US Patent RE40629 Multi-function image forming apparatus with image prioritization scheme

A printer controller receives a printer job from external equipment and carries out the printer job using a printer. A user IF task accepts a reservation input for the use of a copying function using a scanner and the printer from a user while the printer job is being executed by the printer controller. Responsive to the copy reservation input, a job management task reserves the right of use of the scanner and the printer after the completion of the printer job in execution. If the printer is in operation when the user desires to use the copy function, the user is allowed to make a reservation for copying and then copy after the termination of the current printer job even if another printer job has been spooled.