703 is pressed on the deliverable type partition paper setting screen 1700 shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 displays, on the operation display unit 129, a paper feed tray setting screen for partition paper to be inserted before or after the high-quality deliverable. From this partition paper feed tray setting screen, the paper to be used as partition paper can be set. Note that the partition paper feed tray setting screen described here differs from the partition paper feed tray setting screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18 for inserting partition paper between different deliverables only in message information 1806, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0151] The process of inserting partition sheets between high-quality deliverables envisioned in the third embodiment is performed when the process proceeds to step S2006 in FIG.

[0152] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment, showing an example of detailed processing steps for inserting partition sheets before and after a high-quality product in step S2006 of FIG. 20. In the third embodiment, if the product to be output in the current print job is a high-quality product, partition sheets are inserted regardless of which product is the product immediately preceding the high-quality product on the output tray 107. Therefore, the conditions to be considered in the third embodiment are "whether the product to be output in the current print job is a high-quality product" and "whether the product to be output in the current print job is a normal product and the product immediately preceding the high-quality product on the output tray 107 is a high-quality product."

[0153] First, in step S2501 in FIG. 25, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 determines whether the current print job is feeding paper from the paper feed tray reserved in step S405 in FIG. 4 (reserved paper feed tray).

[0154] If the result of the determination in step S2501 in FIG. 25 is that the current print job is feeding paper from the reserved paper feed tray (S2501 / YES), it is determined that the product to be output by the current print job is a high-quality product, and the process proceeds to step S2503. In step S2503 of FIG. 25, the CPU 121 inserts an interleave sheet onto the discharge tray 107.

[0155] Also, if the result of the judgment in step S2501 in Figure 25 is that the current print job is not feeding paper from a reserved paper feed tray (S2501 / NO), it is determined that the product to be output by the current print job is a general product, and the process proceeds to step S2502. When the process proceeds to step S2502 in FIG. 21, the CPU 121 refers to the discharge tray management table 3000 in Table 3 to determine whether the product immediately before the discharge tray 107 is a "high-quality product."

[0156] As a result of the determination in step S2502 in FIG. 21, if the product immediately before the output tray 107 is a "high-quality product" (S2502 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2503. 25, the CPU 121 inserts an interleave sheet onto the discharge tray 107. In step S2503 of FIG.

[0157] When the process of step S2503 in FIG. 25 ends, the CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. Also, if the result of step S2502 in FIG. 25 is NO, the general products are continuously output to the output tray 107, and the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 without inserting an interleave paper.

[0158] Fig. 26 shows the third embodiment and is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the process of inserting partition sheets before and after the high-quality deliverable in step S2006 in Fig. 20. In detail, Fig. 26 illustrates how partition sheets are inserted between different deliverables when the "Insert before and after high-quality deliverable" button 1703 shown in Fig. 17 is pressed and set, and multiple deliverables are output to the same output tray 107 as a result of continuous printing of multiple print jobs.

[0159] In the divider paper insertion image 2600 shown in Fig. 26, as in Fig. 22, a plain rectangle is illustrated as a general deliverable 2201, a dotted rectangle is illustrated as a high-quality deliverable 2202, and a rectangle including the word "DI" is illustrated as a divider paper 2203. Also, in the divider paper insertion image 2600 shown in Fig. 26, as in Fig. 22, a print job with multiple overlapping rectangles indicates that multiple deliverables were output in one print job. Also, in the divider paper insertion image 2600 shown in Fig. 26, as in Fig. 22, print jobs job1 to job6 indicate the order in which the print jobs were executed.

[0160] When print jobs job1 to job6 are processed in the order shown in the divider paper insertion image 2600 in FIG. 26, divider paper 2203 is inserted in the following four locations. Specifically, the first location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the general product 2201 of print job job1 and the high-quality product 2202 of print job job2. The second location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the high-quality product 2202 of print job job2 and the high-quality product 2202 of print job job3. The third location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the high-quality product 2202 of print job job3 and the general product 2201 of print job job4. The fourth location where divider paper 2203 is inserted is between the general product 2201 of print job job5 and the high-quality product 2202 of print job job6. 25, the interleave paper 2203 is inserted into the first, second, and fourth positions when the determination in S2501 is YES. The interleave paper 2203 is inserted into the third position when the determination in S2502 is YES.

[0161] Conversely, the one location where the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted is described below. Specifically, the one location where the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted is between the general deliverable 2201 of print job job4 and the general deliverable 2201 of print job job5. In this case, applying the process of FIG. 25 to this, the interleave paper 2203 is not inserted in the one location described above when the determination in S2502 is NO.

[0162] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment described above is an apparatus that outputs a plurality of products resulting from image formation by a plurality of jobs to the same output tray 107. The CPU 121 outputs a first product (e.g., a general product 2201 in FIG. 26) to the output tray 107 via the printer engine 110 based on a first job (e.g., job1 in FIG. 26) of the plurality of jobs (e.g., jobs1 to 6 in FIG. 26). The CPU 121 also outputs a second product (e.g., a high-quality product 2202 in FIG. 26) to the output tray 107 via the printer engine 110 based on a second job (e.g., job2 in FIG. 26) that follows the first job of the plurality of jobs described above. Furthermore, based on a third job (e.g., job3 in FIG. 26) that follows the second job among the plurality of jobs, CPU 121 outputs a third product (e.g., high-quality product 2202 in FIG. 26) to discharge tray 107 via printer engine 110. Here, CPU 121, which performs the process of outputting the products including the first product, second product, and third product to discharge tray 107, constitutes "output means." Then, when the second product is a high-quality product 2202 of a specific type, CPU 121 inserts partition paper 2203 between the second product and the first product, and also inserts partition paper 2203 between the second product and the third product. Here, CPU 121, which performs the process of inserting partition paper 2203, constitutes "insertion means." With this configuration, the dividers 2203 are inserted before and after a specific type of high-quality deliverable, so that the dividers 2203 can be inserted efficiently and in appropriate positions. This allows a user to easily separate their own high-quality deliverable from other deliverables, and reduces the risk of other users accidentally taking away their own high-quality deliverable.

[0163] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description of the fourth embodiment, matters common to the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and only matters different from the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0164] In the present disclosure, one of the factors for determining whether to insert an interleave sheet is the type information of the product last output to the discharge tray 107 (type (type) 3002 of the product last output in Table 3). Here, the product on the discharge tray 107 may be removed by the user after printing is completed. In this case, the product last output to the discharge tray 107 and the product of the current print job are not mixed together, so it is considered that inserting an interleave sheet is unnecessary regardless of the type of product. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a mode in which there is no product last output to the discharge tray 107 will be described.

[0165] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Moreover, the schematic configuration of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the schematic configuration of the image forming system 10 including the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is similar to the detailed internal configuration of the supply unit 127 of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0166] 27 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment, showing an example of detailed processing steps for deleting the "type of product discharged last 3002" of a discharge tray from which a product has been removed in the discharge tray management table 3000 stored in the storage unit 124. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 27 is not synchronized with a print job, but is performed when the paper stack detection sensor 130a installed on the discharge tray 107 detects that "no product is stacked" on the discharge tray 107.

[0167] 27, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 determines whether paper stacking detection sensor 130a has detected that "no deliverables are stacked" on discharge tray 107 (i.e., that the deliverables on discharge tray 107 have been removed). If the result of this determination is that it has not been detected that the deliverables on discharge tray 107 have been removed (S2701 / NO), CPU 121 waits in step S2701 until it is detected that the deliverables on discharge tray 107 have been removed.

[0168] Also, as a result of the determination in step S2701 in FIG. 27, if it is detected that the product has been removed from the discharge tray 107 (S2701 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2702. 27, CPU 121 of image forming apparatus 100 deletes the information of "type of product discharged last 3002" of the corresponding discharge tray 107 in discharge tray management table 3000 stored in storage unit 124. When the process of step S2702 in FIG. 27 ends, CPU 121 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0169] By executing the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 27, the discharge tray management table 3000 of Table 3 stored in the storage unit 124 can be managed according to the status of the discharge tray 107.

[0170] Next, details of the output determination process for partition paper of product type in step S1909 in FIG. 19 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for determining whether to output partition paper of the product type in step S1909 of FIG. 19 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0171] In step S2801 of FIG. 28, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether or not there is information in the “type of product last discharged 3002” of the corresponding discharge tray 107 in the discharge tray management table 3000.

[0172] As a result of the determination in step S2801 in FIG. 28, if there is information in the "type of product last discharged 3002" of the corresponding discharge tray 107 in the discharge tray management table 3000 (S2801 / YES), the process proceeds to step S2802. Steps S2802 to S2807 in FIG. 28 are similar to the processes in steps S2001 to S2006 in FIG. 20, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0173] Furthermore, as a result of the determination in step S2801, if there is no information in the "Type of product last discharged 3002" of the corresponding discharge tray 107 in the discharge tray management table 3000 (S2801 / NO), there is no product on the discharge tray 107. In this case, the CPU 121 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 without inserting an interleave.

[0174] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment described above includes a storage unit 124 that stores a discharge tray management table 3000 shown in Table 3. In the discharge tray management table 3000 shown in Table 3, discharge unit identification information (3001 in Table 3) for identifying the discharge tray 107 and product type information (3002 in Table 3) indicating the type of the product last output to the discharge tray 107 are stored in association with each other. The CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 then performs a process of inserting an interleave based on the discharge tray management table 3000 stored in the storage unit 124 (FIG. 28). Specifically, when a product output to the discharge tray 107 is removed, the CPU 121 of the image forming apparatus 100 deletes the product type information associated with the discharge unit identification information of the corresponding discharge tray 107 in the discharge tray management table 3000 (S2702). Then, the CPU 121 performs processing to prevent the interleave from being inserted into the discharge tray 107 in the discharge unit identification information associated with the deleted product type information (S2801 / NO). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary output of partition paper because no partition paper is inserted when there are no deliverables from the previous print job on the discharge tray 107. This makes it possible to insert partition paper efficiently and in an appropriate position when multiple deliverables from multiple jobs are mixed on one discharge tray 107.

[0175] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present disclosure.

[0176] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be carried out in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0177] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. [Configuration 1] An image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, an output unit configured to output a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and to output a second product to the output unit based on a second job of the plurality of jobs that follows the first job; an insertion means for inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge section when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are different; An image forming apparatus comprising: [Configuration 2] The insertion means The first deliverable is supplied from a specific supplier and the second deliverable is supplied from a supplier other than the specific supplier; or When the first deliverable is supplied from a supplier other than the specific supplier and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supplier, determining that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are different; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] The inserting means further inserts the separator paper between the first deliverable and the second deliverable when the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are the same and the types of the first deliverable and the second deliverable are specific types. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: [Configuration 4] The insertion means When the first deliverable is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supply unit, determining that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are the same and that the types of the first deliverable and the second deliverable are the specific type; 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. [Configuration 5] the output means outputs a third product to the output section based on a third job that follows the second job among the plurality of jobs; The inserting means inserts the partition paper between the second deliverable and the first deliverable when the type of the second deliverable is a specific type, and also inserts the partition paper between the second deliverable and the third deliverable. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] The insertion means determines that the type of the second product is the specific type when the second product is supplied from a specific supply unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5. [Configuration 7] An image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, an output unit configured to output a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and to output a second product to the output unit based on a second job of the plurality of jobs that follows the first job; an insertion means for inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge section when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and the types of the first product and the second product are specific types; An image forming apparatus comprising: [Configuration 8] The insertion means When the first deliverable is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supply unit, determining that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are the same and that the types of the first deliverable and the second deliverable are the specific type; 8. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7. [Configuration 9] The inserting means further inserts the separator paper between the first deliverable and the second deliverable when the type of the first deliverable is different from the type of the second deliverable. 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 7 or 8. [Configuration 10] The insertion means The first deliverable is supplied from a specific supplier and the second deliverable is supplied from a supplier other than the specific supplier; or When the first deliverable is supplied from a supplier other than the specific supplier and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supplier, determining that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are different; 10. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 9, [Configuration 11] the output means outputs a third product to the output section based on a third job that follows the second job among the plurality of jobs; The inserting means inserts the partition paper between the second deliverable and the first deliverable when the type of the second deliverable is a specific type, and also inserts the partition paper between the second deliverable and the third deliverable. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 7 to 10. [Configuration 12] The insertion means determines that the type of the second product is the specific type when the second product is supplied from a specific supply unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, [Configuration 13] a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, output unit identification information for identifying the output unit and product type information indicating the type of the product last output to the output unit; The inserting means inserts the interleave paper based on the discharge unit identification information and the product type information stored in the storage means. 13. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12. [Configuration 14] the storage means deletes the product type information associated with the output unit identification information when the product output to the output unit is removed; The inserting unit does not insert the interleave paper into the discharge unit in the discharge unit identification information associated with the deleted product type information. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, [Method 1] A control method for an image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, comprising: an output step of outputting a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and outputting a second product to the output unit based on a second job subsequent to the first job of the plurality of jobs; an inserting step of inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are different; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: [Method 2] A control method for an image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, comprising: an output step of outputting a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and outputting a second product to the output unit based on a second job subsequent to the first job of the plurality of jobs; an inserting step of inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and the types of the first product and the second product are specific types; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image forming apparatus control method according to the first or second method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 100: Image forming apparatus, 101: Printer unit, 102 to 105: Paper feed cassettes 1 to 4, 106: Manual feed tray, 107: Discharge tray, 108: Scanner unit, 110: Printer engine, 111: Photosensitive drum, 112: Charging device, 113: Exposure device, 114: Development device, 115: Transfer device, 116: Cleaning device, 117: Fixing device, 121: CPU, 122: ROM, 123: RAM, 124: Storage unit, 125: Network I / F, 126: Device I / F, 127: Supply unit, 12 8: Image processing unit, 129: Operation display unit, 130: Discharge unit, 130a: Paper stack detection sensor, 131-132: Paper stack detection sensors 1-2, 133: Tray paper presence / absence detection sensor, 134-135: Open / close detection sensors 1-2, 200: Personal computer (PC), 201: CPU, 202: ROM, 203: RAM, 204: Storage unit, 205: Network I / F, 206: Operation input unit, 207: Display unit, 2200: Divider paper insertion image, 2201: General deliverable, 2202: High-quality deliverable, 2203: Divider paper

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, an output unit configured to output a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and to output a second product to the output unit based on a second job of the plurality of jobs that follows the first job; an inserting means for inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are different; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The insertion means determines that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are different when the first deliverable is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from a supply unit other than the specific supply unit, or when the first deliverable is supplied from a supply unit other than the specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supply unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The inserting means further inserts the separator paper between the first deliverable and the second deliverable when the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are the same and the types of the first deliverable and the second deliverable are specific types.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. When the first product is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second product is supplied from the specific supply unit, the insertion means determines that the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and that the types of the first product and the second product are the specific types.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the output means outputs a third product to the output section based on a third job that follows the second job among the plurality of jobs; The inserting means inserts the partition paper between the second product and the first product when the type of the second product is a specific type, and also inserts the partition paper between the second product and the third product.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. The insertion means determines that the type of the second product is the specific type when the second product is supplied from a specific supply unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. An image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, an output unit configured to output a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and to output a second product to the output unit based on a second job of the plurality of jobs that follows the first job; an inserting means for inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and the types of the first product and the second product are specific types; An image forming apparatus comprising:

8. When the first product is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second product is supplied from the specific supply unit, the insertion means determines that the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and that the types of the first product and the second product are the specific types.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. The inserting means further inserts the separator sheet between the first deliverable and the second deliverable when the type of the first deliverable is different from the type of the second deliverable.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

10. The insertion means determines that the type of the first deliverable and the type of the second deliverable are different when the first deliverable is supplied from a specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from a supply unit other than the specific supply unit, or when the first deliverable is supplied from a supply unit other than the specific supply unit and the second deliverable is supplied from the specific supply unit.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9,

11. the output means outputs a third product to the output section based on a third job that follows the second job among the plurality of jobs; The inserting means inserts the partition paper between the second product and the first product when the type of the second product is a specific type, and also inserts the partition paper between the second product and the third product.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

12. The insertion means determines that the type of the second product is the specific type when the second product is supplied from a specific supply unit.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. a storage unit that stores, in association with each other, output unit identification information for identifying the output unit and product type information indicating the type of the product last output to the output unit; The inserting means inserts the interleave paper based on the discharge unit identification information and the product type information stored in the storage means.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

14. the storage means deletes the product type information associated with the output unit identification information when the product output to the output unit is removed; The inserting unit does not insert the interleave paper into the discharge unit in the discharge unit identification information associated with the deleted product type information.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. 1. A control method for an image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, comprising: an output step of outputting a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and outputting a second product to the output unit based on a second job subsequent to the first job of the plurality of jobs; an inserting step of inserting an interleaf sheet between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are different; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

16. A control method for an image forming apparatus that outputs a plurality of products formed by a plurality of jobs to a same output unit, comprising: an output step of outputting a first product to the output unit based on a first job of the plurality of jobs, and outputting a second product to the output unit based on a second job subsequent to the first job of the plurality of jobs; an inserting step of inserting an interleaf between the first product and the second product in the discharge unit when the type of the first product and the type of the second product are the same and the types of the first product and the second product are specific types; 1. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:

17. 17. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 15 or 16.

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