JP2004216765A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent paper feeding from being stopped due to the absence of paper and do printing as quickly as possible, when an operator notices that the number of the remaining pieces of the paper housed on a tray is small, after the start of the printing, in a job using various types of the pieces of the paper. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has a control means for referring to a print job which is reserved and preset in a paper-type storage means and a paper-size storage means, so as to eliminate a tray identified by the print job, from trays to be carried, in the setting of a new print job. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic multifunction peripheral and a printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A plurality of paper feed trays for storing sheet-shaped paper are provided, and when paper in the selected paper feed tray is used up (during continuous image forming processing), paper of the same size is stored. It is determined whether or not there is a tray using appropriate information. If there is a paper feed tray containing paper of the same size, the paper feed roller corresponding to the paper feed tray is driven to continuously supply the paper. An image forming apparatus configured as described above is known.
[0003]
In addition, a plurality of paper feed trays are provided, and a setting unit is provided for setting the type of paper (plain paper or colored paper) stored in these paper feed trays, and the paper type set by the setting unit is provided. An image forming apparatus in which (only colored paper) is displayed on a display unit is also known.
[0004]
The former is a useful configuration in that the operator can save the trouble of selecting a paper feed tray again. In the case where a sheet such as colored paper is contained and the size is the same as the size used so far, there is a problem that the sheet is selected and fed regardless of the paper type.
[0005]
Also, in reality, when the paper is used, different types of paper are mixed in one recorded matter, resulting in a recorded matter or a copy contrary to the operator's will. There was an inconvenience to do.
[0006]
In addition, the latter is configured on the premise that colored paper is used, and if the paper supply tray is a dedicated paper supply tray for colored paper, it is convenient because it is not necessary to replace the colored paper every time it is necessary. However, if there is a paper feed tray containing paper of the same size after the paper in the paper feed tray runs out, the paper (for example, plain paper) in the paper feed tray will be fed, There was a problem that the same inconvenience as the former occurred.
[0007]
In order to solve such a problem and realize efficient printing, when the tray being fed is out of paper, the same size and the same type of paper as the fed paper are stored. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus having a function of searching for a tray and automatically switching the tray if there is a match (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-205837 (paragraphs [0011]-[0047], FIG. 1)
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, even if the user notices that only a small amount of desired paper has been set after the start of the job, the setting of the paper type is limited to before the start of the job (for example, in the idling state). Therefore, if there is no tray of the same size and the same paper type in the other trays, the tray cannot be switched, resulting in the stop of the image forming apparatus due to “no paper”.
[0010]
In particular, when the type of paper is different, since the printing process based on the type is performed in the image forming apparatus, the influence of the difference in printing accuracy due to the difference in the paper is not small, so that different types of paper are used. There were situations in which printing was to be avoided as much as possible.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to reduce the amount of remaining paper stored in a tray after starting printing in a job using various types of paper. When the user notices, it is possible to prevent the paper feed stop due to the absence of the paper and to perform the continuous printing as much as possible.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a paper type setting unit configured to set a paper type; and a paper type storing a paper type set by the paper type setting. Seed storage means, paper size setting means for setting the paper size, paper size storage means for storing the paper size set by the paper size setting means, and an image for storing input image information An image having information storage means and control means for specifying one or more trays based on the paper type storage means and the paper size storage means, and performing printing based on the image information on a sheet conveyed from the tray. The first printing job is performed while the first printing job stored in the paper type storage, the paper size storage, and the image information storage is performed. Characterized in that the change setting of the size of the type and / or paper sheet for trays not specified allowed as a second print job by blanking.
[0013]
With this configuration, when the operator notices that the amount of paper stored in the tray is low after the start of printing, it is possible to prevent the stop of paper feeding due to no paper and to perform continuous printing as much as possible. Can be. Here, the print job in the present invention includes various information indicating at least the type of paper, the size of paper, the number of prints, and image information, and how to cause the image forming apparatus to perform printing. Each job is counted as one print job. That is, the first print job refers to a printing process during printing, and the second print job can be set when the first print job is being executed. It indicates various kinds of information relating to printing, such as a paper type setting unit, a paper size setting unit, and the number of prints.
[0014]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a paper type setting unit configured to set a paper type; and a paper type storing the paper type set by the paper type setting. Seed storage means, paper size setting means for setting the paper size, paper size storage means for storing the paper size set by the paper size setting means, and an image for storing input image information An image having information storage means and control means for specifying one or more trays based on the paper type storage means and the paper size storage means, and performing printing based on the image information on a sheet conveyed from the tray. In the forming apparatus, the control unit may be a printer that is not specified by one or more print jobs stored in the paper type storage unit, the paper size storage unit, and the image information storage unit. Characterized in that the newly to allow the type and / or change settings for paper size of the paper for a.
[0015]
With this configuration, when the worker notices that the amount of paper stored in the tray is low after the start of printing, not only the currently performed job but also the reserved job has no paper. And the continuous printing can be performed as much as possible.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a front view of an image forming apparatus having a plurality of paper feed trays. As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus denoted by reference numeral 1 is a digital image forming apparatus, and includes an image reading unit A, an image processing unit B, an image forming unit C, and a sheet conveying unit D as a sheet conveying unit. Etc.
[0018]
An automatic document feeder for automatically transporting a document is provided above the image reading unit A, and the document placed on the document table 11 is separated one by one by a document separation roller H and separated. The original is transported to the reading position 13a via the original transport roller 12, and the image is read.
[0019]
The document for which reading of the document has been completed is discharged onto the document discharge tray 14 by the document conveying roller 12 and the document discharge roller G.
[0020]
At this time, a first mirror, which will be described later, is in a fixed position immediately below the reading position 13a, and the second mirror unit 16 is also fixed to a position for maintaining a predetermined optical path length (to the left side of the illustrated position).
[0021]
On the other hand, when the image of the original placed on the platen glass 13 is read by the speed v of the first mirror unit 15 including the illumination lamp and the first mirror constituting the scanning optical system, and the V-shaped second image is read. Reading is performed by moving the second mirror unit 16 including the second mirror and the third mirror in the same direction at a speed v / 2.
[0022]
The read image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor CCD, which is a line sensor, through the projection lens 17.
[0023]
The linear optical image formed on the image sensor CCD is sequentially converted into an electric signal (luminance signal), A / D converted, and subjected to processing such as density conversion and filter processing in an image processing unit B. After that, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory.
[0024]
In the image forming unit C, as an image forming unit, a drum-shaped photosensitive member 21 serving as an image carrier, and a charger 22 serving as a charging unit, a developing device 23, and an image charged on the photosensitive member 21 are formed on the outer periphery of the drum. , A separation pole 25 for separating the paper in close contact with the photoconductor, a paper conveyance belt device 45 as a conveyance unit, a cleaning unit 26 for the photoconductor 21, and a PCL (precharge lamp) as a light discharging unit. ) 27 are arranged in the order of operation.
[0025]
The photoreceptor 21 is formed by applying a photoconductive compound on a drum base, and for example, an organic photoreceptor is preferably used, and is driven and rotated clockwise as indicated by an arrow.
[0026]
After the rotating photoconductor 21 is uniformly charged by the charger 22, the exposure optical system 30 as an image exposure unit performs image exposure based on the image signal called from the memory of the image processing unit B.
[0027]
An exposure optical system 30 serving as an image exposure unit serving as a writing unit uses a laser diode (not shown) as a light emission light source, passes through a rotating polygon mirror 31, an fθ lens 34, a cylindrical lens 35, and a reflection mirror 32 to the photoreceptor 21. Image exposure in the main operation direction is performed at the position Ao indicated by the arrow, and a latent image is formed on the photoconductor 21 through sub-scanning by rotation of the photoconductor 21.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, a latent image is formed by exposing a character portion. The latent image on the photoconductor 21 is reversely developed by the developing device 23, and a visible toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 21.
[0029]
In the paper transport section D, paper feed trays 41 (A), 41 (B), and 41 are provided below the image forming section C as paper storage means for storing paper I of different sizes, the same size, or different types of paper. (C) is provided, and the paper I in the paper feed tray selected from any of them is sent out by the paper feed roller 42, conveyed in the conveyance path 40 by the guide roller 43, and temporarily by the registration roller pair 44. After stopping, the sheet is fed again by the rotation of the registration roller pair 44, and is guided to the transfer area via the pre-transfer roller 43a, the sheet feeding path 46, the entrance guide plate 47 and the like.
[0030]
The toner image on the photoconductor 21 is transferred onto the paper I placed and transported on the paper transport belt 454 via the transfer pole 24 at a transfer position Bo (arrow position). After being separated from the surface of the photoreceptor 21, the sheet is conveyed toward the fixing device 50 by the sheet conveying belt device 45.
[0031]
The fixing device 50 has a fixing roller 51 and a pressure roller 52. When the paper I passes between the fixing roller 51 and the pressure roller 52, the fixing device 50 applies a heating and a pressing action to the toner image. To the paper I.
[0032]
The sheet I on which the toner image fixing process has been performed is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 64. Next, automatic switching of the paper feed tray according to the present invention will be described.
[0033]
As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 having three paper feed trays 41 (A), 41 (B), and 41 (C) for storing the papers I has the paper I in the paper feed tray being fed. In order to perform automatic switching of paper feeding when the paper runs out during continuous image forming processing, (1) paper presence / absence detecting means in paper feeding trays 41A to 41C, (2) paper size for detecting the size of paper I Detecting means; (3) paper type setting means for setting the type of paper I in the paper feed tray; and (4) paper being fed from any of a plurality of paper feed trays for image formation, and When the presence / absence detection unit detects that there is no paper in the paper feed tray, the control unit controls the paper to be fed from another paper feed tray.
[0034]
The control unit determines whether or not there is another sheet feeding tray containing sheets of the same size as the sheet on which an image is being formed, and sets a tray specified as a sheet on which an image is being formed (that is, the current job). It has a determination unit that is a function to be excluded from the target, and the tray for each job is sorted by the determination unit. Note that the print job in the present embodiment includes at least the type of paper, the size of paper, the number of prints, and image information, and is information indicating what kind of printing is to be performed by the image forming apparatus. The print job is counted for each predetermined number of prints.
[0035]
The paper presence / absence detection means or paper size detection means can be realized by using an appropriate known technique.
[0036]
For example, the paper I presence / absence detection means includes a photo sensor system that detects by turning on / off an actuator of a microswitch provided in each paper feed tray section or blocking light, and the paper size detection means also includes a paper size detection means. The paper size can be detected by ON / OFF of a reed switch or a tact switch provided in the tray section.
[0037]
The operation unit S is provided with a liquid crystal display screen unit also serving as a touch panel capable of switching display of various conditions and performing input settings, a copy button, and the like, and operating a paper type setting unit of the touch panel. Can set the type of paper I. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the “paper size” is selected so that either an “automatic” button, a paper button in each tray (tray 1 to 4), or a paper button to be manually fed can be selected. A "selection" item is displayed, and the operator sets the paper size and paper type using the buttons displayed in this item. Further, the paper type setting means according to the present invention, if the tray is not in use, at least changes the attribute of the paper type, determines whether or not the tray is being used, and determines whether or not the tray is in use during the reserved job even if it is not in use. This is a means for judging whether or not there is a use schedule, and changing and setting at least the attribute of the paper type only for the tray which is found not to be used.
[0038]
Note that the automatic switching of the paper feed tray exists as a determination unit incorporated in a subroutine of the control program.
[0039]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. Referring to FIG. 1, a control unit 100 including a CPU that controls each unit includes an image reading unit A that reads and converts an image of a document sequentially conveyed from an automatic document feeding unit, a density conversion unit and a filter unit. An image processing unit B for performing processing and the like; a memory E for storing the image-processed image data; an image forming unit C for forming an image by performing image exposure on a drum base based on an image signal from the memory E; A sheet tray t provided with a sheet presence / absence detecting means t1 for detecting the presence / absence of paper and a sheet size detecting means t2 for detecting the size of the sheet I, and a sheet conveying section for controlling the conveyance of the sheet I based on signals from the two means It sends and receives signals to and from the operation unit S having the paper type setting unit S1 and the paper type setting unit S1. The control unit 100 includes a paper type storage unit E1 for storing paper type information of each job by the paper type setting unit S1 and a paper size storage unit for storing paper size information of each job by the paper size detection unit t2. E2 is provided.
[0040]
Here, the paper size detecting means t2 is replaced with a paper size setting means (not shown) according to the present invention, but in the present embodiment, a paper size detecting means generally used for convenience is used. Means. That is, in the present embodiment, it is a requirement to set the paper type information among the paper type information and the paper size information set for each job, and the paper size information is acquired in any form. As long as it is only necessary, the information may be acquired automatically by the paper size detecting means t2 or manually by the paper size setting means.
[0041]
The paper type setting means S1 is a means for inputting and setting the type of paper stored in a paper feed tray as part of setting a job.
[0042]
Further, the control means is provided with prohibition means for urging the user to prohibit paper feeding from the paper feeding tray when the type of tray containing the specified paper in the currently executed job is different. I have.
[0043]
According to the above configuration, when the paper I in the paper feed tray 41 (A) is used in the job in which the current image is being formed, the paper stored in the job is targeted for the specified tray. Setting of a new job is prohibited while the job is in operation. That is, the trays related to the settings are limited to trays not specified in the running job, so that efficient printing can be performed.
[0044]
Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, for example, three trays are provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and an active (or already reserved) job is stored in the three trays. When paper is to be printed, all trays are specified, so that new settings cannot be made until the running job is completed.
[0045]
Next, the operation of an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 which show an outline of the liquid crystal display screen section and FIG. 3 which is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment.
[0046]
First, "paper type setting", "automatic switching of paper feed trays", and "prohibition setting" have already been performed on the operation unit S, and the respective paper feed trays include, for example, the paper feed tray 41 (A). It is assumed that the paper I is fed from the paper feed tray 41 (A) in a state where the paper I is stored in the paper feed tray 41 (B) and the paper feed tray 41 (C).
[0047]
First, in performing the setting relating to the second job, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing the outline of the liquid crystal display screen section, "in the case where special paper is set manually," How to set the paper type will be specifically described below.
[0048]
(When setting special paper by hand)
First, in an initial state, a screen display as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the automatic selection of the paper size is canceled by pressing the "manual feed" button in the paper size selection item (FIG. 4A-100) (FIG. 3-ST1). (Because any button other than the "auto" button is pressed), and the control means determines whether the corresponding tray is in a job (feeding) (FIG. 3). ST2). Here, the job in progress indicates that the first job is being performed. That is, when the first job is being performed, the job is pressed as a condition related to the second job. The control unit determines whether the selected tray button is a tray used in the first job.
[0049]
Here, the control unit determines that the corresponding tray is feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of the paper set as the second job matches the tray storing the paper used in the first job. If (Yes in FIG. 3 -ST2-), the process ends without performing the process.
[0050]
Also, when it is determined that the corresponding tray is not feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of the paper set as the second job does not match the tray storing the paper used in the first job. In (FIG. 3-ST2-No), it is determined whether or not to use the pressed tray as the second job (FIG. 3-ST3).
[0051]
When it is determined that the pressed tray is to be used as the second job (ST3-Yes in FIG. 3), the process is terminated, and when it is determined not to use the pressed tray as the second job (FIG. 3-ST3). Only in ST3-No), the type of paper stored in the tray can be changed (FIG. 3-ST4).
[0052]
In this manner, a manual paper setting mode is enabled. For example, by pressing a “manual feed (B4)” button, a “B4 plain paper” button and a “special paper setting” button are displayed so as to be selectable. An item (FIG. 4B-101) that allows selection of any one of "standard size", "standard special size", "irregular size", and "wide paper" is displayed. At this time, when "special paper selection" is selected, an item (FIG. 4B-102) for selecting various special papers (plain paper, coated paper, recycled paper, special paper, index paper, etc.) is displayed. Is done. Here, the "automatic" button is a button provided for automatically detecting the size of the paper set in the manual feed slot and the tray.
[0053]
(When setting special paper stored in each tray)
First, in an initial state, a screen display as shown in FIG. Next, in the screen display shown in FIG. 4A, the "paper size selection" button (FIG. 4A-103) in the paper size selection item (FIG. 4A-100) is pressed (FIG. 3A). -ST1), the automatic selection of the paper size is canceled (because any button other than the "automatic" button is pressed), and at the same time, the corresponding tray is in the job (feeding) by the control means. ) Is determined (FIG. 3-ST2). Here, the job in progress indicates that the first job is being performed. That is, when the first job is being performed, the job is pressed as a condition related to the second job. The control unit determines whether the selected tray button is a tray used in the first job.
[0054]
Here, the control unit determines that the corresponding tray is feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of the paper set as the second job matches the tray storing the paper used in the first job. If (Yes in FIG. 3 -ST2-), the process ends without performing the process.
[0055]
Also, when it is determined that the corresponding tray is not feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of paper set as the second job does not match the tray storing the paper used in the first job. In (FIG. 3-ST2-No), it is determined whether or not to use the pressed tray as the second job (FIG. 3-ST3).
[0056]
When it is determined that the pressed tray is to be used as the second job (ST3-Yes in FIG. 3), the process is terminated, and when it is determined not to use the pressed tray as the second job (FIG. 3-ST3). Only in ST3-No), the type of paper stored in the tray can be changed (FIG. 3-ST4).
[0057]
In this way, the setting mode of the sheet in the tray as shown in FIG. The setting mode screen for the paper in the tray includes an item (FIG. 4C-104) for displaying the size of the paper stored in each tray, and various paper sizes (for example, “standard size”, “standard size”). Items (selectable sizes) such as “special size”, “irregular size”, “wide paper”, and “postcard” (FIG. 4C-105), an “OK” button, a “cancel” button, and a paper size. Separately, a "paper type setting" button for shifting to a screen for setting the "paper type" is displayed.
[0058]
For example, as a setting of the paper stored in the tray 1, “plain paper with a fixed paper size of 5.5 × 8.5 and a paper type of 64 g to 74 g basis weight” is set as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a "standard special size" is set for the tray 1, and a detailed setting screen (FIG. 5 (a) -106) relating to the "standard special size" is displayed. At this time, select a paper size of “5.5 × 8.5” and press the “OK” button. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, an item indicating the paper type stored in each tray (FIG. 5B-107), a "paper type selection" item (FIG. 5B-108), and , "Paper weight selection" item (FIG. 5B-109), a display screen displaying an "OK" button and a "Cancel" button, and an item indicating the type of paper stored in each tray ( For the tray 1 shown in FIG. 5 (b) -107, the user selects "plain paper" in the "paper type selection" item (FIG. 5 (b) -108) and selects the "paper basis weight" item (FIG. 5 (b) ) -109), select "64 to 74 (g)" and press the "OK" button to complete the setting.
[0059]
In this way, when the operator notices that the amount of paper stored in the tray is low after the start of printing, it is possible to prevent paper feed stop due to no paper and to perform continuous printing as much as possible. Can be.
[0060]
(Other embodiments)
Another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the description of the present embodiment, since the configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment and the operation is different, the configuration is omitted, and only the operation will be described. The description of the paper type setting based on the screen display provided in the image forming apparatus with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 will be given in the case of “specifying the special paper stored in each tray”.
[0061]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[0062]
First, as in the above-described embodiment, in the initial state, a screen display as shown in FIG. Next, in the screen display shown in FIG. 4A, the "paper size selection" button (FIG. 4A-103) in the paper size selection item (FIG. 4A-100) is pressed (FIG. 6). -ST1), the automatic selection of the paper size is canceled, and the control means determines whether the corresponding tray is in a job (feeding) (FIG. 6-ST2). Here, the job in progress indicates that the first job is being performed. That is, when the first job is being performed, the job is pressed as a condition related to the second job. The control unit determines whether the selected tray button is a tray used in the first job.
[0063]
Here, the control unit determines that the corresponding tray is feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of the sheet set as the second job matches the tray storing the sheets used in the first job. If (Yes in ST2--FIG. 6), the process ends without performing the process.
[0064]
Also, when it is determined that the corresponding tray is not feeding paper, that is, the size and / or type of paper set as the second job does not match the tray storing the paper used in the first job. In (ST2-No in FIG. 6), it is determined whether to use the pressed tray as the second job (ST3 in FIG. 6).
[0065]
If it is determined that the pressed tray is to be used as the second job (ST3-Yes in FIG. 6), the process is terminated, and it is determined that the pressed tray is not to be used as the second job (FIG. 6). In ST3-No), it is determined whether or not there is a succeeding job (third job) reserved at the present time (ST11 in FIG. 6), and if there is no third job (ST11-No in FIG. 6). ), The type of paper stored in the tray can be changed as in the above-described embodiment. If there is a third job in the determination (ST11-Yes in FIG. 6), it is determined whether or not the job is to be used on the selected tray (ST12 in FIG. 6), and the job is to be used (FIG. 6-ST12). In the case of -ST12-Yes), the process is terminated as it is, and when not used (FIG. 6-ST12-No), as in the case of FIG. 6-ST11-No, the type of paper stored in the tray can be changed. It becomes possible (ST4).
[0066]
In this way, the setting mode of the sheet in the tray as shown in FIG. The setting mode screen for the paper in the tray includes an item (FIG. 4C-104) for displaying the size of the paper stored in each tray, and various paper sizes (for example, “standard size”, “standard size”). Items (selectable sizes) such as “special size”, “irregular size”, “wide paper”, and “postcard” (FIG. 4C-105), an “OK” button, a “cancel” button, and a paper size. Separately, a "paper type setting" button for shifting to a screen for setting the "paper type" is displayed.
[0067]
For example, as a setting of the paper stored in the tray 1, “plain paper with a fixed paper size of 5.5 × 8.5 and a paper type of 64 g to 74 g basis weight” is set as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a "standard special size" is set for the tray 1, and a detailed setting screen (FIG. 5 (a) -106) relating to the "standard special size" is displayed. At this time, select a paper size of “5.5 × 8.5” and press the “OK” button. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, an item indicating the paper type stored in each tray (FIG. 5B-107), a "paper type selection" item (FIG. 5B-108), and , "Paper weight selection" item (FIG. 5B-109), a display screen displaying an "OK" button and a "Cancel" button, and an item indicating the type of paper stored in each tray ( For the tray 1 shown in FIG. 5 (b) -107, the user selects "plain paper" in the "paper type selection" item (FIG. 5 (b) -108) and selects the "paper basis weight" item (FIG. 5 (b) ) -109), select "64 to 74 (g)" and press the "OK" button to complete the setting.
[0068]
In this way, if the operator notices that the amount of paper stored in the tray is low after the start of printing, not only the currently performed job but also the reserved And the continuous printing can be performed as much as possible.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to change the attribute of the paper type of the tray after printing is started, so that the remaining amount of paper stored in the tray after printing is started When the operator notices that the number of sheets is small, it is possible to prevent the paper feed stop due to the absence of the paper and to perform the continuous printing as much as possible. Further, by setting conditions for changing the attribute of the paper type, efficient printing can be performed without changing the attribute of the paper type selected in the subsequent reserved job.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen in an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming apparatus

Claims (2)

Paper type setting means for setting a paper type;
Paper type storage means for storing the paper type set by the paper type setting;
Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper,
Paper size storage means for storing the paper size set by the paper size setting means;
Image information storage means for storing input image information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that specifies one or more trays based on the paper type storage unit and the paper size storage unit, and performs printing based on the image information on a sheet conveyed from the tray. ,
While the first print job stored in the paper type storage unit, the paper size storage unit, and the image information storage unit is being performed, the control unit may control a sheet that is not specified by the first print job. An image forming apparatus, wherein a change setting of a type and / or a sheet size is enabled as a second print job. Paper type setting means for setting a paper type;
Paper type storage means for storing the paper type set by the paper type setting;
Paper size setting means for setting the size of the paper,
Paper size storage means for storing the paper size set by the paper size setting means;
Image information storage means for storing input image information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that specifies one or more trays based on the paper type storage unit and the paper size storage unit, and performs printing based on the image information on a sheet conveyed from the tray. ,
The control unit newly sets a paper type and / or a paper size for a tray not specified by one or more print jobs stored in the paper type storage unit, the paper size storage unit, and the image information storage unit. An image forming apparatus wherein change setting is enabled.

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