JP2023062927A - Image formation device, notification method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a structure that enables a user to easily recognize that an image formation device is set in a manually set mode.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1 comprises a sensor 20 that senses the kind of a sheet, a display device 71 and a control device 100. The control device 100 makes the display device 71 display a UI screen for receiving a user operation to the image formation device 1. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation of designating the kind of a sheet, and a second UI screen for receiving a user operation of designating if image formation is performed on the basis of the kind of a sheet sensed by the sensor 20 or the kind of a sheet designated on the first UI screen. The control device 100 is configured to execute a notification of the content designated on the second UI screen, the notification in a mode different from display on the second UI screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, notification method, and program.

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, in order to perform optimum image formation (hereinafter also referred to as “printing”), the sheet conveying speed and fixing temperature are changed according to the type of sheet. Therefore, if the sheet type set in the image forming apparatus is different from the sheet type used for printing, paper jams and image errors may occur. When the user grasps and specifies the sheet type, the sheet type may not be set correctly due to misunderstanding or mistake in specifying operation. Also, some users may not know the difference between the sheet types, and in such a case, the sheet type is not set correctly.

Therefore, a method is known in which a sensor for detecting the type of sheet is provided in the image forming apparatus to automatically set the type of sheet. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-58084 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-142713 (Patent Document 2) disclose an image forming apparatus having a sensor for detecting the type of sheet.

JP 2007-58084 A JP 2006-142713 A

In the image forming apparatus including the sensor, the type of sheet detected by the sensor is automatically set, so the type of sheet can be easily set correctly. However, since there are various types of sheets used in the image forming apparatus, it is difficult to detect all of them with the sensor. Therefore, there is a mode in which image formation is performed based on the sheet type specified by the user (hereinafter also referred to as "manual setting mode") and a mode in which image formation is performed based on the sheet type detected by the sensor (hereinafter referred to as "manual setting mode"). , and an “automatic detection mode”) are known.

In such an image forming apparatus capable of switching between a manual setting mode and an automatic detection mode, it was possible to confirm which mode the image forming apparatus was set to only on the screen for specifying these modes. It was difficult to recognize that the image forming apparatus was set to the manual setting mode. Therefore, image formation may be performed in a state in which the sheet type is not appropriately designated, causing paper jams and image abnormalities.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a mechanism that allows a user to easily recognize that the image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode.

An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure forms an image on a sheet. The image forming apparatus includes a sensor that detects the type of sheet, a display device, and a control device that controls the image forming apparatus. The control device causes the display device to display a UI (User Interface) screen for accepting user operations on the image forming apparatus. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify the sheet type, and a sheet type detected by the sensor or the sheet type specified on the first UI screen. It includes a second UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify whether to perform image formation. The control device is configured to notify the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen.

Preferably, the control device is configured to perform the above notification when image formation is specified based on the sheet type specified on the first UI screen.

Preferably, the control device is configured not to perform the above notification when image formation is specified based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor.

Preferably, the UI screen includes a hierarchical UI screen. The hierarchized UI screens include a first UI screen, a second UI screen, and a third UI screen in a higher hierarchy than the first UI screen and the second UI screen. The first UI screen is a screen in a higher hierarchy than the second UI screen. The above notification includes displaying an image object indicating the content specified on the second UI screen on the third UI screen.

Preferably, the image object is always displayed on the third UI screen.

Preferably, the image object is displayed in a predetermined period on the third UI screen.

Preferably, the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when a user operation on the third UI screen is started, and is deleted from the third UI screen when the user operation on the third UI screen ends.

Preferably, the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when an operation of inputting information about the sheet is started among user operations on the third UI screen.

Preferably, the notification includes displaying an image object on the first UI screen.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a speaker. The above notification includes outputting a sound indicating the content specified on the second UI screen from the speaker.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes at least one paper feed tray for feeding sheets. The control device is configured to perform the above-described notification when at least one paper feed tray transitions to a state in which sheets can be replenished.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an openable and closable manual feed tray on which sheets are stacked. The control device issues the above notification when the manual feed tray changes from the closed state to the open state, or when the manual feed tray in the open state changes from a state in which no sheets are stacked to a state in which sheets are loaded. configured to run.

Preferably, the control device is configured to perform the above notification when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the image forming apparatus transitions from the power saving state to the normal power state.

Preferably, as an initial setting, the control device accepts a specification as to whether image formation is to be performed based on either the sheet type detected by the sensor or the sheet type specified on the first UI screen. Configured. Further, the control device is configured to perform the above notification when the content specified on the second UI screen differs from the setting content of the initial settings.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an image forming section that forms an image on the sheet. When receiving an instruction to start image formation, the control device executes the above notification in response to designation of image formation based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. Configured. The image forming unit starts image formation when the user agrees to perform image formation based on the sheet type specified on the first UI screen.

Preferably, when it is designated to perform image formation based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen, the control device changes the setting to perform image formation based on the sheet type detected by the sensor. is configured to prompt the switching of

A notification method in another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer. The notification method includes causing a display device to display a UI (User Interface) screen for receiving user operations on the image forming apparatus. The UI screen includes a first UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify the sheet type, and a sheet type detected by the sensor or the sheet type specified on the first UI screen. It includes a second UI screen for accepting a user operation to specify whether to perform image formation. The notification method further includes executing notification of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen.

A program in another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a processor installed in a computer. The program causes the computer to execute the notification method described above.

According to the present disclosure, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode.

1 is a diagram showing an overall image of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table used when discriminating the type of sheet in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen according to the embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a process by the processor in this Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in modification 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor in modification 1; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in modification 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 2; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of an image object in modification 3; It is a figure explaining the alerting|reporting aspect in the modification 4. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 4; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a notification mode in Modification 5; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 5; FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a notification mode in Modification 6; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor in modification 6; FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a notification mode in Modification 8; FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modified example 8; FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a notification mode in Modification 9; 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an external device; FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts and components are given identical reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description of these will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
A configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall image of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table used when discriminating the sheet type in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printing function, and a scanning function, and prints images on sheets (for example, paper, label stickers, envelopes, OHP (Overhead Projector) film, etc.) by an electrophotographic method. form an image. The image forming apparatus 1 performs image formation by adjusting the sheet conveying speed, the fixing temperature, etc., based on the sheet type detected by a sensor 20 (to be described later) or the sheet type specified by the user.

Image forming apparatus 1 includes scanner 10 , sensor 20 , print engine 30 , fixing device 40 , paper feeding device 50 , operation panel 70 , communication device 80 , control device 100 , storage device 120 , and memory card interface 130 . Scanner 10, sensor 20, print engine 30, fixing device 40, paper feeding device 50, operation panel 70, communication device 80, control device 100, storage device 120, and memory card interface 130 communicate with each other via internal bus 99. connected as possible.

The scanner 10 acquires image data of a document by optically reading (scanning) a document placed on a glass surface or a document conveyed from an automatic document feeder.

The sensor 20 detects the type of sheet that has been conveyed (thin paper, plain paper, thick paper, label seal, envelope, OHP film, etc.). The sensor 20 is provided along the sheet conveying path 60 and between the registration roller 150 and the paper feed roller 160 . The sensor 20 includes a light-emitting portion 21 that irradiates the sheet with light and a light-receiving portion 22 that receives light transmitted through the sheet. The light emitting unit 21 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 are arranged at positions facing each other with the transport path 60 interposed therebetween.

The storage device 120 stores a table TB. The table TB is a table that associates information specifying the type of sheet that may be used in the image forming apparatus 1 with the value of transmitted light detected by the light receiving unit 22 when the sheet is irradiated with light. be. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the table TB associates the basis weight of the sheet as the information specifying the sheet type. As an example, basis weight A indicates the basis weight of thin paper, basis weight B indicates the basis weight of plain paper, and basis weight C indicates the basis weight of thick paper. The detection value of transmitted light by the light receiving unit 22 is, for example, a voltage value, a current value, or the like.

In the image forming apparatus 1, the user can specify whether image formation is to be performed based on the sheet type detected by the sensor 20 or the sheet type specified by the user. When image formation is specified based on the type of sheet detected by the sensor 20 , the light emitting unit 21 irradiates the sheet stopped by the registration rollers 150 with light. When the light receiving unit 22 receives the transmitted light, the sensor 20 refers to the table TB and identifies the basis weight corresponding to the detected value of the transmitted light, thereby determining the sheet type.

Note that the light receiving section 22 may receive reflected light reflected by the sheet. In this case, the light-emitting unit 21 and the light-receiving unit 22 are arranged side by side on the same side of the transport path 60, and the sensor 20 determines the sheet type from the reflected light detection value (for example, voltage value, current value, etc.). do.

Further, the sensor 20 may include a light-emitting portion 21 that irradiates light onto the sheet, a light-receiving portion 22 that receives light transmitted through the sheet, and a light-receiving portion that receives reflected light reflected by the sheet. . In that case, the light-emitting portion 21 and the light-receiving portion 22 are arranged at positions facing each other across the transport path 60, and the light-emitting portion 21 and the light-receiving portion that receives the reflected light are arranged side by side on the same side of the transport path 60. . Then, the sensor 20 determines the sheet type based on the combination of the transmitted light detection value and the reflected light detection value.

Further, a plurality of light emitting units 21 may be provided according to the type of sheet to be discriminated.

The print engine 30 is an example of an "image forming section". The print engine 30 forms an image on a sheet using four color toners of cyan (Cyan), magenta (M: Magenta), yellow (Y: Yellow) and black (K: Key plate). Forming an image is hereinafter also referred to as “printing”.

The print engine 30 includes image forming units 3C, 3M, 3Y, and 3K, primary transfer rollers 36C, 36M, 36Y, and 36K, an intermediate transfer belt 37, and a secondary transfer roller . The image forming units 3C, 3M, 3Y, and 3K are arranged in order along the intermediate transfer belt 37 .

The image forming unit 3C includes a photoreceptor 31C, a charging device 32C, an exposure device 33C, a developing device 34C, and a toner bottle 35C, and forms a cyan toner image. The image forming unit 3M includes a photosensitive member 31M, a charging device 32M, an exposure device 33M, a developing device 34M, and a toner bottle 35M, and forms a magenta toner image. The image forming unit 3Y includes a photoconductor 31Y, a charging device 32Y, an exposure device 33Y, a developing device 34Y, and a toner bottle 35Y, and forms a yellow toner image. The image forming unit 3K includes a photoconductor 31K, a charging device 32K, an exposure device 33K, a developing device 34K, and a toner bottle 35K, and forms a black toner image. C, M, Y, and K attached to the symbols of each component correspond to the color of the toner. Hereinafter, when the constituent elements are collectively referred to, only the numbers corresponding to the constituent elements may be described, and C, M, Y, and K may not be described. For example, the photoreceptors 31C, 31M, 31Y, and 31K may be collectively referred to as the photoreceptor 31 .

The photoreceptor 31 carries a toner image of a corresponding color. The charging device 32 charges the corresponding photoreceptor 31 to a constant potential. The exposure device 33 irradiates the corresponding photoreceptor 31 with laser light. The developing device 34 supplies toner onto the corresponding photoreceptor 31 . The toner bottle 35 contains toner of a corresponding color and supplies the toner to the corresponding developing device 34 .

When image data is input from the scanner 10 or the external device 300, the processor 101 color-converts the image data from RGB to CMYK, and generates image data for each CMYK color based on the image data color-converted to CMYK. Generate. The exposure device 33 irradiates the corresponding photoreceptor 31 with laser light based on the image data of the corresponding color among the image data for each color. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the corresponding photoreceptor 31 .

After that, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is formed (developed) on the surface of the photoreceptor 31 by supplying toner from the developing device 34 corresponding to the surface of the photoreceptor 31 . In this manner, a cyan toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31C, a magenta toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31M, and a yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 31Y. A black toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive member 31K.

The primary transfer roller 36 transfers (forms) the toner image formed on the surface of the corresponding photoreceptor 31 onto the intermediate transfer belt 37 .

Intermediate transfer belt 37 is in contact with both photoreceptor 31 and primary transfer roller 36 . The intermediate transfer belt 37 carries the toner images of each color transferred from the photosensitive member 31 by the primary transfer roller 36 in an overlapping manner. The intermediate transfer belt 37 is stretched around a driving roller 39 connected to a motor. The intermediate transfer belt 37 is rotated by driving the driving roller 39 by the motor. Thereby, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 37 is sent to the secondary transfer roller 38 .

A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the secondary transfer roller 38 while the sheet is being conveyed. As a result, the toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 37 are attracted from the intermediate transfer belt 37 to the secondary transfer roller 38 side. As a result, the toner images of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 37 are collectively transferred onto the sheet, forming an image on the sheet. The sheet on which the image is formed is pressurized and heated by the fixing device 40 and then discharged to the discharge tray 65 .

The paper feeding device 50 includes a paper feeding tray 51 (paper feeding trays 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D) and pickup rollers 52 (pickup rollers 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D). The paper feed tray 51 accommodates sheets used for printing and supplies the sheets to the print engine 30 . A pickup roller 52 feeds the sheet from the paper feed tray 51 to the transport path 60 . The sheet sent to the transport path 60 is transported to the print engine 30 .

Operation panel 70 includes a display device 71 and an input device 72 . Display device 71 displays a UI (User Interface) screen for accepting user operations on image forming apparatus 1 . The display device 71 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal monitor. The input device 72 accepts an operation input by the user. The input device 72 is composed of, for example, a plurality of tap sensors. Input device 72 may further include a plurality of buttons.

The communication device 80 communicates with the external device 300 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line, or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a private network such as a LAN or VPN (Virtual Private Network). Further, the communication device 80 may communicate with the external device 300 by short-range wireless communication.

The control device 100 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 . The control device 100 includes a processor 101 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 .

Processor 101 is configured by, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is composed of, for example, at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

Processor 101 expands program 122 stored in storage device 120 into RAM 102 and executes it, thereby realizing various processes according to the present embodiment. Various types of processing include displaying a UI screen for accepting user operations on the image forming apparatus 1 on the display device 71, notifying the content specified on a screen G13, which will be described later, and the like. The RAM 102 is composed of volatile memory and functions as a work memory necessary for the processor 101 to execute the program 122 .

The ROM 103 stores programs such as an OS (Operating System) executed by the processor 101 .

Storage device 120 is, for example, a hard disk. Storage device 120 stores programs 122 and various data (for example, table TB, etc.) for realizing various processes according to the present embodiment.

Memory card interface 130 relays data transmission between processor 101 and memory card 130A. The memory card 130A can be a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, or an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory). include.

The program 122 is provided by being stored in a storage medium such as the memory card 130A. The program 122 is read from the memory card 130</b>A and installed in the image forming apparatus 1 by the memory card interface 130 .

It should be noted that the program 122 may be provided as a part of an arbitrary program, not as a standalone program. In this case, processing according to the present embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include such a part of modules does not deviate from the gist of image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. Also, part or all of the functions provided by the program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

Instead of installing the program 122 stored in the memory card 130A in the image forming apparatus 1, a program downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication device 80 may be installed in the image forming apparatus 1. FIG.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 may form an image on a sheet by an inkjet method. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to an MFP, and may be a copier or a printer.

Moreover, the image forming apparatus 1 may further include a manual feed tray 53 . Sheets used for printing are stacked on the manual feed tray 53 . When the user instructs paper feeding from the manual feed tray 53 , the sheets stacked on the manual feed tray 53 are fed to the transport path 60 . The manual feed tray 53 can be opened and closed, and the user can close the manual feed tray 53 when not using it.

(UI screen)
Referring to FIG. 4, the operation panel 70 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, more specifically, the UI screen displayed on the display device 71 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen according to this embodiment.

The print setting screen G1 is an example of a UI screen for accepting user operations regarding copying. The print setting screen G1 includes a screen G11, a screen G12, and a screen G13. The screen G11, the screen G12, and the screen G13 are hierarchized. The screen G11 is a screen in a hierarchy higher than the screen G12, and the screen G12 is a screen in a hierarchy higher than the screen G13.

The screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71 when the display start condition is satisfied. The display start condition for the screen G11 is a condition for starting display of the screen G11 on the display device 71 . The condition for starting the display of the screen G11 is that a predetermined operation key on the operation panel 70 (for example, an operation key K12 on the screen G12, an operation key for accepting designation of a copy function on a function selection screen (not shown), etc.) is operated. It may be that the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, or that the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the power saving state to the normal power state. The normal power state is a state in which the print engine 30 can form an image, and the power saving state is a state in which the print engine 30 cannot form an image.

The screen G12 is displayed on the display device 71 when the operation key K5 in the screen G11 is tapped. The screen G13 is displayed on the display device 71 when the operation key K9 in the screen G12 is tapped. That is, in order to display the screen G13 on the display device 71, it is necessary to perform an operation to transition the print setting screen G1 to the screen G11, the screen G12, and the screen G13 in this order.

The screen G11 is a UI screen for receiving main user operations regarding copying. The screen G11 is an example of a "third UI screen". The screen G11 includes a plurality of operation keys K1-K6. The operation key K1 accepts designation of the number of copies to be printed. The operation key K2 accepts designation of color or monochrome. The operation key K3 accepts designation of density. The operation key K4 accepts designation of magnification. The operation key K5 accepts a transition instruction to the screen G12. The operation key K6 accepts designation of single-sided or double-sided.

The user taps the operation key K5 to specify a sheet. The processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to transition the print setting screen G1 from the screen G11 to the screen G12 when the operation key K5 is tapped. Thereby, the screen G12 is displayed on the display device 71 .

The screen G12 is a UI screen for receiving a user's operation to specify the type of sheet. The screen G12 is an example of a "first UI screen". Screen G12 includes a plurality of operation keys K7 to K9 and an operation key K12. The operation key K7 accepts designation of the sheet size. The operation key K8 accepts designation of the sheet type. The operation key K9 accepts a transition instruction to the screen G13. The operation key K12 accepts an instruction to transition the print setting screen G1 from the screen G12 to the screen G11. The user can specify the sheet size and sheet type for each tray on the screen G12.

The user taps the operation key K8 to specify the sheet type. When the operation key K8 is tapped, a list of sheet types is displayed on the screen G12. The user designates the type of sheet to be used for printing from the list.

When the user specifies the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1, the user taps the operation key K9. The processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to transition the print setting screen G1 from the screen G12 to the screen G13 when the operation key K9 is tapped. As a result, the screen G13 is displayed on the display device 71. FIG.

When the user wants to change the print setting screen G1 from the screen G12 to the screen G11, the user taps the operation key K12.

The screen G13 is a UI screen for receiving a user's operation to designate the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1, and is either the sheet type detected by the sensor 20 or the sheet type designated on the screen G12. 10 is an example of a “second UI screen” for receiving a user operation to designate whether image formation is to be performed based on. Operation modes of the image forming apparatus 1 include an automatic detection mode and a manual setting mode. When the automatic detection mode is designated on the screen G13, the sensor 20 detects the sheet type, and image formation is performed based on the sheet type detected by the sensor 20. FIG. On the other hand, when the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13, the sheet type is not detected by the sensor 20, and image formation is performed based on the sheet type specified on the screen G12.

The screen G13 includes an operation key K13, an operation key K10, and an operation key K11. The operation key K13 accepts an instruction to transition the print setting screen G1 from the screen G13 to the screen G12.

An operation key K10 and an operation key K11 accept designation of an operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. The operation key K10 receives designation of the automatic detection mode, and the operation key K11 receives designation of the manual setting mode. When the operation key K10 is tapped, the processor 101 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode, and turns off the operation key K11 and lights up the operation key K10 on the display device. Direct to 71. On the other hand, when the operation key K11 is tapped, the processor 101 switches the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the automatic detection mode to the manual setting mode, turns off the operation key K10, and turns on the operation key K11. to the display device 71 . FIG. 4 shows an example of the print setting screen G1 when the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13.

In this way, the screen G13 is displayed in a manner that notifies the content specified on the screen G13, that is, the mode specified on the screen G13. It is possible to confirm which mode is set, the detection mode or the manual setting mode.

Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies the content specified on the screen G13 in a manner different from the display on the screen G13. The display on the screen G13 is to light only the tapped operation key out of the operation key K10 and the operation key K11. On the other hand, the notification in a manner different from the display on the screen G13 is to display on the screen G11 the content specified on the screen G13, that is, the image object J1 indicating the mode specified on the screen G13. .

Displaying on the screen G11 the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is an example of "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen". When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, that is, when the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13, the image object J1 indicating the contents specified on the screen G13 is higher than the screen G13. is always displayed on the screen G11 which is the screen of the hierarchy of . Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Note that the image object J1 is preferably displayed near the operation key K5. In addition, since the screen G13 only needs to be displayed in a manner that indicates the content specified on the screen G13, instead of lighting the tapped operation key, the tapped operation key is changed to a specific color. It's okay.

(processing by processor)
With reference to FIG. 5, processing performed by the controller 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, more specifically, by the processor 101 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of processing by a processor according to this embodiment.

In step S1, the processor 101 determines whether or not a display start condition for the screen G11 is satisfied. When processor 101 determines that the display start condition for screen G11 is satisfied (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

At step S2, the processor 101 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S2), processor 101 advances the process to step S3. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S2), processor 101 advances the process to step S4.

In step S3, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11 and display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71, and the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

In step S4, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11 and not to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71, but the image object J1 is not displayed on the screen G11.

In step S5, the processor 101 determines whether or not the condition for ending the display of the screen G11 is satisfied. The display termination condition is a condition for terminating display of the screen G11 on the display device 71 . The display termination condition may be that a transition to the screen G12 is instructed, ie, that the operation key K5 is tapped, or that a predetermined button in the operation panel 70 is operated. If the condition for ending display of screen G11 is satisfied (YES in step S5), processor 101 advances the process to step S6.

In step S6, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the screen G11. This completes the display of the screen G11. When the image object J1 is being displayed on the screen G11, the display of the image object J1 is also terminated when the display of the screen G11 is terminated.

After step S6, the processor 101 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG.

Thus, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is always displayed on the screen G11. As a result, the fact that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode is notified on a screen higher in hierarchy than the screen G13. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, that is, when the automatic detection mode is specified on the screen G13, the image object J1 indicating the contents specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G11. Do not show. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the sheet type is detected by the sensor 20, and image formation is performed based on the detected sheet type. The probability of occurrence is low, and there is no need to make the user aware of it. Therefore, by displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11 only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. It may be displayed on the screen G11.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is always displayed on the screen G11. On the other hand, in Modification 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at predetermined intervals. That is, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, a state in which the image object J1 is displayed and a state in which the image object J1 is not displayed are alternately repeated on the screen G11.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the display mode of the image object in Modification 1. FIG. In Modified Example 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 for a second predetermined time (eg, 7 seconds) every first predetermined time (eg, 5 seconds). The first predetermined time and the second predetermined time may be the same or different. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 1; In step S11, the processor 101 determines whether or not a display start condition for the screen G11 is satisfied. When processor 101 determines that the display start condition for screen G11 is satisfied (YES in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11.

At step S13, the processor 101 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S13), processor 101 advances the process to step S14. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S13), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S14, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

In step S15, the processor 101 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed. When processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S15), processor 101 advances the process to step S16.

In step S16, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to finish displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G11.

In step S17, the processor 101 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed. When processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has passed (YES in step S17), processor 101 returns the process to step S14. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the processor 101 repeats the processing of steps S14 to S17 until the condition for ending display of the screen G11 is satisfied.

When the condition for ending the display of the screen G11 is satisfied, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to end the display of the screen G11. This completes the display of the screen G11. When the image object J1 is being displayed on the screen G11, the display of the image object J1 is also terminated when the display of the screen G11 is terminated.

Thus, according to Modification 1, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 at predetermined intervals. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed several times while the user is operating the screen G11. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. It may be displayed in a predetermined cycle on the screen G11.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is always displayed on the screen G11. On the other hand, in the second modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the user's operation on the screen G11 being started. be.

8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the display mode of the image object in Modification 2. FIG. In Modified Example 2, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the user's operation on the screen G11 being started. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

The user operation on the screen G11 may be a tap operation on any of a plurality of operation keys (for example, operation keys K1 to K6) included in the screen G11, or an area in the screen G11 where no operation keys are arranged. may be a tap operation. As shown in FIG. 8, when the first user operation on the screen G11 is a tap operation on the operation key K1, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 in response to the tap operation on the operation key K1. After that, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G11 when the user's operation on the screen G11 ends.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 2; In step S21, the processor 101 determines whether or not a user operation has been started on the screen G11. As an example, the processor 101 determines that a user operation on the screen G11 has started when a tap operation on the operation keys (for example, the operation keys K1 to K6) included in the screen G11 is accepted. It should be noted that the processor 101 may determine that a user operation on the screen G11 has started even when a tap operation on an area in the screen G11 where no operation key is arranged is received.

When processor 101 determines that the user operation on screen G11 has started (YES in step S21), processor 101 advances the process to step S22.

At step S22, the processor 101 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S22), processor 101 advances the process to step S23. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S22), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S23, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

In step S24, the processor 101 determines whether or not the user's operation on the screen G11 has ended. The processor 101 displays the screen G11 when the operation on the screen G11 or the operation panel 70 is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, or when the start of image formation is instructed (when the start button B1 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed). It is determined that the user operation for is completed.

When processor 101 determines that the user operation on screen G11 has ended (YES in step S24), processor 101 advances the process to step S25.

In step S25, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to finish displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G11.

After step S25, the processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

Note that in step S24, the processor 101 may determine whether the print job has been completed. In that case, when processor 101 determines that the print job has been completed (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25.

As described above, according to Modification 2, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the period from the start of the user operation on the screen G11 to the end of the user operation on the screen G11 is , the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. , may be displayed on the screen G11 from the start of the user operation on the screen G11 to the end of the user operation on the screen G11.

Information as to whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode is required when inputting information regarding sheets. Therefore, the processor 101 displays the image object J1 on the screen G11 when an operation for inputting information about the sheet is started among the user operations on the screen G11, that is, when the operation key K5 is tapped. 71 may be instructed. As a result, the image object J1 is not displayed on the screen G11 until the operation of inputting information about the sheet is started, so that the screen G11 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, the image object J1 is displayed only on the screen G11 when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. On the other hand, in Modification 3, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 and the screen G12.

10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the display mode of the image object in Modification 3. FIG. The difference between FIG. 4 and FIG. 10 is whether or not the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G12. As shown in FIG. 10, in Modification 3, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 and the screen G12. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5 on the screen G11 and near the operation key K9 on the screen G12.

Displaying on the screen G12 the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is an example of "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen".

As described above, according to the third modification, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 accepts not only the screen G11 but also the user operation for designating the sheet type. is also displayed on the screen G12, which is the UI screen of the Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed neither on the screen G11 nor on the screen G12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 and the screen G12 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. It may be displayed on the screen G11 and the screen G12.

[Modification 4]
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 places the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 in a hierarchy higher than the screen G13 as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen". is displayed on the screen G11, which is the screen of On the other hand, in the modification 4, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the content specified on the screen G13 as "announcement in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen" when an operation on the tray is started. inform.

11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a notification mode in Modification 4. FIG. The screen G14 is a UI screen displayed on the display device 71 when an operation on the tray is started. The operations for the trays include operations for the paper feed tray 51 and operations for the manual feed tray 53 .

The operation for the paper feed tray 51 is pulling out the paper feed tray 51 from the image forming apparatus 1 . A state in which the paper feed tray 51 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1 is a state in which the paper feed tray 51 can be replenished with sheets, and the paper feed tray 51 cannot feed sheets in this state. On the other hand, a state in which the paper feed tray 51 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 is a state in which the paper feed tray 51 can feed sheets. When the paper feed tray 51 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus 1, the paper feed tray 51 shifts to a state in which sheets can be replenished.

The paper feeding device 50 includes a state determination sensor that detects that the paper feeding tray 51 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 . Based on the detection result of the state determination sensor, the processor 101 determines that the paper feed tray 51 has been pulled out of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, that the paper feed tray 51 has shifted to a state in which sheets can be replenished.

Operations on the manual feed tray 53 include opening the closed manual feed tray 53, stacking sheets on the manual feed tray 53 in the open state and not loaded with sheets, and loading the manual feed tray 53 in the open state with no sheets loaded. At least one of removing a sheet from the manual feed tray 53 and loading a new sheet.

The sheet feeding device 50 includes an open/close determination sensor that detects opening/closing of the manual feed tray 53 and a stacking determination sensor that detects whether sheets are stacked on the manual feed tray 53 . The processor 101 determines that the manual feed tray 53 is opened based on the detection result of the open/close determination sensor. Further, the processor 101 determines whether the sheet has been removed from the manual feed tray 53 or whether the sheet has been stacked on the manual feed tray 53 based on the detection result of the loading determination sensor.

The screen G14 displays an image object J2 indicating the tray whose operation has been started. FIG. 11 shows an example of the image object J2 when the manual feed tray 53 is operated. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, an image object J1 indicating the content designated on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G14.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 4; In step S31, the processor 101 determines whether or not an operation on the trays (paper feed tray 51, manual feed tray 53) has been started. When processor 101 determines that the operation on the tray has started (YES in step S31), processor 101 advances the process to step S32.

In step S32, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G14. As a result, the screen G14 is displayed on the display device 71. FIG.

At step S33, the processor 101 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S33), processor 101 advances the process to step S34. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S33), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S34, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G14. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G14.

At step S35, the processor 101 determines whether or not the operation on the tray has ended. The processor 101 determines that the tray operation is completed when the pulled-out paper feed tray 51 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 1 or when an operation on the operation panel 70 is detected. Further, the processor 101 may determine that the tray operation is completed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sheets were stacked on the manual feed tray 53 . When processor 101 determines that the operation on the tray has ended (YES in step S35), processor 101 advances the process to step S36.

In step S36, the processor 101 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed. When processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S36), processor 101 advances the process to step S37.

In step S37, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to finish displaying the image object J1 on the screen G14. As a result, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G14.

After step S37, the processor 101 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S35, the processor 101 may determine whether or not the operation on the operation panel 70 has started, and if it determines that the operation on the operation panel 70 has started, the process may proceed to step S37.

When an operation to the tray is started, it is likely that new sheets will be added to the tray. When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the user needs to specify the type of replenished sheets. However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when sheets are replenished in the tray, it is difficult to know whether the image forming apparatus is set to the manual setting mode. According to Modified Example 4, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 indicating the contents designated on the screen G13 is displayed in response to the start of the operation on the tray. Displayed on device 71 . Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G14 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. It may be displayed on the screen G14.

[Modification 5]
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 places the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 in a hierarchy higher than the screen G13 as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen". is displayed on the screen G11, which is the screen of On the other hand, in Modified Example 5, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the content specified on the screen G13 as "announcement in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen" when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. or when the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the power saving state to the normal power state.

13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a notification mode in Modification 5. FIG. In modification 5, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, or the image forming apparatus 1 is changed from the power saving state to the normal power state. , the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G11 for a predetermined time. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

14 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 5. FIG. In step S41, the processor 101 determines whether or not either the image forming apparatus 1 has been powered on or the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned from the power saving state to the normal power state. judge. If the processor 101 determines that either the image forming apparatus 1 has been powered on or the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned from the power saving state to the normal power state (step YES in S41), processor 101 advances the process to step S42.

In step S42, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11. As a result, the screen G11 is displayed on the display device 71. FIG.

At step S43, the processor 101 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S43), processor 101 advances the process to step S44. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S43), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S44, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to start displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

In step S45, the processor 101 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed. When processor 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S45), processor 101 advances the process to step S46.

In step S46, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to finish displaying the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is erased from the screen G11.

After step S46, the processor 101 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG.

Sheets may be replenished to the tray while the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is off or while the image forming apparatus 1 is in a power saving state. Since nothing is displayed on the display device 71 while the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is off or while the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving state, the user sets the image forming apparatus 1 to the manual setting mode. unable to recognize what is being done. However, according to the modification 5, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on or when the image forming apparatus 1 shifts from the power saving state to the normal power state, the image forming apparatus 1 is manually set. The image object J1 is displayed on the display device 71 according to the mode being set. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is not displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming complicated.

Note that not only when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, but also when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed. , the image forming apparatus 1 may be displayed on the screen G11 in response to either the fact that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 has been turned on or the fact that the image forming apparatus 1 has shifted from the power saving state to the normal power state is established. good.

[Modification 6]
In modification 6, image forming apparatus 1 sets manual setting mode when an instruction to start image formation is received as "notification in a manner different from display on the second UI screen". In response to this, the content specified on the screen G13, that is, the mode specified on the screen G13 is the manual setting mode.

15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a notification mode in Modification 6. FIG. The image object J3 indicates that the mode designated on the screen G13 is the manual setting mode. The image object J3 is displayed on the display device 71 in response to the image forming apparatus 1 being set to the manual setting mode when the start of image formation is instructed. The case where the start of image formation is instructed is, for example, the case where the start button B1 is pressed.

The image object J3 includes an operation key K21 and an operation key K22. The user taps the operation key K21 when agreeing to the image formation being performed in the manual setting mode. Thereby, image formation is started in the manual setting mode.

When the user wants to switch the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode, the user taps the operation key K22. As a result, the operation mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode. Displaying the operation key K22 on the display device 71 is an example of prompting switching to a setting (that is, an automatic detection mode) in which image formation is performed based on the sheet type detected by the sensor 20 . By displaying the operation key K22 on the display device 71, switching to the automatic detection mode is prompted.

16 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in modification 6. FIG. In step S51, the processor 101 determines whether or not an instruction to start image formation has been given. As an example, the processor 101 determines that the start of image formation has been instructed when the start button B1 is pressed. When processor 101 determines that an instruction to start image formation has been given (YES in step S51), processor 101 advances the process to step S52.

At step S52, the processor 101 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S52), processor 101 advances the process to step S58.

In step S53, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J3. As a result, the image object J3 is displayed on the display device 71 .

In step S54, the processor 101 determines whether or not an operation mode change instruction has been received. As an example, the processor 101 determines that an operation mode change instruction has been received when the operation key K22 is tapped. When processor 101 determines that an operation mode change instruction has been received (YES in step S54), processor 101 advances the process to step S55. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that the operation mode change instruction has not been received (NO in step S54), processor 101 advances the process to step S59.

At step S55, the processor 101 switches the operation mode from the manual setting mode to the automatic detection mode.

In step S56, the processor 101 changes the start button B1 to a state in which the user's operation can be accepted.

At step S57, the processor 101 determines whether or not the start button B1 has been pressed. When processor 101 determines that start button B1 has been pressed (YES in step S57), processor 101 advances the process to step S58.

At step S58, processor 101 instructs sensor 20, print engine 30, and fixing device 40 to start image formation in the auto-sensing mode. As a result, the sensor 20 detects the sheet type, and the print engine 30 performs image formation based on the detected sheet type.

At step S59, processor 101 determines whether the user has consented to image formation in the manual setting mode. The processor 101 determines that the user has consented to image formation in the manual setting mode when the operation key K21 is tapped. When processor 101 determines that the user has consented to image formation in the manual setting mode (YES in step S59), processor 101 advances the process to step S60.

In step S60, processor 101 instructs sensor 20, print engine 30, and fixing device 40 to start image formation in the manual setting mode. Accordingly, sheet type detection by the sensor 20 is not performed, and image formation is performed by the print engine 30 based on the sheet type specified on the screen G12.

After step S58 or step S60, the processor 101 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG. The image object J3 displayed by the process of step S53 is erased from the display device 71 when image formation is started.

As described above, according to the sixth modification, when the instruction to start image formation is received, the mode specified on the screen G13 is set to the manual setting mode in response to the fact that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. An image object J3 indicating the mode is displayed on the display device 71 . Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the automatic detection mode, the image object J3 is not displayed on the display device 71, and image formation is started without requesting the user's consent. Therefore, a decrease in productivity can be suppressed.

It should be noted that in the above-described embodiment, Modifications 1 to 5, and Modifications 7, 8, and 10 described later, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the image object J1 and the operation key K22 are pressed together. may be displayed on the display device 71 . In Modified Example 9, which will be described later, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the content specified on the screen G13, that is, the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. may be notified by a speaker, and the operation key K22 may be displayed on the display device 71.

[Modification 7]
In the modification 7, the image forming apparatus 1 selects the manual setting mode on the screen G13 when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen". In response to the designation, the user is notified of the content designated on the screen G13.

In Modified Example 7, the processor 101 accepts, as an initial setting, the specification of whether image formation is to be performed based on either the sheet type detected by the sensor 20 or the sheet type specified on the screen G12. is configured as That is, in Modification 7, either one of the automatic detection mode and the manual setting mode can be registered as an initial setting. Specifically, when the user designates a desired mode on the initial setting registration screen displayed on the operation panel 70, the processor 101 stores the designated mode as the initial setting mode in the storage device 120, and designates the operation mode. mode.

Thereafter, when a mode different from the initial setting is specified on the screen G13, the processor 101 switches the operation mode to the mode specified on the screen G13.

If the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13 when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting, the mode specified on the screen G13 and the mode registered in the initial setting do not match. If the mode specified on the screen G13 and the mode registered in the initial setting do not match, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11 (see FIG. 4). Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

As described above, according to the seventh modification, when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting, the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13, that is, the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. Accordingly, an image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 is displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 has switched to the manual setting mode.

Further, when the manual setting mode is registered as the initial setting and the automatic detection mode is designated on the screen G13, the image object J1 is not displayed on the screen G11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the screen G11 from becoming complicated.

In addition, not only when the automatic detection mode is registered as the initial setting and the manual setting mode is specified on the screen G13, but also when the manual setting mode is registered as the initial setting and the automatic detection mode is specified on the screen G13. Even when the detection mode is specified, the image object J1 may be displayed on the screen G11.

[Modification 8]
In the eighth modification, the image forming apparatus 1 provides "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen" when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode and the automatic detection mode. When the user who desires image formation is authenticated, the user is notified of the contents designated on the screen G13.

17A and 17B are diagrams for explaining a notification mode in Modification 8. FIG. In Modified Example 8, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes authentication means R. FIG. The authentication means R reads the ID information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, smart phone, or the like storing the ID (Identification) information, and authenticates the user. As an example, the authentication means R is compatible with NFC (Near Field Communication). Further, in Modification 8, the mode desired by each user can be registered in the image forming apparatus 1 as user information. Specifically, when the user designates a desired mode on a user information registration screen displayed on operation panel 70, processor 101 stores the designated mode in storage device 120 in association with the user's ID number.

When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the processor 101 transfers the image object J1 to the screen G11 in response to authentication of the user who desires image formation in the automatic detection mode. The display device 71 is instructed to display. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11. Preferably, the image object J1 is displayed near the operation key K5.

18 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing by a processor in Modification 8. FIG. At step S71, the processor 101 determines whether the user has been authenticated. When processor 101 determines that the user has been authenticated (YES in step S71), processor 101 advances the process to step S72.

In step S72, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the screen G11.

In step S73, the processor 101 refers to the storage device 120 and acquires user information stored in association with the ID number of the authenticated user.

At step S74, processor 101 determines whether the authenticated user desires auto-sensing mode. The processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode when the user information acquired in step S73 includes the automatic detection mode. If the user information acquired in step S73 includes the manual setting mode, or if the user information acquired in step S73 does not include information on the desired mode, the processor 101 automatically detects the authenticated user. It is determined that the mode is not desired.

When processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the automatic detection mode (YES in step S74), processor 101 advances the process to step S75. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that the authenticated user does not desire the automatic detection mode (NO in step S74), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

At step S75, the processor 101 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. When processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode (YES in step S75), the process proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, when processor 101 determines that image forming apparatus 1 is not set to the manual setting mode (NO in step S75), processor 101 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In step S76, the processor 101 instructs the display device 71 to display the image object J1 on the screen G11. As a result, the image object J1 is displayed on the screen G11.

After step S76, the processor 101 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG. The image object J1 displayed by the process of step S76 may be erased from the screen G11 when the authentication is cancelled, or may be erased from the screen G11 after a predetermined time has passed.

Thus, according to Modification 8, when the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the screen G13 is displayed in response to authentication of the user who desires image formation in the automatic detection mode. The user is notified of the contents specified in . Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, that is, not the desired mode.

Note that the storage device 120 may store a mode usage history for each user. In such a case, at step S74, the processor 101 may determine whether the authenticated user desires auto-sensing mode based on the user's usage history. As an example, the processor 101 determines that the authenticated user desires the auto-sensing mode if the auto-sensing mode has been used more than a predetermined number of times.

Also, the user authentication method may be a method of having the user enter an ID number on an authentication screen displayed on the operation panel 70 .

[Modification 9]
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 places the image object J1 indicating the content specified on the screen G13 in a hierarchy higher than the screen G13 as "notification in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen". is displayed on the screen G11, which is the screen of On the other hand, in the ninth modification, the image forming apparatus 1, when the screen G11 is displayed as "announcement in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen", displays the content specified on the screen G13 is output by voice.

19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining a notification mode in Modification 9. FIG. The image forming apparatus 1 in Modification 9 further includes a speaker S. FIG. As an example, the speaker S is provided on the operation panel 70 . When the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode, the content designated on the screen G13 is output by voice from the speaker S in response to the screen G11 being displayed on the display device 71 . Therefore, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

A sound indicating that the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13 may be determined in advance, and the content designated on the screen G13 may be notified by outputting the sound from the speaker S.

Alternatively, the mode of vibration indicating that the manual setting mode is designated on the screen G13 may be determined in advance, and the content designated on the screen G13 may be notified by the vibration.

[Modification 10]
In the above embodiment, the print setting screen G1 is displayed on the operation panel 70, but the print setting screen G1 may be displayed on the display device of the external device 300 that issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. In this case, the print setting screen G1 is a UI screen for receiving user operations regarding printing, and the screen G11 is a UI screen for receiving main user operations regarding printing.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an external device. External device 300 includes a control device 310 , a communication device 320 , a display device 330 , an input device 340 and a storage device 350 . These components are communicatively connected to each other via internal bus 399 .

Control device 310 controls the overall operation of external device 300 . Controller 310 includes processor 311 , RAM 312 , and ROM 313 .

Processor 311 is configured by, for example, at least one integrated circuit. An integrated circuit is composed of, for example, at least one CPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

The processor 311 implements various types of processing by deploying a program 352 stored in the storage device 350 in the RAM 312 and executing the program 352 . The RAM 312 is composed of volatile memory and functions as a work memory necessary for the processor 311 to execute the program 352 . The ROM 313 stores programs such as an OS executed by the processor 311 .

The communication device 320 communicates with the image forming device 1 and transmits a print instruction (for example, a print job) to the image forming device 1 . The display device 330 displays a UI screen for accepting user operations. The display device 330 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal monitor. The input device 340 receives input of operations by the user. By way of example, input device 340 includes a keyboard and mouse. As another example, input device 340 includes multiple tap sensors.

Storage device 350 is, for example, a hard disk. The storage device 350 stores programs 352 and various data.

The print setting screen G1 is displayed on the display device 330 by the processor 311 executing the program 352 . Therefore, when the external device 300 issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 1, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode.

The embodiment and modifications have been described above. According to the present disclosure, the user can easily recognize that the image forming apparatus 1 is set to the manual setting mode. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jams and image abnormalities due to image formation performed in a state in which the sheet type is not properly designated.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalents of the scope of the claims.

1 image forming apparatus 3C, 3K, 3M, 3Y image forming unit 10 scanner 20 sensor 21 light emitting unit 22 light receiving unit 30 print engine 31, 31C, 31K, 31M, 31Y photoconductor 32, 32C, 32K, 32M, 32Y charging device, 33, 33C, 33K, 33M, 33Y exposure device, 34, 34C, 34K, 34M, 34Y developer, 35, 35C, 35K, 35M, 35Y toner bottle, 36, 36C, 36K, 36M, 36Y primary transfer roller 38 secondary transfer roller 37 intermediate transfer belt 39 driving roller 40 fixing device 50 paper feeding device 51, 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D paper feeding tray 52, 52A, 52B , 52C, 52D pickup roller, 53 manual feed tray, 60 transport path, 65 discharge tray, 70 operation panel, 71, 330 display device, 72, 340 input device, 80, 320 communication device, 99, 399 internal bus, 100, 310 control device, 101, 311 processor, 102, 312 RAM, 103, 313 ROM, 120, 350 storage device, 122, 352 program, 130 memory card interface, 130A memory card, 150 registration roller, 160 paper feed roller, 300 external Device, B1 start button, G1 print setting screen, G11, G12, G13, G14 screen, J1, J2, J3 image object, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, K9, K10, K11, K12, K13, K21, K22 operation keys, R authentication means, S speaker.

Claims (18)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet,
a sensor for detecting the type of the sheet;
a display device;
a control device that controls the image forming apparatus;
The control device causes the display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for accepting user operations on the image forming device,
The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation to specify the type of the sheet, and a display of the sheet type detected by the sensor and the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. including a second UI screen for accepting a user operation specifying which type of image formation is to be performed;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control device is configured to notify the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from the display on the second UI screen. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to perform the notification when image formation is specified based on the sheet type specified on the first UI screen. Image forming device. 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured not to perform the notification when image formation is specified based on the type of the sheet detected by the sensor. Image forming device. The UI screen includes a hierarchical UI screen,
The hierarchized UI screen includes the first UI screen, the second UI screen, and a third UI screen in a hierarchy higher than the first UI screen and the second UI screen,
The first UI screen is a screen in a higher hierarchy than the second UI screen,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notification includes displaying an image object indicating said content on said third UI screen. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said image object is always displayed on said third UI screen. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said image object is displayed on said third UI screen at a predetermined cycle. wherein the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when a user operation on the third UI screen starts, and is deleted from the third UI screen when the user operation on the third UI screen ends. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 4. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image object is displayed on the third UI screen when an operation of inputting information about the sheet is started among user operations on the third UI screen. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said notification includes displaying said image object on said first UI screen. The image forming apparatus further comprises a speaker,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said notification includes outputting a sound indicating said content from said speaker. The image forming apparatus further comprises at least one paper feed tray for feeding the sheets,
4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device is configured to perform the notification when the at least one paper feed tray has transitioned to a state in which the sheet can be replenished. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus further includes an openable and closable manual feed tray on which the sheets are stacked,
When the manual feed tray shifts from a closed state to an open state, or when the manual feed tray in the open state shifts from a state in which no sheets are stacked to a state in which sheets are loaded, the control device The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to perform notification. wherein the control device is configured to perform the notification when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the image forming apparatus transitions from a power saving state to a normal power state; Item 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3. The control device is
As an initial setting, it is configured to receive a designation as to whether image formation is to be performed based on which type of the sheet type detected by the sensor or the sheet type designated on the first UI screen,
4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to perform said notification when said content differs from said initial setting content. The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet,
When an instruction to start image formation is received, the control device executes the notification in response to designation of image formation based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. configured as
4. The image forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming unit starts image forming when the user agrees that the image forming is performed based on the sheet type specified on the first UI screen. 2. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. The control device performs image formation based on the sheet type detected by the sensor when image formation is designated based on the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, configured to prompt switching to settings. A computer implemented notification method comprising:
including causing a display device to display a UI (user interface) screen for accepting user operations on the image forming device;
The UI screen includes a first UI screen for receiving a user operation to designate a sheet type, and any one of the sheet type detected by a sensor and the sheet type designated on the first UI screen. including a second UI screen for accepting a user operation specifying whether to perform image formation based on the type;
The notification method further includes performing notification of the content specified on the second UI screen in a manner different from display on the second UI screen. A program executed by a processor installed in a computer, the program causing the computer to execute the notification method according to claim 17.

Images