Image forming apparatus, program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that enables two images to be superimposed to be superimposed on each other, even when pieces of identification information related to two image formation instructions which require two images to be superimposed with respect to one sheet are not identical to each other.SOLUTION: When receiving one image formation instruction including information for requiring a first image and a second image to be superimposed on each other, a first processor, when not receiving the other image formation instruction including identical identification information and when receiving another image formation instruction including user identification information which is identical to user identification information about a user who transmits the one image formation instruction included in the one image formation instruction, makes a first image forming part form the first image according to a first image formation instruction corresponding to a first color configuration, of the one image formation instruction and the another image formation instruction, and transmits a second image formation instruction corresponding to a second color configuration to a second processor. The second processor makes a second image forming part form the second image according to the second image formation instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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, in one housing, 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. 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] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to be able to superimpose a first image and a second image to be superimposed on the first image on a single sheet of paper, it is necessary for the first control unit and the second control unit to recognize that they are image formation instructions corresponding to the two images to be superimposed. For example, when a document or the like created in one application is divided into a first image and a second image and then these first image and second image are superimposed, the image forming apparatus can grasp that they are image formation instructions corresponding to the images to be superimposed based on the identification information related to the image formation instruction from one application. However, for example, when the image formation instruction for forming the first image and the image formation instruction for forming the second image are generated by different applications, it is difficult to grasp that they are image formation instructions for the two images to be superimposed using the identification information related to the image formation instruction. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of superimposing two images to be superimposed even when the identification information related to two image formation instructions that require superimposing two images on a single sheet of paper is not the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 includes a first processor that controls a first image forming unit to form a first image using a coloring material of a first color configuration, and a second processor that controls a second image forming unit to form a second image that overlaps the first image using a coloring material of a second color configuration. When the first processor receives an image forming instruction that includes information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped, and when it has received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, it causes the first image forming unit to form the first image according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, transmits the second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration to the second processor, and the second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the second image forming instruction. When the first processor receives an image forming instruction that includes information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped, and when it has not received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, and when it has received another image forming instruction that includes the same user identification information as the user identification information of the user who transmitted the one image forming instruction included in the one image forming instruction, among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, it causes the first image forming unit to form the first image according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, transmits the second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration to the second processor, and the second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the second image forming instruction. It is an image forming apparatus. The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first processor does not receive the another image forming instruction within a predetermined waiting time after receiving the one image forming instruction, it performs processing on the one image forming instruction according to a predetermined setting associated with the user identification information. The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the setting is to handle it as an illegal image forming instruction, the first processor notifies the user that it is an illegal image forming instruction. The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the setting is that only the first image or the second image should be formed on one sheet of paper without overlapping the first image and the second image, the first processor causes the image forming unit to form an image having a color configuration included in the one image forming instruction among the first image and the second image. The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the color configuration corresponding to the one image forming instruction is the same as the color configuration corresponding to the other image forming instruction, the first processor performs processing for the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction according to a preset setting associated with the user identification information. The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the setting is to handle an instruction for forming an image as an improper instruction, the first processor notifies the user that the instruction for forming an image is improper. The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the setting is that only the first image or the second image should be formed on one sheet of paper without overlapping the first image and the second image, and when the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction are in the first color configuration, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image; and when the color configuration is the second color configuration, the first processor transmits the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction to the second processor, and the second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. In the invention according to claim 8, when a first processor that controls a first image forming unit for forming a first image using a coloring material of a first color configuration receives an image forming instruction including information that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit using a coloring material of a second color configuration should be superimposed, and when another image forming instruction having the same identification information is received, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image according to a first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, and causes a second processor that controls the second image forming unit to transmit a second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration; and when the first processor receives an image forming instruction including information that the first image and the second image should be superimposed, and when no other image forming instruction having the same identification information is received and another image forming instruction including the same user identification information as the user identification information of the user who transmitted the one image forming instruction included in the one image forming instruction is received, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image according to a first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, and causes the second processor that controls the second image forming unit to transmit a second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration; and causes the second processor to cause the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the second image forming instruction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, even when the identification information related to two image forming instructions that require superimposing two images on one sheet of paper is not the same, the two images to be superimposed can be superimposed. According to the invention of claim 2, even when the two images to be superimposed cannot be superimposed, the processing desired by the user related to the image forming instruction can be performed. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to notify as desired by the user. According to the invention of claim 4, an image with a color configuration corresponding to a single image formation instruction can be formed as desired by the user. According to the invention of claim 5, even when the user's image formation instruction is incorrect, the processing desired by the user can be performed. According to the invention of claim 6, notification can be made as desired by the user. According to the invention of claim 7, images with color configurations corresponding to two image formation instructions respectively can be formed as desired by the user. According to the invention of claim 8, even when the identification information related to two image formation instructions that require superimposing two images on a single sheet of paper is not the same, the two images to be superimposed can be superimposed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

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 the image forming system 1 according to the 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, WAN (Wide Area Network), and LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line 5 may be wired or wireless, or a combination of these may be used. The wireless LAN can be exemplified by, for example, WiFi (registered trademark).

[0009] The image forming apparatus 2 includes, in one 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 one sheet of paper S together, 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 transport device 40 that transports 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 basic program (operating system) and various settings to be executed by the CPU 91a are stored in the ROM 91b. 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 executing the program by the CPU 91a, 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 an application for document creation, a printer driver, etc. Further, the storage unit 92 stores the composition of the coloring materials mounted on 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 for forming an image of a manuscript M created using the application on a sheet S. The printer driver acquires an 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 obtains an instruction for image formation of the original document M output from, for example, an 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 image formation by the first image forming unit 10 and a second image forming instruction which is a command for image formation 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 there is no need to distinguish between the first image forming instruction and the second image forming instruction, these 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 formation settings. Examples of the image formation settings can be the size and material of the paper 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 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, the time when the image forming instruction is output, and the like.

[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 obtains the qualification information necessary for access to 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 the image forming instruction, the printer driver reads out the user identification information stored in the RAM 91c and the storage unit 92, and generates an image forming instruction in which the user identification information is added to the information and time of the terminal device 9 and the like.

[0016] The display unit 93 is a display device that displays still images, moving images, and the like. Examples of the display unit 93 can be 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. Examples of the operation unit 94 can include buttons, switches, and touch panels. 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), and the like.

[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 and the like. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a fixing device 50 that heats and presses the toner image formed on the sheet S to fix it, 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 and the like. 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 color materials. 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 their 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 multiply 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 superposed 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 device 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, the developing devices 25 store white, gold, silver, and clear toners, respectively, and form toner images of respective colors. Note that the colors of the toners stored in the developing devices 25 of the respective image forming units 21 are not limited to the above colors. For example, they may be red, blue, and green. Hereinafter, the configuration of the colors of the toners stored in the four image forming units 21 included in the second image forming unit 20 (for example, white, gold, silver, clear) 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 unit 10 are primarily 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 unit 10 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section, the paper S is supplied from the paper holding section 30 to the secondary transfer section in accordance with that timing. Then, the superimposed toner image is collectively secondarily transferred onto the conveyed paper 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 unit 10 may be referred to as the "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 unit 20 are primarily 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 unit 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer section, the paper S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming unit 10 is supplied to this secondary transfer section in accordance with that timing. Then, the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20 is collectively secondarily transferred onto the superimposed toner image on the paper S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming unit 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 unit 20 may be referred to as the "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 superimposed and 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 basic program (operating system) and various settings executed by the CPU 111 are stored in the ROM 112. 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, and the like.

[0034] In addition, the first slave control unit 120 acquires information indicating that an error has occurred, such as toner exhaustion of the toner in the first image forming unit 10 or paper jamming in the paper transport 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 exhaustion, 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 paper jamming, when the paper jamming 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. Also, the second main control unit 210 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The second main control unit 210 converts and outputs the received image data into white data, gold data, silver data, and 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). 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 exhaustion of the toner possessed by the second image forming unit 20 has occurred. 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 exhaustion, 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. With respect to the sheet S conveyed by the sheet conveying 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 converts it 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 to the effect that the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 need to form an image in the cooperation instruction.

[0041] On the other hand, when an instruction output from an application, for example, requires an image to be formed by the first image forming unit 10 but not by the second image forming unit 20 (for example, when an instruction is 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 a case where 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 conveyance 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 conveyance 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 in the second independent instruction indicating that an image needs to be formed by the second image forming unit 20 but not by the first image forming unit 10. 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 individual instruction, or a second individual instruction based on the information included in the image formation instruction sent from the terminal device 9. Then, in the case of a first individual instruction, the first main control unit 110 performs an image formation process corresponding to the first individual instruction. In the case of a second individual instruction, the first main control unit 110 transfers the second individual 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 individual instruction. These processes will be described in detail later.

[0044] On the other hand, in the case of 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 the terminal device 9 via the communication unit 115, for example, the first main control unit 110 checks whether the image formation instruction is a collaborative instruction or an individual instruction (S601). Then, in the case of a collaborative instruction, it is determined 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 subordinate control unit 120 of the set image formation instructions (S604). As a result, the first subordinate 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, it is an operation of preparations necessary for the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image on the paper S, and an example is raising the temperature of the heating roll 51.

[0047] Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error such as toner exhaustion 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 effect that image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is to be performed to the second main control unit 210 (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 subordinate control unit 220 of the set image formation instructions (S609). As a result, the second subordinate control unit 220 acquires the set image formation instructions (S610).

[0049] After that, 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 an operation of spontaneously discarding deteriorated toner. All of these are operations involving power consumption, and some are operations involving 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 automatic waste operation of deteriorated toner. Then, when the image formation preparation is completed, the first image forming unit 10 enters the 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 instructs 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. Also, 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 instructs 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). After that, 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 the 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 the fact that it has received the completion notification to the first main control unit 110 (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 the present 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 the effect that the second image forming unit 20 should perform image forming preparation (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 the effect that the second image forming unit 20 should perform image forming preparation (S612). Further, when the image forming preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 to the effect that the preparation is completed (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 the effect that the first image forming unit 10 should perform image forming preparation (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 is 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 preparations 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 image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 corresponding to the independent instruction (S705).

[0059] After acquiring the preparation instruction (S706), the first subordinate control unit 120 instructs the first image forming unit 10 to perform 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 acquiring the completion notification (S712), the first main control unit 110 ends the image formation operation (S713).

[0060] (Processing when the second independent instruction is received) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a 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 the preparation associated with image formation (S805), the paper transport device 40 and the fixing device 50 perform the preparation associated with image formation, such as the preparation for paper transport and fixing. After that, 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 that it does not need to prepare for the image formation of the first image forming unit 10 and that it will perform paper transport and fixing during the image formation by the second image forming unit 20 without performing the image formation preparation (S817). After the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the notification that it does not need 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). After that, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S623 to S631 described above.

[0064] (Processing when no cooperation instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period) FIG. 6 shows the processing when another cooperation instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period after receiving the cooperation instruction. However, since the identification information of the cooperation instructions related to the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed is different, it is considered that two cooperation instructions with the same identification information are not received within a 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 different applications respectively. 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), for the first image formation instruction output from one terminal device 9 to form an image of the character "A" on the paper S, and for the second image formation instruction output from another terminal device 9 different from the one terminal device 9 to form an image of the silver background on the same paper S, it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included. Even if the same application (for example, Microsoft PowerPoint (registered trademark)) is used when the terminal devices 9 are different, 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 to form 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 issued (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. In addition, the storage unit 114 stores processing when a cooperation instruction from a user who does not allow reception of a cooperation instruction, in other words, when a cooperation instruction from a user in whom user identification information is not registered (hereinafter, may be referred to as "processing at the time of non-registration") is received.

[0070] As an example, the improper processing, the processing when the waiting time has elapsed, and the processing at the time of non-registration may be to cancel the image formation related to the received cooperation instruction, display on the UI 70 that it is an improper 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 improper 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] If 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. If 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. Then, if 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 improper 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, if 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 waiting time elapsed processing settings stored in the storage unit 114. In addition, 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 is 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 is 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 is 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 in S1103 (yes in 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 in S1108), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in 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 a completion notification has been received from the second main control unit 210 (S1110). If the completion notification has not been received (no in S1110), the first main control unit 110 waits until the completion notification is received. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been received (yes in 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] 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 (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. Thereafter, 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 a 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 send a preparation instruction (S1119). When it has not received the request to send 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 send 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 transmits 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 notice indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1130). If it has not acquired the completion notice (no in S1130), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is acquired. On the other hand, if it has acquired the completion notice (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 formation operation (S1115).

[0083] On the other hand, if it has not received at S1101 (no in S1101), the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has decided to make the identification information of the two cooperation instructions the same at S1306, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 (S1131). If it has not decided (no in S1131), the first main control unit 110 ends this process. On the other hand, if it has decided (yes in S1131), the first main control unit 110 performs the processes after S1106. That is, the first main control unit 110 transmits the cooperation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration among the two cooperation instructions with the same identification information, which it has decided to make the same identification information of the two cooperation instructions at S1306, to the second main control unit 210 (S1106). Further, the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the cooperation instruction 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 (S1107). The first main control unit 110 then performs the processes after S1108.

[0084] 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 regular intervals (for example, 1 millisecond) set in advance.

[0085] The first main control unit 110 determines whether or not 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 or not the user identification information included in the stored cooperation instruction (if a plurality of cooperation instructions are stored, one cooperation instruction selected from among 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 or not 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 or not 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.

[0086] If it has received another cooperation instruction with the same user identification information (yes in S1303), the first main control unit 110 determines whether or not the color configurations of these two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information are correct, in other words, whether or not the color configurations are different (S1304). If the color configurations are correct (yes in S1304), the first main control unit 110 makes the identification information of these two cooperation instructions with the same user identification information the same (S1305) and ends this process.

[0087] 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 be processed as a single instruction (S1307). If it is to be processed as a single instruction (yes in S1307), these two cooperative instructions are processed as a single instruction (S1308). That is, if the color configuration of these two cooperative instructions is the first color configuration, the processing after S1107 in FIG. 11 is performed to process it as the first single instruction. If it is the second color configuration, the processing after S1117 in FIG. 12 is performed to process it 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.

[0088] On the other hand, if the setting of the abnormal-time process is to cancel the image forming related to the received cooperative instruction and display a message on the UI70 indicating that it is an illegal image forming instruction to notify the user, these two cooperative instructions are discarded, the image forming process is cancelled, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image forming instruction (S1309).

[0089] In the process of S1303, if no other collaboration instruction with the same user identification information is 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 collaboration instruction determined to be stored in S1301 is processed as a single instruction (S1313). That is, if the color configuration of this collaboration instruction is the first color configuration, the processes after S1107 in FIG. 11 are performed to process it as the first single instruction. If it is the second color configuration, the processes after S1117 in FIG. 12 are performed to process it 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 received collaboration instruction as an illegal image formation instruction without performing the image formation related to the collaboration instruction, this collaboration instruction is discarded, the image formation process is aborted, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1314).

[0090] 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 collaboration instruction determined to be stored in S1301 is processed as a single instruction (S1313), or this collaboration instruction is discarded, the image formation process is aborted, and the user is notified that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1314).

[0091] 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 a cooperation instruction has been received (yes in S1401 (this processing corresponds to the processing 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 a preparation instruction has not been received (no in S1402), the second main control unit 210 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if a preparation instruction has been received (yes in S1402 (this processing corresponds to the processing 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 processing of S1403 corresponds to the processing of S609 in FIG. 6.

[0092] Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S1404). The processing of S1404 corresponds to the processing 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 processing of S1405 corresponds to the processing 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 processing of S1406 corresponds to the processing of S615 in FIG. 6.

[0093] After that, the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first main control unit 110 (S1407). If it has not received the completion notification (no in S1407), the second main control unit 210 waits until it receives it. 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 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 forming operation (S1409).

[0094] On the other hand, in the process of S1401, if the cooperation instruction has not been received (no in S1401), the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received the 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.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, 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 sub-control unit 120, but are not particularly limited to such a mode. 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 embodiments, 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 sub-control unit 220, but are not particularly limited to such a mode. 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, in addition to a general-purpose processor (such as a CPU, etc.), a dedicated processor (such as a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), programmable logic device, etc.).

[0096] The above-described image forming apparatus 2 includes CPUs 111 and 121 as an example of a first processor that controls a first image forming unit 10 that forms a first image I1 using toner as an example of a colorant having a first color configuration. The image forming apparatus 2 also includes CPUs 211 and 221 as an example of a second processor that controls a second image forming unit 20 that forms a second image I2 that overlaps the first image I1 using toner having a second color configuration.

[0097] When the first processor receives an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed, if it has received another image formation instruction with the same identification information, among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction, it causes the first image formation unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the first image formation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration (S621). Further, the first processor transmits the second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction to the second processor (S602). The second processor causes the second image formation unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the second image formation instruction (S622).

[0098] Also, when the first processor receives an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed and has not received another image formation instruction with the same identification information, it processes as follows. That is, when the first processor receives another image formation instruction including the same user identification information as the user identification information which is the identification information of the user who transmitted the one image formation instruction included in the one image formation instruction (yes in S1303 of FIG. 13), among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction, it causes the first image formation unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the first image formation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration (processing after S702 of FIG. 7). Further, the first processor transmits the second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration to the second processor (S1106 of FIG. 11, S802 of FIG. 8), and the second processor causes the second image formation unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the second image formation instruction (processing after S609 of FIG. 8).

[0099] According to the image forming apparatus 2 configured as described above, even when the identification information related to two image formation instructions that require two images to be superimposed on one sheet of paper S is not the same, the two images to be superimposed can be superimposed.

[0100] Also, after receiving one image formation instruction, if the first processor does not receive another image formation instruction within a predetermined waiting time (yes in S1310), it processes the one image formation instruction according to a predetermined setting associated with the user identification information (S1311 - S1314). For example, when the setting stored in the storage unit 114 is to be treated as an illegal image formation instruction, the first processor notifies the user that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1314).

[0101] Alternatively, when the setting stored in the storage unit 114 is such that only the first image I1 or the second image I2 should be formed without superimposing the first image I1 and the second image I2 on one sheet of paper S, the first processor causes the formation of the image with the color configuration included in one of the image formation instructions among the first image I1 and the second image I2 (S1313).

[0102] Also, when the color configuration corresponding to one image formation instruction is the same as the color configuration corresponding to another image formation instruction (no in S1304), the first processor processes the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction according to a predetermined setting associated with the user identification information (S1306 - S1309). For example, when the setting stored in the storage unit 114 is to be treated as an illegal image formation instruction, the first processor notifies the user that it is an illegal image formation instruction (S1309).

[0103] Alternatively, when the setting stored in the storage unit 114 indicates that only the first image I1 or the second image I2 should be formed on one sheet of paper S without superimposing the first image I1 and the second image I2, if the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction are in the first color configuration, the first image formation unit 10 is caused to form the first image I1 (processing after S702 in FIG. 7), and if it is in the second color configuration, the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction are transmitted to the second processor (S1117). Then, the second processor causes the second image formation unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration (processing after S609 in FIG. 8).

[0104] Note that the programs executed by the CPUs 111 of the first main control unit 110, the CPUs 121 of the first sub-control units 120, the CPUs 211 of the second main control unit 210, and the CPUs 221 of the second sub-control units 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. Further, it may be downloaded using communication means such as the Internet.

[0105] When the first processor that controls the first image formation unit 10 to form the first image I1 using the color material of the first color configuration receives an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 formed by the second image formation unit 20 using the color material of the second color configuration should be superimposed, and when another image formation instruction with the same identification information has been received, the first processor causes the first image formation unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the first image formation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction, and causes the second processor that controls the second image formation unit 20 to execute a function of transmitting the second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. Also, the program constituting the present invention causes the second processor to execute a function of causing the second image formation unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the second image formation instruction.

[0106] Further, when the first processor receives an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed, and has not received another image formation instruction with the same identification information, and when the first processor receives another image formation instruction including the same user identification information as the user identification information of the user who sent the one image formation instruction included in the one image formation instruction, the first processor causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the first image formation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction, and causes the second processor that controls the second image forming unit 20 to execute a function of transmitting the second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. Further, the program constituting the present invention causes the second processor to execute a function of causing the second image forming unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the second image formation instruction.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 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, 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 using a coloring material of a first color configuration, A second processor that controls a second image forming unit that forms a second image that overlaps the first image using a coloring material of a second color configuration, Comprising, When the first processor receives an image forming instruction that includes information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped, and when it has received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, the first image is formed on the first image forming unit according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, and the second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration is transmitted to the second processor, and the second processor forms the second image on the second image forming unit according to the second image forming instruction, When the first processor receives an image forming instruction that includes information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped, and when it has not received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, and when it has received another image forming instruction that includes the same user identification information as the user identification information that is the identification information of the user who transmitted the one image forming instruction included in the one image forming instruction, among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, the first image is formed on the first image forming unit according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, and the second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration is transmitted to the second processor, and the second processor forms the second image on the second image forming unit according to the second image forming instruction, An image forming apparatus.

2. After receiving the one image forming instruction, when the first processor does not receive the other image forming instruction within a predetermined waiting time, the first processor performs processing on the one image forming instruction according to a predetermined setting associated with the user identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. When the setting is to handle it as an illegal image forming instruction, the first processor notifies the user that it is an illegal image forming instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. When the setting is such that only the first image or the second image should be formed without overlapping the first image and the second image on one sheet of paper, the first processor causes the image forming unit corresponding to the color configuration included in the one image forming instruction among the first image and the second image to form an image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. When the color configuration corresponding to the one image forming instruction is the same as the color configuration corresponding to the other image forming instruction, the first processor performs processing for the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction according to a preset setting associated with the user identification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. When the setting is to handle it as an illegal image forming instruction, the first processor notifies the user that it is an illegal image forming instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

7. When the setting is such that only the first image or the second image should be formed without overlapping the first image and the second image on one sheet of paper, and when the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction are the first color configuration, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image, and when it is the second color configuration, the first processor transmits the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction to the second processor. The second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

8. When a first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image using color materials of a first color configuration receives an image forming instruction including information that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit using color materials of a second color configuration should be overlapped, and when another image forming instruction having the same identification information has been received, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, and causes the second processor that controls the second image forming unit to transmit the second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. When the first processor receives an image formation instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be superimposed, and has not received another image formation instruction with the same identification information, and has received another image formation instruction including the same user identification information as the user identification information of the user who sent the one image formation instruction included in the one image formation instruction, the first processor causes the first image forming unit to form the first image in accordance with the first image formation instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the one image formation instruction and the other image formation instruction, and causes the second processor that controls the second image forming unit to transmit the second image formation instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. The second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image in accordance with the second image formation instruction. A program for executing the above.

Images