JP2006159471A - Image forming device, image forming system, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can perform printing on the kind of paper by selecting a desired kind of the paper even when the same name for the kind of the paper is registered. <P>SOLUTION: User information is included in paper kind information in advance, and the paper kind information is registered in a paper kind information storing section 5. The selection of the registered paper kind information is performed from the registered user information and user information included in a printing requirement signal (printing job) which is transmitted from a terminal device 2, and printing is performed on the kind of paper included in the paper kind information. By selecting the paper kind information (kind of paper) by this kind of control, a desired kind of paper can be specified even when the same name of the paper kind is duplicately registered in a plurality of the paper kind information, and the performance of a proper printing becomes possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming method capable of forming an image on a sheet of a paper type intended by a user.

  As image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers become widespread, they are used in a network environment and are often shared and used by a plurality of user terminal devices connected to the network. It is coming. Under such circumstances, the types of paper used in image forming apparatuses are increasing. Here, the paper type indicates the type (property) of paper such as recording paper, and corresponds to, for example, plain paper, high-quality paper, rough paper, coated paper, book paper, and the like.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, a maker stores in advance an image forming processing mode suitable for image formation on a paper of a general paper type (plain paper, high-quality paper, coated paper, etc.) in a memory. It was. Then, the user of the image forming apparatus selects a paper type set in the paper feed tray, and performs an image forming process according to the selected paper type, so that appropriate image formation has been performed. .

  However, the paper types used in the printing industry are extremely diverse, and the paper types prepared in advance are insufficient, and there is a problem that appropriate image processing cannot be performed. For example, when the paper that the user wants to use is a paper other than the paper type prepared in advance by the manufacturer, it is difficult to appropriately form an image on the paper.

  In order to solve this problem, paper type information including a new paper type and attribute information (such as the amount of paper and the printing conditions) of the new paper type is obtained from a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network. There has been proposed an image forming system that can be registered by adding and setting paper type information including new paper type and attribute information to the image forming apparatus. When setting and registering the paper type information, the new paper type is registered with a paper type name. The paper type name is an arbitrary name given to the paper type by the user in order to specify the paper type. For example, when the paper type is “plain paper”, “plain paper 1”, “AAA”, and the like are added by the user, and this is the paper type name.

  As described above, since the number of users who use the image forming apparatus is large, the number of paper types used is also large, and in the printing industry, the paper types required by the users regardless of the number of users. Many. Therefore, many new paper types can be registered in the image forming apparatus used in such an environment.

JP 2002-29120 A

  However, when many paper types can be registered, duplication of the paper type names given to the registered paper types naturally occurs. When image formation is performed, the user inputs a paper type name attached to the paper type to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus inputs the input paper type name and the paper attached to the registered paper type. The paper type is specified by comparing the type name, and printing is performed on the specified paper type according to the attribute information of the paper type information including the paper type. Since the image forming apparatus specifies the paper type based on the paper type name as described above, it cannot be registered with the same paper type name, and a user who wants to register later selects an undesired paper type name. It will be registered with the paper type.

  Further, when a paper type name registered in a certain image forming apparatus is to be registered in another image forming apparatus, a paper type name to be newly registered in the other image forming apparatus is already registered. In this case, although the paper type is the same as that registered by another image forming apparatus, another paper type name must be assigned to the paper type and registered. Therefore, even when the same person assigns a paper type name to the same paper type, each image forming apparatus must register with a different paper type name.

  For example, when the paper type is “plain paper”, the paper type name is registered as “AAA” in the paper type “plain paper” in one image forming apparatus, and the paper type name “AA” is registered in the other image forming apparatus. Assuming that “AAA” has already been registered, it is necessary to register it as another name, for example, “AAA1” even if the same paper type is “plain paper”. For the same user and the same paper type information, it is more convenient for the user to register the same paper type name in each image forming apparatus. However, if the same paper type needs to be registered with a different paper type name in each image forming apparatus, the user needs to store or write down all the paper type names. The system becomes very difficult to use. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the paper type name is input by mistake, and in this case, there is a problem that unintended printing is performed.

  In order to identify the paper type with the same paper type name, it is conceivable that another parameter such as an ID is separately added to the paper type information and registered in the image forming apparatus. However, in addition to the paper type name, the user also needs to be aware of the ID and the like by storing or writing down parameters such as the ID. Since the user needs to input the paper type name to the image forming apparatus in order to select the paper type and to input another parameter such as an ID, the system is also very difficult to use in this case. turn into.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem, and registers the user information in the paper type information and registers it in the image forming apparatus, and includes the registered paper type information in the user information and the print request (print job). It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that can perform appropriate printing by using a plurality of paper types by specifying the paper type based on user information. Thus, by specifying the paper type based on the user information, even when the same paper type name is registered in the same image forming apparatus, the desired paper type is selected and the paper type is selected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of printing on a sheet of paper.

  This invention includes user information in advance in paper type information, registers the paper type information in the image forming apparatus, and based on the user information and user information included in a print request signal (print job), The paper type information registered in the image forming apparatus is selected, and printing is performed on the paper of the paper type included in the paper type information. By selecting the paper type information (paper type) based on the user information as described above, a desired paper type is specified even if the same paper type name is redundantly assigned to a plurality of paper type information. And appropriate printing can be performed. In addition, when a print request is made from a terminal device, the terminal information for specifying the terminal device is included in the print request signal (print job) instead of the user information and output to the image forming device to specify the terminal device. The paper type information (paper type) may be selected on the basis of the terminal information. In this case, terminal information is included in the paper type information in advance, and the paper type information may be registered in the image forming apparatus. Specific embodiments of the present invention are shown below.

  The invention according to claim 1 stores paper type information in which a paper type indicating a paper type, a paper type name assigned to the paper type by a user, and user information for specifying a user are associated with each other. The type information storage means receives a print request signal including the paper type name and user information, and selects paper type information including the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal. An image forming apparatus comprising: a paper type information selecting unit; and a printing unit that performs printing on a paper of a paper type included in the selected paper type information.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the paper type information storage unit stores paper type information including a paper type to which the same paper type name is assigned. It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the paper type information includes information on the amount of paper, information on paper color, or punch hole formation. It is characterized in that at least one piece of information of presence / absence information is included.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the paper type information includes information indicating a printing condition. It is what.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device for outputting a paper type name attached to a paper type indicating a paper type by a user and user information for specifying the user in a print request signal, and the terminal An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that performs printing in response to a print request signal from the apparatus is connected via a network, and the image forming apparatus corresponds to a paper type, a paper type name, and user information. The paper type information storage means for storing the paper type information and the print request signal output from the terminal device, and the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal are included. Paper type information selecting means for selecting paper type information to be selected from the paper type information storage means, and printing means for printing on the paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information. Image form It is a system.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal device that outputs a print request signal including a paper type name attached to a paper type indicating a paper type by the user and terminal information for specifying the terminal device; An image forming system in which a print request signal from a terminal device is received and an image forming device that performs printing is connected via a network, and the image forming device associates a paper type, a paper type name, and terminal information. Paper type information storage means for storing the received paper type information, and a print request signal output from the terminal device, and the same paper type name and terminal information as the paper type name and terminal information included in the print request signal A paper type information selecting unit that selects the paper type information included from the paper type information storage unit; and a printing unit that performs printing on the paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information. Image forming Is Temu.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the paper type information storage means includes a paper type having the same paper type name. The paper type information is stored.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the paper type information includes information on the amount of paper, information on paper color, and punch hole formation. It is characterized in that at least one piece of information of presence / absence information is included.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the paper type information includes information indicating a printing condition. It is what.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the paper type information associated with the paper type indicating the paper type, the paper type name assigned to the paper type by the user, and the user information for specifying the user is stored in advance. The step of storing in the information storage means and the paper type information selecting means receive the print request signal including the paper type name and user information, and the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal. Selecting the paper type information including the information from the paper type information storage unit, and the printing unit printing the paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information. Image forming method.

  According to the present invention, even when the same paper type name is registered in the image forming apparatus repeatedly, the paper type information is selected based on the user information included in the print request signal (print job). Thus, the user can specify the desired paper type and can perform appropriate printing. As described above, since the desired paper type can be specified even if the same paper type name is registered repeatedly, the user can select the paper type (paper type information) without being aware of the overlap of the paper type names. Arbitrary paper type names can be assigned. This improves the convenience of the image forming apparatus.

  In addition, since a print request signal (print job) from a terminal device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network usually includes user information, each time a user requests a print, There is no need to input to the terminal device. In this way, the user does not need to make a special input other than the paper type name, and can select a desired paper type without being aware of duplication of the paper type name. It becomes possible to improve the property.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

(Constitution)
The configuration of an image forming system and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a terminal device 2. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to the terminal device 2 via a communication line such as a network, and performs print processing in response to a print request from the terminal device 2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3, an image data storage unit 4, a paper type information storage unit 5, an image formation process unit 6, and an input unit 10.

  The control unit 3 includes a CPU, and controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 such as the image data storage unit 4, the paper type information storage unit 5, and the image formation process unit 6 to control from the start of printing to the end of printing. Do. The control unit 3 is connected to the terminal device 2 via a network, transmits / receives various data to / from the terminal device 2, receives a print job from the terminal device 2, and notifies the terminal device 2 of the state of the image forming apparatus 1. . Here, the print job is the content of processing executed by the image forming apparatus, and includes at least image data (document, figure, photograph, etc.) to be printed, paper type name, and user information.

  An image data storage unit 4 is connected to the control unit 3 and temporarily stores the image data sent from the terminal device 2. Further, a paper type information recording unit 5 is connected to the control unit 3, and a plurality of paper type information is preset and registered in the paper type information recording unit 5. In this paper type information, printing conditions such as fixing characteristics for the paper type are associated with the paper type.

  The contents of the paper type information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the paper type information. As shown in FIG. 3, the paper type information includes a paper type and a paper type attribute, and in this embodiment, a registrant name (user name) is included as registrant information (user information). Yes. That is, the paper type, paper type name, and registrant information (user information) are associated with each other and stored in the paper type information storage unit 5. The paper type attribute includes conditions for creating an image (printing conditions) performed on the paper of that paper type, in addition to the amount of paper and the color of the paper of that paper type. The image creation conditions are printing conditions and include, for example, information such as a transfer current value, a fixing temperature value, a vertical magnification, a horizontal magnification, and a paper feed tray. The paper type name is a name given to the paper type by each user in order to specify the paper type. Also, an arbitrary paper type name is assigned by each user. For example, “paper type 1” shown in FIG. 3 has the paper type “coated paper”, and “AAA” as the paper type name. “Paper type 2” has a paper type of “coated paper”, and “AAA” is added as the paper type name in the same manner as “paper type 1”. The paper type name “AAA” is arbitrarily given by each user. “Paper type 1” and “paper type 2” have the same paper type name, but are registered with different contents of the paper type attribute, which is information such as the amount of color and paper color.

  Furthermore, registrant information (user information) differs between “paper type 1” and “paper type 2”. In the paper type information of “paper type 1”, the registrant name (user name) is “E”, and in the paper type information of “paper type 2”, the registrant name (user name) is “O”. " Thus, although the paper type name “AAA” is duplicated, the registrant name (user name) as the registrant information (user name) is different.

  The possibility that the same person assigns the same paper type name to different paper types (paper type information) is extremely low. This is because the person who gives the paper type name cannot distinguish the paper type (paper type information). Therefore, duplication of paper type names occurs due to registration by different users. Therefore, as in the example described above, the same paper type name “AAA” is assigned by the user “O” different from the user “E”, and the paper type names overlap.

  The reference unit 3a in the control unit 3 refers to the paper type information storage unit 5 when a print job is sent from the terminal device 2, and is registered in the paper type name and paper type information storage unit 5 included in the print job. The paper type name of the existing paper type information is compared to determine whether the paper type name matches or does not match. Further, the reference unit 3a determines whether or not the registrant information (user information) is included in the paper type information stored in the paper type information storage unit 5, and if there is registrant information, the print job Is compared with the registrant information (user information) included in the password, and a match / mismatch is determined. If the registrant information matches, the paper type is specified, and the determination result is output to the selection means 3b.

  The selection unit 3b receives the determination result of the reference unit 3a, selects the paper type information that matches the registrant information from the paper type information storage unit 5, and outputs the paper type included in the paper type information to the output unit 9. The operation of the control unit 3 will be described in detail later. The reference means 3a and the selection means 3b correspond to the “paper type information selection means” of the present invention.

  The image forming process unit 6 includes an image reading unit 7, an image forming unit 8, and an output unit 9. Each unit is connected by a bus.

  The image reading unit 7 includes a scanner below the contact glass on which the document is placed, and reads the image data of the document. The scanner is composed of a light source, a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like, and in response to a print request from the input unit 10, the reflected light of the light operated from the light source to the document is imaged and photoelectrically converted. Read the original image. Then, the read image data is output to the image forming unit 8. The image data includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  The image forming unit 8 interprets the print job sent from the terminal device 2, develops the image data, and outputs the print conditions specifying the paper feed tray and the like together with the image data to the output unit 9 via the control unit 3. To do.

  In addition, the image forming unit 8 performs enlargement / reduction, rotation, position conversion, etc. on the image data sent from the terminal device 2 or the image data outputted from the image reading unit 7 in accordance with a signal inputted from the control unit 3. Perform image processing. In the image correction process, density conversion processing, color correction processing, density gradient correction processing, gradation characteristic correction processing, or halftone processing is performed on image data sent from the terminal device 2 or image data output from the image reading unit 7. The output data obtained as a result is output to the output unit 9.

  The output unit 9 records an image on a sheet by electrophotography. That is, the output unit 9 includes components necessary for recording and outputting an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method using a laser, such as a photoreceptor, an optical writing unit, a developing unit, a charging unit, a cleaning unit, and a fixing unit. I have. The output unit 9 operates the optical writing unit based on the image data sent from the terminal device 2 or the image data output from the image forming unit 8 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and the developing unit supplies toner. A toner image is formed by supplying and developing on the photoreceptor. The output unit 9 feeds a sheet from the sheet feeding unit between the photosensitive member and the transfer unit, transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member to the sheet, and conveys the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred to the fixing unit. The image is formed by fixing the toner image on the paper by heating and pressurizing at a predetermined fixing temperature in the fixing unit. The output unit 9 corresponds to the “printing unit” of the present invention.

  The output unit 9 includes a plurality of paper feed trays. Under the control of the control unit 3, the output unit 9 selects the paper feed tray specified by the printing conditions and records and outputs an image on the paper in the paper feed tray. Yes (print). The output unit 9 is provided with a finisher that finally performs stapling processing, punching processing, and the like on the printed paper.

  The input unit 10 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and outputs a pressing signal corresponding to the key pressed on the keyboard to the control unit 3. The input unit 10 may be provided integrally with a display unit such as a touch panel as necessary, or may include other input devices. The input unit 10 also makes a print request, the image reading unit 7 reads an image from the document in response to the print request, and printing is performed on a sheet. When a print request is made from the input unit 10, the print job is output from the input unit 10 to the control unit 3.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a display unit and a storage unit (not shown). The display unit includes a liquid crystal display, an EL display, and the like, and displays image data, text data, and the like on the screen in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the control unit 3. The storage unit is configured by a non-volatile memory or the like, and stores various programs that can be executed by the image forming apparatus, setting contents according to functions, and the like.

  The printing operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is performed through processes such as exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. Specifically, each color image formed by the output unit is sequentially transferred onto a rotating intermediate transfer belt by a primary transfer roller to which a primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to be used is applied ( Primary transfer) and a combined color image (color toner image) is formed. The paper stored in the paper feed tray is fed by a feed roller and a paper feed roller respectively provided in the paper feed tray, and is conveyed to a secondary transfer roller as a secondary transfer unit through a conveyance roller and a registration roller. Then, the color images are collectively transferred to one surface on the recording means (secondary transfer).

  The sheet on which the color image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing unit, is sandwiched between the discharge rollers, and is placed on a discharge tray outside the apparatus. The untransferred toner remaining on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum after the transfer is cleaned by the image forming body cleaning unit and enters the next image forming cycle.

(Operation)
Next, the operation (image forming method) of the image forming apparatus and the image forming system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating operations (image forming method) of the image forming apparatus and the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the paper type information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an input screen when registering paper type information in the image forming apparatus.

  When printing is performed in response to a print request from the terminal device 2, a print request signal (print job) is sent from the terminal device 2 to the image forming apparatus 1. When making a print request, the user inputs a paper type name to the terminal device 2. The paper type name is included in the print job, and the print job is output to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when user information is input to the terminal device 2 when logging in to the terminal device 2, the user information input during login is included in the print job and output to the image forming apparatus 1. This eliminates the need for the user to input user information to the terminal device 2 again when making a print request.

  The control unit 3 receives the print job and temporarily stores the image data in the image data storage unit 4. Further, the reference unit 3a in the control unit 3 refers to the paper type information storage unit 5 to check whether or not there is paper type information with the same paper type name as that included in the print job (step S3). S01). That is, the paper type name included in the print job is compared with the paper type name of the paper type information preset and registered in the paper type information storage unit 5, and the paper type name corresponding to the paper type name included in the print job. Is registered in the paper type information storage unit 5.

  If the paper type information with the same paper type name as the paper type name included in the print job is not registered in the paper type information storage unit 5 (No in step S2), the paper type of the paper to be printed is Not specified (step S09). The control unit 3 receives the search result of the reference unit 3a and instructs the display unit (not shown) to display a warning. When receiving a warning display instruction from the control unit 3, the display unit displays a warning on the display so as to be recognized by the operator (step S10). The control unit 3 transmits a warning signal to the terminal device 2 that has output the print job. The terminal device 2 receives the warning display signal and displays the warning on the display unit of the terminal device 2. The display unit of the image forming apparatus 1 or the terminal apparatus 2 displays a message such as “the specified paper type does not exist”, a request for setting registration of the specified paper type, and replenishment of paper to the image forming apparatus 1 Displays a message requesting

  When the paper type information with the same paper type name as the paper type name included in the print job is registered in the paper type information storage unit 5 (step S02, Yes), the reference unit 3a further has the same type. It is determined whether or not paper type names are registered in duplicate (step S03). This determination will be described with reference to FIG. For example, the paper type name included in the print job sent from the terminal device 2 is “AAA”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, paper type information of “paper type 1” to “paper type N” is registered in the paper type information storage unit 5. The reference unit 3a searches for a paper type having the same paper type name as the paper type name “AAA” included in the print job. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the paper type names assigned to the paper types “paper type 1” and “paper type 2” are both “AAA”, and the paper type names are the same. In this case, the reference unit 3a determines that the same paper type name is registered in duplicate (step S03, Yes).

  If the reference unit 3a determines that the same paper type name is registered in duplicate, the reference unit 3a further adds registrant information (in the paper type information registered in the paper type information storage unit 5). It is determined whether or not (user information) is included (step S04).

  In the paper type information shown in FIG. 3, the paper type information includes a registrant name (user name) as registrant information (user information). When registering new paper type information in the image forming apparatus 2, registration is performed by including registrant information (user information) in the paper type information. Thus, by including the registrant information (user information) in the paper type information, the paper type information is registered in the paper type information storage unit 5 in a state where the registrant information (user information) is included. Is done.

  When the reference unit 3a determines that the registrant information (user information) is included in the paper type information registered in the paper type information storage unit 5 (step S04, Yes), the reference unit 3a further The user information included in the print job is compared with the registrant information (user information) included in the registered paper type information, and it is determined whether or not the user information matches (step S05).

  Normally, as described above, user information for specifying a user operating the terminal device 2 is attached to the print job and sent to the image forming apparatus 1. The reference unit 3a specifies the paper type information based on the user information attached to the print job.

  A method for specifying paper type information based on registrant information (user information) will be specifically described with reference to FIG. For example, it is assumed that the user name “A” is added as user information to the print job sent from the terminal device 2. As described above, since the paper type name included in the print job is “AAA”, the reference unit 3a uses the user information (user name) given to the print job and the paper type whose paper type name is “AAA”. The registrant name (user name) as registrant information (user information) attached to the information is compared.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, as described above, since the paper type names of “paper type 1” and “paper type 2” are “AAA”, the reference unit 3a is attached to the print job. The user name is compared with the registrant information (user information) included in the paper type information of “paper type 1” and “paper type 2”.

  The registrant name (user name) “E” is attached to the paper type information of “paper type 1” as registrant information (user information). On the other hand, the registrant name (user name) “B” is added as registrant information (user information) to the paper type information of “paper type 2”. The reference unit 3a searches for paper type information that matches the user name “E” included in the print job. In this example, since the registrant name (user name) of “paper type 1” is “class A”, the registrant name (user name) of “paper type 1” and the print job are printed by the reference unit 3a. It is determined that the attached user name matches.

  When it is determined by the reference means 3a that there is paper type information that matches the registrant information (user information) and the paper type information is specified, the paper type of the specified paper type information may be selected. Therefore, the paper type is specified (step S06, Yes).

  When the paper type information is specified by the reference unit 3a, the paper type information specified by the selection unit 3b is selected (step S07). In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the paper type information “paper type 1” whose registrant name (user name) matches the user name included in the print job is selected by the selection unit 3 b.

  The control unit 3 outputs a signal indicating the paper type included in the paper type information selected by the selection unit 3b to the output unit 9, and a paper feed tray corresponding to the paper of the paper type is selected (step S08). An image is printed on the paper in the paper feed tray. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the paper type of “paper type 1” is “coated paper”, a paper feed tray corresponding to the paper of the coated paper is selected, and an image is printed on the coated paper. .

  If there is a paper of the selected paper type in the paper feed tray, the paper is fed as it is and printing is started. On the other hand, when there is no selected paper supply in the paper supply tray, the control unit 3 controls the display unit to display a message for requesting replenishment of the paper type.

  If it is determined in step S03 that the same paper type name is not registered in the paper type information recording unit 5 by the reference unit 3a (No in step S03), the paper type is specified. Therefore, the paper type information specified by the selection unit 3b is selected (step S07). Then, the control unit 3 outputs a signal indicating the paper type included in the paper type information selected by the selection unit 3b to the output unit 9, and a paper feed tray corresponding to the paper of that paper type is selected (step S08). ), An image is printed on the paper in the paper feed tray.

  In step S04, if the reference unit 3a determines that the registrant information (user information) is not included in the paper type information registered in the paper type information recording unit 5 (No in step S04). Since the paper type of the paper to be printed cannot be specified based on the user information included in the print job (step S09), the control unit 3 gives a warning display instruction to the display unit. When receiving a warning display instruction from the control unit 3, the display unit displays a warning on the display so as to be recognized by the operator (step S10). Alternatively, the control unit 3 transmits a signal indicating a warning to the terminal device 2 that has output the print job, and the terminal device 2 receives the warning display signal and displays the warning on the display unit of the terminal device 2.

  In step S06, the reference unit 3a compares the user information included in the print job with the registrant information (user information) included in the registered paper type information, and the paper type information that matches the user information. If it is determined that there is no paper (step S06, No), the paper type of the paper to be printed cannot be specified based on the user information included in the print job (step S09). Give instructions to display warnings. When receiving a warning display instruction from the control unit 3, the display unit displays a warning on the display so as to be recognized by the operator (step S10).

  As described above, when registering paper type information in the image forming apparatus 1, the same paper type name is registered repeatedly by including registrant information (user information) in the paper type information. Even so, the paper type can be specified based on the user information included in the print job. Further, since the user information is automatically given to the print job when the terminal device 2 makes a print request, the user inputs the user information consciously every time a print request is made from the terminal device 2. There is no need to do. Accordingly, if the user inputs the paper type name at the terminal device 2 as in the conventional case, the paper type can be specified even if the paper type names overlap.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the image forming system according to this embodiment, even when the paper type names are registered in duplicate, the user can specify the desired paper type. Furthermore, since the paper type is specified based on the user information included in the print job, the user does not need to make a special input other than the paper type name, and further, without having to be aware of duplicate registration of the paper type name. Therefore, the convenience of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

  In the embodiment described above, registrant information (user information) is included in the paper type information and registered in the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper type is specified based on the user information included in the print job. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the paper type is specified based on terminal information for specifying the terminal device 2 or information including a user name and a password attached to a print job in order to charge a fee generated by performing printing. May be.

  In that case, terminal information for specifying the terminal device 2 is included in the paper type information in advance, and the paper type information is registered in the paper type information storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1. When making a print request from the terminal device 2, the user inputs the paper type name to the terminal device 2 as described above. When a print request is made from the terminal device 2, terminal information for specifying the terminal device 2 that requested the print is sent to the image forming apparatus 1 together with the print job (including the paper type name input by the user). The reference unit 3a refers to the paper type information storage unit 5 based on the paper type name and terminal information included in the print job, and searches for paper type information that matches the paper type name and terminal information. When there is paper type information that matches the paper type name and the terminal information, the selecting unit 3b selects the paper type information, and the control unit 3 is a signal indicating the paper type included in the selected paper type information. Is output to the output unit 9. The output unit 9 selects a paper feed tray corresponding to the paper type, and prints an image on the paper in the paper feed tray.

  In this way, since the paper type can be specified even if the terminal information is used instead of the user information, the desired paper type is specified even when the paper type name is registered in duplicate. Appropriate printing can be performed.

  Here, registration of paper type information in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 2. When registering new paper type information, as shown in FIG. 4B, the paper type (shown as the paper type in FIG. 4), the paper type name (shown as the paper name in FIG. 4), and the weight The paper color (shown as colored paper in FIG. 4) is input from the input screen, and the paper type information is set and registered. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a registrant name (user name) is input as registrant information (user information) and is registered in the paper type information. Alternatively, the terminal information is registered in the paper type information. In this way, the paper type information in which the paper type, the paper type name, and the registrant information (or terminal information) are associated is registered. FIG. 4A shows a list of paper type information set and registered. As shown in the figure, “coated paper A”, “coated paper B”, “quality paper”, “plain paper”, etc. are assigned to each paper type (paper type information) as paper type names (paper names). Registered. The registered paper type information is stored in the paper type information storage unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper type (paper type information) is specified based on the paper type name and the registrant information (or terminal information). The desired paper type will be selected.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating, in order, an image forming apparatus and an operation of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the content of paper type information. 6 is a diagram illustrating an input screen when registering paper type information in an image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Terminal apparatus 3 Control part 3a Reference means 3b Selection means 4 Image data storage part 5 Paper type information storage part 6 Image formation process part 7 Image reading part 8 Image formation part 9 Output part 10 Input part

Claims (10)

A paper type information storage unit that stores paper type information indicating a paper type, a paper type name assigned to the paper type by the user, and user type information for identifying the user;
Paper type information selecting means for receiving a print request signal including a paper type name and user information and selecting paper type information including the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal; ,
Printing means for printing on paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper type information storage unit stores paper type information including a paper type having the same paper type name.   3. The paper type information according to claim 1, wherein the paper type information includes at least one of information on the amount of wrinkles, information on paper color, and information on presence / absence of punch hole formation. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper type information includes information indicating a printing condition. A terminal device that outputs a print request signal including a paper type name attached to a paper type indicating a paper type by a user and user information for specifying the user, and receives a print request signal from the terminal device An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that performs printing is connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Paper type information storage means for storing paper type information corresponding to paper type, paper type name and user information;
In response to the print request signal output from the terminal device, the paper type information including the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal is selected from the paper type information storage means. Paper type information selection means;
Printing means for printing on paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information;
An image forming system comprising: A terminal device that outputs a print request signal including a paper type name attached to a paper type indicating a paper type and terminal information for specifying the terminal device by a user, and a print request signal from the terminal device An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus that performs printing is connected via a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Paper type information storage means for storing paper type information associated with the paper type, paper type name, and terminal information;
Upon receiving the print request signal output from the terminal device, the paper type information including the same paper type name and terminal information as the paper type name and terminal information included in the print request signal is selected from the paper type information storage means. Paper type information selection means;
Printing means for printing on paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information;
An image forming system comprising:   7. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein the paper type information storage unit stores paper type information including a paper type having the same paper type name.   8. The paper type information according to claim 5, wherein the paper type information includes at least one of information on the amount of wrinkles, information on paper color, and information on presence / absence of punch hole formation. The image forming system described in 1.   The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein the paper type information includes information indicating a printing condition. Storing the paper type information indicating the type of the paper, the paper type name assigned to the paper type by the user, and the paper type information associated with the user information for specifying the user in the paper type information storage unit in advance,
The paper type information selection means receives a print request signal including a paper type name and user information, and selects the paper type information including the same paper type name and user information as the paper type name and user information included in the print request signal. Selecting from the paper type information storage means;
A step of printing on the paper of the paper type included in the selected paper type information; and
An image forming method comprising:

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