JP2007074147A - Image forming apparatus and print processing control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a print processing control method that can suitably continue to carry on print processing even if a consumption article runs short. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus which performs print processing under set print conditions has a consumption article remaining amount detection means of detecting the remaining amount of the consumption article and an alternative condition extracting means of comparing the print conditions with the remaining amount of the consumption article to determine whether print processing meeting the print conditions can be completed and extracting alternative print conditions where the print processing can be completed relatively to the remaining amount of the consumption article when the determination results are negative. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a printing process control method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and a printing process control method for performing printing processing based on set printing conditions.

  As a pre-stage of printing execution in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral, it is necessary to set printing conditions by a print dialog displayed on a computer and transmit a print job to the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print dialog. In the print dialog shown in FIG. 1, settings such as print range, color / monochrome printing, single-sided / double-sided printing, document orientation, paper type, number of copies, document size, and scaling can be set.

  The image forming apparatus that has received the print job performs print processing according to the print conditions set in such a print dialog.

However, if there is a shortage of consumables such as printing paper or toner during the printing process, the printing process that satisfies the printing conditions cannot be performed completely. Thus, for example, when a paper out occurs, a printer has been proposed that transmits to the computer a message notifying that an abnormality has occurred, information on paper out, and information on the remaining amount of paper (for example, Patent Document 1). .
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-315591

  However, there may be a case where it is desired to complete the print job even if a part of the print conditions is changed. However, according to the conventional technique, the print job is canceled. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot complete the print job only after replenishing the consumables that caused the cancellation.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus and a printing process control method capable of appropriately continuing a printing process even when consumables are insufficient.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that performs a printing process based on a set printing condition, the expendable supplies remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining expendable supplies, the printing conditions, Based on the comparison with the remaining amount of consumables, it is determined whether or not the printing process satisfying the printing condition can be completed. If the determination result is negative, the printing process can be completed in relation to the remaining amount of consumables. And an alternative condition extracting means for extracting alternative print conditions.

  In such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to continue the printing process appropriately even when the consumables are insufficient.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention may be a print processing control method in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and a print processing control method capable of appropriately continuing print processing even when consumables are insufficient.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the printing system 1 includes a printer 10a, a copier 10b, and one or more PCs (Personal) connected by a network 30 (regardless of wired or wireless) such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Computer) (computers 20a, 20b, 20c, etc., hereinafter collectively referred to as "computer 20").

  The printer 10a executes a printing process based on the set printing conditions. The copying machine 10b executes a copying process based on the set printing conditions.

  Note that the printer 10a or the copier 10b may be replaced by a multi-function machine that realizes a plurality of functions such as a print function and a copy function by a single casing. Hereinafter, the printer 10a, the copier 10b, and the multifunction peripheral are collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 10” when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, an image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 101, an image reading unit 102, a data storage unit 103, an image storage unit 104, a control unit 105, a toner unit 106, a consumables remaining amount detection unit 107, a paper tray 108, and an authentication unit. 109, a communication interface unit 110, a notification unit 111, a determination unit 112, and the like.

  The image reading unit 102 reads an image from a paper document using a scanner or the like. However, the image reading unit 102 is not a component when the image forming apparatus 10 is the printer 10a.

  The image storage unit 104 stores image data read by the image reading unit 102 or image data received from the computer 20.

  The control unit 105 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The authentication unit 109 authenticates a user for a print job related to confidential printing. Here, in the confidential printing, in order to prevent leakage of print contents, the user is requested to input the user ID and the password associated with the print job in the operation unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10, and these are correct. A function of executing a print job when a value is input.

  The communication interface unit 110 controls communication with the computer 20 or the like via the network 30.

  A consumable item remaining amount detection unit 107 detects the remaining amount of consumable items in the image forming apparatus 10 such as toner in the toner unit 106 and printing paper in the paper tray 108.

  The data storage unit 103 includes data related to the remaining amount of consumables such as the remaining amount of paper detected by the remaining consumables detection unit 107 (remaining consumables data), printing conditions and print data received from the computer 20. Data (print job data), input data from the operation unit 101, and the like are stored.

  Based on the comparison between the consumable remaining amount data stored in the data storage unit 103 and the printing conditions included in the print job data, the determination unit 112 completes the printing process that satisfies the printing conditions in the image forming apparatus 10. Judge whether or not. If the determination unit 112 determines that the printing cannot be completed, the determination unit 112 extracts other printing conditions (hereinafter referred to as “alternative printing conditions”) that can complete the printing process. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data related to the determination unit.

  The data storage unit 103 stores print job data 50 and consumables remaining amount data 60 through an interface 1031 for the data storage unit 103. The data storage unit 103 also stores print menu information (not shown) that is a print menu of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The storage position of each data in the data storage unit 103 is determined by address designation based on the data type discrimination data 90 included in the remaining amount data of the consumables and the print job data.

  Consumables remaining amount data 60 stored in the data storage unit 103 includes paper remaining amount data 61, toner remaining amount data 62, stapler needle remaining amount data from various sensors installed in the image forming apparatus 10, There are information on how much paper is collected in the paper discharge tray, information on the life of the fixing roller, and the like. In the figure, only the remaining paper amount data 61 and the remaining toner amount data 62 are displayed, but this is for convenience.

  The determination unit 112 compares the consumables remaining amount data 60 (paper remaining amount data 61 and donor remaining amount data 62 and the like) stored in the data storage unit 103 with the printing conditions included in the print job data 50, Whether print completion is possible and alternative print conditions are extracted, and print completion availability information 70 and alternative print conditions 80 are output.

  Note that the consumable item remaining amount data 60 stored in the data storage unit 103 is updated in response to reception of a print job. However, it may be updated periodically for each data or when the value changes. In any case, the determination unit 112 can determine whether printing is complete and extract alternative printing conditions based on the latest consumables remaining amount data 60.

  Returning to FIG. The notification unit 111 indicates the consumables remaining amount data detected by the consumables remaining amount detection unit 107, the result of the determination of whether printing can be completed (print completion permission information) by the determination unit 112, the alternative printing conditions, and the like. Through the computer 20.

  The operation unit 101 is a so-called operation panel, and accepts input of print condition settings, print execution instructions, and the like, and displays information related to print processing on a liquid crystal panel or the like. For example, the operation unit 101 displays consumables remaining amount data detected by the consumables remaining amount detection unit 107, a result of determination of whether printing can be completed by the determination unit 112, alternative printing conditions, a print job by another user, and the like. indicate.

  In addition to the above, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a printing unit that prints on printing paper, an output unit that outputs printed paper, and the like.

  The operation unit 101 will be described in more detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit. 5, the operation unit 101 includes a job list display unit 1011, an information display unit 1012, an ID card reading unit 1013, a password input unit 1014, a print button 1015, and the like.

  The job list display unit 1011 displays an unprocessed print job using a drop-down menu. The information display unit 1012 displays consumables remaining amount data, printing completion information, alternative printing conditions, and the like. The ID card reading unit 1013 reads the user ID from the trapped ID card. The numeric keypad 1014 accepts input of a password or the like, for example. A print button 1015 receives a print execution instruction.

  For example, after replenishing paper in the paper tray 108, the user causes the job list display unit 1011 to display the job name of the unprocessed print job (in this case, the user name). When the user selects a job name, the image forming apparatus 10 prompts the user to input a user ID and password. The user puts the ID card in the ID card reading unit 1013 and inputs his / her password using the numeric keypad 1014.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, each print job (here, a print job name) is associated with a user ID. The user ID is also associated with a password. Therefore, based on these associations, the authentication unit 109 verifies the input user ID and password, and authenticates the user regarding the selected print job. Only when the user is authenticated, the execution of the print job is permitted.

  Before the user presses the print button 1015, for example, the user can change the print condition of the print job with reference to the alternative print condition extracted by the determination unit 112 and displayed on the information display unit 1012.

  When printing is completed, the image forming apparatus 10 deletes the print job data of the print job from the data storage unit 103 and deletes the job name from the job list display unit 1011. In addition, a print job completion notification is transmitted to the computer 20.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus regarding the printing process.

  In the computer 20, the print conditions are set by a print dialog as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of printing conditions when performing printing. In the following description, the numbers in parentheses correspond to the reference numerals in FIG. In the print dialog 200, the user inputs a print page (201), and print colors (202), print surface (203), print direction (204), paper size (205), and the like as print conditions for the print page. When the designation and registration button 206 is clicked, the printing condition for the print page is registered as the setting condition A (208). The print dialog 200 also displays the job name of the target print job (209).

  When the user clicks the print button 207, the computer 20 transmits print job data in which the setting condition A is set as the print condition to the image forming apparatus 10. In response to the transmission of the print job data, the image forming apparatus 10 starts the process of FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 receives the print job data in which the printing condition is set from the computer 20, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the print job data in the data storage unit 103 (S101). Subsequently, the consumable item remaining amount detection unit 107 detects the remaining amount of consumable items such as the remaining amount of paper and stores consumable item remaining amount data in the data storage unit 103 (S102).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 112 reads the print job data and the consumables remaining amount data from the data storage unit 103, and compares the printing conditions set in the print job data with the consumables remaining amount data, thereby performing printing. It is determined whether or not the completion is possible (S103). For example, it is determined whether printing paper or toner for the number of pages specified as the printing condition remains. As a result, printing condition availability information is output.

  If the determination unit 112 determines that the printing can be completed (Yes in S104), the printing process is executed (S105). On the other hand, when the determination unit 112 determines that printing cannot be completed, that is, when it is determined that the remaining amount of consumables such as the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount of toner is insufficient, the printing process starts. Instead, the alternative printing conditions are extracted by the determination unit 112 (S106). The extraction of the alternative printing conditions may be performed, for example, by changing each item constituting the printing conditions one by one and comparing the remaining consumable data with the printing conditions each time. Further, if the alternative printing condition cannot be extracted even if all the items are changed, the alternative printing condition may be extracted from the printing conditions obtained by changing two or more items at the same time.

  Subsequently, the notification unit 111 transmits the consumable item remaining amount data, the print completion availability information, and the alternative printing condition to the computer 20 (S107). However, the alternative printing conditions are transmitted only when they can be extracted.

  The computer 20 that has received the consumables remaining amount data or the like displays the consumables remaining amount data or the like on the print dialog 200. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of consumables remaining amount data and the like in the print dialog.

  The print dialog 200 of FIG. 8 displays that the remaining amount of paper is “2%” based on the consumable item remaining amount data (210). Further, based on the alternative printing conditions, a message indicating that printing is possible is displayed if the printing surface setting in the printing conditions is changed to double-sided printing (211). Further, a toggle button 212 for designating whether or not to change the printing conditions and a toggle button 213 for designating whether or not to supply paper are displayed.

  When the user selects “YES” on the toggle button 212 and clicks the print button 207, the computer 20 transmits print job data in which alternative print conditions are set to the image forming apparatus 10. In the image forming apparatus 10, the process shown in FIG. 6 is executed again.

  If the user does not want to change the printing conditions, the user can go to the image forming apparatus 10 to supply consumables such as paper, and can operate the operation unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a print job. .

  Next, the copying process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the image forming apparatus regarding the copying process.

  In general, when using the copy function of a copier, you usually enter the print conditions (copy conditions) by operating the operation panel on the copier, set the document, and press the print execution button. Printing (copying) is performed. However, in the present embodiment, printing conditions are set by the computer 20, and print job data requesting copying from the computer 20 to the image forming apparatus 10 is transmitted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of printing conditions when performing copying. In the following description, the numbers in parentheses correspond to the reference numerals in FIG. In the print dialog 300, the user inputs a print page (301), and specifies the print color (302), print surface (303), print direction (304), paper size (305), and the like as print conditions for the print page. When the registration button 306 is clicked, the printing conditions for the print page are registered (308).

  FIG. 10 shows an example in which different printing conditions are set for pages 1 to 10 and pages 11 to 14. That is, for page 1 to page 10, monochrome, double-sided, vertical, and A4 size printing conditions are registered as setting condition A (308). For pages 11 to 14, color, double-sided, vertical, and A4 size printing conditions are registered as setting conditions B (308).

  When the user clicks the send button 307, the computer 20 sends print job data in which printing conditions including setting conditions A and B are set to the image forming apparatus 10 (here, a copier or a multifunction machine). Send. In response to the transmission of the print job data, the image forming apparatus 10 starts the process of FIG.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 receives print job data in which printing conditions are set from the computer 20, the image forming apparatus 10 stores the print job data in the data storage unit 103 (S201). Subsequently, the consumable item remaining amount detection unit 107 detects the remaining amount of consumable items such as the remaining amount of paper and stores consumable item remaining amount data in the data storage unit 103 (S202).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 112 reads the print job data and the consumables remaining amount data from the data storage unit 103, and compares the printing conditions set in the print job data with the consumables remaining amount data, thereby performing printing. It is determined whether or not it can be completed (S203). For example, it is determined whether printing paper or toner for the number of pages specified as the printing condition remains. As a result, printing condition availability information is output.

  When the determination unit 112 determines that printing can be completed (Yes in S204), the notification unit 111 transmits to the computer 20 that printing can be completed (hereinafter referred to as “printing completion notification”). (S205). The computer 20 that has received the print completion notice displays the print completion notice in the area 311 of the print dialog 300, for example.

  The user who has referred to the notification that print completion is possible goes to the front of the image forming apparatus 10 and operates the operation unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10 to instruct execution of copying (S206). More details. The user selects the job on the operation unit 101 of the image forming apparatus 10, inputs a password and ID, and presses a print button 1015. In response to the user's instruction, the image forming apparatus 10 performs copying under the printing conditions included in the received print job data (S207).

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to set the printing conditions in front of the image forming apparatus 10, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the interference with the copying (copying) work of others. I can do it.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 112 determines that the printing cannot be completed, that is, when it is determined that the remaining amount of consumables such as the remaining amount of paper and the remaining amount of toner is insufficient, the determination unit 112 Alternative printing conditions are extracted (S208).

  Subsequently, the notification unit 111 transmits the consumable item remaining amount data, the print completion availability information, and the alternative printing condition to the computer 20 (S209). However, the alternative printing conditions are transmitted only when they can be extracted. The computer 20 that has received the consumables remaining amount data or the like displays the consumables remaining amount data or the like on the print dialog 300. Since this display mode is the same as that in FIG.

  The subsequent response by the user referring to the consumables remaining amount data or the like in the print dialog 300 is the same as in the case of the print processing described in FIG.

  Next, a specific example of the consumable item remaining amount detection unit 107 will be described. Here, the detection of the remaining amount of paper is taken as an example.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first specific example of the consumable item remaining amount detection unit. In the consumables remaining amount detection unit 107 in FIG. 11, the angle θ of the lever 1071 with respect to the horizontal direction changes according to the change in the height T of the stacked printing paper P. The end of the lever 1071 that contacts the printing paper P has a curved surface that protrudes downward. Therefore, when the printing paper P is transported for printing processing, the frictional force between the lever 1071 and the printing paper P can be kept small, and the paper transport can be performed smoothly. The other end is connected to a rotary circular coder or potentiometer 1073. The rotation type circular coder or potentiometer 1073 detects the angle change of the lever 1071. The lever 1071 is in contact with the paper while applying pressure to the paper by its own weight, but a spring 1074 may be attached to the lever 1071 to apply pressure with its elastic force.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the lever and the tangent to the curved surface of the lever of the consumable item remaining amount detection unit.

  The downwardly convex curved surface shape at the end of the lever 1071 is a shape in which the tangent l of the curved surface at the extreme end position is perpendicular to the lever 1071 when the lever 1071 is regarded as a straight line, for example, hemisphere Is desirable. This is because the printing paper P is smoothly transported to a position where the lever 1071 is perpendicular to the paper surface.

  In FIG. 11, the relationship between θ and T is expressed by the following equation.

θ = sin ⁻¹ (H−R−T) / (R−r)
Here, assuming that H = 30, r = 3, and R = 24, a graph showing the relationship between θ and T is as follows. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the angle of the lever with respect to the horizontal direction and the height of the printing paper.

  From FIG. 13, it can be seen that the amount of change in θ increases as T decreases. This means that the smaller the remaining amount of paper, the better the amount of change in θ, that is, the sensitivity of detecting the remaining amount of paper. This is also an excellent point in detecting the remaining amount of paper using the lever 1071.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the consumable item remaining amount detection unit.

  Usually, a change in the height of the stacked printing paper can be regarded as a change in the weight of the printing paper. Therefore, the consumables remaining amount detection unit 107 in FIG. 14 detects the change in the remaining amount of the printing paper P by detecting the weight of the printing paper P using a sensor and examining the change thereof.

  In FIG. 14, a pressure sensor 1075 is used as a sensor for measuring weight. The pressure sensor includes a type that converts pressure into electromotive force, a type that converts pressure into electrical resistance, and the like. In any case, the sensor output is subjected to data processing in the sensor data processing unit 1076 and then sent to the notification unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 10. Send. From the viewpoint of measurement accuracy, it is desirable that the number of sensors is more than one. It is also desirable from the viewpoint of the stability of the printing paper cassette C including the printing paper P. It is obvious that the weight of the printing paper cassette C when there is no printing paper P is taken into account as an offset value when measuring the weight.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not printing can be completed from the remaining amount data of consumables and the printing conditions of the print job, and furthermore, when printing cannot be completed. Can automatically extract printing conditions that can be printed, and can continue the printing process. Therefore, the influence on the printing and copying operations for the user due to the change in the remaining amount of consumables can be further reduced.

  In addition, since the remaining amount data of consumables is stored periodically for each type of consumables or whenever a data change is detected, a determination result based on the latest information can be provided to the user. Therefore, the user can execute printing or copying based on more accurate information.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiment which concerns, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation * It can be changed.

It is a figure which shows the example of a print dialog. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing system in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the data relevant to a judgment part. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation part. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus regarding a printing process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the printing conditions at the time of printing. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of consumables residual amount data etc. in a print dialog. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus regarding a copying process. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting printing conditions when performing copying. It is a figure which shows the 1st specific example of a consumables residual amount detection part. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the tangent of the curved surface of the lever of a consumables residual amount detection part, and a lever. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the angle with respect to the horizontal direction of a lever, and the height of printing paper. It is a figure which shows the 2nd specific example of a consumables residual amount detection part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 10 Image forming apparatus 10a Printer 10b Copier 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Computer 30 Network 101 Operation part 102 Image reading part 103 Data storage part 104 Image storage part 105 Control part 106 Toner part 107 Consumable part detection part 108 Paper Tray 109 Authentication unit 110 Communication interface unit 111 Notification unit 112 Determination unit

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that performs a printing process based on set printing conditions,
Consumables remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables, based on the comparison between the printing conditions and the remaining amount of consumables, it is determined whether or not the printing process satisfying the printing condition is completed, and the result of the determination is negative An image forming apparatus comprising: an alternative condition extracting unit that extracts an alternative printing condition that allows the printing process to be completed in relation to the remaining amount of consumables in a typical case. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alternative printing condition is transmitted to a device that is a transmission source of the printing condition. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the alternative printing condition is displayed on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein detection of the remaining amount of consumables is performed periodically or when the remaining amount of consumables changes. A printing processing control method in an image forming apparatus that performs printing processing based on set printing conditions,
A consumables remaining amount detecting procedure for detecting a remaining amount of consumables; a determination procedure for determining whether or not the printing process satisfying the printing condition is completed based on a comparison between the printing conditions and the remaining consumables;
An alternative condition extraction procedure for extracting an alternative print condition capable of completing the print process in relation to the remaining amount of consumables when a determination result in the determination procedure is negative. Method. The print processing control method according to claim 5, further comprising: an alternative condition transmission procedure for transmitting the alternative print condition to an apparatus that is a transmission source of the print condition. The print processing control method according to claim 5, further comprising a substitute condition display procedure for displaying the substitute print condition on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The print processing control method according to claim 5, wherein the detection of the consumables remaining amount detection procedure is performed periodically or when the remaining amount of consumables changes.

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