JP2006027846A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate various settings for a paper feed tray. <P>SOLUTION: When the type of a recording paper designated by a printing setting does not match the type of a paper sheet on the paper feed tray, the candidates for the paper feed tray replaceable with the recording paper of the designated type are listed up. When there are a plurality of candidates, based on the pre-designated orders of priority such as the order of priority of paper feed tray and the order of priority of the type of paper, the paper feed tray for which the recording paper is replaced is selected (steps 120 to 124). Then, a request for replacement of the recording paper to the selected paper feed tray is displaced, and based on the request for replacement, the designated recording paper is stored in the selected paper feed tray. When a confirmation button is operated, the setting of the type of paper for the selected paper feed tray is changed to the type of paper designated by the printing setting (steps 126 to 130). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms on a sheet-like recording material such as recording paper, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus in which a paper type of recording paper is set for each paper feed tray.

  Image forming apparatuses that form an image according to image data on recording paper using an electrophotographic process include a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having these functions.

  In such an image forming apparatus, a toner image corresponding to image data is formed on a photosensitive drum, and the toner image is transferred to a recording sheet via an intermediate transfer member. Thereafter, in the image forming apparatus, the recording paper on which the toner image has been transferred is heated while being pressed to melt the toner image and fix it on the recording paper. Thereby, an image corresponding to the image data is formed on the recording paper.

  The image forming apparatus can form images on recording sheets of various sizes such as A4, A3, B5, and B4 sizes. From here, the image forming apparatus can record a large number of sheets. A plurality of paper feed trays for storing paper are provided. For example, a paper feed tray for storing recording paper of a size based on image data or print designation is selected, and the recording paper is taken out from the selected paper feed tray. Image formation (print processing) is performed.

  By the way, image forming apparatuses are required to form images not only on plain paper but also on various types of recording paper such as OHP film, thin paper and thick paper, fine paper, medium paper, coated paper, art paper, etc. In order to form a quality image, for example, it is necessary to appropriately set various parameters such as a parameter such as a fixing temperature in accordance with a paper quality such as a paper thickness.

  In general, since a single paper feed tray contains recording paper of the same size and the same paper quality, an image forming apparatus can move the guide according to the size of the recording paper contained in the paper feed tray. The size of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray can be detected from the moving position of the guide.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus can set the paper type (paper quality) of the recording paper for each paper feed tray using the UI displayed on the display. Image formation is possible.

  On the other hand, when the paper quality is specified in the print settings, there is a case where the recording paper of the corresponding paper quality is not stored. In such a case, if an image is formed with priority only on the size of the recording paper, a desired printed matter may not be obtained. From this point, the printing process is interrupted to prompt loading of the recording paper.

  However, if the printing process is interrupted, the operating efficiency will be reduced. Therefore, a multipurpose paper cassette (paper tray) that can change the paper type is provided, and recording with a specified paper quality different from the stored paper quality is specified. When the use of paper is specified, the corresponding print job is interrupted, the use of the multipurpose paper cassette is prohibited, the corresponding recording paper can be loaded, and the paper other than the multipurpose paper cassette is fed. There has been proposed an image forming apparatus that permits execution of a printing process using a record stored in a cassette (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in order to change the paper type setting for each paper feed tray, it is necessary to select the paper feed tray and make various settings. At this time, if there are a plurality of paper feed trays that can be set as a new paper type, the paper feed tray intended by the user who uses the image forming apparatus may not be displayed.

The work for setting the paper quality for the paper feed tray must be performed on the tray attribute setting menu by displaying the tray attribute setting menu for each paper tray following the hierarchy from the system setting menu, for example. When the recording paper of a different paper type is continuously used, there is a problem that the setting operation is extremely troublesome.
JP 2002-190887 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and proposes an image forming apparatus capable of performing a change operation smoothly and easily when a paper tray is set or a paper type is changed. With the goal.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention selects a paper feed tray set with a paper type that matches the paper type set by the print settings, and forms an image on the recording paper taken out from the paper feed tray. An image forming apparatus configured to determine whether or not a paper type preset in the paper feed tray matches a paper type specified in the print setting; Display means for displaying a request to replace the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray when determined, operation detection means for detecting whether or not an operation based on the display on the display means has been performed, and Setting change means for changing the paper type setting for the paper feed tray to the paper type specified in the print setting when it is detected by the processing detection means that an operation based on the display of the display means has been performed; including And wherein the door.

  According to the present invention, when the paper type specified in the print setting for performing the printing process for forming an image on the recording paper is not set in the paper feeding tray, the recording paper replacement request to the paper feeding tray is made. Is displayed.

  Based on this exchange request, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed. When the predetermined operation has been performed, it is determined that the recording paper in the paper feed tray has been replaced, and the setting changing means The paper type setting for is changed to the paper type specified in the print settings.

  Accordingly, it is possible to easily set the paper type for the paper feed tray permanently without displaying the setting menu in the hierarchy and changing the paper type for the paper feed tray.

  In the present invention, the operation detection unit may detect whether or not the input unit displayed on the display unit together with the replacement request has been operated. That is, when the input means confirms the replacement request by displaying an input means such as a confirmation button together with a paper replacement request on the display means, it is determined that the paper has been replaced based on the display. You may make it do.

  Further, the present invention provides a selection means for selecting a paper feed tray to be replaced with a recording paper of the paper type specified by the print setting when each of the paper feed trays is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays for storing the recording paper. The display means displays a request for replacement of the recording paper to the paper feed tray selected by the selection means, and the setting change means indicates the paper type for the paper feed tray selected by the selection means. It is characterized by changing settings.

  According to the present invention, when there are a plurality of paper feed trays in which the recording paper can be replaced, the selection means for selecting a paper feeding tray for exchanging the recording paper is provided. As a result, the troublesomeness of selecting the paper feed tray for replacing the recording paper can be eliminated.

  In addition, the present invention includes a detection unit that detects insertion / removal of the paper feed tray for replacement or replenishment of the recording paper, and the setting change unit is configured to detect the paper supply by the detection unit based on the display of the display unit. It is characterized in that when the drawer and loading of the paper tray are detected, the setting of the paper type for the paper feed tray is changed.

  According to the present invention, since the setting of the paper type is changed when the insertion / extraction of the paper feed tray for the replacement of the recording paper is detected, it is possible to reliably change various settings.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a switching unit that is provided in the paper feed tray and can switch the display of the paper type of the recording paper on the paper feed tray according to the paper type of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray. When the setting change unit matches the display of the paper type on the paper feed tray by the switching unit and the paper type designated by the print setting, the paper type setting for the paper feed tray is performed. It is characterized by changing.

  According to the present invention, when the display of the paper type on the paper feed tray is changed, the setting of the paper type to be set for the paper feed tray is changed, so that a more accurate paper type can be set. Become.

  Further, according to the present invention, a paper feed tray in which a paper type that matches a paper type set by print settings is selected from a plurality of paper feed trays each storing recording paper. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on recording paper taken out from the paper, and whether or not the paper type preset for each of the paper feed trays matches the paper type specified in the print settings And a paper feed tray for exchanging with the recording paper of the paper type designated in the print setting based on a preset priority order when the judgment means judges that there is a mismatch. Selecting means for selecting.

  According to the present invention, the paper feed tray to be exchanged with the paper type designated in the print settings is set based on the preset priority order. At this time, by setting the priority order in an arbitrary method in advance, it is possible to load the recording paper of the specified paper type in the intended paper feed tray.

  When selecting a paper feed tray, for example, one paper feed tray is selected based on the priority order from among paper feed trays that can accommodate recording paper of the size specified in the print settings. I just need it.

  The priority order when selecting a paper feed tray may be the priority order set between the paper feed trays, and the priority order set between the paper type for each paper feed tray and the paper type These may be used, or a combination of these priorities may be used.

  When using the priority order of the paper feed tray or paper type, the paper feed tray with the highest priority order may be selected, or the paper feed tray with the lowest priority order may be selected. good.

  Furthermore, the priority order used when selecting a paper feed tray can be the position of the paper feed tray (up and down position), the amount of recording paper that can be stored, and the like.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the setting of the paper type for the paper feed tray by a simple operation of inputting a confirmation for the recording paper replacement request displayed on the display unit. .

  In the present invention, since the paper feed tray for replacing the recording paper is selected based on the preset priority order, the intended paper feed tray can be changed to the paper type designated in the print settings.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 applied to the present embodiment. As the image forming apparatus, a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a multifunction machine having these functions can be applied. Hereinafter, a printer having these basic functions will be described as an example.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a paper feeding unit 14 on which recording paper 12 used for image formation is loaded, a print engine (image forming unit) 16 that forms an image on the recording paper 12 by an electrophotographic process, and conveyance of the recording paper 12. It is formed by the carrying part 18 to bear.

  The print engine 16 includes a developing module 22 provided with a photosensitive drum 20 and exposure means (not shown) such as a ROS (Raster Optical Scanner) using a laser beam or the like. After the surface of the photoconductive drum 20 is uniformly charged, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductive drum 20 by scanning and exposing a laser beam according to the image data, and image data is obtained by performing toner development. A toner image (for example, a black (K) color toner image) corresponding to the above is formed.

  The print engine 16 is provided with a transfer belt 24 facing the photosensitive drum 20, and the recording paper 12 supplied (feeded) from the paper supply unit 14 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer belt 24. . At this time, in the print engine 16, the recording paper 12 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer belt 24 while overlapping the toner images formed on the recording paper 12 and the photosensitive drum 20. Thereby, the recording paper 12 is sent out while the toner image on the photosensitive drum 20 is transferred.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a single color image using black (K) toner is formed as the print engine 16, but the print engine 16 can form a color image. There may be.

  At this time, in addition to K color, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) color development modules are used, and image data (color image data) input for printing is subjected to RIP processing. Data of each color component (raster data) of Y, M, C, and K is generated, the photosensitive drum is scanned and exposed using each raster data, and toners of each color of Y, M, C, and K are used. A toner image of each color of Y, M, C, and K is formed, and these toner images are transferred while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer member, or directly transferred while being superimposed on the recording paper 12 to obtain a full color toner image. Any material can be used.

  The print engine 16 is provided with a fixing module (fixing device) 26. The fixing module 26 includes a fixing roller 28 heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater (not shown), and heats the recording paper 12 on which the toner image has been transferred while being pressed by being pinched by the fixing roller 28.

  As a result, the toner is melted and fixed on the recording paper 12, and an image corresponding to the image data is formed on the recording paper 12.

  On the other hand, the paper feed unit 14 is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays 30 each capable of stacking and accommodating a large number of recording papers 12. In the present embodiment, the paper feed trays 30A and 30B that accommodate a relatively small size recording paper 12 and the paper feed trays 30C and 30D that can accommodate a relatively large size recording paper 12 are provided. (Hereinafter collectively referred to as a paper feed tray 30). Note that the number of paper feed trays 30 and the size of the recording paper 12 that can be accommodated are not limited thereto.

  The paper feed tray 30 is provided with a take-out roller and a feed roller. The uppermost recording paper 12 is taken out by the take-out roller, and the recording paper 12 is sent out from the paper feed tray 30 by the feed roller.

  The transport unit 18 feeds the recording paper 12 fed from each of the paper feed trays 30 between the photosensitive drum 20 of the print engine 16 and the transfer belt 24, and the recording fed from the fixing module 26. A paper discharge transport path 34 for guiding and transporting the paper 12 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 is provided.

  The recording paper 12 delivered from the paper supply tray 30 is conveyed along a paper supply conveyance path 32 and is supplied to the print engine 16. Note that a registration roller 36 is provided in a predetermined position on the front side of the photosensitive drum 20 in the paper feed conveyance path 32, and the registration roller 36 forms the toner image on the photosensitive drum 20 by the registration roller 36. Send out at synchronized timing. As a result, the toner image is superimposed on the recording paper 12.

  The recording paper 12 on which an image has been formed and sent out from the fixing module 26 is transported along a paper discharge transport path 34, and is discharged, for example, onto a paper discharge tray (not shown). The image forming apparatus 10 can be provided with a post-processing device that performs various post-processing. At this time, the recording paper 12 is conveyed along the paper discharge conveyance path 34 to be sent to the post-processing device. It is.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a switching unit 38, a reversing unit 40, and a double-sided conveyance path 42. The switching unit 38 switches the conveyance direction of the recording paper 12 sent out from the fixing module 26 and guides it to the reversing unit 40. As a result, the recording paper 12 sent to the reversing unit 40 is returned to the paper discharge conveyance path 34, whereby the image forming surface of the recording paper 12 sent out from the image forming apparatus 10 can be reversed.

  The double-sided conveyance path 42 connects the reversing unit 40 and the paper feeding conveyance path 32, and the recording paper 12 is fed from the reversing unit 40 through the double-sided conveyance path 42 to the paper feeding conveyance path 32. As a result, image formation can be performed again. At this time, the upper and lower surfaces of the recording paper 12 are reversed, so that the image forming apparatus 10 can form images on both sides of the recording paper 12 (double-sided printing).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image processing unit 50 and a print controller 52 that controls the operation of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10 is connected to an image processing terminal such as a personal computer or a workstation via a network interface (not shown), and includes various print settings together with image data to be formed on the recording paper 12 from the image processing terminal. A print job is entered.

  When a print job is input, the image processing unit 50 performs image processing based on print settings on image data of the print job and RIP processing.

  Various devices and sensors provided in the paper feeding unit 14, the print engine 16, and the conveyance unit 18 are connected to the print controller 52. The print controller 52 performs various types of operations based on the detection results of the various sensors. By controlling the operation of the device, the image forming process on the recording paper 12 based on the print settings of the print job is controlled.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to this, and any configuration that forms an image on the recording paper 12 by an electrophotographic process can be applied.

  Incidentally, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with an operation panel 54 on an upper portion of a casing (not shown), for example. The operation panel 54 is capable of key input based on the display on the display together with a display for displaying various information. As such an operation panel 54, for example, a touch panel in which a display and operation keys are integrated can be used.

  The operation panel 54 is connected to the print controller 52. In the image forming apparatus 10, various UIs (user interfaces) are displayed on the operation panel 54, and various settings and setting information can be confirmed using the UIs. The UI is stored in the print controller 52, and various setting information using the UI can be displayed and settings can be input. The print controller 52 stores the input setting information and controls various devices based on the stored setting information.

  On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 10, the recording paper 12 can be replenished by pulling out the paper feed tray 30 from the casing, and the recording paper 12 can be supplied by pushing the paper feed tray 30 pulled out to a predetermined position inside the apparatus. Is loaded.

  The paper feed tray 30 has a peripheral edge of the recording paper 12 to be accommodated (for example, one end side along the feed direction when the recording paper 12 is fed from the paper feed tray 30 and one end side along the direction orthogonal to the feed direction). Is provided with a recording paper guide (not shown) opposed to the recording paper 12, and when the recording paper 12 is received, the recording paper guide is brought into contact with the peripheral portion of the recording paper 12 arranged at a predetermined position. Yes.

  In addition, a pattern of a size detection protrusion (not shown) provided on the back surface side of the paper feed tray 30 changes according to the movement position of the recording paper guide.

  On the other hand, the paper feed unit 14 is provided with a size detection sensor 56 for each of the paper feed trays 30. The sensor 56 is opposed to the size detection protrusion pattern provided on the paper feed tray 30 when the paper feed tray 30 is loaded. For example, the sensor 56 detects using the sensor 56. The size of the recording paper 12 stored in the paper feed tray 30 can be determined from the combination of positions on the pattern of the plurality of protrusions.

  A sensor 56 facing each of the paper feed trays 30 is connected to the print controller 52, and the print controller 52 detects whether or not each paper feed tray 30 is loaded by the sensor 56 and feeds the paper feed trays 30. The size of the recording paper 12 accommodated in the paper 30 is detected (size recognition).

  As a result, when the size of the recording paper 12 is designated in the print settings of the print job, the print controller 52 selects the paper feed tray 30 containing the recording paper 12 of the corresponding size and selects the selected paper feed. An image is formed on the recording paper 12 taken out from the tray 30.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, paper quality or paper type such as plain paper, thick paper, thin paper, high-quality paper, recycled paper, colored paper, OHP paper (hereinafter collectively referred to as “paper type”) as well as coated paper and non-coated paper. The image can be formed on the recording paper 12 having a different size. At this time, in the print controller 52, when the operation control of each device is performed, a parameter corresponding to the paper type of the recording paper 12 is set. By selecting the parameter corresponding to the paper type and performing device control, High-quality image formation is possible on each of the recording papers 12 of different paper types.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the paper type of the recording paper 12 to be stored is set for each paper feed tray 30, and the print controller 52 is designated when the paper type of the recording paper 12 is designated in the print job. The paper feed tray 30 containing the recording paper 12 of the selected paper type is selected, and the recording paper 12 is fed from the selected paper feed tray 30.

  Further, since the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays 30, the recording paper 12 having the same size but different paper type, the recording paper 12 having the same paper type and different size, the paper type and The recording paper 12 having the same size can be loaded. For this reason, a plurality of paper feed trays 30 may be selectable when performing the printing process.

  From here, in the image forming apparatus 10, the priority order for the paper feed tray 30 and the priority order for the paper type are set. Table 1 shows the priority order of the paper feed tray 30 as an example.

  In the print controller 52, when a plurality of paper feed trays 30 are selected when executing a print job, for example, a paper feed tray 30 having a high priority or a paper feed containing a paper type having a high priority is stored. The tray 30 is selected.

  In the print controller 52, the priority order of the paper feed tray 30 and the paper type priority order can be set by using a predetermined UI, and the priority order set by the priority order is set. Is remembered and retained.

  On the other hand, when the recording paper 12 of the paper type specified in the print job is not stored in any of the paper feed trays 30, the print controller 52 selects and designates one of the paper feed trays 30. A display prompting the user to load the recording paper 12 of a certain paper type is displayed on the operation panel 54.

  At this time, the controller 52 performs display based on a preset UI, and FIG. 3 shows an example of display on the display panel 54 at that time.

  In this display screen 60, the selected paper feed tray 30 and the paper type loaded in the paper feed tray 30 are displayed in a clear manner. The display screen 60 is provided with a confirmation button 62. By operating (pressing or touching) the confirmation button 62, the print controller 52 designates the selected paper feed tray 30. It is determined that the recording paper 12 of the paper type is loaded.

  The print controller 52 can check whether the selected paper feed tray 30 has been inserted or removed by using the sensor 56. The print controller 52 can check whether the selected paper feed tray 30 has been inserted or removed. Is completed, it is determined that the recording paper 12 of the designated paper type is loaded in the corresponding paper feed tray 30 (the selected paper feed tray 30).

  On the other hand, the controller 52 changes the paper type setting of the corresponding paper feed tray 30 by performing a confirmation operation on the display screen 60 (operation of the confirmation button 62).

  As a result, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the UI on the operation panel 54 while following the hierarchy, and sets the paper type for the corresponding paper feed tray 30 to the new paper type without setting the paper type of the paper feed tray 30. The setting can be changed.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, a print job is input, print settings are set, image processing and RIP processing are performed on the image data of the print job, and RIP processing is performed. The photosensitive drum 20 is exposed based on the data (raster data), and an image is formed on the recording paper 12.

  By the way, the image forming apparatus 10 selects the paper feed tray 12 containing the recording paper 12 of the corresponding size and paper type based on the size and paper type of the recording paper 12 specified in the print settings, The recording paper 12 is taken out from the selected paper feed tray 30 and an image is formed on the extracted recording paper 12.

  FIG. 4 shows an outline of the selection process of the paper feed tray 30 at this time. In this flowchart, when a print job is input, the print job is executed prior to print processing. In the first step 100, the specification of the size of the recording paper 12 is read from the print job, and in the next step 102, the print job is printed. The specification of the paper type of the recording paper 12 is read from the job.

  Thereafter, in step 104, the size of the recording paper 12 accommodated in each paper feed tray 30 and the setting of the paper type for each paper feed tray 30 are collated. In step 106, the recording paper 12 contained therein is checked. It is confirmed whether or not there is a paper feed tray 30 whose size and set paper type match the print setting designation.

  Here, if there are paper feed trays 30 having the same size and paper type, an affirmative determination is made in step 106 and the process proceeds to step 108 to check whether or not there are a plurality of paper feed trays 30 that coincide with each other. When the number of trays 30 is one, a negative determination is made at step 108 and the process proceeds to step 110, and the matching paper feed tray 30 is selected as the paper feed tray 30 used for taking out the recording paper 12.

  Further, when there are a plurality of paper feed trays 30 having the same size and paper type, an affirmative determination is made in step 108 and the process proceeds to step 112, and a preset priority order (for example, set between the paper feed trays 30) is set. Is selected as the paper feed tray 30 used for taking out the recording paper 12.

  When the print controller 52 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 selects the paper feed tray 30 as described above, an image forming process is performed on the recording paper 12 taken out from the selected paper feed tray 30.

  On the other hand, there is a case in which there is no paper feed tray 30 that accommodates the recording paper 12 that matches the size and paper type of the recording paper 12 specified in the print setting of the print job. At this time, a negative determination is made at step 106 and the routine proceeds to step 114 where a request for loading the recording paper 12 that matches the designation of the print setting is made. When the recording paper 12 is loaded in response to the request, the corresponding recording paper 12 is The loaded paper feed tray 30 is selected as the paper feed tray 30 used for taking out the recording paper 12 (step 116).

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of the replacement request process for the recording paper 12. This flowchart is executed by moving to step 114 of the flowchart of FIG. 4. In the first step 120, the recording paper 12 of the size and paper type specified in the print settings is replaced with the current recording paper 12. The paper feed trays 30 that can be loaded are listed. In this case, for example, a paper feed tray 30 that accommodates recording papers 12 of different paper sizes but the same size, or a paper feed tray 30 that can accommodate recording papers 12 of a specified size is selected. can do.

  In the next step 122, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of replaceable paper feed trays 30 for the designated recording paper 12, and when there are a plurality of replaceable paper feed trays 30 for the designated recording paper 12, An affirmative determination is made at step 122 and the routine proceeds to step 124.

  In this step 124, the paper feed tray 30 for exchanging the recording paper 12 is selected from the plurality of paper feed trays 30. In the print controller 52, a selection method for selecting the paper feed tray 30 to be replaced with the designated recording paper 12 among the plurality of paper feed trays 30 is preset and stored. Based on the set selection method, the paper feed tray 30 for replacing the recording paper 12 is selected.

  As a method of selecting the paper feed tray 30 at this time, the priority order set between the paper feed trays 30 can be used. Further, as a method for selecting the paper feed tray 30, the priority order of the paper types can be used based on the paper type set in each paper feed tray 30, and the priority order of the paper feed trays 30 and It is possible to apply a method of selecting paper types in accordance with the priority order.

  When selecting the paper feed tray 30 based on the priority order among the paper feed trays 30, the paper feed tray 30 having a higher priority order is selected as the paper feed tray 30 for the recording paper 12 of a new paper type. On the contrary, the paper feed tray 30 having a low priority may be selected as the paper feed tray 30 for replacing the recording paper 12.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of selection processing using the priority order setting of the paper feed tray 30. In this flowchart, the priority order set for each of the paper feed trays 30 listed in step 140 is read, and in the next step 142, the priority order is compared among the paper feed trays 30.

  Thereafter, in step 144, the highest (or lowest) paper feed tray 30 of the priority order is selected as the paper feed tray 30 for replacing the recording paper 12 based on the comparison result.

  When selecting the paper feed tray 30 based on the paper type priority order, the paper feed tray 30 for the recording paper 12 of the new paper type is selected as the paper feed tray 30 having the higher paper type priority order. Alternatively, the paper feed tray 30 set to a paper type with a low priority may be selected as the paper feed tray 30 for replacing the recording paper 12.

  FIG. 6B shows an outline of the selection process based on the setting of the priority order of the paper type. In this flowchart, in step 150, the paper type setting of the listed paper feed tray 30 is read, and the step In 152, the priority setting for the paper type is read.

  Thereafter, in step 154, the priority order among the paper types is compared. Based on the comparison result, in step 156, the paper tray 30 in which the highest (lowest) paper type in the priority order is set. Select.

  Further, for example, the paper feed trays 30 having the same priority order set between the paper feed trays 30 may be selected based on the paper type priority order set in the paper feed tray 30. Further, when the paper feed trays 30 have the same paper type, selection may be made based on the priority order set between the paper feed trays 30.

  Further, in the method for selecting the paper feed tray 30, the position of the paper feed tray 30 in the image forming apparatus 10 can be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed trays 30 are arranged in a vertically stacked state, and from here the upper paper feed tray 30 is replaced with a recording paper 12 of a new paper type. The paper feed tray 30 may be selected, or the lower paper feed tray 30 may be selected. By selecting the upper paper feed tray 30, the recording paper 12 can be easily replaced, and when the recording paper 12 is not frequently replenished, the lower paper feed tray 30 is selected. The paper tray 30 may be selected.

  Further, between the paper feed trays 30 having the same vertical position, such as the paper feed trays 30 </ b> A and 30 </ b> B, the paper feed tray 30 may be selected based on the storage capacity of the recording paper 12, for example. That is, when a large amount of recording paper 12 of the type of paper to be exchanged is used, it is sufficient to select a paper feed tray 30 (for example, paper feed tray 30B) having a large capacity, and the amount used is small. If so, a paper feed tray (for example, paper feed tray 30A) having a relatively small amount of storage may be selected.

  Such a setting for selecting the paper feed tray 30 may be set in advance as described above, and such a selection condition is set on the display of the operation panel 54 on the image forming apparatus 10. A predetermined UI may be displayed as a system operation setting, or set using a predetermined driver (driver software) on the image processing terminal to which the image forming apparatus 10 is connected. It may be.

  Accordingly, the user who uses the image forming apparatus 10 can select the intended paper feed tray 30.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the paper feed tray 30 for replacement of the recording paper 12 is selected in step 124, the process proceeds to step 126, and a message prompting the replacement of the recording paper 12 to the selected paper feed tray 30 (FIG. 3). Is displayed on the display of the operation panel 54. When there is only one candidate for the paper feed tray 30, a negative determination is made in step 122, and the process proceeds to step 126 as the selected paper feed tray 30.

  As a result, the user who requested the print job or the operation manager of the image forming apparatus 10 can clearly confirm that the recording paper 12 needs to be replaced.

  In the next step 128, it is confirmed whether or not the confirmation button 62 provided on the display screen 60 has been operated.

  Here, it is determined from the display on the operation panel 56 that the recording paper 12 needs to be exchanged, the selected paper feed tray 30 is pulled out, and the recording paper 12 in the paper feed tray 30 that has been pulled out is instructed to the type of paper instructed. When the confirmation button 62 is operated after the recording paper 12 is replaced and the paper feed tray 30 is loaded, an affirmative determination is made at step 128 and the routine proceeds to step 130.

  In step 130, the paper type registered in the selected paper feed tray 30 is set to the paper type specified in the current print job, that is, the paper type of the recording paper 12 newly loaded in the paper feed tray 30. .

  In this way, when the recording paper 12 of the size and paper type specified in the print settings of the print job is loaded, in the flowchart of FIG. The tray 30 is selected so that the print job is executed.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 10, when an image is formed on the recording paper 12 of a size and paper type that matches the print settings of the print job, the recording paper 12 of the designated paper type is not loaded. The user is prompted to load the designated recording paper 12. At this time, the recording paper 12 can be smoothly exchanged by accurately selecting and specifying the paper feed tray 30 on which the recording paper 12 is loaded.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, when the recording paper 12 is replaced with a different paper type, the paper type setting for the corresponding paper feed tray 30 is changed. At this time, the image forming apparatus 10 does not display a menu for setting attributes for the paper feed tray 30 on the operation panel 56, but is provided on the replacement message (display screen 60) for the recording paper 12 displayed on the operation panel 56. Changing the paper type setting only by operating the confirmation button 62 makes it very easy to change the paper type setting.

  Further, since the paper type setting for the paper feed tray 30 is changed, the recording paper 12 of the changed paper type can be used continuously. This makes it very easy to change settings for the paper feed tray 30 when changing the paper type to be used.

  In the above description, the paper type setting is changed by operating the confirmation button 62 provided on the display screen 60. However, the key (condition) for executing the setting change is not limited to this. For example, the paper type setting may be changed by pulling out and reloading the paper feed tray 30 caused by the actual replacement of the recording paper 12.

  FIG. 7 shows an outline of the processing at this time. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG.

  In this flowchart, when a message requesting replacement of the recording paper 12 is displayed in step 126, the process proceeds to step 132. In this step 132, it is confirmed whether the paper feed tray 30 is pulled out for exchanging the recording paper 12 and the sensor 56 is turned off. When the paper feed tray 30 is pulled out and the sensor 56 is turned off, step 132 is performed. Affirmative determination is made at step 134 and the routine proceeds to step 134, where it is confirmed whether or not the sensor 56 is turned on.

  As a result, when the paper feed tray 30 pulled out for replacement of the recording paper 12 contains and loads the recording paper 12 of the designated paper type, if an affirmative determination is made in step 134, the processing proceeds to step 130. Then, the paper type setting for the selected paper feed tray 30 is changed.

  That is, instead of predicting that the recording paper 12 will be replaced, the paper feeding tray 30 is pulled out and reloaded for replacement to the designated recording paper 12, so that the recording paper 12 is reliably specified. When it is determined that the paper type has been switched, the paper type setting for the paper feed tray 30 is changed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily change an appropriate paper type setting without performing a special process or operation for setting the paper type.

  At this time, it can be combined with the operation of the confirmation button 62. That is, it may be determined that the recording paper 12 has been replaced by confirming the operation of the confirmation button 62 and confirming the insertion / removal of the paper feed tray 30, and the paper type setting may be changed.

  On the other hand, in the paper type setting (changing the paper type setting), a paper type confirmation dial is provided as a hard key for enabling confirmation of the paper type setting for each paper feed tray 30, and this paper type confirmation dial is used in combination. You can also change the paper type setting.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the paper feed tray 30 is provided with a paper type confirmation dial 64. The paper type confirmation dial 62 can be operated in a state where the paper feed tray 30 is pulled out from the casing 66 of the image forming apparatus 10 and the recording paper 12 can be supplied to the paper feed tray 30.

  The paper feed tray 30 is provided with a display window 68 adjacent to the paper type confirmation dial 64. In this display window 68, the displayed paper type is switched in accordance with the operation of the paper type confirmation dial 64.

  In such an image forming apparatus 10, when the recording paper 12 is replenished to the paper feed tray 30, whether or not the paper type of the recording paper 12 to be replenished is appropriate from the display on the display window 68, that is, replenishment is performed. It is possible to confirm whether or not the paper type of the recording paper 12 is appropriate for the setting of the paper feed tray 30.

  The print controller 52 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 has a connector (not shown) connected to the paper feed tray 30 when the paper feed tray 30 is pushed into a predetermined position and loaded. The operation state of the paper type confirmation dial 64, that is, the paper type set by the paper supply confirmation button 64 can be detected.

  FIG. 9 shows an outline of a paper type setting change using such a paper type confirmation dial 64. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the same step number is assigned to the same process as that of the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In this flowchart, when an exchange request for the designated recording paper 12 is displayed, the process proceeds to step 136 where the setting of the paper type confirmation dial 64 (setting confirmation button) of the paper feed tray 30 is read. In step 138, the paper type is read. It is confirmed whether or not the paper type set in the confirmation dial 64 matches the designated paper type.

  Here, when the setting of the paper type confirmation dial 64 matches the designated paper type, an affirmative determination is made in step 138 and the process proceeds to step 130 to change the paper type setting for the corresponding paper feed tray 30.

  When the recording paper 12 is exchanged, if the original paper type is displayed without operating the paper type confirmation dial 64, a negative determination is made in step 138 and the process proceeds to step 139. In this step 139, the paper type set in the paper feed tray 30 is not changed, and the current designation is made only for a preset period until the recording paper 12 is supplied to the paper feed tray 30 next time. The paper type is temporarily set, and the image forming process is executed using parameters corresponding to the temporarily set paper type.

  In this way, by using the paper type confirmation dial 64 provided for each paper feed tray 30, it is possible to easily change the setting of a more accurate paper type. Since the paper type confirmation dial 64 cannot be operated unless the paper feed tray 30 is pulled out, the detection of the extraction of the paper feed tray 30 (steps 132 and 134) is omitted when the paper type confirmation dial 64 is used. Also good. Further, the setting of the paper type confirmation dial 64 and the operation of the confirmation button 62 may be used in combination.

  The present embodiment described above does not limit the configuration of the present invention, and the present invention can set a paper type for each paper feed tray and can form a high-quality image according to the paper type. The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having an arbitrary configuration. The image forming apparatus may include a manual feed tray for feeding paper and a paper feed tray for storing recording paper used for special purposes such as a front cover, banner paper, and slip sheet. However, it may not be applied to these special purpose trays.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus applied to the present embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is the schematic which shows an example of the replacement | exchange request | requirement of a recording paper. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of selection of a paper feed tray for taking out a recording paper when performing a printing process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a recording paper replacement request and a paper type setting change are performed. Each of (A) and (B) is a flowchart showing an outline of paper feed tray selection based on a set priority order. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing when a recording paper replacement request and a paper type setting change are performed. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the principal part of the paper feed tray pulled out from the casing. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing when a recording paper replacement request and a paper type setting change are performed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Recording paper 14 Paper feed part 16 Print engine 30 (30A-30D) Paper feed tray 50 Image processing part 52 Print controller 54 Operation panel (display means)
56 sensor (detection means)
60 Display screen 62 Confirmation button (input means, operation detection means)
64 Paper type confirmation dial (switching means)

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus that selects a paper feed tray set with a paper type that matches a paper type set by print settings, and forms an image on a recording paper taken out from the paper feed tray.
Determination means for determining whether or not a paper type preset in the paper feed tray matches a paper type specified in the print setting;
Display means for displaying a request for replacement of the recording paper stored in the paper feed tray when the judgment means judges that there is a discrepancy;
Operation detecting means for detecting whether or not an operation based on the display of the display means has been performed;
Setting change means for changing the paper type setting for the paper feed tray to the paper type specified in the print settings when the processing detection means detects that an operation based on the display on the display means has been performed; ,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection unit detects whether or not an input unit displayed on the display unit together with the replacement request has been operated.   The display means includes a selection means for selecting a paper feed tray to be replaced with a recording paper of the paper type designated in the print setting when each of the paper feed trays is provided with a plurality of paper feed trays for storing the recording paper. Displays a request for replacing the recording paper to the paper feed tray selected by the selection means, and the setting change means changes the paper type setting for the paper feed tray selected by the selection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   Detecting means for detecting insertion / removal of the paper feed tray for replacement or replenishment of the recording paper, wherein the setting change means draws out and loads the paper feed tray by the detection means based on the display of the display means 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an image is detected, the setting of a paper type for the paper feed tray is changed. 5.   The setting change is provided when switching means provided on the paper feed tray and capable of switching the display of the paper type of the recording paper on the paper feeding tray according to the paper type of the recording paper stored in the paper feeding tray. Means for changing the paper type setting for the paper feed tray when the paper type displayed on the paper feed tray by the switching means coincides with the paper type designated by the print setting; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Select a paper tray that has a paper type that matches the paper type set by the print settings from the multiple paper trays that each contain recording paper. An image forming apparatus for forming an image,
Determining means for determining whether or not a paper type preset for each of the paper feed trays matches a paper type specified in the print settings;
A selection means for selecting the paper feed tray to be replaced with the recording paper of the paper type specified in the print setting based on a preset priority order when the determination means determines that there is a mismatch;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images