Information processing systems and information processing programs

Abstract

This disclosure aims to mitigate the decrease in user convenience that occurs when adopting a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration, compared to printing paper in order of increasing fixing temperature without any particular restrictions. [Solution] The information processing system includes a processor, which acquires information about the paper to be printed in a series of processes, and when the paper printed in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper output sections, and the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output sections as fixing temperatures for fixing images to the paper is within a predetermined range, the system identifies a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper output sections, does not change the order in which the paper is discharged to each paper output section, and determines the printing order of the paper to be printed in the series of processes so that printing is done in order from the paper output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technique relates to an information processing system and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus having: a job acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of print jobs in which image formation using different sheets is mixed; an analysis unit that specifies, for each of the print jobs, at least one of a temperature condition that is the temperature of a fixing unit or a drying unit at the time of executing the print job, and sheet information; a sorting unit that sorts the plurality of print jobs such that jobs having the same temperature condition or the same sheet information are executed consecutively; and a job output unit that outputs the print jobs to an image forming apparatus in the sorted order.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus including: an image forming unit that performs an image forming operation of forming a toner image on a fed sheet; a fixing unit that nips the sheet with a heating roller having a heater and a pressure roller to perform a fixing process of fixing the toner image onto the sheet; a sheet feeding unit that has a plurality of sheet feeding mechanisms for storing sheets and feeds the sheets to the image forming unit; a fixing temperature control unit that performs temperature control of the fixing unit to set a fixing temperature in the fixing process to a target temperature determined for each sheet type; and a target temperature management unit that, when the sheet fed to the image forming unit by the sheet feeding unit during continuous printing by the image forming unit switches from a sheet with a high target temperature to a sheet with a low target temperature, stepwise lowers the target temperature during the fixing process of the sheet with the high target temperature to approach the low target temperature within a temperature range that allows fixing to the sheet with the high target temperature.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a printing apparatus that performs printing on multiple types of printing paper transferred from a higher-level device, and performs printing by setting the temperature of the fuser device differently according to the type of printing paper to be used, characterized in that it includes a start state storage means for storing start state information at the start of the printing job, a fuser temperature control means for sequentially switching the fuser setting temperature in accordance with the type of printing paper specified in the print data during continuous printing within the same printing job, and a fuser temperature setting means for setting the control temperature of the fuser device based on the start state information stored in the start state storage means after the completion of continuous printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-113115 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-105145 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-224206 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Some image forming machines have multiple paper output sections. When the paper printed in a series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output sections, the user expects the printed materials to be output in the order intended by the user when receiving the printed materials. For example, the user expects the printed materials to be output in page order from the paper output section.

[0007] Incidentally, the fixing temperature required to fix an image to paper in an image forming apparatus can vary depending on the type of paper. When printing multiple sheets of paper with different fixing temperatures, time is required to adjust the temperature of the fixing unit up or down to match the fixing temperature of each type of paper. In contrast, if the sheets to be printed in a series of processes are printed in order of increasing fixing temperature, the time required to lower the temperature of the fixing unit is saved, and productivity is improved. However, if the sheets are sorted and printed in order of increasing fixing temperature without any particular restrictions, when the user receives the printed materials, the printed materials may not be output in the order the user expected, reducing user convenience.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure aims to suppress the decrease in user convenience that occurs when adopting a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration, compared to printing paper in order of increasing fixing temperature without any particular restrictions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The information processing system according to the first embodiment includes a processor, the processor acquires information about the paper to be printed in a series of processes, and when the paper printed in the series of processes is discharged to a plurality of paper discharge units, and the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the plurality of paper discharge units as fixing temperatures for fixing images to the paper is within a predetermined range, the processor identifies a reference fixing temperature for each of the plurality of paper discharge units, does not change the order in which the paper is discharged to each paper discharge unit, and determines the printing order of the paper to be printed in the series of processes so that printing is done in order from the paper discharge unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0010] In the information processing system according to the second embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the processor determines the reference fixing temperature when the variation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range and there is only one type of paper discharged to each paper discharge section.

[0011] In the information processing system according to the third embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the processor refers to a table that groups together paper types whose fixing temperature differences are within a predetermined range, and determines the reference fixing temperature when the variation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range and the types of paper discharged to each paper discharge unit belong to the same group.

[0012] In the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the processor sets the predetermined temperature range by using the fixing temperature of the first sheet of paper discharged from each paper output section as the median value.

[0013] In the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, in the information processing system according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, the series of steps includes printing multiple sheets of paper for multiple copies of documents, and the processor determines the printing order so as to print only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper if there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple copies of documents.

[0014] In the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment, if there is a shortage of paper among the multiple copies, the processor displays a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper.

[0015] In the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment, when the paper feed is replenished and printing resumes in the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment, the printing order is determined such that, for the remaining copies of the multiple copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper feed, the order in which the papers are discharged to each output unit is not changed, and printing proceeds in order from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature.

[0016] In the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment, in the information processing system according to any of the first to seventh embodiments, the processor accepts a selection of whether to enable a function that determines the printing order so as not to change the order in which the papers discharged to each paper output unit are arranged, and so as to print in order from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0017] In the information processing system according to the ninth aspect, in the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, the processor further accepts a selection of whether to enable the function that determines the printing order so that, if there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple copies of the document, only the number of copies for which there is enough paper will be printed.

[0018] The information processing program according to the tenth embodiment acquires information about the paper to be printed in a series of processes, and when the paper printed in the series of processes is discharged to multiple paper output units, and the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output units as fixing temperatures for fixing images to the paper is within a predetermined range, the program identifies a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper output units, does not change the order in which the paper is discharged to each paper output unit, and causes the computer to execute a process to determine the printing order of the paper printed in the series of processes so that printing is done in order from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the information processing system of the first embodiment or the information processing program of the tenth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the decrease in user convenience that occurs when a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration is adopted, compared to when the paper is printed in order of increasing fixing temperature without any particular restrictions.

[0020] According to the information processing system of the second embodiment, the printing order can be determined considering the fixing temperature without changing the order in which the same type of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature is arranged among the papers discharged to each paper output section.

[0021] According to the information processing system according to the third aspect, it is possible to determine the printing order in consideration of the fixing temperature without changing the arrangement order of the sheets that are discharged to each sheet discharge section and are of a type that allows the fixing process to be performed at the same temperature.

[0022] According to the information processing system according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to determine the printing order in consideration of the fixing temperature without changing the arrangement order of the sheets that are discharged to each sheet discharge section and that allow the fixing process to be performed at the same temperature as the sheet discharged first.

[0023] According to the information processing system according to the fifth aspect, when the fed sheets are insufficient, it is possible to determine a printing order that takes the fixing temperature into account, and in which the same number of copies of sheets are discharged to each of the plurality of sheet discharge sections.

[0024] According to the information processing system according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to prompt replenishment of fed sheets that enables printing of the same number of copies of sheets corresponding to the portion that could not be printed in each of the plurality of sheet discharge sections.

[0025] According to the information processing system according to the seventh aspect, when printing the same number of copies of sheets that could not be printed in each of the plurality of sheet discharge section printing operations, it is possible to determine the printing order in consideration of the fixing temperature without changing the arrangement order of the sheets discharged to each sheet discharge section.

[0026] According to the information processing system according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user convenience compared to a case where selection as to whether to enable the function that allows the printing order to be changed is not accepted.

[0027] According to the information processing system according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to improve user convenience compared to a case where selection as to whether to enable the function that can guarantee that sheets are discharged in units of copies is not accepted. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1]An example of the schematic configuration of a printed material provision system 100 according to one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] An example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] An example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] An example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] This is an example of the screen display that appears when you are prompted to choose whether to enable the function that determines the print order taking fixing temperature into consideration. [Figure 6] Table 600 shows an example of the information on the paper printed in a series of processes. [Figure 7] Table 700 shows examples of the paper output from each of the multiple paper output sections. [Figure 8] Table 800 shows an example of the printing order of the paper printed in a series of processes. [Figure 9] An example of the fixing process when printing in a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration is shown, along with a comparative example. [Figure 10] An example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment is shown. [Figure 11] This is an example of a table that categorizes paper types based on their fixing temperature differences, which fall within a predetermined range. [Figure 12] An example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 13] An example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment is shown. [Figure 14] This is an example of a screen display that prompts the user to choose whether to enable a function that determines the printing order, so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper are printed, when there is insufficient paper to print all copies of a document. [Figure 15]This example illustrates a scenario where a series of processes involves printing multiple copies of documents on multiple sheets of paper, and there isn't enough paper to print all the copies. [Figure 16] This shows an example of the printing order determined for the number of copies that can be printed using the available paper supply, and for the number of copies that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper supply. [Figure 17] This shows an example of a screen display prompting the user to replenish the paper feed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] An example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.

[0030] A printed material provision system 100 according to one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure will now be described. (Refer to Figure 1.)

[0031] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a print-providing system 100 according to one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure. The print-providing system 100 includes an information processing system 110, such as a computer, and an image forming apparatus 120 having a plurality of paper output units. The information processing system 110 communicates with the image forming apparatus 120. The image forming apparatus 120 may be a multifunction device that combines functions such as a copier, printer, image scanner, and facsimile into one unit.

[0032] In the printed material supply system 100, the information processing system 110 may control printing in the image forming apparatus 120 by receiving job inputs and outputting print instructions corresponding to the received jobs. The image forming apparatus 120 prints paper according to the print instructions and provides printed materials to the user in some or all of the multiple paper output sections. Here, "job" refers to a unit of printing. For example, one job represents the print data for printing one file. The number of pages in one file can be one or more. The paper printed in a series of processes may refer to the paper printed by one job, or it may refer to the paper printed sequentially by multiple jobs.

[0033] The jobs accepted by the information processing system 110 may include output destination information, indicating which print pages of the print data will be output to which output unit. The image forming apparatus 120 may output the printed material to the output unit based on the output destination information.

[0034] In this example, the image forming apparatus 120 is equipped with five paper discharge sections 121 to 125. A paper discharge section is the destination for printed materials, where the printed materials printed in a series of processes are stacked and then provided to the user. For example, a paper discharge section may be a discharge tray. By providing paper discharge sections with different uses, the image forming apparatus 120 can handle a variety of jobs.

[0035] For example, the output tray 121 is a top tray for outputting special sheets such as samples or billing sheets. The output tray 122 is a finisher tray for outputting sheets to be stapled or punched. The output tray 123 is a stacker tray for outputting a large number of unprocessed sheets. The output tray 124 is a folder tray for outputting sheets to be folded into thirds. The output tray 125 is a booklet tray for outputting sheets to be folded in the middle or saddle-stitched.

[0036] Furthermore, the jobs accepted by the information processing system 110 may include information on which pages of the print data will be printed on which type of paper. The type of paper may be related to the temperature setting of the fuser unit.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 120 transfers toner, i.e., the image, onto the paper, and then fixes the image by applying heat in the fixing unit within the image forming apparatus 120. The preferred temperature of the fixing unit for fixing the image may vary depending on the type of paper. The type of paper refers to the classification of paper based on its thickness, presence or absence of coating, and material. For example, thicker paper is less permeable to heat than plain paper, so it is often desirable to fix it at a higher temperature. Thus, a fixing temperature considered appropriate for each type of paper is predetermined and set, and the temperature of the fixing unit is adjusted according to the fixing temperature. Note that the fixing temperature set for each type of paper may be a single value. If the fixing temperature has an allowable range, the fixing temperature referred to in this specification may refer to a representative value within that range.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 120 adjusts the temperature of the fuser unit to the fixing temperature if the temperature of the fuser unit is not suitable for the fixing temperature of the type of paper being printed, and then starts printing. For example, if printing paper with a fixing temperature of 180°C is followed by printing paper with a fixing temperature of 160°C, the image forming apparatus 120 lowers the temperature of the fuser unit from 180°C to 160°C before starting to print the paper with a fixing temperature of 160°C. Therefore, when a job containing a mix of paper types with different fixing temperatures is being processed, time is required to adjust the temperature of the fuser unit up or down to match the fixing temperature of each type of paper. For example, the temperature adjustment processes 902, 903, 904, and 905 in Figure 9, which will be described later, take time.

[0039] The specific processing will be described later, but in the information processing system 110 relating to the technology disclosed herein, the order in which the sheets are printed is determined, taking into account the fixing temperature, without changing the order in which the sheets are discharged from each of the paper output units of the image forming apparatus 120. This is because it is expected that the printed materials will be output from each paper output unit in the order recognized when the user inputs the print command, for example, in the order of the page numbers. When the printing order is determined in the information processing system 110, the printing order may be rearranged on a sheet-by-sheet basis.

[0040] In this example, the information processing system 110 and the image forming apparatus 120 are described as being configured separately, but the information processing system 110 may be configured integrally with the image forming apparatus 120.

[0041] [First Embodiment]

[0042] The hardware configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will now be described. Refer to Figure 2.

[0043] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 110 includes a CPU 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, storage 204, a communication interface 205, and a user interface 206. These components are connected to each other via a bus 207 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0044] The CPU 201 executes various programs and controls each component. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 204 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and data, including the operating system.

[0045] In the information processing system 110 according to this embodiment, an information processing program is stored in ROM 202 or storage 204. The CPU 201 reads the information processing program from ROM 202 or storage 204 and executes it using RAM 203 as a work area, thereby performing control of each configuration and various calculation processes according to the information processing program.

[0046] The communication interface 205 is an interface for the information processing system 110 to communicate with other devices. The user interface 206 is an input / output interface for the information processing system 110 to exchange information with a user. The user interface 206 may include a touch panel, keyboard, or microphone as an input device, and a monitor or speaker as an output device. The user interface 206 may be an input / output device for "accepting the selection of whether to enable a function," as described later.

[0047] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. Refer to Figure 3 here.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 110 has an acquisition unit 301, a identification unit 302, a determination unit 303, and a reception unit 304 as its functional configuration. These functional configurations are realized when the CPU 201 reads an information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it.

[0049] The acquisition unit 301 acquires information about the paper to be printed in a series of processes. The information about the paper to be printed in a series of processes may include information indicating the type and number of sheets of paper used for the number of prints or copies included in the print data received as a job, and may also include information on which type of paper is scheduled to be discharged to which paper output unit.

[0050] The specific unit 302 identifies a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper output units when the paper printed in a series of processes is discharged to multiple paper output units, and the variation between the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output units as fixing temperatures for fixing the image to the paper is within a predetermined range.

[0051] The predetermined range of variation in fixing temperatures is set to ensure that the paper can be fixed at the same temperature. In other words, if the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged from each of the multiple paper output units is within the predetermined range, then the paper scheduled to be discharged from each paper output unit is paper that can be fixed at the same temperature.

[0052] In such cases, if the paper destined for each output tray is printed together in a continuous sequence, there is no need to adjust the temperature of the fuser unit within the image forming apparatus 120 while printing the paper destined for one output tray. At this time, since the paper printed together is fixed at the same temperature, the printing order of the paper destined for each output tray does not need to be changed from the order in which the user entered the print command. If the order of the paper destined for each output tray can be maintained, the user can receive the printed materials stacked in the order they expected when they entered the print command at each output tray.

[0053] Here, the reference fixing temperature is used as a fixing temperature representative of each paper output section and is the value that the determination unit 303 uses as a reference when determining the printing order. Data relating paper types to fixing temperatures suitable for each paper type may be stored in the storage 204 or otherwise maintained in the information processing system 110.

[0054] When such data is referenced and there is only one fixing temperature corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into a single output tray, that fixing temperature may be identified as the standard fixing temperature for that output tray. When such data is referenced and there is more than one fixing temperature corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into a single output tray, an arbitrary value representing multiple fixing temperatures may be identified as the standard fixing temperature for that output tray. As the arbitrary representative value, the highest value, average value, or lowest value among the fixing temperatures corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged into that output tray may be set.

[0055] Here, the concept that the variation in fixing temperatures is within a predetermined range includes the idea that only one type of paper is discharged to each output unit. Furthermore, the concept that the variation in fixing temperatures is within a predetermined range also includes the idea that the types of paper discharged to each output unit belong only to the same group in a table that categorizes paper types whose fixing temperature differences are within a predetermined range.

[0056] The determination unit 303 determines the printing order of the paper to be printed in a series of processes, without changing the order in which the papers are discharged to each paper output unit, and printing proceeds from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0057] The concept of not changing the order in which the paper is output to each output unit includes maintaining the order in which the print data is grouped by output unit when the print command is received. The order in which the print data is grouped by output unit when the print command is received may be, for example, in order of page numbers within a single file or in the order in which the jobs were received.

[0058] Furthermore, the concept of printing in order from the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature includes printing continuously on the paper discharged to the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature, which is a representative value for each output section, and then printing continuously on the paper discharged to the output section with the next lowest reference fixing temperature.

[0059] This allows the temperature of the fuser unit in the image forming apparatus 120 to be gradually increased to perform the printing process. Generally, lowering the temperature of the fuser unit takes more time than raising it, so productivity can be improved by eliminating the need to lower the temperature of the fuser unit. In other words, the determination unit 303 can determine the printing order, taking the fuser temperature into consideration, by changing the order of the print data at the paper output unit level when a print instruction is received.

[0060] The reception unit 304 may accept a selection of whether to enable a function that determines the printing order, so as not to change the order in which the papers discharged to each output unit are arranged, but to print in order from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature.

[0061] Without changing the order in which the papers are ejected from each output unit, enabling a function that prints in order from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature may result in a change in the printing order from the order the user expects when issuing a print command. Since there may be cases where the user wants to maintain the printing order they expected when issuing a print command, the reception unit 304 can improve user convenience by accepting such selections.

[0062] Next, the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment will be described. Refer to Figure 4 here.

[0063] Figure 4 shows an example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the first embodiment. This flow is executed when the CPU 201 reads an information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it.

[0064] In step S401, the CPU 201, acting as a reception unit 304, accepts a selection of whether to enable a function that determines the printing order, such that the order in which the paper is ejected from each of the multiple paper output units is not changed, and printing proceeds from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature. For example, the user's selection may be accepted by checking the checkbox 501 shown in Figure 5, which will be described later.

[0065] Next, in step S402, the CPU 201, acting as an acquisition unit 301, acquires information about the paper to be printed in the series of processes. For example, the CPU 201 acquires a print job and obtains information such as the type and number of sheets of paper used for the number of prints or copies, and which type of paper is scheduled to be discharged to which output unit, as shown in the table 600 in Figure 6 later.

[0066] Next, in step S403, the CPU 201 determines whether the above function, which enables the determination of the printing order taking into account the fixing temperature, is enabled as the reception unit 304.

[0067] If the CPU 201 determines that the above function for enabling the determination of the print order is enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S404. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the above function for enabling the determination of the print order is enabled, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0068] In step S404, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, determines whether the paper printed in a series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output units. For example, sheets 1 to 10 shown in Figure 6, which will be described later, are discharged into multiple paper output units 121, 122, and 125.

[0069] If the CPU 201 determines that the paper printed in the series of processes will be discharged into multiple output trays, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S405. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the paper printed in the series of processes will be discharged into multiple output trays, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0070] In step S405, the CPU 201, as the identification unit 302, determines whether there is only one type of paper discharged to each paper discharge unit. For example, there is only one type of paper discharged to each of the paper discharge units 121, 122, and 125 shown in Figure 7, which will be described later. Determining whether there is only one type of paper discharged to each paper discharge unit is one way of determining whether the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper discharge units is within a predetermined range.

[0071] If the CPU 201 determines that there is only one type of paper to be discharged to each paper output unit, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S406. If the CPU 201 does not determine that there is only one type of paper to be discharged to each paper output unit, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0072] In step S406, the CPU 201, as the identification unit 302, identifies a reference fixing temperature for each of the multiple paper output units. For example, 180°C, which is the fixing temperature of paper A discharged to the paper output unit 121 shown in Figure 7 later, may be identified as the reference fixing temperature for the paper output unit 121. The CPU 201 may, for example, refer to data that associates paper types with fixing temperatures suitable for those paper types, and identify the fixing temperature corresponding to the type of paper to be discharged to each paper output unit as a representative reference fixing temperature for each paper output unit.

[0073] In step S407, the CPU 201, as a determination unit 303, determines the printing order of the papers to be printed in a series of processes, without changing the order in which the papers are discharged to each paper output unit, and printing proceeds from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature. For example, the printing order shown in Figure 8, which will be described later, may be determined. The printing order refers to the order in which the pages are printed. When the image forming apparatus 120 performs printing in the printing order determined in this way, the order in which the printed materials are stacked in each paper output unit is the same as the order that the user expected when inputting the print.

[0074] In step S408, the CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 303, transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 120. Based on the original order or the print order determined in step S407, the CPU 201 may sequentially transmit print data to the image forming apparatus 120 on a sheet-by-sheet basis. At this point, the process ends.

[0075] When the printing process is executed based on the printing order determined in step S407, the image forming apparatus 120 can execute the printing process in order of increasing fixing temperature, thereby gradually increasing the temperature in the fixing unit. For example, in the fixing process step 911 shown in Figure 9 later, the image forming apparatus 120 can execute the printing process including the fixing process by performing a temperature adjustment process 912 to adjust the temperature once.

[0076] Next, we will explain the screen display that accepts the option to enable the function that determines the print order, so that the order in which the paper is ejected from each output tray is not changed, but printing is done in order from the output tray with the lowest standard fixing temperature. Refer to Figure 5 here.

[0077] Figure 5 shows an example of the screen display when the user is prompted to choose whether to enable the function that determines the print order considering the fixing temperature.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a screen displaying a sub-screen 502 that includes a checkbox 501 that accepts a check for the item "Allow changing the output order for each output destination". For example, in step S401 above, the CPU 201 may accept the user's selection by making such a sub-screen 502 appear on the user interface 206 on the screen where the user inputs print instructions.

[0079] Next, we will explain the information about the paper printed in this series of processes. Refer to Figure 6.

[0080] Figure 6 is Table 600, which shows an example of information on the paper printed in a series of processes. Table 600 shows the order of print data printed by a print job on a sheet-by-sheet basis, and for each sheet, it shows the type of paper used and the output unit to which the paper is output. Here, to distinguish the same page data that is printed multiple times, it is described as different sheets. More specifically, in Table 600, sheets 1 to 10 for printing a 5-page x 2-copy document in one job are associated with the type of paper A or B used to print each sheet and the output unit 121, 122, or 125 to which the paper is output. Sheets 1 to 5 are for printing the first copy of the document, and sheets 5 to 10 are for printing the second copy of the document.

[0081] Next, we will describe the paper output from each of the multiple paper output sections. Refer to Figure 7 for details.

[0082] Figure 7 is a table 700 showing an example of the paper output from each of the multiple paper output sections.

[0083] Table 700 is information classified by output destination, based on the information shown in Table 600 in Figure 6. In Table 700, all paper output to output unit 121 is paper A, all paper output to output unit 122 is paper B, and all paper output to output unit 125 is paper B. In such a case, the CPU 201 may determine in step S406 that there is only one type of paper output to each of the multiple output units.

[0084] Figure 7 also shows the fixing temperatures set for different types of paper. The fixing temperature set for paper A is 180°C, and the fixing temperature set for paper B is 160°C. In such a case, in step S406, the CPU 201 may specify a reference fixing temperature of 180°C for the paper output unit 121, and specify a reference fixing temperature of 160°C for each of the paper output units 122 and 125.

[0085] Next, we will explain the printing order of the paper in a series of processes, without changing the order in which the paper is discharged from each output section, and printing is performed in order from the output section with the lowest standard fixing temperature. Refer to Figure 8 here.

[0086] Figure 8 is a table 800 showing an example of the printing order of the paper printed in a series of processes.

[0087] Table 800 shows a printing order that does not simply adopt the order of print data shown in Table 600 as the printing order. Instead, it maintains the order in which the paper is ejected to each output unit, and prints are modified to start from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature.

[0088] In Table 800, the paper output units are rearranged in the following order: paper output units 122 and 125, which correspond to the lowest standard fixing temperature of 160°C, and paper output unit 121, which corresponds to the next lowest standard fixing temperature of 180°C. The order of the sheets is also rearranged accordingly on a paper output unit basis. If there are multiple paper output units corresponding to the same standard fixing temperature, such as paper output units 122 and 125, the printing order may be determined to print either one first.

[0089] In Table 800, the order in which the sheets are output to each output unit remains unchanged from the order shown in Table 600. Specifically, for output unit 122, the order of sheets 2, 3, 7, and 8 is maintained; for output unit 125, the order of sheets 4 and 9 is maintained; and for output unit 121, the order of sheets 1, 5, 6, and 10 is maintained. As a result, the order in which sheets 1-10 were arranged in Table 600 has been rearranged in Table 800 to the printing order of sheets 2, 3, 7, 8, 4, 9, 1, 5, 6, and 10.

[0090] Next, we will explain the fixing process when printing in a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration. Refer to Figure 9 for details.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an example of the fixing process when printing in a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration, along with a comparative example.

[0092] First, the fixing process 901 in the comparative example shown in Figure 9, when printed in the original order, is the fixing process when printed in the order of sheets 1 to 10 shown in Table 600. As shown in Table 700, the fixing temperature of paper A is 180°C and the fixing temperature of paper B is 160°C. Therefore, in the case of fixing process 901, the image forming apparatus 120 will perform the fixing process on sheets 1 to 10 with a mixture of paper types that have different fixing temperatures.

[0093] Specifically, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs a fixing process on sheet 1 at 180°C, and before performing a fixing process on sheet 2 at 160°C, a temperature adjustment process 902 occurs to lower the temperature of the fixing unit. Also, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs a fixing process on sheets 2-5 at 160°C, and before performing a fixing process on sheet 6 at 180°C, a temperature adjustment process 903 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit. Also, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs a fixing process on sheet 6 at 180°C, and before performing a fixing process on sheet 7 at 160°C, a temperature adjustment process 904 occurs to lower the temperature of the fixing unit. Also, after the image forming apparatus 120 performs a fixing process on sheets 7-9 at 160°C, and before performing a fixing process on sheet 10 at 180°C, a temperature adjustment process 905 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit.

[0094] Next, Figure 9 shows the fixing process 911 when printing in a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration. This is the fixing process when printing in the printing order shown in Table 800. In the case of the fixing process 911, after the image forming apparatus 120 has fixed sheets 2, 3, 7, 8, 4, and 9 at 160°C, a temperature adjustment process 912 occurs to raise the temperature of the fixing unit before fixing sheet 1 at 180°C. For the remaining sheets 5, 6, and 10, the fixing process is performed at 180°C, so no temperature adjustment process occurs.

[0095] Thus, in the fixing process 901, four temperature adjustment processes occur, two of which are to lower the temperature. In contrast, in the fixing process 911, one temperature adjustment process occurs to raise the temperature.

[0096] Since the image forming apparatus 120 will be waiting to print while the temperature adjustment process is being performed, it is desirable to reduce the number of temperature adjustment processes and suppress the waiting time in order to perform the printing process quickly. In particular, since lowering the temperature of the fuser unit often takes more time than raising the temperature of the fuser unit, it is desirable to omit the step of lowering the temperature of the fuser unit and raise the temperature of the fuser unit in stages.

[0097] [Second Embodiment]

[0098] In the first embodiment, as one way of determining whether the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper discharge units is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, determines whether there is only one type of paper discharged in each paper discharge unit. In the second embodiment, as another way of determining whether there is only one type of paper discharged in each paper discharge unit, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, determines whether there are only types of paper belonging to the same group by referring to a table that groups together paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predetermined range.

[0099] If the fixing process can be performed at the same temperature, even if there is not necessarily only one type of paper, the order in which the papers are discharged into each output section can be maintained, and a printing order that takes the fixing temperature into consideration can be adopted. In the second embodiment, the types of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature are determined by referring to a table.

[0100] Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described. The flow of information processing performed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment will now be described. Refer to Figure 10 here.

[0101] Figure 10 shows an example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the second embodiment. This flow is executed when the CPU 201 reads an information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it. Steps identical to those in the flow of Figure 4 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the flow of Figure 4, and only steps that differ from the flow of Figure 4 and the steps before and after them are described, while other identical steps are omitted from the description.

[0102] This flow differs from the flow in Figure 4 in that it includes steps S1001 and S1002 instead of step S405 shown in Figure 4.

[0103] In step S1001, the CPU 201, as the specific unit 302, refers to a table that categorizes paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predetermined range. For example, a table like the table 1100 shown in Figure 11, which will be described later, may be referred to. The table categorizing paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predetermined range may be stored in the storage 204 or otherwise maintained in the information processing system 110.

[0104] Next, in step S1002, the CPU 201, as the identification unit 302, determines whether the types of paper discharged to each paper output unit belong to the same group. For example, if the paper discharged to a certain paper output unit consists only of paper types C and D belonging to group A as shown in Figure 11, which will be described later, then the case where the types of paper discharged to that paper output unit belong to the same group is met. Determining whether the types of paper discharged to each paper output unit belong to the same group is one way of determining whether the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output units is within a predetermined range.

[0105] If the CPU 201 determines that the types of paper discharged to each output tray belong to the same set, it proceeds to step S406. In this case, the reference fixing temperature specified in S406 may be any value that represents multiple fixing temperatures. The representative value may be the highest, average, or lowest fixing temperature among those corresponding to the types of paper to be discharged to the output tray. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the types of paper discharged to each output tray belong to the same set, it proceeds to step S408.

[0106] Next, we will describe a table that categorizes paper types based on their fixed temperature differences within a predetermined range. Refer to Figure 11 for further details.

[0107] Figure 11 shows an example of a table that categorizes paper types based on their fixed temperature differences within a predetermined range.

[0108] Figure 11 shows Table 1100, which groups paper types A to M into three groups based on the fixing temperature range. In Table 1100, papers C, D, E, and F belong to Group A, where the difference in fixing temperature is between 110°C and less than 150°C. Papers B, G, H, and I belong to Group B, where the difference in fixing temperature is between 150°C and less than 160°C. Papers A, J, K, L, and F belong to Group C, where the difference in fixing temperature is between 160°C and less than 200°C. For example, Group A may include papers like transparent film, Group B may include papers like plain paper, and Group C may include papers like cardboard.

[0109] [Third Embodiment]

[0110] In the first embodiment, as one way of determining whether the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper discharge units is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, determines whether there is only one type of paper discharged in each paper discharge unit. In the second embodiment, as another way of determining whether there is only one type of paper discharged in each paper discharge unit, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, determines whether there are only types of paper belonging to the same group by referring to a table that groups together paper types whose fixing temperature difference is within a predetermined range.

[0111] In the third embodiment, as yet another aspect, a process is described in which a predetermined temperature range is set for each paper output section based on the fixing temperature of the type of paper that is to be output first among the paper output sections, and a process is described in which it is determined whether the variation between fixing temperatures is within the set range.

[0112] If the fixing process can be performed at the same temperature, even if there is not necessarily only one type of paper, the order in which the papers are discharged to each output unit can be maintained, and a printing order that takes the fixing temperature into consideration can be adopted. In the third embodiment, the range of variation between fixing temperatures at which the fixing process can be performed at the same temperature is set using the range of fixing temperatures to be targeted for fixing at the same temperature and a reference value for that range, and it is determined whether the set range of variation between fixing temperatures is satisfied in each output unit.

[0113] Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described. The flow of information processing performed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment will now be described. Refer to Figure 12 here.

[0114] Figure 12 shows an example of the information processing flow executed by the information processing system 110 according to the third embodiment. This flow is executed when the CPU 201 reads an information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it. Steps identical to those in the flow of Figure 4 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the flow of Figure 4, and only steps that differ from the flow of Figure 4 and the steps before and after them are described, while other identical steps are omitted from the description.

[0115] This flow differs from the flow in Figure 4 in that it includes steps S1201 and S1202 instead of step S405 shown in Figure 4.

[0116] In step S1201, the CPU 201, as a specific unit 302, sets a predetermined temperature range with the fixing temperature of the first sheet of paper discharged from each paper discharge unit as the median value. The first sheet of paper discharged from each paper discharge unit is, for example, sheet A used for printing sheet 1 at the front of the paper discharge unit 121 as shown in Figure 7, sheet B used for printing sheet 2 at the front of the paper discharge unit 122, and sheet B used for printing sheet 8 at the front of the paper discharge unit 125. The predetermined temperature range may be set to a range where the fixing temperature of such first sheets of paper is the median value of a predetermined fixing temperature range. For example, if the predetermined range is ±10℃, and the fixing temperature of sheet A at the front of the paper discharge unit 121 is 180℃, then the predetermined temperature range for the paper discharge unit 121 may be set to a range of 170℃ to 190℃.

[0117] Next, in step S1202, the CPU 201, acting as a specific unit 302, determines whether the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper discharge units is within a set, predetermined range.

[0118] For example, if the ±10°C range is predetermined, then all the paper ejected to the paper ejection unit 121 shown in Figure 7 is paper A, and therefore the fixing temperature of paper A, which is 180°C, is within the range of 170°C to 190°C. If the paper ejected to the paper ejection unit 121 is paper A with a fixing temperature of 180°C, paper C with a fixing temperature of 120°C, and paper with a fixing temperature of 190°C, then the variation in fixing temperatures between 120°C and 190°C is outside the range of 170°C to 190°C. If even one such paper ejection unit exists, in step S1202, the CPU 201 determines that the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper ejected in each of the multiple paper ejection units is not within the predetermined range.

[0119] If the CPU 201 determines that the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper ejected from each of the multiple paper output units is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S406. In this case, the reference fixing temperature identified in S406 may be the fixing temperature of the first sheet of paper ejected from each paper output unit. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the variation in the fixing temperatures set for the paper ejected from each of the multiple paper output units is within a predetermined range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S408.

[0120] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0121] The fourth embodiment describes the process when the paper printed in a series of steps includes multiple copies of documents, and there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple copies. Note that an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted. Although not shown, the functional configuration of the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the information processing system 110 according to the embodiment in Figure 1, in addition to having a display unit 305. The information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment will now be described. Refer to Figure 13.

[0122] Figure 13 shows an example of the information processing flow performed by the information processing system 110 according to the fourth embodiment. This flow is executed when the CPU 201 reads an information processing program from the ROM 202 or storage 204, loads it into the RAM 203, and executes it. Steps identical to those in the flow of Figure 4 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the flow of Figure 4, and only steps that differ from the flow of Figure 4 and the steps before and after them are described, while other identical steps are omitted from the description.

[0123] This flow differs from the flow in Figure 4 in that it includes step S1301 between steps S401 and S402 shown in Figure 4, step S1302 between steps S406 and S407 shown in Figure 4, and further includes steps S1303 to S1309 in addition to the steps shown in Figure 4.

[0124] In step S1301, the CPU 201, acting as a reception unit 304, accepts a selection from the user regarding whether to enable a function that determines the printing order, so that if there is insufficient paper to print all copies of a document, only the number of copies for which there is enough paper will be printed. For example, the user's selection may be accepted by checking a checkbox 1401, as shown in Figure 14 later.

[0125] This function ensures that paper is ejected in sets. Even if printed materials are ejected from multiple output bays, it is sometimes desirable for them to be provided to the user in common sets. For example, consider a user who delivers 10 sets of printed materials ejected from three output bays to a client. If, due to a shortage of paper, two output bays deliver up to the 5th set plus an odd number of pages, and the remaining output bay delivers up to the 10th set, the user would have to manually remove the extra pages to prepare the 5 sets of printed materials that were commonly printed from each output bay for delivery. To avoid such inconvenience, users may want to be guaranteed that paper is ejected in sets. Therefore, allowing users to choose whether or not to enable the above function can improve user convenience.

[0126] In step S1302, the CPU 201 determines whether the above function, which determines the printing order so that if there is insufficient paper to print all copies of multiple documents, only the number of copies for which there is enough paper will be printed.

[0127] If the CPU 201 determines that the above function is enabled, it proceeds to step S1303. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the above function is enabled, it proceeds to step S407.

[0128] In step S1303, the CPU 201, acting as a decision unit 303, determines whether there is insufficient paper to print all copies of multiple documents. For example, the CPU 201 may receive information on the remaining amount of paper in the image forming apparatus 120 and compare the amount of paper required for printing with the remaining amount of paper. For example, Figure 15, described later, shows that four sheets of paper A are needed to print all of sheets 1 to 10 of the two parts, but one sheet is missing.

[0129] If the CPU 201 determines that there is insufficient paper to print all copies of multiple documents, it proceeds to step S1304. If the CPU 201 does not determine that there is insufficient paper to print all copies of multiple documents, it proceeds to step S407.

[0130] In step S1304, the CPU 201, as a determination unit 303, determines the printing order so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper feed are printed. Determining the printing order in this way is a concept that includes setting the printing order so that the order in which the papers are printed in a series of processes is rearranged so that printing starts from the paper output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature, without changing the order in which the papers are discharged to each output unit, and then postponing the printing of the print data for the number of copies for which there is insufficient paper feed. For example, as shown in Figure 16 described later, the CPU 201 determines the printing order so that it executes printing of the first copy of the paper, which is the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper feed.

[0131] In step S1305, the CPU 201, as the determination unit 303, transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 120. Based on the determined print order, the CPU 201 may sequentially transmit print data for the number of copies of the paper that are available from the multiple copies to the image forming apparatus 120. For example, as shown in Figure 16 described later, the CPU 201 may sequentially transmit print data for sheets 2, 3, 4, 1, and 5 to the image forming apparatus 120. Based on the transmitted print data in this way, the image forming apparatus 120 can perform the printing process for the common number of copies of the paper in each of the paper discharge sections, in order of increasing fixing temperature, without changing the order.

[0132] In step S1306, the CPU 201 displays a screen as the display unit 305 prompting the user to replenish the paper feed. For example, the CPU 201 may display a screen including a sub-screen 1701, as shown in Figure 17 later, on the user interface 206.

[0133] In step S1307, the CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 303, determines whether the paper feed has been replenished.

[0134] If the CPU 201 determines that the paper feed has been replenished, it proceeds to step S1308. If the CPU 201 does not determine that the paper feed has been replenished, it terminates the process.

[0135] In step S1308, the CPU 201, as a determination unit 303, determines the printing order for the remaining copies of paper that could not be printed due to insufficient paper supply, without changing the order in which the papers are discharged to each output unit, and printing is performed in order from the output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature. Determining the printing order in this way is a concept that includes rearranging the printing order of the papers to be printed in a series of processes so that the order in which the papers are discharged to each output unit is not changed, and printing is performed in order from the output unit with the lowest reference fixing temperature, and then setting the printing order to execute the printing of the print data for the remaining copies of paper that were held back due to insufficient paper supply. For example, the CPU 201 determines the printing order to execute the printing of the second copy of paper that was held back, as shown in Figure 16 described later.

[0136] In step S1309, the CPU 201, acting as a determination unit 303, transmits print data to the image forming apparatus 120. Based on the transmitted print data, the image forming apparatus 120 can print the remaining copies for a common number of sheets in each of the paper output sections, in order of increasing fixing temperature, without changing the order of the sheets.

[0137] Next, we will explain the screen display that allows you to choose whether to enable the function that determines the printing order so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper will be printed, in the case where there is insufficient paper to print all copies of a document. Refer to Figure 14 here.

[0138] Figure 14 shows an example of a screen display that prompts the user to choose whether to enable a function that determines the printing order, so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper are printed, when there is insufficient paper to print all copies of a document.

[0139] Figure 14 shows a screen displaying a sub-screen 1402 that includes a checkbox 1401 that accepts a check for the item "Guarantee output in units of copies". As shown in Figure 14, the checkbox 1401 may be made available for checking, assuming that the item "Allow changing the output order for each output destination" is checked. In step S1301 above, the CPU 201 may accept the user's selection by making such a sub-screen 1402 appear on the user interface 206, on the screen where the user inputs print instructions.

[0140] Next, we will describe a scenario where a series of processes involves printing multiple copies of documents on multiple sheets of paper, and there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple copies. Refer to Figure 15.

[0141] Figure 15 shows an example where a series of processes involves printing multiple copies of documents on multiple sheets of paper, and there is insufficient paper to print all of the multiple copies.

[0142] Figure 15 shows that the print job shown in Table 600 includes printing sheets 1-5 of the first part and sheets 6-10 of the second part, and that one sheet of paper A is missing to print all of sheets 6-10 of the second part.

[0143] Next, we will explain the printing order determined for the number of copies that can be printed using the available paper and the number of copies that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper. Refer to Figure 16 for further details.

[0144] Figure 16 shows an example of the printing order determined for the number of copies that can be printed with sufficient paper and the number of copies that cannot be printed due to insufficient paper.

[0145] Figure 16 shows the printing order determined from the sorted printing order shown in Table 800, in which the first set of sheets 2, 3, 4, 1, and 5, for which there is sufficient paper, are printed without waiting for the paper to be replenished, and the printing of the second set of sheets 7, 8, 9, 6, and 10, for which there is insufficient paper, is postponed until the paper is replenished.

[0146] Next, we will explain the screen display that prompts the user to replenish the paper feed. Please refer to Figure 17.

[0147] Figure 17 shows an example of a screen display prompting the user to replenish the paper feed. Figure 17 shows a screen including a sub-screen 1701 that reads, "There is no paper. Please replenish the paper to print the remaining copies."

[0148] Up to this point, we have shown examples of possible implementations, but the above embodiments can be modified in various ways or applied to various uses.

[0149] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Furthermore, any computer may execute these processes using a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. In that case, the processor is configured to work in cooperation with the program to execute the various processes in this embodiment, and can function as a unit or means in this embodiment. Also, the execution order of the processes by the processor is not limited to the order described and may be changed as appropriate. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer designed for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0150] A processor may consist of one or more hardware components, and the type of hardware is not limited. For example, a processor may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a dedicated circuit for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Furthermore, the type of hardware may be a combination of different types of hardware. When multiple hardware components are configured to execute one or more processes of a processor, these components may reside in physically separate devices or in the same device. Also, in any embodiment, the order of each process performed by the processor is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits (circuitry) that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0151] Furthermore, the program may be firmware or software such as microcode. Alternatively, the program may be, for example, a group of program modules, each function of which may be implemented by a processor configured to perform its respective function. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media (e.g., storage media or other storage). The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on physically separate devices. The program code or code segments may represent any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. The program of this application may also be provided as a program product.

[0152] (Note) (((1))) Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The information of the paper printed in the series of processes is obtained, When the paper printed in the above series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output sections, and the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is specified for each of the multiple paper output sections. The order in which the papers are printed in the series of processes is determined so that the order in which the papers are ejected to each output section is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. Information processing system. (((2))) The aforementioned processor, Assuming that the variation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, and that there is only one type of paper discharged to each paper output section, the reference fixing temperature is determined. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((3))) The aforementioned processor, The system refers to a table that categorizes paper types based on their fixing temperature differences within a predetermined range. It then determines the standard fixing temperature only when the variations in fixing temperatures are within the predetermined range and the paper types discharged to each output section belong to the same group. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((4))) The processor is The fixing temperature of the first sheet of paper ejected from each paper output section is used as the median value to set the predetermined temperature range. The information processing system described in (((1))). (((5))) The aforementioned series of processes includes printing multiple sheets of paper for multiple copies of a document, The aforementioned processor, If there is insufficient paper to print all of the aforementioned multiple copies, the printing order is determined so that only the number of copies for which there is enough paper are printed. An information processing system described in any one of the items (((1))) to (((4))). (((6))) The aforementioned processor, If there is insufficient paper for any of the aforementioned quantities, a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper will be displayed. The information processing system described in (((5))). (((7))) When the paper feed is replenished and printing resumes, the order in which the remaining copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper are printed is determined so that the order in which the papers are discharged into each output unit is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature. The information processing system described in (((6))). (((8))) The aforementioned processor, The system accepts the option to enable a function that determines the printing order, so that the order in which the paper is ejected from each output tray is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output tray with the lowest standard fixing temperature. An information processing system described in any one of the items (((1))) to (((7))). (((9))) The aforementioned processor further, If there is insufficient paper to print all of the aforementioned multiple copies, the system will accept an option to enable the function that determines the printing order so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper will be printed. The information processing system described in (((5))). (((10))) The information of the paper printed in the series of processes is obtained, When the paper printed in the above series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output sections, and the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is specified for each of the multiple paper output sections. The order in which the papers are printed in the series of processes is determined so that the order in which the papers are ejected to each output section is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

[0153] According to the information processing system related to (((1))) or the information processing program related to (((10))), it is possible to prevent the decrease in user convenience that occurs when a printing order that takes fixing temperature into consideration is adopted, compared to when the paper is printed in order of lowest fixing temperature without any particular restrictions. According to the information processing system described in (((2))), the printing order can be determined considering the fixing temperature without changing the order in which the same type of paper that can be fixed at the same temperature is arranged among the papers discharged to each paper output section. According to the information processing system described in (((3))), the printing order can be determined considering the fixing temperature without changing the order in which the papers discharged to each paper output section are of the same type and can be fixed at the same temperature. According to the information processing system described in (((4))), the printing order can be determined considering the fixing temperature without changing the order in which the sheets of paper discharged to each paper output section are able to be fixed at the same temperature as the first sheet of paper discharged. According to the information processing system in (((5))), when there is a shortage of paper feed, a printing order can be determined that takes into account the fixing temperature and in which the same number of copies of paper are discharged from each of the multiple paper output units. According to the information processing system related to (((6))), it is possible to prompt the replenishment of paper feeds in each of the multiple paper output units so that the same number of copies of paper that could not be printed can be printed. According to the information processing system related to (((7))), when printing the same number of copies of paper that could not be printed in each of the multiple output unit printouts, the printing order can be determined taking into account the fixing temperature without changing the order in which the papers are output to each output unit. According to the information processing system related to (((8))), enabling the function to change the print order or not accepting the option can suppress the decrease in user convenience. According to the information processing system related to (((9))), user convenience can be improved compared to a system that does not allow the user to choose whether or not to enable a function that guarantees that paper will be ejected in sets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 110 Information Processing Systems 120 Image forming apparatus 201 CPU 301 Acquisition Department 302 Decision Section 302 Specific section 303 Decision Section 304 Reception Department 305 Display section

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The information of the paper printed in the series of processes is obtained, When the paper printed in the above series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output sections, and the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is specified for each of the multiple paper output sections. The order in which the papers are printed in the series of processes is determined so that the order in which the papers are ejected to each output section is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned processor, Assuming that the variation between the fixing temperatures is within the predetermined range, and that there is only one type of paper discharged to each paper output section, the reference fixing temperature is determined. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The system refers to a table that categorizes paper types based on their fixing temperature differences within a predetermined range. It then determines the standard fixing temperature only when the variations in fixing temperatures are within the predetermined range and the paper types discharged to each output section belong to the same group. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The processor is The fixing temperature of the first sheet of paper ejected from each paper output section is used as the median value to set the predetermined temperature range. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned series of processes includes printing multiple sheets of paper for multiple copies of a document, The aforementioned processor, If there is insufficient paper to print all of the aforementioned multiple copies, the printing order is determined so that only the number of copies for which there is enough paper are printed. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, If there is insufficient paper for any of the aforementioned quantities, a screen prompting the user to replenish the paper will be displayed. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. When the paper feed is replenished and printing resumes, the order in which the remaining copies that could not be printed due to insufficient paper are printed is determined so that the order in which the papers are discharged into each output unit is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output unit with the lowest standard fixing temperature. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned processor, The system accepts the option to enable a function that determines the printing order, so that the order in which the paper is ejected from each output tray is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output tray with the lowest standard fixing temperature. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The aforementioned processor further, If there is insufficient paper to print all of the aforementioned multiple copies, the user can choose whether to enable the function that determines the printing order so that only the number of copies for which there is sufficient paper will be printed. The information processing system according to claim 5.

10. The information of the paper printed in the series of processes is obtained, When the paper printed in the above series of processes is discharged into multiple paper output sections, and the variation in fixing temperatures set for the paper discharged in each of the multiple paper output sections is within a predetermined range, a reference fixing temperature is specified for each of the multiple paper output sections. The order in which the papers are printed in the series of processes is determined so that the order in which the papers are ejected to each output section is not changed, and printing proceeds from the output section with the lowest reference fixing temperature. An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

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