Image forming apparatus, program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device that enables two images to be superimposed to be superimposed, even if information about the images to be superimposed is not included in information included in an image formation instruction, although the image formation instruction requires two images to be superimposed on each other with respect to one sheet.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 having the same identification information, displays, on a UI 70, a first corresponding image 81 or a second corresponding image 82 which is related to the one image formation instruction, in order to prompt selection of the first image and the second image which are superimposed on each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

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 Document

Patent Document

[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 forming 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 forming instructions corresponding to the images to be superimposed based on the information included in the image forming instruction from one application. However, for example, when the image forming instruction for forming the first image and the image forming instruction for forming the second image are generated by different applications, it is difficult to grasp that they are image forming instructions for the two images to be superimposed by using the information included in the image forming instruction. The present invention is an image forming instruction that requires superimposing two images on a single sheet of paper, and even when the information included in the image forming instruction does not include information about the images to be superimposed, an object is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of superimposing the two images to be superimposed.

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 color materials of a first color configuration, a second processor that controls a second image forming unit to form a second image that overlaps the first image using color materials of a second color configuration, and a display unit that displays information. When the first processor receives an image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped and 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. 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 the one image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be overlapped and has not received another image forming instruction with the same identification information, the first processor causes the display unit to display related information related to the one image forming instruction to prompt selection of the first image and the second image to be overlapped. An image forming apparatus. According to the invention of claim 2, when two pieces of the related information are selected from a plurality of the related information displayed on the display unit, the first processor makes the identification information of two image forming instructions corresponding to the two pieces of related information the same. Among the two image forming instructions with the same identification information, the first image is formed on the first image forming unit according to the image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, and the image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration is transmitted to the second processor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. According to the invention of claim 3, the first processor causes the display unit to display, as the related information, a corresponding image corresponding to the image formed according to the one image forming instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when one of the corresponding images is selected from the plurality of the corresponding images, the first processor does not display the corresponding images having the same color composition as that of the one corresponding image, and displays the corresponding images having a color composition different from that of the one corresponding image on the selection screen of the corresponding image corresponding to the image to be superimposed on the image corresponding to the one corresponding image. The invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when one of the corresponding images is selected from the plurality of the corresponding images, the first processor does not display the corresponding images having a size different from the size of the paper corresponding to the one corresponding image, and displays the corresponding images having the same size as the size of the paper corresponding to the one corresponding image. The invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first processor causes the display unit to display, as the related information, a composite image in which one corresponding image corresponding to one image to be formed according to the one image forming instruction and another corresponding image corresponding to another image having a color composition different from that of the image are superimposed. The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the size of the paper for forming the one image is the same as the size of the paper for forming the other image, the first processor superimposes the one corresponding image and the other corresponding image. The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the information of the user who output the one image forming instruction is the same as the information of the user who output the image forming instruction of the other image, the first processor superimposes the one corresponding image and the other corresponding image. In the invention according to claim 9, when a first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image using a color material of a first color configuration receives an image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit using a color material of a second color configuration should be superimposed, 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 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; the second processor causes the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the second image forming instruction; and when the first processor receives an image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and the second image should be superimposed and no other image forming instruction having the same identification information has been received, the first processor causes a display unit that displays information to display related information related to the one image forming instruction to prompt the user to select between the first image and the second image to be superimposed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, even when an image forming instruction that requires two images to be superimposed on a single sheet of paper does not include information about the images to be superimposed in the information included in the image forming instruction, the user can grasp the image forming instructions for the two images to be superimposed by selection, so that the two images to be superimposed can be superimposed. According to the invention of claim 2, since the image forming instructions for the two images to be superimposed can be grasped, the two images to be superimposed can be accurately superimposed. According to the invention of claim 3, it can be made easier for the user to select. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally making a selection. According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally making a selection. According to the invention of claim 6, it can be made easier for the user to make a selection. According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to suppress the user from making an accidental selection. According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to suppress the user from making an accidental selection. According to the invention of claim 9, it is an image formation instruction that requires superimposing two images on a single sheet of paper. Even when the information regarding the images to be superimposed is not included in the information contained in the image formation instruction, the user can grasp the image formation instructions for the two images to be superimposed by making a selection, so 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

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

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, a WAN (Wide Area Network), and a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line 5 may be wired or wireless, or a combination of these. For example, the wireless LAN can be exemplified by WiFi (registered trademark).

[0009] The image forming apparatus 2 includes, within 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 together on one sheet of paper S, a first control unit 100 that controls the first image forming unit 10, and a second control unit 200 that controls the second image forming unit 20. In the image forming apparatus 2, the first control unit 100 controls a paper conveyance device 40 that conveys the paper S. Details of the image forming apparatus 2 will be described in detail later.

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

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

[0012] The storage unit 92 can be exemplified by a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 92 stores, for example, application programs such as applications for document creation, printer drivers, etc. Further, the storage unit 92 stores the composition of the color 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 the manuscript M created using the application on the paper S. The printer driver acquires the image formation instruction output from the application and converts it into a command in a format that can be analyzed by the image forming apparatus 2. More specifically, after acquiring, for example, an image formation instruction for the manuscript M output from the application, the printer driver considers the respective characteristics of the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20, and converts it into a first image formation instruction, which is a command for image formation by the first image forming unit 10, and a second image formation instruction, which is a command for image formation by the second image forming unit 20. Then, the printer driver outputs the first image formation instruction and the second image formation instruction to the first control unit 100. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first image formation instruction and the second image formation instruction, they may be collectively referred to as "image formation instruction".

[0014] The image formation instruction includes identification information, which is information for identifying the image formation instruction, image data, which is data of the image to be formed, and the set image formation settings. The image formation settings can be exemplified by the size and material of the paper S on which the image is to be formed, and the specification of the color of the color material to be used. Further, the image formation instruction includes information on whether it is a cooperative instruction or a single instruction, which will be described later. Note that the identification information can include information on the terminal device 9 from which the image formation instruction is output, the time when the image formation instruction is output, and the like.

[0015] The display unit 93 is a display device that displays still images, moving images, and the like. The display unit 93 can be exemplified by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The operation unit 94 is an input device that receives operations from the user. The operation unit 94 can be exemplified by buttons, switches, and touch panels. The communication unit 95 can be exemplified as a communication interface.

[0016] The terminal device 9 configured as described above can be exemplified by 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.

[0017] (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 sometimes 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.

[0018] 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".

[0019] 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 transferred and superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 17 to the paper S.

[0020] 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".

[0021] The paper transport device 40 includes an upper roll 41 and a lower roll 42 arranged apart in the vertical direction, and a transport belt 43 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 arranged between the supply roll 44 and the transport belt 43. The paper transport device 40 further includes a plurality of sensors 46 that detect the passage of the transported paper S.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 2 configured as described above operates as follows. The four-color toner images formed on the photoreceptor drum 12 of the image forming unit 11 of the first image forming unit 10 are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17 by the primary transfer roll 18, and a superimposed toner image in which the four-color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 17. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 17 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit where the secondary transfer roll 19 is arranged as the intermediate transfer belt 17 moves.

[0024] When the superimposed toner image of the first image forming unit 10 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit, the sheet S is supplied from the sheet holding unit 30 to the secondary transfer unit in accordance with the timing. Then, the superimposed toner image is batchwise secondary-transferred onto the conveyed sheet S by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 19 in the secondary transfer unit. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as "first image I1".

[0025] On the other hand, the other four-color toner images formed on the photoreceptor drum 22 of the image forming unit 21 of the second image forming unit 20 are primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 27 by the primary transfer roll 28, and a superimposed toner image in which the other four-color toners are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 27. Then, this superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 27 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit where the secondary transfer roll 29 is arranged as the intermediate transfer belt 27 moves.

[0026] When the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit, the sheet S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming unit 10 is supplied to this secondary transfer unit in accordance with the timing. Then, the superimposed toner image of the second image forming unit 20 is batchwise secondary-transferred onto the superimposed toner image on the sheet S on which the superimposed toner image has been electrostatically transferred by the first image forming unit 10 that has been conveyed, by the transfer electric field formed by the secondary transfer roll 29 in the secondary transfer unit. Hereinafter, the superimposed toner image formed by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as "second image I2".

[0027] 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 pressurized 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 executing the program by the CPU 111, the functions of the first main control unit 110 described below are realized.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, similar to the first main control unit 110. 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, and controls 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.

[0033] Further, the first sub-control unit 120 acquires information indicating that an error has occurred, such as toner exhaustion of the toner possessed by the first image forming unit 10 or paper jam in the paper conveyance device 40. The first sub-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 sub-control unit 120 acquires information indicating that the occurred error has been resolved. Also, for example, when the error is paper jam, when the paper jam is resolved, the first sub-control unit 120 acquires information indicating that the occurred error has been resolved. Then, the first sub-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.

[0034] (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 sub-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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The second main control unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the second sub-control unit 220, the first control unit 100, and the UI 70 via the communication unit 215. Further, the second main control unit 210 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data. The second main control unit 210 converts the received image data into white data, gold data, silver data, or clear data, which are the reproduced colors of the second image forming unit 20, that is, the colors of the toner of the second image forming unit 20 (white, gold, silver, clear), and outputs the converted data. In addition, 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.

[0037] 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 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. In addition, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires information indicating that a toner-out error has occurred in the toner of the second image forming unit 20. The second sub-control unit 220 notifies the error information to the second main control unit 210. The second main control unit 210 notifies the user by displaying the error information on the display panel of the UI 70. Then, for example, when the error is toner-out, when the toner is replenished, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires information indicating 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.

[0038] (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 secondary transfer of a four-color superimposed toner image onto the sheet S by the first image forming unit 10 may be referred to as "the first image forming unit 10 forms an image". Further, hereinafter, the secondary transfer of another four-color superimposed toner image onto the sheet S by the second image forming unit 20 may be referred to as "the second image forming unit 20 forms an image".

[0039] The processing procedures performed by the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 will be described below. Here, for example, after the printer driver of the terminal device 9 acquires an image formation instruction output from an application, if it is an instruction that requires the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image, it is converted into commands for the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210. Then, the printer driver outputs the commands to the first main control unit 110. In this way, the terminal device 9 transmits an image formation instruction to the first main control unit 110. Hereinafter, an image formation instruction that requires the first image forming unit 10 and the second image forming unit 20 to form an image may be referred to as a "cooperation instruction". The terminal device 9 transmits a cooperation instruction to the first main control unit 110. The terminal device 9 includes information 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 indicating that an image needs to be formed by the second image forming unit 20 but not by the first image forming unit 10 in the second independent instruction. When there is no need to distinguish between the "first independent instruction" and the "second independent instruction", they may be collectively referred to as an "independent instruction".

[0042] The first main control unit 110 determines whether it is a collaborative instruction, a first independent instruction, or a second independent instruction based on the information included in the image formation instruction sent from the terminal device 9. Then, in the case of a first independent instruction, the first main control unit 110 performs an image formation process corresponding to the first independent instruction. In the case of a second independent instruction, the first main control unit 110 transfers the second independent instruction to the second main control unit 210. Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 and the second main control unit 210 perform an image formation process corresponding to the second independent instruction. These processes will be described in detail later.

[0043] 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 composition 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.

[0044] 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 independent 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 composition 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).

[0045] The first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of the instructed image formation settings (S604). As a result, the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the image formation settings and instructs preparations associated with image formation (S605). Examples of the preparations associated with image formation include operations necessary for the paper transport device 40 to be able to transport the paper S (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "transport preparations"), such as starting the motor that rotates various rolls such as the supply roll 44. Also, it is an operation of preparations necessary for the fixing device 50 to fix the toner image to the paper S, and an example is raising the temperature of the heating roll 51.

[0046] 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 sends a preparation instruction to the second main control unit 210 to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S607). On the other hand, if an error has occurred (yes in S606), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved.

[0047] The second main control unit 210 receives the preparation instruction sent by the first main control unit 110 (S608). Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the image formation settings (S609). As a result, the second sub-control unit 220 acquires the image formation settings (S610).

[0048] Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 determines whether an error such as toner exhaustion has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S611). If no error has occurred (no in S611), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation for the second image forming unit 20 (S612). After acquiring the preparation instruction (S613), the second sub-control unit 220 instructs the second image forming unit 20 to perform image formation preparation (S614). Image formation preparation is a preparatory operation performed when the second image forming unit 20 forms an image on the paper S, and examples thereof include warm-up of the developing device 25 and the like, image quality adjustment processing, and an operation of spontaneously discarding deteriorated toner. All of these are operations accompanied by power consumption, and some are operations accompanied by 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.

[0049] When the image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is completed, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notice 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 notice 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).

[0050] After receiving the completion notice from the second main control unit 210 (S616), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first sub-control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation for the first image forming unit 10 (S617). After acquiring the preparation instruction (S618), the first sub-control unit 120 instructs the first image forming unit 10 to perform image formation preparation (S619). Examples of the image formation preparation can include warm-up of the developing device 15 and the like, image quality adjustment processing, and an operation to spontaneously discard deteriorated toner. Then, when the image formation preparation is completed, the first image forming unit 10 enters a standby state.

[0051] When the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed, the first sub-control unit 120 causes the paper transport device 40 to start transporting the paper S (S620), and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the transported paper S (S621). Note that after instructing the image formation preparation (S617), the first main control unit 110 may determine that the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed when receiving a notice from the first image forming unit 10 that the preparation is completed. Further, after instructing the image formation preparation (S617), the first main control unit 110 may determine that the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed when a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0052] The second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the transported paper S (S622). Then, the first sub-control unit 120 fixes the toner image on the transported paper S by the fixing device 50, discharges the fixed paper S to the paper stacking unit 60, and completes the image formation (S623). Thereafter, the first sub-control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that the image formation is completed (S624). After acquiring the completion notice (S625), the first main control unit 110 transmits a completion notice indicating that the image formation is completed to the second main control unit 210 (S626). After receiving the completion notice (S627), the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a notice indicating that the completion notice has been received (S628).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 is to 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 is to 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 is to perform image forming preparation (S617).

[0055] 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, it suppresses a situation where, although the image forming preparation of the second image forming unit 20 is not complete, the paper conveyance by the paper conveyance device 40 and the image forming operation by the first image forming unit 10 are started, and the image forming operation by the second image forming unit 20 cannot keep up. Also, this suppresses the wasteful consumption of power due to the second image forming unit 20 being in a standby state for a long time, even though an error has occurred in the first image forming unit 10 or the paper conveyance device 40. Further, it suppresses the wasteful consumption of power due to the first image forming unit 10 being in a standby state for a long time, even though an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20.

[0056] 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 a message indicating that the completion notification has been received to the first main control unit 110 (S628). This suppresses the second control unit 200 from being unable to recognize that the fixing by the fixing device 50 has also ended and the image formation has been completed.

[0057] (Processing when the first independent instruction is received) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the first control unit 100 when the first main control unit 110 receives the first independent instruction. When the first main control unit 110 receives the first independent instruction (S701), it notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction (S702). As a result, the first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the image formation settings corresponding to the first independent instruction and instructs the preparation for image formation (S703). Thereafter, the first main control unit 110 determines whether an error has occurred (S704). If an error has occurred (yes in S704), the first main control unit 110 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S704), the first main control unit 110 notifies the first subordinate control unit 120 of a preparation instruction to perform the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 corresponding to the independent instruction (S705).

[0058] After the first subordinate control unit 120 acquires the preparation instruction (S706), it instructs the first image forming unit 10 to perform the image formation preparation (S707). When the image formation preparation of the first image forming unit 10 is completed, the first subordinate control unit 120 starts to convey the paper S to the paper conveyance device 40 (S708) and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form an image on the conveyed paper S (S709). Then, the first subordinate control unit 120 fixes the toner image on the conveyed paper S to the fixing device 50, discharges the fixed paper S to the paper stacking unit 60, and completes the image formation (S710). Thereafter, the first subordinate control unit 120 notifies the first main control unit 110 that the image formation has been completed (S711). Then, after the first main control unit 110 acquires the completion notification (S712), it ends the image formation operation (S713).

[0059] (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 individual instruction (S801), it transmits the second individual instruction to the second main control unit 210 via the connection line 150 (S802). The second main control unit 210 receives the second individual 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 individual instruction (S804).

[0060] When the first sub-control unit 120 acquires the settings corresponding to the second individual instruction and instructs the preparation associated with image formation (S805). As a result, the paper transport device 40 and the fixing device 50 perform preparations associated with image formation, such as preparations for paper transport and fixing. Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S606 to S616 described above.

[0061] 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, which is a notification to perform paper transport and fixing in accordance with the image formation in the second image forming unit 20 without performing the image formation preparation in the first image forming unit 10. 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).

[0062] The second sub-control unit 220 causes the second image forming unit 20 to form an image on the transported paper S (S622). Thereafter, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes of S623 to S631 described above.

[0063] (Processing when no cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period) FIG. 6 shows the processing when another cooperative instruction with the same identification information is received within a predetermined period after receiving the cooperative instruction. However, since the identification information of the cooperative instructions regarding the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed is different, it is considered that two cooperative instructions with the same identification information are not received within a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be exemplified as, for example, 1 minute.

[0064] For example, when a manuscript M created using one application is such that, as shown in FIG. 4, a black character "A" is displayed against a silver square background, the image formation instruction for the manuscript M is composed of a first image formation instruction for the character "A" and a second image formation instruction for the silver background. Thus, the same identification information is included in the first image formation instruction and the second image formation instruction for the manuscript M created using one application.

[0065] On the other hand, when images of characters or the like 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 output from the different applications respectively. For example, when the application that created the character "A" is different from the application that created the silver background, 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.

[0066] 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 the different terminal devices 9 respectively. For example, when the terminal device 9 that created the character "A" is different from the terminal device 9 that created the silver background, it is conceivable that the same identification information is not included in the first image formation instruction output from one terminal device 9 for forming the image of the character "A" on the sheet of paper S and the second image formation instruction output from a terminal device 9 different from the one terminal device 9 for forming the image of the silver background on the same sheet of paper S. 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.

[0067] In view of the above matters, when the first main control unit 110 does not receive a cooperation instruction with the same identification information within a predetermined period, it performs processing as described below. After receiving one cooperation instruction, when the first main control unit 110 does not receive a cooperation instruction with the same identification information within a predetermined period, it stores the information of the one cooperation instruction in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114. Then, the first main control unit 110 causes the related information related to the cooperation instruction stored in the storage area to be displayed on the display panel of the UI 70, and prompts the selection of the combination of images corresponding to the cooperation instruction.

[0068] FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b) are diagrams showing an example of the first selection screen 71 displayed on the UI 70. As related information, the first main control unit 110 causes the UI 70 to display the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 formed by the first image forming unit 10 and the second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2 formed by the second image forming unit 20, and also causes a statement 83 for prompting the selection of two images to be superimposed to be displayed. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first corresponding image 81 and the second corresponding image 82, they may be collectively referred to as "corresponding images".

[0069] The corresponding image can be exemplified as an image obtained by simulating the first image I1 and the second image I2 and displaying them on the UI 70, similar to a preview image that is displayed on the display unit 93 by simulating the image formed on the paper S before outputting an image formation instruction such as a created document in the terminal device 9. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the first main control unit 110 can be exemplified as arranging and displaying the corresponding images in the right direction from the upper left of the UI 70 in the order in which the cooperation instructions for the corresponding images are received. However, the mode of displaying the corresponding images on the UI 70 is not limited to arranging them in the received order. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the first main control unit 110 may display the UI 70 by changing the row for displaying the first corresponding image 81 and the row for displaying the second corresponding image 82.

[0070] The description 83 is a description that prompts the user to select a combination of the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed on one sheet of paper S. For example, it can be exemplified by "Please select the images to be combined" and "Please select the images to be superimposed". However, it is not limited to these descriptions.

[0071] When one of the plurality of corresponding images displayed on the first selection screen 71 of the UI70 is selected by the first main control unit 110, the UI70 is caused to display a second selection screen 72 for selecting a corresponding image corresponding to the image (the first image I1 or the second image I2) to be superimposed on the corresponding image (the second image I2 or the first image I1). Note that the selection of a corresponding image can be exemplified by the corresponding image displayed on the UI70 being pressed or touched.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second selection screen 72 displayed on the UI70. The first main control unit 110 does not display a corresponding image having the same color configuration as the corresponding image selected on the first selection screen 71 on the second selection screen 72, but displays a corresponding image having a color configuration different from the color configuration of the corresponding image selected on the first selection screen 71. That is, the first main control unit 110 displays both the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 and the second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2 on the first selection screen 71. Then, when one of the corresponding images displayed on the first selection screen 71 is selected, the first main control unit 110 determines whether the one corresponding image is the first corresponding image 81 or the second corresponding image 82. When it is determined that it is the first corresponding image 81, as shown in FIG. 10, the second corresponding image 82 is displayed on the second selection screen 72 without displaying the first corresponding image 81. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the second corresponding image 82, the first main control unit 110 displays the first corresponding image 81 on the second selection screen 72 without displaying the second corresponding image 82. Thereby, being erroneously selected by the user is suppressed.

[0073] When any one of the plurality of corresponding images displayed on the second selection screen 72 is selected, the first main control unit 110 makes the identification information of two cooperation instructions corresponding to the corresponding image selected on the first selection screen 71 and the corresponding image selected on the second selection screen 72 the same. Then, 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 to the second main control unit 210. After that, the first control unit 100 and the second control unit 200 perform the processes after S604 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0074] 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 processes 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] After that, 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.

[0077] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S1110). If it has not received the completion notification (no in S1110), the first main control unit 110 waits until it receives the completion notification. On the other hand, if it has received the completion notification (yes 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.

[0078] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification from the first sub-control unit 120 indicating that image formation has been completed (S1112). If the completion notification has not been received (no in S1112), the first main control unit 110 waits until it is received. On the other hand, if the completion notification has been received (yes in S1112), the first main control unit 110 sends a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed to the second main control unit 210 (S1113). The process of S1113 corresponds to the process of S626 described with reference to FIG. 6. After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a reception notification from the second main control unit 210 indicating that the completion notification has been received (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).

[0079] On the one 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. After that, 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.

[0080] After that, 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.

[0081] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1124). If it has not received the completion notification (no in S1124), the first main control unit 110 waits until it does. On the other hand, if it has received the completion notification (yes in S1124), the first main control unit 110 sends a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed to the second main control unit 210 (S1125). The process of S1125 corresponds to the process of S626 described with reference to FIG. 8. After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a reception notification indicating that it has received the completion notification from the second main control unit 210 (S1126). If it has not received the reception notification indicating that it has received the completion notification (no in S1126), the first main control unit 110 waits until it does. On the other hand, if it has received the reception notification indicating that it has received the completion notification (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).

[0082] 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.

[0083] After that, the first main control unit 110 determines whether it has received a completion notification indicating that image formation has been completed from the first sub-control unit 120 (S1130). If it has not received the completion notification (no in S1130), the first main control unit 110 waits until it does. On the other hand, if it has received the completion notification (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).

[0084] On the other hand, if it has not received in 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 in 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 in 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The first main control unit 110 determines whether the information of the cooperation instruction is stored in a storage area such as the RAM 113 or the storage unit 114 (S1301). If it is not stored (no in S1301), the first main control unit 110 ends this process. On the other hand, if it is stored (yes in S1301), the first main control unit 110 causes the UI 70 to display the first selection screen 71 (S1302). Then, it is determined whether any of the corresponding images displayed on the first selection screen 71 has been selected (S1303). If none is selected (no in S1303), the first main control unit 110 ends this process.

[0087] On the other hand, if selected (yes in S1303), the first main control unit 110 causes the UI 70 to display the second selection screen 72 (S1304). The first main control unit 110 displays, on the second selection screen 72, a corresponding image that can be superimposed on the image (the first image I1 or the second image I2) corresponding to the corresponding image selected in S1303 (the second image I2 if the corresponding image of the first image I1 is selected, and the first image I1 if the corresponding image of the second image I2 is selected). Then, it is determined whether any of the corresponding images displayed on the second selection screen 72 has been selected (S1305). If none is selected (no in S1305), the first main control unit 110 performs the processes after S1304.

[0088] On the other hand, if selected (yes in S1305), the first main control unit 110 makes the identification information of the cooperation instruction related to the corresponding image selected in S1303 the same as the identification information of the cooperation instruction related to the corresponding image selected in S1305 (S1306).

[0089] The processing performed by the second main control unit 210 will be 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 process at regular intervals (for example, 1 millisecond) set in advance. The second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a cooperation instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1401). If it has received a cooperation instruction (yes in S1401 (this process corresponds to the process of S603 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a preparation instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1402). If it has not received a preparation instruction (no in S1402), the second main control unit 210 waits until it receives one. On the other hand, if it has received a preparation instruction (yes in S1402 (this process corresponds to the process of S608 described with reference to FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of the instructed image formation settings (S1403). The process of S1403 corresponds to the process of S609 in FIG. 6.

[0090] Thereafter, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the second image forming unit 20 (S1404). The process of S1404 corresponds to the process of S611 in FIG. 6. If an error has occurred (yes in S1404), the second main control unit 210 waits until the error is resolved. On the other hand, if no error has occurred (no in S1404), the second main control unit 210 notifies the second sub-control unit 220 of a preparation instruction to perform image formation preparation of the second image forming unit 20 (S1405). The process of S1405 corresponds to the process of S612 in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the second main control unit 210 transmits a completion notification to the first main control unit 110 (S1406). The process of S1406 corresponds to the process of S615 in FIG. 6.

[0091] Thereafter, 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 a completion notification (no in S1407), the second main control unit 210 waits until it receives one. On the other hand, if it has received a completion notification (yes in S1407 (this process corresponds to the process of S627 in FIG. 6)), the second main control unit 210 transmits to the first main control unit 110 a message indicating that it has received the completion notification (S1408). The process of S1408 corresponds to the process of S628 in FIG. 6. Then, the second main control unit 210 ends the image formation operation (S1409).

[0092] On the one hand, in the process of S1401, when no cooperation instruction is received (no in S1401), the second main control unit 210 determines whether it has received a second individual instruction from the first main control unit 110 (S1410). When no second individual instruction is received (no in S1410), the second main control unit 210 ends this process. On the other hand, when a second individual instruction is received (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.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the functions of the first control unit 100 are executed by the CPU 111 of the first main control unit 110 and the CPU 121 of the first slave control unit 120 working together, but it is 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 by using three or more processors. Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the functions of the second control unit 200 are executed by the CPU 211 of the second main control unit 210 and the CPU 221 of the second slave control unit 220 working together, but it is 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 by 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), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0094] 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 color material having a first color configuration. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 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, and a UI 70 as an example of a display unit that displays information.

[0095] When the first processor receives a single image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be overlapped, and when it has received another image forming instruction having the same identification information, among the single image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction, the first image forming unit 10 is caused to form the first image I1 according to the first image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration. Further, the first processor transmits a second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration among the single image forming instruction and the other image forming instruction to the second processor (S1106). The second processor causes the second image forming unit 20 to form the second image I2 according to the second image forming instruction.

[0096] Also, when the first processor receives a single image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be overlapped, and when it has not received another image forming instruction having the same identification information (no in S1103), in order to prompt the selection of the overlapping first image I1 and second image I2, a corresponding image as an example of related information related to the single image forming instruction is displayed on the UI 70 (S1302).

[0097] Also, when two corresponding images are selected from among a plurality of corresponding images displayed on the UI 70 (yes in S1303 and S1305), the first processor makes the identification information of two image forming instructions corresponding to the two corresponding images the same, and causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the first image I1 according to the image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration among the two image forming instructions having the same identification information, and transmits the image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration to the second processor (S1106).

[0098] Further, when one corresponding image is selected from a plurality of corresponding images displayed on the first selection screen 71, the first processor, in the second selection screen 72 as an example of a selection screen for a corresponding image corresponding to an image to be superimposed on the image corresponding to the one corresponding image, does not display a corresponding image having the same color configuration as the one corresponding image selected on the first selection screen 71, but displays a corresponding image having a color configuration different from that of the one corresponding image (see FIG. 10).

[0099] According to the image forming apparatus 2 configured as described above, although it is an image forming instruction that requires two images to be superimposed on one sheet of paper S, even when the information included in the image forming instruction does not include information about the images to be superimposed, the two images to be superimposed are accurately superimposed.

[0100] <First Modification Example of Display of UI70> FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of the first selection screen 74 according to the first modification example. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing an example of the second selection screen 75 according to the first modification example. When the first main control unit 110 causes the UI70 to display corresponding images corresponding to the first image I1 formed by the first image forming unit 10 and the second image I2 formed by the second image forming unit 20, the first main control unit 110 causes the UI70 to display the corresponding images in a size corresponding to the size of the sheet S on which the first image I1 and the second image I2 are formed. For example, when the size of the sheet S on which the first images I1 of "A" and "C" are formed is A4 and the size of the sheet S on which the first image I1 of "B" is formed is A3, the size of the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to "B" is made larger than the first corresponding images 81 corresponding to "A" and "C".

[0101] When one of the plurality of corresponding images displayed on the first selection screen 74 according to the first modification example of the UI 70 is selected, the first main control unit 110 causes the second selection screen 75 of the corresponding image corresponding to the image to be superimposed on the selected corresponding image to display the corresponding image in consideration of the color configuration and the size of the paper S. That is, the first main control unit 110 does not display on the second selection screen 75 a corresponding image having the same color configuration as the selected corresponding image on the first selection screen 74 and a corresponding image formed in a size different from the size of the paper S on which the image (the first image I1 or the second image I2) corresponding to the selected corresponding image is formed. Then, the first main control unit 110 displays on the second selection screen 75 a corresponding image having a color configuration different from that of the selected corresponding image on the first selection screen 74 and formed in the same size as the size of the paper S on which the image corresponding to the selected corresponding image is formed.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the first main control unit 110 displays both the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 and the second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2 on the first selection screen 74 according to the first modification example of the UI 70 in a size corresponding to the size of the paper S on which the first image I1 and the second image I2 are formed. Then, when one of the displayed corresponding images is selected, the first main control unit 110 determines whether the selected corresponding image is the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 or the second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2. When the first main control unit 110 determines that it is the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1, as shown in FIG. 15(b), on the second selection screen 75 according to the first modification example of the UI 70, the first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 is not displayed, and the second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2 and formed on the paper S having the same size as the size of the paper S on which the first image I1 is formed is displayed. This suppresses the user from accidentally selecting it.

[0103] As described above, in the first modification example, when one corresponding image is selected from a plurality of corresponding images, the first processor does not display a corresponding image having a size different from the size of the sheet S corresponding to the one corresponding image, but displays a corresponding image having the same size as the sheet S of the one corresponding image. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally selecting an incorrect image.

[0104] <Second Modification Example of the Display of UI70> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 76 according to the second modification example. The first main control unit 110 may display a composite image 84 obtained by superimposing a first corresponding image 81 corresponding to the first image I1 formed by the first image forming unit 10 and a second corresponding image 82 corresponding to the second image I2 formed by the second image forming unit 20 on the UI70. When there are a plurality of first corresponding images 81 and second corresponding images 82, the first main control unit 110 displays composite images 84 of all combinations of the first corresponding image 81 and the second corresponding image 82 on the UI70. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when there are three first corresponding images 81 and three second corresponding images 82, nine composite images 84 are displayed on the UI70.

[0105] Then, when any one of the displayed composite images 84 is selected, it is determined that the identification information of the cooperation instruction of the first corresponding image 81 constituting the selected composite image 84 is the same as the cooperation instruction corresponding to the second corresponding image 82. Note that the first main control unit 110 may display, for example, a caption 85 such as "Please select the image to be output" on the selection screen 76 according to the second modification example in order to prompt the selection of two images to be superimposed.

[0106] As described above, in the second modification example, the first processor causes the UI 70 to display a composite image 84 in which a corresponding image (e.g., the first corresponding image 81) corresponding to one image (e.g., the first image I1) formed according to one image formation instruction and another corresponding image (e.g., the second corresponding image 82) corresponding to another image (e.g., the second image I2) having a color configuration (e.g., the second color configuration) different from the color configuration (e.g., the first color configuration) of the one image (e.g., the first image I1) are superimposed. Thereby, since the composite image 84 is an image in which two images are superimposed in the same manner as the image formed on the sheet S, it is suppressed from being erroneously selected by the user.

[0107] <Third Modification Example of the Display of UI70> FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen 77 according to the third modification example. When the first main control unit 110 causes the composite image 84 to be displayed as in the second modification example, the first corresponding image 81 and the second corresponding image 82 having the same size as the sheet S may be combined as in the first modification example. For example, when there are two first corresponding images 81 of A4, one first corresponding image 81 of A3, two second corresponding images 82 of A4, and one second corresponding image 82 of A3, five composite images 84 including four composite images 84 of A4 and one composite image 84 of A3 may be displayed on the UI 70 as shown in FIG. 17.

[0108] As described above, in the third modification example, when the size of the sheet S for forming one image (e.g., the first image I1) is the same as the size of the sheet S for forming another image (e.g., the second image I2), the first processor superimposes one corresponding image (e.g., the first corresponding image 81) and another corresponding image (e.g., the second corresponding image 82). Thereby, since the user's options are reduced, it is suppressed from being erroneously selected by the user.

[0109] Further, when the first main control unit 110 causes the composite image 84 to be displayed as in the second modification example, if the information of the terminal device 9 included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction of one image (for example, the first image I1) is the same as the information of the terminal device 9 included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction of the other image (for example, the second image I2), one corresponding image (for example, the first corresponding image 81) and the other corresponding image (for example, the second corresponding image 82) may be superimposed. As a result, the user's options are reduced, so that the user is less likely to make a mistaken selection.

[0110] Furthermore, when the information of the user who output the image formation instruction is included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction, when the first main control unit 110 causes the composite image 84 to be displayed as in the second modification example, if the information of the user included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction of one image is the same as the information of the user included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction of the other image, one corresponding image and the other corresponding image may be superimposed. As a result, a composite image 84 in which the one corresponding image and the other corresponding image are superimposed, where the user who output the cooperation instruction of the one image corresponding to the one corresponding image is the same as the user who output the cooperation instruction of the other image corresponding to the other corresponding image, is displayed on the UI70, so that the user's options are reduced. As a result, the user is less likely to make a mistaken selection.

[0111] <Fourth Modification Example of the Display of UI70> FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing an example of a first selection screen 78 according to the fourth modification example. FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing an example of a second selection screen 79 according to the fourth modification example. The first main control unit 110 may display, in characters 87, the information included in the identification information of the cooperation instruction as related information related to the cooperation instruction stored in the storage unit 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the first main control unit 110 can be exemplified by displaying, in characters 87, the information of the terminal device 9 from which the cooperation instruction was output and the time (for example, date and time) when the cooperation instruction was output, which are included in the identification information.

[0112] When one of the plurality of characters 87 displayed on the first selection screen 78 of the UI 70 is selected, the first main control unit 110 causes the UI 70 to display a second selection screen 79 for selecting a character 87 corresponding to an image to be superimposed on the image corresponding to the one character 87. As shown in FIG. 18(b), on the second selection screen 79, the first main control unit 110 does not display the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction having the same color configuration as the cooperation instruction corresponding to the character 87 selected on the first selection screen 78, but displays the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction having a different color configuration.

[0113] Alternatively, the first main control unit 110 may cause the second selection screen 79 not to display the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction of the sheet S having a size different from the size of the sheet S of the cooperation instruction corresponding to the character 87 selected on the first selection screen 78, and display the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction of the sheet S having the same size. Furthermore, the first main control unit 110 may cause the second selection screen 79 not to display the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction having the same color configuration as the cooperation instruction corresponding to the character 87 selected on the first selection screen 78 or the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction of the sheet S having a size different from the size of the sheet S, and display the character 87 corresponding to the cooperation instruction having a different color configuration and the same size of the sheet S.

[0114] Even in the aspect according to the fourth modification example, it is an image formation instruction that requires superimposing two images on one sheet S. However, even when the information about the images to be superimposed is not included in the information included in the image formation instruction, the two images to be superimposed are accurately superimposed.

[0115] The programs executed by the CPU 111 of the first main control unit 110, the CPU 121 of the first sub-control unit 120, the CPU 211 of the second main control unit 210, and the CPU 221 of the second sub-control unit 220 can be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Also, it may be downloaded using communication means such as the Internet.

[0116] And when a first processor that controls a first image forming unit 10 for forming a first image I1 using a color material of a first color configuration receives an image forming instruction including information that the first image I1 and a second image I2 formed by a second image forming unit 20 using a color material of a second color configuration should be superimposed, and when another image forming instruction having the same identification information has been received, the first processor causes the first image forming unit 10 to form the first image I1 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 20 to execute a function of transmitting a second image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration. In addition, 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 forming instruction. In addition, when the first processor receives an image forming instruction including information that the first image I1 and the second image I2 should be superimposed and has not received another image forming instruction having the same identification information, the program constituting the present invention causes the first processor to execute a function of causing the UI 70 to display related information related to the one image forming instruction in order to prompt selection between the first image I1 and the second image I2 to be superimposed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1... Image forming system, 2... Image forming apparatus, 5... Communication line, 9... Terminal device, 10... First image forming unit, 20... Second image forming unit, 40... Paper conveyance device, 70... UI, 100... First control unit, 110... First main control unit, 120... First sub-control unit, 150... Connection line, 200... Second control unit, 210... Second main control unit, 220... Second sub-control unit

Claims

1. A first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image using a color material having 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 color material having a second color configuration; A display unit that displays information; Comprising: When the first processor receives an image forming instruction including 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. 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 the one image forming instruction including 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, in order to prompt the selection of the first image and the second image to be overlapped, the display unit is caused to display related information related to the one image forming instruction. An image forming apparatus.

2. When two pieces of the related information are selected from a plurality of the related information displayed on the display unit, the first processor makes the identification information of two image forming instructions corresponding to the two pieces of the related information the same. Among the two image forming instructions with the same identification information, the first image is formed on the first image forming unit according to the image forming instruction corresponding to the first color configuration, and the image forming instruction corresponding to the second color configuration is transmitted to the second processor. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The first processor causes the display unit to display a corresponding image corresponding to the image formed according to the one image forming instruction as the related information. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. When one of the corresponding images is selected from a plurality of the corresponding images, the first processor does not display the corresponding images having the same color configuration as the color configuration of the one corresponding image on the selection screen of the corresponding images corresponding to the images to be overlapped with the image corresponding to the one corresponding image, and displays the corresponding images having a color configuration different from the color configuration of the one corresponding image. The image forming apparatus according to Claim 3.

5. When one of the plurality of corresponding images is selected by the first processor, the first processor causes the display to show only the corresponding images having the same paper size as the paper size of the one corresponding image, without showing the corresponding images having a size different from the paper size of the one corresponding image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The first processor causes the display unit to display, as the related information, a composite image in which one corresponding image corresponding to one image to be formed according to the one image forming instruction and another corresponding image corresponding to another image having a color configuration different from the color configuration of the image are superimposed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. When the paper size for forming the one image is the same as the paper size for forming the other image, the first processor superimposes the one corresponding image and the other corresponding image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

8. When the information of the user who output the one image forming instruction is the same as the information of the user who output the image forming instruction of the other image, the first processor superimposes the one corresponding image and the other corresponding image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6.

9. When a first processor that controls a first image forming unit that forms a first image using a color material of a first color configuration receives an image forming instruction including information indicating that the first image and a second image formed by a second image forming unit using a color material of a second color configuration should be superimposed, and when the first processor has received another image forming instruction having the same identification information, 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 to the second processor, and causes the second processor to cause the second image forming unit to form the second image according to the second image forming instruction. 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, the first processor causes a display unit that displays information to display related information related to the one image formation instruction in order to prompt selection of the first image and the second image to be superimposed. A program for executing the above.

Images