Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can further improve production efficiency when executing multiple print jobs. [Solution] The image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit that performs printing and a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming unit according to job setting information set for the print job, the job setting information includes the print speed and the number of prints, and the control unit can set the execution order of multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or the number of prints when there are multiple print jobs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that executes printing in accordance with a print job received from an external device is known. In general, when executing a plurality of print jobs, the image forming apparatus executes the print jobs in the order of reception. In addition, the plurality of print jobs may be executed in accordance with a preset priority order. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that by continuously executing print jobs having the same recording material setting content based on the recording material setting content (for example, the size, type, paper thickness, etc. of the recording material) set in the print job, the production efficiency can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, when executing a plurality of print jobs, the execution order of the print jobs is only set in consideration of the setting content of the recording material, and there is still room for further improvement in production efficiency. For example, the settings of the printing speed and the number of prints included in a print job can be factors affecting production efficiency, but these setting contents are not taken into consideration.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can further improve production efficiency when executing a plurality of print jobs.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is An image forming unit that performs printing, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming unit according to the job setting information set for the print job, The aforementioned job setting information includes the print speed and the number of pages to print. The control unit can set the execution order of multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or the number of prints when there are multiple print jobs.

[0007] The image forming method according to the present invention is Accepting print jobs, When multiple print jobs are received, the execution order of the multiple print jobs is set based on the print speed and / or number of pages to be printed included in the job setting information set for each print job. Printing is performed according to the job configuration information in the configured execution order.

[0008] The program according to the present invention is In the computer of the image forming apparatus, The process of accepting print jobs, When multiple print jobs are received, the process of setting the execution order of the multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or number of pages to print included in the job setting information set for each print job, The process of printing according to the job setting information in the configured execution order is executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, production efficiency can be further improved when executing multiple print jobs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the main part of the control system of the inkjet printing apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of print job start processing. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print order setting screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a print order optimization screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing another example of the print order setting screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing another example of the print order setting screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing another example of the print order setting screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing another example of the print order setting screen. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen at the start of printing. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the main part of the control system of the inkjet printing apparatus 1.

[0013] The inkjet printing apparatus 1 is a single-pass type printing apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a recording material M conveyed along a predetermined conveyance direction. The inkjet printing apparatus 1 receives, for example, a print job transmitted from an external apparatus 2 via a communication network 3, and executes printing based on the received print job. The external apparatus 4 is an information processing terminal operated by a user, and includes, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and the like.

[0014] A print job is described in a predetermined page description language (PDL: Page Description Language). The print job includes document data and job setting information. The document data includes, for example, image object data such as figures and photographs, and text object data such as characters and symbols. The job setting information includes various types of information related to printing, such as recording material settings, print quality, print speed, print layout, and the number of printed sheets. The recording material settings include the size, type (plain paper, glossy paper, coated paper, etc.), paper thickness, orientation (portrait / landscape), and transport path (specification of the paper feed tray and paper discharge tray) of the recording material. The print quality includes resolution, print mode (image quality priority, standard, speed priority, etc.), and ink type (color / monochrome).

[0015] Note that the print speed may be associated with the print mode. For example, when the print mode is set to "image quality priority", the print speed can be treated as being set to "low speed". When the print mode is set to "speed priority", the print speed can be treated as being set to "high speed". When the print mode is set to "standard", the print speed can be treated as being set to "normal".

[0016] As the recording material M, in addition to paper such as plain paper and coated paper, various media capable of fixing ink landed on the surface, such as fabric and resin film, can be used.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 includes a printing unit 10, a paper feed unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, a transport unit 40, a control unit 50, an operation unit 61, a display unit 62, a communication unit 63, and the like.

[0018] The printing unit 10 forms an image on the recording material M based on a print job, according to instructions from the control unit 50. The printing unit 10 has one or more head units 11. The head units 11 are inkjet head units capable of ejecting color inks. In the example shown in Figure 1, four head units 11C, 11M, 11Y, and 11K corresponding to four colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), are arranged at predetermined intervals from the upstream side in the rotational direction of the transport drum 43.

[0019] The head unit 11 has an ink ejection surface facing the transport surface of the transport drum 43. Numerous nozzles are formed on the ink ejection surface. The head unit 11 also has a head drive unit (e.g., a piezoelectric element) that ejects a predetermined amount of ink from the nozzles at a predetermined timing. The operation of the head unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0020] The printing unit 10 also includes a cleaning unit 12. The cleaning unit 12 cleans the ink ejection surface of the head unit 11. The cleaning unit 12 cleans the head unit 11, for example, during regularly scheduled automatic maintenance. Alternatively, the cleaning unit 12 may clean the head unit 11 based on manual instructions from the operation unit 61. The operation of the cleaning unit 12 is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0021] The cleaning unit 12 has a cleaning member that wipes away (wipes) any remaining ink droplets on the ink ejection surface of the head unit 11. The cleaning member is, for example, a cleaning web made of rolled paper or cloth. The cleaning web is gradually unwound and wound up as the roller rotates, cleaning the ejection surface of the head unit 11 with a fresh surface. Used cleaning webs are replaced periodically. Note that the cleaning member may be a component other than a cleaning web, such as a cleaning roller.

[0022] The printing unit 10 may have a fixing unit (not shown) for fixing ink to the recording material M. The fixing unit is located downstream of the head unit 11 in the transport direction. The fixing unit fixes the ink to the recording material M by curing it with energy rays such as ultraviolet light, for example.

[0023] The paper feeding unit 20 supplies recording material M to the printing unit 10 via the transport unit 40. The paper feeding unit 20 has a paper feed tray 21 for storing the recording material M. There may be one paper feed tray 21 or multiple paper feed trays 21. In Figure 1, two paper feed trays 211 and 212 are provided.

[0024] The paper feed tray 21 stores sheets of paper (standard paper, special paper) identified based on, for example, basis weight and size, according to pre-set paper types. The recording materials M stored in multiple paper feed trays 21 may be the same or different. Information regarding the recording materials M stored in the paper feed trays 21 is stored, for example, in the ROM 52.

[0025] The paper output unit 30 stores the printed materials P transported from the printing unit 10 via the transport unit 40. The paper output unit 30 has a paper output tray 31 for storing the printed materials P. There may be one paper output tray 31 or multiple trays. In Figure 1, two paper output trays 311 and 312 are provided.

[0026] The transport unit 40 transports the recording material M sent from the paper feeding unit 20 to the printing unit 10, and also transports the produced printed material P to the paper discharge unit 30. The transport unit 40 includes, for example, a paper feeding path unit 41, a first transfer drum 42, a transport drum 43, a second transfer drum 44, and a paper discharge path unit 45.

[0027] The paper feed path section 41 transports the recording material M sent from the paper feed section 20 to the first transfer drum 42. The paper feed path section 41 has, for example, a plurality of support rollers and an endless belt wound around the support rollers (neither of which are shown). The recording material M sent from the paper feed tray 21 is transported to the first transfer drum 42 by the endless belt which circulates in accordance with the rotation of the support rollers. The first transfer drum 42 transfers the recording material M transported by the paper feed path section 41 to the transport drum 43.

[0028] The transport drum 43 transports the recording material M received from the paper feed path section 41 along its outer surface, which is the transport surface. The transport drum 43 transports the recording material M by rotating while holding it in place by adsorption on the transport surface, for example. While the recording material M is being transported by the transport drum 43, the printing section 10 prints on the recording material M to produce a printed document P. The produced printed document P is transported by the transport drum 43 to the second transfer drum 44. The second transfer drum 44 transfers the printed document P transported by the transport drum 43 to the paper discharge path section 45.

[0029] The paper discharge path section 45 transports the printed material P received from the second transfer drum 44 to the paper discharge section 30. The paper discharge path section 45 has, for example, a plurality of support rollers and an endless belt wound around the support rollers (neither of which are shown). The printed material P received from the second transfer drum 44 is transported to the paper discharge section 30 by the endless belt, which circulates in accordance with the rotation of the support rollers.

[0030] The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 as an arithmetic / control device (processor), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52 as main memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, etc. The control unit 50 may also include an auxiliary storage unit 54. The auxiliary storage unit 54 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or SD (Secure Digital) card.

[0031] ROM 52 stores basic programs and basic setting data. ROM 52 also stores programs and lookup tables that are read when controlling the operation of each block. The CPU 51 reads a program from ROM 52 according to the processing content, expands it into RAM 53, and executes the expanded program to centrally control the operation of each block of the inkjet printer 1. Each block of the inkjet printer 1 includes a printing unit 10, a paper feeding unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, a transport unit 40, an operation unit 61, a display unit 62, and a communication unit 63.

[0032] In this embodiment, the functions of each functional block are realized by the coordinated operation of each hardware component of the functional block and the control unit 50. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may execute a program to realize some or all of the functions of each functional block. Furthermore, some or all of the processing performed by the control unit 50 may be executed by electronic circuits provided according to the processing. These electronic circuits include, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and the like.

[0033] The operation unit 61 has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The operation unit 61 receives various input operations from the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 50. For example, the user can operate the operation unit 61 to instruct the execution, deletion, or change of execution order of print jobs.

[0034] The display unit 62 is composed of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 62 displays various operation screens, image status, and the operating status of each function in accordance with the display control signals input from the control unit 50.

[0035] The operation unit 61 and the display unit 62 may be integrally configured as a flat panel display with a touch panel. Furthermore, the display unit 62 may include an LED (light-emitting diode), and the status of the inkjet printing device 1 may be indicated by the illumination or flashing of the LED.

[0036] The communication unit 63 is, for example, a communication interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), MODEM (Modulator-DEModulator), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The communication unit 63 may also include a communication interface for short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The control unit 50 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device 2 connected to the communication network 3 via the communication unit 63.

[0037] When the control unit 50 performs printing based on multiple print jobs, it appropriately sets the execution order of the print jobs, i.e., the print order. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 sets the print order based on the print speed and the number of pages to be printed included in the job setting information. The print order may also be set based on either the print speed or the number of pages to be printed.

[0038] Here, it is assumed that when the control unit 50 receives a print job from the external device 2, it temporarily stores it in ROM 52 or the like and waits for it to be executed, and then executes the print job in response to a user instruction to execute the print job. Furthermore, the print jobs stored in ROM 52 are assumed to be provisionally associated with a print order in the order in which they were received.

[0039] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the print job start process executed by the control unit 50. In the print job start process, the printing order of multiple print jobs is appropriately set. This process is achieved, for example, when an operation to instruct the execution of a print job is performed on the operation unit 61 of the inkjet printer 1, and the CPU 51 executes the print job start process program.

[0040] In this explanation, we assume that the paper tray 21 contains one type of recording material (for example, recording material of paper size "A"), and that if printing is to be done on recording material of a different size (for example, paper size "B"), the recording material needs to be changed.

[0041] In step S101 of Figure 3, the control unit 50 determines whether there are multiple pending print jobs stored in the ROM 52. If there are multiple pending print jobs (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. If there are not multiple pending print jobs (NO in step S101), that is, if there is only one pending print job, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0042] In step S102, the control unit 50 displays the print order setting screen on the display unit 62. An example of the print order setting screen is shown in Figure 4. The print order setting screen D11 shown in Figure 4 includes, for example, job details 71 to 74 for each print job. Job details 71 to 74 include the print order, paper size, number of copies to print, print speed, print time, and print completion time.

[0043] In Figure 4, Job Details 71 corresponds to print job No. 1, indicating that the print order is "1", the paper size is "A", the number of copies to print is "500", the print speed is "normal", the print time is "10 min", and the print completion time is "10:10".

[0044] Job details 72 correspond to print job No. 2, indicating that the print order is "2", the paper size is "B", the number of copies to print is "500", the print speed is "high speed" (equivalent to print mode "speed priority"), the print time is "5 min", and the print completion time is "10:20".

[0045] Job details 73 correspond to print job No. 3, indicating that the print order is "3", the paper size is "B", the number of copies to print is "500", the print speed is "slow" (equivalent to print mode "prioritize image quality"), the print time is "15 min", and the print completion time is "10:35".

[0046] Job details 74 correspond to print job No. 4, indicating that the print order is "4", the paper size is "A", the number of copies to print is "1000", the print speed is "high", the print time is "10 min", and the print completion time is "10:50".

[0047] In Figure 4, the paper size for print job No. 1 is "A," while the paper size for print job No. 2 is "B," meaning that different paper sizes are used. In this case, after print job No. 1 is completed and before print job No. 2 is started, the recording material stored in the paper tray 21 must be replaced. In job details 72, a note indicates that the recording material replacement process will take 5 minutes. Similarly, in job details 74, a note indicates that the recording material replacement process will take 5 minutes. Note that the work time indicated in the notes column is an estimate assuming the user performs the recording material replacement process promptly, and the actual work time may be longer than the time indicated in the notes column.

[0048] The paper size, number of pages, and print speed for each job (71-74) are set as job settings information for each print job. Print time is calculated, for example, based on the number of pages and print speed. The print completion time is calculated, for example, based on the current time, the print time for each print job, and the time required for changing the recording material.

[0049] According to the print order setting screen D11, the user can see that if print jobs No. 1 through No. 4 are executed in the order they were provisionally assigned when the print jobs were accepted, two recording media replacement operations will be required. The user can also see that all print jobs will be completed around 10:50, and that this may be further delayed depending on the time required for recording media replacement.

[0050] The print order setting screen D11 may include setting support information 75 that is useful when the user sets the print order. The setting support information 75 may include, for example, the size of the recording material currently stored in the paper tray 21 (set paper size), the number of printable sheets that can be printed with the set paper size, and the total number of printable sheets for all print jobs. In Figure 4, it is shown that the set paper size is "A", the number of printable sheets is "2000", and the total number of printable sheets is "2500".

[0051] Furthermore, the print order setting screen D11 includes a print order optimization button B1 and a print start button B2. The print order optimization button B1 is for users who want to optimize the print order. The print start button B2 is for users who want to start printing.

[0052] The print order setting screen D11 may include an "Add Print Job" button B3 and a "Delete Print Job" button B4. Users can add new print jobs by operating the "Add Print Job" button B3, or delete registered print jobs by operating the "Delete Print Job" button B4.

[0053] On the print order setting screen D11, users can view details of pending print jobs.

[0054] In step S103 of Figure 3, the control unit 50 determines whether or not to optimize the print order. For example, the control unit 50 determines to optimize the print order if the print order optimization button B1 is operated on the print order setting screen D11 (see Figure 4). Also, for example, the control unit 50 determines not to optimize the print order if the print start button B2 is operated on the print order setting screen D11. If the print order is to be optimized ("YES" in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. If the print order is not to be optimized ("NO" in step S103), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0055] In step S104, the control unit 50 displays the print order optimization screen on the display unit 62. An example of the print order optimization screen is shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the print order optimization screen D2 is displayed as a pop-up overlaid on, for example, the print order setting screen D11. The print order optimization screen D2 lists the optimization items that the user can select. The optimization items include, for example, the first optimization item 81 to the fourth optimization item 84. In Figure 5, the first optimization item 81 is selected by the user.

[0056] The first optimization item 81 is selected when you want to set the print order to shorten the overall print completion time. The second optimization item 82 is selected when you want to set the print order to prioritize print jobs with shorter print times. The third optimization item 83 is selected when you want to set the print order to prioritize print jobs with longer print times. The fourth optimization item 84 is selected when the user wants to set the print job priority themselves.

[0057] Additionally, the print order optimization screen D2 contains a back button B5. The back button B5 is used when the user wants to finish the optimization settings.

[0058] On the print order optimization screen D2, users can execute print jobs in their desired printing format by selecting the appropriate optimization items from those displayed. For example, if a user wants to execute a print job in the most production-efficient printing format, they should select the first optimization item 81. Alternatively, if a user wants to complete print jobs one after another and move on to post-processing such as cutting and binding, they should select the second optimization item 82.

[0059] For example, if a user wants to set the priority of the print order themselves, they can select the fourth optimization item 84. When a priority is set for a print job, priority information indicating that a priority has been set will be set as the job setting information for that print job. Priority information may also be pre-set as job setting information in the external device 4.

[0060] Multiple optimization items may be selected from optimization items 81 to 84. However, the second optimization item 82 and the third optimization item 83 should be selected alternately and cannot be selected simultaneously. If either the second optimization item 82 or the third optimization item 83 is selected, the other optimization item may be forcibly disabled.

[0061] Furthermore, the ability for users to enable or disable priority settings may be toggled on a per-user basis. For example, if a user is an experienced service technician, priority settings can be enabled, while if the user is a novice, priority settings can be disabled. When priority settings are disabled, the fourth optimization item 84 does not need to be displayed on the print order optimization screen D2. This allows users to be permitted to set priority settings according to their skill level, improving convenience. For experienced users, enabling them to set print order priorities makes it easier to set their desired print order. On the other hand, for novice users, disabling unnecessary optimization items simplifies the optimization setting process.

[0062] In step S105 of Figure 3, the control unit 50 determines whether the optimization settings for the print order have been completed. For example, the control unit 50 determines that the optimization settings for the print order have been completed if the back button B5 is operated on the print order optimization screen D2 (see Figure 5). If the optimization settings for the print order have been completed ("YES" in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. If the optimization settings for the print order have not been completed ("NO" in step S105), the process of step S105 is repeated.

[0063] In step S106, the control unit 50 updates the print order associated with the print job and proceeds to the process in step S102. The print order setting screen with the updated print order is displayed. For example, if the first optimization item 81 is selected in the print order optimization screen D2 in Figure 5, the print order setting screen D11 in Figure 4 transitions to the print order setting screen D12 in Figure 6.

[0064] Specifically, when the first optimization item 81 is selected on the print order optimization screen D2, multiple print jobs are grouped together so that, for example, print jobs with the same paper size are executed consecutively. In the example shown in Figure 4, print jobs No. 1 and 4 corresponding to job contents 71 and 74 are grouped together, as are print jobs No. 2 and 3 corresponding to job contents 72 and 73. Print jobs in the same group are executed consecutively. Since the recording material only needs to be changed when the job group switches, the number of recording material changes can be reduced, improving production efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, the printing order is set so that the printing speed is as similar as possible within the same job group and when switching between job groups. When the printing speed is changed, for example, the operation of the transport elements (e.g., the rotation of the drive motor) must stabilize before executing the print job, which inevitably results in some downtime. In this embodiment, the printing order is set so that the printing speed of consecutive print jobs is the same, thus reducing downtime due to changes in printing speed and further improving production efficiency.

[0066] In the print order optimization screen D2 in Figure 5, if the first optimization item 81 and the fourth optimization item 84 are selected, the destination print order setting screen may indicate that they have been set as priority jobs (see print order setting screen D15 in Figure 9). In this case, a print order based on print speed will be set for print jobs that do not have a priority set.

[0067] When the print start button B2 is pressed on the print order setting screen D12, the result is determined as "NO" in step S103 in Figure 3, and the process proceeds to step S107. Steps S102 to S106 are repeated until the print start button B2 is pressed.

[0068] In step S107, the control unit 50 starts printing. If there is only one print job (NO in step S101), that print job is started. If there are multiple print jobs and the print start button B2 is operated on the print order setting screens D11 and D12 (NO in step S103), the print jobs are executed according to the set print order.

[0069] Furthermore, if the print order setting screen D11 is activated without optimizing the print order, a warning screen D3 may be displayed on the display unit 62 to confirm with the user whether optimization of the print order is unnecessary (see, for example, Figure 10).

[0070] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, when optimizing the printing order from the viewpoint of production efficiency, the printing order is set based on the printing speed of the print job, but the printing order may also be set based on the number of pages to be printed in the print job.

[0071] For example, in the setting support information 76 of the print order setting screen D13 shown in Figure 7, the number of printable sheets for paper size "A" is "1000 sheets". Also, all four print jobs use paper size "A". If the print jobs are executed in the print order shown in Figure 7, the recording material will run out during the execution of print job No. 2, which corresponds to job content 72, and recording material replenishment will be required. Job content 72 includes a note indicating that recording material replenishment is required.

[0072] In such cases, prioritizing print jobs that do not require replenishment of recording material can potentially improve production efficiency. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 7, print job No. 3, corresponding to job content 73, is executed before print job No. 2, corresponding to job content 72. After optimization, the print order setting screen D14 shown in Figure 8 is displayed. This postpones the timing of replenishment of recording material.

[0073] By postponing the replenishment of recording materials when necessary, it becomes possible to complete as many print jobs as possible that can be executed at the present time and move on to post-printing processing (such as cutting and binding), thereby improving production efficiency.

[0074] Furthermore, if replenishment of recording material is necessary, a warning message indicating that the number of recording materials is insufficient for the number of prints can be displayed, as shown in print order setting screens D13 and D14 in Figures 7 and 8, and a command to replenish the recording material may be issued. By having the recording material replenishment work performed before the start of the print job, the situation where replenishment work is necessary during the execution of the print job can be avoided, and production efficiency can be improved.

[0075] Thus, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with the following features individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0076] In other words, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus) comprises a printing unit 10 (image forming unit) that performs printing, and a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the printing unit 10 according to job setting information set for the print job. The job setting information includes the printing speed and the number of pages to print. When there are multiple print jobs, the control unit 50 can set the execution order of multiple print jobs based on the printing speed and / or the number of pages to print.

[0077] Furthermore, the image forming method according to the embodiment accepts a print job, and when multiple print jobs are accepted, it sets the execution order of the multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or number of pages to be printed included in the job setting information set for each print job, and performs printing in the set execution order according to the job setting information.

[0078] Furthermore, the program according to the embodiment causes the computer of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 (image forming apparatus) to perform the following processes: receiving a print job;, if multiple print jobs are received, setting the execution order of the multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or number of prints included in the job setting information set for each print job; and performing printing in the set execution order according to the job setting information.

[0079] The above program can be provided, for example, via a computer-readable portable storage medium on which the program is stored. Examples of portable storage media include USB memory sticks, memory cards, external hard disk drives (HDDs), external solid-state drives (SDDs), optical discs, and magneto-optical discs. Alternatively, the program can also be provided via download from a server hosting it over a network.

[0080] According to the inkjet printing apparatus 1, image forming method, and program of the embodiment, the execution order of multiple print jobs is set considering the printing speed and / or number of prints set for each print job. Therefore, the downtime associated with replenishing the printing speed and / or recording material can be reduced, and production efficiency can be improved. Note that the printing order only needs to be set based on at least one of the printing speed and number of prints set for each print job.

[0081] In the inkjet printer 1, the control unit 50 sets the printing order so that print jobs with the same printing speed are executed consecutively. This reduces downtime associated with changes in printing speed and improves production efficiency.

[0082] In the inkjet printer 1, the job setting information includes the setting information for the recording material. The control unit 50 groups multiple print jobs so that print jobs with the same setting information for the recording material are executed consecutively, and then sets the print order based on the print speed. This reduces downtime associated with changing the recording material and further improves production efficiency.

[0083] In the inkjet printing apparatus 1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not replenishment of recording material is necessary based on the number of printed sheets, and prioritizes executing print jobs that do not require replenishment of recording material. This allows as many currently executable print jobs as possible to be completed and moved on to post-print processing, thereby improving productivity.

[0084] In the inkjet printing apparatus 1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not replenishment of recording material is necessary based on the number of printed sheets, and instructs the replenishment of recording material if there is a print job that requires replenishment of recording material. By having the recording material replenishment work performed before the start of the print job, the situation in which replenishment work is necessary during the execution of the print job can be avoided, and production efficiency is improved.

[0085] In the inkjet printer 1, the job setting information includes the priority of the execution order, and the control unit 50 prioritizes executing print jobs for which a priority has been set. This improves convenience because the user can set the print order as they intend.

[0086] In the inkjet printing apparatus 1, the control unit 50 can enable and disable priority setting operations on a per-user basis. Since priority setting operations are permitted according to the user's skill level, convenience is improved.

[0087] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its spirit.

[0088] In this embodiment, the print order is set so that print jobs with the same print speed are executed consecutively, but the print order may also be set according to the print speed. For example, print jobs with a "low" print speed may be given priority, or print jobs with a "high" print speed may be given priority.

[0089] In this embodiment, the print order is set according to the optimization items selected by the user on the print order optimization screen, but the optimization items may be set in advance. For example, if a print job is instructed to run while there are multiple print jobs waiting, the print order may be automatically set to increase production efficiency. In this case, the control unit 50 may enable and disable the print order setting on a per-user basis.

[0090] The present invention can also be applied to multi-pass inkjet printing apparatuses and monochrome inkjet printing apparatuses. Furthermore, for example, the present invention can also be applied to electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.

[0091] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Inkjet printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) 10 Printing Department 50 Control Unit

Claims

1. An image forming unit that performs printing, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming unit according to the job setting information set for the print job, The aforementioned job setting information includes the print speed and the number of pages to print. The control unit can set the execution order of multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or the number of prints when there are multiple print jobs. Image forming apparatus.

2. The control unit sets the execution order so that the print jobs with the same printing speed are executed consecutively. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned job setting information includes recording material setting information, The control unit groups a plurality of print jobs so that print jobs with the same setting information for the recording material are executed consecutively, and then sets the execution order based on the print speed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit determines whether or not replenishment of the recording material is necessary based on the number of printed sheets, and prioritizes executing the print jobs for which replenishment of the recording material is not necessary. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit determines whether or not the recording material needs to be replenished based on the number of printed sheets, and if there is a print job that requires the recording material to be replenished, it instructs the replenishment of the recording material. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned job configuration information includes the priority of the execution order, The control unit prioritizes executing the print job for which the priority has been set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit can enable and disable the priority setting operation on a per-user basis. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The control unit can enable and disable the execution order setting on a per-user basis. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. Accepting print jobs, When multiple print jobs are received, the execution order of the multiple print jobs is set based on the print speed and / or number of pages to be printed included in the job setting information set for each print job. Printing is performed according to the job configuration information in the configured execution order. Image forming method.

10. In the computer of the image forming apparatus, The process of accepting print jobs, When multiple print jobs are received, the process of setting the execution order of the multiple print jobs based on the print speed and / or number of pages to print included in the job setting information set for each print job, A process that performs printing in the configured execution order according to the job setting information, A program that executes the command.

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