Patent ID: 6456386
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: B41J,B65H,G03G,G06K,H04N

Abstract:
An information processing apparatus comprising:image forming means, which visualizes an image input from an external unit, connected to a network, on recording sheets; receptacle-appointment-command receiving means for receiving a receptacle-appointment-command issued by the external unit; a plurality of receptacles for receiving the recording sheets outputted from said image forming means; sorting means for sorting the plurality of recording sheets into said plurality of receptacles in accordance with the receptacle-appointment-command; sheet detection means provided for each of said plurality of receptacles so as to detect the presence of a recording sheet in each of said plurality of receptacles; usable receptacle determining means for determining usable receptacles from said plurality of receptacles in accordance with a result of detection performed by said sheet detection means; information transmissions means for transmitting data for notifying said usable receptacles determined by said usable receptacle determining means through the network to the external unit; and selection control means for selecting a receptacle from usable receptacles in accordance with information from said sheet detection means, if there is no appointment by the receptacle-appointment-command when inputting an image from the external unit, wherein said sorting means sorts the recording sheets into said receptacle selected by said selection control means.