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US6430382B1 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Image forming apparatus which pre-prepares for sheet processing

Assignee: Canon Inc
•
Filing: 2000-07-19
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Granted: 2002-08-06
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Expires: 2020-07-19
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Abstract

Abstract Image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies sheet processing such as stapling to a sheet formed image by the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an input terminal for inputting image forming job, an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with the image forming job inputted by the input terminal, a discriminator for discriminating if a first image forming job does not include sheet processing whereas a second and subsequent image forming job includes sheet processing, and a controller for instructing the sheet processing apparatus to perform a preparatory operation for he second image forming job during the first image forming job in accordance with a discrimination result, such as by moving a staple unit to designated position for the second image forming job.

Inventors

  • 👤 Kiyoshi Okamoto
  • 👤 Norifumi Miyake
  • 👤 Mitsushige Murata

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 14:51
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/65; G03G15/6538; B; B65; B65H; B65H45/00; B65H45/12; B65H45/18; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00567; H04N1/00639; H04N1/00649; H04N1/00912; H04N1/00954; B65H2801/00; B65H2801/24; B65H2801/27; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00362; G03G2215/00789; G03G2215/00818; G03G2215/00822; G03G2215/00827; G03G2215/00869; G03G2215/00877; G03G2215/00919; G03G2215/00936

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim 159 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a sheet processor for applying a sheet processing operation to a sheet in accordance with said image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a discriminator that determines whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and a controller for instructing said sheet processor to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 159 words
An image forming apparatus comprising: an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a sheet processor for applying a sheet processing operation to a sheet in accordance with said image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a discriminator that determines whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and a controller for instructing said sheet processor to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 35 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 36 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 35 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 79 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said discriminator determines whether the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than the sheet width of the first image forming job.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 33 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 56 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 47 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 54 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said sheet processor includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said input terminal includes a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said input terminal includes a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 65 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader and a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit, and said first image forming job and said second image forming job are inputted each of from different input terminal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said second image forming job includes an interrupt job.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 154 words
An image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet processing apparatus which applies sheet processing operations to a sheet, said image forming apparatus comprising: an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a discriminator that determines whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and a controller for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 154 words
An image forming apparatus connectable to a sheet processing apparatus which applies sheet processing operations to a sheet, said image forming apparatus comprising: an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first; an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal; a discriminator that determines whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and a controller for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 36 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 37 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 36 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 80 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said discriminator determines whether the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than the sheet width of the first image forming job.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 34 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 57 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 48 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 55 words
An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 25 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said input terminal includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 25 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said input terminal includes a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 65 words
An apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein said input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader and a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit, and said first image forming job and said second image forming job are inputted each of from different input terminal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 17 words
A method according to claim 14 , wherein said second image forming job includes an interrupt job.
Claim 29
Independent Claim 135 words
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said method comprising: inputting a first image forming job; inputting a second image forming job; conducting the first image forming job; determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for said sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during said conducting step of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 30
Independent Claim 135 words
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said method comprising: inputting a first image forming job; inputting a second image forming job; conducting the first image forming job; determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for said sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during said conducting step of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 34 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 35 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 34 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 78 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said discriminator determines whether the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than the sheet width of the first image forming job.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 32 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 55 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 46 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 53 words
A method according to claim 27 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 159 words
A recording medium, which includes code for process steps that can be read by a controller of an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing operations to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said code comprising: code for inputting a first image forming job; code for inputting a second image forming job; code for conducting the first image forming job; code for determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; code for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for the sheet processing of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and code for conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 159 words
A recording medium, which includes code for process steps that can be read by a controller of an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing operations to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said code comprising: code for inputting a first image forming job; code for inputting a second image forming job; code for conducting the first image forming job; code for determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; code for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for the sheet processing of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and code for conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 35 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 36 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 35 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 79 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said code determines whether the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than a sheet width of the first image forming job.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 33 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 56 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 47 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 54 words
A recording medium according to claim 36 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 159 words
A computer program, which includes code for process steps that can be conducted by a controller of an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said code comprising: code for inputting a first image forming job; code for inputting a second image forming job; code for conducting the first image forming job; code for determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; code for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and code for conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 159 words
A computer program, which includes code for process steps that can be conducted by a controller of an image forming apparatus connected to a sheet processing apparatus which applies one or more sheet processing to a sheet from said image forming apparatus, said code comprising: code for inputting a first image forming job; code for inputting a second image forming job; code for conducting the first image forming job; code for determining whether the first image forming job includes a sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; code for instructing said sheet processing apparatus to conduct a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job during the execution of the first image forming job if the discriminator determines that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and code for conducting the second image forming job.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 35 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 36 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 35 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 79 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said code determines whether the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than a sheet width of the first image forming job.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 33 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 56 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 47 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 54 words
A computer program according to claim 45 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 59
Independent Claim 182 words
A method for controlling an image forming system having a sheet processing apparatus which applies a sheet processing to a sheet from an image forming apparatus which has an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal, said method comprising: inhibiting to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job includes said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and allowing to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 60
Independent Claim 182 words
A method for controlling an image forming system having a sheet processing apparatus which applies a sheet processing to a sheet from an image forming apparatus which has an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal, said method comprising: inhibiting to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job includes said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job; and allowing to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 34 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 35 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 34 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 171 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a puncher for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said step includes a step of inhibiting to execute said preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that the sheet width of the second image forming job is not equal to or larger than the sheet with of the first image forming job and a step of allowing to execute said preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than the sheet with of the first image forming job.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 32 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 55 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 46 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 53 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said input terminal includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 25 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said input terminal includes a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 65 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader and a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit, and said first image forming job and said second image forming job are inputted each of from different input terminal.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 17 words
A method according to claim 54 , wherein said second image forming job includes an interrupt job.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 185 words
A controller for controlling an image forming system having a sheet processing apparatus which applies a sheet processing to a sheet from an image forming apparatus which has an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal, said method comprising: control means for inhibiting to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job includes said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job and allowing to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 185 words
A controller for controlling an image forming system having a sheet processing apparatus which applies a sheet processing to a sheet from an image forming apparatus which has an input terminal for inputting image forming jobs including a first image forming job and a second image forming job subsequent to the first and an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming job inputted by said input terminal, said method comprising: control means for inhibiting to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job includes said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job and allowing to execute a preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that said first image forming job does not include said sheet processing operation that is included in the second image forming job.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 34 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a user designation.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 35 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a way of stapling.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 34 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stapler to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 171 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a pucker for punching a sheet, and said puncher includes a sensor for detecting a side edge of the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said sensor to a position according to a sheet width, and said step includes a step of inhibiting to execute said preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that the sheet width of the second image forming job is not equal to or larger than the sheet with of the first image forming job and a step of allowing to execute said preparing operation for a sheet processing operation of the second image forming job in parallel with a process of said first image forming job in case that the sheet width of the second image forming job is equal to or larger than the sheet with of the first image forming job.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 32 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a feeder for an insert sheet, and the preparing operation includes feeding an insert sheet to a predetermined position.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 55 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to bind sheets and fold sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 46 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a booklet maker for making a booklet, and said booklet maker includes an aligner for aligning sheets, and the preparing operation includes moving said aligner to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 53 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet folder for folding a sheet, and said sheet folder includes a stopper for stopping a sheet in order to fold the sheet, and the preparing operation includes moving said stopper to a position according to a sheet size.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 25 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said input terminal includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 25 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said input terminal includes a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 65 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said input terminal includes a plurality of input terminals includes a first input terminal for inputting image forming job from a document reader and a second input terminal for inputting image forming job from an external unit, and said first image forming job and said second image forming job are inputted each of from different input terminal.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 17 words
A controller according to claim 67 , wherein said second image forming job includes an interrupt job.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2005-08-05 2006-02-04 2006-08-06 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2009-08-05 2010-02-04 2010-08-06 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2013-08-05 2014-02-04 2014-08-06 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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