JP2007098841A - Image forming apparatus and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can perform setting as to whether or not a paper feeder passed through setting of a paper attribute is made an object of automatic paper selection when printing designating a custom paper kind subject to image formation control by the paper attribute is carried out, and to provide its method. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 100, the paper attribute is input from a user interface part 110 and stored in a paper attribute storage part 121. The paper attribute stored by contents received by a paper attribute setting receiving part 122 is set into the paper feeder. The paper feeder is selected by a paper feeding tray selecting part 124. The image forming apparatus is controlled to carry out standard image formation when the paper attribute is not set in the selected paper feeder, and to carry out formation of an image on the basis of the paper attribute when the paper attribute is set in the selected paper feeder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention automatically selects a paper size to be used for printing from information such as a document size included in print data, and feeds the paper from a paper feeding device in which the paper of the paper size is stored to form an image. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a paper selection function and a method thereof, and in particular, when performing printing specifying a custom paper type for which image formation control is performed based on a paper attribute, The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for setting whether or not to select.

  In general, when forming an image on a sheet stored in a sheet feeding device, the image is formed at an optimum speed or temperature depending on the size and type of the sheet, or the close contact between the sheets when the sheet is fed. An image forming apparatus having a function of blowing air at a strength and time suitable for paper is well known.

  Conventionally, there are not many paper attributes (paper parameters) that control these operations, such as the size and paper type (coated paper / non-coated paper), and so the setting switch is also installed on the paper feeder. It was normal to set using.

  In such a case, when the paper is opened and the paper is stored, the paper attribute is set by the setting switch and then the paper supply device is closed, so that the paper stored in the paper supply device and the paper are set. The various attributes are always the same except for a selection switch selection error, and optimal control is possible for the paper stored in the paper feeder.

However, in recent years, the paper types that can be controlled by the image forming apparatus and the paper attributes for optimal image formation have been further subdivided into various types. It is difficult to perform all settings using the installed setting switches. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, setting is performed using a user interface device provided in the image forming apparatus, or connection is made via a network or the like. A configuration for setting various paper attributes from a personal computer or the like has been proposed.
JP 2003-270872 A

  When a paper feeding device to be fed is selected in the image forming apparatus, the user designates a paper size and the like so that the image forming apparatus automatically selects a paper feeding device corresponding to the designated content. APS (Auto Paper Selection) which is an automatic paper selection function to select is known.

  When image formation is performed on paper that requires setting of the paper attributes as described above (image formation on custom paper), either custom paper or plain paper is used when image formation is performed by specifying the paper size. There is a request to use only specified paper.

  In view of this, the present invention relates to whether or not a paper feeding apparatus for which paper attributes have been set is a target for automatic paper selection when performing printing with a custom paper type for which image formation control is performed using paper attributes. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing settings and a method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, and selects the paper size of the paper to be used for printing from the document size information included in the print data. In an image forming apparatus having an automatic sheet selection function for forming an image by feeding a sheet from a sheet feeding apparatus storing the sheet of the sheet size, a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet is set. Paper attribute input means for inputting, paper attribute storage means for storing paper attributes input by the attribute input means, and paper attributes stored by the paper attribute storage means as attributes of the paper stored in the paper feeder Paper feeding device paper attribute setting means for setting, paper feeding device selection means for selecting a paper feeding device to be fed based on the result of the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means, and the paper feeding device selection means If the paper attribute of the selected paper feeding device is not set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means, standard image formation is performed on the paper, and the paper feed selected by the paper feeding device selection means is selected. An image forming control unit configured to control to form an image on the sheet based on the sheet attribute when the sheet attribute is set by the sheet feeder sheet attribute setting unit; Features.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an image formation instructing device for instructing image formation to the image forming device is connected, and the paper feeding device selection unit is connected to the image forming instruction device. When there is a print instruction for automatic paper selection by the automatic paper selection function, the paper feeder that has been set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting unit is removed from the automatic paper selection option, and the automatic paper selection is performed. According to the function, a sheet feeding device to be fed is selected.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, an image formation instructing device for instructing image formation to the image forming device is connected, and the automatic paper selection function is provided from the image formation instructing device. Automatic paper selection option setting for setting whether or not to remove the paper feeder set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting means from the automatic paper selection option when there is a print instruction for automatic paper selection designation And the sheet feeding device selection unit selects a sheet feeding device as a sheet feeding target by the automatic sheet selection function based on the contents set by the automatic sheet selection option setting unit. To do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the sheet attribute input by the sheet attribute input means is a print instruction for automatic sheet selection designation by the automatic sheet selection function from the image formation instruction apparatus. In this case, it includes a setting content for setting whether or not to remove the paper feeding device that has been set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means from the selection options of the automatic paper selection.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3, wherein the automatic paper selection option setting means excludes the paper feeding apparatus already set by the paper feeding apparatus paper attribute setting means from the automatic paper selection option. Whether or not is set is set for each of the sheet feeding apparatuses.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, and the paper size of the paper to be used for printing is selected from information on the document size included in the print data. In an image forming method performed by an image forming apparatus having an automatic sheet selection function for forming an image by feeding a sheet from a sheet feeding device in which the sheet is stored, a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet is set. Input by the paper attribute input means, save the paper attribute input by the attribute input means by the paper attribute storage means, and use the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage means as the attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeder The sheet feeding device is set by the sheet attribute setting unit, the sheet feeding device to be fed is selected by the sheet feeding device selection unit based on the result of the sheet feeding device sheet attribute setting unit, and the sheet feeding device is selected. If the sheet attribute selected by the selection unit is not set by the sheet attribute setting unit, a standard image is formed on the sheet, and the sheet is selected by the sheet feeding unit selection unit. When the sheet attribute of the sheet feeder is set by the sheet attribute setting unit, the image formation control unit controls the sheet to form an image based on the sheet attribute. And

  According to the image forming apparatus and the invention of the present invention, a sheet attribute input unit that inputs a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet, and a sheet attribute storage unit that stores the sheet attribute input by the attribute input unit. A paper attribute setting unit that sets the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage unit as an attribute of the paper stored in the paper supply device, and a paper supply based on a result of the paper attribute setting unit. A paper feeding device selection unit that selects a paper feeding device to be used for paper, and a paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection unit is not set for the paper when the paper attribute is not set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting unit. If the paper attribute is set by the paper attribute setting unit for the paper feeder selected by the paper feeder selector, the image is set for the paper based on the paper attribute. of Since the image forming control unit is configured to control the image forming control, the sheet attribute is set when performing printing specifying a custom sheet type for which image forming control is performed based on the sheet attribute. Settings can be made to select a paper feeder based on the results.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the invention of the present invention, a sheet attribute input unit that inputs a sheet attribute for performing image formation suitable for the sheet, and a sheet attribute that stores the sheet attribute input by the attribute input unit. Based on the results of the storage means, the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage means, the paper attribute setting means for setting the paper attribute stored in the paper feeder, and the paper attribute setting means. A sheet feeding device selection unit that selects a sheet feeding device to be fed and a sheet feeding device selected by the sheet feeding device selection unit when the sheet attribute is not set by the sheet feeding device sheet attribute setting unit. When standard image formation is performed on a sheet and the sheet attribute selected by the sheet feeder selection unit is set by the sheet attribute setting unit, the sheet attribute is set for the sheet. An image formation control unit that controls to form an image on the basis of the image formation control unit, and an image formation instruction unit that issues an image formation instruction to the image formation apparatus is connected. When there is a print instruction for automatic paper selection by the automatic paper selection function from the instruction device, the paper feeder already set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting means is removed from the automatic paper selection option, and the automatic paper selection function Therefore, when performing printing with a custom paper type for which image formation control is performed based on the paper attributes, the paper feed for which the paper attributes have been set is selected. There is an effect that it is possible to make settings so that the apparatus is not subject to automatic paper selection.

  Embodiments of an image forming apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus and method according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a print control apparatus 30, an image reading apparatus 40, and information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n via a network 20.

  Here, the print control apparatus 30 performs print control of various documents using the image forming apparatus 100, and constitutes a print server.

  The image reading apparatus 40 reads an image to be printed using the image forming apparatus 100 and is configured as a network scanner.

  The information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n perform processing of a document to be printed using the image forming apparatus 100. For example, each user's personal computer corresponds to this.

  Here, the print control device 30, the image reading device 40, and the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n each issue an instruction to set the paper attribute of each paper feed tray that is each paper feed device of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Etc., each of which has a user interface unit for inputting the information.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a user interface unit 110, a control unit 120, and an image forming unit 130.

  Here, the user interface unit 110 inputs an instruction for setting the paper attribute of each paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

  Note that the paper attribute setting instruction or the like input by the user interface unit 110 includes a change in preset paper attribute setting.

  The control unit 120 controls the image forming unit 130 to perform control related to paper attribute setting. Further, in the control unit 120, a paper attribute storage unit 121 that stores the paper attributes received from the user interface unit. The sheet attribute receiving unit 122 that stores the association between the sheet feeding device and the sheet attribute, and when the image forming is performed using the sheet feeding device in which the sheet attribute is set, based on the set sheet attribute. A paper attribute control unit 123 that performs image formation control and a paper feed tray selection unit 124 that selects a paper feed tray used for image formation are provided.

  The image forming unit 130 forms an image using the paper stored in the paper feed tray, and further includes a paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131 a and a paper feed tray (feed) in the image forming unit 130. A paper tray b) 132b, a paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 133c, and a paper feed tray (paper feed tray d) 134d are provided.

  Next, processing in which image attributes are input and image formation is performed by controlling the sheets according to the input sheet attributes in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in which image attributes are input and image formation is performed by controlling the sheets according to the input sheet attributes in the image forming apparatus 100, and FIG. FIG. 2B is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which paper attributes are input and stored in the apparatus 100, and the paper attributes input to the paper feed tray are set. FIG. In the image forming apparatus 100, a process flow in which image formation control is performed based on the set paper attribute, or a process in which standard image formation control is performed by feeding paper from a paper feed tray with no paper attribute set. It is the flowchart which showed the flow.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when a paper attribute is input to the image forming apparatus 100 from the user interface unit (step 201), the input paper attribute is uniquely recognized by the paper attribute storage unit 121. An identifier is attached and stored (step 202).

  In this embodiment, the identifier is set with a number such as “custom paper type 1”.

  Then, by an operation from the user interface unit by the user, an identifier representing the paper attribute is associated with the paper feed tray, and the paper attribute is set for the paper feed tray used for image formation (step 203).

  For example, the paper attribute represented by the custom paper type 3 is set in the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a.

  In this manner, in the image forming apparatus 100, the paper attributes are set for the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a used for image formation.

  In the present invention, the setting as to whether or not the paper feed tray used at the time of image formation is automatically selected is set to an identifier representing the paper attribute when the paper attribute is input. Correspondingly (Embodiment 2) or in the contents of the paper attributes input when the paper attributes are input (Embodiment 3) or when the paper attributes are set in the paper feed tray. It can be performed for each paper tray (Example 4).

  The setting as to whether or not to automatically select a paper feed tray used during image formation will be described in each embodiment.

  Then, the user transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 100 from the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 2B, a print job is received (step 204), and based on the contents of the print job, the paper feed tray selection unit 124 uses the paper used for image formation. A paper tray is selected.

  When a paper feed tray is selected, automatic paper feed tray selection may be performed based on the contents set in the print job.

  If a paper attribute is set for the selected paper feed tray (YES in step 205), control is performed to form an image based on the set paper attribute (step 206). If no paper attribute is set for the paper feed tray (NO in step 205), standard image formation control is performed (step 207).

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100 in which the paper attribute is set, image formation is controlled based on the control of the paper attribute.

  In the following first to fourth embodiments, a process for selecting a paper feed tray used for image formation in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the contents set by the user interface unit will be described.

  In the first exemplary embodiment, when a paper attribute is set from the user interface unit and the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job including an automatic paper selection instruction, the paper feed tray in which the paper attribute is set is automatically selected. A process in which the paper feed tray is selected after being removed from the above option will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the user interface unit sets whether or not to select an automatic paper selection option for each identifier given to the paper attribute, and prints a print job including an automatic paper selection instruction to the image forming apparatus 100. Will be described with reference to an automatic paper selection option based on the set contents.

  In the third exemplary embodiment, the user interface unit includes a setting content indicating whether or not to select an automatic paper selection option, and the image forming apparatus 100 receives a print job including an automatic paper selection instruction. At this time, a process of selecting a paper feed tray from an automatic paper selection option based on the set contents will be described.

  In the fourth embodiment, the user interface unit sets whether to select an automatic paper selection option for each paper feed tray for which a paper attribute is set, and forms a print job including an automatic paper selection instruction as an image. A description will be given of a process in which a paper feed tray is selected from automatic paper selection options based on the set contents when the apparatus 100 receives the data.

  In this embodiment, when the paper attribute is set from the user interface unit and an image is formed for a print job in which automatic paper selection is specified, the paper feed tray with the paper attribute set is automatically selected. A description will be given of a process in which an image formation is performed by selecting a paper feed tray by removing the option.

  The apparatus in which the present exemplary embodiment is implemented includes the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the print control apparatus 30, the information reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n connected to the network 20. is there.

  Paper attributes are set by the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface units of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. Various interface screens to be performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a sheet from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. FIG. 3A is a screen configuration diagram illustrating various interface screens in which attribute settings are performed, and FIG. 3A is a screen configuration diagram illustrating a paper feed tray setting screen 300 for setting an identifier representing a paper attribute in the paper feed tray. FIG. 3B is a screen configuration diagram showing a detailed setting screen 301 in which the details of the paper attribute represented by the identifier are set for various identifiers. FIG. 3C is a diagram in which the content of the paper attribute is set. FIG. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing a paper attribute setting screen 303 displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, in the paper feed tray setting screen 300, an identifier indicating a paper attribute can be selected for the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray) can be selected. a) “Custom paper type 3” that is an identifier indicating a paper attribute is set for 131a.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 300 are stored in the paper attribute setting receiving unit 122.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the detailed setting screen 301 is a screen on which the details of the paper attribute represented by the identifier are set for various identifiers, and the identifier represented by the custom paper type number is selected. When the confirmation / setting button 303 for detailed information is pressed, a screen (paper attribute setting screen 302 described below) on which the content of the paper attribute indicated by the selected identifier can be set is displayed.

  FIG. 3C shows a paper attribute setting screen 302 on which the contents of the paper attribute displayed from the detailed setting screen 301 can be set. The paper attribute of the custom paper type 3 selected on the detailed setting screen 301 is shown. Can be set.

  On the paper attribute setting screen 302, “paper paper type base range”, “2nd BTB voltage”, “paper curl amount”, “NIP voltage”, and “air assist operation” are shown so that paper attributes can be set. , It is possible to input setting values for the paper attributes on the screen.

  The contents set on the detailed setting screen 301 and the paper attribute setting screen 302 are stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121.

  As described above, on the interface screen shown in FIG. 3, the automatic paper selection option cannot be set.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 300, detailed setting screen 301, and paper attribute setting screen 302 shown in FIG. 3 are transferred to the paper attribute storage unit 121 and the paper attribute setting reception unit 122 in the control unit 120. When the image is formed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2B after being saved (performed during the paper attribute input process in FIG. 2A), the interface screen of FIG. 3 in this embodiment is displayed. In this case, it is not possible to set options for automatic paper selection. Therefore, when an image is formed for a print job having automatic paper selection, a paper tray (paper tray) that is a paper tray with a paper attribute is set. a) 131 a is excluded from the automatic selection options, and the paper feed tray is selected by the paper feed tray selector 124.

  Since the print job is designated with a paper size and the like and automatic paper selection is designated, the image forming apparatus 100 excludes the paper feed tray in which the paper attribute is set from the options, and designates the designated paper size. A paper feed tray to be used for image formation is selected from the paper feed trays in which the paper is stored, and standard image formation control is performed.

  As described above, in the user interface screen shown in FIG. 3, the automatic paper selection option is not set, and when a print job in which the paper size is specified and the automatic paper selection is specified is formed, The paper feed tray for which the paper attribute is set is excluded from the automatic paper selection options and the paper feed tray is selected.

  In this embodiment, automatic paper selection is set by the user interface unit 110 included in the image forming apparatus 100, the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. A process in which a paper feed tray is selected and image formation is performed according to the contents of automatic paper selection set when image formation of a print job in which paper selection is designated will be described.

  The apparatus in which the present exemplary embodiment is implemented includes the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the print control apparatus 30, the information reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n connected to the network 20. is there.

  Paper attributes are set by the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface units of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. Various user interface screens to be performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a sheet from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. FIG. 4A is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens on which attribute setting is performed, and FIG. 4A is a screen configuration diagram showing a paper feed tray setting screen 400 for setting an identifier representing a paper attribute in the paper feed tray. FIG. 4B is a screen configuration diagram showing a detailed setting screen 401 in which the details of the paper attributes represented by the identifiers are set for various identifiers, and automatic paper selection is set, and FIG. It is a screen block diagram which shows the paper attribute setting screen 403 on which the content of the paper attribute is set.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in the paper feed tray setting screen 400, an identifier indicating a paper attribute can be selected for the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray) can be selected. b) “Custom paper type 4”, which is an identifier indicating the paper attribute, is set for 131b.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 300 are stored in the paper attribute setting receiving unit 122.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4B, on the detailed setting screen 401, the details of the paper attributes represented by the identifiers are set for various identifiers, automatic paper selection is set, and they are expressed by custom paper type numbers. When an identifier is selected and the confirmation / setting button 403 for detailed information is pressed, a screen (paper attribute setting screen 402 described later) on which the content of the paper attribute represented by the selected identifier can be set is displayed.

  In the detailed setting screen 401, an identifier represented by a custom paper type number is selected and an automatic paper selection button 404 is pressed, so that the identifier represented by the selected custom paper type number is automatically selected. Paper selection is set.

  In the detailed setting screen 401 shown in FIG. 4B, the identifier of the custom paper type 4 is set to be the target of automatic paper selection (reference 405).

  By setting the identifier of the custom paper type 4 to be the target of automatic paper selection, the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b in which the custom paper type 4 is set on the paper feed tray setting screen 400 is set. When an image is formed for a print job in which automatic paper selection is specified, the automatic paper selection is included in the selection options.

  A paper attribute setting screen 402 shown in FIG. 4C shows a paper attribute setting screen 402 on which the contents of the paper attributes displayed from the detailed setting screen 401 can be set. The contents of the paper attribute of the identifier can be set.

  The contents set on the detailed setting screen 401 and the paper attribute setting screen 402 are stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 400, detailed setting screen 401, and paper attribute setting screen 402 shown in FIG. 4 are sent to the paper attribute storage unit 121 and the paper attribute setting reception unit 122 in the control unit 120. When the image is formed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 2B after being saved (performed during the paper attribute input process in FIG. 2A), the interface screen of FIG. 4 in this embodiment is displayed. Since the paper feed tray in which the paper attribute of the custom paper type 4 is set is set to be the target of automatic paper selection, the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) in which the paper attribute of the custom paper type 4 is set A paper feed tray is selected from the four paper feed trays (paper feed trays a to d) 131a to 131d of the image forming section including 131b, and an image is formed.

  As described above, the user shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. On the interface screen, whether or not the identifier is to be selected for automatic paper selection is set for the identifier. When image formation is performed for a print job in which automatic paper selection is designated, automatic paper selection is performed on the user interface screen. The paper feed tray is automatically selected from the paper feed trays including the paper feed tray set with the identifier set to be selected, and image formation is performed.

  In this embodiment, automatic paper selection is set by the user interface unit 110 included in the image forming apparatus 100, the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. A description will be given of a process in which a paper feed tray is selected and image formation is performed according to the contents of the set automatic paper selection when image formation is performed for a print job in which paper selection is designated.

  The apparatus in which the present exemplary embodiment is implemented includes the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the print control apparatus 30, the information reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n connected to the network 20. is there.

  Paper attributes are set by the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface units of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. Various user interface screens to be performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a sheet from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. FIG. 5A is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens in which attribute settings are performed, and FIG. 5A is a screen configuration diagram showing a paper feed tray setting screen 500 for setting an identifier representing a paper attribute in the paper feed tray. FIG. 5B is a screen configuration diagram showing a detailed setting screen 501 in which details of the paper attribute represented by the identifier are set for various identifiers, and FIG. 5C is a paper including settings for automatic paper selection. FIG. 10 is a screen configuration diagram illustrating a paper attribute setting screen 503 for which automatic attribute selection is performed and attribute setting is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the paper feed tray setting screen 500, an identifier indicating a paper attribute can be selected for the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray) can be selected. c) “Custom paper type 2” which is an identifier indicating the paper attribute is set for 131c.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 500 are stored in the paper attribute setting receiving unit 122.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, on the detailed setting screen 501, the details of the paper attributes represented by the identifiers are set for the various identifiers, and the identifiers represented by the custom paper type numbers are selected to display the detailed information. When the confirmation / setting button 503 is pressed, a screen (a paper attribute setting screen 502 described below) on which the content of the paper attribute indicated by the selected identifier can be set is displayed.

  FIG. 5C shows a paper attribute setting screen 502 that can be set from the detailed setting screen 501 and can set the contents of the paper attribute including the automatic paper selection setting, and is selected on the detailed setting screen 501. In addition, for the custom paper type 2, the contents of the paper attributes including the automatic paper selection setting can be set.

  In the paper attribute setting screen 502, in addition to “paper paper type base range”, “2nd BTB voltage”, “paper curl amount”, “NIP voltage”, “air assist operation” so that paper attributes can be set. "Automatic paper selection" is shown, and a setting value can be input for the paper attribute on the screen.

  With the “automatic paper selection” setting item displayed on the paper attribute setting screen 502, it is possible to set whether or not the paper attribute of the custom paper type 2 is to be selected for automatic paper selection.

  As described above, the paper attribute setting screen 502 sets whether or not to select the automatic paper selection as the paper attribute of the custom paper type 2, so that the paper tray in which the custom paper type 2 is set is set. Whether or not to be the target of automatic paper selection is set.

  In the user interface screen shown in FIG. 5, since the automatic paper selection is set as “not targeted” as the paper attribute of the custom paper type 2 (symbol 504), the paper attribute of the custom paper type 2 is set. The paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 131c is not included as an automatic paper selection option when image formation of a print job including an instruction for automatic paper selection is performed.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 500, detailed setting screen 501, and paper attribute setting screen 502 shown in FIG. 5 are transferred to the paper attribute storage unit 121 and the paper attribute setting reception unit 122 in the control unit 120. When the image is formed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 2B after being saved (performed when inputting the paper attributes in FIG. 2A), the custom screen is displayed on the interface screen of FIG. The paper feed tray in which the paper attribute of the paper type 2 is set is set not to be the target of automatic paper selection, and therefore the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) from which the paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 131c is removed. ) 131a, a paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b, and a paper feed tray (paper feed tray d) 131d are selected by the paper feed tray selection unit 124 to form an image.

  As described above, the user shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. In the interface screen, whether or not to be selected for automatic paper selection is set in the setting item of the paper attribute of the identifier, and when image formation of a print job for which automatic paper selection is specified is performed, The paper feed tray is automatically selected from the paper feed trays including the paper feed tray set with the identifier set to be the target of automatic paper selection on the user interface screen, and image formation is performed.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, automatic paper selection is set by the user interface unit 110 included in the image forming apparatus 100, the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. A description will be given of a process in which a paper feed tray is selected and image formation is performed according to the contents of the automatic paper selection set when image formation is performed for a print job in which paper selection is designated.

  The apparatus in which the present exemplary embodiment is implemented includes the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the print control apparatus 30, the information reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n connected to the network 20. is there.

  Paper attributes are set by the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface units of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. Various user interface screens to be performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a sheet from the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. FIG. 6A is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens in which attribute settings are performed. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a paper tray in which identifiers representing paper attributes can be set in the paper feed tray. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing a paper feed tray setting screen 600 in which automatic paper selection can be set, and FIG. 6B is a detailed setting screen in which details of paper attributes represented by the identifiers are set for various identifiers. FIG. 6C is a screen configuration diagram illustrating a paper attribute setting screen 603 on which the contents of the paper attribute are set.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the paper feed tray setting screen 600, an identifier indicating a paper attribute can be selected for the paper feed tray of the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray) can be selected. d) “Custom paper type 1”, which is an identifier indicating the paper attribute, is set for 131d.

  In addition, in the paper feed tray setting screen 600, selection as to whether or not to be an automatic paper selection target can be set for each paper feed tray for which paper attributes are set.

  In the paper feed tray setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6A, the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a for which the paper attribute is set is set not to be subject to automatic paper selection, and the paper attribute is set. The paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b is set to be the target for automatic paper selection, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 131c for which the paper attribute is set is the target for automatic paper selection. The paper feed tray (paper feed tray d) 131d set so as not to be used and the paper attribute is set is set to be an object of automatic paper selection.

  As described above, in the paper feed tray setting screen 600, an identifier indicating the paper attribute is set for the paper feed tray, and whether or not each paper feed tray for which the paper attribute is set is to be selected for automatic paper selection. Is set (reference 603).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the detailed setting screen 601, the details of the paper attribute represented by the identifier are set for various identifiers, and the identifier represented by the custom paper type number is selected to display the detailed information. When the confirmation / setting button 604 is pressed, a screen (a paper attribute setting screen 602 described below) on which the content of the paper attribute indicated by the selected identifier can be set is displayed.

  FIG. 6C shows a paper attribute setting screen 602 that can be set from the detailed setting screen 601 and can set the contents of the paper attribute. The paper of the custom paper type 1 selected on the detailed screen 601 is displayed. The attribute contents can be set.

  The contents set on the detailed setting screen 601 and the paper attribute setting screen 602 are stored in the paper attribute storage unit 121.

  The contents set on the paper feed tray setting screen 600, detailed setting screen 601, and paper attribute setting screen 602 shown in FIG. 6 are transferred to the paper attribute storage unit 121 and the paper attribute setting reception unit 122 in the control unit 120. When the image is formed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 2B after it is saved (performed when inputting the paper attributes in FIG. 2A), it is set on the interface screen of FIG. 6 in this embodiment. As described above, the paper feed tray (paper feed tray a) 131a with the paper attribute set is not subject to automatic paper selection, and the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b with the paper attribute set is A paper feed tray (paper feed tray c) 131c that is a target of automatic paper selection and has a paper attribute set is not a target of automatic paper selection, and a paper feed tray (paper feed tray d) that has a paper attribute set. 131d is As a result, the paper feed tray is selected from the paper feed tray (paper feed tray b) 131b and paper feed tray (paper feed tray d) 131d that are automatically selected. Thus, image formation is performed.

  As described above, the user shown in FIG. 6 displayed on the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 or the user interface unit of the print control apparatus 30, the image reading apparatus 40, and the information processing apparatuses 50-1 to 50-n. On the interface screen, whether or not to be selected for automatic paper selection is set for each paper feed tray for which the paper attribute is set. When an image is formed for a print job designated for automatic paper selection, A paper feed tray is automatically selected by the paper feed tray selection unit 124 from among the paper feed trays set as targets for automatic paper selection on the user interface screen, and image formation is performed.

  In this way, the user interface unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 100, or the user interface unit included in the print control device 30, the image reading device 40, and the information processing devices 50-1 to 50-n supplies the paper attributes set. Since a paper tray that is the target of automatic paper selection can be set from among paper trays, image transmission based on paper attributes can be performed by sending a print job in which the user specifies the paper size and automatic paper selection. The paper feed tray is selected from the paper feed tray storing the custom paper that needs to be printed, and image formation is performed based on the paper attributes set in the paper feed tray.

  The present invention has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, sets a paper attribute suitable for the paper stored in the paper feeding device, and stores the paper in the paper feeding device. The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that enables image formation suitable for paper.

  According to the present invention, when printing is performed with a custom paper type for which image formation control is performed based on paper attributes, whether or not a paper feeding device for which paper attributes have been set is a target for automatic paper selection is determined. Settings can be made.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus and method according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow in which image attributes are input in the image forming apparatus 100 and image formation is performed by controlling the sheets according to the input sheet attributes. The screen block diagram which showed the various interface screen in which a paper attribute is set from a user interface part. FIG. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens in which paper attributes are set from a user interface unit and automatic paper selection is set. FIG. 5 is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens in which paper attributes are set from a user interface unit and paper attributes are set including automatic paper selection. FIG. 6 is a screen configuration diagram showing various interface screens in which paper attributes are set from the user interface unit and automatic paper selection can be set for a paper feed tray in which the paper attributes are set.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Network 30 Print control apparatus 40 Image reading apparatus 50-1 to 50-n Information processing apparatus 100 Image forming apparatus 110 User interface part 120 Control part 121 Paper attribute storage part 122 Paper attribute setting reception part 123 Paper attribute control part 124 Paper feed Tray selection unit 130 Image forming unit 131a Paper feed tray a
131b Paper feed tray b
131c Paper feed tray c
131d Paper tray d

Claims (6)

A paper feeding device that has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, selects a paper size of the paper to be used for printing based on document size information included in the print data, and stores the paper of the paper size In an image forming apparatus having an automatic paper selection function for performing image formation by feeding paper from
Paper attribute input means for inputting paper attributes for performing image formation suitable for the paper;
Paper attribute storage means for storing paper attributes input by the attribute input means;
A paper feeding device paper attribute setting unit for setting the paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage unit as an attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeding device;
A paper feeding device selection means for selecting a paper feeding device to which paper is fed based on a result of the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means;
If the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection means has no paper attribute set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means, standard image formation is performed on the paper,
If the paper attribute of the paper feeder selected by the paper feeder selector is set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting means, an image is formed on the paper based on the paper attribute. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. An image forming instruction apparatus for instructing image formation to the image forming apparatus is connected;
When the automatic paper selection function is instructed by the automatic paper selection function from the image formation instructing device, the paper feeding device selection unit has the paper feeding device already set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic paper selection function is selected and a paper supply device to which paper is to be supplied is selected by the automatic paper selection function. An image forming instruction apparatus for instructing image formation to the image forming apparatus is connected;
When there is a print instruction for automatic paper selection specification by the automatic paper selection function from the image forming instruction device, the paper supply device already set by the paper supply device paper attribute setting means is out of the automatic paper selection options. Automatic paper selection option setting means for setting whether or not
2. The sheet feeding device selection unit selects a sheet feeding device as a sheet feeding target by the automatic sheet selection function based on the contents set by the automatic sheet selection option setting unit. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2; The paper attributes input by the paper attribute input means are:
Whether or not to remove the paper feeding device set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means from the automatic paper selection option when there is a print instruction for automatic paper selection designation by the automatic paper selection function from the image forming instruction device The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising setting contents for setting whether or not. The automatic paper selection option setting means includes:
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a setting is made for each of the paper feeding devices as to whether or not the paper feeding device already set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means is excluded from the automatic paper selection options. apparatus. A paper feeding device that has one or a plurality of paper feeding devices for storing paper, selects a paper size of the paper to be used for printing based on document size information included in the print data, and stores the paper of the paper size In an image forming method performed by an image forming apparatus having an automatic paper selection function for forming an image by feeding paper from
A paper attribute for performing image formation suitable for the paper is input by a paper attribute input unit,
The paper attribute input by the attribute input means is saved by the paper attribute saving means,
The paper attribute stored by the paper attribute storage means is set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting means as the attribute of the paper stored in the paper feeder.
Based on the result of the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means, the paper feeding device to be fed is selected by the paper feeding device selection means,
If the paper feeding device selected by the paper feeding device selection means has no paper attribute set by the paper feeding device paper attribute setting means, standard image formation is performed on the paper,
If the paper attribute of the paper feeder selected by the paper feeder selector is set by the paper feeder paper attribute setting means, an image is formed on the paper based on the paper attribute. An image forming method, characterized by being controlled by an image formation control means.

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