Image forming apparatus, program

Abstract

To provide a technique that can perform processing as desired by a user, when a first image and a second image cannot be superimposed on each other as intended by the user.SOLUTION: When receiving a first image formation instruction including information for requiring a first image and a second image to be superimposed on each other, a first processor, when grasping a first number of pages which is the number of pages related to the first image formation instruction, transmits the first number of pages to a second processor. The second processor, when grasping a second number of pages which is the number of pages related to a second image formation instruction including the information for requiring the first image and the second image to be superimposed on each other, transmits the second number of pages to the first processor. At least one of the first processor and the second processor, when the first number of pages is different from the second number of pages, performs preset processing as processing to be performed when both numbers are different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which two image forming units form images on a single sheet of paper. For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a first image forming unit that forms a first image, a second image forming unit that forms a second image, a first control unit that controls the first image forming unit, and a second control unit that controls the second image forming unit, all within a single housing. Then, this image forming apparatus superimposes the first image and the second image on a single sheet of paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not describe what processing should be performed when there is an image formation instruction to superimpose a first image and a second image to be superimposed on the first image on a single sheet of paper, and the number of pages of the first image is different from the number of pages of the second image. For example, in the case of an image formation instruction to form two documents created in different applications as the first image and the second image respectively and then superimpose these first image and second image, there may be a case where the user accidentally makes the number of pages of each document created in different applications different. Or, it is also conceivable that the application makes the number of pages of the first image and the number of pages of the second image different unintentionally by the user. And when the number of pages of the first image and the number of pages of the second image are different, there is a possibility that the first image and the second image cannot be superimposed as intended by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus or the like that can be processed as desired by a user when the first image and the second image cannot be superimposed as intended by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 includes a first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image, and a second processor that controls a second image forming unit that forms a second image to be superimposed on the first image. When the first processor receives a first image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, and grasps a first number of pages that is the number of pages related to the first image formation instruction, the first processor transmits the first number of pages to the second processor. When the second processor grasps a second number of pages that is the number of pages related to a second image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, the second processor transmits the second number of pages to the first processor. The image forming apparatus is such that at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a process preset as a process in the case where the first number of pages and the second number of pages are different when they are different. In the invention according to claim 2, the first processor and the second processor form the first image or the second image up to the number of pages that is the smaller of the first number of pages and the second number of pages, and then at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a process according to the preset process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the preset process is to display that an abnormality has occurred on a display unit. The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first processor and the second processor display that an abnormality has occurred on the display unit and stop image formation. The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the preset process is to make the extra pages in the image forming instruction with the larger number of pages among the first number of pages and the second number of pages different from the said image forming instruction. The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the preset process is not to perform image formation on the extra pages in the image forming instruction with the larger number of pages. The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the preset process is to perform image formation on the extra pages in the image forming instruction with the larger number of pages without overlapping the first image and the second image. The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the preset process is to form an image notifying that there is an abnormality on the extra pages in the image forming instruction with the larger number of pages. The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a preset process as the process for the case of difference when it grasps that the first number of pages and the second number of pages are different. The invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the preset process is to display on the display unit that an abnormality has occurred. The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an operation unit that receives a user's operation, and the operation unit is capable of receiving the process for the case of difference. In the invention according to claim 12, when a first processor that controls a first image forming unit for forming a first image receives a first image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit are to be superimposed, when the first processor grasps a first number of pages that is the number of pages related to the first image forming instruction, the first processor is caused to transmit the first number of pages to a second processor that controls the second image forming unit; when the second processor grasps a second number of pages that is the number of pages related to a second image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, the second processor is caused to transmit the second number of pages to the first processor; and at least one of the first processor and the second processor is caused to perform a process preset as a process in a case where the first number of pages and the second number of pages are different. This is a program for causing the above functions to be executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, when the first image and the second image cannot be superimposed as intended by the user, the processing can be performed as desired by the user. According to the invention of claim 2, up to the smaller number of pages, the first image and the second image can be superimposed as instructed by the user. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to accurately notify the user that an abnormality has occurred. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to suppress the continuation of image formation that the user does not desire. According to the invention of claim 5, even when an image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed is received, by performing a process different from the image forming instruction, the user's options can be increased. According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of image formation that the user does not intend. According to the invention of claim 7, since image formation is performed as per the original document created by the user, the user can be easily made aware of errors in the original document. According to the invention of claim 8, the user can be easily made aware of errors in the original document. According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to make it easy for the user to immediately notice an error in the manuscript. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to accurately notify the user that an abnormality has occurred. According to the invention of claim 11, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user. According to the invention of claim 12, when the user cannot superimpose the first image and the second image as intended, it is possible to perform processing as desired by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 9. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functions of the terminal device 9 and the image forming apparatus 2. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a terminal device 9 connected to the image forming apparatus 2 via a communication line 5. The communication line 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is a line used for data communication between devices, and examples thereof include the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), and a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line 5 may be wired or wireless, or a combination thereof. The wireless LAN can be exemplified by, for example, WiFi (registered trademark).

[0009] The image forming apparatus 2 includes, within a single housing 3, a first image forming unit 10 and a second image forming unit 20 which are two image forming units that form images on a single sheet of paper S, a first control unit 100 that controls the first image forming unit 10, and a second control unit 200 that controls the second image forming unit 20. Further, in the image forming apparatus 2, the first control unit 100 controls a paper conveyance device 40 that conveys the paper S. Details of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described in detail later.

[0010] (Terminal device) The terminal device 9 includes a control unit 91 that controls the entire device, a storage unit 92 used for storing data and the like, a display unit 93 used for displaying an operation reception screen and images, an operation unit 94 that receives input operations from the user, and a communication unit 95 used for communication with an external device.

[0011] The control unit 91 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 91b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 91c. The ROM 91b stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 91a and various settings. The CPU 91a uses the RAM 91c as a work area and executes application programs and the like read from the ROM 91b and the storage unit 92. By the CPU 91a executing the program, each part of the terminal device 9 is controlled.

[0012] The storage unit 92 can be exemplified as a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 92 stores, for example, application programs such as document creation applications, printer drivers, etc. Further, the storage unit 92 stores the configuration of the color materials mounted in the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0013] For example, an application for document creation generates an instruction to form an image of a manuscript M created using the application on a sheet S. The printer driver acquires the image formation instruction output from the application and converts it into a command in a format that can be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 2. More specifically, after the printer driver acquires, for example, an instruction to form an image of the manuscript M output from the application, it considers the characteristics of each of the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20, and converts it into a first image forming instruction, which is a command for forming an image by the first image forming unit 10, and a second image forming instruction, which is a command for forming an image by the second image forming unit 20. Then, the printer driver outputs the first image forming instruction and the second image forming instruction to the first control unit 100. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first image forming instruction and the second image forming instruction, they may be collectively referred to as "image forming instruction".

[0014] The image forming instruction includes identification information, which is information for identifying the image forming instruction, image data, which is data of the image to be formed, and the set image forming settings. Examples of the image forming settings can be the size and material of the sheet S on which the image is to be formed, and the specification of the color of the coloring material to be used. Further, the image forming instruction includes the number of copies of the image to be formed and the number of pages per copy. Further, the image forming instruction includes information as to whether it is a collaborative instruction or a single instruction, which will be described later. Note that examples of the identification information can include information on the terminal device 9 from which the image forming instruction is output, user identification information, which is the identification information of the user, and the time when the image forming instruction is output.

[0015] Here, when the user starts using the terminal device 9, the user logs in to the terminal device 9. Thereby, the terminal device 9 identifies the identity and validity of the user and acquires the qualification information necessary for accessing an application or the like. Then, the terminal device 9 stores the user identification information in the RAM 91c and the storage unit 92. When generating an image formation instruction, the printer driver reads the user identification information stored in the RAM 91c and the storage unit 92, and generates an image formation instruction with the user identification information added to the information and time of the terminal device 9, etc.

[0016] The display unit 93 is a display device that displays still images, moving images, etc. The display unit 93 can be exemplified as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 94 is an input device that receives operations from the user. The operation unit 94 can be exemplified as buttons, switches, or a touch panel. The communication unit 95 can be exemplified as a communication interface.

[0017] The terminal device 9 configured as described above can be exemplified as a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a tablet terminal, a multifunctional mobile phone (so-called "smartphone"), a mobile phone (so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

[0018] (Image forming apparatus) The image forming apparatus 2 includes a first image forming unit 10 that forms an image on a sheet S as an example of a recording material, and a second image forming unit 20 that forms an image on the sheet S. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a sheet holding unit 30 that holds the sheet S, and a sheet conveying device 40 that conveys the sheet S held by the sheet holding unit 30 to the first image forming unit 10, etc. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a fixing device 50 that heats and presses the toner image formed on the sheet S for fixing, a sheet stacking unit 60 that stacks the sheet S on which the image is formed by fixing the toner image by the fixing device 50, and a user interface (hereinafter, may be referred to as "UI") 70 that performs display of information, etc. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a first control unit 100 that controls the first image forming unit 10, the sheet conveying device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and a second control unit 200 that controls the second image forming unit 20.

[0019] The first image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 11 that are arranged in parallel at regular intervals and form toner images of the colors of toner as an example of the stored coloring material. Each image forming unit 11 includes a photosensitive drum 12 that holds a toner image, a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) print head 14 that exposes the photosensitive drum 12 charged by the charger 13 based on each color image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12. Further, each image forming unit 11 includes a developing device 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12, and a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the photosensitive drum 12 after transfer. In the four image forming units 11 according to the present embodiment, the developing devices 15 store yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, respectively, and form toner images of the respective colors. Hereinafter, the color configuration of the toners stored in the four image forming units 11 included in the first image forming unit 10 (for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K)) may be referred to as the "first color configuration".

[0020] Furthermore, the first image forming unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the respective color toner images formed by the photosensitive drums 12 of the respective image forming units 11 are multi-transferred. The first image forming unit 10 also includes a primary transfer roll 18 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the respective color toner images formed by the respective image forming units 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 17, and a secondary transfer roll 19 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the respective color toner images superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 17 to the paper S.

[0021] Similar to the first image forming unit 10, the second image forming unit 20 includes four image forming units 21, an intermediate transfer belt 27, a primary transfer roll 28, and a secondary transfer roll 29. Each image forming unit 21 includes a photosensitive drum 22, a charger 23, an LED print head 24, a developing unit 25, and a drum cleaner 26, similar to the image forming unit 11. In the four image forming units 21 according to the present embodiment, each developing unit 25 stores white, gold, silver, and clear toners, and forms toner images of respective colors. Note that the colors of the toners stored in the developing unit 25 of each image forming unit 21 are not limited to the above colors. For example, they may be red, blue, and green. Hereinafter, the color configuration (for example, white, gold, silver, clear) of the toners stored in the four image forming units 21 included in the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as the "second color configuration".

[0022] The paper transport device 40 includes an upper roll 41 and a lower roll 42 that are vertically separated from each other, and a transport belt 43 that is stretched between the upper roll 41 and the lower roll 42. The paper transport device 40 also includes a supply roll 44 that supplies the paper S held by the paper holding unit 30 toward the transport belt 43, and a transport roll 45 that is disposed between the supply roll 44 and the transport belt 43. The paper transport device 40 also includes a plurality of sensors 46 that detect the passage of the transported paper S.

[0023] The fixing device 50 includes a heating roll 51 that heats the transported paper S, and a belt module 52 that is pressed against the heating roll 51 and forms a pressure portion between the heating roll 51. The fixing device 50 fixes the toner image to the paper S by pressing and heating the paper S on which the toner image is formed at the pressure portion. The UI 70 is configured by a touch panel or the like that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display and a position input device such as a touch pad, receives information from the user, and displays information to the user.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 2 configured as described above operates as follows. The four-color toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 12 of the image forming unit 11 of the first image forming section 10 are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 by the primary transfer roll 18, and a superimposed toner image in which the four-color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section where the secondary transfer roll 19 is disposed as the intermediate transfer belt 17 moves.

[0025] When the superimposed toner image of the first image forming section 10 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section, the sheet S is supplied from the sheet holding section 30 to the secondary transfer section in accordance with that timing. Then, the superimposed toner image is batchwise secondary-transferred onto the conveyed sheet S by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 19 in the secondary transfer section. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the first image forming section 10 may be referred to as "first image I1".

[0026] On the other hand, the other four-color toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 22 of the image forming unit 21 of the second image forming section 20 are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the primary transfer roll 28, and a superimposed toner image in which the other four-color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section where the secondary transfer roll 29 is disposed as the intermediate transfer belt 27 moves.

[0027] When the superimposed toner image of the second image forming section 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section, the sheet S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming section 10 is supplied to this secondary transfer section in accordance with that timing. Then, the superimposed toner image of the second image forming section 20 is batchwise secondary-transferred onto the superimposed toner image on the sheet S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming section 10 that has been conveyed, by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 29 in the secondary transfer section. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the second image forming section 20 may be referred to as "second image I2".

[0028] Thereafter, the sheet S on which the superimposed toner image formed by the first image forming unit 10 and the superimposed toner image formed by the second image forming unit 20 are electrostatically transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 50. The toner image on the sheet S conveyed to the fixing device 50 is heated and pressed by the fixing device 50 and fixed on the sheet S. Then, the sheet S with the fixed image is conveyed to the sheet stacking unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. (First Control Unit 100) The first control unit 100 includes a first main control unit 110 that controls the operations of the first image forming unit 10, the sheet conveying device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., and a first sub-control unit 120 that controls the operations of these devices under the control of the first main control unit 110.

[0030] The first main control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, a storage unit 114 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 115 used for communication with an external device. The communication unit 115 can be exemplified as a communication interface (communication I / F). The ROM 112 stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 111 and various settings. The CPU 111 uses the RAM 113 as a work area and executes the programs read from the ROM 112 and the storage unit 114. By the CPU 111 executing the program, the functions of the first main control unit 110 described below are realized.

[0031] The first main control unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the first sub-control unit 120, the second control unit 200, and the UI 70 via the communication unit 115. Further, the first main control unit 110 receives an image formation instruction from the outside, for example, the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115. The first main control unit 110 analyzes the received image formation instruction. The image formation instruction includes identification information, image data, image formation settings, and information indicating whether it is a collaborative instruction or a single instruction, which will be described later.

[0032] Also, the first main control unit 110 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The first main control unit 110 converts the received image data into YMCK data, which is the reproduction color of the first image forming unit 10, that is, the color of the toner of the first image forming unit 10 (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K)), and outputs it. This YMCK data is composed of Y color data, M color data, C color data, and K color data separated for each color. Also, the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the size and material of the paper S related to the received image formation instruction. Also, the first main control unit 110 transfers the received image formation instruction to the second control unit 200.

[0033] Similar to the first main control unit 110, the first sub-control unit 120 includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage unit 124, and a communication unit 125. The CPU 121 uses the RAM 123 as a work area and executes the programs read from the ROM 122 and the storage unit 124, thereby realizing the functions of the first sub-control unit 120 described below. The first sub-control unit 120 exchanges control information with the first main control unit 110 to control each process of exposure, development, and transfer in the first image forming unit 10, the feeding and conveyance of the paper S in accordance with the transfer timing by the paper conveyance device 40, the fixing of the toner image by the fixing device 50, etc.

[0034] In addition, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information indicating that an error has occurred, such as toner depletion of the toner that the first image forming unit 10 has or paper jams in the paper conveyance device 40. The first slave control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 of this error information. The first main control unit 110 notifies the user by displaying this error information on the display panel of the UI 70. Then, for example, when the error is toner depletion, when the toner is replenished, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information indicating that the occurred error has been resolved. Also, for example, when the error is a paper jam, when the paper jam is resolved, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information indicating that the occurred error has been resolved. Then, the first slave control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that the error has been resolved. The first main control unit 110 notifies the user by displaying on the display panel of the UI 70 that the error has been resolved.

[0035] (Second control unit 200) The second control unit 200 includes a second main control unit 210 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20, and a second slave control unit 220 that controls the operation of the second image forming unit 20 under the control of the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the first main control unit 110 via the connection line 150.

[0036] The second main control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a storage unit 214 such as a semiconductor memory, and a communication unit 215 used for communication with an external device. The ROM 212 stores a basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU 211 and various settings. The CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area and executes programs read from the ROM 212 and the storage unit 214. By the CPU 211 executing the program, the functions of the second main control unit 210 described below are realized.

[0037] The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the second slave control unit 220, the first control unit 100, and the UI 70 via the communication unit 215. Further, the second main control unit 210 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The second main control unit 210 converts the received image data into white data, gold data, silver data, or clear data, which are the reproduced colors of the second image forming unit 20, that is, the colors of the toner of the second image forming unit 20 (white, gold, silver, clear), and outputs the converted data. Also, the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the size and material of the paper S related to the received image formation instruction.

[0038] The second sub-control unit 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a storage unit 224, and a communication unit 225. The CPU 221 uses the RAM 223 as a work area and executes the programs read from the ROM 222 and the storage unit 224, thereby realizing the functions of the second sub-control unit 220 described below. The second sub-control unit 220 exchanges control information with the second main control unit 210 and controls exposure, development, transfer, etc. in the second image forming unit 20. Also, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires information that an error of toner depletion has occurred in the toner of the second image forming unit 20. The second sub-control unit 220 notifies the error information to the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user by displaying these error information on the display panel of the UI 70. And, for example, when the error is toner depletion, when the toner is replenished, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires information that the occurred error has been resolved. Then, the second sub-control unit 220 notifies the second main control unit 210 that the error has been resolved. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user by displaying on the display panel of the UI 70 that the error has been resolved.

[0039] (Regarding the cooperation between the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200) After startup, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 transmit and receive information to and from each other. For the sheet S conveyed by the sheet conveyance device 40 operating under the control of the first control unit 100, the first image forming unit 10 secondarily transfers a four-color superimposed toner image, and the second image forming unit 20 secondarily transfers another four-color superimposed toner image. Hereinafter, the case where the first image forming unit 10 secondarily transfers a four-color superimposed toner image to the sheet S may be referred to as "the first image forming unit 10 forms an image". Also, hereinafter, the case where the second image forming unit 20 secondarily transfers another four-color superimposed toner image to the sheet S may be referred to as "the second image forming unit 20 forms an image".

[0040] The processing procedures performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 will be described below. Here, for example, after the printer driver of the terminal device 9 acquires an image formation instruction output from an application, if it is an instruction that requires the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image, it is converted into commands for the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. Then, the printer driver outputs the commands to the first main control unit 110. In this way, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image may be referred to as a "cooperation instruction". The terminal device 9 transmits a cooperation instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes information indicating that it is necessary for the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image in the cooperation instruction.

[0041] On the other hand, when an instruction output from an application, for example, is an instruction that an image needs to be formed by the first image forming unit 10 but not by the second image forming unit 20 (for example, an instruction to form an image using the toner of the first image forming unit 10 without using the toner of the second image forming unit 20, or when the user designates only image formation by the first image forming unit 10 on the terminal device 9 via the printer driver), the printer driver of the terminal device 9 converts it into a command for the first main control unit 110. Then, the printer driver outputs the command to the first main control unit 110. In this way, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires an image to be formed by the first image forming unit 10 but not by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as a "first single instruction". The terminal device 9 transmits the first single instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes information indicating that an image needs to be formed by the first image forming unit 10 but not by the second image forming unit 20 in the first single instruction.

[0042] Also, when the printer driver of the terminal device 9 receives an instruction output from an application that requires an image to be formed by the second image forming unit 20 but not by the first image forming unit 10 (for example, an instruction to form an image using the toner of the second image forming unit 20 without using the toner of the first image forming unit 10, or when the user designates only image formation by the second image forming unit 20 via the printer driver on the terminal device 9), it converts the instruction into commands for the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. Then, the printer driver outputs the commands to the first main control unit 110. Even when there is no need to form an image by the first image forming unit 10 but there is a need to form an image by the second image forming unit 20, since the first main control unit 110 needs to control the paper transport device 40, the fixing device 50, etc., the printer driver converts an instruction output from an application, for example, into commands for the first main control unit 110 to control the paper transport device 40, the fixing device 50, etc. Then, the printer driver outputs the commands to the first main control unit 110. In this way, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires an image to be formed by the second image forming unit 20 but not by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as a "second independent instruction". The terminal device 9 transmits the second independent instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes information indicating that an image needs to be formed by the second image forming unit 20 but not by the first image forming unit 10 in the second independent instruction. When there is no need to distinguish between the "first independent instruction" and the "second independent instruction", they may be collectively referred to as an "independent instruction".

[0043] The first main control unit 110 determines whether it is a collaborative instruction, a first independent instruction, or a second independent instruction based on the information included in the image formation instruction sent from the terminal device 9. When it is a first independent instruction, the first main control unit 110 performs an image formation process corresponding to the first independent instruction. When it is a second independent instruction, the first main control unit 110 transfers the second independent instruction to the second main control unit 210. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 perform an image formation process corresponding to the second independent instruction. These processes will be described in detail later.

[0044] On the other hand, when it is a collaborative instruction, the first main control unit 110 waits for another collaborative instruction with the same identification information to come. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 transfers the collaborative instruction with the second color configuration of the color materials to be used among the two collaborative instructions with the same identification information to the second main control unit 210. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 perform an image formation process corresponding to the collaborative instruction.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. FIG. 6 shows the processing when the first control unit 100 receives a collaborative instruction. Note that FIG. 6 shows the processing when another collaborative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period after receiving the collaborative instruction. When the first main control unit 110 receives an image formation instruction from, for example, the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115, the first main control unit 110 checks whether the image formation instruction is a collaborative instruction or an independent instruction (S601). When it is a collaborative instruction, the first main control unit 110 determines whether a collaborative instruction with the same identification information has been received within a predetermined period. If received, the first main control unit 110 transfers the collaborative instruction with the second color configuration of the color materials to be used among the two collaborative instructions with the same identification information to the second main control unit 210 (S602). The second main control unit 210 receives the collaborative instruction transferred by the first main control unit 110 (S603).

[0046] The first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the set image formation instructions (S604). As a result, the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the set image formation instructions and instructs preparations for image formation (S605). Examples of the preparations for image formation include operations necessary for enabling the paper transport device 40 to transport the paper S (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "transport preparations"), such as starting a motor that rotates various rollers such as the supply roll 44. Also, examples include operations necessary for the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image to the paper S, such as raising the temperature of the heating roll 51.

[0047] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error such as toner depletion or paper jam has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 (S606). If no error has occurred (no in S606), the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S607). On the other hand, if an error has occurred (yes in S606), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved.

[0048] The second main control unit 210 receives the preparation instruction transmitted by the first main control unit 110 (S608). Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the set image formation instructions (S609). As a result, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires the set image formation instructions (S610).

[0049] Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 determines whether an error such as toner exhaustion has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S611). If no error has occurred (no in S611), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S612). After acquiring the preparation instruction (S613), the second sub-control unit 220 instructs the second image forming unit 20 to perform image formation preparation (S614). Image formation preparation is a preparatory operation performed when the second image forming unit 20 forms an image on the paper S, and examples thereof include warm-up of the developing device 25 and the like, image quality adjustment processing, and a spontaneous waste operation of deteriorated toner. All of these are operations involving power consumption, and some operations also involve toner consumption. Then, when the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed, it enters a standby state. On the other hand, if an error has occurred (yes in S611), the second main control unit 210 waits until the error is resolved.

[0050] When the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification indicating that the preparation is completed to the first main control unit 110 (S615). Note that the second main control unit 210 may determine that the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed when it receives a notification indicating that the preparation is completed from the second image forming unit 20 after the second sub-control unit 220 has instructed the image formation preparation (S614). Further, the second main control unit 210 may determine that the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed when a predetermined period has elapsed after the second sub-control unit 220 has instructed the image formation preparation (S614).

[0051] After receiving the completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S616), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation for the first image forming unit 10 (S617). After acquiring the preparation instruction (S618), the first sub-control unit 120 instructs the first image forming unit 10 to perform image formation preparation (S619). Examples of the image formation preparation can include warm-up of the developing device 15 and the like, image quality adjustment processing, and an operation to spontaneously discard deteriorated toner. Then, once the image formation preparation is completed, the first image forming unit 10 enters a standby state.

[0052] When the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed, the first sub-control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting the paper S (S620), and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the transported paper S (S621). Note that after instructing the image formation preparation (S617), the first main control unit 110 may determine that the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed when receiving a notification from the first image forming unit 10 indicating that the preparation is completed. Further, after instructing the image formation preparation (S617), the first main control unit 110 may determine that the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed when a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0053] The second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the transported paper S (S622). Then, the first sub-control unit 120 fixes the toner image on the transported paper S by the fixing device 50, discharges the fixed paper S to the paper stacking unit 60, and completes the image formation (S623). Thereafter, the first sub-control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that the image formation is completed (S624). After acquiring the completion notification (S625), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that the image formation is completed to the second main control unit 210 (S626). After receiving the completion notification (S627), the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a notification indicating that the completion notification has been received (S628).

[0054] After receiving a completion notification (S629), the first main control unit 110 ends the image forming operation (S630). Note that the end of this image forming operation includes the end of the toner image forming operation in the first image forming unit 10 and the deletion process of the information related to the current image forming held in the RAM 113 and the storage unit 114. After transmitting to the first main control unit 110 that it has received a completion notification (S628), the second main control unit 210 ends the image forming operation (S631). Note that the end of this image forming operation includes the end of the toner image forming operation in the second image forming unit 20 and the deletion process of the information related to the current image forming held in the RAM 213 and the storage unit 214.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 cooperate to perform image formation. For example, when no error has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 or the paper conveyance device 40 which are the control targets of the first main control unit 110, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S607). After receiving this preparation instruction (S608), when no error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 which is the control target of the second main control unit 210, the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S612). Further, when the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification indicating that the preparation is completed to the first main control unit 110 (S615). After receiving this completion notification (S616), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction or the like to perform image formation preparation for the first image forming unit 10 (S617).

[0056] This suppresses a deviation between the start timing of the image forming operation by the first image forming unit 10 and the start timing of the image forming operation by the second image forming unit 20, which is caused by, for example, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 operating independently without cooperation. For example, even though the image forming preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is not completed, the paper conveyance by the paper conveyance device 40 and the image forming operation by the first image forming unit 10 are started, suppressing the situation where the image forming operation by the second image forming unit 20 cannot keep up. Also, even though an error has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 or the paper conveyance device 40, this suppresses the wasteful consumption of power due to the second image forming unit 20 being in a standby state for a long time. Also, even though an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20, this suppresses the wasteful consumption of power due to the first image forming unit 10 being in a standby state for a long time.

[0057] Also, in the present embodiment, after the image formation is completed, the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that the image formation is completed to the second main control unit 210 (S626). Then, after receiving the completion notification (S627), the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a message indicating that the completion notification has been received (S628). This suppresses the second control unit 200 from being unable to recognize that the fixing by the fixing device 50 has also ended and the image formation has been completed.

[0058] (Processing when the first single instruction is received) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 when the first main control unit 110 receives the first single instruction. When the first main control unit 110 receives the first independent instruction (S701), it notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction (S702). As a result, the first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction and instructs the preparation for image formation (S703). Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S704). If an error has occurred (yes in S704), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S704), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 corresponding to the independent instruction (S705).

[0059] After the first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the preparation instruction (S706), it instructs the first image forming unit 10 to perform the image formation preparation (S707). When the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed, the first subordinate control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting the paper S (S708), and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the transported paper S (S709). Then, the first subordinate control unit 120 fixes the toner image on the transported paper S by the fixing device 50, discharges the fixed paper S to the paper stacking unit 60, and completes the image formation (S710). Thereafter, the first subordinate control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that the image formation has been completed (S711). Then, after the first main control unit 110 acquires the completion notification (S712), it ends the image formation operation (S713).

[0060] (Processing when the second independent instruction is received) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 when the first main control unit 110 receives the second independent instruction. In FIG. 8, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. When the first main control unit 110 receives the second independent instruction (S801), it transmits the second independent instruction to the second main control unit 210 via the connection line 150 (S802). The second main control unit 210 receives the second independent instruction transmitted by the first main control unit 110 (S803). The first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the settings corresponding to the second independent instruction (S804).

[0061] When the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the settings corresponding to the second independent instruction and instructs preparation for image formation (S805), the paper transport device 40 and the fixing device 50 perform preparations associated with image formation, such as paper transport and fixing preparations. Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S606 to S616 described above.

[0062] After receiving the completion notification in S616 (S616), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 not to prepare, which is a notification to perform paper transport and fixing in accordance with image formation in the second image forming unit 20 without performing image formation preparation in the first image forming unit 10 (S817). After the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the notification not to prepare (S818), it starts transporting the paper S to the paper transport device 40 (S819).

[0063] The second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the transported paper S (S622). Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S623 to S631 described above.

[0064] (Processing when no cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period) FIG. 6 shows the processing when another cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period after receiving the cooperative instruction. However, since the identification information of the cooperative instructions related to the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed is different, it is considered that two cooperative instructions with the same identification information are not received within the predetermined period. The predetermined period can be exemplified as, for example, 1 minute.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of identification information included in an image formation instruction. For example, when a document M created using one application has, as shown in FIG. 4, a black character "A" displayed against a silver square background, the image formation instruction for the document M is composed of a first image formation instruction for the character "A" and a second image formation instruction for the silver background. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the same identification information is included in the first image formation instruction and the second image formation instruction for the document M created using one application.

[0066] On the other hand, when images of characters, etc. created using different applications are formed on a single sheet of paper S, it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included in the two image formation instructions generated by the respective different applications. For example, when the application that created the character "A" and the application that created the silver background are different, as shown in FIG. 9(b), it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included in the first image formation instruction for forming the image of the character "A" on the sheet of paper S and the second image formation instruction for forming the image of the silver background on the same sheet of paper S.

[0067] Similarly, when images of characters or the like created by different terminal devices 9 are formed on a single sheet of paper S, it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included in the two image formation instructions output from each of the different terminal devices 9. For example, when the terminal device 9 that created the character "A" is different from the terminal device 9 that created the silver background, as shown in FIG. 9(c), a first image formation instruction output from one terminal device 9 for forming an image of the character "A" on the sheet of paper S, and a second image formation instruction output from another terminal device 9 different from the one terminal device 9 for forming an image of the silver background on the same sheet of paper S, it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included. Even if different terminal devices 9 use the same application (for example, Microsoft PowerPoint), it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included.

[0068] In view of the above-described matters, when the first main control unit 110 does not receive two cooperation instructions with the same identification information within a predetermined period, it performs processing as described below. Here, the storage unit 114 stores information of a user who is permitted to receive cooperation instructions that require images to be formed by the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20. In other words, the user registers in advance with the image forming apparatus 2 that the user is a user who issues an image formation instruction for forming an image by the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20. Examples of the registration method include the user operating the terminal device 9 to send a notification to the image forming apparatus 2 and the user operating the UI 70 to input.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 114. The storage unit 114 stores, as user information, user identification information that is the identification information of the user, a method of processing when an incorrect cooperation instruction is given (hereinafter, may be referred to as "illegal processing"), a waiting time described later, and a method of processing when the waiting time is exceeded (hereinafter, may be referred to as "waiting time exceeded processing") in association with each other. Further, the storage unit 114 stores processing when receiving a cooperation instruction from a user who does not permit reception of a cooperation instruction, in other words, when the user identification information is not registered (hereinafter, may be referred to as "processing when not registered").

[0070] As an example, the unauthorized processing, the processing when the waiting time has elapsed, and the processing when not registered may be to cancel the image formation related to the received cooperation instruction, display on the UI 70 that it is an unauthorized image formation instruction, and notify the user, or to process the cooperation instruction as a single instruction. Note that notifying the user that it is an unauthorized image formation instruction is not limited to displaying it on the UI 70. It may be notified by making a sound or by notifying the terminal device 9.

[0071] When the first main control unit 110 does not receive two cooperation instructions with the same identification information within a predetermined period, it determines whether the user identification information included in the received cooperation instruction is stored in the storage unit 114 in advance. When the user identification information is stored in the storage unit 114, it determines whether two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information are received within a predetermined waiting time. When two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information are received within the waiting time, the first main control unit 110 determines whether the color configurations of these two cooperation instructions are different from each other. If they are different, it makes the identification information of these two cooperation instructions the same and performs the processing described with reference to FIG. 6. On the other hand, when the color configurations of two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information are the same, the first main control unit 110 performs processing according to the unauthorized processing settings stored in the storage unit 114. Note that the waiting time can be exemplified as 5 minutes or 10 minutes, but is not particularly limited.

[0072] On the other hand, when two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information are not received within the above waiting time, the first main control unit 110 performs processing according to the processing when the waiting time has elapsed settings stored in the storage unit 114. Further, when the user identification information included in the received cooperation instruction is not stored in the storage unit 114 in advance, the first main control unit 110 performs processing according to the settings for the unregistered processing stored in the storage unit 114.

[0073] The processing performed by the first main control unit 110 will be described below using a flowchart. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the first main control unit 110. The first main control unit 110 repeatedly executes this processing at regular intervals (for example, 1 millisecond) set in advance. The first main control unit 110 determines whether an image formation instruction has been received from, for example, the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115 (S1101). If received (yes in S1101), the first main control unit 110 checks whether the image formation instruction is a cooperation instruction or a single instruction, and determines whether a cooperation instruction has been received (S1102). Then, if it is a cooperation instruction (yes in S1102), the first main control unit 110 determines whether another cooperation instruction with the same identification information has been received (S1103). If not received (no in S1103), the first main control unit 110 determines whether a predetermined period has elapsed (S1104). If the predetermined period has not elapsed (no in S1104), the first main control unit 110 performs the processing after S1102. On the other hand, if the predetermined period has elapsed (yes in S1104), the first main control unit 110 stores the information of the cooperation instruction in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114 (S1105), and ends this processing.

[0074] On the other hand, when the first main control unit 110 receives another cooperation instruction with the same identification information at S1103 (yes at S1103), the first main control unit 110 transmits the cooperation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration (an example of the second image formation instruction) among the two cooperation instructions with the same identification information to the second main control unit 210 (S1106). Then, in order to cause the first image forming unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the cooperation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration (an example of the first image formation instruction), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the cooperation instruction (S1107). The process of S1107 corresponds to the process of S604 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0075] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S1108). If an error has occurred (yes at S1108), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no at S1108), the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S1109). The processes of S1108 and S1109 respectively correspond to the processes of S606 and S607 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0076] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S1110). If it has not received the completion notification (no at S1110), the first main control unit 110 waits until it receives the completion notification. On the other hand, if it has received the completion notification (yes at S1110 (this process corresponds to the process of S616 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 (S1111). The process of S1111 corresponds to the process of S617 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0077] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has acquired a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1112). If the completion notification has not been acquired (no in S1112), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is acquired. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been acquired (yes in S1112), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed to the second main control unit 210 (S1113). The process of S1113 corresponds to the process of S626 described with reference to FIG. 6. After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a reception notification indicating that it has received a completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S1114). If the reception notification indicating that the completion notification has been received has not been received (no in S1114), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the reception notification indicating that the completion notification has been received has been received (yes in S1114 (this process corresponds to the process of S629 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image formation operation (S1115).

[0078] On the other hand, when it is not a collaborative instruction (no in S1102), the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a first individual instruction (S1116). When it has not received the first individual instruction (no in S1116), since the image formation instruction received in S1101 is the second individual instruction, the first main control unit 110 transmits the second individual instruction to the second main control unit 210 (S1117). Then, the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the second individual instruction (S1118). The process of S1118 corresponds to the process of S802 described with reference to FIG. 8. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a request to transmit a preparation instruction (S1119). When it has not received the request to transmit a preparation instruction (no in S1119), the first main control unit 110 waits until it receives it. On the other hand, when it has received the request to transmit a preparation instruction (yes in S1119 (this process corresponds to the process of S605 described with reference to FIG. 6)), it determines whether an error has occurred (S1120). When an error has occurred (yes in S1120), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, when no error has occurred (no in S1120), the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S1121). These processes of S1120 and S1121 respectively correspond to the processes of S606 and S607 in FIG. 6.

[0079] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S1122). When it has not received the completion notification (no in S1122), the first main control unit 110 waits until it receives the completion notification. On the other hand, when it has received the completion notification (yes in S1122 (this process corresponds to the process of S616 in FIG. 8)), the first main control unit 110 transmits a message indicating not to perform the above-mentioned preparation to the first sub-control unit 120 (S1123), and performs the processes after S1112. The process of S1123 corresponds to the process of S817 in FIG. 8.

[0080] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has acquired a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1124). If the completion notification has not been acquired (no in S1124), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is acquired. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been acquired (yes in S1124), the first main control unit 110 sends a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed to the second main control unit 210 (S1125). The process of S1125 corresponds to the process of S626 described with reference to FIG. 8. After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a reception notification indicating that a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S1126). If the reception notification indicating that the completion notification has been received has not been received (no in S1126), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the reception notification indicating that the completion notification has been received has been received (yes in S1126 (this process corresponds to the process of S629 described with reference to FIG. 8)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image formation operation (S1115).

[0081] On the other hand, when the first single instruction has been received (yes in S1116), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the first single instruction (S1127). The process of S1127 corresponds to the process of S702 described with reference to FIG. 7. After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S1128). If an error has occurred (yes in S1128), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S1128), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 (S1129). The process of S1129 corresponds to the process of S705 described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0082] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has acquired a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1130). If the completion notification has not been acquired (no in S1130), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is acquired. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been acquired (yes in S1130 (this process corresponds to the process of S712 described with reference to FIG. 7)), the first main control unit 110 ends the image forming operation (S1115). The process in the case where it has not been received at S1101 (no in S1101) will be described in detail later.

[0083] The combination determination process performed by the first main control unit 110 will be described below using a flowchart. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the combination determination process of the first main control unit 110. The first main control unit 110 repeatedly executes this process at predetermined regular intervals (for example, every 1 millisecond).

[0084] The first main control unit 110 determines whether the information of the cooperation instruction is stored in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114 (S1301). If it is not stored (no in S1301), the first main control unit 110 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is stored (yes in S1301), the first main control unit 110 determines whether the user identification information included in the stored cooperation instruction (if a plurality of cooperation instructions are stored, one cooperation instruction selected from the plurality of cooperation instructions) is stored in the storage unit 114 (S1302). If it is stored in the storage unit 114 (yes in S1302), the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received another cooperation instruction with the same user identification information (S1303). Since the first main control unit 110 stores the information of the cooperation instruction in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114 when it receives the cooperation instruction (S1105), S1303 can be exemplified as a process of determining whether another cooperation instruction with the same user identification information is stored in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114 by the first main control unit 110.

[0085] If another collaborative instruction with the same user identification information is received (yes in S1303), the first main control unit 110 determines whether the color configurations of these two collaborative instructions with the same user identification information are correct, in other words, whether the color configurations are different (S1304). If the color configuration is correct (yes in S1304), the first main control unit 110 makes the identification information of these two collaborative instructions with the same user identification information the same (S1305) and ends this process.

[0086] On the other hand, if the color configuration is incorrect (no in S1304), the first main control unit 110 checks the setting of the abnormal-time process stored in the storage unit 114 in association with the user identification information (S1306). Then, it determines whether the setting of the abnormal-time process is to process as a single instruction (S1307). If it is to process as a single instruction (yes in S1307), these two collaborative instructions are processed as single instructions (S1308). That is, if the color configurations of these two collaborative instructions are the first color configuration, the processes after S1107 in FIG. 11 are performed to process as the first single instruction. If it is the second color configuration, the processes after S1117 in FIG. 12 are performed to process as the second single instruction. When processing as the first single instruction, after the first main control unit 110 completes the image forming process using the first image forming unit 10 according to one of the two first single instructions, it completes the image forming process using the first image forming unit 10 according to the other first single instruction. When processing as the second single instruction, the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 complete the image forming process using the second image forming unit 20 according to one of the two second single instructions, and then complete the image forming process using the second image forming unit 20 according to the other second single instruction.

[0087] On the other hand, if the setting of the abnormal-time process is to cancel the image forming related to the received collaborative instruction and display on the UI70 that it is an illegal image forming instruction to notify the user, these two collaborative instructions are discarded, the image forming process is canceled, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image forming instruction (S1309).

[0088] In the process of S1303, if no other cooperation instruction with the same user identification information has been received (no in S1303), the first main control unit 110 determines whether the waiting time has elapsed (S1310). If the waiting time has not elapsed (no in S1310), the first main control unit 110 performs the processes after S1303. On the other hand, if the waiting time has elapsed (yes in S1310), the first main control unit 110 checks the setting of the process for exceeding the waiting time stored in the storage unit 114 in association with the user identification information (S1311). Then, it is determined whether the setting of the process for exceeding the waiting time is to be processed as a single instruction (S1312). If it is to be processed as a single instruction (yes in S1312), the cooperation instruction determined to be stored in S1301 is processed as a single instruction (S1313). That is, if the color configuration of this cooperation instruction is the first color configuration, the processes after S1107 in FIG. 11 are performed to be processed as the first single instruction. If it is the second color configuration, the processes after S1117 in FIG. 12 are performed to be processed as the second single instruction. On the other hand, if it is not to be processed as a single instruction (no in S1312), since the setting of the process for exceeding the waiting time is to handle the cooperation instruction as an illegal image formation instruction without performing the image formation related to the received cooperation instruction, this cooperation instruction is discarded, the image formation process is aborted, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1314).

[0089] In the process of S1302, if the user identification information is not stored in the storage unit 114 (no in S1302), the setting of the process at the time of unregistration stored in the storage unit 114 is checked (S1315). Thereafter, the processes after S1312 are performed, and according to the setting of the process at the time of unregistration, the cooperation instruction determined to be stored in S1301 is processed as a single instruction (S1313), or this cooperation instruction is discarded, the image formation process is aborted, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1314).

[0090] The processes performed by the second main control unit 210 are described below using a flowchart. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 repeatedly executes this processing at regular intervals (for example, 1 millisecond) set in advance. The second main control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received a cooperation instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1401). If it has received a cooperation instruction (yes in S1401 (this process corresponds to the process of S603 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 determines whether or not it has received a preparation instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1402). If it has not received a preparation instruction (no in S1402), the second main control unit 210 waits until it receives one. On the other hand, if it has received a preparation instruction (yes in S1402 (this process corresponds to the process of S608 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the set image formation instruction (S1403). The process of S1403 corresponds to the process of S609 in FIG. 6.

[0091] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S1404). The process of S1404 corresponds to the process of S611 in FIG. 6. If an error has occurred (yes in S1404), the second main control unit 210 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S1404), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S1405). The process of S1405 corresponds to the process of S612 in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 (S1406). The process of S1406 corresponds to the process of S615 in FIG. 6.

[0092] Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the first main control unit 110 indicating that image formation has been completed (S1407). If it has not received the completion notification (no in S1407), the second main control unit 210 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if it has received the completion notification (yes in S1407 (this process corresponds to the process of S627 in FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a message indicating that it has received the completion notification (S1408). The process of S1408 corresponds to the process of S628 in FIG. 6. Then, the second main control unit 210 ends the image formation operation (S1409).

[0093] On the other hand, in the process of S1401, if it has not received a cooperation instruction (no in S1401), the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a second individual instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1410). If it has not received the second individual instruction (no in S1410), the second main control unit 210 ends this process. On the other hand, if it has received the second individual instruction (yes in S1410 (this process corresponds to the process of S803 described with reference to FIG. 8)), the second main control unit 210 performs the processes after S1402.

[0094] The processes described above are an example of the processes when the number of pages of the original document M is 1 and an image formation instruction for performing image formation of one copy is output. Below, the processes when the number of pages of the original document M is plural will be described.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the processes of the terminal device 9 and the image forming apparatus 2 when an original document is created using one application. For example, if, as shown in FIG. 15, on the first page of a manuscript M created using one application, the black character "A" is displayed against a silver square background, and on the second page of the manuscript M, the black character "B" is displayed against a gold square background, the image formation instruction for the manuscript M is composed of a first image formation instruction for the characters "A" and "B" and a second image formation instruction for the gold background and the silver background. And thus, the first page number, which is the number of pages related to the first image formation instruction for the manuscript M created using one application, and the second page number, which is the number of pages related to the second image formation instruction, are the same.

[0096] FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining an example of the processing of the terminal device 9 and the image forming device 2 when a manuscript is created using different applications. On the other hand, when images of characters, etc. created using different applications are formed on a single sheet of paper S, the number of pages related to the two image formation instructions output from the different applications may not be the same. For example, when the first application that creates the characters "A" and "B" is different from the second application that creates the gold background and the silver background, the number of pages (first page number) included in the first image formation instruction for forming the images of the characters "A" and "B" on the sheet of paper S and the number of pages (second page number) included in the second image formation instruction for forming the images of the gold background and the silver background on the same sheet of paper S may be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, if the character "B" on the second page is within the range of the sheet of paper S, the page numbers are the same, but as shown in FIG. 17, if a part of the character "B" on the second page does not fit within the range of the sheet of paper S, it is conceivable that the part of the character "B" outside the range of the sheet of paper S will become the third page. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the user accidentally creates a total of 3 pages with the characters "A", "B", and "C" on different pages in the first application, while creating a total of 2 pages with the gold background and the silver background on different pages in the second application.

[0097] When the first page number and the second page number are different and multiple image formation instructions are issued, the following situation may occur. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a case that may occur when the first page number and the second page number are different and multiple image formation instructions are issued. As shown in FIG. 18, the first image I1 on the third page of the first copy of the first image formation instruction and the second image I2 on the first page of the second copy of the second image formation instruction are superimposed.

[0098] In view of the above, when the first main control unit 110 knows the first page number, it notifies the second main control unit 210 of the first page number, and when the second main control unit 210 knows the second page number, it notifies the first main control unit 110 of the second page number. Then, when the first page number and the second page number are different, the first main control unit 110 performs processing for different page numbers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "abnormal processing") stored in the storage unit 114 in advance.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the setting of the abnormal processing stored in the storage unit 114. The storage unit 114 stores the setting of the abnormal processing in association with the identification information of the user. The setting of the abnormal processing is registered in advance by the user. Examples of the registration method include the user operating the terminal device 9 to send a notification to the image forming apparatus 2 and the user operating the UI 70 to input.

[0100] Examples of the abnormal processing include (1) not performing image formation for the pages with more page numbers, (2) aborting the image formation and notifying the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal, and (3) performing image formation for the pages with more page numbers only by the first image forming unit 10 or the second image forming unit 20.

[0101] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of setting (1). When the abnormal processing setting is setting (1), the first main control unit 110 performs image formation processing up to the page with the smaller number of pages according to the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages, and does not perform image formation processing for the pages corresponding to the difference in the number of pages. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the number of pages of the first is 3 and the number of pages of the second is 2, and image formation is performed for a plurality of copies, as shown in FIG. 20, the first main control unit 110 forms images up to the second page, and after the image formation of the second page is completed, it performs image formation of the first page of the next unit. That is, the image formation of the third page is not performed.

[0102] When the abnormal processing setting is setting (2), the first main control unit 110 aborts the image formation and notifies the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal. Examples of notifying the user include displaying on the UI 70, making a sound for notification, and sending a notification to the terminal device 9. Further, the first main control unit 110 may abort the image formation after performing image formation up to the page with the smaller number of pages and notify the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal, or may abort the image formation without performing image formation of even one page and notify the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal. Note that the mode of aborting the image formation may also be settable in advance.

[0103] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the processing of setting (3). When the abnormal processing setting is setting (3), the first main control unit 110 forms an image in which the first image I1 and the second image I2 are superimposed up to the page with the smaller number of pages, and for the pages corresponding to the difference in the number of pages, forms only the image related to the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages without superimposing the first image I1 and the second image I2. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the number of pages of the first is 3 pages and the number of pages of the second is 2 pages, and when forming images in a plurality of copies, the first main control unit 110 forms an image with the first two pages superimposed. For the third page after the formation of the second page image, only the image related to the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages is formed on the paper S. For example, when the number of pages of the first is larger than that of the second, as shown in FIG. 21, for the third page, only the image formed by the first image forming unit 10 is formed on the paper S. Then, this process is repeated for the number of copies.

[0104] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the process of setting (3). Note that, instead of forming the image related to the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages for the pages with the larger number of pages, the first main control unit 110 may form an image of a message (for example, "ERROR") notifying the user that it is an abnormal image formation instruction, as shown in FIG. 22.

[0105] FIGS. 23 and 24 are diagrams showing an example of the processing procedure in the case of setting (1) performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200. In FIG. 23, after the first control unit 100 receives two cooperation instructions and determines to make the identification information of these two cooperation instructions the same (yes in S2901 to be described later), and when the number of copies related to the first image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 3, and the number of copies related to the second image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 2, the processing is shown. In FIGS. 23 and 24, the same processes as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0106] After the first main control unit 110 determines to make the identification information of two cooperation instructions the same (S2301), among the two cooperation instructions with the same identification information, the cooperation instruction using the color material in the second color configuration, in other words, the second image formation instruction, is transferred to the second main control unit 210 (S2302). The second main control unit 210 receives the cooperation instruction transferred by the first main control unit 110 (S2303). The first main control unit 110 transmits the number of pages (the first number of pages) related to the cooperation instruction using the color material in the first color configuration, in other words, the first image formation instruction, to the second main control unit 210 among the two cooperation instructions with the same identification information (S2304). The second main control unit 210 receives the number of pages notified by the first main control unit 110 (S2305). The second main control unit 210 transmits the number of pages (the second number of pages) related to the cooperation instruction received in S2303 to the first main control unit 110 (S2306). The first main control unit 110 receives the number of pages notified by the second main control unit 210 (S2307).

[0107] After that, after the processes of S604, S605, and S606, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S607). In the process of S607, the first main control unit 110 includes information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the first part.

[0108] After the second main control unit 210 receives the preparation instruction transmitted by the first main control unit 110 (S608), it notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the image formation settings (S609). When no error has occurred (no in S611), it notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S612). In the process of S612, the second main control unit 210 includes information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the first part.

[0109] After the first main control unit 110 receives a completion notice from the second main control unit 210 indicating that the image formation preparation for the first page of the first part is completed (S616), it notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 (S617). In the process of the processing of S617, the first main control unit 110 includes information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the first part.

[0110] When the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed, the first sub-control unit 120 starts to convey the paper S to the paper conveyance device 40 (S620), and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the image of the first page of the first part on the conveyed paper S (S621). The second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form the image of the first page of the first part on the conveyed paper S (S622). Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processing of S622 to S629.

[0111] After the first main control unit 110 and the second control unit 200 receive a reception indicating that a completion notice for the image formation of the first page of the first part has been received (S629), they perform the processing of S604 to S629 to perform the image formation of the second page of the first part. At that time, in the processing of S607, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction including information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the first part. Also, in the processing of S612, the second main control unit 210 notifies a preparation instruction including information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the first part. Also, in the processing of S617, the first main control unit 110 notifies a preparation instruction including information indicating that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the first part. Then, in the processing of S621, the first sub-control unit 120 causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the image of the second page of the first part on the conveyed paper S. In the processing of S622, the second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form the image of the second page of the first part on the conveyed paper S.

[0112] After receiving a completion notice regarding the image formation on the second page of the first part (S629), the first main control unit 110 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S604 to S629 in order to perform the image formation on the first page of the second part. At this time, in the process of S607, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the second part. Also, in the process of S612, the second main control unit 210 notifies a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the second part. Further, in the process of S617, the first main control unit 110 notifies a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the first page of the second part. Then, in the process of S621, the first sub-control unit 120 causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image of the first page of the second part on the conveyed sheet S. In the process of S622, the second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image of the first page of the second part on the conveyed sheet S.

[0113] After receiving a completion notice regarding the image formation on the first page of the second part (S629), the first main control unit 110 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S604 to S629 in order to perform the image formation on the second page of the second part. At this time, in the process of S607, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the second part. Also, in the process of S612, the second main control unit 210 notifies a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the second part. Further, in the process of S617, the first main control unit 110 notifies a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the second page of the second part. Then, in the process of S621, the first sub-control unit 120 causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image of the second page of the second part on the conveyed sheet S. In the process of S622, the second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image of the second page of the second part on the conveyed sheet S.

[0114] Since the second page of the second part is the last page, after receiving a completion notice regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S629), the first main control unit 110 ends the image formation operation (S630). After transmitting to the first main control unit 110 a notice indicating that it has received a completion notice regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S628), the second main control unit 210 ends the image formation operation (S631).

[0115] Note that FIGS. 23 and 24 show the processing procedures in the case of setting (1), but the processing procedures in the case where the number of pages of the first part is the same as the number of pages of the second part are the same as the processing procedures illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0116] FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams showing an example of processing procedures in the case of setting (3) where the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the operation and the number of pages of the first part is larger than the number of pages of the second part. FIG. 25 shows the case where after the first control unit 100 receives two cooperation instructions and determines to make the identification information of these two cooperation instructions the same (yes in S2901 to be described later), the number of copies related to the first image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 3, and the number of copies related to the second image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 2. Also, in FIGS. 25 and 26, the same processes as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0117] The first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S2301 to S629 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 until the image formation on the second page of the first part is completed. After receiving a notice indicating that it has received a completion notice regarding the image formation on the second page of the first part (S629), in order to perform the image formation on the third page of the first part, the first control unit 100 performs the processes of S702 to S712 described with reference to FIG. 7. At this time, in the process of S705, the first main control unit 110 notifies a preparation instruction including information indicating that it is preparation for the image formation on the third page of the first part. By performing the processes of S702 to S712, the first control unit 100 causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the image of the third page of the first image formation instruction with a larger number of pages, and the second control unit 200 causes the second image forming unit 20 not to form an image.

[0118] After the first main control unit 110 and the second control unit 200 acquire the completion notification regarding the image formation on the third page of the first part (S712), in order to perform the image formation on the first page and the second page of the second part, the processes of S604 to S629 are repeatedly performed. Since these processes are the same as the processes described with reference to FIG. 24, they are omitted. After the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 receive the reception of the completion notification regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S629), in order to perform the image formation on the third page of the second part, the processes of S702 to S712 described with reference to FIG. 7 are performed.

[0119] Since the third page of the second part is the last page, after the first main control unit 110 acquires the completion notification regarding the image formation on the third page of the second part (S712), the image formation operation is terminated (S630). After the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 the reception of the completion notification regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S628), the image formation operation is terminated (S631).

[0120] FIGS. 27 and 28 are diagrams showing an example of a processing procedure in the case of setting (3) performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200, where the number of pages of the second part is larger than the number of pages of the first part. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the processing in the case where, after the first control unit 100 receives two cooperation instructions and determines to make the identification information of these two cooperation instructions the same (yes in S2901 described later), the number of copies related to the first image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 2, and the number of copies related to the second image formation instruction is 2 and the number of pages is 3. Also, in FIGS. 27 and 28, the same processes as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0121] The first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S2301 to S629 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 until the image formation on the second page of the first part is completed. After receiving a completion notification regarding the image formation on the second page of the first part (S629), in order to perform the image formation on the third page of the first part, the processes of S804 to S629 described with reference to FIG. 8 are performed. At this time, in the process of S607, the first main control unit 110 transmits a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the third page of the first part. Also, in the process of S612, the second main control unit 210 notifies a preparation instruction including information that it is the image formation preparation for the third page of the first part. Further, in the process of S817, the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 that, without performing the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10, paper conveyance and fixing are to be performed in accordance with the image formation on the third page of the first part by the second image forming unit 20. Then, in the process of S819, the first sub-control unit 120 starts conveying the paper S to the paper conveyance device 40, and in the process of S622, the second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form the image of the third page of the first part on the conveyed paper S.

[0122] After the first main control unit 110 and the second control unit 200 receive a completion notification regarding the image formation on the third page of the first part (S629), the processes of S604 to S629 are repeatedly performed in order to perform the image formation on the first page and the second page of the second part. Since these processes are the same as the processes described with reference to FIG. 24, they are omitted. After the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 receive a completion notification regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S629), the processes of S804 to S629 described with reference to FIG. 8 are performed in order to perform the image formation on the third page of the second part.

[0123] Since the third page of the second part is the last page, after the first main control unit 110 receives a completion notification regarding the image formation on the third page of the second part (S629), the image formation operation is terminated (S630). After the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a completion notification regarding the image formation on the second page of the second part (S628), the image formation operation is terminated (S631).

[0124] Figure 29 shows the processing when it is determined in S1101 of the processing performed by the first main control unit 110 described with reference to Figure 11 that reception has not occurred. When the first main control unit 110 determines in S1101 that reception has not occurred (no in S1101), the first main control unit 110 determines in S1305, which will be described later with reference to Figure 13, whether or not it has been determined to make the identification information of the two cooperation instructions the same (S2901). If it has not been determined (no in S2901), the first main control unit 110 ends this processing. On the other hand, if it has been determined (yes in S2901), the first main control unit 110 transmits the cooperation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration, in other words, the second image formation instruction, to the second main control unit 210 (S2902). After that, the first main control unit 110 transmits the number of pages (the first number of pages) related to the cooperation instruction of the first color configuration, in other words, the first image formation instruction, among the two cooperation instructions with the same identification information, to the second main control unit 210 (S2903). Then, the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not it has received the number of pages (the second number of pages) related to the cooperation instruction of the second color configuration from the second main control unit 210 (S2904). If it has not been received (no in S2904), it waits until reception. If it has been received (yes in S2904), the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not the number of pages related to the cooperation instruction of the first color configuration is the same as the number of pages related to the cooperation instruction of the second color configuration (S2905). If they are the same (yes in S2905), the first main control unit 110 determines to perform the processing when the number of pages is the same (S2906). The processing when the number of pages is the same is the same as the processing described with reference to Figures 23 and 24 above. By the processing of S2906, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processing described with reference to Figures 23 and 24 above. In the processing described with reference to Figures 11 and 12, the first main control unit 110 repeats the processing of S1107 to S1114 for the number of sheets of paper S (= number of copies × number of pages) for image formation, and then ends the image formation operation.

[0125] If they are not the same (no in S2905), the first main control unit 110 checks the abnormal-time processing settings stored in the storage unit 114 in association with the user identification information (S2907), and determines whether it is setting (1) (S2908). If it is setting (1) (yes in S2908), the first main control unit 110 decides to perform the processing of setting (1) described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 above (S2909). By the processing of S2909, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processing described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 above. In the processing described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, after the first main control unit 110 repeatedly performs the processing of S1107 to S1114 for the number of sheets of paper S (= number of copies × number of pages) for image formation, the image formation operation ends.

[0126] If it is not setting (1) (no in S2908), the first main control unit 110 determines whether it is setting (2) (S2910). If it is setting (2) (yes in S2910), the first main control unit 110 aborts the image formation and notifies the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal. In S2911, the first main control unit 110 may also abort the image formation after performing the image formation up to the page with the smaller number of pages and notify the user that the image formation instruction is abnormal.

[0127] On the other hand, if it is not the setting (2) (no in S2910), since it is the setting (3), the first main control unit 110 determines whether the first number of pages, which is the number of pages of the cooperation instruction of the first color configuration (an example of the first image formation instruction), is greater than the second number of pages, which is the number of pages of the cooperation instruction of the second color configuration (an example of the second image formation instruction) (S2912). If the first number of pages is greater than the second number of pages (yes in S2912), the first main control unit 110 determines to perform the process in the case where the first number of pages is greater, which was described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 (S2913). By the process of S2913, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 above. In the process described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, after the first main control unit 110 repeatedly performs the processes of S1107 to S1114 for the second number of pages, it performs the processes of S1127 to S1130 for (the first number of pages - the second number of pages) to form an image for one part, and after repeating this for the number of parts, the image formation operation ends.

[0128] On the other hand, if the first number of pages is less than the second number of pages (no in S2912), the first main control unit 110 determines to perform the process in the case where the second number of pages is greater, which was described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 (S2914). By the process of S2914, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 above. In the process described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, after the first main control unit 110 repeatedly performs the processes of S1107 to S1114 for the first number of pages, it performs the processes of S1118 to S1126 for (the second number of pages - the first number of pages) to form an image for one part, and after repeating this for the number of parts, the image formation operation ends.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the first control unit 100 are executed by the cooperation of the CPU 111 of the first main control unit 110 and the CPU 121 of the first slave control unit 120, but it is not particularly limited to such an aspect. For example, the functions of the first control unit 100 may be realized by one processor, or may be realized using three or more processors. Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the second control unit 200 are executed by the cooperation of the CPU 211 of the second main control unit 210 and the CPU 221 of the second slave control unit 220, but it is not particularly limited to such an aspect. For example, the functions of the second control unit 200 may be realized by one processor, or may be realized using three or more processors. Note that the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU, etc.) and a dedicated processor (such as a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0130] The above-described image forming apparatus 2 includes the CPU 111 and the CPU 121 as an example of a first processor that controls the first image forming unit 10 that forms the first image I1, and the CPU 211 and the CPU 221 as an example of a second processor that controls the second image forming unit 20 that forms the second image I2 that overlaps the first image I1. When the first processor receives a first image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be overlapped, when the first number of pages, which is the number of pages related to the first image formation instruction, is grasped, the first processor transmits the first number of pages to the second processor (S2304). When the second processor grasps the second number of pages, which is the number of pages related to the second image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be overlapped, the second processor transmits the second number of pages to the first processor (S2306). And at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a preset process as a process in case of difference when the first page number and the second page number are different. Thereby, when the first image I1 and the second image I2 cannot be superimposed as intended by the user due to the difference between the first page number and the second page number, the process preset by the user is performed. As a result, it is processed as the user desires.

[0131] The first processor and the second processor perform image formation up to the smaller page number among the first page number and the second page number for the first image I1 or the second image I2, and then at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a process according to the preset process. Thereby, up to the smaller page number, the first image I1 and the second image I2 are superimposed on the sheet S as instructed by the user.

[0132] For example, the preset process is to display that an abnormality has occurred in the UI70 as an example of the display unit (for example, the process of setting (2)). Thereby, the user is accurately notified that an abnormality has occurred. And the first processor and the second processor display that an abnormality has occurred in the UI70 and stop image formation. Thereby, it is suppressed that image formation that the user does not desire is continued.

[0133] Also, the preset process is to make the extra pages in the larger image formation instruction among the first page number and the second page number different from the image formation instruction (for example, the processes of setting (1) and setting (3)). Thereby, even when an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed is received, by performing a process different from the image formation instruction, the user's options increase. And the preset process is not to perform image formation of the extra pages in the larger image formation instruction (for example, the process of setting (1)). Thereby, it is suppressed that image formation is performed wastefully.

[0134] Alternatively, the preset process is to form images for the extra pages in the larger number of image formation instructions without superimposing the first image I1 and the second image I2 (for example, the process of setting (3)). By doing so, image formation is performed as per the original manuscript M created by the user, making it easier for the user to notice errors in the original manuscript M. Then, the preset process is to form an image notifying that there is an abnormality on the extra pages in the larger number of image formation instructions (for example, the process of FIG. 22). By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to notice errors in the original manuscript M.

[0135] Also, when at least one of the first processor and the second processor grasps that the first page count and the second page count are different, it performs a preset process as the process for the different case (S2911). By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to immediately notice errors in the original manuscript M. For example, the preset process is to display on the UI70 that an abnormality has occurred (for example, the process of setting (2)). By doing so, the user is notified with a high degree of certainty that an abnormality has occurred. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 further includes a UI70 as an example of an operation unit that receives user operations, and the UI70 is capable of receiving processes for different cases. By doing so, it becomes possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0136] Note that the programs executed by the CPUs 111 of the first main control unit 110, the CPUs 121 of the first sub-control unit 120, the CPUs 211 of the second main control unit 210, and the CPUs 221 of the second sub-control unit 220 can be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Also, it may be downloaded using communication means such as the Internet.

[0137] Then, when a first processor that controls a first image forming unit 10 that forms a first image I1 receives a first image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and a second image I2 formed by a second image forming unit 20 should be superimposed, the first processor is caused to execute a function of transmitting the first number of pages, which is the number of pages related to the first image forming instruction, to a second processor that controls the second image forming unit 20 when the first processor grasps the first number of pages. Further, the program constituting the present invention causes the second processor to execute a function of transmitting the second number of pages, which is the number of pages related to a second image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed, to the first processor when the second processor grasps the second number of pages. Further, the program constituting the present invention causes at least one of the first processor and the second processor to execute a function of performing a process preset as a process in the case where the first number of pages and the second number of pages are different when they are different.

Explanation of Signs

[0138] 1... Image forming system, 2... Image forming apparatus, 5... Communication line, 9... Terminal device, 10... First image forming unit, 20... Second image forming unit, 40... Paper conveyance device, 70... UI, 100... First control unit, 110... First main control unit, 120... First sub-control unit, 150... Connection line, 200... Second control unit, 210... Second main control unit, 220... Second sub-control unit

Claims

1. A first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image, A second processor that controls a second image forming unit that forms a second image to be superimposed on the first image, Comprising: When the first processor receives a first image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, when the first processor grasps a first number of pages that is the number of pages related to the first image formation instruction, the first processor transmits the first number of pages to the second processor, When the second processor grasps a second number of pages that is the number of pages related to a second image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, the second processor transmits the second number of pages to the first processor, At least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a process preset as a process in the case where the first number of pages and the second number of pages are different, An image forming apparatus.

2. The first processor and the second processor perform image formation up to the smaller number of pages among the first number of pages and the second number of pages for the first image or the second image, and then at least one of the first processor and the second processor performs a process according to the preset process, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The preset process is to display that an abnormality has occurred on a display unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first processor and the second processor display that an abnormality has occurred on the display unit and stop image formation, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The preset process is to make the extra pages in the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages different from the image formation instruction among the first number of pages and the second number of pages, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The preset process is not to perform image formation of the extra pages in the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The preset process is to perform image formation of the extra pages in the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages without superimposing the first image and the second image, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The preset process is to form an image notifying that there is an abnormality on the extra pages in the image formation instruction with the larger number of pages, The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

9. When at least one of the first processor and the second processor recognizes that the first page number and the second page number are different, a process preset as a process in the case of the difference is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The preset process is to display a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred on a display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The image forming apparatus further includes an operation unit that receives a user operation. The operation unit is capable of receiving the process in the case of the difference. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When a first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image receives a first image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit are to be superimposed, when the first processor grasps a first page number that is the page number related to the first image forming instruction, the first processor is caused to transmit the first page number to a second processor that controls the second image forming unit; When the second processor grasps a second page number that is the page number related to a second image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image are to be superimposed, the second processor is caused to transmit the second page number to the first processor; At least one of the first processor and the second processor is caused to perform a preset process as a process in the case of a difference when the first page number and the second page number are different; A program for causing the above to be executed.

Images